After what felt like an eternity, Armaan finally calmed down and released himself from his father's embrace.
Armaan: Who admitted me in the hospital? What time is it now? How are you here? Wait am I still in Mussoorie?
Madhav: Armaan, Calm down beta! We're still in Mussoorie. Sanjay was there with you and left after I reached here. Sanjay said that someone named Pankaj brought you to the hospital.
Armaan's face paled like a ghost. Mr. Pankaj would have talked with his Fufasa. Madhav noted his son's distress on mentioning Mr. Pankaj.
Madhav: Who's Mr. Pankaj?
Armaan: Where's my phone?
Madhav: Answer me first.
Armaan: I'll explain everything later, but first I need to talk with Mr. Pankaj.
A few moments pass, Armaan clarifies things with Mr. Pankaj and breathes a sigh of relief as Sanjay is unaware of Armaan's involvement with Abhira. Armaan looks at his father and sighs. Armaan was close to his father from childhood and after the truth about his biological mother got revealed to him, Madhav always took extra care with him. Their relationship started to strain only after Armaan graduated from law college. Madhav supported Armaan's decision to study law. But it was Kaveri who filled Armaan's naive heart against his father's career choices. Armaan questioned his father, but Madhav was hurt as his own son could not understand him. Armaan was hurt as he has hurt his father, and started to distance himself from Madhav. Though Madhav tried his best to mend the gap, Armaan got busy in his career.
This was the first time Armaan has hugged his father after their argument months ago.
Armaan: I'm sorry for that day.
Madhav: Armaan, I've told you already that I forgave you. But it was you, who's avoiding me.
Armaan gives his father a kicked puppy look.
Armaan: You've always supported me in my choices. But I should not questioned your choices like that.
Madhav keeps his hand on Armaan's shoulder and Armaan leans into his father.
Madhav: Armaan, children have all the right to question their parents. So please let that incident pass your heart. I want my son back. I want to be close to you again. Let me tell you a secret,
Armaan: *chuckles* Maa and dadisa might love Rohit more but you love me the most.
Madhav slaps Armaan's head playfully.
Madhav: Now tell me who is this Mr. Pankaj, before I put him in lockup for causing you distress.
Armaan looked up at his father and tells him about Akshara and Abhira.
Madhav: Don't worry beta, now let's wait for a couple of days and allow Abhira to settle down somewhere and after that as soon as she withdraws money I'll track her down. I promise, we'll support Abhira with whatever we can.
Armaan: Thanks papa. Also please don't mention anything about her to anyone else.
Madhav: Of course I won't.
Armaan: How's Rohit?
Madhav: We could not contact you all morning and you were unconscious for most of the day. How did you know about the issue?
Armaan: Have anyone ever appreciated your observation skills in the police department?
Madhav raised his eyebrows at Armaan and Armaan narrated his encounter with Ruhi.
Madhav: *sighs* I was not okay with this wedding from the start. I wanted you to get married before Rohit. But no! Maa has to instigate Vidhya and look now the marriage broke for good. I'm glad that Ruhi is safe and her family supported her. Also Armaan what you had for Ruhi is just Infatuation. So if you ever come across her again, don't be awkward and accept her friendship. She too has realised her mistakes, so why reject her if she wants to be your friend.
Armaan smiled at his father and hugged him again.
Madhav: Now release me from your octopus tentacles.
Armaan: No I won't.
Madhav: I still need to inform the doctors and they've scheduled your check-up this evening before discharge. Also we are going to stay here for the next couple of days.
Armaan: What? Why? Then what about Rohit?
Madhav: Armaan start to think about yourself before others. I understand that you love your little brother very much. But it's doctor's order. You need to take rest and avoid travelling for the next couple of days. We've enough people to fuss about Rohit, so please release yourself from the list.
Armaan: He's your son too!
Madhav: Yes! But my first child needs me more than my youngest. Rohit needs to become mature and learn to handle things. Hell! he should not have agreed for this marriage before establishing his career. I should have explained to him some more! But your Dadisa's and Vidhya's adamant nature has resulted in this broken marriage.
Madhav rubbed his forehead and sighed.
_________________________
Abhira told Ruhi everything about Yuvraj.
Abhira: So Di, it will not be safe for you and the Goenkas if I stay with you guys.
Ruhi: Do you think, I'll get scared easily and allow my little sister to go away. Hell No!
Abhira: But Di!
Ruhi: No Abhira, you are coming with me. And that's final. I am the daughter of Dr. Aarohi, Akshara maasi must have atleast mentioned my mother's stubborn nature.
Abhira: Of course she did! But she was always proud of her little sister.
Ruhi: Well I'm as stubborn as my mother, so you are coming home with me.
Ruhi grinned at Abhira.
Abhira sighed but deep down she was feeling very much warmth by her elder sister's love.
_________________________
Sanjay once again assured the Minister and asked Yuvraj to lay low till the settle things with Akshara Sharma's daughter. Just as he was exiting the Minister's house, Kaveri called him.
Kaveri: Jamaisa! Do you suspect Armaan in Abhira Sharma going missing?
Sanjay: I don't know Maasa. I left from the hospital after Madhav Bhaisa reached there. I never had a chance to talk clearly with Armaan from last night.
Kaveri: You've mentioned that Armaan left the house before you.
Sanjay: Yes Maasa! Now I've assured the Minister as Akshara Sharma's daughter did not file FIR. But I need to monitor Armaan, to know about Abhira Sharma. And if Armaan could not travel for the next couple of days, I'll also stay here to know about Abhira Sharma.
Kaveri: Okay Jamaisa, whatever you do next will be right. I'll talk with you later.
Kaveri massages her head as things are slipping away from her hands. She was irritated by the thought that she is loosing her control over Armaan like she lost Madhav years ago. She was always proud of Armaan Poddar's success but she never loved Armaan like she loved her grandson Rohit.
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