"You seriously going to have tea with her, Janani? I don’t like this Shreya" Richa saidJanani wrinkled her nose. Her best friend, Richa, was very quick in her judgements but Janani tried to give everyone a fair hearing. And that included Shreya Iyyer. After all, Janani would have been the first to admit that the main source of her unease about Shreya was that the other woman’s close blood tie to Armaan's ex and Ava's mother."I don't think she is evil" Janani admitted. Though she feels uncomfortable around Shreya, she has to admit the woman is not an evil character. The gentleness with which she treats Ava and even Advi proves that. It is just around her, Shreya seems different. Can't blame her for that either.In any case, she had to admit that Shreya had proved to be an almost invisible guest, occasionally dropping by to visit Ava and Advi, over the past week while Armaan had been abroad. Richa had reached three days before and Janani had wasted her time going on wedding sh
Armaan felt someone squeezing him inside out, and sweat broke out on his forehead, as he hung up the phone call.He had made a mistake, a serious mistake, by leaving Janani. He should have listened to his heart and simply cancelled the trip and stayed home.Now he had to pray that he had sufficient time and the opportunity to put it right. And if he didn’t? Good lord, that option could not even be considered! *** Janani walked down the steps of the mandir after spending an hour there with her family doing some pre wedding poojas.She had gone over to find some peace and had terribly failed as her mind kept going back to what she had come to know from Sheya Iyyer yesterday.She stopped on the stairs as she saw Armaan get down from the car. "Heyy. Isn't that Armaan?? " Richa asked "He was supposed to return next week. He is a stickler for schedules" Janani said confused "Seems like you bridegroom missed you more than you know as he is here now" her mother said teasingly Sheathed
"You know, I thought you were having wedding jitters. I believed you were back early to dump me and back out of the wedding" she said"No, I was too scared I was losing you. I didn’t know what Shreya had done but I should have known she is up to something" Armaan said"But how could you even find out that I was seeing her yesterday? The bodyguards?" Janani asked in confusion."No. Aditya. He phoned me yesterday and informed me that Shreya had invited you and that he didn't get a good vibe from that" "Adi?" "He is a pain in the a** at times. Very immature too. But he loves you a great deal. He was worried for you" Armaan said making her smile "I know" "So tell me about Ishana" Janani prompted and Armaan sighed "There is nothing much to say, Janani. I had a short affair with her. There was nothing serious" Armaan said "If there was nothing serious why did Shreya say that she begged you to marry her" "I had no idea about her pregnancy. Out of blue, she proposed marriage. But the
A week passed by in a jiffy and Janani was back in her hometown. The pre wedding rituals starts the next day and Armaan wanted to take her out for dinner tonight Their first official date. Janani had never known happiness like this before. Yes, she had a very loving childhood with adoring parents But what she found with Armaan and the kids is bliss. Pure bliss. She looked into the mirror and adjusted her saree once more. Armaan loves to see her in saree. 'It's more accessible for me,' he had said cheekily, squeezing her exposed waist. Janani blushed remembering the feel of his hands on her. Damn!! He literally sets her on fire with a single glance. "Janani" her mother came in looking somewhat anxious "Maa! Is Armaan here already?" Janani asked excitedly. "It's not Armaan. Vikram is here. His parents too. Vikram said he wanted to talk to you" her mother said anxiously Janani stifled a groan. What does he want now? Haven't they already talked about everything? "Fine. Let'
Armaan drove to a small hill, an hour drive away from Janani's home. As he reached the foot of the hill, Armaan took out a piece of black stole and tied it around Janani's eyes. Janani laughed "That's so cliche Armaan" Janani said, with a laugh, though she is thrilled. Armaan led her up the small hill and as they reached Amraan took off her blindfold. Janani gasped in awe There was a truck in the centre. The place was lit with lanterns and the back of the truck, she could see, was decorated with cushions and a mattress to make them comfortable. "Wow. This is beautiful" Janani whispered. "Not more than you," Amraan said, snaking his arms around her waist, his fingers touching her bare waist. Janani shivered at the touch. "Cold??" Armaan asked and she nodded in a no. Armaan led her towards the truck and helped her up There was also a picnic basket "Let's begin the date with the dinner" Armaan said They spend time feeding each other and laughing at something or the other. A
Janani was in the kitchen, preparing a sweet dish, when she felt a pair of arms snaking around her bare waist.She shuddered when she felt his touch."Good morning wifey" he whispered huskily in her ears."Good morning hubby" she greeted him back."Why are you up so early?" Armaan asked"It's my pehli resoi (an Indian ritual), Armaan. I have to prepare something sweet" Janani said"You gotta be kidding me. You are the first person who cooked in this kitchen. And that happened a few months ago. What is with this pehli rasoi now" Armaan asked in disbelief "Back then, I was an employee here. Now I am your wife. Haqq banta hei mera (It's my right to do this" Janani said "Fine, fine. But don't leave the bed without a good morning kiss, Janani. Never!" Armaan said and turned her around before smashing his lips against hers. Their lips moulded in sync."Let's go on a honeymoon immediately" Armaan whispered, making Janani blush more."What does this blush mean, Janani? That you are ready f
