Varna opened curtains of window.Letting sun rays enter room.Reached an hour ago.Completely exhausted and draining all energy.Half of time due to Pranush.Keeping both of them awake.She looked at baby.Sleeping peacefully.In crib arranged for him.She remember Prakash and Karunas face.They were upset when got to know.Vivaan and Varna are not going to stay.With them for months.Varna came to sit on bed.She felt much better.Getting back her loneliness.She thought how she didnt have to confront her family.With decision of staying in different house.Vivaan kept it beautifully.Telling them he would visit them often.But due to work issues.He would prefer stay at his place.

Karuna understood it was Varna.She thought its better give them some time.Her heart went for Pranush.Varna was new mother.She wont be able to handle things alone.She was worried because of this reason.She knew Varna was so stubborn.She wont allow for anything.She tried giving her all instructions.But was doubtful she will be able to manage.Its not easy to handle baby.She was aware too.About equations between Vivaan and her.

Fear did came true.Varna moved in room.Restlessly carrying Pranush.Crying loudly.She was trying best.Keep him calm.Patting his back and giving him kisses.She offered him milk.Water and also tried show him his toys.Nothing was working.In short time second room.Was arranged for Varna.Both knew they wont be adjusting in single room.So Vivaan made arrangements before.He was standing in his room.Memories still fresh in him.He and Ramya started first night of their.Life in same place and room.He frowned hearing cries of his son.He got alarmed and rushed to room.

Vivaan found Varna getting tensed.With Pranush on lap.He as red due to crying.Doctor have warned them.He shouldnt cry for long time.Since he was too weak.It will prove dangerous for his health.Vivaan went to his son.Taking him in his arms.Varna panicked.She didnt knew how to face Vivaan.She was responsible for baby.If anything happens to him.All will doubt her.She stood numb.Vivaan tried to move step from there.When felt tug.Pranush held Varnas stole.In his fingers.Crying more loudly.

V-"Ok I wont move.From here.Stop crying now."

He got what his son.Was trying to convey him.He didnt look at Varna.But for both of them.Situation was awkward.He stood there.Slowly patting babys back.Who shifted restlessly.In his hold.Varna touched his forehead.Check if he had fever.He was normal.She tried giving him some water.He spat and acted stubborn.

V-"Dont try.He wants something else."

Vivaan thought for some time.When Varna came and felt weird.How to ask him.If she can take baby.He frowned at her.Getting blank look.He saw she had something on hand.Pranush cried as he felt his father.Busy in something else.Giving attention.

Var-"Gripe water.Must be paining in his stomach.He will feel better."

Vivaan was unsure.He gave Pranush to Varna.Who rubbed his back.Put him on her lap.Sitting on bed.Started slowly giving him drops.From bottle of gripe water.Minutes after Vivaan was stunned.Find room calm.Pranush was quiet.Trying to talk in his own language.He was throwing his hands and legs.Varna smiled at him.Kissing him and putting him to sleep.Her smile faded as she found.Vivaan standing right front of her face.

V-"What did you give.He stopped crying."

Var-"Dont worry.Consulted with Nandini.Can check with her."

Varna left room.Handing him bottle.He looked at Pranush.Sitting on bed.Patting him to sleep.He fumed at her.He wasnt doubting on her.Any ways.He wanted to know.How she knew what was bothering Pranush.He was right.There is no way anyone can guess.This girl and her understanding skills.She will be a maize.He kept bottle aside.

Vivaan knew it would be difficult for Varna.Manage house alone.He had no idea if she will be.Able to do at all.He kept helpers.Were serving dinners.He checked time.Helper informed him.Dinner was on table.He wasnt hungry.With house feeling empty.Without Ramya and other members.He had work from next morning.He had glass of milk.Asked helper to tell Varna.Have dinner.

Nearly late night when Varna.Clutched her stomach.She rushed to washroom covering her mouth.She threw up and felt better.Washed her face and came out.She was feeling weak.She havent slept for ages.She felt and she wasnt used to.Doing what she started off.But Pranushs face never.Made her feel tired.She looked for her medicines.Forgot to take them.She skipped dinner too.Making ti worse for her being on empty stomach.She took medicine.With water and switched off lights.

After an hour.She couldnt open her eyes.But she felt uneasy from inside.She tried to reach Pranushs crib.Just beside her bed.Feeling it empty her heart thumped with fear.She got up.Her eyes were sleepy due to medicine effect.She couldnt hold on her step.Making it difficul tfor her to stand.Switching on lights.She found his absence in room.She got scared.Feeling restless she rushed out of room.Her mind went on different track.She was about to cry when heard.Voice from room just beside hers.It was Vivaans room.She didnt knew if she should knock.What would she tell him.She couldnt take responsibility.She was brought for.

