Chapter-68|•|

New chapterrrrr!

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I am your Viru

Author's POV

''You are married?'' Samaira asked looking at Sitaara's mangalsutra, vermillion, saree.

''Pregnant too?'' Samaira asked with teary eyes when her gaze zeroed on Sitaara's belly.

Sitaara looked at Samaira biting her lips and held Abhi's palm in a death grip as tears were flowing down her cheeks.

''Samai-''

''Oh my god, bhabhi, I mean di, finally you are married and pregnant too. I'm gonna become an aunt. Di, please let me do your delivery, you will be my first patient'' Samaira squealed. Sitaara looked at her bemused while others had a happy smile.

''What happened di?'' Samaira asked holding her arms.

''Aren't you angry with me?'' Sitaara asked still in shock.

''For what?'' Samaira wriggled her eyebrows and made her lips into a pout. They heard a groan behind but they were busy to give attention to it for which the person was much relief.

''Because I am married to some other man who is not your brother'' she mumbled slowly looking at her feet.

''Di, did I ever differentiate you and my brother? Like he is important to me, you are too. If he would be in your place I would have suggested he, to move on and give himself a chance once again. The same applies to you. I always wanted you to give yourself a chance and lead a happy life with my brother memories making his soul rest in peace and also living your life. Am not at all angry with you. Am so happy that I got a beautiful gift on my birthday'' Samaira squealed at the end again. Sitaara engulfed Samaira in a tight hug.

''Thank you. Thank you so much for always accepting me'' Sitaara whispered.

''You were always one of us which never raised a question to accept you or not. Leave it, tell me, where is juju?'' She asked. Sitaara smiled and looped her arm with Abhi's.

''My husband, Abhimanyu Chowdary. He is Aarya's brother'' Sitaara said looking at Abhi. He smiled and turned to Samaira.

''I saw you somewhere if am not wrong. Vikram Bhaiyya's father looks like you and your features also match with Vikram Bhaiyya's'' Samaira said studying his features. Abhi clenched his fist and thinned his jaw when Samaira told him he looks like Suresh Vatsalya. Sitaara held his fist and it really calmed down.

''Happy Birthday Miss Samaira Sehgal" Abhi extended his palm out. Samaira put her palm in his and shook it still in a daze.

''Madam, will you acknowledge our presence'' Arjun jumped in front of her and waved his hand. She giggled and hugged him.

''Missed you bhaiyya'' she said. He wrapped his arms around her protectively and kissed her head.

''Missed you too, drama queen. And... happy birthday'' he said. She punched his biceps and thanked him.

''Aarya di, did you bring a gift for me? I won't accept your boyfriend's and your wishes until I get the gift'' she demanded crossing her arms. Aarya smiled at her.

''Your gift will be delivered soon. Just a few more minutes. Now, please let us in. Our legs are paining'' Aarya whined.

''Shit!! Am such an idiot, please come inside. Ishaan bhaiyya and ma will be happy seeing you guys'' she said. They smiled.

''Ma...ma... Ishaan bhaiyya... Bhaiyya'' She shouted and held Sitaara's hand and pulled her to the doorstep. Suddenly her eyes caught someone, her crush, her secret admirer, Vinay Mehra who is standing behind everyone smiling at her. A blush crept her cheeks when his eyes met hers. He scratched his nape blushing to see his love standing in front of him.

Vinay looked at Abhi who was smirking at him. Then, everything made sense why Abhi took him with him, even when it's personal work.

''Thank you'' Vinay mouthed which Abhi brushed off with a smile.

''Samaira why are you shouting? What-''

Vindhya's words hung in middle seeing Sitaara at the doorstep with Abhi. It didn't take her much time to realise she is married and came with her husband as a couple.

''One minute, don't step inside'' saying this Vindhya ran back inside while Ishaan stood rooted mirroring Samaira's earlier expressions.

Vindhya came back with a thali and gestured Samaira to give this to the couple. Samaira nodded and took thali from Vindhya and gave this to the couple.

