Kurukshetra – Episode 249 (8th December 08)
Previously… The Thakrals were introduced and soon after they met with the Agnihotris. Their entrance marked the beginning of a new problem for Tamanna who happens to know one of them from her past and Rudrakshi knows exactly who it is. Rudrakshi begins blackmailing Tamanna, promising to destroy her. While prodding into the lives of the Thakrals we see that the older son Soumil is favored by all including his Chachi – Bhoomika, whose true intentions are to get him out of the way so her son Sanjeev can have the Thakral business all to himself. In a tragic twist of events, Shatranj finds evidence that proves Sanskriti killed Rishikesh, however, Sanskriti and Dushyanth’s revelation of Sanskriti’s pregnancy changes things for everyone. Rudrakshi also finds out that Krithika lost her baby and Sanskriti plans her revenge on the Agnihotri family through her unborn child.
And now a new week of Kurukshetra begins…
Tamanna sits in front of the idol of the Goddess Kali in the mandir. Here eye makeup is smudged all over her face and tears are rolling down as she looks at the Goddess questioningly. She then stands up and walks forward wiping away her tears…
Tamanna: For years I’ve gone against everything that was good. I’ve stooped to all time lows and done the unthinkable to people who were trying to care about me and I understand if you want to punish me for that! But what you’re doing now is hurting everyone? Why have you given Sanskriti so much power over all of us? Why have you given her the power to take this family’s happiness and throw it away?
Voice: Because you should know what it feels like Tamanna…
Tamanna turns around and looks around but sees no one there. She turns around again and is shocked to see herself standing in front of her. But the Tamanna standing in front of her is a replication of the old Tamanna…
Tamanna: What do you want?
Old Tamanna: I don’t want anything, I’m just here to give you the answers to your questions.
Tamanna: What would you know? All you ever did was take things away from people and destroy them.
Old Tamanna: And how do you think they felt when I did all of that? How do you think they reacted when they were subjected to the kind of pain I put them through?
Tamanna: I don’t know…
Old Tamanna: Well now you do! You question God as to why Sanskriti has been given authority to ruin this house and yet you don’t remember that that power was once yours to do with it what you pleased! This is God’s way of showing you what it’s like to sit back helplessly and watch while your family is torn apart! It’s not enough to pay for your crimes by being punished yourself Tamanna… you have to also know what it’s like to feel someone else’s pain and now you’re feeling the pain of this whole family… Learn to deal with it because this is just the beginning…
The voice carries on and on in Tamanna’s head and she closes her ears trying to block it out. Then suddenly she hears another familiar voice…
Dushyanth: Mom…
Tamanna looks around and then turns behind to see Dushyanth walking in.
Dushyanth: Mom please I need to talk to you. I need to say I’m sorry for everything and that I should have listened to you and that I didn’t know what I was doing… please Mom… please forgive me, I’m so very sorry about everything I did….
Dushyanth falls at his mother’s feet and Tamanna reaches down to touch his head and pull him back up but then… she stops. She moves herself away from Dushyanth and he looks up at her confused.
Dushyanth: Mom… why won’t you say anything. I’m so sorry for everything and…
Tamanna looks at him with eyes that are as sharp as needles.
Tamanna: Through everything that we have been through, through all the bad things that I did to each and every member of this family, through all the nasty stunts I pulled and through all the mistakes I made, my love for you was always a constant Dushyanth. I went against Kartik and my sisters-in-law who I had worked hand in hand with to take care of this house and family for years, for whom? For you!!! Everything that I ever did, the good the bad, it was all for you… I wanted to see sitting on the high seat of this empire. When you chose to fall in love with a man and maintain a relationship with that man, I took you in, I went against this family for you and I compromised my beliefs for you. You took all of that and threw it in my face over the words of a woman whom I brought into this house to take it apart! And now just because you found out the truth you expect me to forgive you for the way you betrayed this family? You have Agnihotri blood running through your veins Dushyanth, I expected more from you! I could let myself down at any point but I still had the satisfaction of knowing that my son had a leveled head but you proved me wrong! I can forgive you for every bad thing you’ve done to me and I won’t hesitate in doing so… But I can never forgive you for the way you’ve hurt this family. The way you’ve destroyed their hopes and the way you’ve toyed with their emotions. I can’t forgive you most of all because I expected you to not do the same things that I once did but you… you did… Today Sanskriti is in charge of this because of what you did. She’s holding all of us at ransom because of your stupid and unfounded revenge spree… I can’t forgive you for that! I can’t forgive you for Krithika’s tears! I can’t forgive you for Anirudh’s anger! I can’t forgive you for any of it!
Tamanna turns away from her son and walks out leaving Dushyanth to cry his eyeballs out. As she walks into the great hall she’s met by Sanket, Kaushik and Shatranj. They all look at her and then look down… She stops in front of them and doesn’t know what to say…
Shatranj: Tamanna we need to talk.
Tamanna: What’s left to say? We’re harboring a murderer in this house and there’s nothing we can do against her because she’s holding the future of this house at ransom!
Kaushik: We can’t keep her out of jail just because she’s pregnant Tamanna. She has to be punished for what she’s done.
Tamanna: Yes but you should know Sanskriti by now. If she could hurt Dushyanth to get to me then she can hurt his child to get to all of us.
