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Atharva: Aap dono Shanti se soch ke apna answer Dena. Abhi ke abhi answer Dene ki koi zarurat nahi hai. Haan I want ki answer Haan hi ho but I don't want you both to get stressed because of it. Mumma.. and specially Papa aap.. please don't get so much worked up. Agar khud stressed rahoge to kaise rationally soch paoge. So keep your calm and then decide. I'll wait okay

RahIya nodded in yes

Atharva: Okay I am going to my room now. Good night Mumma Papa..

RahIya: Good night beta

RahIya both kissed on his forehead and Atharva kissed on their cheeks and went to his room. AK followed him.

Rohit: Waise Atharva ki baat me dam to hai. And you guys are stable enough to do that

Rahul: B-Ro kisi aur ki amanat ki responsibility Leni hai woh bhi life long ke liye.. It's not easy to decide and frankly I don't think I am ready for it

Athiya: Even me too B-Ro. Emotions apni jagah hai lekin kisi ko aise apne pariwar ka hissa banana apni jagah. Kuchh dino ki baat hoti to shayad hum sochte bhi nahi lekin yeh kisi ki puri zindagi ka sawaal hai. I agree with Rahul.

Virat: Atharva udaas ho jayega Tia.

Athiya: I know Vi Bhai. Lekin hum mana lenge use.

Virat nodded in yes. RahIya went from there.

Virat: Haan bol dena chahiye tha inn dono ko

Rohit looked at him with raised eyebrows. Virat nodded in yes.

Jinks: Not only you two. Hum sab ko yahi lagta hai ki inn dono ko Haan bol dena chahiye tha. For obvious reasons.

Rest all nodded in yes while sighing.

AK and Atharva were in Atharva's room.

AK: Atharva.. tumne pehle kyu nahi bola ki adopt karne ke liye bol rahe the?

Atharva: Aapne suna kya bhaiya? Har baar baat kati hai aapne. Aur baad me to baat tak mushkil se karte the. Aise me main kyu apko aur explanation doon

AK: I am sorry Atharva. Pata nahi mujhe kya ho gaya tha kyu itna gussa ho raha tha tumpe. But I was genuinely worried for Cha and Chi.

Atharva: I am not a kid bhaiya ki itna bhi na samju

AK: Haan but.. (sighed).. Okay I behaved like an idiot. Please maafi dedo

Atharva: I am not angry bhaiya. I am.. just hurt I guess.. or disappointed don't know

Atharva shrugged his shoulders.

AK: Kiddo take your time. I won't pester you. One needs time to handle emotions.

Atharva smiled and hugged him feeling peace in his hug.

Atharva: I still feel peace and security in this hug bhaiya

AK kissed on his forehead.

AK: I am sorry Atharva. I didn't allow you to share whatever you wanted to share with me. Sorry bachcha.

Atharva: Good you understood. Ab mujhe kal Ice Cream khilana padega

AK: Pakka. Hum dono kal Ice cream khayenge

AK made the hug quite tighter and also covered Atharva properly with duvet.

Atharva: Bhaiya..

AK steeled himself as he knew Atharva was going to share something he has never said to anyone

AK: Haan kiddo..

Atharva: I want Mumma Papa to have someone to hold on if.. if I..

He trailed off. AK's eyes got moist but he took a deep breath and composed himself.

AK: But Atharva what if they are not ready for this?

Atharva: I know them bhaiya. They need this. You know I asked Mumma that how did she managed during all those years.. to pata hai unhone kya kaha?

AK: Kya?

Atharva: She was broken but she was having me to hold onto. She fought because I was there. She was responsible towards me. Apko kya lagta hai Papa ne kyu itna fight kiya uss din? He was responsible for me. I am not doubting his love for his brothers lekin uss din he was fighting for saving me Bhaiya. Aap khud socho kya Mumma manage kar pati agar main nahi hota tab to?

AK thought for few seconds but at the end he too agreed

AK: I agree Atharva. Sometimes all you need is someone to hold onto. Someone who can ground you.

Atharva: Hmm

AK: Agar Cha aur Chi nahi Mane to?

Atharva: To main phir se try karunga manane ki bhaiya. Unke man se unka manna zaroori hai. Kisi ki zindagi ka sawaal hai

AK: Exactly Atharva.. Kisi ki zindagi ka sawaal hai iss liye shayad woh ready nahi hai.

Atharva: Zindagi ka sawaal hai shayad issi liye dono Maan jayenge. Mujhe unke dil pe pura bharosa hai bhaiya

AK (in mind): Why do I feel that it's not about having someone to hold on. Cha and Chi have each other and their parents to hold on. Phir bhi yeh itna aggressively kyu zor de raha hai adoption pe..

