As Vaidehi slowly regained consciousness, her eyes fluttered open, revealing the weariness etched within them. Her surroundings gradually came into focus, and with a sinking feeling, she realized she was still being held captive in an unfamiliar place. Her heart began to race once more, fear and anxiety coursing through her as she struggled to make sense of her situation and the looming uncertainty of her fate. The oppressive confines of the room began to amplify Vaidehi's fear of enclosed spaces, causing her to feel increasingly claustrophobic. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her anxiety mounted. The dim sunlight filtering through a small window provided scant illumination, barely enough to pierce the darkness that enveloped her. Realizing that it was morning and she had been held captive since the previous day, her sense of fear and isolation deepened, the uncertainty of her situation feeding the growing dread inside her.
Vaidehi: "Aap kaha hai Ansh, please jaldi aaiye mujhe lene."
(Where are you, Ansh? Please come quickly and get me.)
Vaidehi struggled against the ropes binding her hands and legs, desperately trying to free herself. Her attempts only intensified the pain, causing her to hiss in discomfort. The ropes dug into her skin, leaving her feeling even more helpless and trapped as her fear continued to escalate.
Vaidehi: "Ahh...ahh."
Vaidehi's cries echoed softly in the dim room, the pain in her leg and head nearly unbearable. Suddenly, the door swung open, flooding the room with bright light. The abrupt change caused her to squint and close her eyes momentarily, shielding them from the harsh intrusion. As her eyes slowly adjusted to the new brightness, she saw two men standing before her. Determined not to show her fear, Vaidehi took a deep breath, steeling herself and controlling her tears, trying to appear as composed as possible in the face of her captors.
One of the men approached Vaidehi, his presence looming over her. She looked up at him, her face a mask of confusion and fear. Her mind raced with questionsâwho was this man, and why had he kidnapped her? She tried to maintain her composure, but the bewilderment in her eyes was unmistakable as she searched for any clue about his identity and his intentions.
It was Ritesh, accompanied by one of his henchmen, while the rest of his men remained outside, guarding the premises.
Ritesh: "Do you recognize me?"
Vaidehi: "W..who are y..you??"
Vaidehi tried to speak, but her voice faltered, weakened both by the overwhelming fear gripping her heart and the sheer exhaustion that sapped her strength. Words struggled to form as her energy ebbed away, leaving her feeling helpless and vulnerable in front of Ritesh and his henchman. Ritesh and his henchmen laughed cruelly at her distress.
Ritesh: "Because of you, I never visited my sister, and you don't even recognize me?"
As Ritesh spoke, Vaidehi's confusion only deepened. His words seemed to blur together, incomprehensible amidst the turmoil of her thoughts and emotions. Try as she might, she struggled to grasp the meaning behind his words, her mind clouded by fear and uncertainty.
Ritesh: "Hello, my child. I'm your uncle, your Mama."
Vaidehi: "Mama?"
(Maternal Uncle)
Ritesh: "Yes, beta, Mama. Your mother's brother. Oops, sorry, I mean your stepmother's brother."
Her eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, she forgot to breathe as the gravity of the situation hit her.
Vaidehi: "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Ritesh: "Is that any way to talk to your elders?"
Vaidehi: "You ha...ve held me cap...tive and expect me to show manners?"
Ritesh continued to laugh mockingly at her, reveling in her distress.
Ritesh: "What is this, Guru (his henchman)? Here this poor girl can barely speak properly, and youâve tied her to this chair. Untie her."
Guru: "But sir..."
Ritesh: "Oh, come on. Look at her. She can't even stand properly, and youâre scared sheâll run away? Untie her."
As instructed, Vaidehi's captors released the ropes binding her hands and legs. With a desperate attempt to stand, she pushed herself up from the chair, only to falter and collapse back down with a pained hiss. The sudden freedom of movement proved too much for her weakened state, and the sharp pain in her body reminded her of the injuries she had sustained. Despite her determination to escape, her body betrayed her, leaving her feeling even more helpless and vulnerable.
Vaidehi: "Ahhhhhh."
She cried out in pain, the sound of her distress drowning out the laughter of the other two men.
