Morning started in Reddy house.With everyone busy.Doing preparations.Weather has been gloomy from early morning.Little windy and it will drizzle any moment.Shivani called out for helpers.Priest will be arriving any time.Half of work was still undone.Nandini and Reyaansh were.Rushing one end to another.Helping with work.Shivani felt tensed.Nothing should go wrong.Today and prayer should be done.In best way.After all this was special.Her eyes became teary.She looked on big picture frame on wall.It was day.A year ago when she left.This house and world.Ramya will forever stay in their hearts.

Vivaan havent slept whole night.His eyes would say that.Shivani opened door to his room.She has seen him once.In early morning.His eyes gave her hint about his condition.Noone tried to.Have word with him since morning.They were aware how.His condition would be.She frowned learning about his absence.Its after much difficulty.He has come out of his grip.That part of his life.They all dreaded to see him.Like that now.Where can he be.

Prakash and Karuna arrived from Chennai.Attend prayers for Ramya.It was first time in this one year.They have come here.Everyone planned to attend this.Together and remember Ramya.They were seated along with others.Nandini sided Shivani one corner.

N-"I went to call Varna.She isnt seen anywhere.I dont think.Shes here."

Sh-"What?First Vivaan went somewhere.Now Varna.Nandu find her.Her family is here."

Vivaan took shower in early morning.Wearing fresh clothes.He saw his son wide awake.On his crib.It was he knew.Today was something special.He picked him up.Asking him to be calm.Seeing Varna still sleeping.Both went out of room.It was still dawn.He kissed Pranush head.Took him somewhere.After sometime both father son.Were settled on sofa.In main hall.Vivaan had his wedding album on hand.He was going through memories.That were still fresh.Pranush was given his bottle.He was calmly having his milk.Same time looking at his father.His eyes looked sad today.Face dull.He tried to ask.Him by keeping his tiny palm on his cheek.Vivaan kissed there.

V-"Your smile still.Makes it hard to believe.You left us.Ramya.You cheated on me.Wish you could have.Cheated death as well."

He shut his eyes.With all pain and sorrows.Hitting him hard from inside.Drop of tear fell down.He heard voice.Frowning opened his eyes.to see Pranushs tinny palm holding his tear.He then tapped on pictures.On album.Getting excited see his mother.He said on his baby voice.

P-"Am.maaa.Amaaa."

Vivaan just hugged him tight.Didnt say anything.For one minute.He was still calling for his mother.When Vivaan took pictures.Showing him as if he understood.Pranush tapped on Ramyas wedding picture.She was smiling like herself.Then he tried to show.Vivaan stairs.Which makes way to their room.Vivaan understood his gesture.

P-"Am.maaa.Nii.ni."

Pranush wanted to say.That his mother was sleeping in room.Little did he know.Ramya and Varna were different.Who was one gave birth.To him and who was his mother now.Vivaan closed album.Along with those harsh truths of his life.He shut his eyes.Swallowing pain.Trying to ease his son.Once he will remember his mother.He wont be at peace.Till he gets to be with her.Specially in mornings.He would be calm in Varnas lap.

V-"Your amma is with you.Always and today is special day Pranu.You know our Pranu is luckiest.Baby.Because he got two ammas.Wont you give special.Gift to your amma today.I couldnt give her anything.Still she left.Giving me ebst gift of my life.We miss you Ramya."

He hugged Pranush.Spending some time alone with him.If this can be only thing.Helping him out for day.He knew he cant break down.Letting it out in front of his family.Ramya will always be part of his life.She was his wife.Mother of his child.

Shivani was relieved to see Vivaan.He greeted Prakash and Karuna.Others too.His face looked better than morning.To her.

Sh-"Vivaan where have you been.I looked for you in your room.Thought you went somewhere."

R-"Me and Anna went.To get some things required for prayer.Sorry we couldnt inform you."

Reyaansh left from there.Vivaan left Pranush with Varna.Before he went with Reyaansh.She looked at Shivani tensed.