''Step inside putting your right leg first'' Vindhya said. They nodded and stepped inside followed by Aarya and Arjun. Samaira saw Vinay still standing outside.

''Aap bhi andhar aayiye'' she mumbled looking at him. Her melodious voice felt like violins playing behind him.

(You too come inside)

''Kya aap ek baar baahar aa sakethe hain?'' His deep masculine voice made her heart flutter and she nodded slowly and stepped out.

(Can you please come out for once)

''Let's go inside placing our right foot first'' Vinay whispered shyly and she smiled understanding his meaning. Once she nodded her head, they both stepped inside placing their leg inside.

''Please take your seat'' she muttered and went away running making him chuckle silently.

''How are you, aunty?'' Sitaara asked holding Vindhya's hands.

''Not at all fine without seeing you. I felt like I lost my another child'' Vindhya said looking away.

''You will never lose me. I was... was just..'' she trailed off sniffing.

''Don't cry. I understood why did you ignored us all this while but trust me, Situ am truly happy for you. More than the pain of losing my son, the thought of you ruining your life for sake of my son pained me a lot. Sometimes, I even felt guilty for not being able to convince you properly. But, I can see you found someone who is more handsome, smarter, especially the most perfect man who could heal and steal your heart'' Vindhya said looking at Abhi at the end.

''Aunty'' Sitaara called and took Vindhya's hands in hers. Smiling, she placed them on Sitaara's belly.

''Your grandchildren. It's twins. You are gonna become grandmother'' Sitaara whispered crying. Vindhya looked at her belly with happy tears. She caressed it assuming the possibility of Viraj's kids in her.

''Five months, aunty. In the next four months, you are gonna hold your grandkids in your arms'' she said.

''My grandkids. Mine, Sitaara. They are my grandkids'' Vindhya cried getting emotional. Sitaara smiled giving a squeeze.

''Atha(aunt/ father's sister)'' Abhi whispered coming forward. She looked at him confused wiping her tears.

''Am Abhimanyu Chowdary, son of Miss Sita Shetty and Sures...I mean her ex-boyfriend's who happened to be your brother'' he said and touched her feet. It was another mind-blowing surprise for her.

She blessed Abhi immediately and made him stand straight.

''They aren't married, son'' Vindhya said.

''Yes, they didn't. But your brother forced himself on my mother, but Sakshi mom adopted me when your brother's wife killed my mom'' Abhi said with a painful smile.

Vindhya stumbled back in shock and Abhi held her on time. Samaira made her drink some water and Ishaan helped her to sit on the couch.

''What happened actually, Abhimanyu?'' Vindhya asked caressing his hair as knelt before her. Abhi and Sitaara took a deep breath and explained everything they heard from Sakshi and Aman. In the end, Vindhya cupped her mouth crying.

''Because of me, just because of me all this happened. If I didn't elope that day without trying even once to persuade my brother and father, my brother wouldn't drunk that night, he wouldn't force himself on Sita Vadhina (sil), he wouldn't marry Vaidehi (Vikram's mom), anna and Sita Vadhina (sil) would have married and lead a happy but today, she is killed because of me. My brother's love remained unrequited. My brother isn't able to even take care of his son'' she cried palming her face.

''Atha, it's not because of you. It's happened because it was bound to happen. No one can change the fates, can they? You can't blame everything on you just because you were a part of it'' Abhi said though somewhere he knew only if Vindhya didn't run away, his biological father wouldn't have drunk that night and forced himself on his biological mother. But he completely doesn't support it because of how much drugged a man is, he shouldn't lose his control over his actions and that is where the ethics and his respect for women lies.

''Am sorry. I know sorry is the small thing for what happened with you in his life, for how we elders made your life painful. We are sorry'' Vindhya whispered running his fingers in his hair. He smiled.

''Atha, for every pain there is a remedy. For me, I have Sitaara. It's all because of your son. You indirectly sent her to me, you made her alive when she is on death bed and today, she is with me, carrying my babies'' Abhi said. Sitaara smiled.