Sanket: Sanskriti is not that stupid. She knows that she has the upper hand for as long as she has that child.
Tamanna: That’s my point exactly, she has the child, not us. If we throw her in jail then yes she may still give birth to the child but as to whether or not we will ever see that child again is a question that we must seriously think over.
Shatranj walks over to Tamanna and holds her hand.
Shatranj: Listen to me… We can’t let her just hold us at gun point because she is pregnant.
Tamanna: I don’t want to lose this baby.
Shatranj: She’s not going to hurt this child…
Tamanna: What if she does?
Shatranj: I know how Sanskriti thinks now, the destruction of this house is key to her and the only way she can do that is with this child. She won’t hurt the baby… But we can’t let her hurt us because of this baby either.
Kaushik: We will speak to the commissioner and make sure he understands the situation. She won’t be harassed in prison, she will be given special treatment, we will do all of that if we have to just to ensure the baby’s safety, but we can’t continue keeping her in this house after what she’s done.
Sanket: And now we have proof as well Tamanna… You can’t let her twist you this way. Fight back!
Tamanna: I wouldn’t have a problem fighting back if she weren’t carrying my grandchild Sanket.
Sanket: Well we won’t let anything happen to the baby. We give you our word.
Kaushik: We will do all we have to, so as to keep the baby safe but just give us the word so we can send her sorry ass to jail!
Shatranj: They’re right Tamanna… We have to do this.
Tamanna turns away from the three of them and thinks of what she must do. Not long after… Sanskriti is sitting in one of the living rooms and reading a book when Tamanna walks in.
Sanskriti: Come in, come in Mummy ji. I was waiting for you.
Tamanna: Why? What else do you have in store for me Bahurani?
Sanskriti: See now that’s the spirit. That is the woman I’m used to talking to, not this boring person who only cares about the wellbeing of this family. You used to be so feisty, so full of life. What happened to you?
Tamanna: You stuffed the life out of me remember?
Sanskriti: My apologies. Now tell me, what can I do for you?
Tamanna: You’ve pulled a lot of stunts on all of Sanskriti and the one you pulled today has got to be the lowest one ever. You are using the future of this house against its present. You’re using an unborn child to cause destruction to a family that has given you so much.
Sanskriti: Enough with these stupid speeches of yours. They’re getting longer and more boring every single time you start off.
Tamanna: Oh I assure you, the one I’m about to give you now is neither long nor boring. Sanskriti, if there’s anything you’ve learned from this family is that when we declare war we don’t care who gets caught in the line of fire. You’ve preyed on the weaknesses of each and every individual of this family and now that you’ve run out of options you’ve turned to your child for support. We may feel for one of our own Sanskriti, but we’re still not that weak, that we would not sacrifice one of our own to right a wrong.
Sanskriti: What the hell are you talking about?
Tamanna: Your days in Chandra Mahel are done Bahurani. None of us want to have anything to do with you anymore.
Sanskriti: Are you forgetting that whatever you do to me, you do to your grandchild as well?
Tamanna: I haven’t forgotten anything.
Sanskriti: So what are you trying to say then?
Tamanna: Just one simple thing. Arrest this woman!
Sanskriti looks confused and then Tamanna moves aside as a group of police officers walk in. A female officer walks over to Sanskriti and cuffs her hands.
Sanskriti: What the hell is this?
Tamanna: I told you, your days in Chandra Mahel are over.
Sanskriti: But…
Tamanna: Take her away.
The officers start leading Sanskriti out.
Sanskriti: You can’t do this to me.
Tamanna: I can and I am.
Tamanna crosses her arms as she watches Sanskriti being lead out of the living room. She then follows the entourage down to the great hall where the rest of the family is waiting. Sanskriti is dragged out across all of them. She’s then taken to the threshold of the main entrance and she tugs on her cuffs and turns around to look at everyone.
Sanskriti: None of you have seen the last of me.
Shatranj: Actually I think we have.
Sanskriti: Don’t forget that I’m carrying the next generation of this house.
Kaushik: It’s a sacrifice we’re all willing to make Sanskriti.
Sanskriti: Yes, and it’s one that will cost all of you very much. The day will come when Sanskriti will return to Chandra Mahel, I promise you all.
She is dragged out without any further communication and everyone breathes a sigh of relief. As she goes away, Dushyanth turns to the family.
Dushyanth: I just want to tell all of you how sorry I am for…
But before he finishes, Tamanna takes in a deep breath and walks away. She is followed by Kaushik and Darpana. They are followed by Sanket and Manisha and Shatranj and very soon almost everyone in the family is gone except for Rauktima and Nakshatra. They walk up to Dushyanth.
Dushyanth: No one is even willing to listen to an apology.
Rauktima: If you thought it was that easy then you’re sadly mistaken Dushyanth.
Nakshatra: If there’s anything you should have learned, it’s that these things take time.
Rauktima: You can’t expect all of them to just forget the way you treated them. You can’t expect them to just forgive you because you are their blood.
Nakshatra: You hurt a lot of people with what you did Dushyanth. People who cared for you and wanted what was best for you.
Rauktima: That being said, we understand where you’re coming from and we’re still here for you. But even for us… it’s going to take some time.
Nakshatra: We hope you understand and we would also like for you to take some time and reflect on what has happened and what you’ve done.
