ROYS' and BASUS' had the best time of their life in the trip which extended from 2 days to 5 days on Devansh's request and Shree's puppy eyes. Abhimanyu had to step in to convince Sonakshi. He had to pull out his rank and get Shree's exams postponed. Only then, Sonakshi agreed. Abhimanyu didn't understand why these mothers are so particular about 5 yr old's exams. If he had his way, he would just ban the exam system. 5 yr old has to enjoy life, not to brood over studies, especially his darling princess. He would have to talk to the school authorities about this exam pressure on 5 yr old children. He made a mental note to himself.
Somewhere in South India....
A person in his mid twenties - Sir, Vikranth ko hosh aagaya, lekin use koi shak nahi hua ki CM ka death pre planned murder tha. Use lagta hai ki vo accident hai and he told the same thing to Abhimanyu which made him relax. Roys vacation pe gaye hai. Kaha gaye hai, ye nahi pata.
A person in his mid Fifties with a wicked smile - Good. Abhimanyu ko shak nahi hona chahiye ki vo murder hai. Let him be in the delusion that it was an accident. Good Job, Naresh.
Naresh - Aapke liye kuch bhi, sir. Lekin we have a problem.
Man - Kya problem hai?
Naresh - Security team has been changed. Hume 3 saal laga tha pichle team me substitutes lagake Vishal Roy ke paas pahunchne ke liye. Ab pata nahi kitne saal aur lagenge?
Man with evil smirk - Let the Roys enjoy a little more, Naresh. Marna tho unhe hai. Mere haato mein hi marenge sab. Mere pariwaar ko barbaad karke us Vishal ne apne pariwar banaya hai. Ab mai uske pariwar ko barbaad karunga. Roys ke naamo nishaan mitadunga. Ek bhi Roy zinda nahi bachega. Lekin usse pehle, mai us pariwaar ko todunga.
Naresh - Lekin sir, Jab tak Abhimanyu Roy zinda hai, unka bhaioko koi haat bhi nahi laga sakta. Aur unke theeno bhai Unhe apne pita samaan maante hai. Their bond is very strong to be broken, sir.
Man laughed like a maniac - Is dunia me aisa kuch bhi nahi hai, jo tod na sake, Naresh. ye tho phir bhi rishtey hai. Aur jab sach samne aayega na, Rishtoke saath saath Roys bhi tut jayenge.
Naresh wanted to oppose that nothing can break Roy Brothers but he didn't want to offend the man sitting in front of him who sponsored for his studies and made him the person who he is now.
2 weeks are over and Vikranth got an all clear from Karan. Vikranth was about to leave, Abhimanyu stepped in. A smile made its way to Vikranth's face. Abhimanyu's love always baffled him. The guy called him 3 times every day just to make him feel that he was not alone, even when he was on a family trip.
Abhimanyu hugged him. The hug which always spread the warmth. Vikranth would never want to step out of that warmth. He didn't want the coldness of the world to remind him he was an orphan. But never once he thought he has a family. He has a big brother who cared for him. He has a bhabhi who loved him just like a mother. He has a younger brother who would always cheer him. He only thought about 2 persons who hated him. In order to protect himself from that hatred or in order to save Abhimanyu from the hurt, he is hurting Abhimanyu more.
Abhimanyu pulled back and kissed his forehead - Ab kaisa hai?
Vikranth blinked away his tears and huffed dramatically - Aap ye theesri baar puch rahe ho subah se! And I am sure aapne Dr. Karan se 30 baar puch chuke honge?
Abhimanyu whacked him gently - Chup kar. Beta mai na, 300 baar bhi puchunga. Kyunki mere liye tere health jyada important hai. Aur tujhe 300 baar patience se answer dena padega, samjha?
Vikranth bowed dramatically - Ji bhaiyya ji. Bilkul.
Abhimanyu felt a pang when Vikranth called him bhaiyya. He used to call him that when he was 7. He doesn't know why but Vikranth stopped calling him that and preferred bhai. He can't wait for the day when he calls him bhaiyya again. His eyes became moist.
Vikranth realised what he did and diverted he topic - Chale, bhai?