Varna gained courage.Shutting her eyes.She bolted knob.Of door widening her eyes.Vivaan looked in mess.With Pranush on bed.Crying and he was trying to give him bottle.She felt her heart beats back.But next moment anger gripped on her.She entered room.Glaring at Vivaan.With angry eyes.He was sweating and already tired with his stubborn boy.He saw Varna.Standing in front of him.Without any stole.Her face exhausted.He moved his eyes immediately in response.Thast when Varna noticed her state too.She didnt realise when she rushed here.

Var-"Is this way to trouble.People at this hour.Why did you bring him here.

Opened my eyes and found him missing.How can you do this."

She went to baby.Picking him up.Feeling him closer to her heart.She thanked time.For giving him back to her.Vivaan stood shocked with her outburst.He flared his nostrils.He was his son.Why would he need tell her.Anything about him.

V-"Excuse me.He is my son and I have right.Bring him with me.Dont charge me like that."

Var-"yes he is your son.But you should have.Decency not to barge.In room like that."

V-"I wouldnt care about decency.When get to hear my son.Crying his heart out.

No one there to attend to him."

Varna felt ashamed of herself.How can she sleep.Knowing well about baby and his timings.She felt defeated by Vivaans words.She could never prove herself.As good mother.She wasnt Pranushs mother.That was truth.She felt her eyes.Getting moistened but Vivaan didnt care.He took Pranush back.Settling him in his arms.Giving him bottle he refused.Vivaan tried to force him bit.He was disturbed.With way Pranush has been doing.

Var-"Give him to me."

V-"Please Im his father.Can handle him.Go and enjoy your sleep."

He went out of room.Insulting her again.She felt angry with herself.Bursting into tears.For moment her crying wasnt important.She didnt care about her self respect too.She barged out of room.Vivaan was on phone.Trying to contact Nandini.He was stressed with Pranush.Varna took this chance.Taking baby from him.He glared with his eyes.Pranush was still crying.Varna went away with him.Vivaan cut call.He decided to burst on Varna again.For her behavior and attitude.He was about to do so.When entered her room.He went calm.Witnessing his son.Having milk from bottle.He was on Varnas lap.She was handling him.Way he couldnt.Pranush emptied bottle soon.

Varna noticed Vivaan there.She was tired to involve in any argument.She adjusted baby in her shoulder.Patting his back.Till she made him burp.Slowly she kept him beside her on bed.In middle putting pillows as boundary.She kissed his hands.Head and put him to sleep.Vivaan didnt have word.Argue to give his point.He shut door.Making way to his room.He was amazed to see.How his son can be comforted by someone else.Better way than him.But this didnt make him insecure.He was kind of convinced. to know.Someone was there for Pranush.

Month passed with Vivaan and Varna.Trying to get hold on their lives.For Vivaan it was much easier.He involved himself in work.Day and night as well as spending time with Pranush.He left early for office.Came late at night.Made sure check on his son.Who leaves no chance.Keep both of them awake at nights.Vivaan ignored Varna in complete sense.He only thought she was taking care.Of his son.He didnt have any problem of her.Being with his baby.She was there in her place.He was in his own.Same was with Varna.She felt much better with Pranush.In this month she hardly paid visit.To her home.Twice when Prakash was sick.They went to see him.She kept distance.Vivaan was shocked see exchange.Of words between her and family.

It was morning.Pranush was in his crib.Playing in his own.Varna was with him.Folding her clothes when she heard doorbell.She asked helper to check.

P-"May I come in.Wont ask because I came here.To see my handsome Prince."

Priyam entered room.Taking Pranush in her arms.Showering him with kisses.Baby chuckled giving smile.He enjoyed with Priyam.Also because he was in good mood today.Varna watched it with light smile on face.Priyam put baby down.She hugged her niece.Varna shut her eyes.Letting herself like that.For some time.Till Priyam break hug.She was very angry with her.For many reasons.Some time later.She was sitting with cup of coffee.As Varna served for herself too.Taking seat.

P-"Im very angry with you Varna.Least didnt expect this.For myself.From you.

Been month you are here.In same city.Hardly come to your own house.Call or tell us anything."

V-"Chitti I have been busy with new things.Must know its not easy.Manage Pranush alone.

Im not used to this."

P-"Well know that managing wont be.Difficult for you Varna.You can lie to world.But not me.

Look at me.Say now.Dont I know cold war.Between you and your father.Karuna akka is sad too."