V-"Mom what happened.Why do you look."

Sh-"Vivaan.Varna.She is not at home."

V-"What?"

Prayer was about to start any time.Family members were tensed.With Varnas absence.Vivaan looked for her everywhere.She wasnt at home.That was confirmed.He tried her number.It was switched off.This day had to be one like this.Karuna sensed something wrong.Later got to know.

K-"I feared this.Varna and her attitude.Can never change.No matter how much we tried.Making her understand.When will she learn.What is it to being part of family.Having responsibility as daughter in law.Handling family and business.Are different.She took away Pranush with her.Knowing its Ramyas.Very irresponsible."

Shivani didnt know.What to say to Karuna.She didnt acknowledge words.Used by Karuna for Varna.She knew Varna was different.But these accusations werent right.Till now she has fulfilled all responsibilities as daughter in law.Without any mistakes.Vivaan just came then.

Sh-"Vivaan you have to sit.For prayer now."

K-"What about Pranush.He should also sit.Ramyas soul wont rest in peace.If she doesnt see her son.Performing this ritual for her."

Shivani didnt feel right.Use of such words at this time.She only looked at her son.It was true Ramyas family.Can never forget their grief.Loss they have gone through.At same time they should.Also keep o mind that Vivaan is.Also their daughter Varnas husband now.Few things should be kept on mind.Before spoken.She somehow handled situation.Making Vivaan sit when he objected.

V-"Mom I think.I should wait for Varna.Ramya will be happy.If Varna is also part of this.We all know.What she meant to her.More important than me."

Vivaans words made Karuna.Feel embarassed.How she can forget what sisters share.She felt good to see.Vivaan have became much normal.Accepting reality.But she was still disappointed at Varna.She went to sit beside Prakash.Who asked her about Varna.

Pr-"I have been thinking Akka.How Varna is here.Time has passed but.Her ego is still there.So much that she couldnt accept this house.As hers and.I fear if she takes Pranush also as her son.Or Ramyas son."

Prayer was done.With Varna entering at last moment.Completing all rituals with Vivaan along.With Pranush.She objected to sitting with Vivaan first.Then Shivani insisted.On telling her that Pranush wont sit.Calm till he is with her.She helped baby.Calmly to everyones surprise.Handling him while Vivaan did everything asked by priest.

Varna was helping with some work.When she faced Karuna.She had strict face.Varna touched her feet.Here she thought she will.Get to embrace her family.After seeing them nearly year.But thats her life.Nothing happens how she wishes.She could see Karuna not happy.

K-"Varna where were you.You should have that much sense.Its day at your home.You went somewhere with Pranush.Didnt you know.How important this day is for.This family and Pranush.You took him away.With you like this.All were tensed here."

Varna calmly heard her Aththai.Putting all allegations patiently at her.She didnt say word.Instead standing like that.Fade smile came on her face.She took her sisters baby with her.She had no right.Thats what people still think.She tried best.Not to show herself weak.Swallowing up her tears.

K-"Why arent you answering now.You dont talk on phone.Now also behaving like this.Dont you have this much respect.Left for your old Appa and aththai."

Var-"You didnt ask me once.Aththai.If Im alive.Or dead."

Her sharp words.Silence Karuna.She widened her eyes.Varna smiled at her.She could see few women around.Who must have heard what Karuna said.It was predictable that they heard everything.Got new things to talk about.Twin sister of Ramya.Who replaced her in this house.

K-"Varna dont talk.So harsh."

Var-"Why is Varna always.Tagged as harsh and cruel.When Ramya is still here.Her happiness still matters.Despite of her absence."

K-"I only asked you.What you shouldnt have done.Pranush had to behere.For his mothers prayer."

Var-"He is my son too Aththai.I didnt give birth to him.But I.Anyways.I dont think.Anyone is interested hear me out.I had some work.Went out.But came on right time.This matters."

Karuna held her hand.With anger and made her face him.It hurt Varna.She was getting weak.Each moment.Didnt anyone remember.That this was day.When she lost part of hers too.