Abhimanyu nodded. The car journey was quiet. Abhimanyu was sad and Vikranth was upset for making him sad.
Vikranth talked when he saw they were going to Roy house - Bhai, Mera ghar us taraf hai!
Abhimanyu calmly yet firmly - Lekin HUMARA ghar is taraf hai, Vicky.
Vikranth didn't miss the way Abhimanyu emphasized HUMARA.
Abhimanyu - Chinta mat kar. Mai tujhe force nahi karunga ghar vapas aane ke liye. Rishtoko nibhaya jata hai, force nahi kiya jata.
Vikranth looked away to hide his tears. He could sense Abhimanyu's sadness in his voice. And the fact that he is the reason for that sadness is eating him alive.
Abhimanyu - Khair, Akshara ne tumhe ghar lane ko kaha tha. Ek baar apne bhabhi se mil. Use bhi kushi milegi.
Vikranth nodded not looking at Abhimanyu knowing very well that he would break if he looked.
Roy House......
Akshara welcomed Vikranth with aarti and did his tika. Even though, Vikranth didn't believe in Gods, he believed in Abhimanyu and Akshara's beliefs. Abhimanyu being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, Vikranth didn't want to offend or upset him with his beliefs. His brother believed in god but he believed in his brother.
Akshara hugged Vikranth gently. Vikranth felt the same warmth seeping inside him when Abhimanyu hugged him. That was fatherly and this was motherly. Akshara was hardly 1 and half year older to him, yet she gave him motherly vibes. His bhaiyya and bhabhi were definitely made for each other.
Akshara - Kaise ho, Vicky?
Vikranth - Thik hu, bhabhi. Fit and fine. I can even join the job from tomorrow.
Akshara shook her head. All the brothers were same. Workaholic! Akshara looked at Abhimanyu asking if Vikranth can join back.
Abhimanyu - Karan ne all clear diya hai. Vaise, Ye kaha hum sab ki sunta hai?
Akshara could hear the dejection in her husband's voice. Her husband was hurt. And there was nothing she could do.
Vikranth's face fell. Why does he have to upset Abhimanyu more?
Abhimanyu saw Vikranth's face and sighed. He shouldn't behave like this when he promised himself that he wouldn't force Vikranth. He gentled his voice - Jaa aur Dev se mil. Kush hojayega tujhe dekh ke.
Vikranth smiled. Abhimanyu knew Devansh's name would do the trick. His child knows only to love. And that love will not let anyone hold back. Vikranth was no different.
Vikranth looked at Akshara. She nodded - Jaa. Mil le.
Vikranth ran up stairs.
Anirudh and Siddharth were not in the house neither did they know that Vikranth was coming. Devnash was enjoying his mid sem break sitting in his room playing video games.
Devansh looked up annoyed when someone snatched his console but smiled widely when he saw Vikranth. He jumped onto Vikranth like a koala bear.
Devansh's voice choked - I missed you, bhai.
Vikranth's eyes misted. The boy's love always left him overwhelmed. Devansh never let the hatred of Anirudh and Siddharth come in between them. It was like the boy just didn't know how to hate.
Vikranth - I missed you too, bacha.
Devansh felt happy. He finally had his sounding board back. Anirudh was his saviour. Siddharth was his partner in crime. Vikranth was his sounding board with whom he can vent out his frustrations.
Both went down when Akshara called them for Lunch.
Not until he saw the variety of dishes spread on the table, Vikranth realized how much he missed home food.
Akshara served him the food and sat in her place to have lunch. Abhimanyu, Akshara, Devansh and Vikranth were present. Anirudh had a court hearing. Nimisha must be reaching home after finishing her night duty. Siddharth had some cabinet meeting.
They were having lunch listening to Devansh's talks who was blabbering while Abhimanyu was feeding him with utmost patience because apparently, the pampered prince wanted to get pampered and Abhimanyu could never deny his child.
Vikranth missed this very much. He missed Devansh's random talks. He missed food made by his bhabhi. He also missed food made by Abhimanyu but he couldn't voice his needs and wants. He was just accepting the fate that he was not lucky enough to have the food cooked by Abhimanyu when Akshara walked in with desert, Payasam. Even though, Vikranth was brought up in West Bengal ever since he was 6. He had South Indian genes which made him gravitate towards south Indian dishes very much. And Payasam is his favourite. That was his comfort food.
