Week Pack – Episodes 381, 382, 383 & 384 (for 27th – 30th July)

Kurukshetra – Episode 381

It is the morning of Kartik and Urvashi’s wedding… Everyone in Chandra Mahel is getting ready and making preparations… In Rauktima’s room she is sitting in front of the mirror putting her earrings on when suddenly she gets a text message on her phone… She picks it up and reads it. She smiles but then her smile soon vanishes when she sees Aksh walking in out of the bathroom… She puts the phone aside and goes back to getting dressed. Aksh walks up to her.

Aksh: Rauktima… there is still time. It’s not too late. You can stop this wedding.

Rauktima: Why would I want to do that?

Aksh: Because I know that deep down inside you don’t want this wedding to happen.

Rauktima: Actually Aksh you couldn’t be further from the truth. I want this wedding to take place and I will make sure that it happens.

She finally finishes putting her jewelry on and gets up to leave when Aksh holds her by the hand and turns her to face him.

Aksh: I think you and I have come pretty close as husband and wife and I’d like to believe that we share everything with each other.

Rauktima: We do.

Aksh: Then why do I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me.

Rauktima: What is there to tell?

Aksh: Rauktima, you were the one, more than anyone else, who was opposed to this marriage taking place. You were the one who figured out what Urvashi’s plan was and you were the one who told us that we had to stop it. How do you expect me to believe that something is not going on with you?

Rauktima: Aksh… I admit that I did have concerns about Urvashi getting married to Kartik Chachu in the beginning but then I realized that it would probably be the best thing for all of us if she did. It’s time to get her ready now and I have to go. Will you make sure Geet is ready? I’ve picked out all his clothes and left them on the bed.

Rauktima walks out of the room and Aksh looks concerned. And in Ankita’s room… She’s on the phone to Ruhan.

Ankita: You know you really should have been here today.

Ruhan: Why?

Ankita: Because it’s a family function.

Ruhan: And as you have reminded me so many times before, this is your family not mine.

Ankita: Ruhan that is unfair. I never made that differentiation. You did.

Ruhan: And I had every right to. For goodness sake Ankita, you’ve left me here all by myself for so long and not even bothered to…

Ankita: I call you every single day don’t I? And don’t you understand that the reason this wedding is happening is because I want to come back to you as much as you want me to come back? Once this wedding takes place then Urvashi can officially take over her responsibilities as the mistress of this house and then I can leave in peace. Let it be the last thing I do for my family for goodness sake.

Just then Rauktima walks in.

Rauktima: Chachi?

Ankita looks at her and nods her head and then talks back into the phone.

Ankita: I have to go now. I’ll talk to you when the wedding is over.

She hangs up and walks towards Rauktima.

Rauktima: Chachi are you alright?

Ankita: I’m fine…

Rauktima: Are you sure?

Ankita: Yes I’m sure.

Rauktima: Oh ok then… it’s time to get the bride ready.

Ankita: I know. Let’s go.

Together Ankita, Rauktima and Akarsha go into Urvashi’s room and shut the door. Downstairs the family welcomes the other guests. Everyone is all smiles except for Nakshatra and Aksh who are in one corner of the room looking on edge and angry…

Nakshatra: I cannot believe this is happening.

Aksh: I tried to talk to her again this morning but with no luck.

Nakshatra: What are we going to do?

Aksh: What can we do? We just have to sit back and watch the drama.

Sometime later…

Pandit: The muhurat is upon us. Bring the bride in.

Poornima: Yes Pandit ji.

Poornima smiles at the people around her and goes upstairs. She knocks on Urvashi’s room door and Akarsha opens the door.

Poornima: Akarsha, it’s time. Bring her downstairs.

Akarsha: Yes Bhabi.

Poornima leaves and Akarsha goes inside to tell the others that they must go downstairs. And so Urvashi is brought out of the room by Ankita and Rauktima and Akarsha and she walks down the stairs gracefully. She is taken to the mandap where Kartik is already waiting for her and she sits down. The pandit begins the ceremony and everyone stands by and watches. Nakshatra and Aksh look defeated and Rauktima continues to watch with a smile. Then she gets another message on her phone. She reads it and looks around and then sneaks out of Chandra Mahel without anyone noticing her. She gets outside and then makes a phone call.

Rauktima: Hello… This is Rauktima Kaul, I’m calling from Chandra Mahel.

Back inside… Aksh is looking around suddenly his eyes whiz past the place he last saw his wife. He looks around and doesn’t see her anywhere.

Aksh: Nakshatra, where’s your sister?

Nakshatra looks around as well.

Nakshatra: I don’t see her.

Aksh: Where could she have gone now?

Nakshatra: Maybe she’s outside.

Aksh: Come on.

They both sneak away outside and as they run out through the main doors they see Rauktima driving off in her car.

Aksh: What the hell is she up to?

Nakshatra: My car’s just here. Come on.

The two of them jump into Nakshatra’s car and drive off. Rauktima races along the roads like her life depended on it. Then about fifteen minutes later, she arrives outside a house. She gets off the car and walks up to the door of the house. She knocks on the door. She waits for a while and then knocks again. Finally the door is opened.