Ritesh: "Donât stress yourself, child. Iâm here to free you from all your pain, just like I did 14 years ago."
The shock of Ritesh's words reverberated through Vaidehi, intensifying the throbbing pain in her head. Confusion clouded her thoughts, making it difficult to process the information he had revealed. Like pieces of a puzzle scattered before her, she struggled to make sense of the situation, each attempt to understand only adding to her distress. The weight of uncertainty pressed heavily upon her, leaving her feeling disoriented and overwhelmed, unable to find clarity amidst the chaos of her thoughts.
Vaidehi: "What do you mean?"
Ritesh: "Oh, Iâm so sorry. You suffered memory loss, right? You must not remember any of it."
The revelation hit Vaidehi like a thunderbolt. She had been just a child of ten when she lost her memory, and over the years, she had no recollection of ever having suffered such a traumatic event. To her, it had simply been a normal occurrence for a child to forget their early years.
Ritesh: "Oh no, poor me. I thought youâd remember everything if I came in front of you, so I avoided meeting my sister as well. But here, you donât even recognize me, let alone remember the past."
Vaidehi: "What are you talking about? I donât understand any of this. How are you my uncle, and why donât I recognize you?"
Ritesh: "Let me tell you everything from the start. I remember even then, the doctors said we shouldn't put any pressure on your brain; it could be dangerous. But now I donât care after what my daughter has suffered because of you. So, Iâll tell you everything now."
Vaidehi: "I donât even know your daughter. How could she suffer because of me?"
Despite her distress and confusion, she managed to muster the strength to ask in her broken voice.
Ritesh: "Do you know who Ahaan is?"
Vaidehi: "Yeah, itâs Vihaan Bhai, but I call him Ahaan Bhai. Heâs my brother-in-law."
Ritesh: "Do you know why you call him Ahaan?"
Vaidehi: "It's none of your business."
She said in a frustrated and slightly raised voice, unable to contain her emotions.
Ritesh: "Oh, still showing attitude."
As Ritesh grabbed her jaw and applied pressure, Vaidehi winced in pain, a sharp hiss escaping her lips. The forcefulness of his grip only added to her discomfort, intensifying the throbbing ache in her head. She recoiled instinctively, her body tensing with the effort to pull away from his grasp, but she remained trapped, powerless to break free from his hold. Fear and helplessness surged within her as she endured the painful pressure, her mind racing with a mixture of confusion and dread.
Ritesh: "Donât you dare raise your voice at me. And about Ahaan. Itâs Ahaan Abhinav Oberoi, your younger brother."
As Ritesh released her jaw, Vaidehi's head hung low, her body trembling with the aftershocks of pain. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief.
Vaidehi: "What nonsense? Iâm an only child of my parents. I donât have any siblings."
Ritesh: "Yes, you donât have any siblings now, but you did in the past. Do you know why your parents I meanâyour father and stepmotherâhate you?"
Vaidehi: "How do you know about that?"
Ritesh: "Because Iâm the reason for it, my child."
Driven by a surge of anger and defiance, Vaidehi summoned all her strength and managed to rise to her feet, despite the searing pain coursing through her body. With determination blazing in her eyes, she closed the distance between herself and Ritesh, her hands shaking as she grabbed hold of his collar. Despite the agony radiating from her injuries, she refused to back down, her grip tight as she confronted him with a fierce intensity, unwilling to let fear dictate her actions.
Vaidehi: "What have you done?? Tell me."
As Guru intervened, he seized Vaidehi's arms with force, wrenching her away from Ritesh's grasp. Despite her struggle, she was overpowered, her resistance futile against Guru's strength. With a violent tug, he pulled her back, causing her to lose her balance and tumble to the floor once more.
Ritesh: "Easy, Guru, easy. She doesn't know anything; her confusion is understandable. Let me tell her the truth."
He moved towards Vaidehi, and Guru quickly placed a chair for him. He sat down, his attention fully focused on Vaidehi.
Ritesh: "Let me start from the beginning. Mr. Abhinav Oberoi was married to Mrs. Kavya Oberoi, and they had a childâyou, Ms. Vaidehi Oberoi."
