Vivaan could feel dried up orchids.Almost dead few.Vanishing in front of his eyes.Like gush of wind.As he found Varna snatching them from his gaze.Hiding them in some diary.He frowned trying to.Dig his eyes almost following her.She hid something on her bag.Zipping it up.She breathed deeply.If caught by someone.She turned around to find him still standing.She spoke in angry tone.

Var-"Dont you have any work.Other than barging inside like this.Every time.Why cant you knock."

V-"Excuse me.Think you are forgetting this is my room.By way.What were those.Dead flowers?"

Var-"None of your business.Pranu is sleeping.If he wakes up.You be awake whole night then."

She left from there in some pretext.Vivaans doubts were increasing.What was thing she hid from him.She looked scared and nervous.He was sure.About her actions.He looked at crib.Found it better safe to hear.Varnas warning.If his son wakes up.He will have to be awake whole night.Bearing his antics.He left to change for night.

Varna washed her face.Looked at her reflection in mirror.He saw those orchids.With his own eyes.He did or he didnt.Why should she care.She shut her eyes.Remembering his words.He called them dead flowers.That was true also.Everything what transpired between them.It was dead.One sided feeling.Can never mean anything.She wished to curse those days.Moments when she felt.Feelings for him budding inside her.Why it has to be her.Facing this situation.Being on crossroads with her own sister.But she has made herself enough strong.No storm can break her now.She doesnt feel anything.It has died inside her.She came out of washroom.Seeing Vivaan brushing his hair.He stared at her.

She fixed heavy stole.On her shoulder.Looked at time.It was too late.All must have slept now.Again looked at herself.Still dressed in uncomfortable dress.Vivaan was stealing glances at her.Taking his laptop and walking to bed.She felt she could kill him.From her eyes.Its all because of him.She doesnt have single cloth to wear.

V-"What.Why are you giving me this look."

Var-"Dont act as if you dont know.Why do I even waste my time.On you."

She went outside room.In anger.Vivaan took deep breathe.Kept laptop aside.He knew reason of her anger.She was still in her heavy dress.Doesnt have anything to wear.He smirked.Taking yawn and waited.See her back in room.

Varna didnt knew how to smile.At someone.For long time.She pushed her hair.Behind her ear and felt awkward.As if Nandini understood her.She smiled touching her hand.

V-"Thanks Nandu.You saved my night.Else I had to sleep in this."

N-"Come on Varna.We are friends now.I thought so.No thank you in friendship.You could have asked me.But I knew.You wont.So I already take out.This night wear for you.My height is not like you.Hope this would work."

Varna looked at clothes on her hand.Climbing stairs.She thought what day has come in her life.She has to take clothes from someone else.To wear.She entered room.Finding lights dim.All this happened because of one person.Who is enough to mess her life.She couldnt stop glaring at him.His back was facing her.So he was sleeping.Making her life hell.

She went to change inside.Vivaans eyes opened.He moved on bed.Raising his brows.He was all awake this time.How can he miss.Seeing her back.It was done by him.He couldnt wait to see result.He remembered asking Nandini before hand.Give some night wear to Varna.He was also aware of her nature.She will sleep on those uncomfortable clothes.Not ask for any help.He felt bad for bringing her to such state.But why was he doing this for.He didnt want her to feel insulted.He wanted her get back.Being same person she was.She needs to live life.Like normal girl.He found her making her bed down.Soon lights were switched off.Let night pass.He has to work on his next plan in morning.

Next morning Vivaan followed his daily routine.Finally taking shower he went down for breakfast.All were present.Reyaansh and Nandini were having conversation.

R-"Nandu I think.You should have helped Varna.Anna gave away all her clothes.What will she do now.I mean she wont ask you.Why dont you take her for shopping."

N-"You think.I didnt have this on mind?Rey I dont want to die in this cold and.Unannounced war.We better be.Away and safe."

R-"I didnt get you.What will Anna say.I dont think.He will know."

V-"Your Anna knows everything Rey.Good morning."

N-"Im leaving for hospital.Bye everyone."

V-"So.You were saying something?"

R-"Where is newspaper?I need to find something important."

Vivaan shake his had.Taking bite on apple.Lata and Shivani came.Serving breakfast.Shivani was worried about Varna.She looked at Vivaan.Having her tea.

V-"Whats wrong Mom.You look worried."