Servant: Yes? How can I help you?

Rauktima looks around and walks into the house.

Servant: Excuse me but who are you and what do you want?

Rauktima doesn’t answer her and just keeps walking around.

Servant: You should leave or else I’ll call the cops.

Rauktima: No need, they’re already on the way.

Servant: What? Listen whoever you are…

Then suddenly there’s a voice that comes from within the house…

Voice: What’s going on out there?

And not long after the figure that’s attached to the voice walks out into the living room. Rauktima turns around and stares daggers at Ashvini!

Rauktima: Hello Bhabi!

Ashvini: YOU! What are you doing here?

Rauktima: I’ve come to take what belongs to Chandra Mahel…

Ashvini: How dare you walk into my house and…

Rauktima: ENOUGH! Don’t question my actions when it is you who has been playing hide and seek with us! Where is Sanskriti and Dushyanth’s daughter?

Ashvini: You can’t have her!

Rauktima: Where is she damn it?

Ashvini: I’m not going to tell you.

Just then they hear a police siren outside.

Rauktima: Oh… then maybe you’ll tell them.

Ashvini tries to run in the opposite direction but Rauktima grabs her by the hand and turns her around.

Rauktima: Not so fast!

Rauktima tosses Ashvini on to the floor and the servant runs away in fear.

Rauktima: You’re not going anywhere!

The police come rushing in with Nakshatra and Aksh with them.

Aksh: Rauktima!

Rauktima looks up and is shocked to see her brother and her husband but she addresses the police instead.

Rauktima: Inspector… this is the woman who kidnapped my niece! Where is she Bhabi?

Ashvini: I’m not telling you!

The police officers walk up to the two women and Ashvini stands up.

Inspector: Officers… search this house and look for that baby.

Ashvini: NO!

Some female wardens hold Ashvini back. Aksh and Nakshatra walk up to Rauktima. They don’t say a word. A moment later one of the officers walks out of a room holding the baby in his hands.

Officer: SIR!

Rauktima and the others look up and see the baby. Rauktima runs up to the officer and takes the baby from him.

Rauktima: Oh my goodness… we found you… we found you…

Ashvini: Leave her alone she’s mine!

Rauktima looks up at Ashvini and then walks up to her.

Rauktima: You are a disgrace to this family and to women everywhere do you know that! Inspector this woman is not only guilty of kidnapping but also of murder! She is the one who was responsible for the deaths of Sanket Kapoor and Sangeeta Agnihotri. But because she was a part of our family we decided to forgive her. We thought that because of all the trauma she has had to endure in the past, she was not in her right mind when she committed those crimes… but in responding to our kindness she stole this child from Chandra Mahel a day after she was born… I’ve been working hard day and night to look for her and I finally found her this morning. Arrest her! She deserved to rot in jail for the rest of her life!

The Inspector nods his head and turns to Ashvini.

Inspector: Mrs. Ashvini Agnihotri… you are under arrest for the murders of Mr. Sanket Kapoor and Mrs. Sangeeta Agnihotri and also for the kidnapping of this child who belongs to the Agnihotri Family. Come with us.

Ashvini: WAIT!

Ashvini frees herself for a moment and walks up to Rauktima.

Ashvini: This isn’t over Badi Nanad ji… This isn’t over by a long shot. I’ll be back one day and when I return… I will…

Rauktima: SHUT UP! I’ve heard enough of your threats against my family and I’ve watched too many people suffer because of you! People like you don’t deserve to be free… a jail cell is the best place for you and I hope you enjoy it for the rest of your life! Take her away Inspector!

The officers and wardens grab Ashvini and lead her out of the house. Rauktima holds the baby close to her.

Nakshatra: Didi… I am as happy as you are to find this child but how the hell did you find Ashvini Bhabi.

Rauktima: It’s a long story Nakshatra… but for now let’s just go home and celebrate the wedding.

Aksh: You still want to celebrate that wedding?

Rauktima: Yes. I must.

Rauktima walks out of the house with the baby in her arms while Aksh and Nakshatra exchange looks.

Kurukshetra – Episode 382

At Chandra Mahel… The wedding ceremony is complete and both the bride and groom step down as everyone gathers round to congratulate them. Just then Aksh and Nakshatra walk in.

Ankita: Where did you two run off to? And where is Rauktima? You missed the wedding.

Aksh: Rauktima had something more important to attend to Chachi.

Krithika: What could be more important than this wedding?

Nakshatra: You’ll see.

The family can see Rauktima standing behind a crowd and she smiles at everyone.

Rauktima: Looks like the new bride has already started bringing good fortune to Chandra Mahel.

Everyone looks confused and parts way so that Rauktima can make her way forward. Finally when Rauktima is in plain sight, everyone is shocked to see a baby in her hands.

Kartik: Rauktima what’s going on? Whose baby is that?

Rauktima: Chachu… the daughter of this house has returned.

Kartik: What?

