Chapter 6:

The air was thick with anticipation as Daya was returning home after one and a half months of relentless effort and struggle. He had fought valiantly to prove Shreya's innocence and lessen her prison sentence. Finally, the court had ordered her release in just 15 days. As the good news spread like wildfire, joy enveloped not just Daya but also Abhijeet and Tarika, whose happiness knew no bounds.

Tarika : Daya! Tumne kardiya Daya..

She clenched the her palms together as her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Daya :(smile creeping across his face)Maine kuch nahi kiya Tarika.

Tarika:(smiled)Shreya ye chance deserve karti hain daya aur tum bhi..

Daya smiled slowly as Abhijeet glanced at Tarika and at the phone. He who was though strict and duty-bound, finally felt a wave of relief wash over him. Deep down, he had always harbored concerns for Shreya for the pure bond they shared.

Abhi :(hesitating smiled)Tumne rasta dhund hi liya Daya

Daya nodded smiling as his thoughts drifting to a life with Shreya and their daughter Maahi.

Daya : Main jald se jaldh Shreya se milna chatein hoon.

Abhi :(quickly) To phir aate hi use mil aao.. Abh waqt aagaya hain Daya,wa.. wapas ek family banene ka.

Daya smiled and disconnected the call with dreams of coming days while Abhijeet embraced Tarika into his arms thinking about their decision which he need to inform Daya as soon he is back and live happily ever after.

Tarika:(hugging Abhi)Daya khush to hogana humare decision se?

Abhi:(nodding)Usse zyada khush koi nahi hoga.. Main janta hu.

Abhijeet said, determination lacing his voice and hopping for good fortune. But as fate would have it, the path of love is never smooth. It is often marred by pain.

Abhijeet knew all too well who standing in the DCP office, the weight of a storm churned in his heart. A file lay open in front of him, but his thoughts were far away.

The DCP smirked, leaning back in his chair while Abhi clenching his fist glanced at Dcp who was tapping his finger on the table smirked continuously.

DCP:Kya lagra hain tumhe, Abhijeet? Agar ye sab sabke samne aayega to kya hoga?(Abhijeet shot back, his eyes narrowing)Faisla tumhara hain, Dost ya dost ki jaan.

Anger coursed through Abhijeet's veins, and he slammed his fist on the table, scattering papers everywhere. The DCP recoiled slightly, surprised by the outburst while Abhijeet's voice was a low growl.

Abhi : Aapko ye mazak lagta hain?

Dcp :(confused)Sach hain ye Abhijeet aur jaise maine kaha faisla tumhara hain.

As the adrenaline faded, he found himself kneeling on the floor, tears streaming down his cheeks. He glanced at the crumpled photograph of Daya, realizing the gravity of his decisions. His heart raced as his resolve crystallized.

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Tarika observed Abhijeet from a distance, concern etched across her face as Abhi was pacing from one side to other rubbing his hands

Tarika:Abhijeet, bas karo.

He looked at her, then back at the clock with anxiety clawing at him.

Tarika : Daya subha aana wala hain tab tak kitni bhar bhi tum ghadi dekhlo kuch badlega nahi.

Abhi (trembling): Wo waha se nikal chuka hain, Tarika. Aur kabhi bhi aata hi hoga... Usse sabse pehle main milonga, mujhe use kafi zaruri baat karni hain.

Abhijeet insisted, pacing like a caged animal. Tarika, worried for him glanced at the photos on her phone, the day with memories of happier times with Maahi, Chikoo, and Abhijeet, smiles frozen in time. After so long she had a peaceful day which was suddenly swept in the tension and desperation in Abhijeet's eyes. She watched him clenching the phone.

Abhi :(pleaded, rubbing his forehead in frustration)Daya shreya se milne maat jaana... ghar aao, mujhe mile bina kahi maat janaa, please...

The next day, Daya returned home, his heart shattered. The light in his eyes had dimmed; his dreams felt like ashes. Abhijeet stood waiting, shock flooding his features as he saw Daya's state.

Abhi :Kya hua, Daya?

Abhi asked him for nth number of time desperate for his answers. But Daya remained silent, consumed by his new mission to reunite with Shreya and Maahi. He avoided everything for next 15 days until Maahi birthday day before disappearing for years.

The days turned into years, and despite Abhijeet's relentless efforts to bring Daya back into the CID and Mumbai failed as he struggled with his own demons. When Abhi lost himself, Tarika pulled him away from Mumbai with both of them changing their identities to escape the shadows of the past. But could they truly escape.

Twenty-five years passed in the blink of an eye. Abhijeet had never stopped searching for Shreya and Maahi. When his son Suraj wrote a story titled, The Girl Who Was Rescued After Five Years from the Biggest Gangster, a flicker of hope ignited within him. Tarika felt the same rush of emotion; they could finally have closure.

But then, the truth struck. Suraj was merely working on an old story left by a senior.

Suraj : Dad,I don't know where the main victims are.

He admitted, leaving them both disheartened over the phone as they were lost once again in the path of fate.

