Chapter 73: Knock, Knock-Surprise!!

At Vikram's house:

(The dining table was set beautifully, adorned with a pristine white tablecloth, fresh flowers, and gleaming cutlery.

The aroma of freshly cooked dal makhani, wafted through the air, creating a warm, homely atmosphere.

Anuradha bustled around, adjusting plates and ensuring every dish was in its place. Her perfectionist streak was in full swing.)

..

..

..

In the living room:

(Kiaan and Kiara sat lazily on the couch, their eyes glinting with mischief as they exchanged whispered comments about Vikram's nervous energy.

Vikram paced around the living room, running a hand through his hair every few seconds.)

(His mind was racing.

How the hell did he get into this mess?

Marriage proposal?

Lunch meeting?

What was his mother even thinking?!

And then....

The doorbell rang.)

..

..

..

(Vikram snapped out of his anxious thoughts, when her heard Anuradha called out for him, from the kitchen)

Anuradha: (from the kitchen) Vikram! jao! darwaaza kholo. Mehmaan aa gaye honge!!

Vikram: (grumbles, hesitant) Mujhe kyun bhej rahi ho, Maa? Aap hi khol lo.

(Anuradha peeks from the kitchen and spoke firmly)

Anuradha: Nahin, beta!! Tum jao...... and please thoda smile kar lena. Impression achha padega.

(Vikram shot his mother a glare, but didn't respond.

His heartbeat quickened.

No... no...

He wasn't ready for this!

He turned to his kids,

his eyes pleading.)

Vikram: (lowers voice) Tum dono kholo na, please?

Kiara: (crossing her arms) No way, Papa! Yeh aapke guests hain. Aap kholo.

Kiaan: (smirks) Haan, Papa. Yeh jo guests hain... yeh aapke liye aaye hain... hamaare liye nahi!!!

(Vikram shot them a glare, but the twins only grinned back at him, clearly enjoying his distress.

Muttering under his breath, he squared his shoulders and forced himself towards the door.

The doorbell rang again-this time, more insistently.)

Vikram: (grumbling) Meri hi zindagi kyun itni museebat se bhari hoti hai?

..

..

..

At the main door:

(With a deep breath, he pulled the door open, with an air of reluctant politeness.

He braced himself for a family he had no interest in meeting.

But the moment the door swung open, his body froze mid-motion.

Instead of an unfamiliar face...

He was met with the last person he expected.

Standing there, dressed in a simple yet classy saree, was...

Naina!!!!

Her smile was warm but slightly nervous as she looked at Vikram standing there.)

(For a split second, Vikram's mind went blank. His breath hitched, and his heart thudded loudly in his chest, drowning out all other sounds.

Naina's expression was unreadable, but there was something in her eyes-something that made Vikram's stomach do a nervous flip.

Vikram's mouth fell open, his brain refusing to process what he was seeing.)

Vikram: (blinking rapidly) N-Naina?!

(Naina raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with his reaction.)

Naina: (dryly) Haan, main hoon!!! Kyun? Koi aur aane waala tha kya?

(Vikram blinked. He was half-convinced, that he was imagining things, but she was undeniably real.

His mind raced, trying to piece together what this meant, why she was here, and why his mother had been so smug all day.

The answer was beginning to take shape, but he didn't dare let himself believe it.)

Naina: (playful sarcasm) Jaan, aap meri aarti utaarne waale ho kya?

Vikram: N-nahi.... nahi toh?

(She tilted her head slightly, her gaze steady on him as she smiled)

Naina: Toh phir hatiye raste se!!!! mujhe andar toh aane dijiye!!!!

Vikram: (realizes) oh... sorry!!!

(Vikram stepped aside, his movements almost mechanical, allowing Naina to enter.)

..

..

..

(As she crossed the threshold, his gaze followed her, his emotions an unspoken whirlwind of shock, joy, and a growing realization that this moment was far more important than he had imagined.

His mother appeared in the hallway, her grin wide and knowing, but Vikram's eyes remained fixed on Naina.

The truth hit him like a wave, leaving him breathless: she wasn't just a guest. She was 'THE GUEST'.)

..

..

..

Then,

(Anuradha walked up from behind and grinned mischievously looking at Naina.)