S-"You are reason.Its start of year Vivaan.What did you do with girl.Took away all her clothes.Gave away.Didnt think twice.She havent come down yet.Wonder what will happen."

L-"Akka is right Vivaan.Go get her some new clothes.Say sorry to her."

S-"Why are you silent now.Say something."

V-"what do you think.She will agree to wear.Clothes I got for her.All have gone mad.Whatever I have done.No regrets.Yes regarding her problem.It will be solved.Dont worry."

Shivani and Lata looked at him.In disbelief as he went away.They caught their heads.

S-"I wonder.What will be.Result of this."

L-"Both are equally stubborn.In nature."

Pranush looked happy.Taking last spoon of cerelac.He is in very active mode.Recently with learning new things.Every day.Specially the new antics.He has learned from his father.All mischief.Varna looked at him.Third time cleaning his mouth.He gurgles every time.She gives him spoon.She showed him eyes.Making him understand in cute way.It wasnt right to do this.With food.Who was in mood to listen.She cleaned his mouth.With soft handkerchief.Then took him in her lap.He started crying.Tugging at her shirt.she frowned not understanding.He held her shirt.Tightly trying to get it on his mouth.

Var-"Pranu you had cerelac.Again hungry?My chub.Wait let me.Get some milk for you."

He wasnt ready to leave her.Her smile faded off.She realized she has to go down.In same night clothes.Which looked funny on her.She didnt knew what to do now.Pranush was jumping on her lap.Trying to tell her.Go get milk.He want now.He touched her cheeks.With his palms.Pat her there.She kissed them.Taking him in hug.Rubbing his back.He burped.Making her laugh.

Var-"Im also hungry.But cant go downstairs like this.Tell me what do."

He made his face as he understood her dilemma.He frowned.Looked around room.Shrieked loudly.Getting her confused.She thought he was angry for milk.She got up.Trying to think of some way.She found helper entering room.With luggage bag.Looked like hers.Helper informed her that Vivaan.Asked her to send this to room.Varna settled Pranush on middle of bed.Busying him with toys.She checked bag.It was hers.But she left it at home.She opened zip.Finding all her old clothes.Inside there.Nostalgia hit her.She remembered her old life.She touched clothes.Same feeling budded inside her.She smiled faintly.Had smell of her home.She heard door.Vivaan came and started looking for his work file.He didnt spare glance at her.

Putting bag down aside.Varna took her phone.Making call at home.She wanted to do this.From last day.She couldnt control herself anymore.Vivaan smiled.Looking at Pranush.He jumped on bed.Making him squeal.He kissed his chubby hands and feet.After some time both were on playing mode.Trying to understand.What his baby was telling him.Showing him teddy bear he got as gift.In his own language.Excitedly.Pushing bear to his father.Asking him to take it.Vivaan did that.

Var-"Why did you visit my house.Got my luggage from there."

He was getting ready.For volcano to burst.He gave teddy bear back to Pranush.Which didnt make little one.Happy at all.He was annoyed.Vivaan got up.Straightening his shirt.Varna was as usual.Spitting anger on him.

Var-"Im asking you something.Who told you.To do this."

V-"You are forgetting Varna.Thats my house too.By the way.Your house.Sorry.Your house where your family lives.You didnt care talk with them.For months.Thats nice."

Var-"Listen you dont get.Between me and my family.Its my problem."

V-"Thats your problem.You keep everyone away.From you and your problems.Which makes overall problem complex.Someone has to solve it."

Var-"Stop speaking rubbish."

V-"Fine.Yes I went there.Spent few days with Appa and Karuna Aththai.I felt nice.So what? Aththai packed your luggage.She thought you were annoyed.Since you were not happy.With whatever she sent for you.When you came here.I felt you maybe missing them.Want your old things back.Big deal?"

Var-"I dont want anything old back.Im fine way Im.Do you hear me.Stop trying to show sympathy on me.I dont like all this."

V-"Give me list.What you like and dont.Actually wont bother to look at that.Now tell me something.Why are you refusing these clothes.because they belong to you.Varna Shetty who wore them.Owned them.Since you are very fond of your old life.Living and loving past.So you shouldnt refuse them.Simple logic."

Var-"trying to act smart.I dont want to argue with you.I wont wear them.Thats my decision."

V-"fair enough.I dont have any gain or loss here.But make sure.Dont leave my room and house.Smelly.Hope you getting me."