Armaan drove a visibly panicking Janani over to Ananya's place."What did she say?" He asked for the hundredth time."I told you a million times. She didn't say anything. She was panicking. Something has happened" Janani said anxiously "I will call Inder and see if he knows something" Armaan said and took his phone outJanani snatched the phone from him."Don't use your phone while driving. How many times do I have to tell you that?" Janani asked furiously and Armaan sighed in exasperation "Don't you want to know what is wrong with Ananya?" He asked"Of course I do. But not at the cost of having our life in danger. I will call Inder" Janani said and dialled Inder's number from her husband's phone and put it on speakerInder picked up the call on the third ring."Inder? This is Janani speaking" Janani said"Hey Janani. What's up? Already tired of Armaan?" Inder asked jokingly "F*ck off" Armaan called out from the driving seat, making Inder laugh"Language" Janani hissed at Armaan m
Armaan met Inder at the cafe. Inder had a defeated look on his face."What is it?" Armaan asked"I thought I was making some progress with her. After that accident, she had started opening up with me. I was so confident when I proposed her" Inder said with a sigh"You proposed? When?" Armaan asked in surprise "An hour ago" Inder said shrugging"And she said?" Armaan asked, though he had a guess of what could have happened, seeing the despaired look on Inder’s face."She said No" "Uh oh" Armaan didn't knew what to say to that."She panicked. I don't know what more I could do to show her that it is okay to love again. And I understand that a part of her will always love Dhruv. I am okay with all that. I fell in love with the Ananya who was so much in love with Dhruv. I will never want to replace him. Neither in her life nor in Aarav's. I don't know how to make her understand that" Inder saidArmaan felt his respect for his best friend increasing. He doesn't think he would be able to
TEN YEARS LATER Life became simply more colourful after the emotional reunion ten years ago. For Durga’s happiness, Gagan Ahuja disposed of all his savings from their hometown and moved to Mumbai, so that Durga can be near her sons always. He bought a single storeyed beautiful house a block away from the Verma Mansion. Armaan and Aadesh wanted them to stay at their home, but Gagan refused with love. ‘Only now we have gotten rid of this kabab mein haddi. Now it’s time for our second honeymoon,’ Gagan had said jokingly, pointing at Aaru. Though they were reluctant at first, they agreed on the condition that Gagan would always drop Durga at the Verma Mansion when he leaves for work. And the brothers started working from home more often. Aadesh and Shreya got married within a month after the reunion with their mother and it was the happiest event of their life. Everything went well. Shreya gave birth to a little boy after two years of her marriage and they named her Ishitha, in me
“Surprise!!” Aaru said and pointed at the two tall well built men walking towards them.Durga froze as she took in the picture in front of her.“Armaan, Aadesh..” She mumbled softly, as she stared at them in disbelief and shock.Armaan and Aadesh couldn’t take their eyes off their mother. The mother they both had secretly yearned for all those years, but could never voice it out.“Maa..” Armaan called out softly and that voice was an undoing for Durga.She stumbled at the impact of hearing her son’s voice after twenty five long years. Gagan held her, but she was unable to bear it all. The shock was too much and Durga felt everything around her going dark.She went limp in Gagan’s arms. Armaan and Aadesh panicked and hurried towards their mother.In a swift move, Armaan picked up his mother in his arms and carried her inside.“Aaru, where’s the bedroom?” Armaan asked worriedly and an equally worried Aaru guided Armaan towards the master bedroom.Armaan gently laid his mother on the bed
The morning was a sombre affair in the Verma Household.Janani had forced the brothers to the breakfast table. They were simply picking at the food without eating anything. Their eyes were swollen, with dark circles around them indicating a sleepless night.Aaradhya walked down the stairs with her luggage in hand. Armaan and Aadesh frowned upon seeing her all set to leave."Where are you going?" Aadesh asked, his face showing confusion."My goal is achieved. I came here to prove my momma's innocence. Now that my job is done, I am going back home," Aaru said with an attitude as she placed her luggage near the door.Armaan and Aadesh froze."You can't go," Armaan said harshly, and Aaru frowned."Excuse me, that's my decision to make, Mr. Armaan Verma," Aaru said, and Armaan closed his eyes in disbelief. The little twitch was taking revenge for the way he had talked to her yesterday."You have college, Aaru. You can't miss classes," Armaan said hopefully."I opted for a college here only
