Shadows of Past, Hopes for the future

Advait turns on his phone, shows something on it to Sanskriti, and says, "Look, this is Anvi, my daughter."

Sanskriti takes the phone from him and looks at Anvi's picture. The little girl was indeed adorable, with curly hair, small sparkling eyes, a tiny nose, slightly plump lips curved into a sweet and innocent smile, and a little frock that made her look incredibly cute.

Looking at the photo, Sanskriti smiles and says, "She's so cute."

Advait smiles faintly and, lost in thought, says, "Hmm… of course, she's cute. Her mother was also very cute and beautiful."

Hearing this, Sanskriti shifts her gaze from the phone and looks at him for a moment.

Realizing what he just said, Advait clears his throat and, while cleaning his glasses, adds, "I mean, Sawni ji was a very good person… Anvi resembles her a lot."

Sanskriti nods, hands the phone back to him, and hesitantly asks, "Was Sawni ji… your first wife?"

Advait takes a deep breath, nods, and says, "Yes."

Sanskriti smiles slightly and says, "She must have been truly wonderful; that's why Anvi is so lovely."

Advait nods but doesn't say anything further. A silence settles between them until their order arrives. They quietly begin to eat—Advait with his coffee and Sanskriti with her tea.

After finishing his coffee, Advait pays the bill and gets up. Sanskriti also rises and follows him.

In the parking area:

As soon as Suvesh ji sees them, he approaches Advait and asks, "Did you have the conversation, beta?"

Putting on his sunglasses, Advait replies, "Yes, we talked. Papa will let you know my decision over the phone." Without saying more, he walks toward his car.

Advait felt something off about Suvesh ji. Perhaps it was his instinct as an income tax officer, someone adept at reading people's faces and natures. That's why his tone with Suvesh ji was restrained.

Suvesh ji, on the other hand, didn't appreciate Advait's demeanor but quietly headed to his car. Sanskriti, with her head lowered, followed behind him.

---

At Advait's home:

When Advait arrives home, he finds Sunanda ji and the rest of the family in the living room. Anvi, who was playing in Ishika's lap, starts wriggling excitedly upon seeing Advait. Ishika hands Anvi over to him.

Sunanda ji looks at Advait and asks, "So, what's your decision? How did you find the girl?"

Advait, holding Anvi in his arms, says emotionlessly, "Why didn't you tell me she's a widow?"

Sunanda ji walks up to him and says, "What difference does it make, Advait? Just tell me if you liked her or not."

Advait takes a deep breath and replies, "It does make a difference, Maa. As for whether I like her or not, does it even matter? Whatever you all decide will happen anyway. For now, she seems like a suitable mother for Anvi. Talking to her, I felt she could be a good mother. But don't expect anything from me—I've already told her that."

Sunanda ji looks at him and says, "Don't worry, Advait. One day, you'll like her yourself. Anyway, go freshen up; I'll set up some snacks."

Walking toward the stairs, Advait says, "That day will never come. And I don't need snacks; I've already had my coffee." He then heads to his room upstairs.

As soon as he leaves, Sunanda ji sighs deeply and tells Ishika, "Call Pandit ji and ask him to come here. We need to discuss the auspicious time for the ceremony."

Ishika nods and starts dialing Pandit ji's number.

---

At Chauhan Bhavan:

As soon as Sanskriti enters the house, Sudha ji quickly approaches her and asks, "Everything went well, right? No problems? How was the boy? Is he good? If there's any issue, tell me—I won't let this alliance happen. Say something!"

Sanskriti takes a deep breath and says, "Maa, will you let me speak? Let's go to the room and talk."

Sudha ji nods, but before they can move, Sangita ji arrives, nudges Sudha ji aside, grabs Sanskriti's hand, and pulls her to the sofa. Sitting beside her, Sangita ji glares at her and asks, "You didn't mess anything up, did you?"

Sudha ji, helplessly watching, steps aside. By then, Suvesh ji enters after parking the car.

Sangita ji asks him, "Bhaiya, was everything fine? Any problems?"

Sitting on the sofa, Suvesh ji replies, "How would I know? I was outside. Inside, it was just her and Advait. Ask her."

Surprised, Sangita ji says, "But why were you outside? Didn't I tell you to stay with her? Who knows what she might have said? If they refuse the alliance, then what?"

Hearing this, Suvesh ji sighs deeply, looks at Sudha ji, and says, "Can I get some water, or do I need an invitation for that too?"

Sudha ji quickly fetches a glass of water and hands it to him before stepping back to her spot.

Meanwhile, Saumya, who had been putting Atharv to sleep, comes out of her room, sits beside Sanskriti, and asks, "Everything went well, right, chhoti? How's the boy?"

Sanskriti takes a deep breath and replies, "Everything was fine, didi. Advait ji has a six-month-old daughter, and he wants to marry for her sake. This is also his second marriage, just like mine."

Hearing this, Saumya looks at Suvesh ji, who remains indifferent and engrossed in his phone. Seeing his lack of concern, Saumya feels anger bubbling within her but keeps her composure and asks, "How old is he? Is he much older than you?"

Sanskriti replies, "I don't know; we didn't discuss age."

Sangita ji smirks and says, "Even if he's older, so what? In our times, a 15-20 year age gap was normal. Advait's gap is just seven years. And anyway, your sister isn't some fairy princess that young, unmarried men will line up for her despite her being a widow."

