Vivaan was recovering well.Week passed in jiff.His family was there as strong support.But he was shocked to see.Someone else making sure.He was take care of.Be it his medicines on time.Giving him proper meals.Seeing if he needs anything.Varna was there on his side.She didnt talk with him.Except saying yes or no if he asked.Her anything.He was sure of one thing.She has softened bit after that nights incident.His leg was in better condition now.Still not fully recovered.So they were staying in guest room.Vivaan is in better condition now.Can walk with crutch.

It was random morning.Vivaan was sitting in garden area.Sipping morning tea and checking newspaper.Reyaansh and Vikram left for office.Ladies of house were also busy with chores.He was bored.He kept newspaper away.Looking around and having tea.Few days he was at home.Made him realize how can one.Stay locked for hours.He saw Varna coming out with Pranush.Crying his heart out.His baby was 8 months old now.He didnt realize when time flew.

V-"No stop crying.Ok we will be here.For while.Stay calm."

Varna was trying to stop him.From crying loud.He was wearing red today.Matching his face and nose.All red due to crying and anger.Pranush has developed this new habit.He loves watching Alice playing with her kids.Every time he would watch them sitting on Vivaans lap.He would try to give loud chuckle.Clap giving heart warming smile.Vivaan saw how little one was giving hard time to Varna.He enjoyed it.Varna could see his gaze.From far and it was smirk.She glared at him.She settled Pranush properly.Caressing his back.With her hands.They came to where Vivaan was sitting.Vivaan looked at sky.Faking his attention there finding her approaching him.She knew he was acting.Made face.Pranushs eyes searched for Alice.As if he understood everything.He was moving impatiently.Making it difficult for Varna to handle him.For one second she thought.He was about to fall.Vivaan balanced him.Holding his back.

Vivaan couldnt stand properly.Still he managed to do it.He looked at Varna.As both were locked in gaze.Pranush tried grabbing their attention.Varnas stole was now all messed up.He clutched it on his hand.Strongly holding it.She felt awkward in front of Vivaan.

V-"What happened to him.Early morning."

Var-"You know better than me.Its because of you.He is after that dog.Not getting to see for days.So starts crying session."

Varna looked at her hand.Pranushs nails were sharp.Forgot to cut them due to work load.They left marks on her hand.She hissed in pain.Pranush as if understood.Put his finger inside his mouth.Looked at Varna.His eyes full of tears.She couldnt help giving him kiss.But he started again realizing Alices absence from there.Vivaan till now understood what whole fuss was about.

V-"This is also my fault now.Great Pranu."

Var-"You handle him now.I have work."

V-"Me?Dont you know my condition.I cant move properly.How will I keep him.Do one thing.You be here.Alice has gone for bath.She will be back soon.With her family."

Vivaan enjoyed look on Varnas face.With mention of Alice and her family.He still couldnt get.How grown up person can be.This much scared with dogs.She adjusted her stole properly.Glaring at him.

Var-"No I cant sit here.I mean I have work.You dont have to walk.Just be here with him.Im sure that you can do."

V-"Oh no.What if he falls.How will I manage.I cant take risk with him."

Var-"How did you manage to walk here.Then looking at sky.Enjoying tea.I get everything.Dont have to handle him."

She tried taking Pranush back from his lap.He was adamant to let go of Vivaans shirt.Vivaan smiled and kissed him.Picking him up carefully.Pranush was at peace finally.Varna saw little one.Growing up now and becoming naughty.She never loses her cool with him.That was magic of angel in her life.She let him be with Vivaan.About to leave when heard his voice.

V-"I want water."

She gave nod to him.Left with father son duo ready have some fun.After long time.He cooed babys cheeks.Making him giggle.Making up for all kisses.He missed giving him these days.Pranush was trying to touch his cheeks.His eyes looked around.Asking Vivaan where were his friends.Vivaan ate his cheeks annoying him.He made grumpy voice.

V-"Oh I see Pranu Reddy.Is in grumpy mood today.Why sir.Wont let me give you kiss.You let her do that.Why not me."