She looked at him with profound confusion, her mind struggling to grasp the unfolding events.
Vaidehi: T"hen where is she now?"
Ritesh: "Have some patience; Iâm telling you. Your mother, Kavya, died due to organ failure when you were just six months old."
As tears began to well up in her eyes, Vaidehi couldn't understand why she felt such a profound sense of sorrow, especially considering she had no recollection of her mother. Yet, the tears flowed unabated, a silent testament to the deep, inexplicable longing within her soul.
Ritesh: "Then, one day, Harshvardhan Oberoi came to my house with a marriage proposal for his son, and my sister agreed because she felt connected to you. I didn't have any issue with that because after her, the entire business of my dad would be mine. When you were one, they both got married, and I took over my fatherâs business. As my sister Sangeeta wasn't greedy for the property, my father gave her a piece of land, which was very expensive, but I didn't pay anything toward it because everything else was mine. Then, after one year of their marriage, Ahaan Oberoi, your brother, was born. Until then, I was successful in hiding that I was already married and had a 5-year-old daughter because my father would never have agreed to that. Days were peaceful, but then one day, my father passed away, and I decided that now I could peacefully live with my family. However, my business started facing a downfall, and ultimately, I was in so much debt that I had to sell everything. I decided to start another business, for which I required money, and I asked my sister for it, but that greedy woman denied me to my face. I asked her to give me the plot that dad gave her; she even refused that, saying it was the last thing she had of her father."
Anger and frustration were evident on Ritesh's face directed towards Sangeeta, almost as if he were cursing her silently.
Ritesh: "Having no other option, I decided to abduct her son and ask for ransom. By then, you were 10, and Ahaan was 8. I planned to abduct him from school, but you came in between, and I had to abduct both of you. Everything was going according to my plan, and your parents agreed to pay the ransom, but then you outsmarted me. Both of you saw me, so I decided I had to kill both of you once I got the money. But before that, you used your brain and ran away. While you both were running, an electric pole was about to fall on Ahaan, but you intervened, and the pole fell on you, rendering you unconscious. However, what you didnât know is that the moment you pushed him, I got him with a truck, and he died on the spot.
Ritesh's laughter echoed through the room, a cruel juxtaposition against the tears streaming down Vaidehi's cheeks. Despite her confusion and distress, flashes of memory began to flicker in her mind, triggered by Ritesh's narration. In the midst of her tears, fragments of the past began to resurface, like shards of glass piecing together a shattered mirror. Each detail he recounted seemed to unlock another piece of the puzzle, unraveling the mysteries of her forgotten past. Even as she wept, a sense of clarity began to dawn within her, as if she was on the brink of rediscovering a truth long buried in the recesses of her mind.
Ritesh: "Next, I was about to kill you, but your parents arrived there with the cops, and I had to run away. But, poor you, your parents only saw what I wanted them to see. In the CCTV footage, they saw that you pushed him, and he met with that truck, leading them to believe that you wanted to kill him, causing them to hate you for life."
As Ritesh's revelations sank in, Vaidehi's breath grew heavy with the weight of disbelief and confusion. Despite her instinctual resistance to believe him, her mind betrayed her, inundating her with flashes of memories that mirrored his words. Each image that flickered in her mind's eye seemed to corroborate his narrative, blurring the line between reality and illusion. Struggling to reconcile the conflicting emotions within her, she felt as though her own mind was playing tricks on her, weaving a complex tapestry of truth and deception.
Ritesh: "They punished you for a sin you never committed. And that stupid father of yoursâhe was so in love with my sister that he even distanced himself from you and left the home with Sangeeta. Even after a year of Ahaan's death, my sister was not able to cope up with that, and your face was constantly reminding her that you killed her son, so they left the Oberoi mansion, leaving you and your grandfather alone."
The intense pressure of the situation bore down on Vaidehi, exacerbating the agonizing pain in her head. The onslaught of memories and revelations proved to be too much for her fragile state, even after 14 years since the traumatic incident. Her weakened health, already compromised by panic attacks and the relentless strain of her captivity, left her vulnerable and unable to withstand the overwhelming mental and emotional turmoil. As her head throbbed relentlessly and her vision blurred with tears, she longed for respite from the relentless onslaught of memories and the crushing weight of her reality.