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Present :

Tarika found herself lost in thoughts while cleaning the kitchen. She smiled, recalling how Maahi had burned her hand in her quest to win their hearts.

Traik :( murmured, shaking her head) Crazy girl, Itni koshish kar rahi hain sabka dil jeetne mein ki khud ka haath jala diya.

Just then, a ring from a phone echoed through the kitchen. She hurried to answer it, but it disconnected before she could pick it up. As she turned, the phone rang again, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw a familiar face on the screen—Maahi alongside Shreya, glowing with joy, the word Mumma lighting up the display.

Time froze as Tarika stared, emotions flooding her senses. Could it be? After all these years, she was looking at Shreya again. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she took a deep breath and with trembling hands answered the call.

Shreyaaaa... she whispered, her voice trembling, the name escaping her lips like a long-lost prayer.

Tarika's breath hitched as a wave of nostalgia washed over her, her lips parting with a soft sigh. On the other end of the line, Shreya's voice, a melody she hadn't heard in what felt like an eternity, broke the silence of the moment. She felt an exhilarating rush of emotions. Was this real? Shreya voice echoed, a mixture of disbelief, confusion and joy.

Shreya :Tarikaaa?

At that moment, Tarika paused, her heart racing as she absorbed the reality of the familiar name. Memories danced before her eyes like fireflies—each moment pulling her deeper into a time she thought she'd lost. She was not alone; Maahi stood frozen in front of her, a silent witness to her unraveling emotions.

Tears began to flow as Tarika realized the truth. Maahi wasn't just any girl; she was Mahira. The depth of her sadness, the way her voice trembled—it all made sense now. Everything clicked into place.

A sudden noise from the door startled them as She swiftly snatched the phone from Tarika's hand, disconnecting the call.

Maahi :Please, kuch maat kahiye..

She implored, folding her hands together in desperation, her eyes pleading for understanding.

A lump formed in Tarika's throat. All she wanted was to pull Maahi close, to wrap her in a comforting embrace, but the gravity of the moment forced her to hold back. Just then, Abhi walked into the kitchen, his eyes widening at the sight of Maahi nervously clutching a glass of water, while Tarika turned away, her back facing him.

Abhi(softly):Ye yaha ka mahool itna complicated kyu lag raha hain? Sab theek hain na?

Maahi glanced at Tarika's turned back and then back at Abhi, her voice barely above a whisper,

Mahai: Mujhe paani chaiye tha.

Abhi's gaze flicked between Tarika and Maahi, concern etching his features as he nodded and grabbed a water bottle, moving away with a puzzled look.As he stood at his room door,he questioned shaking his head.

Abhi:Tarika theek to thi na? Abhi jau?Nahi,Thodi der baad dekhta hu warna phir gussa ho jayegi.

As the tension thickened, Tarika couldn't hold back any longer. She seized Maahi's hand and hurriedly led her to her room, locking the door behind them. Maahi's eyes widened in confusion as Tarika enveloped her in a tight hug, tears streaming down her face.

Tarika: Maahira... humari Maahira ho na tum? Humari Maahira...

Tarika choked out, the weight of longing and love heavy in her heart.Maahi melted into Tarika's embrace, feeling the warmth and love radiating from her. Tears of joy and sorrow mingled as they clung to each other, two souls finding solace in the other after years apart.

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Tarika was holding Maahi hand as they sat on the bed, she slowly cupped Maahi's face with trembling hands.

Tarika:(murmured) mujhe toh kuch pata hi nahi tha, itna sab hogaya hain, Tarika,

Mahai :Aunty, maine aapko sab kuch sach bata diya, lekin please, ab aap papa se kuch mat kahiyega, please...

Maahi's voice was filled with urgency while Tarika nodded, understanding the delicate nature of their situation.

Tarika(thinking caring Maahi head):Jana toh mujhe bhi hain ki akhir aise hua kya tha 25 saal pehle ki jisne sabki zindagi badal di... Abhijeet ko Shreya-Mahira ke khone ke dukh se nikalne mein bahut samay laga hain. Agar sach samne aaya, toh sab kuch sambhalna mushkil ho jayega.

Maahi looked at Tarika, her expression lost and uncertain. Tarika's smile reassured her as she held Maahi's hands firmly.

Tarika : Abh main tumhare saath hu... dekhna, sach bhi samne aayega aur humare pyaare Daya - Shreya saath bhi honge,

Overwhelmed, Maahi hugged Tarika again, feeling an indescribable bond solidifying between them. Tarika broke the embrace, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Tarika: Maahi, Shreya ne meri awaaz sun li thi...

Maahi shook her head, determination lighting her eyes.

Maahi:Don't worry, main sambhal lungi... documentary reporter hu na, ye sab glitch ko sambhalna aur jahan nahi hai, wahan glitch batana mere daiye haath ka khel hain.

Tarika:(teased)Badmash..

Their laughter echoing, reminiscent of their carefree childhood days.

Tarika : (sighed)Abh sach mein lag raha hain sab finally sab theek ho hi jayega.

