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This will be the Last Chapter of this Book

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It was afternoon and all were chilling in the hall. Atharva was clinging onto Rahul for no reason. He was just wanting to be around him he didn't know why. Rahul was right now caressing his hair as Atharva was lying down keeping his head in his father's lap. Rahul was massaging Atharva's forehead too as he was looking slightly uncomfortable and was rubbing his forehead so he thought to do that and it was helping him too. Atharva was almost asleep.

AK (dramatically): Papa.. Kuchh sikho Cha se kuchh sikho.. kitne pyaar se Atharva ko sula rahe hai. Aur aap.. huh..

Virat: Abe o notanki.. Kisi ne roka hai kya yaha ane se..

AK (with pouting): Koi bulata hi nahi hai

Virat: Aaja. Lekin apni yeh horrible notanki bandh kar

All chuckled but AK went to Virat and lye down on the floor keeping his head in his lap. But the notanki followed by Arya and Angad. Agu who has too joined and came but stopped beside Harry.

Agu: Main.. aau?

He asked in low voice. It broke Harry's heart hearing this from his son. Yes he was somewhere angry but that doesn't mean Agu has lost his right over his father's love. Harry opened his arms for him and Agu hugged him tightly hiding his face in his stomach. Harry could feel that his son was disturbed and instinctively his worried gaze met Natasha's. She came to him and gently caressed Agu's hair to which he snuggled more towards Harry.

Nats: He indeed has gone through a lot.. I guess..

Harry nodded in yes not having any courage to think what might have happened with Agu which they didn't even know as they were busy in dwelling in their own problems.

Sana was the only one girl out there and she made a huge pout. Rohit signed her to come to she ran to him and hugged him making him chuckle.

Sana: I am sorry and I missed this

Rohit: Me too...

He made the hug tighter.

The ladies were enjoying the banter and atmosphere going on. But soon enough they all settled beside their respective husbands and were adoring The father son duo. The girls were in Athiya's room playing with baby.

Arjun who was passing by the hall saw the scene and smiled. A ting of hurt or void felt somewhere inside his heart. He was not someone who would complaint about the time he has willingly sacrificed for the country but the kid inside him has craved always to have someone to calm his racing heart when his both parents were busy in their missions. It was never like he was having issues with their work, but some moments even he too deserved. He sighed and went from there.

Vami, Sammy and Amy were playing with baby. They were having a good time with her totally forgetting about all of their worries. But after a while baby was not at all interested in the girls and she was constantly looking here and there.. trying to move around.. trying to turn to a side..

Amy: Are isko kya hua? Ab to iska mood kharab ho raha hai aisa lagta

Sammy: May be she is searching for someone

Vami: Haan.. lekin pata nahi kisko dhundh rahi hain. Shayad Atharva ko dhundh rahi hogi. Waise bhi woh iske sath sara din khelta rehta hai

But before they could discuss anything further, the baby started crying. Vami was trying to calm her but she was not stopping.

Athiya on the other side heard baby's voice.

Athiya: Are yeh baby kyu rone lagi? Main dekhti hoon

Saying so she went to her room running. Rest all elders looked at her. The elder men looked at Rahul who was looking at the direction where Athiya went.

Sanjana: You should think Rah

Radhika: Atharva ki demand galat nahi hai

Anu: Rah.. it's adoption jiske bare me Atharva bol raha tha. Please Maan jao na uski demand ko. Uss bachchi ko bhi ek pariwaar mil jayega

Ritz: Rah.. Maan jao. Ghar me sab ki yahi ichchha hai. Aur tum logo ko bhi achchha hi lagega

Rahul looked at Atharva and caressed his hair. He put his head carefully on the cushion kept there.

Rahul: I.. I'll just come

Rahul got up and went to his room.

On the other side, Athiya has come inside and found the girls were not able to calm the baby.

Athiya: Are kya hua isko?