Rauktima: This is Sanskriti and Dushyanth’s daughter. She has finally come home.

Everyone exchanges shocked looks. Kartik walks over to Rauktima and takes the baby from her.

Kartik: But how?

Rauktima: I’ve been tracking Ashvini Bhabi down for some days now and that’s why I’ve been rather distracted. I finally managed to find out where she was staying and then today, I found her and I found the baby.

Anirudh: But what about Ashvini Bhabi?

Aksh: She was arrested for the kidnapping…

Nakshatra: And for the murders of Sanket Chachu and Sangeeta Chachi.

Everyone is relieved. Ankita walks over to Urvashi.

Ankita: Urvashi… you really are a very lucky bride. The moment you stepped down from the mandap we received good news. Now I can go back home knowing in my heart that everything will be alright.

Urvashi: Thank you Bhabi.

Rauktima: I think I’ll take the baby upstairs…

Kartik: Yes you do that…

Rauktima walks away and everyone is happy.

Kartik: Well what are we waiting for? Let the celebrations begin!

Everyone applauds and a party begins at Chandra Mahel. Kartik is socializing with all his guests and Urvashi is being introduced to everyone as the new Bahu of Chandra Mahel. She then excuses herself and makes her way upstairs. She walks into Rauktima’s room with a smile on her face.

Urvashi: Rauktima…

Rauktima turns around and looks at her and then smiling she looks back at the baby. Urvashi walks up to her.

Urvashi: Rauktima I want to thank you for everything that you have done. This marriage wouldn’t have taken place if you hadn’t intervened. I’m so happy to be part of this family and I’m glad that we could finally put our differences aside. Today is such a happy day for all of us.

She then smiles down at the baby.

Urvashi: Such a sweetheart…We must organize a Namkaran for her as soon as possible. And you are her Badi Bua so you should be the one to name her.

Rauktima smiles down at the baby.

Rauktima: I’ve already thought of a name.

Urvashi: Oh?

Rauktima: Yes… she will be called Shastra.

Urvashi: Oh that’s a lovely name.

Rauktima: Thank you…

Urvashi leans forward.

Urvashi: Such a beautiful child.

She reaches down to touch the baby when suddenly… Rauktima grabs her hand. Urvashi looks at Rauktima confused and Rauktima drags her away from the baby.

Urvashi: What are you doing?

Rauktima: Don’t you dare touch this baby Urvashi!

Rauktima then throws Urvashi’s hand aside and Urvashi is stunned.

Urvashi: But… why are you…

Rauktima: Enough of this drama! Enough of this nonsense! Today I have single handedly committed the worst possible crime against my family by making you a part of it! Not even God will forgive me for what I have done…

Urvashi: But Rauktima… it’s… it’s not as though you had a choice now is it?

Rauktima turns away in disgust as Urvashi’s sweet exterior fades away and she laughs an evil laugh! Rauktima looks back at her with fire in her eyes.

Urvashi: Who knew? Who knew that you never found Ashvini… as far as the useless people in this family were concerned Ashvini could have been anywhere doing anything raising this child in any way that she saw fit! If it hadn’t been for me… you would never have known where Ashvini or this baby was… Remember our little deal?

Flashback…

Rauktima is in the garden by a pond when Urvashi walks up to her. Rauktima turns around to look at her.

Rauktima: What do you want? Make this quick.

Urvashi: Oh I assure you I will make this worth your while.

Rauktima: One can only hope.

Urvashi: Rauktima… I know you’re a smart girl and you’ve probably figured out my next move by now.

Rauktima: You mean your plan to get married to Kartik Chachu?

Urvashi: See I knew you were smart.

Rauktima: Then you should also know that I will never allow that to happen. I will not let a vicious serpent like you be part of this family!

Urvashi: Really? Because the way I see it… you will be the one who will ensure this wedding happens!

Rauktima: In your dreams!

Urvashi: Not quite… you see I know for a fact that you will be the one who will make this marriage happen.

Rauktima: And what makes you think that I’ll help you?

Urvashi: I have insurance.

Rauktima: What insurance?

Urvashi: I have information to the one thing that this entire family wants.

Rauktima: Which is?

Urvashi: I know where Ashvini is!

Rauktima’s eyes go wide in shock.

Rauktima: Where is she?

Urvashi: Uh… uh… uh… You see my dear, that’s my insurance.

Rauktima: Urvashi tell me where Ashvini Bhabi is! She has…

Urvashi: Sanskriti and Dushyanth’s baby, yes I know. And I will tell you where she is and then you can go find her and do with her what you must, I won’t interfere at all. But if I’m to share this information with you then you’re going to have to do as I say.

A horrible realization dawns on Rauktima.

Urvashi: You make sure that I get married to Kartik and I’ll make sure that the daughter of this house returns safe and sound and the best part is that you can have all the credit for finding her.

Rauktima: No…

Urvashi: Are you sure about that answer my dear? I mean this could be your only chance of finding Ashvini and the baby. Who knows? Maybe tomorrow, she might leave the country and you may never see that child again. Wasn’t it your precious Badi Ma’s wish that that baby was returned to Chandra Mahel somehow?

