Humsafar

Chapter 17 - Truth out

Chapter Seventeen:

In the Living Room:

Prachi stood her ground, addressing the group. "We've tolerated these three for far too long. Now it's time for them to face the consequences, Inspector!"

With that, several inspectors entered the room.

"Inspector Malhotra," Prachi ordered, "arrest these three immediately and charge them with all pending cases against them. Is that clear?"

"Yes, of course, ma'am," Inspector Malhotra replied, acknowledging her authority.

As they were about to be taken away, a voice rang out, "Stop right there! Let them know the truth as well."

The three culprits turned to see Prachi with an evil smirk, their confusion thickening as they tried to decipher her expression.

"I have a question for all of you," Prachi began. "Did Prachi really attempt suicide, or was she murdered?" The three immediately began to sweat profusely.

Vikram stammered, "I don't know what happened to Prachi. I'm not involved, please believe me!"

Pallavi feigned innocence, "We don't know anything. We are not involved!"

Rhea shouted, "I don't know anything! Leave me alone! If you want to know about Prachi, ask the Prachi who is dead!" Prachi let out a laugh at this, leaving the three of them confused.

"Who told you that Prachi is dead?" she asked. "She's alive! The Prachi you thought was dead is right in front of you!" Their faces went pale as the realization sunk in.

Dida, with tears of joy in her eyes, exclaimed, "My child, does that mean Pravya is actually Prachi? You're my Prachi?"

"Yes, Dida, it's me!" Prachi responded with a smile.

The shock on the faces of Over Makeup Ki Dukaan, Chameli Naagin, and Joru Ka Ghullam was palpable.

Dida, now sobbing with joy, hugged Prachi tightly. Pulling away, she held her hands. "I couldn't believe the news of your supposed suicide. But now that you're back, I'm overwhelmed with happiness! I missed you so much."

Prachi, too, had tears in her eyes. "Please don't cry, Dida. I've returned! I changed my identity to find out who was behind the murder attempt, and now I have my answers."

Inspector Malhotra intervened, "Ma'am, these three need to be punished."

However, Prachi interrupted, "Inspector Malhotra, don't arrest them just yet. Sending them to jail won't teach them a lesson. They need to learn an even bigger lesson. You can leave now; I'll handle this."

"As per your orders, ma'am," Inspector Malhotra replied, saluting her. The other officers followed suit and exited the house.

In the House:

Prachi called for Soni, who quickly came over.

"Yes, Didi?" Soni asked.

"Pallavi," Prachi said, turning her attention to her mother-in-law, "from now on, all the servants will work in our office. No more household help here."

"But Didi, won't it be difficult for all of you?" Soni questioned.

"Don't worry, Soni. I've arranged for the best to work at home. You and the other servants will join Ranbir's office from now on," Prachi replied, glancing at Ranbir. "I hope that's okay with you?"

Ranbir stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "Of course! Whatever my Chikchiki wishes, this Baklu will always stand by her." They exchanged smiles, much to the annoyance of Rhea.

"Okay, Soni, go ahead and make the necessary arrangements," Prachi instructed.

"Alright, didi," Soni replied with a smile before leaving.

Pallavi scowled, "What in the world did you just do? Why did you remove all the servants from this house?"
Prachi corrected, "I didn't remove them; I gave them jobs for their hard work over the years. You all disrespected them, and now it's your turn to understand their role. You three will now be the servants of this household."

"Wha-what?" Rhea exclaimed in disbelief.

"Yes, soon enough, your lives will be worse than hell," Prachi declared with defiance. "Mr. Kohli will handle all the guest services, cook for them, and maintain the house. Mrs. Kohli will manage all kitchen duties, and Ms. Rhea will tackle cleaning, including the floors and utensils."

"I don't know how to do any of that!" Rhea protested.

Prachi shot back, "Oh, please! You've had all the excuses! I worked hard all my childhood; my mom taught me how to handle household tasks.
And remember, during my time in this house, you made me do all the work while mocking me.
I remember how often I was forced to be a servant in your home during family gatherings, while you sat back and enjoyed the show."

She continued, her voice rising, "Now it's your turn to taste the humiliation I've faced!
You will serve and do your jobs like the servants you've always looked down upon.
Now get lost and start working!"
With a fierce shout, she commanded them, and the three of them trembled, realizing the power shift in the room. They hurriedly left to begin their new roles.

After Their Departure:

Prachi turned to Ranbir, "I hope you're okay with me making your parents work as servants?"

Ranbir smiled, "It's fine. They've caused you enough pain; it's only fair they experience the same."

Vividha chimed in, "I never realized how evil those three are. Bhabhi, I admire how you managed to live with them while they tried to ruin you."

"It's all good, Vividha," Prachi replied. "Just be cautious of their schemes. They might try to target you too."

Siddharth added, "Yes, definitely keep your guard up."

Vividha confidently asserted, "I'm not afraid of them. As you've said, they will get their comeuppance now." Prachi side-hugged her, grateful for the support.

Dida beamed, "I'm so happy to see you both bond so quickly!"

Prachi smiled back, "Dida, Vividha is like a younger sister to me. I just wish Shahana were here to join us."

Vividha nodded, "Yes, I consider Bhabhi like my elder sister too! I can't wait to meet Shahana. I hope she returns soon."

Ranbir grinned, "Don't worry; Shahana will arrive shortly, and with someone special!"

"Someone special? Who is it?" Prachi asked, her curiosity piqued.

Ranbir kept his answer a surprise, saying, "You'll find out soon," while he and Siddharth exchanged knowing smiles, leaving everyone intrigued.

Precap: Shahana is coming back with someone; a major shock awaits Ranbir!
(Can you guess who is accompanying Shahana and what shock it will bring?)

Questions of the Day:
1) Who is coming with Shahana?

2) I hope you enjoyed the humiliation of those three! Share any more ideas you have for how they should be punished.

3) Is the story getting more interesting, or losing its touch? Did you like this update? Please answer all these questions in the comments section!

Please vote and share your previous comments!

Yours lovingly,
Sudha