Beyond the Past

The brewing storm

The Pooja room

Mahesh looked at Rakhi sitting on the mattresses in helplessness. Everyone else had left the pooja room, but the Luthras hadn't. Each and every one of them had a tensed expression on their face. "What has happened to you all? It isn't the end of the world, if you all do care for Preeta then you should be happy for her. Did you not see how different she was today after her family came? With us, she was stiff and polite, but with them, her happiness glistened on her face. Rakhi Ji, you said she was like your daughter then why are you mourning for your daughter's happiness," Mahesh asked in exasperation. 

"I do consider her my daughter Mahesh Ji, but I can't help but think about Karan. How is he going to take this?" Rakhi replied in a soft voice. "My Karan did many bad things to her, I know but as his mother, I can't help but wish that he gets the love of his life back."

"Aur puttar, this revelation is so sudden too," Bani Dadi said, "We thought she was still married to Karan, but now that she is married to someone else and even has a child it is a little difficult to digest."

"Dadi, mummy Ji we should all go out now," Isha urged. Bani dadi nodded and took Rakhi with her. "Papa Ji, don't worry everyone will come down from this shock." He patted her head and left.  Isha smacked her lips in nervousness and called Rishab, "Hello Rishab Ji, did you take Karan home?" 

"Yes, I just dropped him and I am returning back. I specifically told Kritika and Kareena bua to make sure he doesn't leave the house, don't worry." 

"Ok..."

"What happened? You sound very nervous," Rishab asked in concern. 

"I don't know why, but I have this feeling that something really bad is gonna happen today. The look in Karan's eyes, I just can't get past that," Isha shared with him. 

"Don't worry, with bua there he won't be able to leave. Moreover, Sammy gave him his Kasam to not enter the house," Rishab reassured her. 

"Fine, can you come quickly?" Isha asked, and Rishab agreed. 

Living room 

Shrishti was looking for Sameer so that she could introduce him to her Jiju, but she didn't find him in the house. Just as she was about to go outside Sameer entered, "Sammy thank god, I was searching for you the whole..." However, Sameer dragged her to an isolated corner. "What happened to you?"

"Why didn't you tell me that Preeta Di was married!" Sameer exclaimed. "Shrishti do you know how Karan Bhai reacted right now? You could have at least told me, I am not against her happiness. Do you not trust me?" 

"Sammy..."

"What Sammy, you didn't tell me she had a kid. I feel like you are hiding so many things from..."

"SAMMY!" Shrishti yelled, causing him to shut up. "Look I didn't want to hide it from but this is about Di, she didn't want any association with Luthras. I can be with you because that is my choice, Sammy. I told you everything about Maa because I have the right as she is my mother too. However, Abir Jiju and Neel are Di's. I can't tell you about them until she agrees," Shrishti explained. 

Sameer was still reluctant, but he knew Shrishti was right. "Masi!" Neel yelled furiously as he ran towards her and then crossed his arms with an angry huffed in his baby accent, "I am very angry at you."

Shrishti picked him up, "Kya hua Neel, why are you angry at me?" 

"Where were you? I ran all over the house to see you, but you are here. You didn't even come to see if I was ready," Neel babbled. "Do you know I didn't even eat my favourite sandwiches because I came to find you."