Varna was silent.She played with cup.Hiding her feelings.She heard Pranush.It was time to change his dress.He was not ready.Wear anything.Priyam came behind Varna.She looked around room.Had very few things.As per Varnas needs.her likes and choices.But she had something else on mind.She hesitated ask it.She cooed babys cheeks.Who acted fussy.Varna used her ways.Make him wear clothes.

P-"He resembles Vivaan.Same eyes and his hands.Fingers are long.For small baby."

V-"Thought you would say.Like Ramya.Everyone feels that."

She took some powder and puffed baby.Who held onto her.Dress tugging at it.He chuckled and Priyam frowned.She was right.Something was disturbing Varna.He will take it out from her.She just looked at Pranush.How Vara handled him.In smooth way like.Any mother would do.

P-"Dont know about everyone.And whom you considered as everyone.Said what I felt.

Let time pass.He will be like Varna.fierce and calm.Both two in one."

Varna gave sarcastic laugh.Priyam heard that.She kissed Pranushs hands.Who smiled at her.Varna was done.Setting him and she took her in arms.

V-"Are you staying for lunch.Please say yes."

P-"Only on one condition.If you let me stay.Till dinner."

After lunch Varna and Priyam were settled in garden.Area outside house.Varna didnt want to.Since Pranush was sleeping.She asked helper be with him.Priyam found her glancing at house.Every minute.Looking unsure of keeping baby alone.She smiled at Varna.One thing she believed truly.Varna has already become mother of Pranush.No matter how she denied.She developed instincts of mother too.She could see no difference in her.If Ramya was there.She would have given same love to baby.She touched Varnas hand.Affectionately.

P-"Its ok he will be fine.We are few steps away only."

V-"Its not like that.He doesnt stay with them.So Im not sure.He cries if doesnt find."

P-"Every baby does that.He is too small now.So used to mothers touch."

V-"Im just taking care of him.Chitti.Wish he had his mother."

P-"No Varna.You are wrong.Why do you think so much.If baby is seeing you as mother.

Dont push him back.Yourself too.I have seen you.Doing everything for him.Like mother does.

Not sure if Ramya was here.She would be able to.Do same like you.

Pranush has become your life."

Varna tried push tear.Back in her eyes.Her face lost last emotion.Her heart didnt knew.How to be in control.She avoided meeting eyes.With Priyam.Priyam rubbed her back.Wrapping her arms around her.She kissed her head.Varna broke down.Hugging her.

V-"I didnt give birth to him.I dont know Chitti.What Im doing.Why Im given.This responsibility.

Do I deserve this.How can I be his mother.I dont know anything.Feel Im in some.Different world.

Always in fear.If anything happens to him.I will be held.Responsible.I lost alot.Chitti and now.

Cant lose.Innocent baby.He shouldnt be.Troubled or harmed.Because of my presence.In life."

Priyam was shocked to see.So much pain and hurt.In this girls mind.She just hugged her for long time.She had no words.Lessen pain.She knew it will take time.Varna had all penting up.Inside her.She was damaged.No one knew.It has to be cured.Before it ruins her off.

P-"Varna we have to take.Whats coming to us in life.Let your past be like.Bad dream.

Which wont come back.You cant live like this."

V-"Why do I have to.No one needs me.I feel like burden.Every day.Its killing me from inside.

To breath.I cant do this."

P-"If not for anyone.For that baby.Who lost like you.He lost his mother.Didnt he deserve more.

Varna tell me.Have never seen this Varna.Who has transformed herself.Into different one.

For sake of whom.Pranush is like you.In same place.Please dont let him fall back."

Varna sat for some time.She wiped tears from face.She didnt get anything.Except thought that Pranush was there.She has to be for him.

Priyam was ready to leave.After long Varna felt better.Spending time with her.Sharing her heart out.But she felt bad.Again depression getting on her.Priyam looked at her face.Asking him to hold it.

V-"Thought you are staying for dinner.Do you have to leave.Stay for night."

P-"Wish I could.Have some work.Karuna akka must be waiting too.Varna Im leaving.

Next month for Australia.Dont know when.Will be here next."

V-"Dont leave.You also.Please."

P-"Im there for you.With you always.Just get old Varna back.Can request you for that."

Priyam looked around house again.It was late.But whole day she discovered few things.She has seen nothing.Like husband wife between.Vivaan and Varna.They lived in separate room.Vivaan called many times.Keeping check on Pranush.But he wasnt found.Asking about Varna once.This worried Priyam.

P-"Vivaan comes late everyday?"

V-"I dont know.May be."

