Chapter 11: Her Choice To Make

A few days later,

At Vikram's house,

.

In the living room:

(It was a cozy Saturday evening. The house was warm and filled with the sound of a movie playing on the TV.

Kiara and Kiaan were sprawled on the couch, sharing a tub of popcorn, while Vikram sat on an armchair, quietly eating his ice cream.

Despite the cheerful setup, Vikram's mood was subdued. His usual lively presence was replaced with a distant silence.

Kiara noticed it first. She nudged Kiaan and then leaned forward, studying her father with a curious expression.)

Kiara: (curious, teasing) Kya hua, Papa? Aaj Saturday night ko, hamare saath ghar par ho? Mumma ke saath koi plans nahi thay kya?

(Vikram froze for a moment, the spoon poised mid-air. He shrugged casually, but the weight in his eyes was unmistakable.)

Vikram: (nonchalant) Nahi... Naina busy thi.... toh koi plan nahi banaya.

(Kiara frowned, exchanging a quick look with Kiaan, who was too engrossed in the movie to care much.)

Kiara: (speaking casually) Haan, ho sakta hai. the next race is being conducted by us, at the Vajra Racing Circuit. Mumma aur Purab chachu toh uss mein hi busy rehte hain. (she pauses) Par pata hai, mujhe lag raha hai kuch toh off hai.

Vikram: matlab? kya off hai?

Kiara: (hesitant) Kuch toh ajeeb lag raha hai, Papa!!!! Purab chachu, mumma se properly baat hi nahi kar rahe. He's behaving like a true professional these days. Bas kaam ki baatein ho rahi hain unke beech. Koi masti nahi.

(Kiaan finally looked up, intrigued.)

Kiaan: Wait, seriously? Mumma aur Purab chachu ki masti toh kabhi rukti hi nahi thi.

Kiara: (nods her head) Exactly! Par ab dono ek dum formal lagte hain. Aisa lagta hai jaise kuch hua hai. Kya pata, koi argument hui ho. (she turns towards Vikram) Papa, aapko kuch pata hai? Mumma se kuch baat hui kya?

(Vikram shifted in his seat, his jaw tightening briefly.

He avoided her gaze, focusing instead on swirling the melted ice cream in his tub.)

Vikram: (calmly, dismissive) Kuch nahi, Kiara. Race ka tension hoga. Tum log movie pe concentrate karo.

(Vikram, stared blankly at the screen, his thoughts far from the movie. The mention of Purab had struck a nerve.

He couldn't shake off the memory of the café-Purab's angry and cold attitude towards him when he caught him with Naina,

Kiara wasn't convinced. She tilted her head, studying his face, trying to piece together the puzzle.

She looked at Kiaan who gave her a puzzled look as well. Kiaan pauses the movie and turns towards Vikram.)

Kiaan: (softly) Papa... aap theek toh ho naa?

(Vikram forced a smile, leaning back in his chair.)

Vikram: Main bilkul theek hoon, beta. Tum zyada socho mat. Chalo, movie ko play karo. kaun se scene chal raha hai??

(He stared at the screen, barely registering the action unfolding before him.

The ice cream in his tub remained untouched as he wrestled with the ache that had settled deep within him.)

Kiaan: (trying to lighten the mood) Papa, agar movie nahi dekhni toh batao. Main cricket highlights laga deta hoon!

(Vikram managed a chuckle, ruffling his son's hair.)

Vikram: Nahi, movie hi theek hai.

(Kiara's gaze lingered on him, determined to find out what lay beneath the surface.

Even if he wouldn't tell her now, she knew something was wrong. She just hoped it wasn't something they couldn't fix.)

.

.

Cut to,

A Few days later,

Outside Purab's house:

(A car came to a stop in front of Purab's house, and Aryan stepped out, holding the door open for Niyati.

They both froze for a moment, taking in the sight before them. The house was adorned with strings of fairy lights, marigold garlands, and a large 'Welcome' banner.)

Aryan: (let out a low whistle) Wah, wah! Mere liye kabhi itna grand welcome nahi kiya. Niyati ke liye itna sab

(He made a mock sad face, placing a hand on his heart for added drama. Niyati nudged him with her elbow, stifling a laugh.)

Niyati: Aryan, stop being dramatic. It's so beautiful!!!

(Her eyes sparkled with delight as she admired the decorations.

Before Aryan could respond, Jyoti came out of the house with a wide smile, her hands folded in greeting.)

Jyoti: (speaks warmly) Bahu ghar pehli baar aayi hai. Itna toh banta hai!

(She stepped forward to hug Niyati. Aryan then raised an eyebrow.)

Aryan: (mock sad) Aur main? Mere liye kuch nahi?

Jyoti: (chuckles and wags her finger at him) Tumhaare liye bhi kiya tha, yaad hai? Jab tumne apna pehla Filmfare award jeeta tha, best actor male debut ka... tab bhi aise hi welcome kiya tha!!

(Aryan's mock sadness vanished, replaced by a genuine smile. He nodded, his eyes softening with the memory.)

