Chapter 10
Jai was elated. Jai hugged Manyata tightly and said, "Aapko pata nahi Jeeji, aapne humein kitni badi khushi di hai". Manyata forced a smile and hugged Jai back. Manyata said, "Agar iske baare mein kisi tarah Uday ko pata chal gaya toh? Main toh soch bhi nahi sakti ki iska anjaam kya hoga". "Aap bohot chinta krti hain, Jeeji. Yeh plan humara hai. Uday aur hum bilkul ek jaise hain, woh humara plan kabhi nahi jaan paayega. Aur waise bhi inn sab mein Vijay Bhai bhi humara saath denge. Sab theek hoga", said Jai brimming with confidence. Manyata was still wary of the plan and how it could result in a crash and burn situation if Uday somehow came to know about it.
Manyata walked downstairs and saw her mother, Komal busy in preparations. Manyata gathered up strength and said, "Maa, aapse baat krni hai". Komal looked at Manyata and said, "Haan, woh tumhare liye humne stylist ka intezaam kr diya hai, aur bilkul chinta mat karo humne bataa diya hai aapko heavy makeup bilkul pasand nahi, aapko bilkul simple or light make up dein jaise aapko pasand hai". "Mujhe kucch aur kehna hai", said Manyata. Komal checked a list and urged Manyata to go on. "Mujhe baahaar jaana hai, zaroori hai", said Manyata gulping a bit. "Kya", asked Komal as she hadn't heard as she was busy in checking if anything else was left. Manyata stuttered "Woh...". Komal said, "Beta, baad mein baat krte hain. Abhi bohot kucch karna baaki hai" and she left in a hurry leaving Manyata tongue-tied. Manyata's face fell. Manyata felt a hand on her shoulder. Manyata turned back to face her father. "Kya baat hai, Beta", asked Brijraj as kind as ever. Manyata gulped in fear. "Kya hua?", asked Brijraj concerned. Manyata couldn't bring herself to open her mouth knowing that how much her father would regret after agreeing to her. "Manyata Bhai", said Vijay coming there. Manyata looked at Vijay indicating that she couldn't do it. Vijay nodded slightly gesturing that he would take over. Briraj looked at them confused. Vijay said, "Actually Manyata Bhai ne bataya nahi lekin yahaan aane k marathon mein Manyata Bhai ne Chicago mein ek important show ko peeche chhodh diyaa, aur uski wajah se sponsors ko kafi nuksaan uthaana pada". Brijraj was shocked. "Beta, itni badi baat aapne humein batayi kyun nahi", asked Brijraj. Manyata replied in a low tone, "Main nahi chahti thhi ki aap guilty feel karein". "Guilty se zyaada humein iss baat kaa bura lag raha hai ki aapne humaare saath apni problem share nahi ki", said Brijraj disappointed. Vijay seized the opportunity and said, "Par Manyata Bhai ko ek aur chance milaa hai sab theek krne k liye. Mumbai mein unka ek show hone waala hai par organizers Manyata se mil k uss se commitment lena chahte hain ki woh perform karegi aur issi silsiley mein aaj unki meeting fix hui hai lekin Manyata hai ki yeh mauka bhi jaane dena chahti hai, aap se darr k". Manyata looked at Vijay bewildered for adding that she was scared of her father. Vijay nodded at her to indicate that she shpuld go with the flow. Brijraj said, "You should absolutely not miss this, Manyata! Ek mauka milaa hai sab kucch theek krne ka aur hum nahi chahte ki humari wajah se ek baar phir humaari beti ko sharminda hona pade". Manyata was speechless at her father's love and respect for her and her work. Vijay elbowed Manyata and said, "Thank You, Brij Mama". "Lekin zara waqt se aajaaiyega, Komal Rashmo- riwaajon ko le kr todi strict hain, aap jaayiye hum aapki Maa ko samjhaa denge par zara jaldi waapas aa jaaiyega", said Brijraj. Manyata didn't have the guts to lie to him that she would come back before time. Vijay took Manyata with him towards the door and said, "Jaldi chalo Manyata Bhai, jitni jaldi jaogi utni hi derr, I mean utni hi jaldi waapas aa paoge". Manyata looked back once towards her father with remorseful eyes while Brijraj waved a bye to her. "Manyata Bhai, ab toh hum tumhaare spokesperson bhi ban gayye, ab toh aise Daily soap ki dukhiyaari heroine jaise chehre banane bandh karo", whispered Vijay. "Sab theek hoga na?", asked a wary Manyata. Vijay placed his hand on his heart and said, "All is well". Manyata left to meet Akash at the chawl.