Janani tightened her embrace around Armaan, feeling the weight of his pain in her arms. Shreya, sensing Aadesh's distress, clasped his hands tightly, providing him with a sense of stability amidst the chaos.In this moment of despair, Armaan and Aadesh found solace in the unwavering support of their partners. Janani was grateful for her decision to stay with Shreya instead of going to her parents' home. She had even invited her parents to join them, ensuring that they could all be together. It proved to be the right choice, as Janani anticipated the unpredictability of the situation, knowing that she might have to return immediately if any emergencies arose while the brothers were alone with their new found sister.Today, that very scenario unfolded. After Armaan had called Jhanvi aunty, Aaru had urgently messaged Janani, informing her that things had spiralled out of control and she needed to rush back home.Upon receiving the message, Janani wasted no time. She immediately dialled
“Amaravathi Verma, your grandmother only cared about society and social status. She wanted Acharya to get married to her friend’s daughter. Acharya who always was an obedient son, for the first time in his life refused her demand. He made it clear that there would be no other woman in his life other than Durga..” Jhanvi said and Aaru frowned.From what she has known, the man didn’t love her mother enough. But here it is another story.“And?” Armaan asked.“And Amaravathi Verma hated Durga for that. She made Durga’s life a hell..” “What did she do?” Aadesh asked, his words laced with heavy emotions.Jhanvi's voice quivered with emotion as she continued her account, her words painting a picture of a life filled with torment and suffering."She isolated Durga from family and friends, ensuring she had no support system. Amaravathi manipulated Acharya, poisoning his mind against Durga, and filling him with suspicions of her faithfulness. Durga endured years of emotional abuse, constantly
Aaru's phone rang. All three of them looked at the phone screen. Aaru's face brightened seeing the name and picture on the screen, while the brother's face darkened.It was a picture of Aaru hugging an older woman.And it was written on the screen..Momma calling!!!Before Aaru could attend the call, she heard the sound of a flower vase falling down and breaking into million little pieces.She got startled and looked up and saw a furious Arman pulling at his hair in anger.“Armaan bhai..” She called out and he raised his hand asking her to stop.“For a second, I actually forgot that you are the daughter of that characterless woman” Armaan said with disgust.Aaru lost it hearing those words.“Shut up, bhai. Shut up!” Aaru screamed, shocking both the brothers.“Not a word against my momma. I will not tolerate it” Aaru said angrily, pointing her fingers at Armaan and Aadesh.“If you can’t bear a word against her, get out of here” Armaan was not one to give up.“I didn’t come here to stay
The next morning, Armaan, with his eyes closed, extended his hands and groped on the bed, trying to find the love of his life.He frowned when his hands encountered the cold side of the bed.He opened his eyes and then with disappointment, realised that Janani had gone to her mother’s place.“Damn!” Armaan muttered under his breath and went to freshen up.As soon as he got out after his morning business, he took his phone and dialled Janani’s number.“Hey… Good morning Maan” Janani greeted him as soon as she picked up the call.“I miss you terribly. Remind me to always say No when you tell me you wanna go to your mother’s house.” Armaan said grumpily, making Janani chuckle.“Don’t be so grumpy, Armaan.” Janani teased and Armaan huffed in annoyance.“I don’t know how I am going to start my day without your kiss and coffee.” Armaan muttered again.“Ah. Kiss. That I can give now. Muaahh.” Janani made the kissing sound through the phone making Armaan chuckle.“And coffee is also handled.
“Nooooo” Armaan was startled by the loud voice and he hurried out of the bedroom in worry.“What is it? What happened?” Armaan asked as he reached the living room. Every member of the family had reached the living room hearing the loud cry.“Aaru bua” Ava pointed at her aunt, telling everyone that it was Aaru who made the noise.“What is it Aaru?” Janani asked, hurrying towards Aaradhya, who was staring at her mobile phone with a disappointed look on her face.“Bhabhi… My college life is wasted” Aaru cried dramatically, making her brothers frown.“What? Your college life just started, Aaru. It’s been hardly a month.” Janani said with a confused frown on her face.“Yeah. One month of heaven it was. Tomorrow onwards, it is going to be as dry as a desert” Aaru said, wiping her non-existent tears.“Stop your dramatics and tell us what the problem is” Armaan said sternly.Aaru hurried towards Armaan and clung to him like a little Koala. Armaan rolled his eyes and shot a helpless look at Ja
“You can just admit that you guys came to check up on me”Armaan and Aadesh looked up in shock and horror, seeing their newly found half sister, grinning cheekily at them.“I was not” Both of them said in unison, a dull shade of red spreading across their cheeks in embarrassment.“Aww. I am so overwhelmed with this love. I had grown up hearing stories of two elder brothers and I have always dreamed of them telling me bedtime stories and coming in to check on me every now and then. Finally my wish came true” Aaradhya gushed happily and the brothers shot an uncertain look at each other.Aaradhya dramatically wiped her non-existent tears and pulled both her brothers into a tight embrace.“What the” Armaan muttered and pulled away from her, feeling extremely uncomfortable with this open sibling affection. Aadesh’s situation was no different.“I will go lie down? Will you put the blanket over me, like those brothers in the movies do?” Aaru asked, batting her eyelashes innocently at her bro