The final announcement was made for passengers.They boarded on the flight.Taking seats beside each other was out of compulsion.She would have definitely not chosen to.The lights were dimmed and most people dozed off.The sudden cries of baby sounded like a disturbing element for few.The cries got louder and some expressed discomfort.

Varna shifted on her sit and patted baby.Her attempts seemed to fail to pacify.He cried louder it reached Vivaan's ears.He looked around.Much to his annoyance he took baby on his hold and cradled him.An elderly couple was sitting next to them.The lady had an understanding look on her face.She peeped into the couple and watched them whole time.Pranush was still crying sucking his thumb.He rested on his father's shoulder.

Var-"Excuse me can I get some warm water.I need to give him milk."

Varna felt relieved after getting water and she mixed the powder.Shaking the bottle.The little one looked in no mood to sober down.She got him in her arms and cradled.Kissing his head and patting him.Her efforts looked in vain.When he refused to take bottle.Vivaan massaged his temples.A sore throat, blocked nose and headache.Adding up to his distress were his son's cries getting louder.Face got red due to constant crying.He was hungry and still adamant for some reason.Varna carried baby in her arms and exchanged her seat.She walked carefully in short passage and was heading back when.

"Oh dear nowadays.Such girls become mother.And you get to see no efforts.Giving birth to baby is not enough.Poor toddler crying out of hunger and see.She has no sense.forcefully trying to feed him powder milk.Must be for slim figure huh."

Varna froze on her spot.The old lady was heard whispering to her husband.The old man looked miffed with his wife. he found Varna giving them a look.His face showed regret.Vivaan opened his eyes with difficulty.He barely let them for a second.She was back with baby and he looked quite peaceful.He patted baby's head kissing him.He shut his eyes.He chose to keep check on his wife from corner of his eyes.

Varna kept the baby closer to her heart.The warmth and pat let him subside his sobs.He got busy sleeping while having milk.She felt a pang in her heart.Whatever people say and their opinion about her never miffed her.She had such personality.No one can judge her and even if one does she plays no heeds.She sticks to what she feels is right.A warm tear braced her cheeks and she quickly wiped them off.She kissed "Pranush" light of her life.Keeping him closer to her heart.

Amidst of this it didn't miss his eye.He breathed and wondered what life has planned.They reached destination.It was morning in Hyderabad.Vivaan found car waiting for them.Sitting inside car they started their journey.After 3 months they were returning home.He missed being there badly.But Varna was not happy.Well according to him, there is nothing that could please his wife in this whole world.Least he haven't discovered in this time.

Shivaani welcomed her Son and daughter in law.She let the red vermilion touch their foreheads and gave them entry.Pranush was sleeping in Varna's arms.He got a light kiss by his grandmother as Varna climbed the stairs to room.Shivani touched Vivaan's back when he was getting luggage in.She pat his back and touched his head affectionately.

Sh-"How have you been Vivaan?Must be tired because of flight.go.rest now.I will call you for lunch."

He gave a nod to his mother.Went to his room.Shivani knew he tried to maintain look if everything was alright.It was not.She wondered for how long it was going to take.

Varna put baby in crib.Soon she took shower and changed to her homely clothes.She was brushing her hair when found a pair of eyes at her.It was her husband.He just came out of shower in his track pants and shirt.Wiping his wet hair with towel.

She kept the brush back to its place.Started making the bed.Vivaan had his gaze at her.She checked the baby who was still asleep.Then she went to bed taking her place.A book and resting her back comfortably her eyes got glued to the reading element.Within seconds she could feel his presence nearing her.Her breathes got high and she panicked.Vivaan stared at her with cold eyes.Keeping his gaze at her he used his hand to get the book in its normal position.It was held by his wife upside down.Varna opened her eyes.It was utter foolish of her to do one such mistake and in front of him.

V-"At least learn properly how to avoid.With better options and.Better ways."

His words hit her like a blow.She threw the book in bed and tied her hair in a bun in frustration.She cupped her cheeks and sat hugging her knees.He was out of the room.Why can't time never heal things for her.Time and again she has to go through turmoils.Like others why cant she be the easy person.Accepting her fate and moving on.A thing she couldnt do in months.A tear slipped down from her eye.She opened the draw of the side table.A frame came out and she touched the pic with affection.

It was her own shadow.A part of her who went far away now.She looked so beautiful from heart and out.She can never be like her because Ramya was one and she can only be that person.Bracing everyone with love and happiness.