It was evening. Udayveer and his family arrived at the Devgarh Palace which was decorated beautifully. Komal arrived with the pooja thaal and did the aarti and put tilak on Uday's forehead. Uday touched Komal and Brijraj and took their blessings. Uday was looking ravishing in a black sherwani(Author's Note: The same attire he wore during the crowning of Manyata alon with the pagdi). Brijraj welcomed Uday and his family. Brijraj and Giriraj hugged each other. Giriraj said, "Finally, hum samdhi banne jaa rahe hain". Brijraj nodded in happiness. Uday glanced up and noticed that Jai was seeing what was happening trying to conceal herself behind the pillar. Uday smirked and shook hands with the Royals offering him best wishes. Uday felt something was off but he couldn't put a finger on what was it. Unnati remarked, "Hum toh Manyata ko dekhne k liye beqaraar hain, aakhir uska lehenga humne select kiya thha". Something struck Uday! This was it! "Why in the world was Jai wearing Manyata's lehenga", thought Uday.
Manyata had met the organizers and assured them of her participation in the show and then had been at Sohni's home. Akash was bugged by Manyata's behavior. Manyata seemed distracted and she wasn't her usual cheerful self. This Manyata looked like a mere shadow of the Manyata he knew and loved. "Pachaas baar pooch chuka hoon, madam. Aapke maathe pe ye shikan kyun hai", asked Akash. "Bas Chicago waale show k baare mein soch kr", lied Manyata. "Woh toh kab ka ho chuka, Manyata! Ab chintaa krne se kya fayeda?", remarked Sohni. "Wahaan toh kaafi solid style maar k gayyi thhi chahe jo bhi ho mujhe jaana hai, ab kya saari hekdi nikal gayyi?", asked Chikki. Manyata looked at her mobile and thought of messaging Vijay. Akash kept his hand on Manyata's hand and squeezed it in support and said, "Sab theek ho jaayega". Manyata was lost in her thoughts and didn't realize Akash's gesture and took her hand away from his and started messaging Vijay.
Unnati was going to the stairs when Vijay stopped her and said, "No Entry". "Kyun", asked Unnati surprised. "Tum ladke waali ho naa, isiliye", made-up Vijay on the spot. "Hum apni friend Manyata se milnaa chahte hain, aapko koi problem hai", asked Unnati. "Nahi, Nahi! Tumhaari dost se milne se hum kaise rok sakte hain lekin apni Bhabhi se milne nahi de sakte", replied Vijay. "Aisa rule kisne banaya", asked Unnati agitated. "Sorry Unnati lekin humne ab tak shaadi k rules pe koi book nahi padhi lekin haan agar hum future mein likhenge toh yeh rule zaroor include karenge", replied Vijay. "Toh hum kaunsa rules k anusaar khelte hain", said Uday and joined them. Vijay became a bit cautious. "Hai na, Vijay Banna", said Uday tilting his head with a smirk on his face. Vijay became tensed as it would be very difficult to lie convincingly to Uday as he was too smart. "Chaliye ab Chhoti ko milwaa hi dijiye Manyata se", said Uday with a smirk. Vijay fidgeted with his mobile in tension. "Kya hua? Ab hum koi baahana nahi sunegein", said Unnati. "Woh..", as Vijay about to say something he accidentally hit a vase and as a reflex caught the vase, in this process his cell phone fell down. Unnati marched up the stairs and Vijay went behind her saying, "Aarey itni bhi kya bechaini hai, Manyata ko kal hi toh dekha thha tumne". Unnati said, "Hum kucch nahi sun ne waale", and walked towards Manyata's room with Vijay following her trying to stop her. Uday smirked at them and then noticed that Vijay had dropped his cellphone and forgotten to pick it up. Uday picked the cell phone up and saw a new message from Manyata. Uday became curious. He opened the message. The message read- "Aap mujhe bata dijiyega jab Jai aur Uday ka roka ho jaaye, main uske baad yahaan se nikal k wahaan pe pohonch jaungi". Fury filled up Uday's eyes. What a deceit both the sisters planned! Uday breathed heavily as he coldly messaged Manyata back from Vijay's number.
Manyata received a message from Vijay's number. Manyata opened the message. It read- "Kahan ho tum". Manyata messaged Vijay back- "Main Boriwali k chawl mein apni dost Sohni k ghar pe hoon. I just hope Jai ka plan successful ho". Uday read the reply from Manyata as to where she was. Uday had an ice-cold look on his face as he deleted Manyata's messages from the inbox as well as the message he sent from the outbox, cleared the logs and tossed the mobile back to the ground and said, "Not so well played, Princess!".