Ritesh: "After that, they did everything I asked them to do, and I started my business again. But that was not enough for my wife, and she left me along with my daughter and stayed at her friend's place. You know who was her friend?"
Ritesh's gaze lingered on Vaidehi's deteriorating condition, a sinister smile curling at the corners of his lips. Despite her obvious distress and suffering, he seemed to take pleasure in her agony, his demeanor betraying a cold and calculating cruelty. With a chilling indifference to her pain, he watched on, reveling in the power he held over her, his satisfaction evident in the twisted curve of his smile. In that moment, his true nature was laid bare, a dark and malevolent presence looming over the helpless captive before him.
Ritesh: "Your mother-in-law, Mrs. Vidya Singhania, was my wife, Mrs. Kavita Sharma's friend, but unfortunately, she was no longer in this world. Still, her husband, that is your father-in-law, helped my wife, and there she played her game along with my daughter, Shruti. Yes, Shruti Sharma is my daughter."
For a moment, she forgot to breathe, realizing that Shruti was somehow connected to not only Viyansh's but her past as well.
Ritesh: "They captured Viyansh in their cunning plan, and he almost agreed to marry my daughter and take her responsibility, which would have given them the luxury they want. But no, you had to poke your nose there as well. Your mother-in-law had already taken a promise from your grandfather that he would get you married to Viyansh because Vidya was your mother, Kavya's, childhood best friend."
She was utterly shocked to her core by this revelation, her mind reeling from the weight of the newfound knowledge.
On the other side,
As Viyansh, Eklavya, and the others finally arrived at the location where Vaidehi was held captive, they found themselves at an under-construction site situated in the outskirts of the city. The journey had been long and arduous, taking them three hours to navigate through the maze of streets and alleys to reach their destination. Upon their arrival, Eklavya's keen eye caught sight of his officers who had been tailing Ritesh, confirming his suspicions that Ritesh was indeed behind the abduction and was present at the site.
As Viyansh moved forward with determination, ready to confront the danger head-on, Eklavya intervened, halting him in his tracks with a firm hand. With a solemn expression, Eklavya held Viyansh back, his gaze conveying a silent message of caution and restraint. Despite the urgency of the situation, Eklavya recognized the need for a strategic approach, urging Viyansh to proceed with caution and careful deliberation.
Eklavya: "You can't go directly inside, Viyansh."
Viyansh: "But why?? Jaan must be here, right? Now, don't stop me, Eklavya, she needs me."
Eklavya: "I know, but we don't know how many people are here. Your arrival will just risk her life. Try to understand."
Abhinav and Sangeeta also arrived at the scene, joining the group gathered there.
Vikram: "You guys here?"
Sangeeta: "Can't sit idle when my daughter needs me."
Eklavya: "Mrs. Oberoi, you need to wait here, please. The rest of us will go inside."
Viyansh: "Virat, Viraj, both of you wait here."
Viraj: "But bhai, bhabhi maa is..."
Vihaan: "Bhai is correct, Viraj. If we need any support, we can contact you, right? Please wait."
At first, there was hesitation among the group, reluctance to leave anyone behind. However, recognizing the urgency of the situation, they ultimately agreed to split up, with Viraj, Virat, and Sangeeta remaining outside while the rest ventured forward to locate Vaidehi. With a sense of determination, Viyansh, Eklavya, and the others pressed on, their hearts heavy with worry yet fueled by the fervent hope of finding Vaidehi safe and unharmed.
As the group approached the building where Vaidehi was suspected to be held captive, they encountered a formidable obstacle in the form of 15-20 guards stationed around the perimeter. Eklavya quickly devised a plan to tackle the situation, outlining their strategy to the rest of the group before they moved forward. However, despite their efforts to remain discreet, some of Eklavya's officers were still in uniform, catching the attention of the guards. This triggered a fierce confrontation, as the group found themselves embroiled in a heated battle against the well-armed adversaries. The clash erupted into chaos as punches were thrown and blows exchanged, each member of the group fighting with unwavering determination to overcome the odds and reach Vaidehi.
