Diwali was nearing.All were busy with shopping.Arranging for prayer ceremony at home.This year it will be done in simple way.With only family members.Men of house already got gifts for their wives.Vikram gifted Shivani necklace.Like every year he gifts her.Of her favorite design.It was Reyaansh and Nandinis first Diwali after wedding.He planned special gift for her.

Vivaan looked around himself.His family was happy.He wanted to see this smile.On their faces.He was back home in evening.For some reason felt an emptiness.Reyaansh showed him special diamond necklace.He got for Nandini.He went for shopping with Nandini.Vikram and Shivani went to some friends house.House felt empty.

He was walking around house.Feeling lonely and bored.When thought to play with his naughty son.He went to room.Before getting in.Saw amazing sight.Varna held Pranush from his hip and hands.He was squealing in happiness.She was trying to make him stand on his feet.On bed.She was smiling too.Every time Pranush was laughing.She gave him kisses.Made him excited and dance.Vivaan smiled.Crossing his arms and standing there.Where would he have got.This smile and happiness for his baby.His eyes went to Varna.Smile slowly fading away.As he remembered.That nights argument.Its rare see her smile.

Pranush was having fun.But he was about to lose balance.Varna caught him on right time.Felt someone elses hand on babys back.Both Vivaan and Varna caught him same time.They looked into each others eyes.It was awkward.Vivaan left Pranush.He was taken in Varnas arms.As she rubbed his back.He was busy in her own world.Playing with Varnas hair.

V-"No one is at home.I came here to see.If he is awake."

Varna didnt say word.Gave Pranush to him.Who made face.He loved playing with her hair.He was stopped from doing so.Didnt like it.Vivaan frowned trying to learn reason.For his behavior.Varna got back to her work.When Vivaan found out.He cooed babys cheeks.Whispered his ear.

V-"Little brat.Is this even game to play.So naughty.Come we will play boys game."

Varna was done pressing her clothes.Keeping them in cupboard.From time she came to this house.She does all chores related to her.Doesnt take help from anyone.She was tired.She thought of something.Standing front of mirror.Looked at herself.It was true.She couldnt see same Varna Shetty.Her eyes and face.Everything looked so dull.Been months she went to parlor.Pranush and work kept her busy.If she leaves him for second.He starts crying.How will she leave him alone.She wanted to prove Vivaan wrong.From that night.She gave it thought.Why was she ruining herself.For someone who doesnt care for her.Did Shakthi ever try to call her back once.He never tried.Reaching her.Does he even know where she is.For Vivaan.Why should she show him.She is weak and needs help.All this troubled Varna.

She took pillow.Setting it on her lap.She was confused.How to go out of house.Checked her bag.Running out money.She had to take it from booth.Using her card.She was biting her nails.When idea struck her.

Varna came down with her bag.Dressed up in her faded pair of dress and stole.She frowned seeing.Someone at door.Vivaan was seen smiling.Talking to person.As she came near.She could see Pranush trying to get out.Of his fathers grip.Vivaan saw Varna approaching them.Ready to go out it seemed.He havent seen her going out.In his presence.Vivaan looked down.He was stuck badly in this weird situation.Deepali was their neighbours daughters friend.Too young for her age flirting with Vivaan.She comes there frequently.She saw Varna and checked her from had to toe.Vivaan sensed something coming.

V-"Deepali here is your sugar.I think this would be enough.For week or so.Say hi to Aunty."

D-"Why dont you come to our place.Vivaan.We are having special get together today at home.So you can also come over.I mean your family also."

Varna found it very awkward for girl this young.Flirt with guy like this.She was standing without any expression.She felt weird.Way girl was checking her out.She looked at herself.Then back to girl.She was dressed in better clothes than her.But does she care.Vivaan cleared his throat.Introduced Varna to Deepali.Who gave mocking look to her.

D-"I have seen her.Your wife looks unhealthy.Always.Poor soul.Must be busy taking care of household work.Doesnt get time for anything."

