YEAR 2001,
At the Singh estate, Dhanraj sat on the sofa, his head buried in his hands, overwhelmed by the weight of his grief. It had been a year since his wife's passing, and the pain still felt like an open wound. As he sat there, he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder, and he looked up to see his younger brother, Amrit, standing beside him.
"Bhaiya, Jyotsna and I want to talk to you," Amrit said, his voice soft and concerned. Dhanraj leaned back into the sofa, his eyes questioning. "What is it?" he asked, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
Jyotsna, Amrit's wife, sat opposite them, her hands cradling her baby bump. She was eight months pregnant, and her face radiated a gentle glow. "Bhaiya, it's been a year since Bhabhi's death. Rohan is too young," she began, her eyes darting to Amrit for support.
Amrit nodded, taking over the conversation. "We think Rohan needs a mother," he said, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. Dhanraj's eyes widened in surprise, his mind reeling with the implications. "Do you know what you're saying?" he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.
Amrit's expression remained calm and resolute. "I know it's hard for you, but think about Rohan. He's only three. A caretaker can't give him the upbringing that a mother can," he said, his words striking a chord in Dhanraj's heart.
Just then, a tiny voice called out, "Dad!" A little boy came running towards them, his eyes shining with excitement. Dhanraj's face softened as he scooped up his son, Rohan, in his arms. "Dad, look!" Rohan exclaimed, holding up a toy car.
Dhanraj's eyes lit up with playful interest. "Oh, what is it?" he asked, feigning surprise. Rohan's face lit up with a bright smile. "I brought a new car!" he announced, his voice filled with pride. Dhanraj chuckled, his heart swelling with love for his little boy. "Oh, did you?" he asked, his voice filled with amusement. Rohan nodded vigorously, his eyes sparkling with joy.
"Dad, when will Mom return?" Rohan asked, his big brown eyes looking expectantly at his father, Dhanraj. Dhanraj's heart ached at the question, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He tried to put on a reassuring smile as he ruffled Rohan's hair. "She will return soon, beta," he said softly, trying to comfort his young son.
"Now go to your bedroom and sleep. It's late," Dhanraj added gently, knowing that Rohan had to get up early for school the next day. The maid, who had been quietly observing the scene, stepped forward and scooped Rohan up in her arms. As they went upstairs, Dhanraj watched them leave, feeling a sense of emptiness wash over him.
After they were gone, Amrit, who had been sitting quietly on the couch, spoke up. "Bhaiya, I know it's not easy for you. But Rohan is too young. He needs a mother," Amrit said, his voice filled with concern.
Amrit stood up and put a hand on Dhanraj's shoulder, his expression serious. "Think about it, Bhaiya," he said, his words hanging in the air. After a moment, Amrit and his wife, Jyotsna, went inside their room leaving Dhanraj alone with his thoughts.
After a few days, Amrit was engrossed in his study, going through some important papers, when he heard Jyotsna calling out to him from the hallway. He immediately put aside his work and walked out to see what she wanted. As he entered the hallway, he was surprised to see his brother, Dhanraj, standing there with a young woman by his side. She looked to be in her mid-twenties, with a gentle smile on her face.
Amrit walked towards them, expecting Dhanraj to introduce the lady. But before he could say anything, Dhanraj spoke up, his voice a little hesitant. "She is Meenakshi. We...got married." Amrit's eyes widened in surprise, and he exchanged a stunned glance with Jyotsna.
"What?!" Amrit exclaimed, looking at Meenakshi and then back at Dhanraj. "How...when...?" he asked, his questions tumbling out in rapid succession. Dhanraj smiled slightly and suggested, "I'll explain everything. Let's go inside first."
Amrit nodded, and they all walked into the living room, sitting down on the sofa. Dhanraj began to explain, "She was my colleague when I was an intern. We were good friends. I met her again last year at a reunion party." Amrit and Jyotsna listened intently as Dhanraj continued, "Then I got to know that her husband died in a car accident after a year of their marriage. When you told me about getting married again for Rohan, I thought Meenakshi would be a good mother for him. I asked her, and she agreed. So we decided to get married."
Amrit and Jyotsna looked at each other, processing the information. After a moment, Amrit spoke up, "Well, you know what's best for Rohan, so." His tone was neutral, but his expression suggested that he was still trying to wrap his head around the sudden development.