AK: Hope what you say becomes the true Atharva. But now sleep okay.

Atharva nodded in yes but then first took his meds as if was 10 PM now and then he slept in a while while AK kept caressing his hair. He then slept hugging him closer to his heart.

***********************************
It was 3 AM in the morning and Harry woke up with his Alarm's sound. He got ready and came out of his room only to find Agu was all ready and was going out of the house. He followed him and found Agu went to a nearby Shiv temple. A smile came on Harry's face.

Agu went inside and prayed for Atharva. Harry too went inside and was praying when Agu saw him. He was surprised to see his father there standing beside him and praying but a small smile came on his face seeing him there.

After the prayer, Harry looked at Agu and gave him a small smile to which Agu too smiled back at him. After a while, Pandit ji started the aarti and the father son duo attended the aarti together and prayed for Atharva's health and Vami's health too.

After the aarti both were sitting at the stone place made at the side of the stairs of the temple for people to sit. They were not talking. There was a complete silence but it was a soothing.. comforting one. They were feeling assurances they didn't know they needed to feel and most importantly they were feeling peace which one always feels while being around the loved ones. Agu looked at Harry who was just looking at nothing in particular. A smile came on his face and he too started looking ahead. His father's presence was enough for him..

They went home by walking side by side still being in the warmth of comforting silence.

***********************************
Sana was at the terrace shouting at someone over the call oblivious to the presence of Angad and Amy whose romance sorry dance practice was disturbed by her arrival. AK came there as he was taking a round at the upper floor and heard her voice. He asked Angad and Amy in low voice

AK: Subah subah kiski shamat aa gayi jo yeh Sharmayan aise aag babula ho chuki hai?

Angad: Yeh kab aag babula nahi hoti. But I guess hospital ka koi hai jisko yeh daant ke bol rahi thi ki koi scans chahiye and all

AK was shocked hearing this

AK: Scans..

Amy: What happened? Why are you shocked?

AK gulped down dreading the truth he found just yesterday. Angad kept his hand on his shoulder.

AK: Sana ko kal do scans ki pics aayi thi. Almost similar the. Ek Atharva ka tha aur.. aur dusra..

Angad's heart skipped a beat. He took his hand back with a jolt.

Angad: No..

AK: Sana ne recheck karne ko bola hai.

Angad's eyes got moist.

Sana whose call was ended finally saw them.

Sana: What are you guys doing here?

Amy: Hum log to yahi the. Dance practice kar rahe the jab tum phone pe kisi pe chilla rahi thi

Angad: Tell me sab theek hai

Sana looked at AK and shook her head.

Sana: Tum koi bhi baat apne tak nahi rakh sakte kya?

AK: Baad me daant lena. Abhi batao sab theek hai na

Sana sighed

Sana: Sab theek hai. Hospital se jab digital reports ban rahi thi tab computer hang ho gaya aur operator ne kuchh commands ek sath fire kar diye to reports sahi se nahi bani aur jo scan bheja tha Chachu ka woh bhi purana wala bhej diya. Abhi I have got latest update that Chachu's brain scan has come clean. He is fine.

All sighed in relief

AK: Matlab.. Cha ko bhi clot ho gaya tha injury ki wajah se?

Sana: Nahi. Woh jo tha woh unki injury ka impact tha. Jo itna deep tha

AK: Kaash Atharva ka bhi injury ka impact hota aur clot nahi.

Sana looked at him.

Sana: I am trying my best

AK: I know Sana. And please don't feel alone hum sab ka bharosa hai tumhare sath

Angad and Amy both nodded in agreement. Sana smiled at them.

Sana (in mind): Itna bharosa hai iss liye to dar lag raha hai ki kahi main iss bharose pe khari nahi utar payi to Chachu aur Chachi se unka bachcha phir se door ho jayega.

Amy: Hey guys woh dekho..

Amy's voice broke Sana's trance and she quickly wiped her tears which fell without warning. She quickly composed herself and joined the trio to check where they were looking at and found they were looking at Agu and Harry who were coming inside the house walking side by side and there was a sense of contentment on their faces.

Angad: Kam se kam Agu bhaiya ko Harry chachu ka sath to mila.

Rest all agreed and then they too came downstairs

***********************************
Athiya was glaring at Rahul who was ignoring her or one can say was trying to ignore her but was unable to. Atharva was chuckling alongwith Virat and Rohit whereas Ritz and Anu were looking at Rahul with pity. Jassi and Sanjana were enjoying the banter going on whereas Nats was remembering her days with Harry looking at Rahul and baby.. Harry too used to always hold Agu in his arms whenever he was at home and he never used to leave him.