Rauktima: And also on what you’ve lost…
Dushyanth cries silently to himself.
Nakshatra: Come on Di, let’s go.
The two of them walk away leaving Dushyanth all by himself. Meanwhile… Tamanna is walking back up to her room when she passes by Rudrakshi’s room. She stands there thinking to herself…
Tamanna: My troubles aren’t over yet. How could I have forgotten in the midst of all of this that Rudrakshi is still on a revenge spree? What am I going to do about that? I’m tired of fighting and I’m tired of playing these games but I can’t just sit back and let her destroy my world can I? But then again, there really isn’t anything that I could do…
Tamanna shakes her head and walks away. Not long after at the prison, Sanskriti is thrown behind bars. She looks around her cell and sees that she’s the only person in it. She sits in a corner of the room and then stands up again. She holds her stomach and looks through the bars of the cell.
Sanskriti: All my plotting and planning will not be for nothing. This fury that grows inside me is no longer for someone else. This anger is mine… When I started this battle, I was fighting for Revati Maasi, but now this is only about me and the Agnihotris. They will pay for what they did to me… they will pay.
Kurukshetra – Episode 250 (9th December 08)
A week later… Soumil Thakral arrives at Chandra Mahel with some important papers that Rudrakshi needs to go through. He walks in and looks around and sees no one there. He wonders if he should tap on the door but then decides against it since no one would probably hear him. Just then, a servant walks in.
Servant: Can I help you sir?
Soumil: Yes please… I’m here to meet Rudrakshi ji.
Servant: I’m sorry sir, she’s not at home at the moment. Can I get someone else for you?
Just then Katya walks in.
Katya: Hello Soumil.
Soumil: Oh hi…
The servant takes their leave.
Soumil: I was just here to see Rudrakshi ji. Dad wanted me to give her these papers.
Katya: Oh but she’s not at home… And had you called I’m sure Rudrakshi Chachi would have sent someone to pick these up.
Soumil: It’s no trouble at all really. Will you make sure she gets these please?
Katya: I will on one condition.
Soumil: What’s that?
Katya: You must stay for some tea.
Soumil: Well how could I say no to that?
Katya: Brilliant. Come in.
Katya leads him into the great hall and instructs the servants on getting them some tea. A few moments later Nakshatra joins them.
Katya: Soumil, I’m sure you remember my Devar Nakshatra.
Soumil: Of course.
Nakshatra: Hello again. Good to see you here.
Soumil: Thanks, I just came over to drop some stuff off.
Nakshatra: Well let me tell you that Rudrakshi Chachi is really happy with this deal.
Soumil: So is my father. Everything has been moving so smoothly, he admires the level of professionalism the company has shown.
Katya: Well that’s good. Now Soumil, you live in New York right?
Soumil: Well yes, I manage the companies there but I miss home a lot and I thought it was time to come back and settle down so to speak.
Nakshatra: Oh so you have plans on getting married?
Soumil: Well not that kind of settling down so soon but in time yea I suppose.
Katya: Well I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone soon enough.
Nakshatra: Why wouldn’t he? He’s smart and successful…
Katya: Not to forget handsome…
Soumil: Oh stop it the two of you… You’re making me blush.
They all laugh. Tamanna is passing by when she hears the laughter and she walks in.
Tamanna: What’s going on? I haven’t heard laughter around here in days.
Katya: Oh Badi Ma… come, come… we were just talking to Soumil.
Nakshatra: Soumil… this is our Badi Ma, Tamanna Pratap Singh, she wasn’t at the dinner the other night because she wasn’t feeling well.
Soumil: I see… well it’s a pleasure to meet you Tamanna ji. I’m Soumil, Soumil Thakral.
Tamanna smiles and shakes his hand. But the mention of the Thakral name leaves her slightly uneasy.
Tamanna: So you’re the ones doing business with Rudrakshi’s company?
Soumil: That’s right.
Tamanna: How’s that going for you?
Soumil: I was just saying how pleased both parties seem to be with how things are progressing.
Tamanna: That’s always nice.
The tea comes in and they all drink up. Soon after Soumil rises.
Soumil: I’m so sorry to have to leave this way but I am late for some other errands and I promised my Mom that I would do some shopping for her as well.
Tamanna: That’s so sweet.
Nakshatra: Well don’t be a stranger around these parts, drop in whenever you want to.
Katya: See you soon Soumil.
Soumil: Thank you… thank you all… Bye.
They all wave goodbye to him as he exits and both Katya and Nakshatra walk away too leaving Tamanna all by herself… She thinks to herself…
Tamanna: I have to speak to Rudrakshi about this… fast.
Meanwhile… Kaushik is at a building site checking on some construction work that is going on. He moves around talking to his employees and he instructs them on how to move ahead. He then starts climbing down a ladder to the ground floor when one of the bars on the ladder give way and he goes crashing down!!!
Worker: SIR!!!
All the workers run to his assistance and see that he has fallen all the way to the bottom and seems to be injured.
Worker: Somebody call an ambulance! We have to take him to the hospital!
Not long after Kaushik is being rushed to the hospital and at Chandra Mahel the phone rings with the news. Nachiket goes to answer it.
Nachiket: Hello? Yes. WHAT??? Ok we’ll be there as soon as possible.
