Natasha was relaxing in her room in Pandya Niwas. She was thinking of what had happened since she woke up this morning. She knew she agreed for a new start, but the bitter words that have been said between them were hard to dismiss. She didn't know what to do. How to figure out what has happened in the last 24 hours. How did she end up married to Dhawal when last week they had annuled their marriage. She still had to find out the truth about the poachers. She thought to follow the leads she had and figure out her marriage at a later date.
Just as she was leaving her phone rang, it was Dhawal. Fumbling, she said "H-H-Hello"
"Natasha?" Dhawal asked.
"Yes." stated Natasha.
"Why are you nervous?" asked Dhawal
"I am not nervous. I'm just thinking." answered Natasha.
"Ok. I will be over in an hour.-" Dhawal had responded
"What! I thought I had more time. Last time, I was able to stay longer. Why? I have to come back tonight? I promise I won't cause any problems." replied Natasha
"I'm not picking you up. I'm going to stay over, too. Daama has said that the puja will happen the day after tomorrow. So I figure I will spend some time with Daama and the boys. I believe Yashodhan will be picking Esha tomorrow." said Dhawal
"But why? You never wanted to spend time before. Why are you being like this? Please stop, " asked a confused Natasha.
"Remember, new start. We are not going to make the same mistakes as before. Last time, you were separated from your family. This time, it's our family. If you can live with my family, I can live with your family. And slowly they can become our family." stated Dhawal
Natasha looked at her phone in shock. "But -"
"I will be there shortly," Dhawal stated as he hung up the phone.
Natasha walked into the kitchen and told Daama that Dhawal was planning to spend the night. Daama was happy that Dhawal was planning to spend the night.
"Daama, that is a bad idea. You know how Ma and Amrish Bhai are. They will be planning something. They won't be able to accept that Dhawal will make Pandya's a part of his family. For them, only the Makwana's matter." responded Natasha
"Let's worry about that later. When Dhawal comes, why don't you talk to him about your fears. It is reasonable to worry about these things. The main thing was that you and Dhawal needed to talk. There was no trust. This can be a new beginning. Have everything in the open. He will be here soon, talk about your fears, what you want out of this marriage, " stated Daama
"Makes sense. How did you get so smart, Daama?" asked Natasha, laughing.
"Oye! I saw the ups and downs of my children's marriage. I learned a few things. I know things are not easy, but we shouldn't put barriers in our marriage life. I know Dhawal made a few mistakes, but I have seen that he was working to make things right. You mentioned that the only reason for the divorce was for him to give back Pandya Store. Let's give him a chance. Now, why don't you make something for dinner that Dhawal would like."
Natasha made a face at Daama's request. But did as she requested. As she was finishing up, Dhawal had arrived. Daama smiled and let him in. He greeted everyone warmly, which was a big difference from last week, when the Makwana's had come down blazing.
The first thing Dhawal did was apologize to everyone for his behavior earlier. As he sat with everyone, he was getting along with everyone except Chiku, who was being reserved with him. Natasha saw it and sat with Chiku. And quietly had a short conversation with him. "Chiku, what's the matter? Are you not happy?" asked Natasha
"I am. I'm very happy. But I am concerned about you. You married Dhawal again. It's the same person that hurt you so much." stated Chiku
"I know. But love was not the problem. Trust was. The love was strong on both sides. Trust was weak. I am going to give this a chance. I want you to do the same. It hurts if your husband is separated from your family. I don't want Esha Di to feel that ever. Please." asked Natasha.
Dhawal looked up and saw that Chiku and Natasha were having a private conversation. He figured it was about him since they both look so serious.
After a while, everyone was going to bed, and Natasha led Dhawal to her room.
"There's no couch in this room. You have to adjust. We can share the bed." stated Natasha
Dhawal smiled and agreed. As they sat on the bed, Natasha started to speak.
"Dhawal, I'm sorry. I didn't trust you. I'm not used to depending on others. I've always depended on myself. My family always depended on me. I never had to depend on anyone. It's hard to let go of that way of thinking. I realise that it's going to take a lot of work, but I am willing to try if you are. " Natasha held out her hand when Dhawal took her hand in agreement.
"I understand that the trust is hard to build up. I made a big mistake when we first got married. And now we build the trust up, and as for the other issues, yes, you are independent, but I like try to depend on each other, for the small things and work our way up." stated Dhawal
Natasha nodded and slowly released her hand from Dhawal's. Both laid down, each thinking about their talk and what happened in the past.
The next morning, everyone was up and ready for a new day.
"Chiku, be ready to pick up Esha Di. Please be on your best behavior when you go over to Makwana Mansion. Please, don't let them groad you. Whatever is said, be polite. Remember, you are their son in law." said Natasha
"Chutki, I am older than you. I know. I will be on my best behavior." stated Chiku
"That's why I am worried. Your best behavior. You will go guns blazing. You have already come to blows with them." said a worried Natasha.
"I promise I will be on my best behavior. I will not antagonize anyone, nor will I let anyone anger me." stated Chiku.
The rest of the Pandya's and Dhawal were smiling at Natasha and Chiku's conversation.
"Ok. Then go, bring Esha Di home," stated Natasha.