Agu and Harry came inside together. Rahul looked at them with raised eyebrows. Agu blinked a small thanks to him and went to Atharva and gave him 'Prasad' whereas Harry just sit on the chair beside him as if nothing has happened.

Nats: You two together

Harry: Yeah.. we coincidentally were at the same place

Nats: Oh really

Harry: Yeah

Nats: Yeah yeah.. I know your yeah. Just like old days Haan..

Agu: I don't mind this coincidence to happen once again. With both of you too.. Just like old days.

Harry and Nats both looked at him snapping their heads towards him. Agu almost hid behind Rahul whereas rest all became quite tensed anticipating the response Harry and Nats will give to him. Athiya thought to divert the topic.

Athiya: Rah.. will you please give baby to me? Usko doodh pilana hai

Atharva: Main pilaunga.. main pilaunga

Agu: No main

Arya: Are I am elder na. Main pilaunga

Sammy was yawning and Arjun put a morsel in her mouth. She looked at him with a pout but started chewing

Arjun: Kya yaar Sammy.. theek se nashta karo pehle. Baad me Jake so Jana

Athiya whacked Rahul gently

Athiya: See.. khud to jage bichari bachchi ko bhi sone nahi diya. Sammy ko bichari ko puri rat jagna pada

Rahul: Are baby ka fever badh raha tha

Sammy: Chachu it was 99.5 to 100. Vaccination ke baad itna rehta hai

Rahul: Haan lekin meds di na phir bhi nahi utra na

Sammy: Chachu yaar..

She again yawned and Arjun again put a morsel in her mouth. She glared at him

Rohit: Ritz.. kitne pyaare lag rahe hai na dono sath me

Ritz: So to hai

Rohit: Main aaj hi Col Batra se baat karta hoon aur unko puchhata hoon ki kab Bangalore aa sakte hai what's say?

Ritz: Lekin Sammy ko to puchh lo pehle. If she says yes, to baat karte hai

Vami: Are isme puchhana kya.. woh to kab ki ready hai

Rohit and Ritz jumped at their seats seeing Vami jumping into their conversation like this.

Ritz: You scared us Vami

She said while keeping her hand over her heart.

AK: Inka yahi kam hai.

AK & Rohit: Khadoos Hitler

Vami pouted and AK and Rohit chuckled while hi-fiving with each other.

Vami: Jinks Chachu dekho na..

Jinks: Ro.. AK.. koi meri Vami ko nahi chhedega samje

Vami stuck her tongue at them

Vami: Jinks Chachu you are the best

Everyone's attention has shifted to the banter going on.

Harry and Nats were greatful for the distraction but they were not able to shrug off what Agu has said. Their son has suffered a lot.. not just personally but professionally too. Still people have not accepted him the way he is. He is jovial but none has still not able to find the innocent Agu whom they lost since their separation.. their divorce.

Agu who always used to be so confident in front of camera when he was a kid had started getting scared of cameras. It took them long to make him comfortable with the cameras. They have gone for co-parenting but it was looking like a worst decision they have made as after that Agu has become more silent with them. And whenever they tried to sort out, it most of the time turned into arguments and only increased the distance between them.

Nats went from there. Harry was still lost in his thoughts. Rahul saw him lost and kept his hand over Harry's and gave it a gentle squeeze bringing him back to reality.

Rahul: Kya soch raha hai?

Harry shook his head in no

Rahul: See baby.. your Harry chachu is lying. And it's bad manner. One should not tell a lie hai na..

Harry took the baby.

Harry: See baby.. your dada is behaving so sensible but couldn't behave sensibly when his son asked for the adoption

Rahul: Harry.. baat tumhari ho rahi hai meri nahi. And please I am not her father.

Harry: Meri baat baad me. Tu yeh bata Atharva ne kuchh galat nahi manga and you guys are financially and emotionally stable to do that then why can't you just say yes to him?

Rahul: Aise faisle emotions me aake nahi liye jate Harry.

Jassi who has heard their conversation joined.

Jassi: Pagal hai Rah.. Aise faisle hi emotional hoke liye jate hai

Rahul: No ..

He went from there.

Sanjana: Tia.. you guys should think

Athiya shook her head in no.

Athiya: Ab himmat nahi hoti bachcho ke bare me sochne ki bhi

She took the baby and started feeding her milk with the bottle. She was having tears in her eyes. Atharva came to her and took the baby.

Atharva: Aap tension mat lo Mumma. Mujhe bura nahi lagega.