Vami gave baby to her.

Vami: Pata nahi Chi. Dekho na kaise bas roye hi ja rahi hai

Athiya started cradling the baby.

Athiya: Are.. are.. kya hua apko bachcha? Ro kyu rahe ho aap haan?

The baby was still crying.

Athiya: Bas bas bachcha.. bas.. nahi rote.. see MUMMA is here na..

Athiya kept her closer to her heart.. she cooed her.

Athiya: My bachcha.. Mumma hai na bachcha yahi pe..

Baby stopped crying hearing her.

Amy: Are yeh to chup ho gayi. Lagta hai aapko hi miss kar rahi thi

Athiya: Haan to.. She knows me hai na bachcha..

She again hugged her

Athiya: Mumma ko miss kar rahi thi na baby hai na.. Mumma...

She stopped mid way as she saw Rahul at the door. Sammy, Vami and Amy looked at each other. Rahul came inside.

Vami: Cha woh..

Rahul: Yeh chup ho gayi?

Sammy: Haan woh chachi ko miss kar rahi thi yeh.

Vami: Adat hai na chi ki

Rahul: Hmm.. Lekin Kuchh adat jitni jaldi sudhar jaye utna achchha hoga

Athiya: Rah main bas..

Rahul: I don't want any explanation Tia.

Athiya: Nahi Rah.. woh main pata nahi kaise.. I am sorry Rah..

Rahul: Tia.. did I ask you anything? Did I say anything? Nahi na.

Athiya: Rah...

Before Rahul could say anything, the baby started jumping towards Rahul while making noises. Rahul caressed her head. There was an awkward silence for a while. The girls went from there sensing the awkwardness between the couple.

Athiya kept the baby on the bed. She was we looking at both of them while cycling her legs.

Athiya: I.. I am sorry Rah..

Rahul: You don't need to Tia.

Saying so Rahul was about to go but sat on the bed with almost thud feeling dizzy.

Athiya: Rah...

She hold him.

Athiya: You okay?

Rahul nodded in yes. Athiya made him have some water.

Athiya: Rah please stop stressing yourself much.

Rahul sighed.

Athiya: Achchha you take some rest.

Rahul: I am fine Tia. Relax.

Athiya: I am sorry Rah.. but you don't worry.. Main.. main aaj hi NGO me call karke bol dungi ki baby ko le jaye

Rahul: She is comfortable here Tia. Let her be like that. It's ok

Athiya: You please take some rest Rah.

Rahul: I am fine Tia.

Athiya: Achchha ab Leto chalo. Rah please..

Rahul lye down on the bed and Athiya covered him with duvet. She sat beside him and caressed his hair. The baby was looking at him blinking her eyes.

Athiya: Rah please stress mat lo na. Mujhe tension ho raha hai tumhe aise dekh ke

Rahul: I am fine Tia.

Athiya still started caressing his hair making Rahul sigh and he closed his eyes. Athiya got a notification after a while in her phone and it was a reminder of Atharva's medicine. She looked at Rahul who was sleeping and she went from there keeping pillows beside baby.

Rahul opened his eyes when he heard the sound of door closing. He took his phone and called someone. Baby was looking at Rahul with her big eyes. She started blabbering in her baby language making noises. Rahul caressed her head and patted on her chest.

Rahul: I don't have any issues with you bachcha. But I don't want you to feel just a responsibility or a demand and not a part of the family. I am sorry bachcha. I am sorry.

Rahul hugged her and closed his eyes. He didn't know when he really fell asleep feeling peace with the baby beside him. The baby too has fallen asleep feeling safe in his embrace. And that's how Athiya found them when she came to take the baby.