Vivaan didnt knew what to say.Varna was getting red with anger.Before he could see smoke.Coming out from her ears.Vivaan thought its safe make Deepali leave.She left after trying to flatter Vivaan.he made some excuse.With Pranush crying not liking her presence.He took breath of relief.Looked at Varna.Who held on to sling of her bag.Her eyes said something.She felt insulted.She didnt knew herself reason.She opened door.As Vivaan gave her space.

V-"Im going out for some work.Will be back."

Vivaan had enough of weirdness for day.He locked door.Taking his cranky son.Trying to find ways handle him.Now that Varna was also gone.he knew he is going to have hard time.

It was almost late evening.Reyaansh and Nandini came back home.They found Vivaan sweating.Running around place.To make his son have milk.He was crying and showing anger.They were surprised to see Vivaan.In this condition.Without Varna anywhere.She was one who can handle Pranush best.

R-"Anna you look.Really exhausted.All well."

V-"Yeah.You will get to know soon.When you become father."

R-"Im saved.Not planning any soon.Where is Varna."

V-"She has gone out.Thats why this brat.Is doing so much drama.See even I used to be such nice kid."

Vivaan realized it was late.Since Varna have gone out.After Reyaansh took Pranush.Informed him that its already dark outside.This girl havent even taken their car.He was really tired and stressed.He didnt even knew her number.

Preparation for dinner was on.Nandini was in kitchen.Stealing glances at Varna.Who was mixing food for Pranush.She could feel Nandinis gaze at her.From time she came back.All were giving her weird looks.She was giving up finally.

V-"Why are you giving me this look.Do I look like some zombie."

N-"No but you look.So better.I mean.Fresh and something.Changed.Hey you went for spa?"

Varna became conscious.Seeing around if there was anyone else.Nandini caught her hand.Checking her hair.

N-"My hair has become so rough.Varna you got such beautiful long hair.I always wanted such long hairs.How do you maintain them?"

Varna gave light smile.She remembered Karuna oiling.Both sisters hair.For months she has forgotten.Take care of herself.Maintain anything on her own.She was brought back by Nandini.

V-"Yeah I was feeling sick.Looked sick too.So thought to get facial."

N-"Its okay.Dont have to feel so awkward.Why didnt you tell me.We could have gone together."

Varna have checked herself numerous times.Since she came back.Her dark circles were still visible.Face looked better.Hair also long and straight than before.

N-"Varna tomorrow we are going for shopping.All ladies of house.You do join us."

V-"What will I do there.I mean.Im not fond of shopping.I will be at home with Pranush."

Nandini smiled at her.As she left with food.Varna was really something.But she was glad.Finally she could see her.Getting back to track in her life.

Varna was feeding Pranush.Others were busy attending to neighbors.Who came to wish Diwali with sweets and gifts.Varnas eyes were at same girl.Who came earlier that evening.She looked at herself.Thought not to go in front of them.She didnt care.Pranush was throwing his hands which.Made some food land on her dress.He chuckled.Making her glare at him.Next moment she smiled.She came to main area.Clean her dress.When bumped into someone.She felt awkward at way.Woman was staring at her.Gave fake smile.Guests left soon.Something made Varna burn in anger.After she overheard them.Saying about her.They suggested to keep helper for Pranush.As their daughter in law.Looks unhealthy taking care of him.She hates it.When someone comments on her.She shut her eyes.Retiring for night.

Vivaan was on bed working in laptop.He could see her angry.Over something.As she was throwing things.Keeping them on places making sounds.Pranush wasnt sleepy.She tried best.Gave up handing him over to Vivaan.He made him sleep beside him.Guarded by pillows on side.He was slowly getting sleep.Sucking his finger.

V-"Will you stop taking anger on things.Pranu is sleeping.He will wake up."

Var-"yes all my fault.Everything is my fault.Whatever happens.I have to be blamed.Judged and commented on.Every time."