Atharva gave her a small sad smile And went from there to younger clan and they all collectively were making baby to sleep.

Athiya was about to go but she looked at Atharva who was looking really happy with the baby.

Athiya (in mind): Kya sach me hume sochna chahiye hai adoption ke bare me?

She didn't get the answer from her heart. So she did the one thing which she has been doing since her childhood. She informed everyone that she is going to her home to meet her parents and just went from there. She reached there and informed everything to Sunil, Mana and Ahan and Tanya (Ahan's wife).

Athiya: I don't know Appa kya karu main. We.. me and Rah.. we are not ready. You all know whatever happened had scared both of us like..

Sunil took her in a side hug.

Sunil: Bas Tia bas. Itna nahi sochte beta. Calm down. Tum aur Rahul kyu unn bure dino ke bare me soch rahe ho? Ab to tum dono bhi sath me ho aur Atharva hai na beta.

Athiya: He wants us to adopt a baby so that we can have someone to hold on

Ahan: Matlab?

Athiya: Bahut samajdaar hai na. Duniya ki sari akkal ussi ke andar hai. He knows how much we would get affected if.. if something..

Tears fell from her eyes.

Mana: Shant ho jao Tia. Kuchh nahi hoga Atharva ko

Athiya: I know Amma. Main bas.. uske man ki baat bata rahi

Mana: Aisa usne bola?

Athiya: Apke ladle ka beta hai. Muh se bolna kaha aata hai. Actions are enough. Jo desparation hai uski demand me na woh.. cheekh cheekh ke bol rahi hai ki kya hai uske dil me

Ahan: Look Di.. we really don't have any problem with adoption. NOC we can provide from our family right guys?

Rest all agreed. Athiya looked at all of them with questions in her eyes

Sunil: Tia.. beta kisi ki zindagi sawarne se achchha kam aur kya ho sakta hai. Jab achchhi bhawna se kuchh kare to..

Athiya cut him gently

Athiya: Exactly Appa.. Achchhi bhawna se karna hota hai.. Swarth me nahi

She got up and was leaving when Sunil stopped her.

Sunil: Achchha woh tumhari friend ka adoption cancel karwana tha Tia to procedure start karwa dena

Athiya stopped and looked at him confusingly

Athiya: Lekin kyu Appa? They are so happy together

Sunil: So what Tia? Swarth tha unka jo unhone adopt kiya.

Athiya: Appa aap..

Mana: Tia.. beta hum yeh nahi keh rahe ki tum galat ho. Lekin jo log adoption ke liye jate hai hamesha swarth to nahi hota na uske pichhe. Aur rahi baat tum logo ki.. ek baar shanti se Atharva ke sath apne man ki baat discuss Karo. Tum aur Rahul dono. Isse ya to tum log uski baat man loge ya woh tumhari

***********************************
On the other side, Arjun was still feeding Sammy with breakfast when Col Batra and Mrs Batra came.

Mrs Batra: Good morning everyone

Angad who was standing beside Amy quickly went to other side and stood there. Sammy who was yawning once again quickly shut her mouth only to end up biting Arjun's fingers as he was feeding her. He winced in pain but luckily it went unnoticed as rest all were busy in welcoming the Batras.

Anu gave water to them. Nats introduced herself to them.

Col Batra: Rohit.. how are you now?

Rohit: Main bilkul theek hoon..

He received glares from everyone out there

Rohit: I mean ab theek hoon

Virat: Idiot Panda. Huh

Mrs Batra: Sorry hume aane me deri ho gayi kafi. Lekin hum waha Zara kam me atak se gaye the

Ritz: Aapne yaha na hoke bhi waha se hamara kitna dhyan rakha aur Arjun.. usne to sage bete se zyada khayal rakha hai.. hamari kitni help ki hai. Yeh sab kya kam hai?

Sammy went to kitchen to prepare food plates for Batras and Ritz too went there.

Ritz: Sammy..

Sammy: Ji Mumma

Ritz: Beta Arjun se shadi ki baat kare? Are you ready?

Sammy blushed but nodded in yes

Ritz: Sure na?

Sammy: Haan Mumma

Vami out of nowhere once again joined into their conversation

Vami: Maine to pehle hi bola tha. Yeh to kab se ready hai AJ se shaadi karne ke liye

Sammy smacked her while Ritz went from there taking food tray while rolling her eyes but a smile on her face. As soon as she came out, Rohit looked at her and she nodded in yes. Rohit smiled widely. Ritz served the food to Batra couple and then they all were chit chatting.

Rohit cleared his throat.