He left room.Making her realize what his words meant.She flared her nostrils.Next she get to hear.Pranush crying.He was annoyed.See none of then responding to him.Scared to see both of them.Talking so loudly.Varna went to him.She had enough of this.Her patience level was giving up.

Vikram was getting ready for office in his room.Shivani came to him.

S-"Vikram I dont know.Whats wrong with your son."

V-"He is your son too.What did he do now."

S-"Behaving weird from days.Doing all weird stuff.Did you know.He was in Chennai.In Shetty house.Lived there for week or more.Didnt tell us about this."

V-"Whats making you angry.He spent time with his in laws.Or he didnt inform you."

S-"Now you are speaking like him too.Like father like son.As parents.We should be concerned for him.You are not getting me."

Vikram saw his wife.Sitting on bed.She has been worrying a lot.For their son.He knew what he means for her.He sat beside her.Taking her hand in his.

V-"Im equally concerned for our son.Shivi except fact.Im not worried.Like you are.Too much.I know what he is doing.He realized what he should be doing now.Thats more for me."

S-"You know what he is doing.His actions lately.I feel mad.Cant handle this stuff anymore.Varnas stubborn behavior.Then his.I just cant."

V-"Lets plan trip.For few days.Only you and me.Everything will fall back to place.Once we return."

S-"Your son and daughter in law will.Set my home in fire.Thanks for idea.Vikram tell me.How can you be so calm."

V-"We should have trust on Vivaan.He did informed me.He was in Chennai.After trip from Australia.He was there for few days.I didnt ask him why.I knew.Why he was there.Few things we can understand.Situation demands for him.To do whatever he has been doing.Thats why Im not worrying.Unlike you all.I think we should let them.Be in their own.Its never right.To interfere in husband wife's matter.Let couple sort it out."

S-"They havent formed relationship yet.How can we leave.Matter to them.Not react.Im scared about future."

V-"Let them build present.Future will stand on its own.Stop reacting.I trust my son.And Varna both.Things will fall back to place.One day.Hear my words."

S-"Fine I cant promise.But I will try."

Vivaan left for office.But he wasnt at peace either.While working.He knew about Varnas anger.That too she wont ask help from anyone.Be it means suffering miserably.If he got clothes for her.She wont take them.But he wanted to see.If she wears her old clothes.He got from her home.Karuna insisted him to take them.He thought Varna will happily wear.Them as she relates to her past more.He wanted her to choose now.From her past and present.She cant live with past.Making her life complicated.He dialed number.To see if this can solve problem.

It was almost afternoon.Whole room was in mess.Pranush was on center of bed.With his toys scattered all over.He was making noises loudly.Calling out for Varna.Every time.He claps his hand.As one of toys.Started some music.It was interesting for him.Still he wanted his mother.Come with him and see that too.He frowned not getting her attention.Varna was busy trying to dig in her bags.She opened one she got with her.When she came from her home.There were all sarees.Some gorgeous work and few simple.She closed bag.Sitting with dejected face.Her eyes fell on other bag.Got this morning.She didnt knew.Why she didnt have heart to wear.Her own clothes.They all belonged to her.

In way Vivaan was right.She was holding on to everything.Of her past.Why cant she wear her old clothes.She felt pain on her head.Pranush was mad at her too.She tried controlling her tears.Looking at him.He held her hair in his fist.Didnt give her pain.It was little ones way of showing anger.She held his tiny fist.Kissed there.

Var-"Im sorry.What to do tell me.You wont stay calm.With anyone right.If I go out for some time.I need clothes.To wear right.Pranu is good boy.He will understand."

He pulled her hair.Strongly making her wince in pain.He cried.As she took her in arms.She hard knock on door.Shivani entered room.Finding it all messy.Varna was embarassed.She picked up toys from floor.Moved her bags.On other side.

Var-"Im sorry.Actually he is in very bad mood.From morning.Looks like.Wants all toys.In front of him."

Shivani smiled at doting mother.She pulled Pranushs cheeks.Giving him kiss.Pinched his nose.He hid his face.On Varnas shoulder.Busying himself.On discovering her shirt material.He wants to taste it.Varna felt embarassed.Looking at her state.

S-"You didnt come down for breakfast today.So I thought to meet you here."

