Chapter 18: "Her painful past"

Viyansh returned to their room to find Virat sitting beside Vaidehi, holding her hand with tears in his eyes.

Concerned, Viyansh approached his younger brother, asking about the tears.

Viyansh: "Virat, what's wrong? She'll be okay,"

Viyansh assured, his voice gentle yet reassuring.

Virat's response was heartfelt.

Virat: "Bhai, please tell bhabhi maa to wake up. I can't bear to see her like this. If she wants, she can tie my hair in a ponytail, but she needs to wake up."

Viyansh smiled softly, understanding Virat's concern. He placed a comforting hand on his brother's head.

Viyansh: "Don't worry. When she wakes up and sees you crying, she won't be happy, will she?"

Virat shook his head in agreement, reassured by Viyansh's words.

Viyansh: "Go freshen up. I'll stay with her"

Virat:"Call me if you need anything,"

Virat said before leaving the room.

Once alone with Vaidehi, Viyansh too freshened up and returned to her side. He sat beside her, holding her hand and gently stroking her hair as he watched over her, eventually falling asleep beside her, still holding her hand.

After some time, Viyansh heard her voice and woke up. He noticed that she was trembling in her sleep.

Vaidehi: "No...no please... Don't lock me."

Viyansh: "Jaan, wake up, Jaan."

She was trembling, but then abruptly woke up, her breathing uneven. As soon as she saw Viyansh, she hugged him tightly and started crying.

Viyansh: "Shhhh, bachcha kuch nahi hoga shant ho jao shhh" (nothing will happen, calm down, shhh.)

Vaidehi: "Ansh, he... Mr. Oberoi..."

Viyansh: "He's gone, Jaan. I'm not going to let you go away from me. bachcha ab shant ho jao stop crying please."

(Now, calm down, stop crying, please.)

Gradually, her sobs subsided, and he gently pulled her back.

Viyansh: "Do you want to talk?"

Vaidehi: "Hmm."

They sat beside each other, and she rested her head on his chest while he held her in his embrace.

Vaidehi: "Ansh aap meri Puri baat sunenge na mujhse ye sab ab aur bardasht nahi hota aur main apne andar nahi rakh sakti ye sab"

(Ansh, will you listen to me completely? I can't bear all this anymore, and I can't keep it inside me anymore.)

Viyansh: "Tumhe jo bolna h bolo Jaan main sun Raha hu."

(Whatever you want to say, love say it. I'm listening.)

Vaidehi: "Ansh, I don't know why, but seeing him last night at our reception brought back everything. From the day I married you and when things were good between us, my life was filled with happiness. But last night, when I saw him, and today, when Mr. Oberoi came to take me, I couldn't control myself.  bahaut dard hota hai Ansh.  (It hurts so much)

A solitary tear rolled down her cheek.

Viyansh: "Kya hua tha? (What happened?)"

Vaidehi: "I don't know why, but Mr. and Mrs. Oberoi hates me."

Viyansh: "Mrs. Oberoi? Your mother?"

Viyansh was taken aback by her revelation, his mind racing with questions and concern for his wife.

Vaidehi: "Yes, Mrs. Sangeeta Oberoi. When I was 10, I had an accident, Dadu told me about it. When I returned from the hospital, my parents started avoiding me. Mrs. Oberoi completely ignored me, but Mr. Oberoi would sometimes inquire about my health, nothing more. I longed for their love and tried everything to earn it. But whenever I made mistakes, Mrs. Oberoi would scold me. Then one day, she locked me inside my room because her friends were coming over, and she didn't want me to be seen. That day, the lights went out, and the room was pitch dark, Ansh. I was terrified."

Tears were streaming down her face, but she continued to speak.

Vaidehi: "After that, I don't know what happened. I don't remember anything. Then I found out that I had a panic attack, and the doctor gave me an injection because I was having trouble breathing. When Mr. Oberoi found out about my health, he said I should stay away from his wife and obey her. Later, this became her ultimate punishment for me – to lock me inside. After a few years, her hatred for me only grew, and then Mr. and Mrs. Oberoi left the house, leaving me and Dadu behind. Mr. Oberoi would visit sometimes, but I never saw Mrs. Oberoi again after that day. Every time I achieved something, I would wait for Mr. Oberoi to come, but he never appreciated me. In fact, whenever he got angry with me, he would lock me inside a dark room. He wanted to become a lawyer, but due to Dadu's medical condition, he took over the Oberoi group of companies. Then I thought if I fulfilled his dream, he would love me. But when he found out that I became a lawyer, he thought I did it on purpose just to hurt him because he couldn't fulfill his dream. Even on that day, he locked me up, saying it was my punishment to scratch his wounds. So after that, I never pursued law. I feel like my nightmares are the reason behind all this, but I'm not able to understand the meaning behind them, and Dadu never says anything about it."

