Kurukshetra – Episode 377
Dhananjay stares at Mahima with anger dripping out of his eyes. She stares back with confidence and a look of deadly calm.
Mahima: I’m not as foolish as Shubhavi Didi. I know that your interests keep varying from time to time and sometimes I wonder if she and I are the only ones you keep switching to or if there are others involved as well.
Dhananjay: Watch your tongue Mahima!
Mahima: You can probably stop my tongue from wagging but you won’t be so lucky with the rest of the world Dhananjay. And get one thing straight, I will not live to earn their sympathy. I will destroy you and then I will destroy her before I let anyone feel sorry for me, do you hear me?
Dhananjay: Don’t you dare threaten my family!
Mahima: I AM YOUR FAMILY!
Dhananjay: You are not! You were just a compromise! You were a temptation that I gave into and I regret every moment of it Mahima I really do!
Mahima: Well you should have thought of all that before you made me your wife.
Dhananjay: This marriage is over.
Mahima: What?
Dhananjay: You heard me. This marriage is over. I want a divorce!
Mahima is furious!
Dhananjay: Didi and Kartik and Vanshita were all right… I should have told you the truth sooner, I shouldn’t have kept you in the dark for so long and for that I am sorry.
Mahima: So they all knew about this?
Dhananjay: Yes they found out and they asked me and Shubhavi to discontinue what we were doing. But we realized that our love for each other was just too strong.
Mahima: So you’re saying that all the love you showed me till this point was all a lie?
Dhananjay: It was never love Mahima. There was never love between us. There was lust and after what happened to you I did feel sorry for you but…
Mahima: SHUT UP! No one… absolutely no one feels sorry for me! I don’t need your sympathy. You want your divorce Mr. Dhananjay Arora? It’s yours! Draw up the papers and tell me where to sign.
Dhananjay: Gladly.
Dhananjay walks off. Mahima is still seething but she is still very controlled. The next day… Rauktima and Ankita have gone to talk to Kartik.
Kartik: Why do you two look like you have something to say that I’m not going to like.
Ankita: Oh it’s nothing like that.
Kartik: Then why are you hesitating?
Rauktima: We’re not… it’s just that…
Ankita: Kartik… you can’t be alone.
Kartik: Bhabi I’m not alone. I have all of you.
Ankita: That’s just my point. I have to go back to Bangalore and…
Kartik: But you said you’d stay for a month.
Ankita: And I will, but after that month is over I’d like to know that you are in good hands. That there’s someone there to take care of you.
Kartik: The children are…
Ankita: Going to be busy with their own lives. They have children of their own to take care of now.
Kartik: I can take care of myself then.
Ankita: Sure that’s what you say but I know you. You will get so lost in work and stuff that you will forget to take care of yourself.
Kartik: And your solution to this is?
Ankita: Marriage.
Kartik looks shocked and stands up.
Ankita: Kartik please sit down.
Kartik: Bhabi I’m sorry but this is ridiculous. It’s been just a little over two weeks since Rudrakshi and Tamanna died and you’re talking about me getting married again.
Rauktima: Chachu we’re not being disrespectful to them. We’re just doing what they would have done themselves.
Kartik: Tamanna and Rudrakshi had issues with keeping me between each other do you really think they would have appreciated a third person being thrown into his equation?
Ankita: That’s our point exactly Karitk… the two of them are not here anymore and you have to stop pretending like they are.
Kartik: Bhabi, I have grandchildren to think about now do you really think I want to get married again?
Ankita: You might not want to but I’m telling you that if you don’t… then…
Kartik: Then what? The world is not going to end just because I don’t get married.
Ankita: Damn it Kartik will you stop being so selfish!
Kartik: How am I being selfish?
Ankita: You’re only thinking about your happiness… you’re right, you are now surrounded by grandchildren and that’s going to be a bigger responsibility. You will have to have someone beside you to control things in the house while you’re away at work.
Kartik: I don’t plan on being at work a lot, that’s what the children are there for.
Ankita: Well I’m glad you think that way but knowing you, you will be in and out of that office.
Kartik: Still…
Rauktima: Chachu… please… just think about it.
Kartik: Why do I have a feeling that the two of you haven’t just come here with a proposal of marriage, you also have a candidate for the job… don’t you?
Ankita: Well we uh…
Rauktima: Yes we do.
Kartik: And may I ask who it is? Do I even know her?
Ankita: Pity Keshav Bhaiyya couldn’t ask you that question when you gave him in marriage to Tamanna.
Kartik: Bhabi…
Ankita: Sorry… I just couldn’t let that one slide.
Rauktima: Yes Chachu you know her.
Kartik: Well who is she?
Ankita: Urvashi ji.
Kartik narrows his eyes.
Kartik: Urvashi ji? You want me to marry her? Bhabi for goodness sake, this family is already twisted enough. I’ve lost track of who my own children are and now you want me to marry her… this would just complicate matters further.
Ankita: It will do no such thing.
Rauktima: Besides, you two seem to have gotten close in the time that has gone by and when Ankita Chachi returns to Bangalore at least we will know that someone else will be around to take care of you.
Ankita: And the house.
Kartik: She doesn’t need to marry me to do that. She is Nakshatra’s mother and she may stay at Chandra Mahel for as long as she likes…
Ankita: Just as Nakshatra’s mother? Do you have any idea what society will say?