Var-"Why Ramya.You have to leave me alone to fight all this.I can never be you.I dont have strength and courage to live the life you wanted me to.Why do you had to bind me with the promise.You did injustice to me.I hate to love you.He is yours.This place is yours.I can never be his wife and.Mother of your child."

Vivaan was strolling in the garden.He ran his hand in his hair.He was tired.The journey did not made him much but the journey he has been trying to start off and continue.Made him miserable and impatient each day.In a state of confusion and helplessness he started smoking.After continuing for a while he remembered something.

"Vivaan if you can do anything for me in this world a favor or so please throw this poison out of your sight and life forever.Remember you get hands on this and.I will be far away from your reach."

It was an illusion of past.She has gone far away from her.He cannot bring her back even if he tries to.He massaged his temples and took another cigarette.His eyes fell on the bricks lying on ground.His life was in similar state.He has been finding ways to gather those bricks and put them together.A single piece if becomes misfit.It breaks down.He had no fault in all this then why was he punished.He kicked the bricks in anger and caught his head.

Vivaan and Varna both were in one state.Not being able to express the misery and emotional breakdown they were facing.A person who left them with a promise to be with each other.Who knew she will be one turning their life upside down.When she was never in story itself.And then became a part of story knowingly or unknowingly.

Vivaan came out of his pool of thoughts.It was down memory lane.His memories of Ramya still felt fresh.His eyes were moist.He stared at cigarette in his fingers.Gave a smile and threw it.Destroying it fully.If she wasnt here.She will be with him always.Like a flower filling his life with its freshness.Happiness and giving him reason to live.He shut his eyes.Caught his head.As he felt hand on his shoulder.Vikram smiled at his son.Vivaan hugged his father.Within seconds.He felt pain from going away from him.It was after months he saw him.Both father and son sat on swing.

Vik-"So Vivaan finally.I have my son back."

V-"I missed you Dad.Missed being in home."

Vik-"We missed you too.And Pranush.Now you know.When you will be asked to live away from your son.For few days.How it feels.Like what I have gone through."

V-"Im sorry Dad.You all have to go through this much.Because of me.I was helpless.Didnt knew what to do.Thats why left everything here."

Vik-"I understand.Its not easy.This is life son.How to goes.Sometimes your heart will not support you.For doing things.You have to for living to rule of life.Tell me how have you been.How is Praush and Varna?"

V-"Pranush is much better now.Its like some magic.Doctors said that he has been recovering.So fast and now.He is not weak like before.Still needs care.He has become so naughty.Always cries when I hold him."

Vik-"Good you were also like this.Moms pet.What about Varna?Is she fine."

Vivaans silence said it to Vikram.He gave understanding look.Touched his sons back.He could see him looking other side.Stealing glances.Trying to avoid name.

Vik-"I didnt wanted you to go through this marriage.So soon.Both for you and Varna.Because I knew this wont be.Easy like all predicted."

Vivaan looked at his father.Someone was there who.Could understand what he have gone through.He caught Vikrams hand.Strongly and his eyes showed his helplessness.

Vik-"Im your father.No need stare me like that.Vivaan way it was difficult for you.Give someone else same place.Ramya was.More difficult for Varna to give acceptance.To that person as husband.Who was her sisters husband.I wish if all would have waited.For some time.But Pranush was critical."

V-"So you also feel my grief.Is less than her.Im not amazed to see.All siding her.How do I tell you.How I feel.Maybe I have been wrong."

Vik-"You cant be wrong.I know my son.How you think and what goes in your mind.You have ability to handle situations.Than anyone else.I can see my son.Surviving biggest loss in his life.Which I would dread to.In my dreams.You have won over your grief.But it will always stays Vivaan.Because she is yours.Belong to you always.Never leave your side.Ramya wanted this from you.I believe."

V-"She said same Dad.She wanted me to live.Without shedding tears.But it feels weird.Not to have her around.I have learnt how to.Handle life.Maybe but Im failing badly.To gather few things."

Vik-"Few things include someone.I know name.I can guess.Varna is not easy person deal with.Surprisingly your Mom.Liked her personality when we went to their house.First time.She wanted her as daughter in law.Wife for you."

V-"Dad?Dont give me life threatening shocks now.I have been through many."

Vik-"There are some truths.Of life which we realize late.Maybe you will find some hidden.Realizations alter.In some time in life.So tell me.Have you both give it try.To bridge gap?"

V-"Dont ask me Dad.I wont have any answers for you."