Even Guru, alerted by the commotion from outside, emerged from the building to join the fray. His imposing presence added to the intensity of the fight, as he too became entangled in the struggle, determined to protect his interests at any cost.
Feeling consumed by restlessness and unable to stand idly by while the others fought, Sangeeta's maternal instincts drove her to take action. With a sense of urgency gnawing at her, she noticed that Viraj and Virat were preoccupied with the chaos outside, their attention diverted from her. Seizing the opportunity, Sangeeta made a split-second decision to forge ahead on her own.
Carefully navigating through a vacant alleyway, she moved with determination, her heart pounding with each step as she ventured deeper into the unknown. Though fear gnawed at her, her unwavering love for her daughter propelled her forward, giving her the strength and courage to push through the uncertainty that lay ahead. With every fiber of her being focused on reaching Vaidehi, Sangeeta pressed on, determined to play her part in bringing her beloved daughter back to safety.
Ritesh: "And if you think that your husband loves you, then you are mistaken. He doesn't love you; he's just fulfilling his mother's wish. And now, I will use you to pressure your family to drop the case against my daughter, and then my daughter will happily marry Viyansh Singhania once I kill you."
"Dare you lay a hand on my daughter."
Ritesh heard the sound and stood up, turning to look back. His gaze met Sangeeta's figure standing there, radiating with anger.
Ritesh: "Didi, you're here?"
(Sister)
She stepped forward, her anger boiling over, and delivered a resounding slap to Ritesh before pushing him forcefully. Sangeeta's emotions surged as she beheld her daughter after years of separation. Overwhelmed with love and concern, her eyes softened at the sight of Vaidehi, her heart aching at the sight of her daughter's weakened condition. With tears welling in her eyes, she reached out to embrace Vaidehi, her maternal instincts driving her to hold her child close, to offer comfort and reassurance in the face of adversity.
As Sangeeta leaned down to embrace Vaidehi, she felt a surge of emotion, her heart breaking at the sight of her daughter's expressionless face. Vaidehi's gaze met hers, and in that moment, the weight of their shared history hung heavy in the air. Both mother and daughter stood on the precipice of a revelation, grappling with the truth that their bond was not as it seemed. For Vaidehi, the realization that the woman she had always believed to be her mother was not her biological parent was a profound shock, leaving her uncertain and adrift in a sea of conflicting emotions. Caught between the love she felt for Sangeeta and the unsettling truth of her origins, Vaidehi struggled to find her footing in a world suddenly turned upside down.
As Sangeeta helped Vaidehi to stand, her weakened state threatened to betray her once more, but Sangeeta's quick intervention prevented her from falling. With gentle hands, she guided Vaidehi to sit down, offering her support and reassurance in the face of her distress. Cupping Vaidehi's face in her hands, Sangeeta bestowed a tender kiss upon her forehead, a gesture of love and comfort that spoke volumes without the need for words. The weight of her worries and fears seemed to lift, replaced by a sense of warmth and security in her mother's arms. With a simple gestureâa kiss on the forehead and a loving touchâSangeeta conveyed her unwavering love and support, reaching past the barriers that had separated them for so long. In that moment of vulnerability, Vaidehi found solace in her mother's embrace, her breath steadying and her racing heart finding calm. Despite the fractures in their relationship and the revelations that had rocked their world, the bond between mother and daughter remained unbreakable, offering a beacon of light in the midst of darkness.
Ritesh: "Didi"
She snapped her head towards him in a fit of anger, advancing towards him. With determination, she delivered another stinging slap before seizing his collar firmly.
Sangeeta: "How dare you hurt my children? How dare you kill my son?"
As Sangeeta's words echoed in the air, confirming the devastating truth of Ritesh's revelations, Vaidehi's worst fears were realized. The weight of her mother's words hung heavy in the air, a stark validation of the painful reality that had been thrust upon her. In that moment of clarity, the doubts and uncertainties that had plagued Vaidehi's mind crystallized into undeniable truth, shattering the fragile illusions she had clung to.