She tied her hair in bun.First time when Vivaan saw her hair.So long and he could see.How she have been.Hiding herself.In cover of dullness.He kept laptop away.Trying to judge her emotions.He didnt say word.Stared at her.As she was fuming.

V-"I thought what others say.Doesnt bother you.So why reacting."

Var-"Im not talking with you.Please my head hurts."

She fell down.Even tears have dried up.Wont come easily now.She saw Vivaan.Standing in front of her.She shut her eyes.No more drama for night.

V-"Its you only.Who gave them chance.Talk about you.Or make comments."

Var-"Thanks.Was expecting this."

V-"Im not saying they have right.Talk about my wife behind her back.On her get up.How she looks.I gave them back.What they deserved.Its none of their concern.But you think whatever people saying.Its true."

Varna looked at him.With her eyes calm now.She didnt have energy to fight him.Or she didnt have answer.To his last question.Vivaan came to her level.Matching her eyes.

V-"Its up to us.How we want people to see us.If you want yourself to look.Poor innocent soul.Damsel in distress.Its fine.Thats what all are saying anyways.But is this the real Varna.Or you are trying to hide in mask.Of being sick and depression.Your grief have still not left you.Want to show world.How poor you are.Tortured and left to suffer alone.In this world."

Var-"Will you stop.Please I request you."

V-"You are mature enough.See your own good Varna.No one can do good to you.Unless you realize that."

He sensed her not reacting.As he shifted back to bed.Patting Pranush slowly.Taking out finger from his mouth.He kissed his head.He could see.Varna was also sleeping.He was really worried for her.Way she was reacting.He was scared what if.She locks herself more.Into her own shell.He cant let that happen.

Next morning started with preparations in house.On full swing for evening.Prayer was to be held.Shivani has asked Varna.Help her in something.Thats why she woke up early.Went to take shower.So that she can get done with Pranush first.Then help others.All were at home today.Because of holidays.

Vivaan came inside room to get something.He found Pranush in his crib.Trying to punch his doll.He wasnt able to.Every time doll getting away.From his reach.When Vivaan punched doll lightly.Made his son gave proud smile.

V-"What proud smile my son.You will be like your Amma.Same aggression."

He picked her in his arms.Looking around if Varna there.He hard shower.So she was there.He bit his lips.Naught grin came on his face.As he showed Pranush be quiet.Putting his finger on lips.

After some time Varna came out of washroom.In her bathrobe.She was drying her hair.Went to take her clothes from bed.When she didnt find them there.She checked every place in room.Then her luggage bag.Where she used to keep her clothes.She still havent set her things on cupboard.She was confused as who can take her bag.She tried finding to wear something.Inside cupboard.It had all Vivaans clothes.She scrunched her nose.Slammed cupboard.Catching her head.What will she do now.Shivani asked her to come early.Here she was in bathrobe.She found her night dress.Pair of loose pajama and shirt.Luckily they were there.Wore them in urgency.Threw towel on bed.

Shivani and Nandini were busy.Arranging flowers and other things.Lata was also there sitting.They saw Varna coming down.Exchanged looks finding her in night dress.She doesnt come out like that.In normal days.Varna came to them.Not knowing what to say.She felt nervous and embarassed.

S-"Varna why are you still in your night wear.What happened."

V-"I dont know.I.I cant find my clothed.I left them on bed.Going for shower.When came out.They werent there."

N-"What?But who will take your clothes away."

S-"Check your bags properly.Maybe some other place."

V-"No.I checked whole room.Its not there.My whole bag gone.I dont have anything to wear.Except this.Im sorry."

L-"Varna its not time to say sorry.Where will your clothes go.Akka this is strange."

S-"Im also thinking same Lata.Who will take her belongings like this.Wait let me."

They heard Vivaans voice.Calling out from garden.Reyaansh was seen.Sweating and taking something to garden area.Nandini frowned as he saw him.Carrying hammer and few other things.She went ahead to ask him.When she stood still.Looking outside garden area.She turned to look at Varna.Shivani and Lata also went.Varna stepped outside to garden.