Anuradha: (smiles) Naina beta.... kaisi ho?

Naina: (politely) Haan aunty ji... ek dum badhiya!!!!

Anuradha: (teasingly) Aur beta.... ghar dhoondhne mein koi takleef toh nahi hui??

(Naina laughed. She caught onto Anuradha's playful tone and decided to go along.)

Naina: (smiles, mock serious) Thodi ho gayi thi, aunty.... Aaj internet down tha, aur Google Maps kaam nahi kar raha tha. Thoda confuse ho gayi thi.

(Anuradha laughed, her laughter was light and carefree, while Naina giggled softly.

Vikram, stood in shock. He stared at them, trying to make sense of how they were smiling and joking with each other.)

Vikram: (mutters to himself) Yeh... kya ho raha hai? yeh kaise ho raha hai??

Naina: Vikram ji, itna tension mat lijiye. Sab kuch detail mein bataayenge, ek-ek baat samajhaayenge.

Anuradha: haan... pehle, Naina ko aaram se baithne toh do!!!!

(Vikram nods and moves aside to let Naina walk further into the house.

Anuradha, looked towards the main door and frowned slightly.)

Anuradha: (curiously) Naina... Purab aur uski family kahaan hain?? Woh aa rahe hain naa?

Naina: (grins) Haan aunty.... Woh aate hi honge.... Woh dono bechaare, Prakhar ki wajah se hamesha late ho hi jaate hain.

(Anuradha smiles, nodding her head.)

..

..

..

Just then,

(Naina enterd the living room and noticed Kiaan and Kiara sitting on the couch lazily.

They get immediately charged up when they notice Naina there.

They get up from the couch and darted towards her. Their footsteps echoed with excitement)

Kiara: (excitedly, wraps her arms around Naina) Mumma! Aap finally aa gayi?!

Kiaan: (grins, with a mischievous glint in his eyes) Papa, lagta hai aapko shock lag gaya hai.

(Vikram snapped out of his trance, his eyes narrowing as he looks at his kids, then at his mother.

Anuradha simply smirked, leaving him utterly bewildered as the realization slowly dawned upon him....

This wasn't just some random coincidence.

This was a setup.

And he had walked right into it.)

Vikram: (exasperates) Tum?? Sab??... yeh sab... kya chal raha hai?

Naina: (looks puzzled) What's wrong? Vikram ji, aap itne hairaan-pareshaan kyun lag rahe ho?

(Anuradha chuckled, enjoying the moment.)

Anuradha: Naina beta, maine tumse kaha tha naa, ki apni meeting ke baare mein, Vikram ko kuch bhi mat bataana.... actually baat yeh hai ki....

(she looked at Kiaan and Kiara mischievously before clearing her throat)

Anuradha: Aaj subah, maine Vikram ko, ek bahut bada shock diya tha... Maine Vikram se kaha ki maine uske liye ek ladki pasand ki hai.... Maine sab bataya... ki woh ek achhe family se hai, sanskaari hai... woh bhi divorced hai... aur uske bhi do bacche hain.... Bas ek baat chhupaai...

Naina: (curiously) Kya?

Anuradha: (amusingly) ki woh ladki tum ho!!!!

(Naina bursted into laughter, her hand covering her mouth as she looked at Vikram, who glared at his mother, realizing he's been pranked.)

Vikram: (exasperates) Maa, seriously??? Aap kabse prank karne lag gaye????

Anuradha: (laughs) beta... yeh mera idea nahi tha.... tumhaari laadli ka idea tha!!!! She is the mastermind behind all of this!!!!

Vikram: (glares at Kiara) wah!!! Jaisi maa... waisi beti!!! Dono bhi prank queens hain!!!!

Kiara: (laughs) ab kya karein.... kuch dino se, ghar ka atmosphere bahut hi tensed ho gaya tha.... toh, thodi masti toh karni padti hai naa, papa!!!!

(Anuradha smiled lovingly at the kids, before turning towards Naina.)

Anuradha: (teasingly) but Naina.... tumhaara yahaan waste ho gaya!!!

(Naina's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She tilted her head slightly.)

Naina: kyun? Kya hua?