Unnati entered Manyata's room and saw Jai sitting with her back turned towards Unnati. Unnati mistook Jai as Manyata as she was wearing the lehenga and jewelleries that Unnati had selected for Manyata. Vijay stood there near the door almost frozen. Unnati walked towards Jai saying, "Bohot acchi lag rahi ho...". Unnati stopped in shock as she saw Jai's face. Unnati looked at Vijay surprised but Vijay just looked in another direction. Unnati asked, "Yeh sab kya chal raha hai, Jai? Manyata kaahaan hai aur tumne yeh sab kyun pehen rakha hai?". Jai replied, "Hum toh sirf dono pariwaaron ki izzat bacchaane ki koshish kr rahe hain". "Yah right!", said Unnati sarcastically. Vijay said, "Jai Bhai sacch keh rahi hain". "Please Vijay Banna, aap toh kam se kam inn sab mein shaamil mat hoiye. Jaldi bataiye Manyata kaahaan hai?", asked Unnati agitated. "Jeeji aaj Dad se permission le kr apne naye dance show k baare mein ek important meeting k liye baahaar gayyi lekin humein kya pata thha ki woh waapaas nahi aayengi", said Jai. Unnati was dumbfounded, she didn't know what to believe and what to not but the truth was Manyata wasn't there. Jai added, "Jeeji ko pehle se hi rishtey ko le kr bohot doubts thhe, par woh kisi se kucch keh nahi paati thhi aur itni jaldi Roke ki baat sun kr shayyad she couldn't take it anymore". Unnati said, "Aisa kaise ho sakta hai? Manyata itni irresponsible ho hi nahi sakti. Hum call krte hain usse". "Woh nahi uthayengi", said Jai. Jai was right, Manyata did not pick up Unnati's call. "Kya", everyone heard a voice. Everyone turned to see Komal standing near the door bewildered. Unnati thought that it would be best to leave. Unnati excused herself and walked out of the room and looked around the hall for Uday but he was no where to be seen. Unnati went and thoroughly searched for Uday and even asked all the servants if they saw Uday somewhere. Unnati was worried where Uday had disappeared to.
Manyata was sitting tensed in Sohni's home. Akash said, "Chalo abhi tumhaara mood theek krte hain". "Matlab?", asked Manyata. "Chalo sab nukkad k Chacha k dukaan se chai peete hain. I am sure tumhare aalisaan mahal mein tumhe itni acchi chai nahi milegi", said Akash. "Mere mann nahi hai", said Manyata. "Chal Naa, kab tak aisey hi muh phulaaye baithi rahegi", urged Sohni. "Haan, aur agar tujhe chai nahi peeni hai toh mat pi par humaare saath toh chal", said Chikki. Suddenlt the lights went off. "Arrey light chali gayyi", exclaimed Sohni. Manyata tried to provide some light using her mobile. Chikki had a brilliant idea and said, "Manyata tum Akash k saath chali jao, main aur Chikki lalten dhoondh kr ghar bandh krke aate hain". Chikki elbowed Akash and Akash immediately added, "Haan chalo Manyata, hum chai order kr denge aur tab tak yeh log aa jaayenge". Manyata said, "Nahi, main maddad krti hoon". "Nahi!", said Sohni. "Tum dono jao hum aate hain", said Sohni and pushed Akash and Manyata playfully out of her house. Akash blushed as he extended his hand towards Manyata and said, "Mera haath pakkad lo warna andhere main gir jaogi". Manyata showed her mobile torchlight with a smile and said, "Iski koi zaroorat nahi". Manyata walked ahead and Akash followed her with a fallen face. They reached the shop and Akash told Manyata to wait there as he went to the shop owner to order tea.
Unnati spotted her father and walked up to him and asked, "Dad, Dada kaahaan hain?". Giriraj replied, "Woh yaheen kahin hogein. Aap itni chintaa mein kyun lag rahi hain?". "Hum har jagah dhundh chuke hain woh humein mil hi nahi rahe", replied Unnati worried."Aap unhe call kijiye", said Giriraj. Unnati nodded and called up Uday. Uday was just pulled up his car in front of the chawl when he got a call from Unnati. "Dada, aap kaahaan hai? Humne aapko har jagah dhoondh liya", asked Unnati worried. "Chhoti, chill!", said Uday trying to calm Unnati down. "Hum toh bas thodi derr k liye baahaar aaye hain, ek surprise lene", said Uday smirking at Manyata's reflection on his car's side mirror."Dada, aap aise kaise jaa sakte hain? I mean, aapne Dad ko bhi kucch nahi bataaya aur yeh kaisa surprise jisse lene k liye aap apne Roke k beech se chale gayye?", asked Unnati worried. "Chhoti, Relax! Itne saare saawaalon ka jawaab ek saath kaise de sakte hain hum? Thoda sabr rakho, I promise you the surprise is completely worth it. Hum Mahurat se pehle aa jaayenge", said Uday gazing intensely at Manyata's reflection who looked lost and confused. Uday disconnected the call leaving Unnati worried.