Vikranth's eyes misted as soon as he tasted a spoon of Payasam. It was cooked by his bhaiyya. He could never mistake it. He clearly remembered how a 12 yr old Abhimanyu learned to cook Payasam for him.
Memories clouded..........
7 yr old Vikranth was sitting aloof in garden of Roy's house. He was hungry. And Manjari didn't cook food for him and he was scared of asking her. 4 yr old Siddharth tried to cheer him a lot. The boy didn't know about his hunger and he was too embarassed to ask a 4 yr old about food. Abhimanyu, Vishal and Anirudh were not in the house. At the end, 4 yr old didn't understand why was Vikranth sad and gave up.
Abhimanyu came back from school with Anirudh. Siddharth ran to him as soon as he saw Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu lifted him up and kissed him. Siddharth giggled.
Siddharth with incoherent words - Vicky bhai bahut sad hai.
Abhimanyu looked at Vikranth who was looking at him with tear filled eyes. Abhimanyu made Siddharth stand - Bacha, Aap apne bhaiyyu ke sath thodi der khelo, bhaiyya aajayenge.
Siddharth bobbed his head cutely and went away with Anirudh. Anirudh wanted to go to Vikranth but knowing better that Abhimanyu will make Vikranth happy, he went away with Siddharth.
Abhimanyu kneeled before Vikranth who was sitting on a bench. For a 7 yr old, he looked very weak. He turned 7 just a month back. The boy was brought home 4 months back. As no school approved of joining a student in mid academic year, he had to wait for the next academic year to start.
Abhimanyu gently - Kya hua, bacha? Aap itne udaas kyu hai? Kisi ne kuch kaha?
Vikranth shook his head. Abhimanyu with hatred in his voice - Mrs. Roy ne kuch kaha?
Vikranth didn't answer but the flow of tears from the boy's voice was enough proof for Abhimanyu. His eyes blazed but composed himself. That woman was not even worth his anger.
Abhimanyu gently wiped his tears away - Aise rote nahi, bacha. Aapko kuch khana hai? Mai kuch banau aapke liye?
Vikranth couldn't handle the gentleness in Abhimanyu voice and eyes. He hugged him tight and cried - Bahut bhook lagi hai, bhaiyya.
Abhimanyu tensed as Vikranth's body trembled and wrecked with sobs. He frowned and pulled back. He wiped his tears away whispering sweet nothings.
Abhimanyu talked once the boy looked visibly calm - Aapne kuch nahi khaya subah se?
Vikranth shook his head. Abhimanyu felt anger rushing through his body. He lifted the boy who was as light as a feather in his arms and moved inside. His anger could wait. The boy needed to eat first.
Abhimanyu placed Vikranth on the kitchen slab and started preparing Payasam for the boy. Abhimanyu always loved to cook and no one stopped him for experimenting. His father was busy serving the people and his mother didn't care.
Abhimanyu got to know that payasam was the boy's favourite when he saw him looking at a cookery show where they were preparing Payasam. He thought of cooking it for him someday. And this was the perfect moment.
Vikranth reached for the bowl as soon as Abhimanyu served it but Abhimanyu was quick to stop him. Vikranth looked at him tear filled eyes. Abhimanyu sighed - Bahut garam hai, bacha. Mai khiladunga.
Vikranth bobbed his head. Once Abhimanyu was sure it was not that hot, he offered a spoon full of payasam to Vikranth. Vikranth's taste buds leapt in joy. That was the best dish he so far had. His eyes misted. He was starved for food. But he was also starved for the love. Love that Roys except Manjari were offering him so freely.
Abhimanyu looked at the tears in the boy's eyes and tensed - Payasam achi nahi hai?
Vikranth shook his head - Bahut achi hai bhaiyya. This is the best.
Abhimanyu smiled. That was all he wanted. Siddharth and Anirudh came to the kitchen shouting they were hungry. Abhimanyu fed them as well. Sid and Anirudh fell in love with that dish.