***********************************

Amy though was sitting beside Anu and Vami but was searching for Arjun. She somewhere knew he sometimes feels a void even though all the decisions were taken by him only. As she couldn't find him anywhere in the hall, she looked at Vami out of habit who was dozing off on Anu's shoulder. She then looked at AK who was fast asleep and Angad who too were sleeping. She then looked at Sammy. Though Arjun and Sammy love each other but Amy and her have never bonded as such though she has respect for her. Sammy was talking to Ritz when her gaze fell on Amy. She frowned seeing her quite tensed. She came to Amy and tapped on her shoulder.

Sammy: Kya hua?

Amy: Woh .. bhaiya yaha nahi hai. Baki sab hai unke alawa

Sammy: Haan to kahi busy honge tumhare bhaiya

Amy: Actually.. I feel woh Mom aur Dad ko miss kar rahe hai. Kabhi kabhi na unko woh void feel hota hai.

Sammy: To chalo tumhare bhaiya ka mood sahi karte hai. Kaha ho sakte hai tumhare bhaiya?? Umm.. pure ghar me dekha?

Amy: Haan ghar me nahi hai. Shayad Terrace pe honge.

Sammy: Lo.. apni favourite place hi nahi dekhi

Amy looked at her startled. Sammy chuckled

Sammy: Angad chhota bhai hai mera. Jab usko bolna nahi aata tha na tab bhi uski harqate samaj me aati thi mujhe. You guys have my full support. Don't worry

Amy quite blushed

Amy: Abhi.. abhi aisa kuchh nahi hai

Sammy: Okay.. dekhte hai kab tak aisa kuchh nahi rehta hai

She once again chuckled but then both of them went to terrace and saw that Arjun was there only looking at nothing.

Amy: Aap baat karo. Main yahi rukti hoon

Sammy: Tum bhi chalo na

Amy: Nahi.. Ab aap yeh sab cheeze bhi handle karna Sikh lo. Kyuki age to waise bhi apko hi sambhalna hai

Sammy smiled and nodded in yes. She went to Arjun.

Sammy: Kya baat hai Mr AJ? Aaj terrace ka rasta kaise bhul gaye?

Arjun: Nothing much Sammy. Bas aise hi..

Sammy: Aise hi??

Arjun: Hmm

Sammy: Nahi batana to saaf saaf bolo na

Arjun chuckled and Sammy pouted to which he left out a small laugh

Arjun: Just calming myself down Sammy. Kabhi kabhi it affects... It affects to see the guys spending time with their parents. Not that I am not allowed to do that.. but it's just that..

Sammy: Kabhi itna haq nahi jataya to ab kaise? Yahi na?

Arjun sighed but nodded in yes

Sammy: Pyaar hi to jatane wali cheez hai Arjun.

Arjun: Hmm..

Sammy: It's okay to let your guard down sometimes. Jo hamesha AK ko bolte ho woh khud pe bhi lagu hota hai

Arjun smiled

Arjun: I missed those moments sometimes.

Sammy: You know Sana and Papa me kabhi nahi bani.. They both have missed a lot. But now.. now they are backing each other.. making up for whatever they lost. You can also do that na

Arjun: I guess you are right.

Sammy: Hamesha bolna zaruri nahi hota. Kabhi kabhi apne actions se bhi pyaar dikhaya jata hai. So don't worry if you couldn't voice it out. Just show it

Arjun sighed but there was a smile on his face

Arjun: Itni badi baat kitni asaani se keh di aur itni saralta se samja di mujhe. Thank you

Sammy: You're always welcome Mr Commando

Arjun chuckled and took her in a hug to which she hugged him back and rubbed his back to sooth him.

Arjun (whispering): Thanks Sammy

Sammy (whispering): It's okay. I am always with you

They broke the hug.

Arjun: Waise agar koi sidiyo ke paas khada hoke mujhe dekh raha hai to aa sakta hai yaha mere paas..

Amy who was standing near stairs bit her tongue whereas Sammy chuckled. Amy came to them. Arjun took her in a side hug to which she snuggled more.

Amy: You okay na Bhai?