''You know since almost two and half years, I carved to see my son once again. My Viru sent you to his mother, Abhi. You look the same as my son. Your ideology is like my son. Your love for my Situ is like my son. You are my Viru'' Vindhya cried cupping Abhi's cheeks.

''Yes, am your Viru. Your son'' Abhi smiled with tears. Sitaara's love for Abhi grew more seeing his nature.

Sitaara walked to Ishaan who was glancing at her now and then. She suddenly hugged him making him break down.

''Why? Why did you come now? You ignored us, didn't you? Go, go away. How can you think that we feel betrayed if you marry someone? Do you think we are only Viru bhaiyya's siblings? More than him, we love you. Yes, we love you. Anyone in your place would go away once the thread which bonded us is cut off but you didn't. You went against everything, want to live for us, worked for us, you saved ma's life. You became our sister the day you fought with death just because you wanted to give life to us. We felt all this but you never once cared about us'' Ishaan cried in her embrace.

''I am sorry. Yes, I misunderstood and am not gonna deny it but it's just even I was in a thought that I am betraying my Raj if I accept Abhimanyu but I know my Raj is happy with me moving on from the pain of his departure from our lives but not I gave up on our immortal love. I loved him so much that I want to sacrifice our love for his happiness. I love Abhimanyu so much that he made me feel everything in just 150 days that my Raj made me feel in 15 years of our love'' she said pulling back.

''Am happy for you Situ di. Am very happy, beyond happy. Every day, I was forced to look at my brother with regret for not being able to make you happy when he trusted us with you and trusted you with us but from today I will look into his eyes without regret because Abhimanyu bhaiyya is making you happy'' he said and looked at Abhimanyu.

''Thank you bhaiyya'' he said smiling. Abhi smiled at him.

''From today, I am your baby's mamu. Ishaan mamu'' he said looking at her belly. She smiled caressing her stomach. Ambling further she walked to Viraj's photo frame which had a garland on it. She looked at him with tears and soon they made their way followed by loud sobs echoing the whole hall.

Abhi hugged her caressing her hair. She hugged him back crying in his chest like a baby.

''He is dead. He was just 25, Mani. He didn't see anything in his life. At least for his mom and his siblings, God would have shown mercy at him but he was killed. Brutally. Even now, no one is capable of bringing justice, at least, to make him happy'' she cried.

''I will bring justice. You don't cry, sweetheart. Please. It's not safe for our babies'' he whispered wiping her cheeks. She nodded and turned to photo.

''Raj, he is my husband, Abhimanyu Chowdary. He is your cousin too. I love him, Raj. Yes, I love him. I don't say I stopped loving you but I started loving differently. I started loving him in a way just his absence for a few days affects me badly'' she said and removed the garland from the photo frame and wiped the picture with the free end of her saree.

''He isn't dead. He is with us. In our hearts. Please, aunty, don't put all these again'' she whispered to Vindhya earning a nod. She smiled.

Walking to Viraj's bedroom, she held Abhi's hand dragging him inside.

''You see that guitar? I gifted him on 21st birthday'' she said pointing at the guitar. Abhi smiled.

''He loves music. I miss seeing him play for me'' she mumbled with tears and walked to the cupboard. Opening it, she saw Viraj's shirts. She ran her palm on the pile of shirts and took one from it. Sniffing it hard she hugged it to her chest. Slipping her hands in it she pulled the hem of it close to her.

''Mani, come here" she called Abhi who slightly felt bad seeing Sitaara wearing Viraj's shirt but he didn't express it out. Nodding at her, he walked to her.

''You see this kiddy bank?'' She asked. He nodded.

''Every time we fight like cats and dogs. Viraj or I used to write a resolution realising our mistakes and we would break it at the end of the month and read them so that we don't repeat the same mistakes'' she said.

''So, whose idea was this?'' Abhi.

''Of course mine!!'' She said grinning.

''Every time I feel you as a still kid you prove me wrong. Tell me are you a kid or a mature woman?'' He asked.