K-"I havent finished yet.You need to learn.What to prioritize in life Varna.Always getting emotional.Acting selfish.Thinking about yourself only.Wont bring any good to you.You are daughter of our house.Tell me how many times.Do you call us.Visit our house.Dont we feel bad.People even ask us.If.Your in laws dont allow you to come over.Your Appa was also scared.If you will be able to adjust here.I dont see his fears.As something unjustifiable."

Varna straight away shot at Karunas eyes.With her red eyes.So this was score sheet.She has got.From her family.She staggered back.Till her back hit someone.She could see Vivaan frowning at her.He saw her face pale and weak.Running away from there.

K-"Varna stop.Vivaan.Look at this girl.Instead of giving me answers.She run away.Nothing has changed in her.Still so stubborn and.I apologize on behalf of her.she shouldnt have taken Pranush.Like this.On this day.After all its Ramyas day and.How will I teach this girl.Importance of relationships.How will she become mother.Being this much immature."

V-"You dont have to apologize.For anything Aththai.And nothing happened that you had to.Your daughter did nothing.Which embarassed us.Or anything wrong.She took her son.With her.Came back on time.She even sat for prayer with me.Which I know how difficult was for her.Still she did that for her sister.For her son."

Sh-"Vivaan I know what you are saying.But Varna should have stayed.At home today.With people arriving.She could have taken Pranush.Wherever she wanted some other day.We have to look after.People and society too at times.Doesnt look nice.What if she would have come late."

V-"Thats difference between.How you all think.And I think.For me pleasing everyone.Showing everyone doesnt hold any importance.My family is above everything.Im glad.In fact proud of Varna she did that too.Mom.One thing I can say today.In this way.Varna thinks way ahead.Greater than us.Instead of keeping what people think.Say she did what I should have done.What made Ramya happy.She took Pranush with her.To temple in morning.Thats first thing she did.Getting him ready and then.Making him pray for Ramya.Can you feel.What pain or turmoil she must have gone through.Asking his son to pray for his mother.Aththai you raised twins.Like mother.But for once.Havent you thought.Your love for Ramya.May become reason.Go far away from Varna.I fear.If damage has already been done."

Vivaan left from there.Leaving Karuna broken.In pool of thoughts.His every word made her realize.Her mistake.How harshly she spoke to Varna.How and why have they taken her for granted.Was it because Ramya wasnt with them anymore.Varna was still alive.Among them.Was she.

At evening Varna was folding her clothes.She saw Vivaan working on laptop.She almost whispered to him.

Var-"If you knew.Where I went.Why didnt you tell everyone here."

He didnt look at her.Still typing something.He replied casually.

V-"Why should I.When it wasnt required."

Var-"yes it wasnt.When all were ready.Pounce at me with allegations."

V-"Its because you give them chance.Simple."

Var-"Dont think we should carry.This conversation further.I have realized.Ultimately I will be proved wrong.So let it be."

V-"Thats what your problem Varna.You let people judge you.Break you.You give up so easily.That you dont do with myself.I thought in these days.Old Varna is back.Who knows how to live.Fighting for herself.Whats right and wrong.Learn to own your rights Varna.Because in this world.One has to.Do that.Else he will be pushed to his ends.

And one more thing.Dont think I did favor on you today.By showing your family mirror.For me whats black is black.White is white.I dont fear saying the right.For right.You may feel.I sympathized you but.Truth is that I cant see anyone.Pointing fingers at my wife.When she is right."

Sleep was far away from her eyes.She changed sides.Sweating in air condition room.Meek light on room.With dead silence.Was raising hundreds of questions on her mind.Vivaans words lingered on her mind.It was first time someone stood up for her.Defended her.As if understood her.She felt she wasnt being sympathized.She got up.Disturbed from mind.Then her eyes fell on him.On bed sleeping.He looked like Pranush.Who was sleeping beside his father.With pillows protecting him from other side.She could see baby moving.About to cry any second.When she rushed to him.Patting him bit.Kissing his head.She covered both babies.With blanket.Switching off light.She didnt knew why.She looked back at him again.Wasnt this chance.Life was giving her.