Once Abhimanyu was sure, his brothers are full, he asked them go out and play. He had few things to sort out with his mother and servants of the house.
Abhimanyu - Tum theeno jao aur khel lo. Mujhe kuch kaam hai.
Vikranth wanted to stay a little more time with Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu could see that in the boy's eyes. Abhimanyu crouched to his level - Tum thodi der Sid aur Ani ke saath khelo. I will join you, ok?
Vikranth nodded. Abhimanyu kissed his forehead and moved back. Anirudh dragged Vikranth out. Anirudh was just like Devansh who loved without any reservations. That was probably the last time he played with both of them.
Vikranth was snapped out of his thoughts when Abhimanyu nudged him gently. Vikranth looked at Abhimanyu with tear filled eyes. Abhimanyu tensed - Payasam achi nahi hai?
Vikranth felt a sense of dejavu. Some things never change. He shook his head - Bahut achi hai. This is the best.
Abhimanyu smiled - Tho kha kyu nahi raha hai?
Vikranth shook his head and started eating. Akshara very well knew what was Vikranth feeling. She was right. The boy loved her husband a lot. But he was not ready to take a step forward. She couldn't do anything. It was between the brothers and she didn't wish to interfere.
Nimisha just then entered the house and threw her bag on the couch and sat down with a thud. She was exhausted. She need sleep. Surgery went for 9 long hours.
Akshara called her - Nimi, khana ready hai. Chalo aao.
Nimisha shook her head, eyes still closed - Mujhe nahi khana bhabhi. I am tired. I need to sleep.
Akshara shook her head. Nimisha always did that. Not this time. She plated the food and went to Nimisha - Aankhe kholo, Nimi.
Nimisha tiredly opened her eyes and looked at the plate - Mujhe nahi khana bhabhi. Please.
Akshara - Mai khiladungi. Muh khol.
Nimisha tried to protest but Akshara glared her into silence. She had to give in finally.
Vikranth who saw this couldn't help himself from teasing her - Tum khud nahi kha sakti thi, Nimisha?
Nimisha glared at him - Tumhe kya hai? Meri bhabhi hai.
Abhimanyu whacked Vikranth - Kyu pareshan kar raha hai use?
Vikranth - Hadd hai, Isne mujhe hospital mein itna torture kiya, soups khilake, revenge tho banta hai?
Nimisha scoffed and had her food. Vikranth can be annoying when he chose to. But was like a brother to her. She owed him for making her husband realise his feelings by making him jealous. Otherwise, Anirudh Roy was hopeless in love. He loved her husband like a brother but her husband hated him. She didn't know why. She never asked. But she didn't let their relationship affect her relationship with him. She was an orphan until she loved Anirudh. She couldn't lose anyone anymore. Vikranth is family. She just hoped her husband could see past his hatred.
Abhimanyu moved away as he got a call. Nimisha went to her room to sleep. Akshara moved as he got a call from Abeer. That left Devansh and Vikranth in the living room. Vikranth wanted to go before Siddharth or Anirudh came. But he couldn't leave without informing Abhimanyu or Akshara. He just sat there waiting for them to come back. But stars were not on his side that day. Siddharth walked in.
Siddharth was hungry. But he felt anger raising when he saw Vikranth in living room laughing with Devansh. He just hated Vikranth with passion.
Vikranth looked at Siddharth. His eyes portrayed the hatred clearly. He was the reason for their parents fight. But the boy didn't knew that his parents didn't need any reason to fight. They had been fighting ever since they got married. The boy didn't knew that. The boy saw them fighting only after he entered their lives. 5 yr old Siddharth didn't know how manipulative his mother was. And Manjari successfully manipulated her 5yr old Siddharth and 8 yr old Anirudh into hating Vikranth. She thought she could get rid of the boy when 2 of her sons hated him. Vishal even thought of sending him away but Abhimanyu didn't let them. He stood firm for him and Sid and Anirudh loved and respected him too much to defy him. But that didn't mean they would accept him.
Siddharth walked away without even looking at Vikranth. For Siddharth, Vikranth was a nobody and he will not waste his time on strangers. He convinced himself.
Vikranth tried talking - Kaise ho, Sid?