Kartik: Please Bhabi… society doesn’t think very highly of the Agnihotri Family anyway, not after the stunts that we’ve pulled in the past.
Ankita: No but they still fear this family and respect it for its power.
Kartik: And I need to marry Urvashi to retain that?
Ankita: In a way yes. A king is nothing without his queen.
Kartik: I’m no king.
Ankita: Maybe not within these walls Kartik but outside of them you are. You head the Agnihotri Empire and there will always be the question of whether or not you can continue doing it alone.
Kartik: But I am capable of doing it alone.
Ankita: That’s what you say and I’m even inclined to believe you. But the hardships in life aren’t just going to end because we want them to. They will continue and you are going to need someone to be by your side to help you through them.
Kartik: I…
Rauktima: Chachu please… just think about it. Come on Chachi, I think we’ve done all we can here.
Rauktima leads Ankita out of the room and Kartik looks confused. Outside the room…
Ankita: I really hope Kartik agrees to this marriage.
Rauktima: I hope so too. I have to go and check on Geet now.
Ankita: Ok.
Rauktima walks off and Ankita leaves in the other direction. Meanwhile at the Thandav Mansion… Mahima is walking out of her room when she hears Dhananjay on the phone…
Dhananjay: What do you mean his condition has worsened? Really? Ok I’ll head over there now and we’ll take him to the doctors.
He hangs up. Mahima walks down.
Mahima: When will the… divorce papers be in?
Dhananjay: My lawyers are working on it.
Mahima: Is everything alright?
Dhananjay: No… Naren is not doing so well.
Mahima: How come?
Dhananjay: He’s been like this ever since Tamanna died. He refuses to come out of his room or talk to anyone or even eat and drink. It’s like he’s gone into a permanent state of shock. The doctors are saying that he’s in a very fragile state right now and that if he is subject to anything else that is even remotely traumatic, we might lose him forever. Excuse me I need to take him to the doctors.
Dhananjay walks out and Mahima raises a brow. Meanwhile… Aksh and Nakshatra are having a conversation by the pool.
Aksh: Something is going on with Rauktima.
Nakshatra: Maybe she has a plan of some sort. Didi always has a plan.
Aksh: Come on Nakshatra, I don’t believe that any plan she would have to get rid of Urvashi would involve her marrying Kartik Chachu.
Nakshatra: Then what could it be?
Aksh: I don’t know but whatever it is we have to figure it out fast. If Kartik Chachu agrees to this marriage then it will become impossible for us to stop it.
At the same time… Vanshita walks into Rakshanda’s room.
Vanshita: Bua…
Rakshanda: Oh I was just going to look for you.
Vanshita: Did you speak with them?
Rakshanda: I did and there seems to have been an interesting development.
Vanshita: Which is?
Rakshanda: Mahima has agreed to give your father a divorce.
Vanshita: What?
Rakshanda: I know I was shocked when I heard it too.
Vanshita: But that’s impossible.
Rakshanda: Well maybe she realized that she was fighting a losing battle.
Vanshita: No… Mahima Maasi never wants to lose. She’s got something bigger planned.
Rakshanda: What makes you say that?
Vanshita: Think about it Bua. Why would she go through all that trouble to separate Dad from Mom and then finally get married to him only to agree to a divorce? Does that make sense to you at all?
Rakshanda: Well maybe she doesn’t want to play games anymore.
Vanshita: Or maybe that’s exactly what she’s doing. Playing a game that will end up destroying everyone. I don’t believe that she will give Dad up so easily.
Rakshanda: Well if what you’re saying is true then she would have to act on whatever she has to do fast.
Vanshita: Her mind is twisted, just like Manorama Nani’s was. In order to figure out what she’s doing we have to think like her and that is impossible.
Rakshanda: Well then I suppose we can only hope that things will turn out fine.
Vanshita: And that is highly unlikely.
Later that day… Dhananjay has dropped everyone back at Chopra Mansion and is going home. Shubhavi goes out to say bye to him.
Dhananjay: I should probably go home now.
Shubhavi: I know… and we should probably lay low until the divorce is finalized.
Dhananjay: Yes. But if you or Vidhushi need anything then…
Shubhavi: We’ll call you. Don’t worry.
Dhananjay: Bye then.
Shubhavi: Bye…
Dhananjay leaves and Shubhavi goes back inside. Vidhushi is sitting by herself in the living room, lost in a world of worries.
Shubhavi: Hey… don’t worry it’ll be fine.
Vidhushi: How can I even begin to have confidence that it might? You heard what the doctor said didn’t you? He has to will himself to come out of this state. It’s all up to him now but he doesn’t want to do that. On one end he’s had to deal with Ashvini’s betrayal and then on the other end Tamanna Didi’s death.
Shubhavi: But he has always been strong. He will pull through this.
Vidhushi: I’ve seen him pull through situations before and I’m not going to lie to myself. This is different. Shubhavi, I don’t know what I’d do if I lost him.
Shubhavi: You won’t… Just go get some rest now… Everything will be fine.
Vidhushi: I can’t sleep. I think I’m just going to do some reading to try and clear my mind.
Shubhavi: Well I’ll join you then.