Rauktima: FINE! Fine… I’ll help you… You tell me where the baby is and I’ll make sure this wedding happens.

Urvashi laughs.

Urvashi: Unfortunately that’s not how this is going to work. You see… the game is in my control because I hold all the trumps. So you will do as I say. I will drop the idea of Kartik’s marriage to Ankita and then when Ankita brings the subject up, you will favor the idea and suggest me as a candidate to marriage. I’ll refuse at first but then I’ll agree… Then it will be up to you to make sure that Kartik is in agreement to the marriage as well.

Rauktima: And when do I get the information on the baby?

Urvashi: You will receive a text on the morning of the wedding from an unknown number telling you that the information will be passed on to you shortly and then, while I’m taking my pheres on the mandap, you will receive a second text with the information on where Ashvini is.

Rauktima: How do I know you won’t double cross me?

Urvashi: Well you’re just going to have to take my word for it.

Rauktima: The word of a woman like you is worth nothing to me Urvashi.

Urvashi: Think about it Rauktima… this is your only chance at getting that child back. Oh and one other thing… don’t even try to expose me when the child has returned to Chandra Mahel because I assure you, I can make her disappear just as easily as I found her. I’ve laid down all the rules of this game. It’s all up to you now. Do we have a deal?

Rauktima thinks long and hard and finally caves in. Urvashi stretches her hand out and Rauktima acknowledges her by extending her hand as well. The two of them finalize their deal.

End flashback…

Rauktima: How can I forget the day I sold my soul to the devil?

Urvashi: Hmmm…. Yes… Indeed. But on the whole it was nice working with you. You kept your end of the bargain and I kept mine. It’ll be interesting though to watch you care for this orphaned child…

Rauktima: This child is not an orphan, his father is…

Urvashi: Recovering from a drug addiction all the way in New Zealand. Dushyanth probably doesn’t even know that his daughter is back home and probably won’t even be told about it until he’s all better.

Rauktima: It doesn’t matter that he’s not here. Shastra will still have all of us and she will certainly have me…

Urvashi: Hmm… You know it’s nice that you take after your mother. I mean she spent most of her life caring for a child that was never hers to begin with and now you will be doing the same thing for not one but two children… Are you sure you’re ready to do this Rauktima? I mean… you might want to have children of your own some day or have you given up on that? I suppose you’re just going to have to be content caring for Drishti’s son and Sanskriti’s daughter. Poor girl.

Rauktima: Just get out Urvashi.

Urvashi smirks and then gets really close to Rauktima.

Urvashi: That’s Urvashi Chachi to you.

Rauktima fumes in anger and Urvashi walks out of the room with a smug look on her face. Rauktima goes and sits down next to the baby.

Rauktima: What have I done?

When Urvashi walks out of the room she sees Nakshatra standing outside. He has heard the entire conversation.

Urvashi: It’s not very nice to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations my son.

Nakshatra: For the last time I am not your son! You disgust me!

Urvashi: That’ll change.

Nakshatra: Never.

Urvashi: We’ll see.

Urvashi walks off and Nakshatra walks into the room and sees Rauktima crying beside the baby. He goes up to her.

Nakshatra: Didi… why didn’t you tell us? We could have helped you…

Rauktima: I couldn’t risk it Nakshu. I couldn’t risk not getting this baby back…

Nakshatra: What are we going to do now?

Rauktima: What can we do? She is now part of this family whether we like it or not. We just have to make sure that she doesn’t take control of everything… We’ll figure it out.

Nakshatra: I hope so. But in the meantime shouldn’t we expose her?

Rauktima: We can’t do that just yet. I know what she’s truly capable of now and there’s a chance that she might do more damage to us if we expose her and besides, who’s going to believe us anyway. We don’t have any proof…

Nakshatra: We’ll find proof then.

Rauktima: But until then we have to lie low. We have to keep this to ourselves.

Nakshatra: Alright Didi… alright…

Kurukshetra – Episode 383

The next day the whole family is at breakfast. Everyone seems happy. Urvashi has prepared meals for all of them.

Ankita: So this is the perfect time to let all of you know that I will be heading back to Bangalore today.

Anirudh: What? Why?

Krithika: Chachi you promised to stay for a whole month?

Ankita: I know but I feel as though my time here has been well spent and I have to go back home…

Soumil: But this is your home too Chachi.

Ankita: I know but…

Kartik: Your Chachi has other responsibilities right now and I see that it was unfair of me to ask her to stay even for as long as she did.

Ankita: Thank you for understanding Kartik.

Kartik: No Bhabi… It is I who should be thanking you… for all you’ve done for me.

He looks at Urvashi and she smiles back at him. Urvashi then looks around the table and focuses her attention on Katya.

Urvashi: Katya… I hope you’ve been taking care of yourself.

Katya: I have Chachi.

Urvashi: Well I beg to differ. Kartik ji do you know that she still goes around attending to everything in the house?

Kartik: Is this true Katya?