She went back to her bad on carpet.Clutching blanket closer to her.She looked at picture.Of Ramya on wall.She left her.With no one around to call her closest.Tear rolled down her cheeks.Till now its difficult for whole world.To accept her as Pranush mother.Would Ramya have been happy.Seeing her as her sons mother.Will she ever allow.Her giving place in her husbands life.Everytime this breaks Varna down.

Few days passed.Today was yet another special day.Pranush Reddy turned one.Day before Ramya passed away.But no one would have been.On mood for celebrations taking.It as Ramyas first death anniversary.All planned to celebrate it few days later.

 N-"Look at him.Kind of tantrums your son.Has been showing from morning.Now he isnt ready.Change dress too."

Nandini was trying to.Make birthday boy dress up.Third time from morning.It was afternoon.Keeping it low key affair.Only family members were having simple dinner.Birthday boy was in bad mood.Since throwing up twice.Whatever he was given to eat.Making noise.Spoiling his dresses.Varna took him in her arms.Kissing his chubby cheeks.He shifted his head.Near her heart.Nandini adored duo standing there.

N-"You know Varna.Right from his delivery till now.Have seen this little chub growing.Still cant let it sync.He has turned one.If it wasnt for your magic and love.We would have given up on his long ago.You gave new life to Pranu."

Var-"Dont know if I gave life to him.But Nandu.I cant think about life.Without him now.Dont know how to be.Perfect mother.All I can do for him.Be with him every second.Every minute."

She showered him with kisses.Little one was enjoying.Getting pampered by mother.Right then Vivaan entered.With fake cough.

V-"Nandu heard this chubby boy.Is creating ruckus."

Varna frowned.Making pout and sticked to Pranush like glue.Who was eager to hear.His fathers voice.Vivaan made face.With pack of chocolates on his hand.

V-"Nandu I was thinking.Whom to give these chocolates now.Reyaansh is on strict diet.Mom and Dad wont eat.Left are me.And you.So you want?"

N-"No no.Im on crush diet.You can ask Varna.Varna you want some?"

Babys eyes grew wide.Seeing colorful packet.Which Vivaan showed to him.Knowing they have his attention.He got dresses and sat on bed.Varna smiled brushing Pranushs curly locks.Vivaan opened pack.Having one chocolate.Pranush noticed that.Made sad face.As if complaining to Varna.Vivaan knew he succeeded.He took dresses on hand.Then baby came to him.Happilly and now busy.Fighting with packets.Nandini left in some time soon.

Now Varna and Vivaan were.Having hard time making their little.Prince wear his dress for evening.Varna made him wear clothes.While he is still in Vivaans lap.Almost pulling his shirt and hair.Nose lips.

Pranush was trying to eat comb.Varna took it away from him.Vivaan stood with hands on his hips.

V-"Wow my son.Making me proud.What will I tell everyone.Pranush Reddy has made new invention.People can eat combs too."

Var-"You can take him.I will get ready and come."

The evening ended with cake cutting.Small family moments.Pranush enjoyed.With everyone and specially.With his parents.Karuna and Prakash left for Chennai next day.Varna didnt disrespect them.But she didnt show affection also.How can it be shown.Which is already lost somewhere.Vivaan was aware of every situation.Pranush was very happy.Getting so much love and gifts.From everyone.Year went by.Many things changed and few.Changes still need to be made.

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

Intended to make this chapter.More realistic.Than sad and dramatic.Before misunderstanding Vivaans character.Would like to state.He is more practical.Trying to accept changes in life and situation.One cant be in sorrow.For whole life.Has to live.Holding on to something.

Coming to Varna.I feel.Interaction of her with her family.Was much needed.Like Vivaan says.She needs to give it back.To them and pour her heart out.Instead of him speaking for her.That was my favorite scene.When he showed mirror to Karuna aththai.

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:)