He answered her in his language something.He tried kissing his cheek again.He covered Vivaans face with his tiny hand.Was full of saliva.Vivaan made face.Rubbed his head on his tummy.Varna came back with water.She cleared her throat.Grab their attention.Pranush saw her.He extended his hand.With smile asking her to sit with them.Vivaan had only one sip of water.Varna kissed babys hand.Alice was back.With her babies running after her.Helper gave them bath.As Varna heard barks.She left from there.Vivaan saw her.He looked at Pranush all jumpy.Excited and laughed.Locking him in his arms carefully.

After some time Varna was inside.She could hear Vivaan calling.Out for her.She was annoyed to extreme.In these ten minutes.He called her 10 times almost.Asking for something or other.Warm water.Cod water.Pranushs beaker.His milk bottle.His toys.Vivaans glasses and now what.She had enough.She went out walking in anger.Her steps stopped seeing Alice.Trying to shake hand with Pranush.She was scared but.Motherly instinct inside her didnt let her stop.She stopped Pranushs hand.Taking him from Vivaan.Pranush wasnt happy.Being taken away from playing with.His friends.He cried asking Vivaan take him back.

V-"What was that for.You made him cry again."

Var-"Cant you see what.He was doing.He will transfer infection.He is too small.What if this dog bites him."

Alices face fell.She have idea now that Varna.doesnt like her.But every time she sees her.Something makes her hart melt.She wants to go closer to her.Reason was same.As if dogs were more like humans.Recognize faces.She was darling of Ramya.After she left.No one couldnt fill her place.Varna looked at her.With anger and fear.She rubbed Pranushs head and back.Trying to make him understand.Vivaan stayed back.In confusion as he saw.Varna heading back inside.

V-"Sorry Alice.She needs time to accept you."

After two days Vivaan was to join office.From today and he was back to his room.Varna also settled back.This time was only difference.Without letting him speak word.She would sleep in floor.On carpet setting mattress.Taking her pillow and quilt.Vivaan couldnt dare argue with her.Who can win over her attitude.He was brushing his hair.When Shivani came.He smiled at her.

S-"Vivaan you could have taken more rest.Dont strain yourself.Come home early.I have given strict warning.To your Dad."

V-"I feel suffocated Mom.These days locked up in house.How do you manage to stay.At home whole day."

S-"I wasnt housewife but.Nowadays on this mode.Where is Varna?"

V-"How would I know.I saw her last night.Then didnt knew after that."

S-"Vivaan you both amaze me.At times.I hope you are not being.Mean to her.You know we all felt good.Seeing how she was taking care of you.Like wife does."

V-"Its not nice weaving dreams.Which cant come true Mom.In near future.Im leaving now.See you."

He left giving her peck on head.She wasnt convinced hear.Negative response from him.About his and Varnas relationship.But he did gave one hint.In near future.So it means he does see.Life with Varna.

In these days some changes were seen in Varna.She talked with Lata and Nandini.With Shivani she feels little awkward.But she was much better than before.She came down as Pranush was sleeping.Shivani was in kitchen preparing something special.She looked worried.

S-"These helpers have to skip work.Today only.What Im going to do now.Cant order food from outside also.They wont like.Lata cant help.She has gone to Chennai to meet some friend.Nandini will be back late."

Varna heard her and stood there.Playing with her hands.Shivani was trying someones number.Helper who cooks.Didnt come today.With no one left in house.All burden came on Shivani.Some family guests were to come.Today for dinner.Shivani didnt knew what to do.She had headache.Went to her room.To think of some way.Varna looked at kitchen.Then at her back leaving.She thought of something.

It was almost evening.Vikram and others were back from work except Nandini.Reyaansh took in smell.Of food and he couldnt wait to taste dishes.Vivaan and Vikram were in some discussion.While they were waiting for guests to come.

R-"I cant wait to taste dishes.Smell so good."

They saw Shivani coming down.With look on her face.She was ready in saree.Unlike of her.Vikram complimented her.Making her red in front of grown up kids.