Katya: I’m fine Chachu I’m just fulfilling my responsibilities.

Ankita: Yes but you should be getting some much deserved rest now… You’ll be a mother soon and you have to prepare yourself for that.

Katya: I will but…

Ankita: No buts…

Urvashi: Ankita ji is quite right and I think that the biggest burden you’ve taken upon yourself is managing the house as its Badi Bahu, which you shouldn’t have to do in this condition.

Kartik: She’s right Katya…

Kartik looks from Urvashi to Katya and then at everyone else around the table.

Kartik: You know all your lives are going to be filled with responsibility soon. You have children who are either on the way or already here… you need to spend time with them and form the bonds that you need to when they are this young. Katya…

Katya: Yes Chachu?

Kartik: I want you to handover all your responsibilities to Urvashi.

Rauktima’s eyes go wide.

Rauktima: Chachu, what are you saying?

Everyone turns to look at Rauktima.

Rauktima: I mean she just got married and she should be allowed to spend some time freely before she takes on the responsibilities of Chandra Mahel.

Urvashi: Nonsense… I don’t mind at all. Besides, there are so many servants to do things that we want them to… I’ll just be overlooking a few things here and there. I’d be glad to undertake the responsibilities of this house… and as the newest Bahu of Chandra Mahel… I’d be honored.

Katya smiles at her and then removes the keys from her waist and stretches her hand out to give it to Urvashi. Everyone around the table is smiling except for Rauktima and Nakshatra and Aksh. Urvashi moves to where Katya is holding out the keys. Rauktima wants to say something but she cannot. Finally… Urvashi takes the keys away from Katya and then gives Rauktima a sly look. Rauktima looks away defeated.

Kartik: Right… now that that’s taken care of, let’s eat.

Everyone goes back to eating… Much later… Rauktima is sitting out on the terrace when Krithika walks in. She sits next to her.

Krithika: Didi…

Rauktima: Oh hi, I didn’t see you come in.

Krithika: Yea you wouldn’t because you’re always so lost in thought.

Rauktima: What do you mean?

Krithika: I’ve been noticing you over the past few days. You’ve been under some kind of pressure. You’re like that all the time. I hardly see you smile anymore.

Rauktima: It was just the stress of finding the baby and bringing her back home.

Krithika: Is that it?

Rauktima: Yes.

Krithika: You’re sure you’re not keeping something from me? I can help.

Rauktima: Krithika… you and I have been through a lot together and I know that I can always count on you for anything. But right now what you need to do is focus on your baby and your health.

Krithika: Don’t be silly… I’m focused and I’m fine.

Rauktima: As true as that maybe I still want you to get as much rest as you possibly can. We all know that this is a complicated pregnancy.

Krithika: I know it’s just that I feel so weak and vulnerable sometimes.

Rauktima: Don’t be. Becoming a mother is no easy task and you should feel proud and privileged to have been blessed with a child.

Krithika: What about you Didi?

Rauktima: What do you mean?

Krithika: I mean, when are you going to have a child of your own?

Rauktima stands up and walks forward.

Rauktima: There will be time for children later.

Krithika: That’s what you say now…

Rauktima: I know but Geet needs me and now so does Shastra. I need to focus my attention on them.

Krithika: And when are you going to make time for yourself?

Rauktima: I will… just not yet. But don’t you worry about me. It’ll be fine… I’ll be fine.

Krithika walks up to her and they hug. Meanwhile… Urvashi is in her room in deep thought…

Urvashi: The first part of my plan is complete. I am now officially part of this family. But in order to rule I have to arrive at a position of power. How do I do that is the question?

She paces from one side to another.

Urvashi: In order to accomplish true power I have to make sure that everyone in this family is dependent on me. But that’s not going to be easy because everyone depends on each other… wait… maybe that’s the key. Break the trust between these siblings and create chaos within Chandra Mahel… That’s it!!! I have to become the one person they trust with everything. I have to be the one person they all turn to in their time of need. I have to be the one they come to when they need something, anything. By breaking their bond as a family I will become the only person they can depend on…. And I know just where to start.

She smiles an evil smile and flicks her hair off her shoulder. She then walks down to the corner of Chandra Mahel where the wall of the fallen Agnihotri people is. Photographs of all the great Agnihotris who have died in this Kurukshtra. She looks at all of them and acknowledges each of them as she passes by.

Urvashi: Such great people, such wonderful human beings who’ve walked in and out of the doors of this house. You are all missed terribly today because now Chandra Mahel is at my mercy. My whole life I’ve been lost, without purpose. From the day I got pregnant with Nakshatra everything has been dark. Then I tried to build my life again from scratch and every single time I tried I kept on failing. But then I found Nakshatra again and I thought I could rebuild my life now that I had found the part of me that I had lost so long ago. It wasn’t my fault that Darpana and Kaushik drifted apart even though I was blamed for it. But because of it I found a new purpose. There is no greater accomplishment for a woman like me than to become a Bahu of the Agnihotri Family and Chandra Mahel… and that’s exactly what I’ve become today. Fate has always dealt me a bad hand and now that I have a slight edge I’m going to make the most of it. I’m going to rule the Agnihotri Empire one day and it all starts here. This is where Urvashi Agnihotri’s journey to greatness begins. I am an ambitious woman damn it and I will accomplish every single dream one way or the other! I’m just sorry that the lot of you aren’t around to see what I’m going to do… some of you would have tried to stop me and some of you would have even been proud. In any case, wherever you are right now… way up or deep down… I hope you enjoy the show.