Rohit: Mr and Mrs Batra.. Woh actually mujhe .. I mean mujhe aur Ritz hum dono ko na aap se woh karni thi

Ritz: He means ek baat karni thi

Ritz glared at Rohit who bit his tongue once but quickly composed himself whereas the ICT memebers were controlling their chuckle.

Mr Batra: Haan kahiye na

Rohit: Woh.. Actually hum logo ne Sammy se bhi baat kar li hai and we were thinking of coming to Bangalore once. Aapka Ghar bhi dekh lenge aur agar sahi laga to phir aage badhenge bachcho ke rishte ko leke

Hearing this AK bumped his shoulder with Arjun who was smiling widely hearing this.

Vami (whispering): What are you doing AJ? Hasna nahi hota blush karna hota hai

Arya (whispering): Tumhe bada pata hai haan..

He teased her to which she smacked him lightly.

Mrs Batra: Ji bilkul. Kabhi bhi aa sakte hai aap. Bas Sammy nahi aa sakti. Woh hamare yaha rishta Tay hone se pehle ladki nahi aati sasural. Lekin aap video call me Ghar dikha dena usko

Sammy who has come out heard it and she got tensed

Sammy: Lekin Aunty.. main to apke yaha ke ghar aa chuki hoon

Rohit and Ritz too got tensed hearing this.

Mrs Batra: Are beta yaha ke ghar hamara pushtaini ghar thodi hai. Woh to Bangalore me hai na. Waha nahi aa sakti. Yaha koi baat nahi

All sighed in relief.

Mrs Batra: Koi baat nahi aap log bata dena kab aa rahe ho. Hum log Ghar pe rahenge

RohIka agreed.

Col Batra: Arjun.. This is your official letter for the next mission.

Hearing mission, the room instantly fell into silence.

Arjun: Okay done

AK: Kaisa mission?

Vami: Haan hume to kisi mission ki information nahi mili

Amy: Even I don't know about any new mission

Mrs Batra: Are calm down bachcha party. Koi dangerous mission nahi hai. Academy me ek naya training program shuru kar rahe hai to Arjun ko uska head banaya ja raha hai. And Guess what.. Agar woh successful raha to uska promotion pakka.

All sighed in relief hearing that he was not going on any dangerous mission

AK: Oho.. mission to pakka successful hi hoga. Iska matlab hamari Sammy Di ki shaadi LEAUTUIENT COLONEL ARJUN BATRA se hogi

All chuckled and Sammy blushed.

Col Batra: Arjun beta next week tumhe aana padega Bangalore aur apne mission ka charge lena padega

Arjun: Okay cool

Col Batra: Waise Rohit.. Ritika.. aap logo ko sahi Lage to aap log Arjun ke sath hi aa jao. Security ki chinta bhi nahi rahegi

Rohit: Idea to bahut achchha hai. Hum log ek baar hamara schedule check karke batate hai apko

Mrs Batra: Done. Achchha ab hum chalte hai. Cafe bhi Jana hai waha ka kam bhi dekhna hai

Virat: I am so sorry Bhaiya bhabhi. Main aur Nushkie.. hamare kam bhi aap log manage kar rahe ho. But Ro ke sath main aur Nushkie bhi aa rahe hai Bangalore aur main sambhal lunga kam waha ka wapas waha aake. Aap please tension mat lo

Instantly ICT members' faces fell but they composed themselves. Col Batra and Mrs Batra went after talking for few more minutes. As soon as they left, Virat looked at the team who was looking everywhere but him.

Virat: Guys I know maine jo bola uss wajah se tum log naraz ho

Rahul: Hum naraaz nahi hai bhai..

Jaddu: We are disappointed ki tumne hume kuchh batane ki zarurat bhi nahi samji

Rohit: Vi.. hum log samajte hai ki tu waha rehta tha to obviously Tera khud ka koi kam hoga.. jaha Teri zarurat hogi. And yaha to tu Col Batra and Mrs Batra ki help kar raha hai jinki wajah se aaj tum log yaha ho to hum log kyu naraaz honge

Jassi: We know hum pehle ready nahi the Bhai

Harry: But it was because itne time ke baad mile the hum sab

Bhuvi: Tab dar tha Vi ki tum chale jaoge hume chhod ke

Ash: Now we know where to find you. We are not angry Vi. 

Virat: I didn't know you guys have become sensible

Jinks: Shut up. None is happy as you decide to go but we respect it

Virat: And you guys won me once again. Thank you so much for understanding guys

Radhika: Vi.. Anu woh actually.. I mean..

Anu: Kya hua?

Radhika: Woh actually.. kuchh baat karni thi tum dono se. Arya aur Vami ko leke

Virat: Haan bolo na.