She pulled him to her level holding his collar and looked into his eyes which flickered at her pink lips because of the inches of closeness.

''You should know if am a mature woman or still a kid, after all, you didn't let me sleep for whole nights and didn't let me step out of the room even in the day' she said boldly making his eyes widen in shock.

Damn her hormones!!

''You've become bad'' he mumbled trying to get his eyes off her lips.

''Do you feel that?'' She asked huskily pulling more to her and her lips brushed on his making him close his eyes in frustration.

''But am bad already. Since am a kid, I'm bad, very bad. A complete badass bitch'' she mumbled and took his lower lips in hers. She bit after sucking for one and release it laughing internally at his hesitance to kiss in Viraj's house.

''I guess, now you came to conclusion who am I really'' she winked at him pushing him back slightly. He nodded with a red face looking here and there. Thankfully, everyone is in the main hall giving them space.

''See this side of the cupboard. When I and Viraj used to go on an ego trip stop speaking to each other, we would talk through these stick notes and if it was filled by me at the last, he has to end this ego trip of not talking to me. If he fills the last space, I have to end this by talking to him'' she said smiling.

''You both seem to be crazy'' he mumbled. She chuckled closing the door of the cupboard and sitting on the bed.

''That we are. How much ever we loved each other, we fought too. But couldn't stay without talking to each other for a longer time, so we used to plan this just to end our fight'' she said and pulled Abhi to sit beside her.

''Viraj is my past. You are my present and future. You don't need to feel bad if I wear his shirts because I wear you like my clothes, not him. I sniff you snuggling to you not him. I kiss your every nook, not his. Don't be sad like that. Am only yours now'' she said holding his palm in between hers. He smiled kissing her forehead.

''I couldn't help feeling it but I can understand. If I didn't, I would've pulled you back. I know, it's not easy to push away those memories. I still feel choking at the thought of Samhith's absence. In your case, it was a man with whom you dreamt your life. I understand'' he said.

''I love you'' she whispered overwhelmed with his understanding nature.

''I love you too'' he muttered bringing his face closer to kiss her, Aarya barged in making them move away from each other.

''Come, let's have something. Aunty is calling you both'' she said. They nodded standing up.

''What happened to your hand, Abhi? You aren't using it at all dangling it down all this while'' Vindhya asked.

''Actually, I met with an accident 4 months ago. For the past three months, I was in a coma and a month ago I woke only to hear that my complete lower body and right side of my body went limp but a while ago Sitaara was about to fall front hurting her and my babies, just like that I stood up and saved her'' he said with a smile.

''What? Are you fine now? Situ, you aren't hurt anywhere right? Are babies fine? Abhi did you visit the doctor?'' Vindhya shooted a series of questions. Sitaara chuckled.

''Am fine. Mani is fine. Babies are fine. We visited Kabir Bhaiyya's hospital for a checkup before coming here and he was with us all the time while running scans, MRIs's everything and the doctor told Mani is fine now, he will get his senses back in his right hand too'' Sitaara said. Vindhya took a deep breath in relief.

''You don't stand for too long, Abhi. Come take your seat, I will serve you food. Today I made biryani'' she said.

''Wow!! Aunty biryani. God!! I missed your hand made biryani like hell'' Arjun jumped on the dining chair making everyone chuckle.

''Arjun first wash your hands and take your seat'' Aarya being caring girlfriend warned him. He showed his puppy eyes.

''Those won't work with Aarya di, Arjun Bhai. Come on lift your ass" Ishaan said chuckling. Arjun groaned standing on his feet and moved to the washbasin sulking making everyone chuckle. Abhi and Sitaara took their seats.

''Please you too sit with us'' Samaira looked at Vinay with blush and mumbled in a low tone. He nodded smiling and stood up.

''This way" she extended her hand and they both walked to wash their hands.

''Samaira'' he called her in a deep voice making chills run down her spine. Biting her lips she looked at him. His eyes flickered at her lips for a second and looked away.