As Vaidehi poured out her heart, tears streamed down her cheeks, her body shaking with the weight of her emotions. Viyansh enveloped her in a tight embrace, offering solace and support as she released the pain that had long been buried within her. With each sob, she seemed to release a piece of the anguish that had plagued her for years, finding a sense of relief in the comfort of his arms.

Viyansh held her close, his own heart heavy with the knowledge of her suffering. He felt a surge of protectiveness towards her, a fierce determination to shield her from any further harm. In that moment, his embrace was not just a physical gesture but a symbol of his unwavering love and commitment to her well-being.

As they held each other amidst her tears, a profound sense of connection enveloped them, binding their souls together in shared empathy and understanding. In that intimate embrace, they found strength in each other's presence, reaffirming the depth of their bond and their resilience in the face of adversity.

Viyansh: "Shhh, don't cry, jaan."

Vaidehi: "Ansh, am I that bad that they just hate me, my own parents? And if they didn't want me, then why did they give birth to me? They could have..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Viyansh gently placed his hand over her lips, silencing her with a tender gesture.

Viyansh: "Never, I said never say anything like this. You were born for me and will always stay with me."

Vaidehi: "It hurts, Ansh. It hurts me a lot."

Viyansh: "Itna bhi kitna dard chupa rakha hai jaan, kyu nahi bataya apne Ansh ko?"  (You've hidden so much pain, jaan. Why didn't you tell your Ansh?)

Vaidehi: "Kaise batati Ansh about my own parents who hate me and I don't even know the reason behind it."  (How could I tell you)

Viyansh: "And you don't need to know anything. Now, this is your family, this is your house, and you are my Jaan. Just remember this, okay?"

Vaidehi: "Hmm. Did I get any injection today as well?"

Viyansh: "Yeah, the doctor gave you an injection for the panic attack. Now, tell me, when was the last time you had such a severe panic attack?"

Vaidehi: "Not severe, but the day after our wedding when I went back to meet Dadu and Mr. Oberoi was also there. So, I asked him why he didn't attend the wedding. After that, he scolded me, and..."

Viyansh: "Shhh, no need to continue."

She embraced him tighter, seeking comfort in his warmth, and continued speaking.

Vaidehi: "I'm sorry, Ansh. I made everybody worried."

Viyansh: "Stop talking nonsense, and don't you dare cry now."

He gently lifted her chin, encouraging her to meet his gaze.

Viyansh: "Okay, let's have dinner, and then you have to take your medicines. Alright, you wait here, I'll get you something to eat."

Vaidehi: "Can we go downstairs Everybody must be worried, right?"

Viyansh: "As my lady wishes."

Descending the stairs, her mood remained troubled. Upon catching sight of Vikram, her eyes brimmed with tears, prompting her to rush into his embrace.

Vaidehi: "Popsy"

Vikram exchanged a glance with Viyansh, who responded with a reassuring flutter of his eyelashes. This silent gesture eased Vikram's worries, coaxing a smile onto his lips. With gentle affection, he reached out to stroke her head as she wept softly.

Vikram: "Shh, laddo rote nahi" (sweetheart, don't cry.)

Vaidehi: "Popsy, I promise I won't cause any trouble, but please don't send me away from here."

Vikram: "Don't you dare stop your mischievous activities, laddo. We won't send you anywhere. This is your own house."

He tenderly cupped her face in his hands, his touch a gentle reassurance as he wiped away her tears.

Vikram: "Come let's have dinner. "

He guided her to sit down, the somber atmosphere palpable as everyone observed her distress. Viyansh, with a quiet understanding, took it upon himself to serve her dinner.

Vikram: "today I'll feed my laddoo."

Vaidehi: "No, Popsy, you have your dinner. I'll eat by myself. I've already worried you all a lot today."