"There's another thing I want to tell you both," Dhanraj said, his voice hinting at something significant. Amrit's curiosity was piqued, and he leaned forward slightly. "What is it?" he asked.
Dhanraj took a deep breath before continuing. "Meenakshi has a son. His name is Vikram." As he spoke, he called out, "Vikram," his gaze directed towards the main door. A maid entered the hall, carrying a little boy in her arms. The boy, Vikram, looked around curiously, taking in his new surroundings.
"Vikram is of the same age as Rohan," Dhanraj explained. "This was also a reason that I decided to marry Meenakshi. Rohan will be happy to get a brother." Amrit and Jyotsna exchanged a glance, considering the new information.
Meenakshi chimed in, a sugary sweet smile spreading across her face. "When Dhanraj said that he wants to marry me, I was shocked at first," she said. "But when I considered his request, I thought it's good for Vikram too. He needs a father and a brother after all." Amrit and Jyotsna nodded, their expressions polite and welcoming.
Amrit's warm smile and words of welcome put Meenakshi at ease. "Of course, welcome to the family," he said, his tone sincere and genuine. Jyotsna, seated beside him, nodded in agreement, her smile reflecting her approval.
"Radhika, show Bhabhi her room," Amrit instructed the maid, his voice gentle. The maid nodded and turned to Meenakshi, who stood up, ready to follow her to her new quarters. "Rest well," Amrit said, his words a warm gesture of kindness.
Meenakshi nodded graciously, her smile a reflection of her gratitude. She took Vikram's hand, and together they followed the maid upstairs.
Once Meenakshi and Vikram were out of earshot, Dhanraj turned to Amrit and Jyotsna, a hint of apology in his voice. "I'm sorry I didn't inform you two beforehand." Jyotsna's expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Why are you sorry? We are happy for you and Rohan," she said, her words filled with warmth.
Dhanraj nodded, a faint smile on his face, his eyes betraying a mix of emotions. The weight of his decision still lingered, but with Amrit and Jyotsna's support, he felt a sense of relief wash over him.
After a few days of settling into her new home, Meenakshi was sitting in her room, engrossed in a book, when she heard a commotion coming from downstairs. She put the book aside and stood up, slipping into her slippers before hurrying down to see what was happening.
As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she saw Vikram and Rohan in the midst of a heated argument, their faces red with anger. Meenakshi quickly ran up to them and scooped Vikram up in her arms, trying to calm him down. "What happened?!" she asked, her voice firm but concerned.
Vikram sniffled, tears streaming down his face. "Mumma! He took my car!" he exclaimed, his small body shaking with sobs. Rohan, clutching the toy car tightly to his chest, looked up at Meenakshi with a defiant expression. "It's my car, not his!" he insisted.
Meenakshi bent down, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Rohan. "If Vikram is saying that it's his car, then it's his," she said, her voice firm and authoritative. Rohan took a step back, his eyes widening slightly as he trembled under her cold stare.
"N...no, it's...it's really mine," Rohan stammered, his voice shaking. "Mumma, he is lying." Meenakshi's expression turned stern, and she grabbed Rohan's little hand tightly. "Don't call me Mumma," she said, her voice cold. "I'm not your mother."
The words cut deep, and tears welled up in Rohan's eyes. His lower lip began to quiver, and he looked up at Meenakshi with a mixture of sadness and confusion. The atmosphere in the room became tense, with Vikram still sniffling in Meenakshi's arms and Rohan's eyes brimming with tears.
Just as Meenakshi was about to say more, Dhanraj entered the room, his presence commanding attention. She quickly changed her expression from cold to gentle, not wanting to reveal the tension that had just erupted between her and Rohan. "Don't cry, beta," she said, her voice softening as she ruffled Rohan's hair.
Dhanraj looked at the scene before him, his eyes questioning. "What's happening here?" he asked, his voice calm and authoritative. Meenakshi stood up, a gentle smile on her face. "Oh, nothing!" she said, downplaying the situation. "They are just fighting over a toy. I told Vikram that it's okay, give it to your brother, but you know kids," she added, her tone light and dismissive.
Dhanraj sat down near Rohan, his expression serious. "Rohan, beta, it's not right to fight with your brother," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "Give this car to him. I'll buy you a new one." Rohan's face scrunched up in resistance. "No! It's mine!" he said, his voice firm.