Brijraj had joined Vijay, Jai and Komal in the room. Komal had informed of what had happened to Brijraj and Brijraj was dumbfounded at the thought of his trust and faith being breached. "Humaari toh kucch samjah mein hi nahi aa raha hai. Waahaan sab neeche intezaar kr rahe hain, Manyata ko dekhne k liye, aur yaahaan Manyata hi gaayab hain. Kya jawaab denge hum sabko?", said Komal worried. "Brijraj said, "Hum toh yehi soch rahe hain ki Giriraj ko kis mooh se sacch bataayein. Itne saalon ki dosti aur aisi beizzati!". They heard a knock on the door. Brijraj opened the door to see Giriraj standing there. "Kya baat hai, aap sab jashn chhodh k yaahaan kyun hain, sab aapke baare mein pooch rahe hain". Suddenly Girraj realized that Manyata wasn't there. "Manyata kaahaan hain?", asked Giriraj surprised. Brijraj and Komal looked down. "Hum kucch pooch rahe hain aapse Brijraj", said Giriraj. Jai replied, "Uncle, Jeeji ghar se baahaar gayyi thhi aur ab tak lauti nahi hain. Woh kisika phone bhi nahi utharahi". "Yeh sab kya hai Brijraj?", asked Giriraj shocked. "Hum Manyata ko dhoondhne ki poori koshish kr rahe hain. Humaare log gayye hain unhe dhoondhne", said Brijraj. "Dhoondhne ki koshish matlab? Aap keh rahi hain ki Manyata apne hi Roke se gaayab hain!", said Giriraj in anger. Brijraj said, "Humein maaf kr dijiye Giriraj. Humein kabhi sapne mein bhi nahi socha thha ki aisa kucch ho sakta hai. Hum toh samajh hi nahi paa rahe hain ki kis mooh se aapse maafi maange". "Maafi? Logon ki baat chhodiye Brijraj, hum toh yeh nahi samajh paa rahe hain ki apne Bete ko kya mooh dikhaayenge. Woh bhi koi surprise laane k liye apni hi Roke se nadaarat ho gayye hain yeh keh kr ki mahurat se pehle aa jaayenge", said Giriraj irritated. Vijay and Jai were shocked. Komal said, "Matlab Manyata aur Udayveer dono hi nahi hain, aur saare log unke Roke mein mashruf hone k liye neeche intezaar kr rahe hain". Unnati arrived there and said, "Raj Purohit ji aa chuke hain". Everyone was worried. "Ab kya karein", asked Komal tensed. Giriraj said, "Raj Purohit ji ka uphaas krna toh poore pariwaar pr shraap padne jaisa hi hai". Brijraj said, "Hum unka apmaan nahi kr sakte. Hum toh kehte hain ki sab neeche chalte aur unka swaagat krte hain, baaki baad mein dekha jaayega". "Dad agar koi Roka hi nahi hoga toh unka apmaan hi toh hua naa", added Jai. Giriraj said, "Koi aur raasta nahi hai, Roka aaj hi krna hoga woh bhi ussi mahurat pe". Jai and Vijay secretly exchanged smiles. Unnati was devastated. Brijraj was not in favour of this idea. "Soch kya rahe ho, Brijraj. Itne logon k saamne humaari pagdi ucchalne se bacchne ka sirf yeh ek raasta hai", said Giriraj. Jai went and kept her hand on Brijraj's shoulder and said, "Hum taiyyar hain, Dad! Bas ab aap haan kr dijiye". Brijraj squeezed Jai's hand and put up a smile trying to cover up how devastated he felt. "Chaliye, Raj Purohitji ka swaagat krte hain", said Brijraj. Brijraj, Komal, Giriraj and Unnati left the room. Vijay said, "Plan A successful, Jai Bhai". Jai said, "Abhi khushi manane ka waqt nahi hai, Vijay Bhai. Uday jab tak yaahaan nahi aa jaata, talwaar humaare sar pe latakti rahegi". "Waise Uday kaun se surprise ki baat kr raha thha. Humein toh darr hai ki kahin uska surprise humaare hosh naa udaa de!", remarked Vijay. Jai was worried and immediately called up Manyata.