She avoided making eye contact with anyone, keeping her gaze lowered, yet the concern emanating from each person in the room was palpable. Her uncharacteristic silence weighed heavily on their hearts, stirring worry and prompting silent contemplation. This departure from her usual demeanor left them all unsettled, unsure of how to comfort her in this moment of distress.

Virat and Viraj attempted to inject some humor into the tense atmosphere, hoping to lighten the mood, but their efforts fell flat in the face of her deep turmoil. Despite their attempts, the heaviness persisted, casting a shadow over the dinner table. As they all continued to eat, it became evident that Vaidehi's appetite was diminished, her lack of proper intake a clear sign of her inner turmoil. After a while, she excused herself from the table, retreating back to the solitude of her room.

In this moment, Vikram turned to Viyansh, seeking insight into Vaidehi's troubled state. As Viyansh divulged the details of their conversation, a wave of anger rippled through the Singhania men. They couldn't fathom how Mr. and Mrs. Oberoi could treat their beloved Vaidehi in such a manner.

However, Vikram, ever the voice of reason, urged them to channel their emotions constructively. He reminded them that Vaidehi's well-being was paramount, and they needed to focus on uplifting her spirits. With this resolve in mind, they dispersed to their respective rooms, each determined to find a way to bring a smile back to Vaidehi's face.

Upon returning, Viyansh noticed Vaidehi curled up under the duvet, enveloped in her own world of distress. He joined her, settling beside her and drawing her into his embrace from behind. Sensing his presence, Vaidehi turned towards him, seeking solace in the shelter of his chest, finding comfort in his warm embrace.

Viyansh: "No need to think about all that, jaan. Now you have your family with you, to love and cherish, right?"

Vaidehi: "Yes, and I'm sorry."

Viyansh: "Stop it, yaar. Jaan, dare you say sorry again."

Vaidehi: "Sorry."

Viyansh: "Again?"

A smile graced her lips, and Viyansh could sense its warmth radiating against his chest.

Viyansh: "Also, now you have a husband to love, to hug, to kiss, to make..."

Before he could finish, she playfully tapped him on the chest, teasing him for his shamelessness. In response, he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.

Viyansh: "Sleep now."

Returning her affection, she planted a gentle kiss on his chest before nestling even closer to him. In each other's embrace, they found solace, drifting into a peaceful slumber together.

In the Oberoi mansion,

Abhinav sat on the living room sofa, his expression tense and troubled, when Harshvardhan entered the room.

Harshvardhan: "Where's Vaidehi?? You went to get her here for a few days, right?"

Abhinav: "Papa, you know the kind of relationship we have. Why did you ask me to go there, knowing that?"

Harshvardhan settled in beside him, a silent gesture of support, before speaking softly.

Harshvardhan: "So, everything is sorted now, and I want you to mend your relationship with her. She's your daughter."

Abhinav: "Does she get panic attacks occasionally?"

Harshvardhan was shocked by his question.

Harshvardhan: "She got..."

Abhinav: "Yes, just the thought of coming back with me triggered a panic attack in her."

Harshvardhan: "Is she alright?"

Abhinav: "I don't know. But tell me, when did all this start, and why didn't you tell me?"

Harshvardhan: "I've tried many times, Abhinav, to make you aware of your daughter's situation, but you never listened. Every time she tried to get your attention, you just locked her up in a room. You have no idea how badly it affected her."

Abhinav: "Papa, I saw her yesterday and today as well. She's happy with her family and her husband; they really love her. So, there's no place for me in her life, even if I try. Please don't attempt to mend our relationship. I've already hurt her a lot, and I don't want to cause any further damage. And please send her medical files to her husband.

He departed quietly, leaving no indication of further conversation. Harshvardhan, burdened by the situation, felt a pang of guilt knowing that Vaidehi had suffered another panic attack because of him. He swiftly dialed Vikram's number, seeking reassurance about her well-being. Upon learning from Vikram that she was okay and had even managed to have dinner, a wave of relief washed over him, yet his concerns lingered. From Vikram's tone, it was evident that there were still many unanswered questions weighing on their minds.

The next morning, Viyansh awoke to find Vaidehi still asleep, clinging tightly to him. A soft smile graced his lips as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Carefully extricating himself from her embrace, he tucked her in snugly with the duvet before proceeding to freshen up.