Arjun: Of course Amy. Don't worry. And Sammy helped me a lot too

Sammy: Not me.. it's your sister. She brought me here

Arjun: Thanks Amy

Amy: Maine socha ab jisko age apko sambhalna hai usko bhi pata hona chahiye na apko kaise sambhalte hai. To bas le aayi inko yaha

Sammy: Thanks Amy

Amy: Stop thanking me you two. And bhai.. please don't think I am at your side because I am at Bhabhi's side I mean honewali Bhabhi ki side..

Sammy: Are lekin bangalore ka ghar to dekhne do

Amy: Are aap dekhna ussi din rishta pakka ho jayega

Sammy blushed a little to which Amy and Arjun both chuckled but Arjun hold his both ladies closer to his heart

Sammy: Call them

Arjun: What??

Sammy: Call them and talk to them

Arjun: Are lekin iss waqt..

Sammy: Do it. You and they both will feel better

Arjun looked at Amy who too nodded in yes and then looked at Sammy who signed him to call. Arjun took a deep breath and called his parents. The call was picked up and he started talking to them.. letting his guard down.. telling them how much he misses them.. how much he loves them..

And Sammy and Amy kept looking at an animated Arjun Batra.

***********************************
Arya was being lazy and just lying down. The couples were in some room and only youngsters were sleeping.Vami who has dozed off woke up with quite a jolt. She looked here and there and almost ran to her room. Arya who has seen it went after her.

When Arya reached at the door of Vami's room, he was shocked to see her breathing heavily. He ran to her.

Arya: Vami.. Vami kya hua?

Vami: Ar.. Arya..

Arya: Vami.. Vami calm down. Take deep breaths. Sab theek hai. Calm down

He took her in a hug rubbing her back.

Ary (softly): Calm down Vami.. Sab theek hai. Calm down

Vami calmed down after a while. Arya made her have some water. She was having tears in her eyes. Arya wiped them gently while shaking his head in no.

Arya: Sit

He made her sit on the bed. He then once again took her in the side hug.

Arya: Kya hua? Achanak se yeh kaise ho gaya?

Vami didn't say anything

Arya: Vami.. I saw you waking up with a sort of jolt. Kya hua batao na?  Don't forget above anything else, I am your best friend

Vami sighed.

Vami: Arya.. I.. I am feeling very much nervous. Jab se Sakharpuda ki baat nikli hai and decide Kiya hai ki karna hai.. bahut ajeeb sa lag raha hai.. ek.. ek alag sa dar lag raha hai

Arya: Isme kaisa dar Vami Haan?

Vami: Arya.. Sakharpuda ke baad hum dono ek rishte me bandh jayenge. Lekin.. lekin usko nibhana bahut mushkil hoga. Meri condition..

Arya: Vami yaar..

Vami: Arya please.. it's the truth and we should talk about it as much normally as we can. And Arya Sach kahu to.. yeh sab starting me sahi me easy lagega but kya.. kya age tum manage kar paoge?

Arya: Vami.. For the fact, I know you don't doubt my love but you are worried. Achchha tell me one thing, kya situation reverse hoti to kya tumhare man me koi doubt hota?

Vami shook her head in no

Arya: New relationship jitters are fine Vami.. I don't want you to take any stress regarding our relationship. We both will always be crystal clear about everything so that we don't get any doubt regarding anything okay?

Vami nodded in yes with a wide smile on her face. She knew whatever happens, her Arya will there to hold her and things will turn only better from now.

***********************************
It's been two days and Harry and Agu both were still used to meet at the temple. They used to pray together for Atharva and Vami and then used to come back togather. Today also they were sitting at the bench kept there in the open area of temple.

Harry: Agu..

Agu: Ji..

Harry: Kyu kar rahe ho yeh sab?