Anuradha: (sighs) Vikram ne toh shaadi se inkaar kar diya hai!!!

Naina: (shocked) Kya?! Yeh aap kya keh rahi hain, aunty?

Anuradha: (calmly explains) Haan beta, Vikram ne khud hi kaha tha ki jo bhi ladki aane waali hai, I am not going to marry her. I will say no!!!!

(Naina blinked rapidly, she understood that Anuradha was teasing Vikram.

Anuradha then placed a hand on Naina's shoulder and sighed heavily)

Anuradha: Toh... according to that... sorry beta... But Vikram ki taraf se toh...

(Before she could complete her sentence, Vikram came forward and interrupted her.)

Vikram: (in panic) Haan hai, Maa!!! Vikram ki taraf se haan hai!

(The sudden outburst startled everyone. Anuradha, Kiara, and Kiaan turned to look at him, their expressions a mix of shock and amusement.)

Anuradha: waah beta ji!!!! Tumhaara decision toh bahut hi jaldi change ho gaya!!!!

(Everyone bursted into laughter, the room filled with warmth and joy.

Vikram groaned, rubbing his temples as he muttered something under his breath.

Naina watches the moment unfold, her laughter softening into a shy smile as she looked at Vikram.

He eventually met her gaze, their eyes locking in a quiet, meaningful exchange.

Unspoken words passed between them, the love they share evident in the silence.)

..

..

..

After a while,

(Everyone settled on the couch in the living room.

Vikram had countless questions swirling in his mind-things he needed to say, things he needed to understand.

But the heaviness in the air was undeniable.

Vikram: Toh... Purab bhi aa raha hai kya, yahaan?

(Naina looked up, meeting his eyes briefly before nodding.)

Naina: Haan, Purab, Bhoomika, aur uncle-aunty... sab aa rahe hain.

Vikram: (stunned) Uncle, aunty bhi aa rahe hain??

Anuradha: Haan!!! Naina ne, Purab ki family se, apni shaadi ki baat ki hogi... toh, Purab ke parents mujhse milna chah rahe hain!!!

(Vikram exchanged a nervous glance with Naina.

He ran a hand through his hair, while Naina took a deep breath.

They knew this was coming... they were prepared for it... but still it made them a little nervous!!!

Things were definately about to get intense.)

..

..

..

(Kiaan and Kiara exchanged a glance, instantly sensing the unspoken tension between the three adults.

The weight of the conversation ahead, made them feel like outsiders in a moment meant just for the elders.)

Kiaan: (cleared his throat, offering an easy escape) Hum dono jaake kuch snacks arrange karte hain... sab chai peeyenge?

Anuradha: (nodded, her voice gentle) Haan beta, Kamla ko bol do chai ka paani chadha de....

Kiara: (scoffed playfully) Arrey, uski tension mat lo, Dadi! Chai toh hum dono, mil kar bana lenge!

(With that, the twins stood up. They gave  their father and mother one last knowing look before disappearing into the kitchen, leaving the three adults alone with their unfinished conversations.

The silence that followed was deafening.)

..

..

..

Then,

(Vikram crossed his arms, looking at his mother with sharp suspicion, his jaw tightening.)

Vikram: Maa, mujhe poori baat bataao.... Kya hua???... Yeh sab jo ho raha hai...... Yeh... Yeh, sab kaise ho raha hai??? Kya chakkar hai?

(Anuradha sighed, looking briefly at Naina before turning to her son.

The stern, formidable woman who once ruled the house with an iron grip now seemed...

smaller.

Tired.)

Anuradha: Vikram beta.... National Championship ke race ke baad, main Naina se milne, uske ghar gayi thi...... ab I will not go into the details about ki yeh sab kaise hua.... but uss din, bhagwaan ne meri aankhein khol di.... and I realized all my mistakes!!!! and so, Main Naina ke ghar gayi... uss say maafi maangne!!!

(Vikram's head snapped up, his eyes widening in disbelief.)

Vikram: What?! aap??? aur maafi???

(Anuradha nodded, her fingers twisting the edge of her saree.

For the first time in years, she looked... not so very dominating!!)

Anuradha: Haan beta... maafi maangne.

(The words felt foreign even to her own tongue, but they hung in the air like an unspoken confession.