V-"Mom I heard cook didnt come today.How did you manage all this alone.I mean look at dishes.All authentic ones."

R-"You have some magic in your hands.Made all these alone."

S-"Well someone does have magic.In hands.Thats not me.I didnt touch any of these dishes."

V-"You didnt.Then who?"

Shivani smiled remembering someones efforts.How she was left in shock.When she came few hours ago.From her room.In tension.Her problem was solved.

S-"Varna prepared all these dishes.Single handedly.I was very tensed.How to manage alone.Vikram I have forgotten how to cook.South indian dishes.Thank God Varna saved us.Else your relatives would have.Started their drama again.about unfit daughter in law."

Reyaansh and Vikram were shocked.With this new discovery about Varna.While Shivani was telling them.About how this was done.Vivaan stood there.Still in shock.He checked out each and every dish.They looked and smelled delicious.Varna Shetty is something.

Guests were Vikrams family side.Shivani everytime has hard time.Being careful with them.Last they interacted with them.During Vivaan and Ramyas wedding.All were slightly worried.When came to know about their arrival.Specially with way things were going.Varnas presence in their house.They didnt knew how she will.Deal with such family matters.Outsiders shouldnt have an ear.Whatever happening in their family.Vikram has asked Shivani to take care of that.Madhumita was one of Vivaans Uncles wife.It was very hard to impress her.She doesnt leave chance.Catch what others fail to.

M-"Vikram Anna must say.Your daughter in law.Has magic in hands.Never tasted such delicious food.That also from your house.Not even your wife."

Shivani smirked at her husband.Who gave helpless look.Reyaansh and others were busy.Gobbling food.Vivaan had little.Busy in conversing with his cousins.When all asked for Varna.

M-"Where have you hidden your daughter in law.Havent seen her from time.We came."

S-"She is busy with Pranu.Its not easy to handle.Little kid.Will be here soon.I will serve desserts."

Varna came down with Pranush.Who wasnt ready to sleep today.Guests looked at her.Some with smiles while others.Surprized to find her.In such simple wear and look.Madhumita saw her hands neck and forehead empty.Simple dress and smirked.Shivani eyed her to come.She handed Pranush to helper.Took him for some time.Varna joined hands in front of everyone.Touched elders feet.One of Vivaans cousins.Was confused staring at Varna.

C-"Your name is Varna right.Your face looks familiar to me."

M-"Bhavi I think you dont know son.She is Varna.Ramyas twin sister.Didnt I tell you.After Ramyas sudden death.Her sister was married to our Vivaan.So that she can take care.Of baby.You know its not easy for man alone.Handle babys responsibility."

Shivani knew this was enough.To trigger many reasons.Bring problems.She hoped somehow this situation would be managed.Varna stood there.Silently gulping down streak of insult.Once again someone.Mentioned how she was just.Replacement of Ramya.She didnt say word.Vivaan was out attending some call.He came back and found atmoshpere tensed.

S-"Varna is mother to Pranush.From his first day.All he recognizes is his.Mothers touch.Its not easy give.Mothers love and care.Specially when you are not in.Situation to do so.We are proud of her.Way she has been with us.In such hard time."

M-"Ofcourse she is.Such wonderful girl.Come here.I want to give you something."

Varna didnt have interest.To be part of drama.She looked at Shivani.Eyeing her to go.Vivaan was taken away by.His cousins to show something.Madhumita took out gold chain.Which looked old and worn out.She gave that to Varna.Who wasnt willing to accept it.But she had to.

M-"First time saw your face.Have to give you something.Keep this as blessing.Shivani she is so simple.I think girls nowadays like to deck up.But here your daughter in law hardly.Take efforts.To wear anything.But you know dear.Its so inauspicious when girls.Dont wear wedding chain or.Put vermilion on head.Sign of disrespect to your husband and family."

S-"Madhumita akka we dont believe in all this.You know that.All old sayings."