He hangs up and goes looking for Nakshatra. He finally finds him.
Nachiket: Nakshatra, I was looking for you everywhere.
Nakshatra: What’s up?
Nachiket: I’m afraid I have some bad news.
Nakshatra: What?
Nachiket: Kaushik Chachu has had a small accident at the contruction site and has been rushed to the hospital!
Nakshatra: WHAT?
Nachiket: We have to get there as soon as we can.
Nakshatra: We have to tell Ma.
Nachiket: Ok, I’ll tell you what, why don’t you pick up Rauktima Di from the office and head over to the hospital. I’ll find Darpana Chachi and tell her what happened and bring her to the hospital with me.
Nakshatra: Ok. But come fast.
Nachiket: Don’t worry we’ll be there, just drive safely.
Nakshatra: Ok. Thanks…
Nakshatra leaves and Nachiket goes to look for Darpana. He finally finds her folding some clothes in Rauktima’s room.
Nachiket: Chachi…
Darpana: Nachiket, what’s the matter. You look upset. Is everything alright?
Nachiket: Chachi… I’m afraid there’s a small problem.
Darpana: What has happened?
Nachiket: It’s Kaushik Chachu…
Darpana: WHAT? What has happened to Kaushik? Nachiket what has happened?
Nachiket: I don’t know many details but I do know that he was just rushed to hospital because he had an accident at the constructions site. I already sent Nakshatra and Rauktima Di to the hospital. I’ll take you with me. Come on.
Darpana: Ok… Oh my goodness what about Ma ji.
Nachiket: She’s gone out to the temple with Dadi Bua… We’re going to have to tell her later. Right now it’s important that we get to the hospital.
Darpana: Ok… Let’s go.
The two of them leave as well and soon they’re all at the hospital. Kaushik has been examined and he’s been put under critical surveillance.
Doctor: He’s resting for now but I’m afraid he’s badly injured.
Darpana: Please tell me that he’s going to be alright doctor.
Doctor: At the moment all I can tell you is that he will live Mrs. Agnihotri.
Nakshatra: Do you mean there are other complications?
Doctor: Well… you might as well know now before it’s too late. The fall he took damaged both his right knee and his head. We’re trying to fix the bone displacement but at the moment it all looks very bleak. He might have to use a wheelchair on the long run and he may even be part paralysed.
Everyone goes into shock mode.
Rauktima: Doctor please! There must be something you can do!
Doctor: We’re doing everything we possibly can do. The rest is up to God. Have faith.
The doctor walks away and Darpana starts breaking down.
Darpana: Why is this happening? Why is this happening to him?
Rauktima: Please Ma, control yourself. We must have faith…
Darpana continues crying and Rauktima comforts her. Nakshatra looks beside himself as well and Nachiket walks up to him.
Nachiket: Hey… it’s going to be fine… He’s going to be alright.
Nakshatra: I wish we knew that for sure.
Nachiket: Come on Bro… He’s an Agnihotri and you know all of us fight hard to survive…
Nakshatra: I know… Nachiket… Dadi still doesn’t know. What are we going to do? She’s going to flip when she finds out.
Nachiket: You don’t worry about that for now. I’ve already informed Krithika Di and she said that she will take care of it when Badi Dadi and Dadi Bua return from the temple.
Nakshatra: Thanks Bro…
Nachiket: Hey don’t thank me… We’re family!
The two brothers embrace each other and over Nakshatra’s shoulder, something catches Nachiket’s eye… He whispers to himself…
Nachiket: Poornima…
Nakshatra: What?
Nachiket: Uh… nothing. You go check on your Mom and make sure she’s alright. I’ll be back in a second.
Nachiket runs in the direction where he thinks he saw his wife. He looks around frantically and then sees someone like her heading out of the hospital, although he doesn’t see her face. He runs behind her but he’s unable to catch up with her. The woman that he’s following finally gets into a taxi and leaves.
Nachiket: I must have been seeing things.
He walks back into the hospital and as he’s passing by the room where he thought he saw Poornima come out of, he hears a nurse saying something that gets his attention.
Nurse: Doctor, I’ve updates Poornima Agnihotri’s file with the new reports.
Doctor: Good. I’ll go through them one last time and then you can store the old reports away and replace them with these ones.
Nurse: Ok.
Nachiket looks inside the doctor’s office and wonders what the hell is going on. He walks inside and the doctor is surprised to see him.
Doctor: Can I help you?
Nachiket: Doctor… I’m sorry to barge in this way but do you have a patient by the name of Poornima Agnihotri.
Doctor: And you are?
Nachiket: My name is Nachiket Agnihotri, I’m her husband…
Doctor: Oh…
Nachiket pulls his wallet out and takes his ID card out. He gives it to the doctor.
Nachiket: In case you don’t believe me… That should be enough proof.
Doctor: It’s not that I don’t believe you Mr. Agnihotri, I’m just concerned as to why I haven’t seen you here with your wife when she comes for her check-ups.
Nachiket: Well I…
Doctor: I mean a pregnant woman needs the support of her husband.
Nachiket goes into shock at hearing this.
Nachiket: Uh… yes… I suppose…
Doctor: I’ve told Poornima this on countless occasions but she keeps telling me that you are too busy with your work to drop in. This must not continue.