Dhanraj's expression remained calm, but his tone turned slightly firmer. "Rohan, beta, won't you listen to Dad?" he asked, his eyes locked on his son's. Rohan looked down at the toy car in his hand, then up at his father. After a moment's hesitation, he reluctantly handed the toy over to Vikram. Dhanraj smiled, his eyes filled with approval. "Good boy, Rohan," he said, his voice warm and encouraging.
Rohan's small legs carried him quickly upstairs to the safety of his room, his emotions still raw from the confrontation with Meenakshi. Dhanraj watched him go, then turned to Meenakshi with a gentle smile. "Don't worry, they are just kids," he said, his words meant to soothe any tension that might have arisen.
Meenakshi nodded, her expression serene once again. After Dhanraj left, her demeanor changed, and she turned to Vikram with a proud smile. "Well done, my baby," she said, her voice filled with warmth and approval. "Never let anyone take what is yours. You deserve to have what you want, and I'll always be here to support you."
The next morning, Meenakshi was in the kitchen, busily preparing breakfast for Vikram. The aroma of boiling milk and freshly toasted bread filled the air as she expertly juggled multiple tasks. Jyotsana entered the kitchen, her warm smile greeting Meenakshi. "What are you doing, Bhabhi?" Jyotsana asked, her curiosity evident in her tone.
"I'm boiling milk for Vikram," Meenakshi replied, her voice neutral. But when Jyotsana asked her to boil milk for Rohan too, Meenakshi's smile faltered. She forced a bright smile onto her face, her teeth gritted in annoyance. "Of course," she said, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness.
As she moved to the dining table, Vikram and Rohan sat waiting for their breakfast. Meenakshi poured cereals into a bowl full of milk for Vikram, her movements gentle and affectionate. She ruffled his hair, and Vikram looked up at her with a smile. Rohan watched them, then looked at his bowl, his eyes filled with longing. "Can you pour it for me too?" Rohan asked, his voice hopeful.
Meenakshi didn't even glance at Rohan, her response curt and dismissive. "Do it yourself," she said, her voice cold and detached. Rohan tried to hold the jug of milk with his little hands, but it was too heavy for him. The jug tipped, and hot milk spilled onto the table, some of it landing on Meenakshi's leg.
"Aaah!" Meenakshi winced in pain, her expression turned furious, and she slapped Rohan's face, her hand striking him with a loud crack. "What the hell are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in anger. "You burned me!" She glared at Rohan, her eyes blazing with fury, as if he had intentionally tried to harm her.
Rohan's small body shook with sobs as he cried out in pain and distress. Jyotsna rushed into the scene, her face etched with concern. "What happened?!" she exclaimed, her eyes scanning the room to take in the situation. She quickly scooped Rohan up in her arms, holding him close as she tried to comfort him. "What happened, Rohan?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle.
Meenakshi's eyes widened in panic as she realized Rohan might reveal the truth about her slapping him. She quickly thought of a way to deflect the situation and turned to Vikram, her voice stern but with a mock tone. "Vikram! You should not hit your brother. Say sorry," she said, trying to make it seem like Vikram was the one at fault.
Meenakshi turned to Jyotsna, her expression apologetic. "Actually, they got into a fight, and Vikram hit him," she said, trying to shift the blame. Jyotsna nodded, a faint smile on her face, seemingly accepting the explanation. She took Rohan to his room, holding him close as she tried to soothe his pain and calm his tears.
As she hugged Rohan tightly, she rubbed his back, trying to comfort him. "It's okay, it's okay," she whispered softly. But as she looked at Rohan's face, her mind began to replay the scene she had just witnessed. Something didn't feel right. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she sensed that there was more to the situation than met the eye.
"There is something wrong going on. I can sense it," she murmured to herself, her brow furrowed in concern. She looked at Rohan, searching for any signs of what had really happened, but his eyes were closed, and he was still sniffling. Jyotsna's instincts told her that something was off, and she made a mental note to keep a closer eye on Meenakshi and her interactions with Rohan.
That night, Jyotsana shared her concerns with Amrit, recounting the scene she had witnessed earlier that day. She expressed her unease about Meenakshi's behavior towards Rohan, her voice laced with worry. Amrit listened attentively, his expression calm and reassuring.
"You're overthinking it," Amrit said, his tone gentle but firm. "Bhaiya chose her for a reason. He knows her better." His words were meant to soothe Jyotsana's concerns, but they only made her feel defeated. She wondered if she was indeed overreacting, if her worries were unfounded.