Vikram blinked, his arms slowly uncrossing, his mind struggling to process what he had just heard.

He let out a hollow chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief.)

Vikram: Aap... aap maafi maangne gayi thi? (Shocked)  Maa, aap? Yeh toh koi naya drama lag raha hai.

(Naina, spoke softly, keeping her voice measured.)

Naina: Nahi, Vikram ji... aunty sach keh rahi hain. Woh aayi thi. Aur... unhone maafi maangi... mujhse... for all the injustice that she did to me... for crushing my dreams... for torturing me!!!

(Vikram turned to Naina, his brows furrowing deeper.

He searched her face for any hint of sarcasm, any reluctance. But all he saw was a quiet sincerity.)

Anuradha: Mujhe samajh aaya ki mujh mein kitni toxicity bhari hui thi... and because of that, mere aas- paas waale.... matlab ki, mere khud ke ghar waale hi mujh se door hote jaa rahe hain... Toh maine socha, ki apni galti ko sudhaar leti hoon!!!

(Vikram ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.

This was too much to take in at once. Anuradha simply sat with her hands tightly clasped together.

She took a deep breath before speaking again, her voice heavy with emotion.)

Anuradha: Aur ek aur baat hai, beta...

(pauses, her voice trembling with regret)

Anuradha: Main tumse bhi maafi maangna chahti hoon, Vikram!!

(Vikram frowned, confusion flickering in his eyes.)

Vikram: Mujhse? Kis baat ki maafi, Maa?

Anuradha: Beta, mujhe ab jaake samajh aaya hai... ki maine tumhaare saath kya kiya hai!!!!  Tumne bachpan se lekar aaj tak jo bhi kiya, bas meri baat maan kar kiya. Bina sawaal kiye, bina kisi shikaayat ke. Tum hamesha mere obedient bacche rahe ho. Meri wajah se toh, tumhaara singing bhi chooth gaya!!!!....

(She looks at him, guilt pooling in her eyes.)

Anuradha: Uske liye, main dil se maafi maangti hoon, Vikram.

(Vikram shifted uncomfortably, not knowing how to react. He lets out a small, awkward chuckle.)

Vikram: Maa... aap bhi na, kya purani baatein lekar baith gayi hain...

Anuradha: (interrupts) Sach hi toh keh rahi hoon.... Tumhaari life toh maine hi barbaad ki hai....

(Vikram watched her closely as she hesitates, as if gathering courage.)

Anuradha: agar dekha jaaye toh... Tumhaari shaadi zabardasti se zaroor hui thi... par jo nafrat tumhaare dil mein Naina ke liye thi... woh maine hi toh daali thi.

(Vikram's breath hitched. His hands curled into fists, but he remained silent, absorbing her words.)

Anuradha: Shayad, kuch saalon baad tum apni purani zindagi ko peeche chhod dete... shayad Naina ko apne dil se apna lete. Par maine tumhe bhadkaaya...... Tumhe uske kareeb jaane hi nahi diya. Maine tumhaari soch ko itna influence kiya, ki tumhe Naina, kabhi bhi apne laayak lagi hi nahi!!

(Vikram looked away, emotions raging in his chest.

He knew his mother was at fault.

But was it entirely hers?

Vikram was sure that he, himself played an important part in the downfall of his relationship with Naina!!)

Anuradha: (with tears in her eyes) Tumne, Naina ko divorce bhi meri wajah se hi toh diya tha!!!! even though you didn't love her back then.... but still tum apni shaadi ko nibhaate!!!! Marte dam tak, nibhaate.... par maine tumhe, apni soch ke daayre mein baandh diya!!! Main hi toh woh wajah thi... tum dono ke alag hone ki...

(Tears welled up in her eyes as she lowered her head in shame.)

Anuradha: Beta, mujhe maaf kar do...

(A heavy silence filled the room. Vikram inhaled deeply, then slowly walked over to her.

He sat beside her and gently took her hands in his own, his grip firm yet comforting.)

Vikram: (softly) Maa... taali ek haath se nahi bajti. Main bhi kamzor tha. Agar main khud strong hota, toh aapki baatein mujhe itni aasaani se influence nahi karti...

