yun hi tu mere saath rehna

Chapter Ten

The next morning dawned bright. Armaan seemed incapable of keeping a grin off his face even as he got ready for the day. Yes, he was sad that Abhira would be moving out of the outhouse, but the happiness he felt for Abhira far outweighed that. His mother had been right. It wouldn't do any good to dwell on the bad, and instead he should focus on the good.

Loathe as he was to admit it, Dadi Sa and Phupha Sa's presence had only made life difficult for Abhira. He knew that she would be far happier living with her Badi Maa and Bade Papa, who would do everything to keep that smile on her face. 

With a skip in his step, Armaan got ready for the day and went downstairs, eager to see Abhira off, only to be shocked at the scene in the living room. The Goenka family was sitting there with his grandmother and Rohit. “Dadi Sa, main sach mein koshish karna chaahti hoon,” Ruhi said. “Rohit aur meri shaadi ko ek aur mauka dena chaahti hoon. Annulment papers pe maine gusse mein aake sign kar diya tha. Woh meri galti thi, magar please aap mujhe ek mauka dijiye yeh galti sudhaarne ka. Main ab aapko disappoint nahi karungi.”

“Ruhi, tum humaari beti ki tarah ho… Hum khush hain ki tumhe apni galti ka ehsaas hai aur tum sab theek karna chaahti ho. Agar woh haan kahe toh humein beyhadh khushi hogi, par aakhri faisla Rohit ka hi hoga,” Kaveri stated.

Ruhi turned to Rohit and apologized again. “I know maine tumhe bohot hurt kiya hai, Rohit. I'm really sorry for that. But please… Just one chance.”

“Haan, tumne mujhe bohot dukh diya hai, Ruhi,” Rohit agreed. “But we're married. Aur shaadi ek bohot badi responsibility hoti hai. Main aise peeche nahi hatunga. If you want to try, I will try as well.”

Armaan was surprised at the turn of events, but stayed mum. He knew that him interfering would only create more issues. Rohit wasn't happy with him, and he needed to stay as far away from Ruhi as possible. He was extremely relieved with Abhira's decision to move out after this. With Ruhi back in the house, tensions between them would only increase. At least this way, Abhira would not be subjected to ridicule every day. 

He made his way downstairs, and immediately caught everyone's attention. “Armaan, beta dekh!” Vidya exclaimed. “Ruhi ghar waapas aa gayi. Rohit apni shaadi ko ek aur mauka dena chaahta hai.”

Armaan sighed. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled fruitlessly. He couldn't be too disrespectful because his grandmother would somehow find a way to blame Abhira for that as well. “Congratulations,” he mumbled. “I hope tum dono ek saath khush raho.”

“Dua toh dil se de dijiye,” Rohit taunted. “Itna attitude kis baat ka? Kya aap khush nahi hai ki meri life track pe aa rahi hai?”

“Agar tum khush ho toh main bhi khush hoon, Rohit,” Armaan defended. “Lekin, isse zyada mujhse expect mat karo. This is the best I can do.”

Saying so, he left, not giving anyone a chance to say anything else. He was on his way to the outhouse to see Abhira, but was greeted by a procession outside the house. His previous worries forgotten, he laughed out loud at the sight before him. Of course, Badi Maa and Bade Papa would never do anything half-way. Now that they were taking Abhira home, they had to do it with all the pomp and show. His Abhira deserved to be celebrated. 

Atul & Kunal were beating the dhol, while Abir & Mishti led the family as they all danced. The noise attracted the entire family outside. “Yeh sab kya ho raha hai?” Kaveri demanded.

“Meri Abhira apne ghar jaa rahi hai, Dadi Sa,” Armaan replied, tears shining in his eyes. “Apne Badi Maa aur Bade Papa ke paas. Apne parivaar ke paas jo usse bohot pyaar karta hai.”

Manish Goenka was surprised at his words. Abhira had a family? Hadn't she told him she was an orphan? But, nevertheless, if it was true… If Abhira did have a family who was willing to be there for her, he was happy. That poor girl had been dealt such a shitty lot and yet had always made the best out of every bad situation. She deserved to have more people in her corner, and he was glad that finally that seemed to be the case.