''I know you recognised me. All these years I couldn't muster up the courage to speak to you. Now, I don't want to lose this chance. Am telling you now'' he said taking a deep breath.

''I love you Samaira. I want to marry you. I don't need your answer now. I will wait. Wait until you feel am the one for you. I don't care if it takes years for you but I will wait to hope for only a positive answer'' he said looking into her eyes.

"I....I this is all sudden. I need time" she whispered. He nodded his head with a grin

''Happy Birthday'' he mumbled and looked around. Leaning to her, he stole a quick peck on forehead and joined others. Samaira took a deep breath which she didn't know that she held it for long time. Blushing into deep red, she walked to dining table.

''Samaira come, sit here'' Ishaan patted the seat beside him. She nodded smiling and took her seat.

Vindhya served everyone and sat beside Vinay who is looking at Samaira every now and then.

''Vinay bhaiyya, are you okay?'' Sitaara asked. Vinay looked at Situ startled and nodded his head nervously.

''Am fine Sitaara'' he mumbled.

''You are not. Your face is so flushed What happened?'' She asked.

''No, am fine'' he whispered not looking at her and turned his head to Abhi.

''Mr Chowdary, if you permit me, can I visit my parents?'' He asked as he felt giving time for Samaira would be best.

''You surely want it, Vinay?'' Abhi looked between him and Samaira.

''Yes, it's been months, I met them. I will meet them only if you allow me'' he said silently conveying that everything is fine between him and Samaira. Abhi nodded in permission, making Vinay sigh in relief. Samaira looked at him with a smile understanding that he is respecting her decision and giving her time.

They completed their lunch talking with loads of laughter after nearly 3 years. Vinay too left as soon as he completed his lunch. Vindhya was looking at Abhi and Sitaara. Abhi was pestering Sitaara to drink juice Samaira made for her while Sitaara was throwing tantrums.

''Sweetheart, please, drink this. Only half glass at least'' Abhi requested her. She shook her head in no pressing her lips together.

''Dada I want to drink juice'' Abhi made a baby voice placing his ear on Sitaara's belly. She looked at him bemused and giggled.

''See, baby, our monkeys want to have the juice it seems'' he said looking at her.

''Dada, I want to eat Manchuria and noodles please no juice'' she said in a babyish voice.

''They didn't say that'' Abhi narrowed his eyes at her.

''Even they didn't ask for juice'' Sitaara argued.

''Fine! Don't drink. Even am not taking medicines'' Abhi said looking away. From the corner of his eyes, he saw her drinking juice in a jiffy. He smiled internally.

''Mani, see I completed my juice. You don't take such decisions'' she said tugging his sleeve. Smiling he turned to her and wrapped his hand around her shoulder. He chuckled seeing her upper lip covered with juice residue. Wiping it with his thumb, he licked it off winking at her making her blush like a new bride.

''Now, you need to get some sleep. You must be tired due to jet lag he said and looked at Vindhya.

''Take a right room, Abhi'' Vindhya said. He nodded and helped Sitaara to stand. Sitaara lay on the bed tired due to jetlag. Sitting beside her, Abhi caressed her hair till she drifted into sleep, then joined others.

He sat with Vindhya as she was telling him about Sita and her cuteness. How much she loved Suresh. How Vindhya used to help Suresh to converse with her.

In the evening, they all decorated the home with all the decorating material, ordered the cake, drinks whereas Abhi took Samaira shopping though she denied it for almost an hour and she agreed when Abhi blackmailed her emotionally.

Samaira shared everything with Abhi like she used to share with Viraj. She made him eat all the street food. They both even played a few games at the mall. For her, he became her Viru bhaiyya. For him, she became his sister of his own that he never had.

After a tireful day, they went back and the sight in front of him made his lips break into a grin.

Sitaara was throwing tantrums drawing something on a canvas sheet while Vindhya was trying to feed her fruits. Ishaan was standing beside her with chocolates.

''Di, if you want this, first eat those'' Ishaan said pointing at fruits in Situ's hands.