Vik-"I was expecting.Way you blamed me.I do have my justification.Vivaan you lost wife.Mother of your son.Its big loss.For you.You loved her for year.How would it feel.But have you given thought.There is someone else too.Who have lost lot in life.Like and unlike you."

V-"I know Dad.Their bond and Ramya lived for more years.With her than me.Is it my fault.How does it make my love for her less."

Vik-"No one is saying that.Varna havent lost her sister only.She has lost many things.She has lost her love.Her sister with whom she was tied in strong thread.She has lost her will to live.Her belief has been shaken.I fear completely broken.She doesnt have anything.Look forward to.Do you feel its less.Person can survive losses.If she has something to hold on to.You have your son.What does she have?I agree she is not easy to understand.But do we know her.We didnt even try.To get her.Before we could.Your mom sent you away."

V-I dont know Dad.I feel burden.On my heart and head.What if I wronged her.We dont have any right.To force or impose.Unwanted responsibilities on someone.Which will ruin her life."

Vik-"Whats left to ruin.That girl.Looks dead.Living for no one.Except Pranush.Who had power to awake her.If you have seen her face.She has no feelings.She have lost her life."

V-"I wanted to free her.But she doesnt know.herself it seems.What she wants."

Vik-"Then you help her.Try to know her and understand.Life has been hard for you both.It gave you chance.To share pain.Why cant you take chance.Im not asking you to give her place of your wife.As well wisher.For humanity.You can help person.Who has lost will to live.Who doesnt want to see anything in life."

V-"I cant Dad.Please dont.Keep expectations from me.Im fighting with my own self.For some strength.Every time I see her face.Something just burns inside me.I cant hold myself back from.Something happens.It hurts."

Vik-"She is Varna.Not Ramya Vivaan.More you try to relate her face.To Ramya.More pain you will get.One whom you loved.From heart will always stay in you.But why does it pain so much.If you belonged to her.Varnas face shouldnt bother you.If less to what you said how it does.Unless you were running away from some truth.Day you will learn differentiate between.Ramya and Varna.You will answer yourself.This question.Why does it pain so much."

V-"Im not getting you.Dad I just want to be.Away from all this for some time.Varna will be comfortable here.Pranush is in best hands.I believe that.I was thinking.To handle this overseas project.Of us and for few months."

Vik-"My son is not coward Vivaan.Dont let your fears.Weaken you.Get up and face life.How you have in this time.I wont let you leave.Not now at any cost.Take some time.But do take my words.Seriously because you have to.Before time goes away."

Vivaan covered his face.With his hands as Vikram left.He knew his father was someone.He looked up to and he wont.Give him any bad advice.What bothered him now.Was how was he going to handle this.Big unwanted change in life.After three months nothing changed between him and Varna.Both were unwanted for each other.In this name sake relationship.There was only one person.Who mattered to them.Pranush made them do this.Even if he wanted to understand Varna.Be with her.It was true.Her face wont let him take any step.He looked at sky.Shedding a tear.He wished to be with Ramya.Who always took away his.Stress and worries.He was missing her.

Varna was feeling weak from evening.Due to flight and her weak health she couldnt.sit for long and dozed off.When she woke up.She heard door of room.Pranush wasnt on his crib.She found Nandini entering room with smile on face.She asked helper to leave.After setting trolley.Beside small bed Varna was on.She shifted to Pranushs room.In evening as she knew.This was her place.

V-"You didnt have to do this.Im not hungry.Where is Pranush?Is he fine?"

N-"Pranu is perfectly alright.being naughty.Dont worry he is with everyone downstairs.I have to do this because.When I came to call you for dinner.You were in sleep.So I came now with food.You cant take medicines in empty stomach.I wont let you.Now you have doctors strict eyes on you.So have to be extra cautious."

Nandini laughed passing plate filled with food to Varna.She saw that Varna wanted to smile too.There was something holding her back.She found her fidgeting with food.She touched her hand.Eyed her to not feel uncomfortable.

N-"Have told you before also.Dont have to feel uncomfortable with me.We know each other for years.In fact its good to have you back.I have someone to chat with.Varna you need to have regular meals.Eat healthy food.Your face has become pale.For Pranush you have to do this.I wont listen to you on this."

Varna had some morsels.Pushed by Nandini and after some time she left.She didnt have appetite to eat.Her stomache was giving her signals.For some food but her inside.Had something else.She was stressed because of issue.Which might turn up.She cant live in same room with Vivaan.Even after three months.She didnt knew how things will be managed.No one knew about adjustment they had in Chennai.She feared what if she will be forced.To shift to that room.She shut her eyes and forcefully fed herself.