Ritesh: "Oh, so now you know everything."
In that moment, Sangeeta's instinctual reaction was to push him away, to physically distance herself from the person who had inflicted so much pain and suffering upon her family. The bond of blood between them now tainted by his treachery, she could scarcely comprehend how her own flesh and blood could have committed such heinous acts. With a heavy heart and a sense of profound disillusionment, Sangeeta turned away from her brother, her trust shattered and her faith in family bonds shaken to its core.
Sangeeta: "Why did you do all this? Why did you ruin my life?"
Ritesh: "I ruined your life? It's you who backed off when I needed your support. If you had given me your land, none of this would have happened."
Sangeeta: "You did all this just for a piece of land? Seriously?"
Ritesh: "Not only that, Didi. You were always the favorite child of our parents, always excelling in studies, always receiving all the love. I was left out."
Sangeeta: "It was never like that, Ritesh. You misunderstood everything."
Ritesh: "I'm right, Didi. But you know what? I found that love from my wife and daughter. But just because my business wasn't going well, even they left me. And now, my daughter is suffering because of your daughter."
Sangeeta: "Your daughter is paying for her deeds, Ritesh. Isme meri bachchi ki koi galti nahi hai."
(My daughter is not at fault in this.)
Meanwhile, the Singhania men, along with Eklavya and his team of officers, had successfully subdued the group of goons, taking them into custody. In another corner of the scene, Viyansh, consumed by rage and desperation, was relentlessly interrogating Guru, demanding to know the whereabouts of Vaidehi.
With clenched fists and a fierce determination in his eyes, Viyansh unleashed his fury upon Guru, refusing to relent until he extracted the information he sought. Each blow delivered with a force fueled by his anguish and determination, as he sought answers amidst the chaos and turmoil of the situation.
Viyansh: "Kaha hai meri biwi???"
(Where is my wife?)
He pointed towards the building, directing their attention to it.
Guru: "si..sixth floor."
Viyansh had beaten him so severely that he was rendered unable to speak. They all sprinted towards the building, making their way up to the sixth floor as quickly as possible.
Here,
Ritesh: "Now that you know everything, I will take my revenge from both of you. I will kill both of you today."
He pointed a gun towards Sangeeta, his actions sending a wave of fear rippling through both mother and daughter.
Sangeeta: "Ritesh, you are not in your senses. Put the gun down. We can talk this out."
Ritesh: "Time has passed, Didi. Now you and your daughter have to pay for my and my daughter's sufferings. If you are here, then her family must be here as well. Now, I don't care about anything. I will kill you."
She took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest as she observed the determination in her brother's eyes to harm her.
In the midst of her shock and confusion, Vaidehi's attention was drawn to the harrowing sight of Ritesh wielding a gun against Sangeeta. Despite the turmoil surrounding her, one thing remained steadfast in Vaidehi's heart: her unwavering belief that Sangeeta was her mother. The presence of her mother in this dire situation infused Vaidehi with a renewed sense of strength and determination.
Struggling against the overwhelming tide of emotions and the limitations imposed by her injured foot, Vaidehi fought to rise to her feet. With each attempt, she faced the frustrating reality of her physical limitations, her injured foot serving as a painful reminder of the obstacles standing in her way.
Viyansh's heart pounded with urgency as he raced up the stairs, each step bringing him closer to the unknown danger that awaited on the sixth floor. Suddenly, the sharp echo of a gunshot pierced the air, causing all of them to freeze in their tracks. The chilling sound reverberated through the building, sending a shiver down his spine and igniting a sense of dread in his heart.
Even as he hesitated, unsure of what lay ahead, Viraj and Virat, who had been outside, heard the gunshot and swiftly rushed back into the building, their footsteps echoing with urgency as they joined Viyansh in his ascent.
With a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, Viyansh pressed forward, his senses on high alert as he rounded the corner to confront the scene that awaited him on the sixth floor. What he saw there shattered his heart into a million pieces, leaving him reeling with shock and disbelief at the unfolding tragedy before his eyes.
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Finally all her past revealed.
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