(Anuradha looked up, her tears spilling over. She nodded, acknowledging his words.)

Anuradha: Mujhe toh tumhaare Papa se bhi maafi maangni padegi... (glances upward, her lips quivering) Woh mujhe upar se gusse mein dekh rahe honge... (teary) pata nahi upar jaake main unhe kiss much se jawaab doongi!!!

(She benda her head down in shame and wiped the tears that rolled out of her eyes)

Anuradha: Tum dono ka divorce karwaake, maine sirf tum dono ka nahi, unka bhi dil toda hai. Unhone, Naina ke papa ko ek vachan diya tha, aur main uss vachan ki izzat bhi nahi rakh paayi...

(Vikram squeezed her hand gently, his voice steady.)

Vikram: Maa... Papa aapse naraaz nahi hain, Maa!!!! Woh bahut pyaar karte hain, aapse!!! he can see that you are trying to change ... aur waise bhi, jo ho gaya woh ho gaya.... Ab humein past se aage badhna hai. Jo humare haath mein hai, uspe dhyaan dena hai... taaki hamara future better ho.

(Anuradha exhaled slowly. She patted Vikram's hand gently, taking comfort in his words.)

Anuradha: (softly) Tum bilkul apne Papa jaise ho... hamesha sabko samajhne wale...

(Vikram gave her a small, reassuring smile.)

..

..

..

Just then,

(They hear some commotion coming from the kitchen. Anuradha immediately got up from the couch, her alert mode on. )

Anuradha: Accha... mujhe do minute do... main zara kitchen mein dekh kar aati hoon... pata nahi bacche kya kar rahe honge!!!!

Naina: main bhi chaloon kya, aunty?

Anuradha: Nahi... nahi... beta, tum Vikram ke saath baitho.... Baatein karo. main ek baar, sab dekh kar aati hoon!!!!

(She gave them one last, lingering look before she stood up and walked out of the living room)

..

..

(As soon as she left, Naina shifted in her seat, looking uneasy. The air between them crackled with unsaid words.)

Naina: Vikram ji... I am so sorry

Vikram: Kiss liye? for calling me Vikram ji???

(Vikram let out a small chuckle, while Naina rolled her eyes)

Vikram: accha theek hai.... ab tum, kis baat ke liye maafi maang rahi ho?

Naina: I have only decided to be friendly with Anuradha aunty for the time being!!!!.... but, maine aapki maa ko poori tarah maaf nahi kiya hai.... and I know ki, aap thode toh disappointed honge... hai naa???...

(Vikram was about to say something, but she continued.)

Naina: Maine bas itna kaha ki... Vikram ji aur bacchon ki khushi ke liye liye, main shaadi ke liye agree kar rahi hoon.... toh,  abhi ke liye, we can be on good terms.... But iss se zyada, mujh se nahi ho paayega.

(Vikram studied her for a long moment, then leaned slightly forward, his voice steady.)

Vikram: Aur tumhe lagta hai, ki tumhaare decision se, I will be disappointed?

(Naina nodded hesitantly. Seeing this, Vikram exhaled deeply, his voice softer now.)

Vikram: Naina.... Babe, maafi dena ya na dena-yeh sirf tumhara decision hai. I would never expect you to do something that makes you uncomfortable.

(Paused, his gaze softening)

Vikram: Mujhe pata hai ki meri maa ne jo kiya, usko bhoolna ya usko ignore karna, itna aasan nahi hai. In fact... agar tum mujhe keh deti ki, Jaan... main aapki maa ko shayad kabhi maaf nahi kar paaungi... toh main, tumhe bilkul samajhta.... (he comes close to explain) dekho Naina..... your pain is your pain!!! Okay!!! you can deal with it anyway you want. (Reassures her) I can help you out, if you want me to.... but I cannot, or rather, should not force my opinions on you!!!!

(He paused, searching her eyes for answers, then spoke again, his voice steady yet filled with concern.)

Vikram: Par ek baat batao, tum yeh sab sirf mere liye kar rahi ho kya? Are you doing it, sirf iss dar ki wajah se, ki main hurt ho jaunga?

(He shookhis head, scooting closer, his fingers brushed against hers.)

Vikram: Agar aisa hai na, toh please mat karo! Don't do this for my sake!!