The two of them get up and head over to the study. Outside the Mansion… a car drives in. It’s Mahima. She takes a good look at the place from outside and then switches the engine off as she gets down. She looks around and sees no one in sight. She walks over to the gate and the watchman comes out.
Watchman: Good evening madam.
Mahima: Good evening. Are my sisters at home?
Watchman: Yes they are.
Mahima: Thank you.
She walks inside and heads to the entrance of the Mansion. Then she pulls out a gun.
Kurukshetra – Episode 378
Mahima looks at the gun that she has taken out and smiles to herself. She looks mildly insane. She walks into the Mansion and looks around. She then slowly makes her way inside… Meanwhile… Dhananjay arrives at Thandav Mansion and goes inside. He looks around and sees that no one is at home. He calls one of the servants.
Servant: Yes sir?
Dhananjay: Where is Madam?
Servant: Madam left a little while ago.
Dhananjay: Did she say where she was going?
Servant: No.
Dhananjay: Ok…
Dhananjay wonders where she could have gone. Back at Chopra Mansion… Mahima makes her way upstairs to where the rooms are… She looks around and then moves closer and closer to Naren’s room. Finally she is at the door and she opens it slightly. She sees Naren sleeping inside… At that moment… Vayu drives in after work. He sees Mahima’s car outside and drives over to the watchman.
Vayu: Watchman… Whose car is that?
Watchman: That is Mahima Madam’s car… She just came in a while ago to see your mother.
Vayu: Oh? Ok thank you.
Vayu drives in and gets off. He thinks to himself…
Vayu: What is Mahima Maasi doing here? It’s not like she and Mom get along. Maybe she heard about Dad and came to see him.
Vayu walks into the house and meanwhile… Mahima is now standing over Naren who is staring at her blankly.
Mahima: Hello Jeeju… how are you? You know, you and I are people who are destined to suffer on this earth. Happiness always turns away from us and every time we find a way to be happy, someone comes along and takes it away from us. Why does that happen? Why must we suffer?
She gets up and goes to the room door and shuts it from inside. Then she turns around and goes back to Naren who is still watching her blankly.
Mahima: We are cursed you know… that’s what we are… But I’ve thought of this long and hard and I’ve decided that I won’t let fate play these games with me anymore. I’ve decided that I’m going to give fate the finger!
She takes out the gun and shows it to Naren.
Mahima: Tonight Jeeju, I’m going to end it all… And you’re going to help me.
Meanwhile downstairs… Vayu is looking around the house and is wondering where everyone is. He hears a noise coming from the study.
Vayu: Maybe they’re all in there.
He begins making his way to the study and back in the room… Mahima places the gun in Naren’s hand and then brings it up to her head.
Mahima: You will help me won’t you Jeeju?
Naren watches her blankly.
Mahima: I can’t do this anymore. I don’t know why I was put on this earth to suffer the way I have. I fell in love only once and that was taken away from me, by my own sister. And then when I finally got him in my life… she came back and took him away again. I can’t take it anymore Jeeju, I can’t take it anymore. This has to end now. Please help me.
And back downstairs… Vayu walks into the study. He sees Vidhushi and Shubhavi.
Vidhushi: Vayu… I’m glad you’re home we…
Vayu: Where is she?
Shubhavi: Who?
Vayu: Mahima Maasi?
Vidhushi: What? What do you mean?
Vayu: Her car is outside and the watchman said that she came over to see you.
The two sisters stand up.
Shubhavi: We’ve been in here all this time. Mahima isn’t here.
Vayu: Well she has to be somewhere here then.
The three of them run out of the study and Shubhavi starts calling Dhananjay. A while later he picks up.
Dhananjay: Hello?
Shubhavi: Where is Mahima?
Dhananjay: Well strange you should ask because I came home and she wasn’t here and…
Shubhavi: Dhananjay says she’s not at home.
Dhananjay: Shubhavi what’s going on?
Shubhavi: I think she’s here Dhananjay… she’s here somewhere…
Dhananjay: WHAT? SHIT! I’m coming over!
They hang up and at Chopra Mansion everyone looks worried.
Vidhushi: Where could she be?
Vayu: Where is Dad?
Vidhushi: In his… room…
The three of them all realize that Mahima may be there. They all run upstairs… Meanwhile inside the room…
Mahima: Come on Jeeju, all you have to do is pull the trigger. Come on you can do it.
And outside… the trio approach Naren’s room and try to open the door.
Vayu: It’s locked from inside.
Vidhushi: Naren wouldn’t lock it he doesn’t even get off the bed.
Shubhavi: Mahima is inside!
Vayu: DAD!
Vidhushi: MAHIMA OPEN THIS DOOR!
Inside the room Mahima turns around and realizes that everyone knows she’s there. She turns back to Naren.
Mahima: Come on Jeeju… they’re here. They want to stop us… they want to prevent me from leaving this nonsense behind. You have to help me do this. You have to help me move to the next life. Pull the trigger.
Naren is shivering now and Mahima has her finger tightened on his around the trigger.\
Vidhushi: NAREN!
Shubhavi: MAHIMA OPEN THIS DOOR!
Vayu: MAASI PLEASE OPEN THE DOOR! DAD!
Vidhushi: Vayu do something!
Vayu: Stand back… I’m gonna break this door down!