She walks away and there’s an uneasy wind that floats past the photograph of the dead Agnihotris. The next day… Rauktima is coming out of the mandir when Urvashi is standing there waiting for her.

Urvashi: Wow… I didn’t know you were so pious.

Rauktima: What concern is it of yours?

Urvashi: No, no… no concern at all. I’m just glad that the people of this house still have their faith intact even after all that has happened.

Rauktima: We will always have our faith intact, that is the only way we can expect God destroy demons like you.

Urvashi: Very powerful words coming from a powerless creature like yourself.

Rauktima: Is that what you think?

Urvashi: That is what I know.  Aren’t you still willing to accept that you no longer have any power in this house? At least not against me.

Rauktima: What makes you say that?

Urvashi: Rauktima, I took the keys of this house away from Katya while you were sitting right in front of me and there was nothing you could have done. Do you really think you will be able to stop me from whatever I have planned on doing in the future?

Rauktima: You’ve got what you wanted, why are you trying to create more chaos?

Urvashi: Chaos? My goodness no. I’m just trying to bring some order to this chaotic household.

Rauktima: Please.

Urvashi: No it’s true… and you know the best part of the whole thing? There is nothing that you or anyone else will be able to do to stop me. And why would you do anything at all, after all I’m married to Kartik because of you.

Rauktima: Because you blackmailed me.

Urvashi: Call it what you must but you can’t change what has happened.

Rauktima: But I can change what will happen.

Urvashi: I have no doubt that you will try. But you have to know this… I will enjoy this little game of cat and mouse that has started between you and me…

Rauktima: This game didn’t start just now Urvashi… Chachi… it started a long time ago. But the mistake was mine.

Flashback

Urvashi: I didn’t come back after all these years just to be shown the door! I want to see my son and I will!

Rauktima: Yes… you will… you will try! But you will never succeed!

Urvashi: And who’s going to stop me? You?

Urvashi scoffs at the thought and starts walking towards Chandra Mahel. Rauktima grabs her hand and turns her around.

Rauktima: Didn’t you hear what I just said?

Urvashi: Let go of me!

Urvashi tosses Rauktima’s hand aside and starts walking again but this time Rauktima grabs her and pulls her away harder. Urvashi turns around and slaps Rauktima hard! Not thinking twice, Rauktima slaps Urvashi back!

Rauktima: If it’s a fight you want then it’s a fight you will have but one thing you won’t have is my brother! So get out right now and don’t show your face here again!

Urvashi moves her hair away from her face.

Urvashi: I will leave now, but I promise you I will be back. And when I return, it won’t be just to take a look at my son, it will be to take him away from you!

End flashback…

Rauktima: That was the day you declared war on me and I should have never let you get too close. I should have never allowed you a second chance. It really was my mistake. If I had put a complete stop to you then I would never have had to see this day.

Urvashi: Yes but there’s no point crying over spilt milk now is there. Get ready for war Rauktima.

Rauktma: Hmm… you’re not the first person to declare war against me and I can tell you right now that your fate will be similar to those who have gone before you. If you have any doubts you might want to stop by the jailhouse and have a chat with Ashvini Bhabi.

Urvashi: Time will tell who will win and who will lose Rauktima but until then, it’s going to be an interesting battle.

Rauktima shakes her head and walks away. Urvashi then smiles and walks off. She makes her way up to Anirudh’s room and finds him there going through some files.

Urvashi: Hello Anirudh.

Anirudh: Hi Chachi… come in… come in.

She walks in and looks around and then smiles at him.

Urvashi: You must be very busy these days.

Anirudh: Yea tell me about it.

Urvashi: And you must be really happy about the baby that’s on the way.

Anirudh: Happy yes but also slightly scared.

Urvashi: There’s nothing to worry about… Parenthood is a beautiful thing you must treasure it always. And maybe you’ll have more time on your hands in the days to come.

Anirudh: How so?

Urvashi: Well I mean if your responsibilities at office get lesser…

Anirudh gives Urvashi a strange look and she sees her opening…

Kurukshetra – Episode 384

Anirudh: What do you mean by if my responsibilities at office get lesser?

Urvashi: All I’m saying is that now that everything is settled and little Shastra is back home and there are no more pressures, Kartik might want to re-look at the company structure and plan for the future.

Anirudh: And how do you think that would affect me?

Urvashi: Well if you think about it, technically, you are no longer the oldest Agnihotri son.

Anirudh: No… Soumil Bhaiyya is.

Urvashi: Exactly, and so there might be a chance that he may be promoted to CEO of the company.