Agu: Atharva ke liye Papa. Bachcha hai woh. Moreover dusare ki wajah se he is suffering aur usko aise dekh ke chachu aur Chachi dono bahut toot rahe hai. Chachu abhi bhi puri tarah theek nahi hue hai aur Chachi.. woh ab khud ko nahi sambhal pa rahi.. Unki himmat toot rahi hai. Agar mere pray karne se unko khushiyan mil jati hai to usme galat kya hai

Harry: Tumne kabhi bataya nahi tum itne spiritual ho

Agu: Woh kuchh hadse aise hote hai life me ki kisi ko bhi nastik se astik bana dete hai

Harry: Hadsa??

Agu: The Divorce

Harry: I am sorry Agu.. We both are sorry. We.. we tried bachcha but we couldn't handle

Agu: Papa.. I agree hamesha aisa nahi hota jaisa hum sochte hai lekin iska matlab yeh nahi ki jo hume chahiye woh baad me nahi ho sakta. Uss time pe shayad aap dono ke liye alag hona sahi tha lekin ab..

Harry: Ab kya?

Agu sighed

Agu: Kuchh nahi. Shayad main kuchh zyada hi expect kar raha hoon. Aap bas khush raho Papa. I just want you to be happy once again

Harry: I am happy..

Agu: To sleeping pills lena bandh kar do. Main maan jaunga

Harry looked here and there

Agu: Jis din woh bandh ho jayega na Papa.. Aap sahi me khush honge

Harry sighed.

Agu: Umm.. Papa..

Harry: Haan

Agu: I am sorry.. uss din apse aise baat karne ke liye aur Atharva ke bare me aisa bolne ke liye. Sachi I want him to be all fit and fine

Harry: I know it's not okay but it's okay Agu. Age se please be careful while saying anything.

Agu: I promise Papa..

Harry smiled and ruffled his hair to Agu just hugged him tightly.

Agu (in mind): We will get through this Papa.. And I promise apki sleeping pills ki adat bhi bahut jaldi sahi ho jayegi

***********************************

It was a small get together at Rohit's house and the reason is The Alliance of Sammy and Arjun is fixed after RohIka went to Bangalore and had a talk with Batras. They were having backing of Virushka too so it was all cool.

Rohit: Everyone.. let's congratulate our cutie pie.. Sammy...

All clapped and Sammy chuckled. She dramatically bowed down to all.

Sammy: Bas ab isse zyada drama nahi hoga

Arya: Are yaar..

Vami: Spoil sport..

Arya & Vami: Sammy yaar... Itni training di thi sab pe pani fer diya

Sammy made a face at them and all chuckled.

Rahul: Okay guys.. I have to make an announcement.

All looked at him with hopeful eyes specially Atharva.

Virat: Ro.. I wish my kid has taken the right decision

Rohit: I wish that too Vi..

Jaddu: He has to guys..

Harry: He needs to say yes.

Atharva: Baby.. Papa ko kya bolna hoga? I am soo nervous..

The baby blinked at him and then at Rahul. She then was blabbering in her baby voice and was throwing her arms towards Rahul. Rahul smiled at her and picked her up in his arms. The baby comfortably settled herself keeping her head at his shoulder.

Rahul: Okay so as you all were waiting.. I have taken a decision for the adoption.

Athiya was surprised as even she was not informed. Atharva looked at her but found her looking at Rahul with surprised expression and was himself got scared.

Rahul: Tia.. Atharva.. stop looking at each other tum dono mese kisi ko nahi pata maine kya socha hai

All were surprised hearing this

Athiya: Rah.. kya socha hai?

Rahul: Okay.. so the decision is.. Me and Tia will be legal and official guardian of the baby alongwith Atharva.

Atharva became sad hearing this.

Atharva: Papa please Maan jao na adoption ke liye

Rahul: Let me complete Atharva..

Atharva's face fell. AK took him in a side hug to which he snuggled more.

Atharva: Bhaiya.. Papa ko bolo na Maan Jaye please..