Shivani opened door to Pranushs room.He was sleeping in crib.She could see from dim light.Varna was also sleeping.In uncomfortable position.She frowned finding her there.She was expecting her and Pranush to be in Vivaans room.Next she closed door and went to Vivaan.He was working on some file.Found Shivani keeping glass of milk on table.He gave her light smile.But she frowned sitting next to him on bed.

V-"Mom what happened.Whya re you awake this late?"

Sh-"Vivaan Im worried for you.Im your mother.These three months.I lived somehow.But now I cant see.You living stressful life."

V-"Im ok Mom.Stop worrying.Pranu is also fine now.Did you heard what doctors said."

Sh-"yes I heard.Also know the reason.Because of blessings and mothers love.Care is special than anything else.Because of Varna.We have Pranush with us today."

She saw Vivaans face fell.But he didnt disagree with her.She made him sit with her.And touched his hand.She wasnt sure to ask him.About this personal relationship he shared with Varna.Things would take time she knew.Still she was expecting something to happen in these months.

Sh-"Vivaan why isnt Varna here.She is sleeping in next room.With Pranush.Thats not her place."

V-"Its her choice Mom.Let her be.Pranush is more comfortable with her.She knows when he wakes up.Hungry and sleepy.Used to in these months."

Sh-"What about you.Arent both of you used to each other.You are Pranu's parents.Dont forget that.Baby needs mother as well as father.Together."

V-"Mom please.Think before what you are asking.Varna is giving mothers love to Pranush.Im thankful to her.But I dont want you all have false hopes.This wont happen."

Sh-"Look at me.Means all these months you were.If not husband wife.Can be friends too.You cant live under same roof.As different individuals.Try in understand that.She is your wife.She has right on your everything now."

V-"Im not defying her from any rights.Except disowning myself.Please Mom.I have done whatever you wanted me.Give me this much freedom.I need time.She does too."

Shivani had to leave her son.Insisting him means putting pressure.This wont develop their relationship.But she felt she has to do something.Which will get them closer.They cant live like this for long.She was in deep thinking.

Few weeks passed in same manner.Varna had minimal interaction with family members.Reyansh used to take efforts.So did others.She has developed habit of having morning coffee with Nandini.After thinking lot and giving in.All were aware that she is different from Ramya.So giving her some time was best.Vivaan was busy with work.He came home late and left early morning.This was noticed by everyone.No one had anything to say.Because they knew this was his way.Of avoiding situation and hiding his anxiety.Vivaan and Varna spent time with Pranush.Equally giving him importance.He was 5 months old baby now.Btter in health than before.Naughty and adorable.Apple of everyones eyes.

One afternoon Varna was carrying Pranush.Upstairs to his room.When found Shivani talking with some man.Outside room and she asked Varna to come.She cooed Pranushs cheeks.Who hid his face in Varnas shoulder.It was his time to have nap.

Sh-"Varna I was coming to you.The AC of this room is leaking.Some water leakage issues.Its not good for Pranu to stay here.Whole room has become mess.Have called men.They will repair it.You can go to next room for the time.I have already shifted Pranushs and your things."

V-"It was fine till morning.What happened suddenly."

Sh-"Dont worry I will let you know.Once its sorted out.Go and rest now."

Varna felt restless being in Vivaans room.She felt different presence and it gave her.Uneasy feeling.She kept on checking time.Her eyes fell on her luggage.Pranush was awake.Settled on bed and playing.He was trying to chew his jacket.When Varna moved it.Making him frown.She took him in her arms.Patting his back.It was almost evening.She knew Vivaan would return some time later.She wanted to leave before he comes.Pranush made some sounds.He wanted to play.With her hair.Locking it in his fists.Giving a chuckle.He bumped his head on her shoulder.Becoming excited.Varna looked at him and smile.He is only reason.Giving her reason to smile.She kissed his head and pinched his nose.Making him chuckle again.

Late evening when all were back home except Vivaan.Varna came down stairs.Finding Shivani instructing something to helpers.Nandini and Reyansh were arguing over something.With Vikram laughing at them.Shivani turned around and found Varna.She kissed Pranush taking him.Varna looked confused.

V-"Work must be over.Its late.I think I should shift my luggage back to room."

Sh-"Oh no.I was about to inform you.Workers left but problem is not fixed.They will need a week to fix AC.Some pipe has broken.Leaking gas too.Its not good to stay there."