Radhika: Kya hum Sakharpuda kar sakte hai inn dono ka?

Anu and Virat both were pleasantly surprised and so as Arya but Vami was not understanding what she should feel.. Happy or sad as she got reminded again about her condition and why Radhika was too hesitant in asking this simple question.

Jinks: Agar bachche aur tum log ready ho to hi karenge

Arya: I am ready

Vami: Arya..

Arya: I can't wait to see you as my bride Vami. You are my driving force.

Virat: Vamu bachcha are you okay with this?

Anu: Vami agar time chahiye then also it's fine

Vami looked at Arya who was having a different and more confident stance which was motivating her too

Vami: I am ready Mumma.. Papa

All hooted and clapped hard for them.

Radhika, Anu, Virat and Jinks hugged each other and congratulated each other. Then everyone congratulated kids too.

Athiya reached home and was surprised to see everyone hooting

Athiya: Kya ho gaya?

Radhika: Vami and Arya ka Sakharpuda karnewale hai hum sab

Athiya: Wow.. Congratulations

Vami: Thank you Chi

Rahul: Tia ek minute aana Zara ek file nahi mil rahi Metamin ki

Athiya nodded in yes and they went to their room. Atharva looked at baby who was still in his lap and he hugged her. AK sat beside him and caressed his hair.

AK: Calm down

Atharva sighed and nodded in yes.

Rahul and Athiya were in their room

Rahul: Kya kaha Amma Appa ne?

Athiya: Yahi ki Atharva kuchh galat to nahi mang Raha. Aur kisi ki zindagi sawar jayegi to isme unko NOC Dene me koi issue nahi hai

Rahul sat on the bed looking at other side. Athiya sat beside him and kept her head on his shoulder holding his arm.

Athiya: Rah.. Amma Appa keh rahe hai ki hume Atharva se khul ke baat karni chahiye

Rahul: Tia.. I.. I can't. I.. I know I shouldn't have been this much attached to someone whom we didn't even connect.. whose existence was unknown to us lekin.. lekin I.. I am scared Tia. Ab.. ab.. nahi..

Athiya: Rah please calm down. It's okay.. Hum.. hum mana kar denge theek hai. Please calm down.

Rahul left a shaky breath. Athiya rubbed his arm and made him have some water. She caressed his hair.

Athiya: Rah.. please rest karo thodi der. Main lunch ka dekh leti hoon

Rahul nodded in yes and Athiya went from there. She went to kitchen and instructed the chefs. She then came out in the hall and sat on the sofa burrying her face in her palms.

This time instead of the ladies it were Sammy, Sana and Vami who went to her and sat around her.

Vami: Chi.. share with us na. Kya baat hai? Let's talk na

Sammy: Haan Chachi.. aaj tak aap akele ladti aayi ho apne andar ke sawalo se.. let's voiced them out this time

Sana: Atharva samajdaar hai Chachi. No matter uske paas kaisa bhi valid logic ho lekin apki baat me usko halki si bhi sachchai lagegi na to woh khud ki baato pe bhi gaur karega.

AK, Atharva, Arya, Angad came there with baby.

Atharva: Mumma..

Athiya looked at him with teary eyes.

Atharva: You trust me na..

Athiya: Of course Atharva

Atharva: Then Let's talk Mumma.

On the other side Rahul was looking at some scans in the file and was caressing it when Harry and Jassi came inside his room and peeped into file which has made Rahul so much engrossed into. Virat, Rohit and Jinks alongwith Jaddu, Bhuvi and Ash too came inside and they understood what it was just by looking at Rahul. Virat sat beside him. Rahul swallowed the lump formed.

Harry: You are not a bad father Rah

Jassi: You are the best one Rah. We always get inspired from you

Jaddu: Itna asaan nahi hota itne saalo ke gap ko bridge karna but look at you how easily you did it Rah

Ash: Don't go on a guilt trip once again Rah

Bhuvi: Rah it's time to move on

Jinks: Rah.. kya chal raha hai dimag me ek baar bolo to

Rohit: Stop overthinking Rah. It's not gonna help

Virat didn't say anything

Rahul: Aap bhi bol do bhaiya. Apko kuchh nahi bolna?

Virat: I want to listen Rah.

Tears fell from Rahul's eyes.

Rahul: Mujse nahi hoga bhaiya. Please I..

Virat: It was not your fault Rah. You know what.. come with us

Rahul: Where?

Virat: Just come

They took him out of his room and they stood at a side in the hall. Rahul saw the kids were talking with Athiya and ladies were standing at a side. Virat held Rahul by his shoulder.

Atharva: Mumma.. bolo na.. kya issue hai?