Siddharth coldly - Siddharth!! It is Siddharth for you, Mr. Verma. Aap apne had mein rahe tho acha hoga.
Hurt flashed in Vikranth's eyes. Abhimanyu who came just then heard that - Siddharth!!
Siddharth flinched but stood firm. Abhimanyu sternly - Ye koi tarika hai, baat karne ka?
Vikranth didn't want them fighting over him - Chodiye, bhai.
Siddharth - Aap mere aur mere bhaiyya ke beech na aye tho behtar hoga, Mr. Verma! Stay out of it.
Vikranth stepped back. Sid was right. He had no right interfering between two brothers.
Abhimanyu glared Siddharth - Change your tone before I change it for you, Siddharth. Vikranth se tujhe koi rishta nahi rakhna, teek hai. Lekin vo tumse 4 saal bada hai. You will not use that tone with him. Clear?
Siddharth nodded and walked away. Abhimanyu sighed. He didn't understand why Sid hated Vikranth. There was something more than their parents' fight as a reason, something he didn't know. God knows how his mother manipulated a 5yr old boy. He looked at Vikranth. Hurt was clearly written on his face.
Vikranth blinked away his tears - Mai chalta hu, Bhai.
Abhimanyu nodded. Vikranth walked away. Devansh felt sad for both his brothers. He didn't know what to do. He don't know why his Big B and Bhaiyyu hated Vikranth.
Abhimanyu looked at Devansh who was looking so sad. He pulled him into his embrace.
Abhimanyu - Chinta mat kar. They will come together one day.
Devansh nodded and hoped they would.
Siddharth sat in his room. Hunger was long gone. There was a time where he loved Vikranth as much as he loved Anirudh. Until that one fateful night. He didn't hate Vikranth just because of their parent's fight. Everyone thought that as a reason but that was not the reason. He kept him at a distance but didn't hate him. He didn't believe his mother when she told him that Vikranth was the reason why their father stayed away from them. He was a child but a smart one. He was not foolish to get into her words. His father was always like that even before Vikranth entered their lives. But he understood one thing, the more he was close to Vikranth, the more his mother hated Vikranth. So, he decided to stay away but didn't hate him.
But that night, Vikranth broke his trust. Manjari was 9th month heavily pregnant with Devansh. No one was in the house except for Siddharth, Vikranth and few servants. He clearly remembered when Vikranth pushed his mother off the stairs making her fall. Delivery became complicated due to that resulting his mother's death. He didn't share this to anyone till now. He didn't wish to tarnish Vikranth's image in Abhimanyu and Vishal's eyes. Neither did he confront Vikranth about it.
But the truth was something else. Manjari was about to fall from the stairs, Vikranth tried to catch her but he couldn't. For anyone who looked at it, it looked like Vikranth pushed Manjari. And Siddharth was still a 5 yr old boy. Vikranth till date thinks Sid hates him because Manjari manipulated him, otherwise he would have cleared the misunderstanding long back.
It was still not too late. Siddharth just wants Vikranth to accept his mistake and apologize. Siddharth knew Vikranth loves him a lot. He thought if he hated him, Vikranth would tell the truth but never once he thought which he saw was not the truth at all. Siddharth was like Abhimanyu in every way. He is just waiting for one apology. He knew Vikranth might have pushed her by mistake. But he hiding the truth made him hate him.
Siddharth was lost in his thoughts when Akshara walked in with tray of food. Siddharth looked at her and looked away. So, his bhaiyya was still angry with him.
Akshara got to know what happened from Devansh. She knew Siddharth might not have eaten anything. The boy never ate anything outside.
Akshara sat in front of him - Khana kyu nahi khaya, tune?
Siddharth immediately put his head on her lap - Bhuk nahi hai, bhabhi.
Akshara stroked his hair gently - Aise kaise bhook nahi hai, bacha? Subah bhi kuch nahi khaya tune.
Siddharth - Bhaiyya gussa hai mujhse?
Akshara sighed. The boy loves her husband a bit too much - Hona nahi chahiye?
Akshara talked when Siddharth was silent - Tujhe pata haina tere bhaiyya tujhse gussa kyu hai?
Siddharth - Maine Mr. Verma se rudely baat ki.