P-"Varna.Both live under same roof."

V-"But like strangers.Wish wont have to do this.I was forced to."

P-"We have to force ourselves.Some times.Maybe for good things to happen."

V-"Do you see anything.Good coming for me now."

P-"Why not Varna.Dont keep yourself like this.Away from everyone.We all need someone.

To hold on to.Else it becomes difficult.To live.Will have word with Vivaan.He cant treat you.

 Like that.He married you.Not hire you as governess."

V-"Swear on me.Wont say word.Im better.Away from everything.Dont want anything to happen.

Please Chitti.Dont give me more pain."

P-"you are married Varna.Its truth.Have to accept and move on.He have to."

V-"This was never marriage.Deal for Pranush.We are.Better like this."

P-"Vivaan as to give acceptance.To you as his wife."

V-"Dont need anyones sympathy.Im in no state.To give or take any affection.

 He has anything for me.Its hatred.For causing pain to Ramya.Even he doesnt want.See my face."

P-"Did he tell you all this.Do you guys talk."

V-"We dont cross each others path.Some things are better understood.My face.Is my enemy.

For life.Now and I do regret.Giving pain to my sister.Reason was Vivaan.Wont forgive him ever.

Giving acceptance is far away."

Priyam left that evening.With fear and sadness.She knew things wont be easy.But they have gone to.This extreme.She wasnt expecting.Varna and Vivaan.Both were stubborn.Right in their places too.But she thought she needed to do.One thing before leaving.May be one last try.Have talk with Vivaan.She should also know.His side.

Few more days passed.In same routine.Rains have kept whole city.Troubled and from few days.Roads were in no state for people.To travel.Vivaan was working from home.He was pissed off.With no progress in work.Also because he had to be home.Which means he has to face.Varna and see her face.It was biggest trouble for him.Every time he sees her.He remembers Ramya.But she wasnt her.It pricked him more.

He banged table.Getting angry and frustrated.As network went off.helpers were also not able.To come for work.Due to situation outside.Only was there living.With them.Loud thunders strike.Raining hard and Vivaan heard.Wails of his son.He rushed to room.Finding Pranush getting scared.He was crying with face becoming.Red and he picked baby.Trying to calm him.He hardened his face.Seeing Pranush alone.In room.Like that with no one around.Here he thought he.Had people to trust.He came outside.Bumping into Varna.

She has been in worse.Condition from days.Whole day and night with Pranush.She wasnt taking her meals.Properly and skipping medicines.Her abdomen pain increased too.Being that time of month.She has no one to tell.Or she doesnt want to tell.Her face looked pale.She went to prepare milk.For baby as it was feeding time.She didnt knew.He was already awake.It was like for minute.She went away and it happened.She could see Vivaans piercing glare at her.She went to take Pranush from him.Vivaan didnt let her.Instead he took bottle.From her.

V-"If you cant take.This responsibility for whole time.Will hire another helper for him.

Cant afford to let.My son cry his heart out.Being left alone."

Vivaan went away.Leaving Varna.Again insulted and she had no feelings.To cry even.She felt drained out.Her head felt dizzy.She just fell on bed.Tired of her fate.Now his words didnt have.Effect on her.She was used to all this.For whole day Vivaan kept baby with him.It was difficult for him.Handle Pranush as he wanted.Varna but he was his father too.So somehow he passed day.At night putting him to sleep.He was about to settle him in crib.When Pranush spat milk.Spoiling his shirt.He gave smile.At his son.Kissing him and cleaned his clothes.He changed him to new clothes.Carefully adjusting him in center.Of his bed.

V-"I need to change too.Little brat.Dont do any mischief now.Will be back soon."

Varna wasnt at peace.She tossed on bed.She skipped dinner.Having glass of milk.Forced by helper lady.Who was good soul.Vivaan has kept Pranush.Away from her.She thought maybe its better.She cant fulfill this responsibility.So she was at fault.But she didnt knew.She has mothers heart too.Which wont let her be peace.She got up.Throwing quilt away.Opened window of room.get some fresh air.It was raining hard.She didnt feel good.Went to touch.Pranushs toys and dress.Kept on bed.Her heart was yearning to hold him.She came out of room.Peeping inside Vivaans room.

She saw he wasnt there.Pranush was on bed.She felt to just hold him.She gulped down and stopped her feet.From going inside.Soon heard Pranush crying.Vivaan was still not there.Varna waited but Pranush kept on crying.Just then Vivaan came buttoning up his shirt.He frowned and started to calm down.His angry son.But he was just like father.He failed in his attempts.The light went off.Pranush got more scared.Continued to cry.Vivaan took his phone.Switched on torch.He reached door.Bumping into Varna.He made face.When watchman came.Informing them it wasnt normal powercut.Due to rain there has been some problem with lines.So whole night.They have to spend.Without power.