Nachiket: Of course… Can I have a look at the reports please doctor?
Doctor: Yes of course.
The doctor gives Nachiket the reports and he sees the name on it. Poornima Agnihotri. He then goes through the file and discovers that Poornima is actually three months pregnant. Nachiket thinks to himself…
Nachiket: That must mean that she was pregnant when she left Chandra Mahel.
He looks back up at the doctor and smiles uneasily.
Nachiket: Thank you for your time doctor.
Doctor: Not at all… I’m just glad that you’ve finally taken an interest Mr. Agnihotri. Afterall, she is carrying your child.
Nachiket: I know doctor… but it feels like I just found out about it.
Kurukshetra – Episode 251 (10th December 08)
The next day Nachiket is at Sangeeta’s house. He’s told her what he discovered.
Nachiket: I don’t know what I’m supposed to do Mom. I mean, do I look for her? Do I bring her back to Chandra Mahel?
Sangeeta: I’d like to say this was an easy choice to make Nachiket but you need to think very carefully before acting.
Nachiket: Isn’t it so ironic that the two women who came to Chandra Mahel to destroy us are now carrying the generation of our house in them? How much more twisted can this get? Sanskriti is pregnant with Dushyanth’s child and she’s in jail. I find out that Poornima is pregnant with my child and I can’t even find her.
Sangeeta: Did you see her at all in the hospital?
Nachiket: Well just for a moment and I knew it was her and I tried following her but it was too late.
Sangeeta: I think that the first thing we need to figure out is where Poornima is. Then we can sort out what needs to be done.
Nachiket: Even if I’m willing to give her a second chance she’s not going to see it that way. She is going to know that the only reason I want her back in Chandra Mahel is because she’s pregnant.
Sangeeta: And even if she agrees to come back there’s no saying what the rest of the family will have to say about this. Especially now with what has happened to Kaushik.
Meanwhile at the hospital. Darpana and Protima sit at Kaushik’s side. He is still uncounscious.
Protima: Why did this have to happen now? I was just beginning to think that all our problems were over.
Darpana: I’m scared Maji, I’m really scared. I don’ know what I have to do. How can I tell Kaushik that he might be on a wheelchair for the rest of his life?
Protima: Darpana, you must be strong. We will figure things out along the way. And you have to know that you’re not alone in this. The whole family is at your side. As far as the business is concerned I’m sure Nakshatra and Rauktima will take it over and handle it.
Darpana: How can I ask them to do that now? Nakshu himself has gone through so much and he’s just settled into Agnihotri Incorporated and Rauktima is playing a very critical role at Shergill Industries with Krithika. I can’t ask them to put their lives on hold now.
Protima: Well these are problems that we’re going to have to deal with later Darpana. Right now, our focus should be on getting Kaushik better. Did you speak with the doctor?
Darpana: Yes.
Protima: What did he say?
Darpana: He says that as far as the brain damage goes, there is nothing to worry about. They’ve taken care of everything in time and now there is no risk of him suffering any sort of paralysis.
Protima: Oh thank God.
Darpana: But as far as his knee goes… There’s nothing they’re able to do about it right now.
Protima: We’re going to have to settle for the lesser of two evils and hope and pray that this problem sorts itself out. Don’t think about it too much. Just have faith that everything will be alright.
Darpana: I’m trying Maji. I’m trying to be strong but Kaushik has always been my strength. I don’t know how to be strong for him…
Protima: Then consider this your test. You have to prove to yourself and to him that you can get through this.
Back at Singhania Mansion…
Sangeeta: The hospital records may be of some use to us in locating Poornima don’t you think?
Nachiket: I looked through them when the doctor was showing them to me but there’s nothing there that would even remotely indicate an address.
Sangeeta: So maybe the address is not on the records. But if Poornima has a file at the hospital then it’s bound to have an address on it somewhere.
Nachiket: Even if it does, how are we going to get our hands on it?
Sangeeta: You’re her husband by law Nachiket. You don’t need anything to go over those documents. Just speak with the doctor and try and get your hands on those records and that file.
Nachiket: You think she’ll just give it to me like that?
Sangeeta: There’s nothing like trying now is there?
While all this is going on in the lives of the Agnihotris, we move to Thakral Mansion where Yathra is having a look at some material to get some new saris sewn. Just then Bhoomika walks in and sits down next to her.
Bhoomika: Oh all these are so lovely Bhabi.
Yathra: Aren’t they? I just have trouble figuring out which ones I should use.
Bhoomika: Well why don’t you just use them all.
Yathra: Trust you to say something like that.
The two of them laugh and then Bhoomika gets a serious look on her face.
Bhoomika: Bhabi… you know I was thinking, now that Soumil is more or less here in India for good, shouldn’t we start thinking about his future.
Yathra: What do you mean?
Bhoomika: Well he’s at that age where a young man should settle down with a… wife…
Yathra: Well you try talking to him about that. He just doesn’t seem to be interested in getting married anytime soon.
Bhoomika: Oh well that’s besides the point isn’t it? I mean, we’re not going to be around forever and if you think about it on the long run, wouldn’t you feel better knowing that he has someone in his life to take care of him.
Yathra: There is nothing that I would want more for him but he just won’t listen to me. He bolts at the sound of the word marriage.
Bhoomika: Maybe if we try a different approach.