M-"Shivani you were also modern.But this thing is must.You know right.Roaming around empty hands and neck.In house is inauspicious.For daughter in law.Rest is up to you."

V-"Sorry Aunty but for me.Keeping on mind these things are less important.Than my sons well being.Whose still toddler now.Starting to see and feel things.He keeps on having his hands everywhere.Unknowingly and thats why.I stopped wearing chains or anything.Better not to hurt him.Than look into these sayings.What can me more auspicious than.Son of this house."

Shivani never felt this proud of Varna.Way she handled Madhumita.Who lost color from face.Gave fake smile and left from there.Shivani touched Varnas cheeks.Society and their fake rules.Never had any value in her eyes.Because from inside she also knew.What this wedding meant to her.Only for Pranush she was there.

Vivaan came to his room late night.After seeing off guests.He heard what happened from Shivani.He also relieved that his family.Didnt believe in all those things.He closed door.found Varna deely engrossed.Trying to look for something.Dressing table had hardly any of her things.Only small brush.With which she combs her hair.Had all his perfumes and things.He frowned as she tried opening drawers.Made all perfume bottles.Fall and he went to hold them.

She looked at him and realized.Her face looked exhausted.But fear was in her eyes.Losing something precious.Vivaan surprised see look on her face.

Var-"Im sorry.I.Lost something.Cant find it anywhere."

Her voice felt calm but.Out of breath to him.He saw her looking everywhere in room.He still didnt knew.For which precious thing.She was getting so charged up.He undid his watch.Keeping his eyes on her.Pranush was sleeping in his crib.Varna hissed in pain.As she cut her finger accidentally.She shut her eyes.Blood oozed out.Vivaan went to her.Holding her hand.He looked at her with anger and disbelief.

V-"Are you mad.What hell you think.You are doing."

She took her finger back from him.He forcefully held it.Looking for first aid box.She struggled on way.

Var-"Im fine.Leave me."

V-"you arent.I dont want any arguments now.Just stand here."

He applied medicine on her wound.While looking at her.Still restless.He put band aid on her cut.Freeing her finally.She looked pale and as if.Something precious was taken away from her.

V-"What are you looking for."

Varna sat on bed.Shutting her eyes.She was on verge of breaking down.In tears.When her eyes widened.Relief came on her face.She found her ring on floor.Under bed and gripped it.On his hand.Vivaan saw her.She cleaned ring with her stole.Wearing it later.She turned around to bump into Vivaan.

V-"So you were looking for this.This made you mad.To lose your senses.Why do you keep on losing it.Here and there."

Var-"Im tired.Need to sleep."

Varna made her bed  on carpet with mattress and pretended to sleep.Save from Vivaans questions.Vivaan was also on bed.He was awake too.Thinking about what just happened now.He knew this ring meant lot to her.He knew reason too.He have seen her few times.Looking for it.Like it was her life saver.It was only ornament.With her since time she came here.If she doesnt prefer to wear anything.Why that.Making her understand anything was debatable.He didnt want to do that.But he wanted her to move ahead.From what she was holding on to.He have seen her before.Now it surprises him every time.How she has transformed herself.Into completely different person.

Next morning Vivaan had breakfast.He was leaving for office when Shivani and Vikram came.Both looked nervous.Talking to their son.

V-"Good morning Mom Dad.Why do you look tensed.Mom Madhumita aunty again coming for dinner."

S-"Vivaan stop that now.Actually me and your dad.We want to discuss something with you."

V-"yes say then.What is it."

S-"Vivaan you know we have this custom.every year during Diwali we gift.New jewelry to daughter in law of our house.Last year we gave it for Nandu and Ramya.We arent celebrating this year big.But have to do rituals.We want to order set for Varna too.Since she is our family now."

V-"Yes Vivaan and I think.Its high time.She should also feel herself.As part of family.Got to know she is normal now.Its good."

Vivaan thought and laughed in mind.Who was normal.he remembered Varnas antics and kept mum.