Manyata saw Jai's name flashing on her mobile. Manyata looked that Akash was getting the tea. Manyata immediately walked a little distance from that place hurriedly and picked up the call. "Kaahaan ho tum?", asked Jai. "Main Chawl mein hi hoon. Kya hua?", asked Manyata tensed. "Nahi, woh hum bas check kr rahe thhe", said Jai relieved. "Kya? Roka sampann hua kya?", asked Manyata. "Abhi kahaan, ek aur ghaante k baad Mahurat hai", said Jai. "Papa bohot gussa hain", asked Manyata tensed. Jai rolled her eyes and disconnected the call. "Hello, Hello", Manyata took two steps but she stumbled and was about to fall down when someone caught her hand and pulled her towards himself grabbing her waist to balance her. Manyata's face collided with his chest. "Thank You", mumbled Manyata as she looked up at the person. There wasn't enough light but Manyata could have never mistaken the person. The power came back and the street lamp near by revealing Uday's face. Uday smirked at her and Manyata's eyes almost popped out as she saw her nightmare come true. Manyata gulped as she asked, "TTTuumm...yaahaan?". Uday gave a vengeful smirk and said, "Kamaal ki baat hai naa Princess, yeh sawaal humein tumse poochna chahiye". Manyata struggled to get out of Uday's hold. Uday's face turned cold and he pulled Manyata more closer and said, "Itni asaani se nahi, Manyata". Manyata looked at Uday shocked, his tone sounded murderous. "Kitne bhasan sunaaye thhe tumne uss din logon ki feelings ki parwaah krne k baare mein aur ki hum kitne jhudgarz ho, par tum toh humse bhi aage nikli Manyata", said Uday in a sarcastic tone. Manyata looked at Uday angrered as Uday continued in a vicious tone, "Apne aap ko jeetane k liye tumne apne pariwaar k baare mein zara bhi nahi socha! Really Manyata, hum mein kabhi itni himmat nahi hoti". Manyata replied, "Apna yeh game tum apne paas rakh sakte ho, maine yeh sab sirf Jai ki khushiyon k liye kiya aur tum kya samjhoge ki mujhe kitni taqleef hui apne hi Dad se dhoka krke". "Woah! Tyaag and all, haan?", said Uday amused. Uday's expressions turned ice cold as he said, " Sacchai hum batate hain, tumne yeh socha ki tum yeh sab krke Jai k saamne maahaan toh ban hi jaogi aur aasaani ghar k saamne bechaari ban ne ka naatak krke waapaas apne sapno ki duniya mein chali jaogi. Toh please, yeh Tyaag-wyaag ka naatak atleast humaare saamne toh mat karo". Manyata said, "Tumne koi raasta chhoda thha mere liye? Har jagah tumne itne jhooth aur itne dhoke kiye hain ki mujhe aisa kadam uthaana pada. Tum jaisa chaalbaaz aur matlabi aadmi maine apni poori zindagi mein nahi dekha". "Shhh...", said Uday which silenced Manyata. Uday had a murderous look and said in a viscious tone, "Agar hum itne hi matlabi hote naa Manyata, toh yahaan hum nahi balki tumhara poora pariwaar hota". Manyata was scared. Uday smirked and said, "Woh kya hai naa tum aaj matlabi ban gayyi toh humne socha ki aaj hum tumhari tarah udaar ban jaate hain". Manyata looked at him confused. "Chup chap humaari gaddi mein baitho aur Roke k liye chalo warna...", said Uday in an angry tone. "Warna? Dhamki de raho mujhe?", urged Manyata. "Dhamki nahi Princess! Hum bata rahe hain, ki agar yeh naatak bandh krke tum humaare saath waapas nahi gayyi toh hum sabke saamne tumhare aur Jai k iss pachaas(50) paise waale plan k baare mein bataa denge, woh kya hai naa hum jhooth bolte bolte thak chuke hain sochte hain thoda sacch bolke hi punya kama lein", said Uday looking into Manyata's eyes. Manyata was tongue-tied with fear. Uday smirked and said, "Kaisa lagega Uncle Brij ko yeh sun kr ki unki Betiyon ne apne swarth k liye apne hi pariwaar se dhoka kiya! Aur unki laadli Manyata ne unka bharosa toda". Manyata looked down guilty because no matter how much hard Uday's words sounded but it depicted the bitter truth, that is exactly both Manyata and Jai had done. "Hey, choddh usse", Manyata and Uday heard a voice. Akash came running there and tried to remove Uday's hands from Manyata. Uday let Manyata go amused seeing Akash. Uday remarked, "Oh! Spot Boy!". Akash replied, "Heyyy tameez se samjhe". Uday smirked and said, "Woah! Self Respect, Spot Boy hua toh kya woh bhi toh ek kaam hai. Lekin Spot Boy ko Spot Boy naa bulaayein toh kya bulaayein". "Heyy Mister! Bohot bakwaas sunli tumhaari