Anirudh: But Soumil Bhaiyya already has the Thakral business to worry about.

Urvashi: True but think about it, he is not linked to the family like before and Sanjeev is the rightful heir there so Viresh ji might decide to give Sanjeev control of their family company. And if that happens… Kartik may decide that Soumil should be made CEO of Agnihotri Incorporated. But I’m only making assumptions here and after all, what do I know about business. I’ve not been in the family for long… but I have been around for a while and I kind of know how the Agnihotris think.

Anirudh: You’re probably right… And I think that if Soumil Bhaiyya comes on board as CEO it wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

Urvashi: Of course not. But it would be such a waste of talent to down-size you from your post. You have so much potential.

Anirudh: Thank you Chachi.

Urvashi: Don’t thank me… I’m just saying what I observe. Anyway, you take care…

Urvashi smiles and leaves the room. She then goes to where Kartik is.

Kartik: Ah, there you are. I’ve been looking for you.

Urvashi: Anything important?

Kartik: Not entirely, I just wanted you to have a look at some designs that I had done for the new office building. I wanted a woman’s perspective and then I realized that I had a wife.

Urvashi smiles and takes the designs and goes through them

Urvashi: These are all so very good. Kartik ji… may I speak with you on another matter pertaining to the office if you don’t mind?

Kartik: Of course.

Urvashi: I was thinking about Soumil and I realized that he is the oldest son of the family now.

Kartik: That’s correct.

Urvashi: If you are reshuffling the company around a bit, I think it’d be wise to make him the new CEO.

Kartik: Well that’s true but he has the Thakral business to worry about…

Urvashi: I know but I’m looking at this from another point of view.

Kartik: Which is?

Urvashi: If you continue to leave him with the Thakral business then somewhere down the line Soumil may feel as though you haven’t really accepted him as part of this family. He has spent his entire life away from Chandra Mahel and now that he’s back… he may feel as though you’re still treating him as an outsider.

Kartik: I’d never thought about it like that. Although… I did want to make Anirudh CEO.

Urvashi: I’m sure he won’t mind at all. I’ve seen how close they are as brothers. I’m sure Anirudh will understand. But it’s just a suggestion and the company is yours so you should do with it what you see fit. As far as the designs go I can’t decide… maybe I should ask one of the Bahus.

Kartik: Splendid idea.

Urvashi walks out of the room and moves to the next target… She finds Jaya in the kitchen.

Urvashi: Jaya… your Saas would kill me if she knew that you were in the kitchen. What are you doing?

Jaya: Just making a small snack for Anirudh.

Urvashi: Well why don’t you let one of the servants take care of it.

Jaya: I prefer doing it myself Chachi and besides I’m fine.

Urvashi: Well if you say so. Ok so see your Chachu has asked me to look at a few designs that he has had done for the new office building. I can’t seem to make up my mind.

Jaya looks at the designs.

Jaya: Oh they’re all so lovely.

Urvashi: That’s the same thing I said. Why don’t you pick one?

Jaya: Really?

Urvashi: Yes.

Jaya seems thrilled and goes through the designs and finally picks one.

Jaya: This one seems like the best.

Urvashi: I couldn’t agree more. I’ll talk to you later.

Urvashi then makes her way over to where Katya is.

Katya: Chachi…

Urvashi: Oh don’t get up. You should be resting.

Katya: No it’s fine… I’m fine.

Urvashi: I just came to see you because your Chachu wants me to select one of these designs for the new office building. I asked Jaya what she thought and she said she liked this one.

Katya: Oh it’s really nice.

Urvashi: Do you think so?

Katya: Yes.

Urvashi: Well why don’t you go through the entire thing and see if there’s anything else you like better.

Katya: Well they all look so lovely… oooh I like this one too.

Urvashi: Oh yes… yes… it’s much better than the previous one.

Katya: There’s something about it that just makes it different.

Urvashi: I know what you mean. I think I’ll ask Kartik ji to go with this one.

Katya: Really?

Urvashi: Yes. You know… I was meaning to ask you… because I don’t know the family all that well… I… don’t know how to ask actually but…

Katya: What is it Chachi?

Urvashi: Well… is Anirudh generally insecure?

Katya: Um… I don’t really know that well.

Urvashi: Hmmm…

Katya: Why do you ask?

Urvashi: No because I was talking to him about the future of the company and I said that I thought Soumil would be the next pick for CEO because you know he’s the oldest son and Anirudh’s face just fell.

Katya: Really?

Urvashi: Yes. He seemed quite upset. I mean he spoke in favor of Soumil and said that it was the right thing to do because Soumil was the oldest. But I had this strange feeling he was saying something else.

Katya: Like what?

Urvashi: Like… I don’t know… I think he may have thought he would have been the next pick for CEO.

Katya: Oh… then I must warn Soumil, we shouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings.

Urvashi: You should do no such thing.

Katya: Why not?

Urvashi: Because my dear, a woman’s place is in the home. We shouldn’t interfere with any business decisions that are made.