Vivaan cursed everything.He had his baby.In arms who cried non stop.He didnt knew what to do.Before he could understand anything.Varna snatched baby from him.Lulling him and didnt care.Leave glance at him.He was about to argue with her.Loud thunder strike and Pranush got scared.Varna secured him in her hold.Going inside her room.Vivaan followed her.In frustrating manner.

Vivaan felt pain on his neck.As he opened his eyes.It was almost mid night.He dozed off.In Varnas room.Finally Pranush was put to sleep.By her after attempts.He didnt say word to her.He stretched his muscles.He was in couch.Torch was only source.Of light for them.He saw Varna on bed.Sleeping in uncomfortable position.Pranuash was next to her.Sleeping surrounded by pillows.He took breath of relief.He got up.Check on powercut issue.When suddenly light went out.Due to low battery.

V-"This had to happen now.All saved for night."

He went out to look.For candles.Storm intensified outside.Raining hard with thunders.He could see nothing.In dark.Varna on other side.Woke up.She was also scared of thunders.But she saw no light in room.She checked on Pranush.He stirred abit.It was time for him wake up.Following his routine.Varna tied her hair in bun.Started looking for bottle.To get babys milk ready.He would be up any time.She couldnt find it.In dark even using her phone.She remembered Vivaan has taken it from there.She shut her eyes.Fearing next and it happened.Pranush was up.Crying and she went to pacify him.

Vivaan came back in room.With emergency light and he could hear impatient cries of Pranush.Varna didnt have to say anything to him.How did he forget.Baby wakes up at this hour.He asked her to stay in room.He will bring milk bottle.Few minutes passed and Varna was.Getting scared.She waited for Vivaan.He wasnt there.It was too dark for him.To make his way to kitchen.Get another bottle and boil milk.It was long process still he went.He could hear his baby.Started doing it fastly.

Varna panicked.She was angry at Vivaan.For being late.With time running it was difficult.To handle baby.She remembered Nandinis words.It was not safe for him.Cry for long.It could be dangerous if he cries for long time.He may choke.Varna spent every second.In trouble and fear.She moved in room.With baby in her arms.Trying every best way.Sooth him.He was too hungry.He tugged at her dress.She kept him closer to her heart.Shutting her eyes.She couldnt see any way.As another thunder strike loudly.she opened her eyes.Even she didnt knew.What step she was taking next.She took baby carefully.Who was restlessly crying.She sat on bed.Wiping her tears.Settled baby on her lap.Her hand clutched on buttons of her dress.As next she found baby.Hitting her with hands.She kissed his head.Rest she wasnt in state.To realize her action.

Vivaan fixed cap of bottle.He hurried his way to room.Till this time he could no longer.Hear Pranush crying.He got scared.Reaching door panting.He couldnt see anything in dark.Till he kept emergency light.His eyes fell on bed.Varna was sitting with her back.Facing him.He frowned not being able to understand.Varna shut her eyes.Feeling of incompleteness.Engulfing her from inside.She wished if.She had power to.Do needful for moment.Pranushs hand tugged at her dress.She held it.His head was inside her dress.She just wished.Moment pass soon.Keeping her eyes shut.Vivaan realized the moment.Emergency light fell from his hand.Varnas eyes opened.Her heart thumped with fear.

She took Pranush out.From her hold.Adjusting her dress.When she turned around.Vivaan has moved his gaze.Down filled with shock and something hard hit him.Varna got up.Went to him.He passed her bottle.Without meeting her eyes.Her face was drenched with tears.She settled with Pranush.Who was pacified with false hope.For some time.He refused bottle.Despite of her attempts.Vivaan saw that.He could wish.To help his baby and his yearning.Varna felt helpless.As for third time.Pranush had to take bottle.Being hungry for so long.She used her palms.Rub off tears from face.Could see Vivaans shadow.

Var-"Im sorry.Had to do this.Else he would have."

That night Vivaan was moved.In big way and he was loss of words.For what Varna did.She did it for his son.But someone would think hundred times.Before taking this step.He came out of room.Taking some time.Let it go with him.All he could see image.Again in front of his eyes.He realized in bits and pieces.Was he wrong judging Varna.Yet again she saved his sons life.By doing what one.Cannot think of imagining in dreams.Vivaan felt defeated by his ego.He sinned by doubting.Varnas motherly affection for Pranush.

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