Var-"Actually I wanted to ask you something.Will you be with him.for some time.I will be back.Its urgent.Else wouldnt have left him."

S-"You dont have to ask me.For going out Varna.But will your son.Happily stay with me.He will be red with anger.If he doesnt find you.For some time.See how he is holding on to you."

Varna knew it was truth.Pranush was so used to her.If she has to go out now.Its very difficult for her.As well for others to keep him.Last time they had hard time.As he started crying and showing.Anger.Didnt had milk too.Only Vivaan can handle him.In absence of Varna.She was in confusion.What to do.Getting clothes for her was important too.But how will she go out.In this attire.Shivani noticed her.She had few shopping bags on her hand.Varna looked at her.

S-"I know whats bothering you.Dont worry you wont have to go out.Like this.Here take this.I dont know about.Your choice much.Little I could make out.In this time.Hope you will like them."

Shivani took Pranush from her.She looked at Varna.Staring at bags.She eyed her to go open them.Varna looked at dresses.They were all simple and colorful.Not too loud.Like ones she used to wear before.

Var-"I cant take them."

S-"Why you didnt like them?"

Var-"No they are.Good.But how can I."

S-"Vivaan didnt get these for you.I went to shop.Got them on my own.I hope this will give you.One reason to keep them."

Varna looked down.Playing with her fingers.She didnt have idea.How to speak.At the situation.Shivani came to her.

S-"I see your Aththai has sent your.Dresses back.If you wish you can wear them.I wont feel bad.Not like typical dramatic mother in laws.Trust me.Its your choice."

Var-"No I wont.Wear them.I mean."

S-"Dont be so confused with every decision.In life Varna.We have to think.Clearly with few things.Ramyas dresses are still there.In wardrobe.Day you came here.I asked you to take them.But you said.You wont take her things.They shall always remain as her belongings.You were right.Person deserves her own identity.Has every right for that.I will advise you.Not to go for your old dresses too.We have to leave behind.What we had in past.We take forward some good memories.With us.While leave harsh ones back.Its up to us.How we want our present.Future to be.Im saying too much.But hope it helps you."

Varna was slowly getting Shivanis words.Why does it take.So much time for her.Decide on such small matters.Like this she has been.Ruining herself more.She felt challenged.Taking any decision of her life now.She was brought back by Pranush.As she saw him playing with Shivani.

S-"So decided.You will wear them?"

Varna had to give nod.She didnt want to make Shivani feel bad.It wasnt bad option either.She needed something to wear.Dresses would do for her.For time being.But she was sure.She didnt want to wear her old clothes.They bring back memories for her.

Shivani opened wardrobe.Filled up with Ramyas clothes and other things.She was shocked to see.Varna havent set any of her things.There instead.Had her bag.On one side in floor.She found her.Taking new dresses.Getting them inside her bag.

S-"Varna stop.Bring them here.You will use this wardrobe from now on.There is enough space.For you.Set dresses here.Get your other things too."

Var-"Its okay.I can manage."

S-"Take this as order from me.do as I say.I know you can manage.But its enough with managing.Dont forget this is your room too.You have equal rights."

Varna was standing.Seeing Shivani setting her things.Inside wardrobe.She took out Ramyas dresses.Few of them.Keeping it on bed.Others were on one side.While Varnas dresses were kept neatly.

S-"Done.See how it looks now.Other things you will set."

Var-"Didnt have to do this.I was fine with."

S-"Varna look at me.Hear what Im trying to say.Today at this time.You may feel.This is not your place.Where you are.You shouldnt be.But there will be time.When your heart will give acceptance.To whatever has happened.Time doesnt remain same.We dont have any control.Over our fate.It just happens.We cant change it.What Im telling you.Take whats coming for you.Dont be in denial for long.This is truth of life.Whats yours now.It will be tomorrow.Past is gone.Truth is that.This room is yours.Here everything belongs to you.You need to make yourself understand that.I hope I dont sound rude.I just want you.To be able to give acceptance.To your life.You have lot to come.On your way dear."

Var-"Im sorry."

S-"For what."

Var-"For doing what I have been.All this time.With everyone.I.Never intended to hurt you.You all have been nice towards me.But I cant.Say this.Im like this."

Shivani touched her cheeks affectionately.She understands her.This much now.She has lot in her heart.Wonder how will it come out.She needs to share.Stop making it worse for her own self.She took Varna in unexpected hug.

