Continuation..... Part ended- It was going to be a difficult task.

Appu’s mental state was worsening. She started keeping herself isolated. Even in college it was getting difficult for her. Every day her behavior would change. Every one stated saying that she has gone mad. As this time was passing, exams were nearing the corner. Rashu made sure that at any cost Appu passes through. During the course period of the exams; Vinod sent Appu to Rashu’s place to study. There was this huge change in her. Every day she would be smiling, laughing and concentrating in her studies. Dr. Karthik since was staying with them, started his preparation of treating Appu. As the second year exams were ending, Karthik requested Mr. Vinod to send Appu on a vacation for a change. This was for the betterment of everyone including Appu.

So, this time also her father surprised her for a tour to U.S.A. As all the formalities were to be completed, the door bell rang at the Gill’s residence and a surprise was waiting at the door for Appu.

“Maa. Thank you for coming”

“Vinod how can it be that you’ve called and I don’t come. Where’s Appu? How is she doing?”

“Maa; she is sitting in Rashu’s room upstairs. So far, all these days Appu is doing well. Maa this is Dr. Karthik. Once you all leave for the vacation, he will start his work.”

“Karthik beta; please cure our Appu. That girl deserves to live and not go mental.”

“Aunty, don’t worry; once you all leave my work starts. The set up is almost done. I just have to get some things for the pooja. Keep yourself calm, Appu needs all of us right now by her side.”

Ms. Reema Nair cried and held Karthik’s hand, “You are God. Thank you” and then proceeded towards Rashu’s bedroom. Slowly as she opened the door, seeing her laughing, jumping around was very happy.

“Appu see whose come”

 “Dadi” Seeing her granny after a long time she jumped from the bed, ran and embraced her with joy. Ms. Reema has not visited any of the family members in a long time. Being aware of what type her daughter-in-law is; she literally stopped visiting them. Staying by herself in Kerala, she always missed the presence of her grand children and her husband (Late. Mr. Gopal Naik)

Vinod being her only son, very rarely would support her financially since Hema was the key hold of all the overall finance. She would not even give Appu, and her dad anything.

“Appu don’t cry. See I have come now everything will be fine.”

“Dadi after so long you have come. This is a real surprise.”  Looking at Appu she held her face and kissed her forehead.

“We all know that you are a strong girl.”

“Rashu beta, how are you doing?”

“Aunty I am fine.” She also embraced her.   

“So all set for the holiday?”

“Yes” Both answered    

“Appu dadi is also going with you”

“Oh my God dad thanks. It’s going to be the best holiday.” She went and hugged him tight.

“You girls carry on with your packing we will come.”

“Ok”  

Both Vinod and his mother left from the room and headed back down to the hallway. They were all discussing as how to go about all the puja. Once all the discussions ended, Vinod and his mother headed back to home. After reaching back home, Hema was shocked to see Ms. Reema.

“Amma, when did you come? Nice seeing you”  

“I am fine Hema.” They entered inn and sat down. As they were talking just then,

“Amma see no Appu is staying with that girl Rashu. How many times I told Vinod not to let Appu mingle with Rashu.”

“Hema, Rashu is a nice child. There is nothing wrong with her. You have to change your thinking and ways to looking at things.”

“I am sorry will youl have food now”

“No. I am not hungry. You know that I will not eat during my fasting days.”

“What amma, now you should stop all this; and should take care of your health.”

“Hema there are some things which I have been following and will continue it. Do you understand? Vinod tell Naina to get me a warm glass of milk with a pinch of turmeric. Good night” Ms Reema left the hallway and walked into the bedroom next to the kitchen.

In the living room, Vinod got angry on Hema.

“Hema I request you now don’t simply quarrel with amma.”

“Vinod you be quite. I did the biggest mistake of marrying in your family.”

“Then leave and go right now. Don’t be ungrateful. All this luxury that you are enjoying it’s because of my hard work. So better mind what comes out of that mouth. Now let me go and sleep. Good night”

“Suddenly what happened to him? Chuhaa sher kabse bangaya! I must find out what’s happening.” Thinking the way Vinod spoke to her, she was restless.

As the clock was ticking, the day for the three musketeers vacation was finally here. Appu was all the more excited since Sourabh would be with her during the entire trip once they landed in New York. This would the first time whereby she would be introducing Sourabh to her granny.

As they arrived in New York, Mr. Reema precisely was very pleased by Sourabh’s nature and approach. In spite of being born and bought in New York, he had a very different way of treating life and people associated with him. 

Continuation.. Part ended- The chat got disconnected and Naina was sitting besides Appu to calm her down.

Back at Gill’s residence

Hearing Rashu’s call her father came down rushing in his shorts and t-shirt. Upon seeing Dr. Karthik, he was smiling away to glory. They both embraced each other. As they sat down for a cup of tea, Rashu was curious to know who this handsome gentleman was. When she went up to her mother in the kitchen and asked her she simply smiled.

As Rashu joined them all back in the hall,

“Dad, who’s he?”

“Beta you didn’t recognize him!”