Yathra: What do you mean?
Bhoomika: Well what if we bring the girl into his life first and then let the proposal follow?
Yathra: Go on.
Bhoomika: There is a girl I know and she’ll be very good for Soumil, her family background is excellent and they are of the same social standing as us. What I suggest is that we let the two of them meet and get to know each other first. If things kick off then we can talk about marriage at that point.
Yathra: It’s not a bad idea. But how are we going to convince Soumil to even see her.
Bhoomika: You leave that to me. I’ll make sure it happens.
Yathra: Alright then, let’s give it a shot.
Yathra goes back to looking at the material and Bhoomika smiles to herself as she raises a brow. The next day… Kaushik is brought back home, on a wheelchair and everyone greets him full of smiles.
Aindri: We’re so happy that you’re safe and that you’re back home Kaushik.
Kaushik: Thank you Bua. I just wish I wasn’t in this wheelchair.
Sanket: Bhaiyya… don’t worry about it. The doctor said that with the right amount of physiotherapy there will be nothing to it. You will be up and about in no time.
Kaushik smiles.
Kaushik: Stop trying to make me feel better Sanket. I know the reality of what has happened to me.
Darpana: Kaushik please try and be positive.
Kaushik: I’m sorry… I just… feel so helpless.
Protima: That’s what we’re all here for Beta. We will be your support. Darpana, take Kaushik to his room. I’ll prepare some soup for him.
Darpana: Yes Maji.
Darpana wheels Kaushik away and everyone looks at him and it’s obvious that they’re all a little bit upset. In the room, Darpana helps Kaushik on to the bed and starts clearing the room of all the stuff that’s scattered around.
Kaushik: Darpana…
Darpana: Hmmm.
Kaushik: Stop that and come here for a second.
Darpana: In a minute, I just want to make the place look decent and…
Kaushik: We have servants for that. Come sit with me, I need to talk to you.
Darpana takes in a deep breath and goes to her husband. He smiles at her as he puts an arm around her.
Kaushik: What I’m about to tell you might be difficult for you to listen to, but I know you’re strong and you’re going to be able to hear it.
Darpana: Kaushik please don’t…
Kaushik: Let me finish. With what has happened to me now, it’s going to be very hard for me to continue with work because it involves me going to a lot of places and meeting with a lot of people and right now work is at its prime and I can’t allow anything to affect that.
Darpana: I know and that’s why I think we should talk to everyone and see if…
Kaushik: I’ve already decided on what must be done.
Darpana: Are you trying to ask Nakshatra or Rauktima if they will be able to take over? Because I thought about that and I think that they have…
Kaushik: No… I don’t want either of them to leave what they’re doing to come and help me out. I’ve always wanted my children to grow on their own and they’ve been proving themselves very well in the past few months. Leave them be…
Darpana: Then how are you planning on…
Kaushik: You.
Darpana: What?
Kaushik: I want you to take over.
Darpana moves away like she didn’t understand what he said.
Darpana: What are you talking about? What do you mean you want me to take over?
Kaushik: I want you to run Agnihotri Alliances.
Darpana stands up.
Darpana: Kaushik you must be joking!
Kaushik: I assure you I’m not.
Darpana: But I don’t have the least bit of business sense in my body. I don’t know how you do what you do. I’m just an ordinary woman who knows to take care of a house.
Kaushik: That’s where you’re wrong. You are not ordinary, you are extraordinary and there’s nothing that you can’t do when you set your mind to it.
Darpana: We’re talking about a business here Kaushik, not recipies and decorations.
Kaushik: I know what we’re talking about and I know that you can do it. Please try and understand, there would be a lot of people who would jump at the opportunity of running this company in its current status. But none of them will do it justice. None of them will be able to take our vision and mission forward. I have faith in you.
Darpana: Well you must forgive me then because I don’t. Besides, who’s going to take care of you if I go to work?
Kaushik: Are you kidding me? This house is full of people. We have loads of servants. Everyone will be at my beck and call.
Darpana: Kaushik…
Kaushik: Come on… You can do this. I know you can.
Darpana: No I…
Kaushik: We have two options. Either you run Agnihotri Alliances or we close the company down.
Darpana looks at him like he just uttered a filthy word.
Darpana: What are you saying?
Kaushik: It’s true. I’m telling you, if you don’t agree to run the company then I’d be far better off shutting it down because in the hands of anyone else, that company will sink. In your hands it will be safe!
Darpana walks over to the window and looks out of it.
Darpana: I don’t…
But just then there’s a knock on the door and Rauktima walks in.
Rauktima: I’m sorry to disturb you guys but Urvashi Aunty is here and she wanted to know if Baba was ok. I told her that you were both in the room and that I would check if it was ok for her to come in.
Darpana: It’s alright Rauktima, I’ll go bring her in. You stay here with your father.
Rauktima walks in and Darpana walks out. She goes to the living room and sees Urvashi there.
Urvashi: Darpana… I came as soon as Nakshatra told me. How is he?
Darpana: He’s fine, except that he can’t really walk right now. He’s on a wheelchair.
Urvashi: That’s horrible. But I’m sure he’s going to be alright.
Darpana: He will be but I’m not sure about me.
Urvashi: What are you talking about?
Darpana: I… it’s nothing.