bakwaas, main koi Spot Boy nahi hoon", said Akash. "Really? I mean, yaahaan rehte ho, Manyata k peeche chai pakkadte huye aaye, toh humein laga...", said Uday feigning innocence. Akash became conscious and kept the tea cup down. Manyata tried to suppress her smile. "Tu apne aap ko kahin ka Rajkumar samjhta hai kya", said Akash."Not bad, Spot Boy! Kaafi jaldi logon ko pehchaan lete ho", smirked Uday. Uday held Manyata's hand and said, "Chalo". Akash was angered by seeing Uday holding Manyata's hand. Akash immediately stopped Manyata by holding her other hand. Uday's calmness was thrown out of the window, he looked at Akash with a murderous rage. "Tum saale se kucch kehti kyun nahi, Manyata? Manyata ko haath bhi lagaya toh teri face ki geography bigaad k rakh dunga", yelled Akash. Uday immediately held Akash's hand and twisted it. "Aaah...", screamed Akash. "Teri toh...", said Akash and was getting ready to punch Uday when Manyata said, "Bas karo!". Akash was surprised as well as Uday. "Akash, bas karo yaahaan koi bakheda khade krne ki koi zaroorat nahi", said Manyata. Akash said"Par..", but was interrupted by Manyata who said, "Baad mein baat karenge". Manyata looked at Uday who glared at her. "Please yaahaan se chalte hain", pleaded Manyata knowing that Uday seemed really angry. Uday walked towards the car in anger leaving Manyata behind. Manyata followed him worried not even glancing back at Akash who was flinching in pain as Uday had twisted his hand badly. Akash felt hurt by Manyata's behavior as she went and sat in Uday's car and they drove off.
Uday drove at high speeds which scared Manyata as to her it seemed that Uday's anger had reached new limits after his encounter with Akash. "Akash tumhe jaanta nahi isiliye usne aise behave kiya", said Manyata. "Uss Akash ya Paataal k baare mein humein kucch nahi sun na", shot back Uday. "Theek par gaddi toh thodi slow karo", requested Manyata. "Kyun? Taaki mahurat nikal jaaye? Ab tak chaalbaazi nahi gayi naa tumhari? Aur humein chalbaaz kehti ho", said Uday in a viscious tone. "Har baat ka galat matlab nikaalna zaroori hai", shot back Manyata in anger. Manyata noticed that the route was not to Devgarh's palace. Manyata asked, "Hum kahaan jaa rahe hain". Uday pulled the car in at Jaigarh palace. "Utro", said Uday still in anger. Manyata immediately hopped out of the seat. "Hum yaahaan kya kr rahe hain", asked Manyata. "Chalo", said Uday. "Par kyun", asked Manyata adamantly and adding that she won't go inside until she gets an answer. Uday held Manyata's arms and dragged her inside a room. Manyata was surprised to see the rooms filled up with lehengas and jewelleries. Uday said, "Jaldi taiyyar ho jao, 15 minutes sharp", walked out and closed the door. Manyata felt familiarity with the room. Manyata marked Uday's Mother's photo filling up the room. Some memories came rushing back to Manyata.
<Flashback>
Little Manyata had put on the duppata of a beautiful Lehenga and seeing herself in the mirror when the door to the same room opened and Uday's mother entered. She looked at Manyata and smiled serenly. "Humne aapko kaahaan kaahaan nahi dhunda, aur aap yaahaan hain?", said Uday's Mother sweetly. Manyata got embarrassed and immediately put down the duppatta. Uday's mother said, "Kya hua?". "Kucch nahi, main toh bas aise hi khel rahi thhi", replied Manyata. "Toh aapne utaar kyun diya? Aap par toh bohot sundar lagti hai", said Uday's mother softly placing the duppatta on her forehead. "Thank You, Aunty!", said Manyata smiling. Uday's mother smiled and held Manyata's cheek and said, "Accha ek baat batao, aapko yeh lehenga pasand hai na?". Manyata smiled and replied, "Haan bohot!". Uday's mother touched the lehenga and said, "Yeh lehenga humne apne Roke pe pehna thha". "Roka?", asked Manyata confused. Uday's mother replied, "Aap jab bade ho jaaogey tab aap Roke ka matlab samajh jaoge. Aur abse yeh Lehenga aapka hua". "Par Aunty, main iska kya karungi, yeh toh bohot bada hai", said Manyata. "Toh koi baat nahi, aap jab tak isko pehen ne k liye badi nahi ho jaati tab tak hum isse sambhaal kr bilkul naya jaisa rakhenge. Phir aap isse jab chahe pehen sakti hain", said Uday's mother as sweet as ever. "Thank You, Aunty", said Manyata as she hugged Uday's mother who had a bright smile on her face.