''You know what, I don't want chocolates too. I want my chocolate boy, Mani'' she yelled with tears.

Abhi smiled walking to her and hugged her from behind with his left hand.

''Missed me?'' He asked kissing her crown.

She tilted her head and kissed under his jaw humming.

''When did you wake up?'' He asked peeling off from her.

''A while ago'' she mumbled.

''Okay, what did my atha make our babies eat then?'' He asked. She pouted.

''She is forcing our kids to eat those stupid things and Ishaan Idiot is blackmailing with chocolates. Scold him'' she complained like a kid. Abhi chuckled kissing her crown.

''My god! What if our babies learn the same things? No, I won't do it'' Abhi said. She thought for some time and nodded her head.

''Yes, you are right. Even our babies learn the same thing'' she said.

''For now, let's cut the cake'' he said. She nodded.

''After eating fruits atha gave you'' he added with a sweet smile. She pouted.

''Please, for our babies'' he said. She nodded and started eating avocadoes.

After some time, they cut the cake. Samaira wore the dress Abhi bought for her. After the celebration came to an end, a big teddy bear along with pair of anklets was delivered to their apartment and she instantly recognised it's from Aarya and Arjun. Suddenly doorbell went off, Samaira opened the door and received the courier. Opening it she saw property papers.

''Those property papers are which Viraj bought for you. For your settlement'' Sitaara said. Samaira hugged them to her chest and cried. Sitaara and Abhi consoled her. Opening other papers she saw other property papers.

''Those papers are the ones which Viraj bought for me and him so that we start our life in it. But he isn't here. I can't go to that place. It was all his hard work and I want it to be celebrated by his family. I know he considers me as his family but I can't accept it anymore'' she said.

''But he gifted it to you-''

''I know but I may not live in that, and not able to enjoy it so why not let his mom and siblings enjoy it? Please accept these which belong to you'' she said cutting off Vindhya.

After pleading for some time, Sehgal's family insisted they stay back as the next day is Samaira's graduation. They finally agreed and slept at their house.

The next day, they all enjoyed all the day. Played indoor games, went to movies, explored nearby places and finally, they attended the graduation. Kabir was the chief guest as he is the top neurologist. In the end, Abhi called Ishaan to a corner.

''Here, go to this man, the most reputed lawyer in Mumbai. I sent your certificates to him and he is impressed with your scores and would like to train you under him for a few months with a monthly stipend and after that based on your performance, he is gonna make you attend courts giving you a full-time attorneyship'' Abhi said.

''Bhaiyya-''

''I didn't help you, Ishaan. It was all which you earned by yourself. He was impressed and called you. Don't think that I recommended your name or you got the chance because of me. As an elder brother, I made a path for you and I swear, I didn't use my influence. I waited for his appointments for nearly a month and finally met him after a week'' Abhi said. Ishaan hugged him tightly. Sitaara who looked at them from far wiped her tears. Then she remembered Abhi telling her loving her doesn't mean just loving her but making her pain, her responsibilities, her happiness, her everything his.

''I love you, Mani'' she mumbled to herself.

After some time, they had dinner at the finest restaurant celebrating Samaira's success and parted ways. All this while, Samaira's eyes searched for Vinay but he didn't her graduation. A tear escaped her eyes as it was the last they could meet each other because he never dared to come in front of her and used to come to the hospital with stupid reasons only to meet her but as she is graduated from that college, they may not see each other anymore.

Soon, Abhi, Situ, Arjun and Aarya along with Vinay who joined them at the airport went back to Hyd in Abhi's jet.

***************

How was the chapter?

Was Samaira's reply reach your expectations? Did you expect her to react negatively or positively?

Sehgal's are sweethearts, agree??

Samaira and Vinay! Happy with these two pairing in a couple?

Sitaara teasing Abhi! How many of you love this bold, badass Sitaara?

Abhi not only took Viraj's place in Sitaara's life but also in Sehgal's!

Dropdown your views and love, dearies!

Surya.