“Uncle having a hunk boyfriend around how do you expect, Rashu to remember her childhood friend. Well I suppose the only way to make her recollect will be by calling puppy paws”

“Oh my God, I can’t believe this.”

“Sippy cat, Karthik you, I am seeing after ages. Daam you look good. If you were going to be so dashing and charming I wouldn’t have gone for Rishabh.”

“Tum bilkul nahin badlee. You are still the same.”

“Of course I know. By the way how come you are here?”

“Beta I have called him. Do one thing, ring up Appu’s father and tell him that Dr. Karthik has come.”

“I do not understand anything.”

“Puppy paws I will explain everything”

Once Vinod was at the Gill’s residence Rashu understood the entire link. That's when she told everyone that about Appu's situation Naina had informed her long back was scared to speak it to anyone. Her parents had called Karthik since; he is the one who can cure Appu. The only problem they all were facing was to deal with Hema as being the culprit they had to find a way to keep her away. It was going to be a difficult task.

Continuation.. Part ended- Hema was thinking to herself as this was the very first time she noticed that Naina was lost in her thoughts. It has been quite some time that she spoke to her mother since the last few days due to fever had not contacted her.

As days were falling out of hands, Hema was keeping a watch on Naina and Appu. Seeing her suffering, she was getting immense pleasure. Appu's behavior got worse day by day. In college, she was like a devil. Poor girl had no idea what she was going through. Many complaints had been made from the principle to her family. She was loosing concentration from her studies. Her dad also didn’t understand as to what is happening. Rashu and Naina were all the more feeling helpless until

One day 25^th November, 1997,

“Ding dong, ding dong”

“Mom I have got it. Yes.”

“Is this Mr. Arman Gill’s residence?”

“Yes it is what work do you have with him?”

“Actually he had called me. Unko zaara bolna Dr. Karthik Desai aye hai.”

“Ok, come in. Sooboth enko chai dena, mein papa ko bulatee hoon.”

“Beta who’s come”

“Mom Dr. Karthik Desai. It seems dad called him. Do you know him?”

“Yes beta. We have called him.”

“What happened? Is everything alright? I am getting worried”

“Darling don’t worry go and call dad.”

Back at the Nair’s house, Appu was sitting in the room on the floor at the corner with her both legs touching her stomach and head down. It was like as if she forgot to laugh. Just then Naina entered. As she was walking towards her, an incoming call was showing on the laptop which said Sourabh calling. She took the laptop to Appu and

“Hello, Sourabh”

“Appu what is this I am hearing? Rashu told me everything. Baby don’t do like this.”

“Sourabh I don’t know what’s happening. Please take me away from here.”  

“Ok will do that. But till that happens I want you to take care of yourself. Don’t cry.”

“Naina take care of her I will try to come as soon as possible and inform Rashu also.”

“Ok I will do that.” The chat got disconnected and Naina was sitting besides Appu to calm her down.

Continuation.. Part ended- Completely shocked and speechless, Rashu suddenly went cold. Didn’t know what to say or do?

2^ND YEAR COLLEGE, 1997

“Naina what are you saying? Tell me you are joking.”

“Rashu no, I am not joking and this is the truth”

“Naina we’ll have to figure a way to fix this before it completely destroys Appu.”

“I know Rashu. Lekin what can we do. I am confused.”

“I always had a doubt on Hema aunty, but she would be so nasty I never imagined!”

Just as they were talking,

“Naina kaha mar gaee.”

“Ayee madam”

“Rashu will talk later. Just make sure you don’t disclose this to anyone.”

“Naina don’t worry, tum jaao abhi”

Naina quickly left her room and headed straight to Hema’s room

“Yes madam, apne bulaya?”

“Tu kaha marga yee thee, now do one thing, go to the kitchen and get me a hot cup of coffee.”

“Yes madam.” Saying this she just stood for a sec lost in her thoughts when Hema got up and shook her.

“Are you fine? What are you thinking of so much?”

“Sorry. I will get your coffee right away”

“I wonder why she seems to be shocked and lost. Need to check on her actions.”

Hema was thinking to herself as this was the very first time she noticed that Naina was lost in her thoughts. It has been quite some time that she spoke to her mother since the last few days due to fever had not contacted her.

Continuation.. Part ended- Every day she would take both Rahsu and Appu to the Gurudwara, and pray for their success.

The day of being a free bird had arrived. For the very first time, she sensed freedom away from all the harsh behavior. Both were enjoying their vacation to the fullest. Well during the trip Appu became friends with this young dashing lad Sourabh. After the entire trip ended they kept in touch through mails and chat as he was residing in New York. Well seeing Appu smile Rashu was very happy.

After a month,

The exam results were out and for the very first time Appu passed with flying scores. She wanted to join the same college as Rashu so her father took admission at Rizvi’s college. Life took a new path for Appu. Both of the dames were going and coming together from college. As usual, Hema was not happy with this and wanted to take an immediate action to completely destroy her own daughter’s life.  