Sanskriti's eyes well up at this comment, while Saumya glares at Sangita ji.

Sudha ji, noticing Sanskriti's tears, says, "Laado, go change your clothes."

Sanskriti quietly gets up and follows her to the room. Saumya also leaves after casting a sharp glance at Sangita ji.

---

In the room:

Sudha ji makes Sanskriti sit on the bed, hands her a glass of water, and asks, "Tell me, Laado (Dear), was everything okay there?"

Sanskriti, with teary eyes, says, "Even if it wasn't, what could we do, Maa? In this house, only Papa, jijaji, or bua's decisions matter. It's been the same for years. But don't worry. Advait ji isn't like that. You know, Maa, he truly loved his first wife. For a moment, I was stunned to see how deeply someone could love their wife. I've never seen anyone appreciate their wife like that. He has a six-month-old daughter, and he's marrying for her sake. Do you know why my heart says yes to this marriage, Maa?"

Sudha ji, with moist eyes, shakes her head. Sanskriti smiles faintly and continues, "Because there, I'll get the love and respect I never received here or in my in-laws' house."

Sudha ji, worried, says, "But Laado, what about Damad ji? He'll never love you. And a husband's love is the most important thing in a woman's life. Without it, life feels incomplete."

Sanskriti, smiling weakly, replies, "You didn't get that love either, Maa. Did your life stop or remain incomplete? And most importantly, Advait ji promised me respect. For me, respect is more important than love."

Sudha ji falls silent at her words. Saumya, who had been listening from the door, walks in, sits beside Sanskriti, and says, "Maa, chhoti (younger sister) is absolutely right. Your concern is valid, but no one knows what the future holds. Maybe one day, Advait ji will fall in love with her. Instead of worrying about the future, we should focus on the present and be happy because I'm sure that family will keep chhoti happy. That's all we want, right?"

Sudha ji sighs deeply and says, "You're right." Then, turning to Sanskriti, she adds, "Laado, taking care of a child is a huge responsibility. I know you'll handle everything, but if you ever face any problems, call me immediately. Saumya and I will always be there for you."

Saumya smiles and says, "Absolutely, chhoti. And if you ever face any issues, just call me. I have experience, after all."

Sanskriti smiles faintly and nods. Saumya tells her to change her clothes and heads to the kitchen with Sudha ji.

---

Later, Sanskriti joins them in the kitchen to help, where Priyanshi comes in and says, "Mamma, my teacher said my fees for this month haven't been submitted. If it's not paid by tomorrow, I won't be allowed to attend class."

Hearing this, Saumya gets worried but composes herself and says, "Don't worry, beta. I'll pay it tomorrow. Go finish your homework."

Priyanshi hugs Sudha ji and asks, "Nani, what are you making for dinner today?"

Sudha ji lovingly strokes her cheek and says, "Your favorite—potato puris. Will you eat them?"

Priyanshi beams and says, "Yes, Nani! I'll finish my homework quickly, and you'll feed me with your hands, okay?"

Sudha ji smiles and nods, and Priyanshi leaves.

After she's gone, Sanskriti places a hand on Saumya's shoulder and says, "Didi, why don't you call jijaji about the fees?"

Saumya nods, picks up her phone, and calls Harsh.

After a few rings, Harsh picks up and yells angrily, "What is it? Why are you calling? Don't you know I'm busy? I'm not sitting around like you, free to do nothing but eat!"

Saumya flinches at his tone but takes a deep breath and says, "Harsh ji, tomorrow is the last date to pay Princi's school fees. I just wanted to inform you."

Harsh snaps, "So? What do you expect me to do? Ask your father for the money. I barely make ₹30,000, and most of it goes to my family. How am I supposed to pay her fees? Tell your father to handle it."

Saumya, her voice trembling, says, "How can I ask Papa? Please, you pay it."

Harsh shouts, "Stop bothering me! Ask your father for the money, and don't call me again for such nonsense. If you do, I won't think twice before teaching you a lesson when I get home!"

He hangs up angrily and turns his attention back to the woman sitting beside him, pulling her onto his lap.

The woman playfully traces her finger along his cheek and asks, "Who was on the phone?"

Harsh smirks and says, "No one important. Forget about it."

---

On the other end, Saumya stares at the disconnected call, tears streaming down her face. Looking at the deity's idol in the kitchen, she sobs, "Why did you do this to me? I always worshipped you with a pure heart, yet you gave me this life. Why?"

Sanskriti places a comforting hand on her shoulder and says, "Didi, don't worry. I'll pay Princi's fees."

Saumya looks at her tearfully and asks, "How will you manage? Where will you get the money?"

Sanskriti takes a deep breath and says, "Didi, I've been working as a freelancer since shortly before my marriage. Don't worry, I'll handle it."

Saumya clasps her hand and says, "Will you teach me too? I want to become independent. How long will I keep depending on others?"

Sanskriti assures her, "Don't worry, Didi. I'll teach you everything."

Relieved, Saumya heads back to the kitchen. Watching her leave, Sanskriti resolves silently, "I can't let you live in this hell any longer, Didi. I'll do something soon. Once I'm fully independent, you won't have to stay here anymore."

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