Urvashi: Come on, you can talk to me. Haven’t I helped you before?
Darpana looks at her and then smiles weakly.
Darpana: We were discussing the company and how things are going to work out with the current situation.
Urvashi: Ok and…
Darpana: And… he wants me to take over.
Urvashi: As in run the company?
Darpana: Yes! Can you believe it?
Urvashi: Of course I can. I think it’s the wisest choice Kaushik has made.
Darpana: Are you out of your mind?
Urvashi: Come on Darpana… Kaushik obviously sees you as someone who can handle this and frankly so do I. You’re going to be great at this I’m telling you.
Darpana: But I don’t know the first thing about business…
Urvashi: You live in a family full of business minded people, all of you run various companies and you’re telling me this is going to be tough? Yea right! You can do this Darpana, you really can. Look at people like Krithika and Rudrakshi and Tamanna and even your own daughter Rauktima. If they can do it, then you can too. You just need to tell yourself that you can and then nothing will be impossible.
Kurukshetra – Episode 252 (11th December 08)
A few moments later, Urvashi walks in with Darpana to see Kaushik.
Uravshi: Hello…
Kaushik: Urvashi ji, what a pleasant surprise, come in.
Rauktima: I’ll go get your soup Baba.
Kaushik: Thank you.
Rauktima: Aunty can I get you anything?
Uravshi: No, I’m fine thanks. I’m in a bit of a hurry actually.
Rauktima: Ok.
Rauktima walks out.
Urvashi: I’m so sorry about what has happened to you Kaushik ji.
Kaushik: Thank you but this is life. Things happen at the least expected moments.
Darpana: You can say that again.
Kaushik and Urvashi both look up at Darpana.
Kaushik: Urvashi ji… Please try and explain to my wife that handling a business is not as difficult as it seems.
Urvashi: Well I wouldn’t go as far as to say that but I will say that I think she’s capable of doing it. And just so you know, we’ve had a little conversation about it just now.
Kaushik: Oh really? And…
Urvashi: And…
They both look at Darpana.
Darpana: And I’ve decided that I will do it.
Kaushik smiles widely and Urvashi also smiles.
Urvashi: There you go.
Kaushik: This is excellent news. Thank you so much for agreeing to do it.
Darpana: I have to warn you though Kaushik, the first sign of trouble and I’m out of there and we are going to figure out a new way of doing things.
Kaushik: That’s a bridge that we can cross if and when we come to it.
Urvashi: Well I’m glad to see you’re alright and if there’s anything you need just let me know.
Kaushik: Thank you so much Urvashi ji.
Urvashi: I really do have to leave now. But I’ll be back.
Darpana: I’ll take you outside.
The two of them walk out and make their way outside…
Darpana: I’m really scared Urvashi.
Urvashi: Of what?
Darpana: Of what might happen once I start handling the company.
Urvashi: All you need to do is think positively. Everything is going to be just fine.
Darpana: Well that’s easy for you to say. I mean there is so much that I don’t know…
Urvashi: The lack of knowledge is what often scares people Darpana but no one is ever too old to learn. Consider this a new part of your life. You’ve been given the opportunity of a lifetime and I think you should take it with open arms. Put your husband’s doubts to rest and do with his company what he has dreamed of doing all along. Make it as successful as you possibly can and who knows, he’ll be back on his feet before you know it and you can go back to your normal life. But for now, accept this change and be happy with it.
Darpana: No promises, but I will try.
Urvashi: Good. And again, call me if you need anything at all.
Darpana: I will, thank you.
Urvashi leaves and Darpana takes in a deep breath. Just above her, Tamanna is walking down the corridor when Rudrakshi steps in her path.
Tamanna: You startled me.
Rudrakshi: And yet you seem so calm.
Tamanna: What do you want Rudrakshi?
Rudrakshi: What I asked you for a few days back. I want Shatranj’s signature on those papers.
Tamanna: Give me a break for crying out loud. Can’t you see that so much has been going on around us and…
Rudrakshi: Save it! I don’t want your excuses anymore. I want Shatranj to sign those papers today!
Tamanna: But…
Rudrakshi: Today Tamanna… or your secret will be on every single news channel before anyone in this house finds out.
Rudrakshi walks away and Tamanna just stands in one place. She thinks to herself…
Tamanna: When am I ever going to have any peace of mind? When are all these things going to stop haunting me? When am I going to be able to breathe? I guess I have to think of what is more important now. Getting Shatranj to sign those papers or letting Rudrakshi reveal my secret to the world…
Meanwhile… Nachiket is at the hospital and he’s got his hands on Poornima’s records. He looks through them one after the other and finally he finds what he’s looking for.
Nachiket: Address… Got it!
He takes out his phone and fires a call to Sangeeta.
Sangeeta: What have you got?
Nachiket: I have an address.
Sangeeta: Ok, give it to me and I’ll meet you there as soon as I can.
Nachiket: Ok, write it down…
About half an hour later… Both Nachiket and Sangeeta arrive at the address that Nachiket had discovered in Poornima’s file.
Sangeeta: Nachiket I know this place.
Nachiket: So do I… This is where Poornima’s fake parents used to live.
Sangeeta: That’s right, I remember following her here the day we thought they had died.
Nachiket: Let’s go inside.