As first year in college passed off, Rashu noticed that Appu was mentally disturbed. She started keeping herself away from everyone. There were stages when she would just shout on everyone, cry and hurt herself. This behavior of Appu’s was disturbing Raheesha a lot. She had not disclosed it to her parents but, she did reveal it to Naina as she could no longer hold it back. Sweat was pouring down from Naina’s forehead as she was the only one who knew the cause for these behavioral changes in Appu. She was scared and confused as didn’t know if she should tell Rashu. As days passed, Naina went up to Rashu and told her the cause.

Completely shocked and speechless, Rashu suddenly went cold. Didn’t know what to say or do? 

Continuati​on.. Part ended- After waking her up, Naina left the room proceeded to the kitchen for preparing tea.

Back in Appu’s room she sensed that Naina was not fine but was unable to figure out the cause for this troubled behavior of her’s. As she sat on the bed, opened the albums and was looking at them. Recalling the old days, Appu completely lost herself. “I miss all those days. Never again will those days come back.” Thinking about those days, she was lost in those thoughts

When

“Didi! Let’s go for a movie”

“Chetan you scared the shit out of me. Are you gone mad?”

“Appu let’s go. I am bored.”

“Chetan go and let me study. My exams are next week. Do one thing, call Manish and both of you go for a movie.”

“Ok.”

“Thank you now go” After saying this Chetan left Appu’s room and went to the hall to call Manish out for a movie. As he was leaving the hall to go to his room his mother walked down from her room all decked up.

“Mom, are you going for a wedding. Why are you all dressed up?”

“Beta, I missed my kitty party session. So in order to catch up I have dressed up to flaunt away my ornaments, new sari, purse and scandals. How am I looking?”

Giggling he commented “mom you are looking dashing.”

“Thanks darling. By the way where are you running in such a hurry?”

“Amma I am going for a movie with Manish.”

“Ok Ok, do you have cash with you?”

“Mom just have Rs. 100/”

“Arey take 2000”

“Thanks mom.”

 I am getting late, Naina saab ko chai dena. I am going bye.”

Hema walked out of the house attended her kitty party reached back had dinner and slept off. A week passed off with the usual situations happening as Appu’s exams were up. As the dates were nearing for the end of the exams, her dad had planned a surprise holiday for Appu and her best friend Raheesha. It was a trip to Europe.

Just imagine the happiness and joy they both had. Shopping, packing the Nair’s and the Gill’s house was at rampage. Shalini was very happy for Aparna. During the period after the exams were over, Shalini gave a lot of positive boosting to Appu saying that she will pass these exams with flying

colors. Every day she would take both Rahsu and Appu to the Gurudwara, and pray for  their success.

Continuati​on.. Part ended- She went back into her old days

“I remember Raheesha spent three nights helping me to rehearse for the competition. You know Zian, I called her on stage after winning the trophy and her face went all pink, miss those old days.”

As Appu was lost in her flashback thoughts,

suddenly,

“Didi tum theek ho! Sorry I just barged inside.”

“Naina what happened? Why are you panting so much? Everything fine”

“I saw a bad dream.”

“Sit down. Here have some water. Are you feeling better?”

“Didi! I am scared.”

“Arey baba it’s just a dream. Chal hum log meri albums dekhtein hai.”

“Nahin didi, madam ko uthana hain”

“Naina; kya hua; tu ghab rayee huee si kyoun hai. Tere matae sae passena kyoun nikal raha hai”

“Didi kuch nahi; mein jaatee hoon abhi”

As Naina had left, sense of guilt surrounded since she could not tell Aparna the overheard conversation between madam and Ms. Shobha (madam’s mother). She kept calm and walked towards Appu’s parent’s room. She entered inn, walked up to the bed and woke up Hema. After waking her up, Naina left the room proceeded to the kitchen for preparing tea.

Continuati​on.. Part ended- “Yeah right, Zian does it look like she’s fine?”

Zian came to Appu and started pulling her kameez. He bought her to a mirror. Looking at herself, she started crying. Zian then with his paw called her. Looking at him she fell on her knees and hugged him tight. 

“Babes do something before it gets too late. Leave all this now” She bent down, embraced both Zian and Appu. Rashu then wiped those precious tears.

“Let’s do something. I know Appu where’s our kiddy snaps, I am longing to see them.”

“It’s there in the cupboard on the 3^rd shelf.”

“Wait I will get it, you sit.” Rashu removed the albums

“My God, never realized that we have grown up. Heeehheee. You have all the pictures.”

“Yes sweetie I know. Get them on the bed.”

As they both were glancing at each and every picture, they went back into their old days and were laughing their hearts out.

The clock strike 3:30pm.

“Sweetie I have to rush home early since Rishabh is meeting me. Will meet you next week in school; take care”

“But Rashu, I thought we are going out.”

“Sorry”

“How’s he? I am jealous now of Rishabh”

“Heeheheee. Tomorrow we will go. I am getting late now.” Kissed Appu goodbye and as she was exiting, “Bow bow” Zian barked.

“Sorry baby. Muuaahhhhhh bye”

Raheesha left and Appu felt very bad. As she sat on the bed Zian also jumped on to give her company. All the albums were spread out. Looking at old childhood snaps, a tear drop fell from Appu’s eyes. She went back into her old days.