Athiya: Atharva.. look it's not easy to adopt a kid. Uski sari responsibility aati hai plus we must need NOC from family members

Atharva: Nanu ke side se and Dadu ke side se woh aa jayega meri baat ho chuki hai. Next..

Rahul looked at him with surprised expression

Rohit: Don't be surprised.. sirf tera beta nahi hai. Tia ka tez dimag bhi hai isme

Athiya: Atharva.. bachcha jaise koi pet hume choose karta hai na waise hi bachcho ko choose karna chahiye Hume. Unko comfortable feel hona chahiye lekin

Atharva: Lekin kya Mumma?

Athiya sighed

Athiya: Kiske man me kya hai.. kon kis wajah se adopt hona chahta hai we can't say Atharva. Niyat badalte der nahi lagti.

Atharva: Fair point hai Mumma. I totally agree with you. Iss liye we should adopt someone jo sirf hamare pyaar ko dekhe na ki hamari property, hamara status.. kisi greed ki wajah se nahi balki hamare pyaar ki wajah se hamare paas aaye

Athiya: Aur aaj kal aise bachche kaha milte hai ?

AK: Aas paas dekho to mil bhi sakte hai waise.

He said while pointing towards the baby.

Atharva: Mumma waise dekha jaye to baby itni chhoti hogi to achchha hi hai.. woh kisi lalach se apke paas nahi ayegi na. Aur uski upbringing waisi hogi jaisi aap karoge. Aur waise agar baby girl ko adopt karnege to hamari bhi complete family ho jayegi na. Mumma Papa Atharva aur uski bahen

Athiya: Bachcho ko dil se adopt kiya jata hai Atharva.. bhawnao ki wajah se.. Swarth ki wajah se nahi

The youngsters who were so happy that Atharva was resolving every doubt one can have got now startled as well as speechless. They didn't know how to and what to answer.

Rahul: Atharva sirf ek side se soch raha hai Bhaiya. Woh mujhe aur Tia ko sambhalne ke chakkar me bachche ke sath khilwad kar raha hai.

Virat: You both always knew his reasons hai na?

Rahul: Parents hai uske. Itna bhi nahi janenge usko to kis haq se usko apna beta kahe

Atharva went to Athiya and kneeled down in front of her. He kept baby in her lap who instantly started playing with Athiya's hair strands.

Atharva: Agar sirf swarth hota na Mumma to main iss baat se agree nahi karta ki bachche ko apko choose karna chahiye. Baby must be comfortable. Sirf Swarth ka rishta nahi tik pata kabhi hala ki swarth har rishte me hota hai. Aur sach kahu to mujhe iss decision me healing aur pyaar zyada aur swarth kam dikhta hai. Aur rahi adoption ki baat to I am more than happiest agar hum issi baby ko adopt kare. Age apki aur Papa ki marzi.

Rahul went to his room and closed it from inside. The boys followed him banging the door. He was running already very high on emotions and they were getting scared for him. Emotional Rahul is equal to calling trouble.

Virat: Rah.. Rah open the door bachcha.

Rohit: Rah please open yaar

Jassi: Rah open yaar

Jaddu: Rah tod denge hum log darwaza

Harry was all numb. He couldn't utter a single word.

The voices of the boys gained everyone's attention. Athiya panicked. She started banging door while still holding the baby. The baby hearing this much noise started crying. But Atharva was calm. He went to the door.

Atharva: Aap sab shant ho jaiye. Mumma calm down.

Athiya: Lekin..

Atharva: Main hoon na Mumma. Kuchh nahi hoga Papa ko.

Atharva knocked the door.

Atharva: Papa.. Papa open the door

No response

Atharva (softly): Papa sab dar rahe hai. Please open the door. I promise koi aapko disturb nahi karega. Main khud yaha khada rahunga and kisi ko nahi aane dunga andar. Please open the door

Rahul opened the door and first his gaze fell on the crying baby. His hands almost raised in taking her but he stopped himself. He then looked at Atharva and then at Athiya who was a crying mess right now. He could see fear in her eyes. She has gone through a lot.

Rahul: I am sorry Tia

Athiya dashed herself into his embrace crying while he held her protectively rubbing her back. Atharva took the baby.

Rahul: Atharva.. I have decided. Jo bhi faisla Tia legi main uska sath dunga. And now I don't want any more discussion on adoption at least with me

Saying so he took Athiya inside the room while she kept crying. He made her have some water.