<End of Flashback>
Tears filled Manyata's eyes. little did anyone know that Uday's mother passed away the same year she promised the lehenga to her. Manyata had forgotten about it but coming back to the room had refreshed her memories. Manyata felt the urge to open the closet and search for it atleast once knowing fully well that it wouldn't be around as it had been long time since Uday's mother passed away. Manyata opened the closet and spotted the same Lehenga folded nicely. Manyata touched the Lehenga, it felt like it had been maintained nicely. Manyata took the Lehenga and saw that it had been perfectly maintained with lots of care. Manyata closed her eyes to let her tears drop thinking that Uday's mother fulfilled her promise even if she forgot. Manyata could not even imagine how much difficult losing such a gem of a person would have been for Uday who was so close to his mother.
Uday was sitting outside on the couch boiling with anger. He was having flashbacks of how Akash touched Manyata and she didn't say a thing whereas when Uday twisted Akash's hand then only Manyata spoke up. "Waise toh humesa tameez ki seekh dene k liye taiyyar rehti hai lekin koi aur badtameezi kare toh mooh hi nahi khulta! Double standards!", said Uday in anger. The door opened and Uday looked in that direction. Manyata stepped out wearing his mother's lehenga. Uday forgot everything as he looked at Manyata in awe. Manyata kept her getup very simple yet beautiful. Manyata wore really light jewelleries and light make up but her innocence added so much more to the whole look. Manyata walked up towards Uday as Uday stood up from his seat. Manyata looked down as she felt shy the way Uday was looking at her. Uday immediately looked away and said, "Chalo, humein jaldi pohonchna hai". Uday immediately walked towards the car without even waiting for Manyata. Manyata felt disappointed she didn't know why but she wanted Uday to say something about the dress, good, bad, anything but Uday just ignored it. Manyata sat in the car quietly. Uday drove the car in a normal speed but he was still quiet. Manyata asked softly, "Tumhe buraa toh nahi laga ki maine Aunty ka lehenga pehena". Uday replied, "Nahi. Aur waise bhi yeh tumhaara hi hai". Uday glanced at Manyata and Manyata looked at him curiously. "Ek baat pucchein", asked Uday. "Bolo Naa", urged Manyata still looking at Uday. "Tumhare liye humne designer or fashionable lehenge rakhe thhe, phir tumne isse hi kyun chuna", asked Uday. Manyata looked ahead and replied, "Pata nahi kyun uss kamre mein Aunty ki yaadein jaise mere paas daudi chali aayi. Phir paagalon ki tarah iss lehenge ko dhundne lagi yeh jaante hue ki shayyad yeh wahaan nahi hoga aur jab mil gayya bas mujhe yeh pehen ni hi thhi. Sacch kahun toh iss Lehenge mein jitni yaadein aur pyaar basi hain uske aage sab kucch pheeka hi hai". A soft smile formed on Uday's lips. "Bohot miss krte ho naa unhe", asked Manyata. Uday was surprised at this question. Uday thought to himself , "Wahi ladki jisse humne itna kucch sunaa diya, zabardasti ki, usse ab bhi meri chintaa hai". Manyata said, "Main bhi kaisa wahiyaat sawaal pooch baithi. Jab unhe mein itna miss krti hoon toh main soch bhi nahi sakti ki tum..", Manyata realised what she was saying and corrected herself, "I mean Unnati aur tum kitna miss krte hoge". Uday tried to conceal his smile at Manyata's horrible attempt to cover up her concern for him. Something struck Manyata and she asked, "Tumne kaha ki yeh Lehenga mera hai, par tumhe kaise pata ki aunty ne nujhe yeh diyaa thha?". Uday stopped the car in front of the Devgarh Palace and said, "Humein derr ho jaayegi, jaldi chalo". Manyata felt angry as she thought all Uday could think of is winning his games and had no feelings. Uday had avoided the talk as Uday had made himself emotionless since his mother left him and Manyata seemed to be breaking the walls he built around his heart.