Rahul: Hear me out Atharva..

Atharva looked at him with so much innocence that Rahul's heart skipped a beat thinking what if his son could not understand his decision and they get distance between them. But he continued shrugging off all the thoughts.

Rahul: As I said, we will be legal guardians of the Baby and All the formalities have been completed for the same. And..

He took a dramatic pause.

Rahul: We will adopt the baby once Atharva is all fine and out of danger

Atharva's eyes widened and so as others.

Athiya: Wh.. what??

Rahul: I said we will adopt this cutie when Atharva is all fit and fine. Tab tak we will just be her legal guardians.

All were surprised yet happy and somewhere confused too as they were not able to understand whether there is a yes to adoption or not.

Atharva clapped for him and came to him.

Atharva: Jab bhi aisa lagta hai apko samajne laga hoon tab har baar aapka ek naya roop samne aata hai Papa. Thank you for your THIS DECISION Papa.

Atharva hugged him tightly hiding his face in the hug. Rahul kissed on his forehead. He then looked at Athiya who blinked in agreement. Though rest all were still somewhere confused but yes they somewhere have faith in Rahul so none objected.

***********************************
AK was looking at everyone who was happy and he was happy seeing them all together. He then went to the side wall having all the ICT and RohiRat's pictures. Sana saw him and came to him.

Sana: Kya dekh rahe ho?

AK: Yahi ki iss LOST FAMILY ko to milwa diya lekin..

Sana: Lekin?

AK: Lekin abhi bhi kafi kuchh bikhra hua hai. Everything.. Everything is soo tangled

Sana: To jaise iss LOST FAMILY ko milwa diya waise hi we will UNTANGLE TANGLED BONDS

AK (surprised): We??

Sana: Haan..

AK: And how come it's WE and not ME or YOU?

Sana blinked at him for few moments not getting what she should reply.

Sana: AK..

AK: Sana.. Who are we to each other? What are we?

Sana: We are friends right

AK: Friends..?? Yeah right.. We are.. Friends..

AK started leaving from there with a heavy heart realising Sana has already friend zoned him but why was he asking so many questions to her and why he was feeling sadness he didn't know or may be he was still not ready to face or accept his feelings.. Only time will tell..

Sana was feeling heaviness seeing him like that but why she didn't know. But as usual she shrugged off the thoughts and called him

Sana: So Mr Soldier.. Ready for the next mission??

AK no matter how much confused or sad he was feeling, he cannot deny the partnership from Sana.

AK: Ready Doctor Chipkali

Sana made a face at him to which he chuckled

AK: Achchha.. ab mission ko naam to do

Sana: MISSION UNTANGLING TANGLED BONDS

Yes THE LOST FAMILY is back but there is so much which is shattered and needs amendments and efforts from almost everyone.. There is so much distance in so many relationships.. Yes they are together but they have their own battles to fight and AK and Sana decided to solve this. And with this they both were once again ready to bring the old happiness amongst the younger clan..

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So.. this was it for this chapter and this book. Hope you guys like this entire journey

Yes there is an open ending..

Yes there is so much unsaid, unanswered and unresolved

But the purpose of THE LOST FAMILY to bring them all together once again is completed. The family is together again though with cracks within but together..

But...

Will AK and Sana ever be able to accept their feelings?

Will Sammy and Arjun be able to handle the long distance relationship?

Will Vami and Arya be able to go past the doubts Vami has for their future?

Will Vami be able to survive amidst her growing overthinking?

Will Atharva be able to survive?

Will Angad and Amy be able to manage their relationship when Amy will be busy with her missions and Angad will be busy with his tours?

Will Agu be able to bring his father to the right track?

Will Ziva and Zora be able to manage the parenthood or it will create distance and differences between them?

So many tangled things.. and will our elders be able to properly guide our youngsters?

So much to look out in UNTANGLING TANGLED BONDS..

So.. Stay Tuned

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