Just as he was about to wake Vaidehi, a knock sounded at the door. Curious, he opened it to find Viraj and Virat standing on the other side.

Viyansh: "What are you both up to so early in the morning?"

Virat: "Is bhabhi maa awake?"

Viyansh: "No, why?"

Viraj: "Then we'll do the needful."

With a grin, he greeted them, prompting a chuckle from Viyansh.

Viyansh: "You guys can't wake her up. Leave it to me; I'll wake her up and bring her down."

Viraj: "Are you challenging us?"

Viyansh: "I'm just stating a fact."

Virat: "Then let's see."

Viraj playfully nudged Viyansh aside, and the two of them entered the room, quietly approaching where Vaidehi lay sleeping.

Viraj: "Yaar Virat bhabhi maa looks so cute while she's asleep. How can we disturb her?"

Viyansh: "Tum dono jate ho yaha se ya pitu abhi??" (Are you two leaving or should I hit you both)

They completely ignored Viyansh, instead calling out to Vaidehi in an attempt to rouse her from her slumber.

Virat: "Bhabhi maa uthiye na we have a surprise for you."

Not even a slight stir came from her, deep in her peaceful sleep.

Viraj leaned in closer to Vaidehi, gently calling out to her in hopes of waking her from her deep slumber.

Viraj:"Bhabhi ma, please wake up,"

He urged, but there was still no response. Both Viraj and Virat exchanged puzzled glances, turning to Viyansh for an explanation.

Viyansh: "She's always been a heavy sleeper"

Viyansh remarked with a grin, confirming their suspicions.

Undeterred, Viraj approached Vaidehi and lightly patted her head, calling out to her once more, this time with a louder voice.

Viraj: "Bhabhi maaaa!"

He exclaimed, hoping to stir her awake.

Finally, a muffled response came from Vaidehi, still lost in her dreams.

Vaidehi: "Ummm, Ansh, 5 more minutes,"

She murmured.

Virat: "Bhabhi maa, it's us, please wake up. We have a surprise for you,"

Virat interjected, trying to coax her out of her sleep.

In her drowsy state, Vaidehi reached out, patting the space beside her, expecting to find Viyansh by her side. However, her hand met empty space, leaving her puzzled.

Vaidehi: "Ansh godh me lijiye na, kissie bhi nahi di aapne"

(Ansh, pick me up, you haven't given a kiss as well.)

Viraj and Virat exchanged surprised glances at Vaidehi's words, while Viyansh couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed by the situation.

Virat: "Bhai, please bring her downstairs soon,"

With that, both of them dashed away, leaving Viyansh chuckling at their reaction.

After closing the door, Viyansh approached Vaidehi, taking a seat beside her and tenderly caressing her head. True to their routine, she rested her head on his lap, and he gently kissed her forehead.

A soft smile graced her lips as she opened her eyes.

Vaidehi: "Good morning, Patidev,"

She greeted.

Viyansh: "Good morning, Biwi," he replied warmly.

She snuggled closer to his stomach, eliciting a giggle from him.

Viyansh: "Jaana, good morning ke baad uthna hota hai." (you're supposed to get up after saying good morning,)

Vaidehi: "Ye toh aapne pehle nahi bataya tha.  (That's something you didn't tell me before,)"

She retorted playfully.

He chuckled at her playful banter, reassured by her return to her usual self.

Viyansh: "Kya mera bachcha ab thik hai?" (Is my baby feeling better now?) he inquired.

Vaidehi: "I'm alright, Ansh. I was just a bit disturbed yesterday, aur phir aapne samjhaya na mujhe toh main samajh gayi.

(but you helped me understand),"

She reassured him with a smile, prompting him to kiss her cheeks.

Viyansh: "Alright, so your reward is that you don't have to take a bath today,"

He declared.

Her eyes lit up with excitement as she quickly sat up, grinning from ear to ear.

Vaidehi's eyes widened in surprise.

Vaidehi: "Sachchi ?" (Really)

Viyansh: "Shut up, idiot,"

Viyansh teased affectionately.

She pouted in response, and he couldn't resist planting a kiss on her pout, causing her cheeks to flush pink. He chuckled at her shy reaction.

Viyansh: "You're still so shy, even after all the times we've kissed,"

He remarked playfully.