Every Royal family had taken the blessings of Raj Purohitji. Giriraj was nervous as Uday hadn't arrived as of yet. Jai was standing near the stairs leading to the hall and looking at the door expecting Uday. Raj Purohit said, "Aap Yuvraj Udayveer Singh ko bulaiye". Unnati and Giriraj just looked at each other tensed. "Kya hua Maharaj Giriraj? Koi samasya hai?", asked Raj Purohit. Giriraj replied, "Woh darsal Udayveer...". "Yahaan hain Dad", completed Udayveer as he stood at the door. Giriraj, Unnati, Brijraj, Komal and Vijay looked at him relieved. Jai's face lit up. "I am sorry everyone, par hum sabke liye ek khaas surprise lene gayye thhe", said Uday as charming as ever. "Surprise toh tumhe milega, Uday", thought Jai smiling at Uday. Uday smirked at Jai and Jai smirked back. Manyata emerged from behind Uday shocking each and everyone present there. Manyata placed the duppatta on her head and walked along witj Uday and took blessings from Raj Purohit who blessed them though he was a bit shocked himself. Jai stood there like a statue, shock was an understatement her mind had stopped comprehending what was happening. "I know aap sab log soch rahe hain ki hum dono aise apne hi Roke main late lateef mehmaano ki tarah kyun aaye hain", said Uday with a smile on his face. Everyone looked at Manyata and Udayveer curiously. Manyata just looked down embarrassed. "Pehle toh hum dono aap sab se maafi maangna chahte hain lekin baat hi kucch aisi ho gayyi thhi ki humein aisa kucch krna pada". Vijay and Jai became numb in fear. "Hum yahaan aaye toh pata chala ki Manyata Roke k din bhi udaas hain aur jab humne uss se udaas hone ki wajah poochhi toh usne bataya ki unski iccha thhi ki apne Roke per woh humaari Maa ki taraf se unhe bacchpan mein diya gaya humaari Maa ki Roke waali lehenga pehen naa thha naaki mehenge aur designer lehenge. Kyunki Manyata k liye iss Lehenge mein jitni yaadein aur pyaar basi hain uske aage sab kucch pheeka hi hai", said Uday looking at Manyata. Manyata looked at Uday surprised that he repeated the same lines she had said, that means he was really listening to her. Uday smiled at everyone and added, "Aur phir hum toh thehere Rajwaade isiliye Manyata ko seedhe apne saath Maa k kamre le gayye kyunki Manyata k siva kisi aur ko nahi pata thha ki woh lehenga kaunsi hai. Aur Isiliye humaari entry kucch aisi hui". Everyone seemd to break into smiles and admire what Uday did for Manyata. "I am sure, yeh shaayad sahi nahi thha lekin apni hone waali biwi ko Roke k din agar khushiyan nahi de paaye toh phir zindagi bhar khushiyan dene ka waada kaise de sakte hain", said Uday. Raj Purohit said, Udayveer, apne bilkul sahi kiya hai, aaj kahin naa kahin aap dono ko Maharani Vasundhara (Uday's Mom) ka aashirwaad milaa hai". Uday and Manyata smiled at Raj Purohit. "Chaliye Roka Shuru karte hain", said Raj Purohit.
Manyata sat on a sofa with the duppata on her head. Unnati came to her with a thhal. Unnati picked up a beautiful and heavy traditional necklace and put it on Manyata. Unnati said, "Yeh Humaara Khaandaani Haar hai. Waise yeh rasm Mom ko krni chahiye thhi lekin woh nahi hai toh hum unki jagah le rahe hain and I am sure woh bhi yehi kehti ki unhe poora bharosa hai ki tum iski aur Jaigarh ki izzat humesha rakhogi". Manyata's face turned stern as she heard those words. She felt as if was becoming an integral part of both the Jaigarh family and estate. Unnati put on golden bangles on Manyata's hands. Unnati then gathered the rest of the jewellries in her hands and Manyata brought ahead her duppatta to where Unnati kept the jewelleries and finally a coconut. Unnati took the pooja thhal, did aarti and put tikka on Manyata's forehead. "Aaj se Manyata humaari hui, Brijraj", said Giriraj. That statement affected Manyata a lot as her face hardened further. Manyata touched Giriraj's feet and Giriraj blessed her. She looked at Brijraj who seemed happy like never before. Manyata smiled back at Brijraj. Unnati hugged Manyata. Jai watched this with tears flowing non stop from her eyes. It was Uday's turn. Komal did aarti and put tilak on Uday's forehead. Komal gave Udayveer a thhal which contained gold coins which Uday accepted gracefully and then touched both Komal's and Briraj's feet. "Aap toh humesha se iss ghar k bete thhe hi, par aaj se aap humaare Jamai sa hain", said Brijraj proudly blessing Uday. Uday smiled at them and turned to Manyata to smirk at her to drive the point home that now they had a relation and they were bethroted to each other.
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