V-"You both know Im not planning for any celebrations.Since Im not in any mood.But its Pranushs first Diwali so.I want to do whatever for him.I will do all rituals.Like we do every year.But why are you guys telling me about all this?"

S-"Because you have seen what happened.Last night.Vivaan there are some things.We cant control.Im not bothered about what who says.But thats true also.Varna is our daughter in law now.Every time someone comes visit us.Its awkward to make them understand.About her.Way she keeps herself away from everything.her dressing up so simply.I mean she has freedom but.This is not how girl lives her life.Colorless and lifeless.I dont think it will be right for us.Talk to her.Maybe she will think.We are giving pressure on her.Why dont you try.Im sure she will understand."

V-"I will see Mom.You can go ahead with rituals.But Mom make sure.We are not affected by what outsiders think.I give damn to them.They werent here crying on my grief.Handling my days old son.Now also she is handling him alone.I hardly do anything.So hope you wont take that.Into account and force her.For anything."

Shivani gave understanding look to him.He looked at brochures.Pretending to hear what his parents.Were talking about.He had on mind.How to deal with burning kettle now.

Day later Varna was aware of Diwali preparations nearing.Everyone in house were busy preparing.Pranush looked excited too.Seeing everyone and specially.Decorations put up.It was specially for him.Asked by Vivaan as he promised.he wont let any grief.Be hindrance in his sons learnings and rights.It was his first festival with them.Shivani and Lata.Got new clothes for Pranush.Seeng which baby became all excited.He liked them.

She was sitting on bed.Folding Pranushs clothes.As he was sitting.With support of pillow on back.From time he learnt to sit.It has become much easier for her.Be with him on bed and do work.He was playing with rubber duck.Trying to put it on his mouth.When he gave loud chuckle.Varna saw Vivaan entering room.She became alert and reserved.He kissed Pranush.Eating his cheeks.He went to Varna.Kept brochure book in front of her.She frowned.

V-"Have look at this."

Var-"Whats this."

She took book and checked first few pages.Heavy designs for jewlery.She heard Nandini excited.For what design to give downstairs.She was least interested in all these.From beginning at her house too.It was always Ramya choosing different designs.Prakash getting both sisters new jewelry in this ocassion.For time she felt nostalgic.Missing out being home in Diwali.Missing out with Ramya.Who knew fate will bring them here.She came back with Pranushs voice.As he threw his toy on floor.Vivaan was telling him something.Giving him back toy.

Var-"I dont like all this please."

Vivaan looked at her.As she gave back brocure to him.She didnt look pleased with what.He just gave her.He was expecting.He played with Pranushs duck.Making sound.He clapped his baby hands.Varna was about to leave when he called her.He went to door and closed it.Confusing her.

V-"Varna at times we have to do.Few things life.Which goes beyond our choice.And likings.Its for people who care.For us.Its ritual in our family.Every year gift to.Daughter in law of this house.Since you are also.Mom dads wish."

Var-"Im sorry.I dont need anything.Im fine with way Im."

V-"Making you understand something.is like hitting your head on walls."

Var-"you dont need to.I will tell them."

V-"You wont tell them anything.I cant see my parents.Depressed in this time of festival.Dont you have this much.Consideration for people.You are living with from this time.Why are you always so adamant.About what you like and want.Others dont matter to you right."

Var-"I dont want to fight.I cant do drama.Please anyone."

V-"This is all drama for you.fine let it be.Tell me then whats with drama you put on.Can you be frank with it."

Var-"What.Are you saying."

V-"Yes the great Varna.Wont understand what Im saying."

He caught her hand.Startling her and made her.Look at ring on her fingers.His eyes darted at her.She was left speechless

V-"do you have answers for this.Any explanation."

She took her hand back.trying best to avoid his gaze.She tried getting back to Pranush.When he held her strongly.

Var-"I dont owe anyone any kind of explanation.Not you.Leave me."

V-"You do.When you dont care.Look for others.What they want from you.Why should I let you do.What you like.Why are you still wearing this.Tell me."

Var-"I dont need to answer you.You dont mean anything to me."