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Mahai and Tarika sitting at the dining table while Tarika prepared breakfast, a comforting routine that felt right again but with a new form relation.

Maahi:( protested gently)Aunty, bas sach mein mujhe bhook nahi hain

Tarika : Apni halat dekhi hain, kaise dubli patli ho... bilkul khayal nahi apna, isliye haath jala liya apna.

Tarika said, feigning anger while glaring playfully at her as Maahi hesitated, casting a furtive glance around..

Tarika: Ab chup chap nasta karo.

Maahi: Aunty, agar aap iss tarah se achanak meri taraf soft spot dikhayengi toh sabko shakk ho jayega.

Tarika:(winked)Shakk? Iss ghar mein jo log rehte hain na, wo bhale hi CID officers hain, lekin jab mera jhoot pakadne ki baat aati hain na to fail hojate hain

Maahi stared at her in disbelief,Just then, Suraj burst into the dining area, rushing and slightly out of breath.

Suraj: Sorry... wo sir ka call aa gaya toh late ho gaya...(he glanced at Tarika with a smile before leaning closer to Maahi)Tumne bataya nahi tum Pakiya se already mil chuki ho...

Maahi's cheeks flushed as she exchanged looks with him, her heart racing, just as Abhi and Daya entered the table.

Abhi:(taking a seat)Dekha Daya, bina humare ye sab milke nasta kar rahe hain.

Tarika : Kisne kaha tha tumse late aane?

Tarika quipped, but her eyes sparkled with warmth.Abhi moved closer to Tarika, trying to assist her in serving, he leaned in with a whisper,

Abhi: Tum theek ho?

Tarika : Never better,

Her radiant smile lighting up her face as Abhi was taken aback by her infectious joy, taking a step closer and holding her hand.

Abhi:Bohut khush lag rahi ho...

Tarika:Tumhe kuch batana hain...(she started, her tone shifting to seriousness)Lekin usse pehle tumhe mujhe batana hoga 25 saal pehle kya hua tha?

Abhi's smile faded as he glanced away, the weight of the past settling heavily between them.

Tarika: Waqt aa gaya hain Abhijeet, sab theek karne ka... Isliye tum bhi tayar hojao, ab sab kuch theek ho jayega,

Tarika encouraged, her voice soft yet determined. She shared a knowing look with Maahi, who was whispering to Suraj, Abhi's gaze shifted to the warmth between them. Daya served himself breakfast, casting hesitant glances at the blossoming connection between Maahi-Suraj, while Tarika chuckled softly, her heart swelling with the promise of a reunited family.

Tarika: Humari family complete ho jayegi Abhijeet... Suraj ne apne sabse best khushi chuni hain.

Abhi stared at her, confusion clouding his features as his heart raced as he watched Tarika effortlessly glide past him, carrying a stack of dishes to the dining area. There was something about her that captivated him, something that made his heart flutter and his thoughts muddle. He remained frozen in place, a statue caught in the moment, until he finally shook himself awake and followed her.

As he entered the dining area, laughter and cheerful chatter filled the room. Tarika was the heart of it all, her laughter like music as she doted on Maahi. Abhi couldn't help but smile at the sight, but confusion still danced in his eyes. Daya, sitting beside him, noticed the perplexed look on Abhi's face and leaned in closer.

Daya: Kya hora hain boss?

Daya asked, his voice low but teasing, eyes glinting with curiosity.Abhi bit his lip, glancing back at Tarika.

Abhi : Wahi to yaar.. hawa bhi bina wajha apna rukh nahi badleti yaha to puri andhi ne apna rukh badal liya..

Daya raised an eyebrow, taking in Abhi's choice of words. The air between them crackled with an unspoken question.

Abhi: Oye bhaishab... meri biwi hain, ache se janta hu main andhi hain, tufaan hain kya hain.. (admiring Tarika)Bohut strong hain , ye nahi hoti to main nahi hota aaj..

Daya blinked, confusion etching deeper lines on his forehead.

Daya:Matlabh?

Daya looked at Abhi's face for clarity while Abhi shook his head.

Abhi: Matlabh kuch nahi,Nasta karo... warna iss baar tufan aayega,

He warned, light-hearted warn as Daya chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief at Abhi's dramatic flair. Just then, Tarika caught sight of the two, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she exchanged smiles with them before her gaze shifted back to Maahi and Suraj, who were caught up in their own little world of laughter and blushes. For a brief moment, a shadow flickered across her face as she glanced at an empty spot at the table. In her mind's eye, she could almost see Shreya seated there, sharing in the joy of the moment, her laughter mingling with the others.

Tarika:(smiled thinking)Ye sapna bhi jaldi sach hoga... bohut jaldh,

The promise of tomorrow, filled with love and laughter, seemed closer than ever as what new chapters were about to unfold in their intertwined lives.

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Here I end this chapter. How was the chapter guys.

Drop in your views and comments, what do you think will happen next. Stay tuned for more, upcoming chapter will have dareya together.

Lots of Love! ❤

Dareians Rocks