Aryan: Haan, bhabhi. Yaad hai. Tab bhi ghar ko aise sajaayaa tha... aur aunty ne mere liye laddu bhi banaye thay. I think I ate at least ten!!!!

(Everyone laughed as Purab joined them, walking out with Bhoomika and little Prakhar in tow.)

Purab: (patting Aryan on the back) Aryan, bas yahi badi-badi baatein karte rehna, kaam kuch nahi. Niyati ko andar le jao, itni bhaari saari mein bechaari aise baahar khadi hai!!!!

Aryan: (turns to Niyati with a grin) Chaliye, madam. Aunty aur uncle wait kar rahe honge!!!

(As they stepped inside, the warmth of family surrounded them, making the decorated house feel like a true homecoming.)

.

.

Later,

In the living room:

(The family had gathered in the living room, and the warmth of chatter filled the space.

Aryan and Niyati sat beside Purab's parents, listening intently as he recounted tales from Purab and Aryan's younger days.)

Purab's mother: (grinning) waise Niyati beta, tumhaara woh cosmetics ka business kaise chal raha hai?

Niyati: (nodding) accha chal raha hai aunty!!! Mera sale toh mostly online ho hota hai... but abhi we are expanding into a few more cities....

Purab's mother: arrey waah!!!! Kaam badh gaya hoga naa?

Niyati: jee aunty.... Saare cheezein balance karna thoda tough ho gaya hai.... mujhe Aryan ke bhi schedule ko dekh kar chalna padta hai.

(Jyoti and Bhoomika soon entered with trays of refreshments-plates of samosas, dhoklas, and an assortment of chutneys, along with glasses of steaming chai.)

Jyoti: (smiles, places a plate in front of him) Yeh lo, Aryan. Tumhaare favorite aloo wale samosa banaaye hain.

Aryan: Bhabhi, mujhe lagta hai aap mujhe mota karne ka target lekar chal rahi ho!!!

Jyoti: Tum actor log, hamesha hi diet pe hote ho. Kabhi-kabhi ghar ka khana kha lena chahiye!!

(Aryan smiled and picked up a samosa from the plate. Bhoomika then smiled and handed a cup of tea to Niyati.)

Niyati: (sips her chai and looks around the room) Waise, Naina kahaan hai? (she spoke casually) Mujhe laga woh bhi yahaan hogi.

(The atmosphere shifted abruptly, the warmth replaced by an uneasy tension.

Purab, who had been pouring tea for his father, froze mid-action.

His face darkened as he slammed the kettle down on the tray, startling everyone.)

Purab: (voice is sharp, filled with anger) Uska naam bhi mat lena mere saamne!!!

(Niyati blinked, taken aback by his sudden outburst. Aryan straightened in his seat, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to understand what had just happened.)

Aryan: Purab.... Bhai yeh kya-

Purab: (raises his hand to cut him off) Woh ab iss ghar mein kabhi nahi aayegi!!!! (his tone firm and resolute) Mera aur uska ab koi vaasta nahi. Jo tha, khatam ho chuka hai. Bas ek professional relation bacha hai. She's just a partner in the racing club, that's it. Aur kuch nahi.

(The words hung heavy in the air. Niyati glanced at Aryan, her eyes wide with shock.

Purab's mother opened her mouth as if to speak but stopped, her gaze dropping to her lap.

Jyoti and Bhoomika exchanged uneasy looks, unsure of how to diffuse the tension.)

Purab: (voice is heavy with frustration) kuch din pehle... I found bumped into Naina at a café. Woh kisi ke saath date pe aayi thi!!!

Aryan: (blinks in surprise, then grins) But that's good naa? She's moving on.... toh Problem kya hai?

Purab: (his face darkens further) Problem hai, Aryan...... Ki woh ladka Vikram hai!!!!

Aryan: (clenches his fists, his jaw tight) What??? Are you serious???

Purab: (His voice rises, filling the room with his anger) Yes I am serious!!!! Woh ladki paagal ho gayi hai!!! She's dating the same man jisne usse 17 saal tak torture kiya!!!!

(Niyati froze, her cup of tea halfway to her lips.

She knew that this day would come, but she didn't realize that it would be this bad.

She stayed silent, her mind racing, unsure of how to intervene.)

Purab: (exasperates) Tumne Nunu ki health dekhi thi naa, Aryan? Uski kya haalath ho gayi thi... yaad hai naa? She was severely malnourished, under confident, broken in every way possible! Aur ab woh ussi aadmi ke paas waapas ja rahi hai? Kya dimaag kharaab ho gaya hai uska?

Prem: (intervenes) Purab... calm down!!!!

Purab: Calm down?!.... bhaisaab.... You were there with me, jab woh court ke staircase se neeche giri thi.... marr gayi hoti woh uss din, bhaisaab!!!! (takes a deep breath) waise.... Mujhe koi farak padhna hi nahi chahiye ab.... Main Naina se, apna rishta tod chuka hoon. Uska jo mann chaahe, woh kare. I don't care!!!!

(The room fell silent, the weight of Purab's words pressing down on everyone.

Bhoomika placed a calming hand on his arm, but he shook his head, his anger far from subsiding.)