Vidhushi and Shubhavi move aside while Vayu starts knocking against the door in hopes of breaking it. Inside… Mahima gets more tense.
Mahima: PULL THE TRIGGER JEEJA JI! PLEASE!
She tightens Naren’s finger on the trigger some more and then all at once… there is a loud gunshot that echoes from within the room. Outside the room everyone freezes…
Vayu: What was that?
Vidhushi: NAREN! NAREN!
Vayu continues to try to break the door down and inside… Naren watches as Mahima falls on the floor… dead with a bullet to her head.
Naren: ARGHHHHHHHHHHH! ARGHHHHH! ARGHHH!!!! ARGHHHHHHHHH!
Vayu finally breaks down the door and they all come running in only to see the horrible sight of Mahima dead on the floor in a pool of blood with Naren flinging a gun all over the place screaming.
Vidhushi: Oh my goodness! OH GOOD GRIEF!
Shubhavi: Mahima!
Vayu: Dad!
Vayu rushes to Naren and whacks his hand so that he drops the gun. Naren continues screaming and he cannot be stopped. Vayu slowly brings Naren away from the bed and out of the room as Vidhushi goes to him to comfort him. Shubhavi stands in front of Mahima’s dead body… shocked…
The next day… at Chopra Mansion… Dhananjay stands in one corner of the hall with his hands over his head. Shubhavi is at another end. Vidhushi sits on the couch being comforted by Vanshita and Vayu. At another corner Kartik and Rakshanda are present as well. A police officer is there.
Officer: We’ve tested the gun for fingerprints and the placement of the prints indicate that Mahima ji held Naren ji’s finger over the trigger and then fired it.
Vayu: So what? She wanted to commit suicide but was too cowardly to do it on her own.
Vidhushi: But of all people why choose Naren? Why come here?
Everyone is silent.
Officer: Well I’m just here to inform you that Naren ji’s name is cleared of all charges and Mahima ji’s body will be released to you for the last rites soon… I’m sorry for your loss.
He leaves. Just then the doctor comes down and walks over to Vidhushi who stands up abruptly.
Vidhushi: Doctor how is Naren?
Doctor: I’m afraid I don’t have good news for you Mrs. Chopra.
Vidhushi: What?
Doctor: I warned you that if he was subject to any more trauma his condition will worsen and it has. Mr. Chopra’s brain has completely shut down and he refuses to acknowledge anything around him.
Vidhushi: Well what do we do then?
Doctor: There is nothing you can do.
Vayu: So we’re supposed to do nothing while our father just spends the rest of his life like a vegetable?
Doctor: I’m afraid your options are limited at this moment. Anything else that you even try to do in favor of his recovery will work against him.
Vidhushi: This is absurd!
Doctor: I’m sorry but I’ve done all I could. I must take your leave now.
The doctor leaves. Everyone is beside themselves. Vanshita gets up in anger and turns to Dhananjay and Shubhavi.
Vanshita: I warned you that this would happen!
Shubhavi: Vanshita not now…
Vanshita: Why Mom? Would you like me to wait until someone else dies to open my mouth?
Dhananjay: Don’t speak to your mother that way!
Vanshita: How dare you try reprimand me when I’m the only one in this family who has wanted to do what was right from the beginning.
Vidhushi looks confused and walks over to Vanshita.
Vidhushi: What is going on here? What are you talking about?
Vanshita: Go ahead Mom would you like to tell her or are you too afraid to? You’ve got nothing to lose now. Your path is clear isn’t it? The threat has been terminated!
Vidhushi: Vanshita what are you on about? Shubhavi what is she talking about for goodness sake will someone please tell me!
Shubhavi walks up to Vidhushi and holds her hand.
Shubhavi: Vidhu… Dhananjay and I… have been planning on getting back together for some time now.
Vidhushi: What?
Shubhavi: Yes and at first we didn’t want to tell anyone but then things got complicated and finally Mahima found out.
Vidhushi: Wait a minute. You two have been seeing each other behind her back? This is insane!
Dhananjay: We know and we were going to tell her the truth…
Rakshanda: But you were just too later weren’t you Dhananjay. You should have listened to your daughter. You should have listened to Kartik and you sure as hell should have listened to me. We all told you the consequences of your actions.
Vidhushi: But I still don’t get it… Why would she do this to Naren?
Shubhavi: To get back at us.
Vidhushi: What?
Dhananjay: Mahima knew about Naren’s condition and that’s why she must have done what she did. She wanted to end things for herself while making life miserable for the rest of us.
Shubhavi: We should have done things differently and…
Shubhavi cannot complete her sentence when Vidhushi slaps her hard across the face!
Kurukshetra – Episode 379
Everyone is stunned at this and Shubhavi looks up at Vidhushi in confusion.
Vidhushi: My husband may never be sane again… His brain has shut down and I may have lost part of him forever… and why has this happened? Because of you!
Dhananjay: Vidhushi please it’s not fair to…
Vidhushi: SHUT UP! Just keep your damn mouth shut because I’m not in the mood to hear anything that you have to say! You are a despicable human being Dhananjay Arora and I regret the day that I failed to get you out of my sister’s life! First you married her then you cheated on her and married Mahima and then you did the same thing all over again! And you Shubhavi! I’m shocked and appalled! How could you let this man cheat you like this over and over again… But I won’t question that because that is your life… but now it this problem has extended into my life! Mahima killed herself in front of Naren because she knew what would happen to him if she did… she did it to hurt you but that is hardly fair don’t you think? You two continue sinning and the rest of us pay the price!