She got away.Stepping backwards.Each step taken with fear.Her finger preciously secured in her hold.She was saving it as if.Vivaan had fire in his eyes.He pulled her harshly towards him.Meeting his eyes.

V-"Dont pretend as if.I dont know.You are wearing ring given by.Your ex fiance.As only ornament.What do you expect.My family to see and feel.I have eyes too."

Var-"If Im.Thats none of your business.I wont explain anyone.My choice."

V-"Stop it.Dont move.Why is it my likes.My choice always.What about us.Who are around you.Arent we humans.Or robots like you.You know we have to be answerable to people.Who come and see you.We dont have anything to answer."

Var-"I see so my presence.Make you all ashamed.Why did you bring me here then."

V-"You are nonsense with such words.My family never forced you.For anything.Or asked you to wear.Wedding chain.Did they.All they want to see you.As normal person.how they dress up."

Var-"I said what I have to.Fine if its between me and them.I will handle.You dont have to get in."

He pulled her harshly again.Making her wince in pain.His hold hurt her badly.

Var-"You are hurting me.Leave my hand."

V-"Its sad how you fail to see.Pain in others eyes.How can you be so selfish."

Var-"I said leave me.or else."

V-"Else what.You will call your ex fiance.Deal with me.My family.We are torturing you."

Varna pushed Vivaan.Going breathless in this war.As she adjusted her stole.Looking at him.With dead eyes.He looked angry beyond words.

Var-"Why does it bother so much.To you.Yes this ring was given to me.By Shakthi.Whom I love.he will always be.Person in my life.I respect and love.Nothing can break our relationship."

She touched ring.Gave look to him.Vivaan smirked and gave sarcastic grin.She felt like.Giving him slap.Why did she still wear that ring.because it made her.Belong to Shakthi.She was still in her land.Where she has him.Mere misunderstanding cannot break image.She has on her mind of him.

V-"Are you really trying to act fool.Varna tell me.How can you wear this.When this relationship died long back."

Var-"You are no one to judge.Our relationship.Stay away from me and my life.Please."

V-"Im no one.Right now.And for person whom you are still striving for.Wearing ring on his name.What if he never loved you.He left you for your worse days.Still after him.This is your logic.Of being faithful in relationship.One sided."

Var-"Just stop it.Dont have any right to speak.Like that.Leave me alone."

V-"I will leave you alone.Only if you redeem yourself.I cant see my family hurt.People raising fingers at us.We dont feed you.Keep you like helper.Look at yourself in mirror.When was last time.You got to see.Varna Shetty.The confident entrepreneur.I feel like laughing at myself.When I first met you.thought you love to challenge.People and win.Didnt knew you were so weak.Back then.But I was right.Towards end judging you.Varna Shetty was just big talk.No personality of her own.Knew how to take support from people.Like Shakthi.Feel pity for you."

Vivaan left room breathless.Asfter spitting those harsh words.On Varna.But he turned back to see her.Falling down.She wasnt crying.Looking at her ring.He had to say that to her.Because he knew.This is only way to bring back life in her.Old Varna back.Who can make things better.For that he will go to any extent.Even if it angers her.Varna sat motionless.Trying to get what.Vivaan just said.Was it true.She has lost her own self.In this fight to deal.With situations life put her in.She went to mirror.Checking herself.Her eyes had dark circles.Face lost color.She looked weak.Confidence away from her.How did she turn to this person.Was she this weak from beginning.Same Varna Shetty who knew.How to handle and raise herself.In every situation.She felt dejected at herself.

.......................................................................................................................

WIhing happy Diwali to all readers.Lovely people.Bring love and happiness in life.Thank you for reading.Appreciating my work every time.

Few people have doubt.On why Varna is still lingering on Shakthi.But two things played big part.On Vivaan and Varnas relationship.From beginning.Their big egos made them land up.In whatever situation they are in.Like ice and fire.Lets see if Vivaan as ice can cool in this fire.

Please do not forget to vote and comment.

:)