(Naina looked up at him, her lips parting slightly as if to respond, but no words come out.)

Vikram: (Softer now, yet firm) Main nahi chahta ki tum har din, koi na koi tension mein guzaro... koi bhi majboori ya guilt mein raho.... Agar tum is ghar mein, meri maa ke saath, ek chhat ke neeche rehne ko lekar ek bhi percent uncomfortable ho... sirf ek percent bhi.... toh chhodo sab. Shaadi karna zaroori nahi hai!

(He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair before looking back at her with raw honesty.)

Vikram: Hum aise hi reh lenge... jaise ab tak rahe hain. As boyfriend and girlfriend, as parents to our kids, as two people, jo ek dusre se bahut pyaar karte hain, but bina kisi zabardasti ke.

(He lets out a light chuckle, but his eyes remain serious.)

Vikram: Aur rahi baat bachchon ki... toh waise bhi agle saal, dono 18 ke ho jaayenge. Phir na koi custody ka issue hoga, na koi legal battle. Woh chahein yahaan rahein ya tumhare saath, ek hi baat hai!! Jitna yeh ghar unka hai... utna woh bhi hai!!! They will have 2 happy homes, instead of one stressful home!!!

(He stopped, his voice quieter now, almost pleading.)

Vikram: Lekin... an 'Unhappy You'... yeh mujhe kabhi accept nahi hoga, babe.

(Naina stared at Vikram, her heart pounding in her chest.

She had been certain-absolutely sure-that he would expect her to forgive Anuradha, to let go of the past as if it had never happened.

That's what she had thought of him, that he would always put family his mother above everything else, even her feelings.

But here he was, sitting beside her, prioritizing her-her emotions, her comfort, her pace.

Naina got a little emotional. A single tear slipped down Naina's cheek before she could stop it.

She wiped it away hastily. Vikram smiled weakly and rubbed his thumb gently over her hands)

Vikram: Socho... sach mein socho, kya tum yeh sab sirf mere liye kar rahi ho?

(Vikram's words hungin the air, his grip on Naina's fingers tightened slightly as he waited for her response.

She looked at him, her eyes brimming with emotions.

Then, she took a deep breath, and opened her mouth to speak....

but just then,

the doorbell rang!!!

the chime echoed through the house.

Naina stiffened, her fingers tightened around the cushion in her lap.

She knows it's Purab.

She exhaled slowly, trying to compose herself.)

Anuradha: (calling out from the kitchen) Arey, main khol deti hoon!

(Before anyone could respond, she wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and rushes out of the kitchen towards the main door.

Her footsteps are hurried yet controlled, a mix of eagerness and apprehension.)

..

..

..

Meanwhile,

In the living room,

(Vikram and Naina exchange a quick glance.

A silent conversation passes between them—hesitation, uncertainty, and a lingering question neither of them voices.)

Vikram: (sighs, rubbing his temple) Chalo... dekhte hain.

(Naina nods slowly, her heartbeat picking up.

She places the cushion aside and gets up. Vikram follows suit, his expression unreadable.

Together, they make their way towards the foyer, their steps measured, as if preparing themselves for whatever is about to come.)

___________________________________________

Author's Note:

Well, here we are! 🎉

Phew!! That was one emotionally charged chapter, wasn't it? 😮🔥

From Vikram's utter shock to Anuradha's unexpected confession, and of course, Naina's silent yet powerful resistance—this chapter had everything!

I absolutely LOVED writing this part!

There's something so satisfying about seeing characters evolve, especially when past mistakes and buried emotions come to the surface.

Vikram's panic, Naina's quiet strength, Anuradha's long-overdue redemption—each moment was so intense yet so necessary!

And let's not forget our little prank master, Kiara 😆—because what's a family drama without some lighthearted chaos, right?

But the real question is... what happens next? 👀

Purab is at the door, and let's just say, things are about to get even more interesting!

Are we ready for some family confrontations, deep conversations, and maybe a little more heartache? 😏

Buckle up, because the ride isn't over yet!!

Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Did this chapter make you laugh? Did it make your heart ache? Do you think Vikram and Naina are finally on the same page, or is there more to untangle?

Let's discuss!!! 💬💕