Vidhushi turns to Rakshanda…
Vidhushi: Rakshanda Didi I don’t even know why you bothered coming here to try and explain things to these idiots! They aren’t worth saving!
She turns back to Shubhavi and Dhananjay.
Vidhushi: The last time you pissed Mahima off your daughter had to pay the price and this time my husband had to pay the price! How many more people have to be hurt before the two of you realize your mistakes?
Shubhavi: Please listen to me…
Vidhushi: I am done listening to you! Your daughter had enough sense to try and stop you and you still couldn’t see what would happen if you didn’t? So many people tried to show you the right direction and you still chose to ignore all of that and go on with your lives! How selfish of you!
Shubhavi: It was never my intention to…
Vidhushi: I don’t want to hear it Shubhavi! I don’t want to hear it! Today it’s not only Mahima that has died! You are dead to me too! I will mourn the death of both my sisters!
Shubhavi looks shocked.
Vidhushi: I want you to get out of this house and never show your face to me again!
Shubhavi: Vidhushi…
Vidhushi: NOW!
Shubhavi looks at her sister not knowing what to do… Kartik walks up to them…
Kartik: Vidhushi… She made a mistake and we all have…
Vidhushi: I know that you have a need to forgive people after everything that you have been through Kartik but this is unforgivable for me. They didn’t just put themselves on the line here they put others on the line. I could have found a way to cure Naren and bring him out of his state of shock but after this I have to give up all hope! My son still needs his father and I don’t think he’s going to have him because of what these two did! Today no one is going to stop me!
Vidhushi grabs Shubhavi by the arm and starts leading her out of Chopra Mansion. No one tries to stop her except Dhananjay who keeps following them.
Dhananjay: Vidhushi please listen… please… try to understand…
But Vidhushi reaches the threshold of the Mansion and then flings Shubhavi out. She then turns to Dhananjay.
Vidhushi: Do I have to give you a separate invitation?
Dhananjay: Vidhushi you’re making a big mistake here and…
Vidhushi: I made a big mistake by thinking that you were worthy of this family. Get out Dhananjay and stay out! You two deserve each other!
Dhananjay hangs his head down and walks out of the Mansion. Vidhushi turns around and heads upstairs. Vayu follows her. Kartik turns to Vanshita and Rakshanda…
Kartik: Let’s go.
The three of them walk out and they stand before Dhananjay and Shubhavi. Looks are exchange and then the three of them walk away.
Dhananjay: Looks like you and I are alone again.
Shubhavi: Looks like it.
Dhananjay: We have to see to Mahima’s funeral.
Shubhavi: Yes we have to.
Dhananjay: Let’s go.
Meanwhile… Kartik arrives at Chandra Mahel and goes to see Urvashi. He knocks on her door and she opens it.
Urvashi: Kartik ji…
Kartik: We need to talk.
Urvashi: Come in.
He walks in and she shuts the door.
Kartik: As you will find out in time to come, there’s been another death in the family.
Urvashi: What?
Kartik: Yes… Mahima… has shot herself…
Urvashi: This would be… Dhananjay’s wife?
Kartik: That’s right.
Urvashi: Oh my goodness how tragic.
Kartik: Exactly. But her death has also made me realize that no matter how hard we try we can’t control everything in this life. At times it becomes difficult for one person to tackle everything by themselves just as Dhananjay tried and failed… he did not want to listen to the advice of those who loved him and now things have turned out badly. I don’t want the same thing to happen to me.
Urvashi: Ok…
Kartik: I am forced to think of the future of Chandra Mahel and recent concerns as to whether or not I will be able to handle everything in this house by myself. I believe Ankita Bhabi has already spoken to you about a certain matter?
Urvashi: She has…
Kartik: Well then if you have no objection… I would like to propose marriage to you. Do you accept?
Urvashi is elated but conceals it with craft.
Urvashi: Kartik ji I have to admit that at first I was skeptical about this as well. But the more I think about it… the more I feel like it’s the right thing to do. I’ll be able to be close to my son and also help you run this family. So I guess my answer is yes.
Kartik: Very well. I shall inform Ankita Bhabi and she will see to it that everything is carried out.
Urvashi: Alright.
Kartik walks out of the room and Urvashi smiles brightly. Kartik walks into the great hall where the rest of the family is gathered.
Kartik: I have an announcement to make.
They all look up at him.
Kartik: After much consideration and deliberation I’ve decided to remarry.
Ankita: Oh Kartik I’m so glad you gave it some thought. Have you spoken with Urvashi ji?
Kartik: I have and she is in agreement. I would like for this wedding to take place as soon as Mahima’s funeral matters are sorted out. We cannot be insensitive towards her.
Ankita: Understood.
Kartik nods and then he looks at Rauktima who is expressionless.
Kartik: Rauktima… aren’t you happy?
Rauktima: I am Chachu. I’m glad you’ve decided to do this.
Kartik: Good… Help Ankita Bhabi with anything she needs.
Rauktima: Yes Chachu.