Katya: I suppose you’re right. But what if Kartik Chachu chooses Soumil over Anirudh?

Urvashi: I’m sure he won’t mind. In any case it was just a passing thought. I have to get these back to your Chachu. You rest up.

Katya: Ok…

Urvashi walks away and Katya looks concerned. Urvashi goes back to see Kartik and shows him the design.

Urvashi: This one.

Kartik: Lovely.

Urvashi: It was Katya’s choice you know.

Kartik: Hmmm… the girl has a good eye.

Urvashi: Indeed.

Kartik: You know I was thinking about what you just said and the more I think about it the more I think you’re right. Soumil should be the next CEO. I have a few things to organize and get in order and when all those things are done, I’ll make the announcement.

Urvashi: Very good.

Kartik walks away and Urvashi just smiles happily. But Urvashi doesn’t rest. She goes back to see Jaya who is now in the great hall reading a book.

Urvashi: Are you done in the kitchen?

Jaya: Yes Chachi.

Urvashi: I was going upstairs to show Kartik ji the design you selected…

Jaya: Oh did he like it?

Urvashi: Well I met Katya on the way and I showed her what you had picked… I’m really bad at all these things you know… and then she picked this other design and felt it was better than what you had picked.

Jaya: Oh? Did you show her what I picked?

Urvashi: I did… But she still picked something else and said it was better.

Jaya: Oh… I see.

Urvashi: Are you upset dear?

Jaya: No not at all…

Urvashi: Good… I thought you would be upset since it was Katya who made the deciding pick that Kartik liked.

Jaya: He did?

Urvashi: Yes.

Jaya: That’s fine.

Urvashi: That’s very good… I was foolish enough to think that you would have an issue with that just because…

Jaya: Just because what Chachi?

Urvashi: Well first Kartik picks Soumil to be the next CEO of the company over Anirudh and then Katya picks a design for the new office building that she thinks is better than what you chose. Usually girls at your age would get irked by little things like that but I can say just by looking at you that you are far more sensible than that. Oh look at the time… I was supposed to make some important calls, I’ll be back.

Jaya: Ok Chachi…

Urvashi gets up and leaves and Jaya thinks to herself…

Jaya: What if Kartik Chachu hasn’t really forgiven me for… No… that can’t be it. But then… Why pick Soumil Bhaiyya as the new CEO when Anirudh was next in line for the job? That too when Soumil Bhaiyya already has the Thakral company…

Jaya continues to think about this and unknown to her Urvashi is watching her from a distance. Urvashi thinks to herself…

Urvashi: Looks like the mark has been hit. A little fire has just started, now all I have to do is make it grow…

Meanwhile… Ashvini is brought into a waiting room at the prison and she is surprised to see Vidhushi there.

Ashvini: Well this is a surprise.

Vidhushi: Trust me when I say that I am as surprised to be here as you are to see here.

Ashvini: Then it must be something important.

Vidhushi: It is. It’s about your brother.

Ashvini: What about him?

Vidhushi: Ashvini, Naren has suffered a mental breakdown.

Ashvini: With you in his life it was only a matter of time Bhabi.

Vidhushi: I’m not here to exchange catty remarks with you. The last person I would turn to for help would be the woman who took the lives of two of my family members!

Ashvini: I took two… yes… but your darling Kartik took four! Actually he thought he took five but I survived…

Vidhushi: Ashvini… your brother needs you.

Ashvini: My brother despises me.

Vidhushi: It was the stress that you were putting him through with your vengeful spree that made him go ballistic and then Tamanna Didi’s death just sealed his fate! Add to that, Mahima committed suicide in front of him and now we may have lost him forever, mentally anyway.

Ashvini: What you need is a doctor. Not me.

Vidhushi: You think I haven’t been to doctors? I’ve been to see every single expert there is. They all tell me the same thing. There is no hope.

Ashvini: Then there really must not be any hope.

Vidhushi: I AM NOT WILLING TO BELIEVE THAT!

Ashvini: So what do you want from me?

Vidhushi: I want you to help me bring him back to who he was.

Ashvini: In case you haven’t noticed I’m locked in a jail cell at the moment.

Vidhushi: I’m willing to have the charges against you dropped. Sanket Bhaiyya and Sangeeta Bhabi aren’t coming back from the dead but if I can stop Naren from joining them then I’ll do it no matter what the cost.

Ashvini turns away.

Vidhushi: You are my last hope. For goodness sake Ashvini! You know how much he loved you and Tamanna Didi… you two were like his two eyes. He put his sisters above everything else in life and now that he needs you, you’re not willing to reach out and help him?

Ashvini: He went against me just like everyone else.

Vidhushi: And can you blame him? Look at what you’ve done since you’ve come back. You tried to kill half my family, you succeeded in killing two, you threw them all out of Chandra Mahel and then sent your sister to jail for something you did and on top of all that you kidnapped a baby!

Ashvini: I’m telling you Bhabi, no matter what you say I have done, your family has done far worse.

Vidhushi: Naren is my family now and I have to save him so will you help me?