V-"Its ok.Pranush can stay in that room.I will shift my luggage only."

Sh-"Varna listen.I was saying for both of you.I have locked room.Cant let you stay there.You are also not well.It will be fixed in week."

V-"Till then?"

Sh-"Pranu will stay with his mother.Varna thats your room too.I have asked helper.To ready it for you.Dont worry.I will talk with Vivaan."

Varna was very angry.She was waiting whole day for problem to get fixed.This new issue has come up.Which she cant avoid at any way.She cant disrespect Shivani too.By harsh words.She cant kill her self respect.She didnt knew what to do.Sure of one thing.She wont spend night in that room.Nandini saw all this and went to Shivani.Once Varna went up in anger.

N-"One week to fix AC.Why that long?"

Sh-"What do you think.I cant see whats taking place.In this house and their lives.You are right Nandu.I had to do something.To end this."

N-"but do you think Varna will agree.She wont.She is stubborn and Vivaan anna.He will be furious.What if he finds out.Its too risky."

Sh-"Dont worry.Im their mother.If my first plan didnt work.This will work definitely.Just I need someones help."

N-"Help from.Pranush?"

As expected Varna wasnt sleeping in same room.At night and she went to guest room.Which was downstairs.Pranush was sleeping With Vivaan in his room.When he came home it was too late.He heard about some issue with room.

He found Pranushs crib in his room and smiled.Kissing his son.He was so tired.He changed his clothes and slept.Patting Pranush and feeling his eyes heavy.Varna was changing sides on bed.She felt angry with herself.Whole day she was tired.Why cant she get some sleep.

She got up and found jug empty.She went outside to have water.She stopped hearing noise.Pranushs wails awaken mother instinct inside her.She kept glass on table without taking sip.Rushed to stairs.She opened door to Vivaans room.Found Pranush throwing his hands and legs.Crying and Vivaan was sleeping next to him.She stopped thinking to attend him or not.Seeing him wailing.She couldnt stop herself.She went to take him.Vivaans hand was on top of Pranushs chest.She pulled baby to her.Trying to pacify him.Which disturbed Vivaans sleep.Lights of room were already on.He could hear Pranushs wails.With blurry image and saw.Varna pacing in room.

V-"Pranu.Im sorry.I dont know how I fell asleep.Couldnt hear his cries.Is he alright."

Var-"its ok.He will be fine.He is hungry.Let me get his bottle."

V-"No wait.I will get it."

He checked on them.Moving to downstairs to get milk.He came back and gave her bottle.Pranush was acting stubborn.Not ready to drink milk.He kept on crying.Vivaan took him and tried every way.To keep him calm.Little one got angry.He got scared finding no one attending him.Varna was scared.See him like this.Its been while.He stopped doing this.Vivaan checked his temperature.

V-"Is he having stomach ache?Why is he crying like this."

Var-"We should take him to hospital.He doesnt cry this much now."

She took little on in her arms.Her heart was racing.Every minute with thoughts.Vivaan found babys temperature normal.

V-"We can wait for some time.Maybe he is angry."

Var-"Whats need to wait.I dont feel this good.He is already weak and."

She stopped fearing what if her words were true.It was midnight when both.Were trying every way possible.To pacify Pranush.He softened bit.When bottle was given to him.He cried again.Vivaan didnt knew what to do.Varna was moving from one end of room to another.Like this whole night passed.She changed his clothes.He felt bit easy now.Still his face red and tired from crying.Vivaan got his toys on bed.Setting him on middle.He was on one side.Varna came on other side.Hesitating and Vivaan noticed that.Finally Pranush was drinking milk.Vivaan and Varna took breath of relief.Pranush held Varnas stole tightly in his fist.Vivaan saw that.He thought to move to couch.Somehow pass this time.Varna was relieved.

Vivaan felt disturbed.Pranushs wails hit his ears.He opened his eyes.See Varna trying to pat him to sleep.He shoved pillow.Went to check on him.Varna gave blank expression.She put baby on bed.Covering him with blanket.He was still crying.Varna held his one hand.With her hand and Vivaan.Kissed his head.Trying to lull him to sleep.He held his other tiny hand.Suddenly they found pin drop silence.As little one was sleeping.Pouting his lips.Vivaan and Varna looked at each other.Then at Pranush.They were holding.His hands.Either sides.Life was testing them.Time and again.

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Your love for this book.Never fails to touch my heart.Thank you for special words.In form of comments.Will try to update next chapter tomorrow.

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