Kartik walks off and the rest of the family exchange looks with one another. Aksh pulls Rauktima aside.
Aksh: If this is some kind of plan of yours then it better have a decent ending to it.
Rauktima: There is no plan Aksh. Kartik Chachu is getting married to Urvashi. End of story.
Aksh: Rauktima if there’s something you’re not telling me.
Rauktima: How many times have I got to convince you that that is not the case?
Aksh: I don’t get it. I just don’t. How can you of all people be willing to make that woman a part of this household?
Rauktima: She already is a part of this household, she is Nakshatra’s mother.
Aksh: You have defied her every step of the way and now you’re suddenly on board with the idea of her becoming Kartik Chachu’s wife? I just don’t get it.
Rauktima: I’ve changed my mind about Urvashi. It’s as simple as that.
Aksh: I hope it is because otherwise… this will be the end of us all and you will be responsible for it.
Rauktima shakes her head and walks away. Nakshatra walks over to Aksh.
Nakshatra: Anything?
Aksh: Nothing!
The next day Mahima’s funeral is taking place and only Shubhavi and Dhananjay are present. But not long after… Kartik arrives with Ankita, Soumil and Anirudh. Then a moment later Vidhushi arrives as well. Dhananjay is about to perform the last rites when…
Vidhsuhi: Wait!
Vidhushi walks over to him.
Vidhushi: I may have had my differences with her but she was still my sister and right now you have lost every right to do what you are about to do. So step aside.
Dhananjay doesn’t say anything and simply moves away. The last rites are performed by Vidhushi. Finally everything is done. Vidhushi turns to Dhananjay and Shubhavi.
Vidhushi: You know, being as heartless as the two of you are you might as well take your saat pheres right here around her funeral pyre…
The two of them look away… obviously hurt by the statement. Vidhushi scoffs and walks away. The rest of the family leaves as well and finally Dhananjay and Shubhavi take off. Mahima rests at last…
The next day… Rakshanda comes to see Kartik with Vanshita.
Rakshanda: Hello Kartik…
Kartik: Hello… you look like you’re going somewhere.
Rakshanda: I am actually… well… we are.
Kartik: We? Vanshtia too?
Vanshita: Yes Bupa ji… I think it’s time I went back to Boston.
Kartik: But why?
Vanshita: I don’t think I can take anymore of what’s going on here. Besides, Bua is all alone there and Dada ji’s health keeps getting worse every single day. I feel as though I’m needed there more…
Kartik: Of course… if that’s how you feel then you should go… But you will be missed around these parts.
Vanshita: And I assure you I will miss all the drama that goes on here as well.
Kartik: Oh well…
They smile at each other and then Kartik hugs Vanshita.
Kartik: Take care of yourself and always know that you have a home here at Chandra Mahel.
Vanshita: Thank you… for everything.
Kartik: You’re always welcome my child. Always.
Rakshanda: Goodbye Kartik.
Kartik: Goodbye… Give my best to your father and tell him that I will come visit him when time permits.
Rakshanda: I’ll do that.
They smile at each other and then Vanshita leaves with Rakshanda. Kartik sighs deeply. After all goodbyes are said… Rakshanda goes to bid Krithika farewell…
Krithika: Are you off so soon?
Rakshanda: I have to go… you know that. Your Nana ji needs me.
Krithika: I know…
Rakshanda: Besides, you’ll be ok.
Krithika: I don’t know Maasi, it’s like we’re just surrounded by death.
Rakshanda: Bad times are inevitable but one must remember that it is darkest before dawn. And remember, I’ll always be there if you need me. Just a phone call away.
Krithika: And thousands of miles away too… did you forget that.
Rakshanda: No but distance is easily overcome nowadays.
Krithika: I know… but I will miss you.
Rakshanda: And I you…
The two of them hug and with that Rakshanda and Vanshita leave Chandra Mahel. Later in the day Kartik comes out of his room and looks around to see if anyone is around. When he doesn’t see anyone in sight he makes his way to another part of the house and approaches a room that has been locked for a while. He opens it and walks in. He then shuts it from inside and looks around. He walks up to a picture that has been covered by a large cloth and pulls it off. It is a portrait of Mahamaya Devi.
Kurukshetra – Episode 380
Kartik stands before the large portrait of his mother and looks at her with sadness in his eyes.
Kartik: I wish I could right a lot of the wrongs I have committed Mom. But I can’t… You used to be so proud of me. You used to hold me in such high regard. Today I’ve arrived at a position where I have to do what you once did, which was to hold this family together. But this family doesn’t even have enough faith in me to think I’m capable of doing that and I can’t blame them, not after everything I’ve done. Everything just went to hell after you died. Everyone I’ve grown up with is gone and all by my own hand… Keshav Bhaiyya… Sanket Bhaiyya, Ketan Bhaiyya and Kaurav Bhaiyya… even those who came into my life long after… Revati Bhabi, Tamanna, Rudrakshi, Sangeeta Bhabi, Rayyan… I thought I could handle it and even today I act as though I can. But the truth is that I am so weak. So very weak. Give me strength Mom, give me strength so that I may lead this family in the right direction. Give me strength so that I might not fail in my duties. Give me strength so that I may be able to forgive myself.