Vaidehi: "And you're still shameless,"

She retorted with a grin.

He laughed and scooped her up, carrying her to the bathroom door before setting her down gently.

Viyansh: "Your monkeys are waiting for you for who knows what reason, so hurry up," he urged.

Vaidehi: "Okay,"

She replied, disappearing into the bathroom. However, she suddenly reappeared at the door.

Vaidehi: "Nahaungi nahi time pass karke aa jaungi."  (I won't just take a bath, I'll come out after wasting time)

She declared mischievously.

Viyansh: "Ruko tumhe batata hu." (Wait, let me tell you)

Viyansh began, but she interrupted him with a giggle as she locked the door behind her. He couldn't help but smile at her playful nature.

Viyansh: "Always be like this, Jaan. I can't bear to see you like you were yesterday,"

He expressed sincerely.

Once Vaidehi was ready, she and Viyansh descended the stairs together and proceeded to perform their morning prayers. Afterward, they made their way to the dining area, where her family awaited her.

Spotting Vaidehi, Virat and Viraj rushed over to her, eager to greet her. However, upon noticing Viyansh, a moment of awkwardness passed between the three of them, their embarrassment palpable. Vaidehi, perceptive as always, observed their reaction and inquired about it.

Vaidehi: "What happened?"

Viraj: "Nothing bhabhi ma, come."

Virat and Viraj approached her, guiding her to her seat at the dining table. Vikram, her father-in-law, greeted her with a kiss on her forehead as Viyansh settled beside her.

Vikram:"How's my laddo?"

Vikram inquired affectionately.

Vaidehi: "Just the way you like,"

Vaidehi replied with a playful grin.

Vikram: "Means troublemaker,"

Vikram chuckled, earning a giggle from Vaidehi.

Vihaan: "Good then, Now listen, as you requested papa for a picnic, we've planned something."

Vaidehi: "Really?"

Vaidehi's eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of a picnic.

Virat outlined the day's plan with enthusiasm.

Virat: "So, Bhabhi ma, here's the plan. We'll start with breakfast in the lawn, followed by a friendly cricket match. It'll be Me, Viraj, and you on one team, while Bhai, Vihu Bhai, and Papa will be on the other. Then, for lunch, we'll have your favorites—pasta and pizza ordered from your favorite restaurant. After that, we'll do whatever you want for the afternoon activities. Later, you, me, and Viraj will go for a coffee date, and the evening will be filled with fun activities. Finally, we'll cap it all off with dinner."

Vaidehi: "That sounds intriguing, Veer, but I'm not familiar with how to play cricket."

Viraj: "Don't worry, bhabhi maa, we're here to teach you."

Viyansh: "Everything's alright, but my wife will be on my team, not yours."

Virat: "Absolutely not. It's Viyansh versus Vaidehi, so the teams will be as we've stated."

Viyansh shot them a stern look while Vaidehi couldn't help but chuckle at the playful banter.

Vaidehi: "Alright."

Vikram: "Okay, then let's head to the lawn."

As everyone was about to make their way to the lawn, Viraj halted their progress.

Viraj: "Hold on, everyone."

Vihaan: "What now, Viraj?"

Viraj: "Bhai, all of this is for my cupcake since she's requested it as her gift."

Virat: "So?"

Viraj: "So, you fool, we've decided to give her the princess treatment today. I mean, not just today, but for our entire lives, but today is special."

Virat: "So?"

Viraj: "So, princesses aren't meant to walk. Bhai, pick up bhabhi ma in your arms."

Vaidehi: "What? No, Raj, that's not necessary."

Viraj: "Bhai, are you going to do it or should I handle it?"

Vaidehi: "Raj, please, no."

As Viraj approached her, Viyansh swiftly sprang into action, dashing forward to scoop Vaidehi up in a bridal-style lift, much to her surprise. She was taken aback by his sudden move, caught off guard by his unexpected gesture.

Viyansh: "Why would you lift up my wife when I am fully capable of doing so?"

Vaidehi: "Ansh, what are you doing? Papa is here."

Vikram: "I'm not seeing anything, laddo."

Upon hearing Vikram's reassurance, Vaidehi felt a wave of shyness wash over her. She buried her face in Viyansh's neck, seeking refuge from the attention, while the others chuckled at the adorable display of affection between the couple.

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