Rahul: Don't stress yourself Tia. I can't see you like this

Athiya: To tumhe kya lagta hai mujse dekha jata hai tumhe aise toota hua

Rahul: I'll come around Tia. I am just so.. so into those moments right now. I am not.. I mean may be not thinking rationally much as of now. This.. This battle between Past and Future is tough.. I don't want to loose it Tia.. I am trying to stay in present but the.. the scars are too deep..

They both just held each other tightly.

Rohit: Vi.. Rah kyu nahi move on kar pa raha?

Sana: Papa he has been on high medications. He is still on some. His emotions are all haywire. Aise me jo jo cheeze unhe bahut zyada affect hui hai woh sab over me nikal rahi hai bahar. Unka man shant rakhna zaruri hai. Aise stress lete rehna is not good.

Atharva: Koi tension wali baat to nahi hai na Di?

Sana: Nahi Atharva.. bas stress kam lena hai unko.

Atharva sighed in relief.

Harry stumbled but Agu hold him. He took him from there to his room.

Agu: Papa.. papa calm down. See I am here . Your Agu is here Papa. Please calm down

Harry looked at Agu and caressed his cheek

Harry: Agu..

Agu: Haan Papa I am here only

Harry: No.. no.. you were not here.. you.. you were there.. there in the room..

Flashback

Agu was now sensible enough to understand the meaning of Divorce. And he came to know about the same from his schoolmates. He came from school and ran inside his room closing it from inside.

Krunal and Pankhuri.. Agu's Bade Papa and Badi Mumma tried hard to make him open the door but they were unable to.

Krunal: Main Harry ko call karta hoon tum Nats ko bula lo. Kuchh bahut badi baat Hui hai warna hamara Agu kabhi aisa nahi karta

Pankhuri nodded in yes and they both called Harry and Nats. Nats was nearby so she reached early and tried to make him open the door but no luck. Harry too reached there in an hour. When he reached home, he could see Pankhuri and Nats both were crying whereas Krunal was holding himself but it was getting difficult for him too. His heart skipped a beat dreading the worse. He ran to Agu's room and banged the door.

Harry: Agu.. Agu open the door. See Papa is here bachcha

Agu: Mumma..

Nats: Agu.. kid open the door. Mumma is here.

Agu: Papa..

Harry: Agu open the door Mumma Papa both are here.

Agu opened the door. Everyone's heart broken seeing their little kid's tears stained face. The kid was shivering. Harry and Nats both hugged him but instantly broke the hug as they found that the kid was burning with very high fever.

Harry picked Agu up whereas Nats called the doctor. Harry made Agu lye on the bed and covered him properly with blanket.

Harry: Agu.. bachcha itna fever kaise aa gaya apko?

Nats: Is there anything troubling you kiddo?

They tried to make him speak but he was just crying. Finally he spoke and just at that time the doctor came.

Agu: School me sab bol rahe the.. the ki you.. you both...got.. got.. divorce

Harry and Nats looked at each other

Agu: It's.. it's not the tru.. truth hai na ?

Doctor came inside.

Agu: Mumma Papa bolo na

Doctor: Agu beta let me check you first. And please stop crying beta. You are strong boy na.

Doctor checked him.

Doctor: It's because of the stress he felt when he got to know about your divorce. He panicked and it resulted like this. Please be careful with the kid

Agu: Matlab.. matlab they...they were right? Aap.. aap.. di.. divorce..

Nats: Agu.. calm down kiddo

Harry: Agu beta shant ho jao.

Agu: No.. no.. aap.. aap..

Krunal: Doctor please kuchh kariye. Bachcha saans nahi le pa raha

Agu: Aap.. aap.. aap..

Agu's eyes started getting close. Harry was continuously patting his cheeks to keep him conscious but eventually Agu fell unconscious not able to bear the bitter reality of the divorce of his parents

Flashback ends--

Harry: Agu..

Agu: Papa I am here. Calm down. Main hoon yaha. Calm down

Agu hugged Harry tightly. He knew how much his father got scared whenever someone locked themselves inside the room like that. Their Past was not leaving him.. not allowing him to make their future better. This battle between Past and Future has torn them all in present.

Harry (in mind): No.. no.. I.. I can't give up. I.. I won't give up.

......................................................................

So that's it for this chapter. Hope you guys like it. It was more towards filler I feel.

Your thoughts on AK and Atharva

Your thoughts on Atharva and Athiya's discussion about adoption

Your thoughts on Rahul not able to move on from the past

Your thoughts on Harry and Agu's comfortable silence

Your thoughts on The flashback of Agu knowing about his parents' divorce

Your thoughts on the alliances fixing going on of the trio of Sammy, Vami and Arya

JFYI- From next chapter, focus will be shifted more towards others as this adoption track will be over. So have some patience

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