He falls at the foot of the photograph and cries. In the meantime preparations for Kartik and Urvashi’s wedding are now underway. Ankita is very busy making sure everything is in place and happens according to plan. Meanwhile Urvashi is in her room looking at all the new saris she has got to choose from for the various functions when Nakshatra walks in…
Urvashi: Nakshatra… I’m so glad you’re here… I was thinking…
Nakshatra: Please cut the crap! I should have known that this was what you wanted.
Urvashi: Well you can hardly say that now can you? I mean the people of this family practically begged me to become Kartik’s wife. Especially your sister…
Nakshatra: I don’t know what has gotten into Didi or why she is supporting this marriage all of a sudden but one thing is for sure, you’re not going to fool me and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure this wedding doesn’t take place.
Urvashi: Well you can most certainly try.
Nakshatra: You know the one thing that hurts me more than anything else is that I was born of your womb!
Urvashi: Nakshatra please leave before I start regretting the fact that I gave birth to you!
Nakshatra scoffs and walks out of the room and Urvashi looks disturbed but she quickly regains composure. In the meantime… Vanshita is on the phone with Shubhavi.
Shubhavi: Are you sure you want to leave?
Vanshita: I think it’s the right thing to do Mom.
Shubhavi: I wish you would think about this some more.
Vanshita: There is nothing to think about. I’ve been through enough here and I want to get away from it all for a while. I hope you and Dad will be able to find some happiness and I hope that you will always be together regardless of what comes your way.
Shubhavi: Vanshita when you go I will have no one.
Vanshita: That’s not true Mom… you will have Dad… I know you will miss Vidhushi Maasi terribly but then you should have thought about all of that before you got into this mess.
Shubhavi: I know you were right. You showed me the way when I should have been leading you instead.
Vanshita: What has happened has happened. Neither you nor I can change the past and we should just keep moving with the hands we’ve been dealt. I’m doing what’s best for me and you should do what’s best for you. Take care Mom, I love you and tell Dad that I love him too.
Shubhavi: I will and I love you too my darling.
They hang up and we see that Shubhavi is at a temple with Dhananjay.
Shubhavi: She’s leaving us Dhananjay.
Dhananjay: Well I guess you and I are truly alone now.
Shubhavi: I guess so. Shall we?
Dhananjay: Pandit ji, we’re ready.
The two of them sit down as the pandit in the temple performs their marriage. Meanwhile at Chopra Mansion Vidhushi is sitting across the room from Naren. She watches him with tears in her eyes. Vayu walks in and sits next to her.
Vayu: Mom you have to eat something.
Vidhushi: How can I eat when your father is in this state?
Vayu: He wouldn’t want you to starve yourself because of him.
Vidhushi: I don’t know what to do now… I feel so lost.
Vayu: Why? You have me don’t you?
Vidhushi looks at him and smiles. She reaches toward him and touches his face.
Vidhushi: Of course I do. And I thank God every day for you. I guess it’s up to us now to try and make your father well again.
Vayu: It is isn’t it?
Vidhushi: But Vayu, I won’t let you put your life on hold because of this. I want you to do everything that you are supposed to do when you’re young and when you’re capable of doing them. Take advantage of your youth and live life to the fullest. You mustn’t worry too much about me…
Vayu: But it’s my duty to worry Mom… I’m your son.
Vidhushi: I know… but you’re also a young man with ambition and spark and promise and you must not forego all of that on account of your father. He wouldn’t want that and I don’t either.
Vayu: But…
Vidhushi: Vayu… my mother was an Agnihotri… and I have some of her blood in me as well. I’m as strong as they come. We Agnihotri women cannot be defeated easily but flesh, blood or life itself. So don’t worry about me.
Vayu: Ok Mom… Ok.
The next day at Chandra Mahel… Ankita stands in the middle of the great hall looking around. She sighs deeply. Anirudh sees her and walks up to her.
Anirudh: Mom… are you alright?
Ankita: Yes… I’m fine…
Anirudh: Something on your mind?
Ankita: Nothing important.
Anirudh: Well I’d like to know anyway.
She thinks for a while and then turns to him.
Ankita: I was thinking of my time here in Chandra Mahel… the things that happened in our lives and everything that we went through together as a family and then apart as individuals. We’ve all played the victim and we’ve all played the villain as well. That’s what so nice about this place. You get to experience both sides of life and somehow it makes you less judgmental.
Anirudh: That it does…
Ankita: Which reminds me… I need to have a chat with Jaya.
Anirudh: Why?
Ankita: Because when all this is done I have to go back and I need to make sure that my son is taken care of.
Anirudh: Mom…
Ankita: It’s my duty as your mother.
She smiles at him and kisses him on the forehead before walking off. She makes her way up to Jaya’s room and walks in. Jaya sees her and is immediately alert.
Jaya: Mummy ji!
Ankita: Relax, I haven’t come here to start another Mahabarat with you… I just wanted to tell you a little bit about the Kurukshetra that you live in.
Jaya: I’m sorry what?
Ankita: Sit down Jaya… it’s time you and I had a proper talk.
They both sit.