Purab: But, main tumhe nahi rokungaa, Aryan...... Tumhe Naina se rishta rakhna hai, toh rakho. Lekin mere liye woh chapter khatam ho chuka hai.

(The atmosphere grows tense. Niyati, who has been quietly listening, finally spoke up.)

Niyati: (calmly but firmly) agar aap sab ko bura naa lage, toh can I say something??

Purab: (immediately straightens up) haan... haan... sure.

Niyati: (thoughtfully) obviously main, Naina ko aap sabse zyaada toh nahi jaanti... I only know her through the stories that you keep telling about her...... Aryan ne mujhe hamesha kaha hai ki, Naina was a carefree girl... she was almost a rebel, right??? Jab woh chhoti thi, she never listened to her parents and did whatever she wanted.... Apni marzi ki maalik thi woh.... But... tell me one major thing in her life jo uski marzi se hua ho??

(Aryan and Purab exchange puzzled glances.)

Niyati: (continuing) Uski shaadi bhi uski marzi ke bina hui. Then her entire life was dictated by her in-laws. Usmein bhi uski koi marzi nahi thi.... Now, finally, jab woh apni marzi se, apne liye kuch decisions le rahi hai, toh why are you reacting so bad??? (she pauses) If you start dictating her life again and stop her from doing what she wants, what's the difference between you and her in- laws??

(The room falls silent. Aryan noticed Purab's expression change.

He immediately placed a hand on Niyati's indicating her to stop talking.)

Bhoomika: Nahi Aryan bhaiya... don't stop her from talking!!! Sahi toh keh rahi hai yeh!!!! (she turns towards her husband) Purab, aap khud ko Naina ka best friend kehte ho, naa?

(She looks directly at him, her eyes filled with disappointment)

Bhoomika: Aap toh uske friend kehne ke laayak bhi nahi ho!!! Ek second mein usse rishta tod diya? Kya yeh hoti hai dosti?

Purab: (taken aback by her sudden outburst, frowns) Bhoomika, main-

Bhoomika: (she didn't let him continue) Socho, 17 saal pehle agar usne sab se rishta tod diya tha.... Aur jab usse uske parivaar ne torture kiya, she didn't even think about asking you for help.... Kyunki shayad Naina ko, aap sab se madad maangne mein sharam aa rahi hogi!!!! But this time, aapne khud uska saath chhoda hai.... agar woh phir kisi mushkil mein pad jaaye, toh aapko lagta hai woh aapse help maangegi?? (Sighs) Woh bhanak bhi nahi padne degi!!!!

(she points her finger at him)

Bhoomika: aapko uska saath dena chahiye tha, Purab. aapko ussay samjhana chahiye tha ki 'Nunu, mera mann nahi maan raha, par agar yeh tumhaari khushi hai, toh main tumhaare decision ka sammaan karunga...... aur agar tumhaara decision sahi nikla, toh mujhse zyada khush insaan koi nahi hoga. Par agar galat nikla... toh ghabraana mat. Tumhara Pogo, tumhaare peeche khada hoga.... Hamesha!!!!'

(The room fell silent as Bhoomika's words hung in the air.

Purab looked down, his clenched fists slowly relaxing.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, visibly calming down.)

Purab: (voice heavy with guilt) Bhoomika... Main sirf... Naina ko dobara uss dard se guzarte nahi dekh sakta.

Bhoomika: (gives him a small, understanding smile) Aur uska saath chhod kar tum usse aur hurt kar rahe ho, Purab. She needs you. Tumhe uska best friend banna padega, chaahe woh tumhaare decision se kitna bhi alag kyun na ho!!!

Jyoti: (gently smiling) Niyati aur Bhoomika, dono sahi hain. I know that you care deeply for Naina, and you just want to protect her. But sometimes, you have to let her make her own decisions. Without judgment.

(Purab nodded slowly, the anger in his eyes replaced with a flicker of regret. Aryan placed a hand on his shoulder.)

Aryan: haan Purab!!!! Bhoomika bhabhi bilkul sahi keh rahi hai. Naina ko ek dost ki zaroorat hai, judge banne waale ki nahi.

Purab: (nodding, thoughtful) you know.... aap ladies log... you're much... much stronger than we think. Aur hum aadmi log... we're fools. We don't think straight until a woman shows us the right way.

Aryan: (grinning, nodding) and we're so lucky to have such amazing partners!!!!

(The room finally lightened as laughter rippledthrough it.

Bhoomika, Jyoti, and Niyati exchanged smiles, the atmosphere became warm and supportive once more.

Purab leaned back in his chair, his shouldersrelaxing for the first time that evening.

There was still a long way to go, but in that moment, it felt like the first step toward healing had been taken.)

___________________________________________

Author’s Note:

Whoa… what just happened?!

Did Niyati so the right thing?? or are you on Purab’s side?

I’m dying to know your thoughts, so drop your opinions in the comments!

If this chapter made you feel excited, shocked, or even frustrated, don’t forget to hit that ⭐ vote button! Your support keeps me motivated to bring you more drama, twists, and surprises! Let’s chat in the comments—see you in the next update! ❤️🔥