Kuruskhetra – Episode 439

Two weeks after the tragedy that altered the lives of those who live in Chandra Mahel… A Graha Shanthi Pooja is going on. The whole family is present and the pooja is presided by Kartik Agnihotri. Kartik looks around at his family and he sees everyone present. He looks around and notices that Rauktima is no where to be found.

Kartik: Krithika…
Krithika: Yes Dad?
Kartik: Where is your sister?
Krithika: She’s in her room.
Kartik: Bring her downstairs. This pooja will not start without her.
Krithika: Yes Dad.

Krithika leaves to get Rauktima. Shastra is taking care of a few things when she looks to the entrance of the house and sees Vayu walking in with Nirmala. She walks up to them.

Shastra: Welcome home Chacha ji, Chachi ji.
Vayu: How are you Shastra?
Shastra: Very well thank you. It’s nice to see you both after so long.
Vayu: It’s nice to be back at Chandra Mahel.
Shastra: Come in, we were expecting you for some time.

Vayu and Nirmala walk in and say their hellos to the others before sitting down at the pooja. Meanwhile… Krithika walks into Rauktima’s room and sees her standing in a corner of the room in her white sari.

Krithika: Didi…

Rauktima turns around to look at Krithika.

Rauktima: What are you doing up here? The pooja is about to start.
Krithika: I know. That’s why I’m here. Dad says that we won’t start without you.
Rauktima: Don’t be ridiculous. I can’t sit through…
Krithika: Di, come on… You know how Dad is, he won’t start until you come downstairs.
Rauktima: I…
Krithika: We can argue about this later but for now I need you to come downstairs.
Rauktima: Ok.

Rauktima and Krithika head downstairs. Kartik sees them coming and gives a signal to the pandit to begin the pooja.

Pandit: Kartik ji, the following rites have to be performed by the Badi Beta and Badi Bahu of the house.
Kartik: Yes of course… Soumil, Katya, come forward.

Soumil and Katya take their places and the pooja continues. Not long after, all the rites are completed and the pooja ends on a good note. Everyone stands up and starts moving around. Kartik walks over to Rauktima.

Kartik: How are your parents?
Rauktima: They’re doing a lot better now that they know I’m alright…
Kartik: And how are you?
Rauktima: I’m alright.
Kartik: Don’t lie to me. Tell me how you’re really doing.

Rauktima looks down and then she starts crying.

Rauktima: Chachu… I spent twenty years of my life trying to save this family from Urvashi and when I finally accomplish my goal… I can’t even be happy about it.

Rauktima breaks down and Kartik embraces her.

Rauktima: All I wanted to do is continue having a normal life with Aksh and Geet and our entire family… but…
Kartik: Shhh… it’s alright… it’s alright… everything is going to be fine. I know you’re very sad now but things will work out fine. Aksh would never forgive you for breaking down this way. He would want you to be strong. For yourself and for Geet. You showed so much strength in doing what you did with Urvashi… don’t stop now Rauktima. Don’t stop now…

At the other end of the room… Vayu brings Nirmala to meet Krithika…

Vayu: Krithika Di…
Krithika: Vayu, oh my goodness it’s so good to see you.

The two of them hug.

Vayu: This is my wife, Nirmala…
Nirmala: How are you Didi?
Krithika: Very well thank you. It’s so nice to finally meet you.
Nirmala: I guess we would have met sooner if you weren’t stuck in the asylum…

Krtihika feels uncomfortable.

Vayu: Nirmala, what are you saying?
Krithika: It’s alright Vayu… it is the truth.
Vayu: That’s not the point Di…
Nirmala: Vayu is right… I shouldn’t have said that… I’m sorry Didi.
Krithika: It’s alright. Just give me a moment I’ll be right back.
Vayu: Ok.

Krithika walks away and Vayu turns to Nirmala.

Vayu: What the hell is wrong with you?
Nirmala: Oh please Vayu… I didn’t say anything that bad.
Vayu: This family is just trying to get over all the bad things that have been going on over the past twenty years and you are just reminding them things they want to turn away from!
Nirmala: I just spoke the truth that’s all.
Vayu: If the truth is not nice then don’t speak it.

Vayu walks away and Nirmala smiles to herself…

Nirmala: Now that we have access to Chandra Mahel looks like life won’t be so boring. Back to Kartik and Rauktima…. Kartik is looking out into the great gardens of Chandra Mahel and Rauktima is right behind him.