Ankita: I was about your age when I came to Chandra Mahel as a Bahu. The more I think of the time I spent here and my time with Anirudh’s father the more I’m reminded that I was not perfect. Actually Jaya, I was probably far more of a threat to this house than you will ever be. There was a lot that we had to face and most of that was because of people like me and Tamanna. I guess what I’m trying to say is that everyone deserves a chance to change. I was given one, Tamanna was given one, even Kartik was given one so there’s no reason that you shouldn’t be given one. And at the heart of things the only thing you did wrong was lying to us about who you were.
Jaya: And I know that that was wrong…
Ankita: I’m not finished. Playing with somebody’s emotions is a deadly thing Jaya. Especially when you are married to that person. I know what it feels like to be betrayed by the person I was married to and Anirudh has already been through it once. I didn’t want him to have to go through that again. But you’re giving him something that Sanskriti never gave him. You’re giving him a child. So I want you to consider this to be a new beginning for the both of you.
Jaya: Thank you Mummy ji… All this was incomplete before your blessings and now that we have that…
Ankita touches Jaya on the head then leans back in her chair.
Ankita: But there is more that you need to know about Chandra Mahel…
Jaya: Oh?
Ankita: Years ago Jaya, we were cursed. As a house, as a family and as individuals. My late husband… Anirudh’s father… he insulted a very powerful Guru ji and as a result of that the Guru ji cursed this house to forever be a Kurukshetra, a battleground on which there would be an eternal conflict between those who were of the same blood and same family. It has made us stronger along the way but we have also lost a lot. But I see a new generation on the horizon and I can only pray that this curse will be lifted from them and that they will not have to endure the kinds of battles that we have seen in our day.
Ankita takes in a deep breath.
Ankita: What I want to tell you specifically is that, should such times arise, you must be strong enough to face up to them and deal with them. You must be wise enough to guide those who are lost in the right direction… It was Sangeeta Bhabi who showed me the right path when I was lost and now that she’s gone the best I can do to honor her memory is to share what she shared with me. This family of yours is precious and should always be treated as such. Many forces will arise to try and destroy it but you must not let that happen. As a Bahu of Chandra Mahel your list of responsibilities in life have more than doubled. This family has been blessed with wealth and cursed with relationships and these two elements have to tackled with a lot of skill. Are you up for the challenge?
Jaya takes in a deep breath and nods her head.
Jaya: I think I am Mummy ji.
Ankita: Good. Then you have my blessing for all you choose to do in the future. Give Anirudh and your child all the love you can but don’t let that love blind you from right and wrong. Support those who are right and defy those who try to destroy the order of this house regardless of who they are. That is the only way you will be able to survive in this Kurukshetra.
Jaya: I will heed all of your words Mummy ji. I will make them my philosophy and I will live by them.
Ankita: Good. Now you get some rest. I still have a lot to take care of before the wedding.
Meanwhile Kartik is in his room when Krithika walks in…
Krithika: Knock, knock…
Kartik: Who’s there?
Krithika: Your daughter…
Kartik: Which one?
Krithika: Ha, ha… very funny Dad.
Krithika walks in and sits in front of Kartik.
Krithika: So how are you holding up?
Kartik: I’ve been better.
Krithika: Hmmm… you know Dad I’m not such a huge fan of this remarriage thing but if you think it’s the best thing then I’ll support you.
Kartik: It’s not about whether or not it’s good for me Krithika, it’s about the family and Chandra Mahel.
Krithika: Yea, to which you have dedicated your entire life.
Kartik: So what? It’s not like I have anything else worth living for. My family and this home and our business, this is my life.
Krithika: Well if it makes you happy then I’m on board.
Kartik: Thank you… How are you feeling?
Krithika: Oh my goodness don’t even start. Mood swings and sudden cravings and all… but I’m enjoying it.
Kartik: As you should.
Krithika: I wish Maasi could have stayed for longer though.
Kartik: I know… but your Nana ji needs her.
Krithika: You miss Vanshtia don’t you?
Kartik: I do but I couldn’t have stopped her. Besides, that girl knows what she wants in life and I have no doubt that she will work her butt off until she gets it. One thing’s for sure, she’s way smarter than both her parents.
Krithika: Ugh… yea… about that… do you know what the scene is?
Kartik: I’m sure the two of them have planned on getting married again.
Krithika: Well if they’re happy then…
Kartik: But their happiness came at the cost of Mahima’s life Krithika and that was what was not fun.
Krithika: I know but Dad in all fairness… Mahima Aunty was twisted from day one.
Kartik: Krithika, don’t mock the dead.
Krithika: Sorry… so is there anything you need? I mean I’m not going to get it for you but I have a husband who is quite handy.
Kartik looks at her and laughs.
Kartik: Just be happy my little Mirchi… just be happy.
Krithika: I will if you will.
The two of them hug and Kartik breathes in deeply.
This is brilliant…sad to see Mahima die like this, but a brilliant exit.
And thanks for bringing Ankita to what she was like before…I hope she assits Rauktima in exposing Urvashi.
Loved the Ankita-Jaya and Kartik-Kritika scenes.
Marvellous… Can’t believe Mahima died, sad!
Rauktima is surely upto something big and I can’t believe she’s making Kartik remarry..that too with Urvashi!!
Feel really sad for Vishushi, I hope Naren gets well soon.
Absolutely brilliant updates Brandon.
Thankyou so much for bringing this wonderful story in our lives. Between really like this new banner.