Akshara - Ye kya Mr. Verma Mr. Verma laga rakha hai, Siddharth. Bhai kyu nahi bol sakta tu?
Siddharth coldly - Bhai nahi hai vo mere.
Akshara - Keep telling yourself that, bacha. Agar vo tera bhai nahi hai, tho kyu tune Karan ko call karke har roz Vicky ka health update puchta tha?
Siddharth got up and looked at her - Karan bhai ne batadiya aapko? I told him not to tell. I will sue his hospital.
Akshara whacked him hard. Siddharth looked at her with pout - Aap maar kyu rahe hai?
Akshara - You asked Karan not to tell Abhi, Sid. Isliye usne mujhse kaha. And that is not the point. Agar tu Vicky ko apna bhai nahi manta, tho itni fikar kyu?
Siddharth looked away - Kyunki vo bhaiyya ke liye important hai.
Akshara made him look at her - Aur tere liye important nahi hai?
Siddharth didn't answer. Akshara - I wouldn't have asked you if you really hated him, bacha. Now that I know you don't hate him. I would like to ask, Kyu gussa hai tu Vicky se?
Siddharth looked down. Akshara didn't want to force him but she was helpless. All the people she loved are getting hurt. She was silent all these days because she thought Sid hated Vicky because he was brought into the house. But when Karan told her Siddharth asked him about Vikranth's updates, she was shocked. Her boy didn't hate Vikranth. Then what was all this.
Akshara made him look at her and cupped his face - Apne bhabhi ko nahi batayega? Kitne din apne andar sab kuch chupake rakhega?
Siddharth hugged her. She was his mother in all senses. She did so much for him but never asked anything. Now that when she was asking, he couldn't stop himself from telling the truth which was kept inside him all these years.
Siddharth's eyes filled. He took hold of Akshara's hand - Mujhe pata hai unhone Mumma ko jaan buch ke dakka nahi diya hoga. Mai unhe iske liye blame nahi kar raha hu, bhabhi. Unhone ye baat chupane ki koshish ki. Unhone kuch nahi kaha kisise. Kyu chup rahe vo?
Akshara didn't know if she should feel proud for boy's understanding or she should whack him for his foolishness. What kind of a 5 yr old had this much understanding. What kind of a 5 yr old didn't misunderstand what he saw when he can clearly misinterpret the situation. What kind of a 5 yr old didn't get into his mother's words. She was baffled. But then the boy was truly her husband's reflection. Very much understanding and caring. That is what made him Siddharth Vardhaan Roy. But its time to knock some sense into his stupid brain.
Akshara - Shayad vo isliye chup tha kyunki usne kabhi maa ko dakka hi na diya ho? Ho sakta hai usne pakadne ki koshish ki aur tujhe laga usne dakka diya? Pucha tune kabhi use?
Siddharth was startled. He never thought it that way. And he is the CM of this state? How foolish could he be?
Akshara - Communication is the best way to sort out things, Siddharth. Tune use ye baat tabhi puchliya hota, tho baat yaha tak pahunchthi hi nahi. Tune Vikranth se nahi pucha, teek hai. Apne bhaiyya se tho kaha hota. Papa maante ho na, apne bhaiyya ko? Kyu chupaya tune unse ye? Tune kabhi socha jab Abhi ko ye pata chalega, kitna hurt honge vo?
Tears rolled on Siddharth's face. He messed it up.
Akshara wiped his tears - Vikranth se baat kar. Sort out kar. Aur ye baat Abhi se tu khud jake keh. Mujhse pata chalegi tho bahut hurt honge vo. hmm?
Siddharth nodded in daze. It is time he corrected his mistakes.
How is the chapter?
This chapter is all about Vikranth. For you all to understand Vikranth's character clearly.
Do you think what Sid has done is wrong?
Will Abhimanyu get hurt after knowing the truth?
What is your favourite scene?
Few words on Vikranth!
Few words on Akshara and Siddharth!
Few words on Abhimanyu and Vikranth!
Few words on Abhimanyu and Siddharth!!
If you have any doubts in story line, feel free to ask!
Do comment guys!!
SHOWER SOME LOVE!!
SATHVIKA!!