N-"Mom do you also think.What Im thinking."

S-"What the hell is going on."

Vivaan was in garden area.Making tents.On top of them he spread big stoles.Of white and black colors.Reyaansh was helping him in fixing them up.Alice looked happy.As her new home for few days was getting prepared.Varna frowned as she could see tents.But she got more clear view.Realized those stoles belonged to hers.Then she saw Vivaan spreading her dresses.One by one inside tent.He turned around.Finding her glaring at him.

Var-"What do you think you are doing.How could you."

V-"Excuse me.Its new year.Everyone getting something.So why not new house.For Alice and her family.They deserve happiness too."

Var-"Are you mad.You are making house for these dogs.Using my clothes?"

Reyaansh dropped hammer.Landing it on his feet.He flinched before hearing Varna.He could see ladies of house.Trying to have look from door.Whats happening there.But no one dared to get into trouble.He sensed something wrong.Vivaan looked relaxed.Varna was uncontrollable.

Varna tried taking her clothes back.When Vivaan stopped back.As his hand touched her.She gave him look.He took back his hands.Blocking her way.Puppies already got inside tents.Varna looked at them.Landing on her clothes.Which were bed to them now.She shut her eyes.In irritation and anger.

V-"See them.So happy.Its good to make others happy.Be reason of their happiness.If your torn and rag clothes.Can give them new house.Happiness why not then.You are big business tycoon.Dont be so miser."

Var-"I know.You are doing all this to insult me.You love doing that.Dont you.But you dont have any right.Take my clothes.Use them here.get them back to me.right now."

V-"come on Varna.Its festival.Show some kindness.We do donate lot of things.In this time.Whats with your love.For your faded clothes.Do they belong to some designer.I mean.They are hardly three or four pairs.Rey how many you got?"

Reyaansh balanced himself.Not knowing what to answer.He saw Varnas bewildered look on him.

R-"I didnt knew.They were your clothes.Anna asked me.To set them."

V-"Rey how many.I asked you."

R-"Few.No I mean.Four pairs.Few stoles."

Var-"You cant do this.I wont accept this.Give me my clothes back else."

Shivani and Lata had to come in.Along with Nandini trying to get situation.From her husband.Vivaan made Alice get inside her new house.She looked happy wagging her tail.Varna saw her and she was on verge.Of tears.

S-"Vivaan whats wrong with you.Its day of festival.Here you are doing all this.How can you use Varnas clothes.For this."

L-"Vivaan its very bad.Do something like this.Someones belongings."

N-"Varna I dont think.Should get your clothes back.I mean.They have taken command."

Nandini scrunched her face.Puppies were playing inside.Till now clothes were utilized properly.Varna was fuming.With each passing seconds.Her eyes were red with tears.She glared at Vivaan and left from there.

S-"Im tired Vivaan.Whats need to do all this.Why are you insulting her.You shouldnt have done this.She is getting back to normal.After much difficulty."

V-"Mom you all are blaming me without.Any reason.Its important to let her know.How few things should be.In their right place.You dont worry.Continue with your preparations.I will see her.Rey you go and donate.Rest of clothes.In some orphanage.Where we do every year."

N-"I can sense some real war.Starting now."

R-"Me too.I wasnt expecting this big shock.From Anna.He just played with fire."

Varna locked herself in room.She cried letting her tears.Drench her cheeks.She found Pranush staring at her.With confused eyes.He tired touching her.With his tiny hand.She hugged him.Closer to her heart.She didnt knew.What she would have done without him.He was only one.Who could be with him.In this whole place.She couldnt think how.Vivaan took her clothes.Ruined them within minutes.Without even thinking about her.His intention is always.About insulting or hurting her.She could hear knock on door.Wiped her cheeks.Openeing door.