They walk over to the house and see that there’s a lock on it.
Sangeeta: It’s locked.
Nachiket: No one’s here.
Sangeeta: Great, now what do we do?
Nachiket: Maybe we should ask around.
Sangeeta: Come on.
They go around and finally see a man passing that way.
Nachiket: Excuse me but do you know where the woman who lives in this house is?
Man: Who? Poornima Beti?
Sangeeta: Yes.
Man: She hasn’t been home in a few days. We were all wondering where she had gone but no one has heard from her.
Nachiket: Is there anyone else that might know where is?
Man: Not that I know of, sorry.
He walks away and both Nachiket and Sangeeta exchange looks.
Sangeeta: Now what do we do?
Nachiket thinks for a while… Then suddenly his eyes light up.
Nachiket: He said that Poornima hasn’t been here for the past few days.
Sangeeta: Yea so?
Nachiket: So Sanskriti was arrested a little over a week ago right?
Sangeeta: Right.
Nachiket: What if Poornima found out about it and then went to see her?
Sangeeta: That still doesn’t tell us where she is.
Nachiket: Don’t you see Mom… if Sanskriti is in jail and Poornima wen to see her then that could mean that she has moved back into the Tripati House, where Sanskriti used to be.
Sangeeta: It’s a long shot but it’s worth looking into. Let’s go.
The two of them take off. Back at Chandra Mahel, Tamanna walks over to the front door when she comes face to face with Simran.
Tamanna: Simran, what are you doing here?
Simran: I’m here to see you actually.
Tamanna: Me? What for?
Simran: Well… I heard about what happened with Dushyanth and Sanskriti and the whole drama…
Tamanna: Oh.
Simran: Tamanna, I just wanted to say that I am really sorry.
Tamanna: For what?
Simran: I couldn’t get over the fact that you had changed and that you had no more ulterior motives and I kept blaming you for everything that was happening to Dushyanth when all you had in mind were his best interests.
Tamanna: Of course I did… he is my son afterall.
Simran: I also wanted to tell you that he’s extremely sorry for what he’s done and he wants to try and make it up to you one way or the other. All he’s asking for is a chance.
Tamanna: That’s something that he lost some time ago Simran. He’s going to have to give me some time before I can forgive him. I’ve told him this and I’ll tell you as well. I wasn’t the only person he hurt. He hurt this whole family and right now I don’t have a case to put up for him in front of them.
Simran: I understand.
Tamanna: But as far as you’re concerned, I appreciate the fact that you’ve always looked out for him and always thought of what’s best for him, even when I didn’t. I urge you to continue doing that. He needs someone in his life right now to show him the way and bring him back on the right track and I’m leaving that responsibility in your hands.
Simran: I assure you, I will do everything that I possibly can to ensure that he gets through all of this. Once again, I really am very sorry.
Tamanna: It’s forgotten.
The two of them smile at each other. Meanwhile… Sangeeta and Nachiket arrive at the Tripati House. They rush inside and they see a watcher closing the front door and putting a lock on it.
Nachiket: Excuse me! Wait!
The watcher turns around.
Watcher: Can I help you?
Nachiket: Yes we’re looking for Poornima. Do you know where she is?
Watcher: Oh you just missed her.
Sangeeta: What? Where did she go?
Watcher: She’s on her way to the airport as we speak.
Nachiket: Airport? Where is she headed?
Watcher: She’s going to Panchmeshwar.
Sangeeta: What on earth for?
Watcher: She’s moved there permanently.
Nachiket: Mom, we have to catch her before it’s too late.
Sangeeta: Ok, let’s go.
The duo dash off again in their cars. Back at Chandra Mahel, Tamanna has the papers in her hand and she thinks of what must be done again and again… She then goes into her room and sees Shatranj there going over his work.
Tamanna: Can I talk to you?
Shatranj: Sure, what’s going on?
Tamanna: I… well… this is really difficult for me to say but…
The two of them stare at each other for a while and then Tamanna continues…
Tamanna: I never really understood why you went through all this trouble to get your hands on Chandra Mahel and the Agnihotri Empire let alone save me and nurse me back to health.
Shatranj: I see…
Tamanna: What is your fascination with this family? With this house? With any of this?
Shatranj stands up and walks towards Tamanna.
Shatranj: I’m a man of business Tamanna and when I saw an opportunity to get my hands on the most coveted business empire in India, I took it. Who wouldn’t?
Tamanna: Understandably so…
Shatranj: But why are you asking?
Tamanna: I was thinking that maybe… maybe it was time we gave some of it back to the family.
Shatranj: What do you mean?
Tamanna: I mean technically, neither of us belong to the Agnihotri Family, not anymore anyway… so shouldn’t we maybe think of giving the house and the business back to the family?
Shatranj: And by family you mean someone who has the Agnihotri name?
Tamanna: Well yes…
Shatranj smiles at her…
Shatranj: You don’t have to worry about that anymore Tamanna…
Tamanna: How so?
Shatranj: When we put Sanskriti away in jail, there was still a chance that she might try to harm the baby so to put everything back in its place and to make sure that we could all live with a peacefully frame of mind, I made some documents of my own. I’ve penned down the Agnihotri Empire to Dushyanth’s child. In other words, your unborn grandchild, an Agnihotri, is now the heir to this empire, not me.