S-"Its alright.It happens.Life is like circle.Where we start from.We reach that place again.We are not allowed to stop.Just think about what you want.From life.Not that hard.Im always here.For you.Whenever you need something.Now go and freshen up.I will take Pranu with me."

Varna wiped her tears.She felt much at ease.After having conversation with Shivani.She wanted to get herself back.But time and again.Something would stop her.From doing so.Present time.She was confused and broken soul.Who didnt knew how to gather her.Shattered life.

Vivaan was back home.He entered with bag on hand.Frowning and bumped into helper.Glaring at him.He took his bag and offered him water.

V-"Mom where have you been.Whole day.Did you check your phone.I tried land line number too."

S-"Relax Vivaan.I was at home only.Your son didnt leave chance.For me.Be available for any other work.He is just like you.Dont know how Varna handles.Him with such ease."

She saw Vivaan looking for someone.As he had water.She smiled.Taking glass from him.He scratched his head.Didnt knew how to ask.About something.For which he was restless.Whole day.Shivani didnt say word.Looked at him.More observing him.

V-"Why are you staring at me.Why you have to be with Pranu.I mean.Wasnt there anyone else."

S-"You can ask me straightly that.I think I know.Why you were calling me.To ask about Varna."

V-"Why would I do that.Mom I need coffee.Let me take shower first."

He was in stairs.When stopped to hear his mothers voice.

S-"I have done.What you asked me.Do in morning.You were right.She didnt refuse to take dresses.When I said.I got them for her.You do know her well Vivaan."

V-"I dont think so Mom.Not yet."

That evening Vivaan found.Some change as he saw.Varna with his family members.She helped Nandini in kitchen.She was trying to make some new dish.Needed help from Varna.All sit for dinner together.Varna did too.She was seen chatting in normal way.With Shivani, Lata and Nandini.He was glad.He could do something.To his relief and others.She got rid of her dull and faded dresses.They made her look.changed and start of something new.Vivaan was in garden.With Alice.At peace with seeing some hope.

V-"We have passed first step.Alice now time for next one.But how will I go for it."

Alice sat down comfortably.Vivaan smiled at her.She wanted to be pampered by him.As he gave her some time.But his mind was busy.In something else.He will definitely look for some way.To work on next plan.

Pranush was sitting on Reyaanshs chest.He was teaching him.Trying to punch him.As little one did that.Reyaansh acted to die.Making him chuckle and laugh in his cute voice.Others enjoyed that.In dining room.As all were gathered together in evening.Two days passed in peace.Normally and without any drama.Varna was avoiding Vivaan.Arguing with him.He havent done anything either.Which will get her angry.She was thinking this morning.Why he is calm.But it was good for her.

V-"Mom you and Dad can go.I cant sorry.I have work till late.Rey and Nandu can also join you guys."

S-"Vivaan it looks odd.They are our neighbours.What will they think.They have been with us.In good and bad days.Even if for few minutes.We all have to attend."

Neighbours son was getting engaged.Tomorrow and they came to invite full family.Shared long time relationship with no chance.Skip event.As it was kept on their house only.Which is next door.Varna also felt tensed.This was another problem now.And she thought peace was ahead.Whole fmaily have to attend means.She also have to go.She has forgotten how to.Be among hundreds of people.For ages.It felt.She got tensed.

V-"Your Mom is right Vivaan.We all are going.We can go late.But have to attend."

Vivaan was left no option.To say yes.He remembered about fear or uneasiness.Deepali will be present there too.God knows how he will manage to be there.Be it for some time.But he frowned and looked at direction.Varna was standing.Her face showed her fear.He smirked.At her.Her eyes met his.She changed her expression.To glare and ran away from there.Vivaan was now used to.This and he continued having his coffee.

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

Sorry for making you all wait.For this update.But hope you understand.Its not easy to write 3000 words like that.For me.I have to think about my every scene.Particularly and write every word.Keeping my imagination on mind.So it takes time.Specially with this book.I dont want to update short chapter.It requires longer one.For that I have to write.I cant rush into things also.There needs to be pace.At which things will unfold.So for that you may feel.Its been dragged or slow.I cant help doing this.Hope to update next chapter soon.

Thank you for your reviews.On last chapter.Im overwhelmed with your response.Highest votes on this whole book.Particular chapter got.I was nervous with flash back scenes.You made my day.

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