Despite Amrit's reassurance, Jyotsana couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. As the days went by, a series of events unfolded that reinforced her concerns. Meenakshi's behavior towards Rohan continued to be cold and distant, while she lavished attention and affection on Vikram. Dhanraj and Amrit seemed oblivious to the dynamics, but Jyotsana's observations became increasingly clear: Meenakshi was treating Rohan poorly.
Jyotsana watched with growing unease as Meenakshi's actions towards Rohan became more and more concerning. She felt a sense of frustration and helplessness, knowing that she couldn't seem to get through to Amrit or Dhanraj about her concerns. As the tension in the household grew, Jyotsana's anxiety deepened, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for Rohan.
A month had passed since Meenakshi's arrival, and Jyotsna had given birth to a beautiful baby girl, Shruti. Meenakshi felt a wave of relief wash over her when she learned that Jyotsna had a girl, thinking that it was fortunate it wasn't a boy. A boy would have increased competition for Vikram, and Meenakshi was determined to ensure her son's interests were always prioritized.
One day, Shruti was sleeping peacefully in her cradle, and Vikram was playing outside the room. As he wandered around, his eyes fell on the cradle, and he walked towards it, curiosity getting the better of him. He saw Shruti sleeping inside and reached out to touch her cheeks. Shruti stirred, and Vikram, not knowing any better, pinched her cheeks. Shruti's eyes snapped open, and she let out a loud cry.
Jyotsna, who was nearby, heard her daughter's wails and rushed into the room. She grabbed Vikram's hand, her face stern with concern. "What are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her eyes scanning Vikram's face for any signs of guilt. She looked at Shruti, who was crying uncontrollably, and then back at Vikram. "What did you do to her?" Vikram's face crumpled, and he began to cry.
Meenakshi rushed into the room, her expression indignant. She jerked Jyotsna's hand off Vikram's arm. "What are you doing? He's just a kid," she said, her voice rising in defense of her son. Jyotsna's face was red with anger. "He hurt Shruti," she said firmly.
Vikram, still sniffling, suddenly pointed at Rohan. "I did not! Rohan did it!" he exclaimed. Jyotsna's eyes narrowed. "Stop lying. Rohan was with me the whole time," she said, her voice firm. Meenakshi's face turned red with rage. "How dare you! He never lies," she said, her voice dripping with venom.
The argument quickly escalated, with both women raising their voices. Dhanraj, who had been working in his study, heard the commotion and rushed upstairs. He walked into the room, his face calm but concerned. "Hey, hey! Calm down!" he exclaimed, trying to intervene. "What happened?"
Meenakshi quickly took advantage of Dhanraj's arrival, making a mocking sad face. "Honey, look what she's saying," she said, her voice dripping with drama. She recounted the entire story, twisting it to make it seem like Jyotsna was accusing Vikram unfairly and that Rohan was the actual culprit. Dhanraj listened, his expression unreadable, as the argument continued to simmer between the two women.
After Meenakshi finished her account, Jyotsana was about to defend Rohan, but Dhanraj cut her off mid-sentence. "Bhaiya, Rohan did not..." she started to say, but Dhanraj's firm tone stopped her. He turned his attention to Rohan and Vikram, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed the situation.
He bent down to Vikram's level and asked, his voice gentle but firm, "Vikram, tell me the truth." Vikram looked up at his father, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and conviction. "I didn't do it, Dad. Rohan did it," he said, his voice steady. Rohan's face turned red with indignation. "He is lying!" he exclaimed.
Dhanraj's expression turned stern, and he gestured for Rohan to come closer. Rohan reluctantly obeyed, his eyes flashing with defiance. "Apologize to everyone," Dhanraj said, his voice firm. Rohan's face scrunched up in resistance. "But Dad, I didn't do it," he protested.
In a moment of anger, Rohan turned to Meenakshi and said, "Bad woman." Dhanraj's expression turned furious. "Rohan! Is this a way to talk to your mom?" he scolded. Rohan's face twisted in anguish. "She is not my mummy! I hate her!" he exclaimed.
Dhanraj's hand flew out, and he slapped Rohan's face. The sound echoed through the room, and Jyotsana's eyes widened in shock. Rohan's eyes welled up with tears, and he turned and ran towards his room. Jyotsana quickly followed him, her heart heavy with concern for Rohan.