Vivaan could sense her mood.He realized that he went overboard.Hurting her feelings.She must have felt insulted.Whole family like that.But he didnt have other way.Teach her lesson.He remembered last time.Shivani and Nandini tried.Gifting her dresses.She kept them.Never wore any of them.Instead chose to wear simple and faded ones.It wasnt for anyone else.How they commented on Varna.Her dressing and get up.He wanted her to look good.Wear good for her own self.Because he knew this wasnt her.Moreover he couldnt let her be in same old clothes.In Diwali when all were dressed in new ones.He was aware of her stubborn nature.She wont wear anything given by him.Or any other person.He was left with no way.

V-"Im sorry.If I hurt you.But my intention wasnt to insult you Varna.Hope you understand that."

Var-"I never understood you.Dont want to understand you.Whatever you did today.It was pathetic.No one has right.To embarass me like this.Just because others were commenting.On my get up.You couldnt bear.Went on to safeguard your house's image."

V-"This is what your problem is.Always misunderstanding things.I was right.Whatever I did.You are so stubborn.With your thought process.Never give chance.Let others explain."

He dropped packet on bed.Which had gorgeous red dress.Varna saw that and ignored.He was about to leave room.When heard her harsh voice.

Var-"What makes you think.I will wear.Dress which you got.When you threw my clothes like that.I wont wear this.Better I be like this.What Im wearing now."

V-"You can be happily.If that satisfies your ego.After all my Mom first time.Asked something from you.How can your ego allow you.Do something for others.And for your kind information.I didnt get this dress for you.Its sent by your Aththai and Appa.For Diwali.You must have forgotten to wish them.In your busy schedule.If possible give them.Call once in while.They do care for you.Dont lose them."

Varna thought for sometime.As Vivaan left.She touched parcel.Opening dress.She have forgotten her family back there.What has she made herself into.Forgetting everyone around her.She has become like dead body.Without any emotions.She didnt wish her family too.Had so many good memories.How can she forget them.She sobbed hard.Remembering her life back then and now.

V-"Miss you Aththai.Appa Ramya.I miss you all.Happy Diwali."

Everything was set for prayer.All were ready wishing one another.Vivaan came with little Pranush.Dressed in new clothes too.As if he understood.He looked happy with smile.Kissed and adored by others.Vivaan took blessings from elders.Making Pranush too.He got cute gifts from everyone.It was his first festival.Shivani looked worried.When Lata gave him understanding look.They didnt knew if Varna will attend prayer.After whatever happened in morning.

All were busy in chatting.When it was time to start prayer.Shivani wanted Vivaan and Varna to sit.With Pranush first time in prayer.It was her wish.But she knew too.This time it wont be possible.Keeping situation on mind.So Reyaansh and Nandini were sitting.Vivaan had Pranush with him.Space beside him left empty.He missed Ramya this morning.He wanted Pranush to see her or remember.Once but he was surprized.When he found Varna.With Pranush.Taking him to Ramyas picture.Asking for her blessing as first thing in morning.Wishing her greetings.He couldnt understand this girl.Now she wont come down.He thought how to make her.Understand when all turned to stairs.As Pranush gave loud chuckle.Taking everyones attention.

Shivani smiled in joy.She saw Varna.Standing dressed in red anarkali dress.She looked beautiful.First time dressed in this manner.She wore ear rings.No make up.Light gloss on her lips.She was nervous with everyones eyes.Vikram smiled at her.Others too.As she joined them.She had to sit beside Vivaan.Pranush jumped to her lap.Her ear rings and red dress.Taking his attention.He was more keen on taking that big thing.From her ear.She held him closer.Glaring at Vivaan.While he didnt say word.But he knew from inside.How he felt.Just like he felt.First time seeing her.Her face had same spark.Eyes such intense.Vivaan wondered how he still remembered.Did their first meeting meant this much.To him.Both stared at each other.Not knowing where fate will take them.

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

Im back.With an update.Hope you will read.Vote and comment.Waiting to hear from you.Hope you all had great time.With celebrations.

:)