Kartik: Look at what is spread out here before you my child. This is a vast kingdom and it needs a strong ruler. My time here is almost done.
Rauktima: Please don’t say that Chachu…
Kartik: Death is unexpected every time it happens but it certainly happens. You must learn to accept it, after all, it is the only truth of life. Every man and woman has a time that is given to them and when that time is over they have to move on to the next plane of existence. That is the way it works. My time will come too… but before it does, I need to make sure that the Agnihotri Empire is in good hands and that the generation that is to follow will take care of it like the Agnihotris in the past have.
Rauktima: I’m sure Soumil Bhaiyya will learn everything you teach him Chachu…
Kartik: I’m not talking about Soumil.
Rauktima: Anirudh then?
Kartik: No. You.

Rauktima is shocked.

Rauktima: Me?
Kartik: Yes you.
Rauktima: But why me?
Kartik: Because I can see that fire in you, the same fire that used to burn in me before I lost my way.
Rauktima: That’s just the thing Chachu… what if I lose my way just like you?
Kartik: I’m counting on it.

Rauktima is even more shocked.

Kartik: No one in this family is perfect Rauktima, you must have figured that out by now. But amongst this imperfect lot there is you who isn’t afraid to take a big step and put yourself in harms way for the greater good of this family. I’ve gone up against many enemies who’ve wanted to steal the happiness of this family in the past… but Urvashi was a different force all together and to have defeated her with patience that you kept inside yourself for twenty years… not even I could have done that.
Rauktima: But look at what it has cost me.
Kartik: Nothing in life comes free… everything has a cost. This victory cost you your husband’s life… but you also gained a second chance for this family to get together to be as one but now keeping them together is going to be the bigger challenge. Which is why you have to learn to drain your heart of emotions.
Rauktima: I can’t do that…
Kartik: Yes you can.
Rauktima: But why must I?
Kartik: Because emotions make you weak… I’m not saying you should stop feeling what you feel inside… all I’m saying is that you have to learn not to be controlled by these feelings.
Rauktima: How do you tell the difference?
Kartik: When you’re able to look at another individual for who they are and not base it on what you feel for them… then you know you’re in control.
Rauktima: I don’t know if I can do that…
Kartik: Yes you can and you’ve proved it with this battle you won against Urvashi. Now I want you to listen to me very carefully. I’ve been watching everyone in this house from the day I got back. Everything seems normal on the surface but something is not right with Manasvi.
Rauktima: Manasvi?
Kartik: Yes and I’m able to say that because I see more than just my granddaughter there… I see another human being who has issues just like the rest of us. That’s another thing we do you know… we think our children can never have problems but the truth is they do and Manasvi is going through something right now, something she doesn’t want anyone to know about.
Rauktima: Maybe I should talk to her then and…
Kartik: No… I want you to watch her closely and I want you to be able to see what I see. When you realize that what I’m saying is true then I want you to handle the situation.
Rauktima: How?
Kartik: When the time is right you will know.
Rauktima: I’ll try Chachu but as to whether or not I will succeed… I don’t know.
Kartik: We’ll see. One more thing.
Rauktima: Yes Chachu.
Kartik: I don’t like Vayu’s wife… what’s her name?
Rauktima: Nirmala?
Kartik: Yes, her… she’s a fire-starter. Keep an eye on her. With the amount of drama this house is capable of, I don’t want her adding new storylines to it.
Rauktima: Alright Chachu.
Kartik: I’m going to my room now. I’m tired. You go get some rest as well.

Kartik walks off and Rauktima takes a moment to digest everything he has just said to her. Then she looks up and sees Manasvi talking to Shubh. Manasvi is smiling and being her usual self. Rauktima thinks to herself…

Rauktima: Why would Kartik Chachu say that something is wrong with Manasvi when the girl is clearly alright?

While Rauktima watches, Manasvi gets a call and excuses herself to go out. Rauktima smiles and then looks around the room. She sees Geet in a corner and walks over to him.

Rauktima: Hey you?
Geet: Hey Mom.
Rauktima: How are you holding up?
Geet: That’s what I should be asking you. I’ve hardly seen you around in the past two weeks.
Rauktima: I’ve been in my room.
Geet: I know… and I guessed you needed some time alone.
Rauktima: Yes I did… but that doesn’t mean I don’t have time for my son.
Geet: I love you Mom and I’m so glad you’re here.
Rauktima: I love you too.

The two of them hug and Geet suddenly breaks down crying.

Rauktima: Hey… hey… it’s alright…
Geet: I miss him so much Mom. He was all I had all these years and now he’s gone.
Rauktima: I know… I know… I miss him too. But we mustn’t lose hope. He would never have wanted that. There is only one way to make sure his soul rests well… we have to live our lives to the fullest… the best way we know how.

Geet is fighting back his tears.

Geet: Yes Mom…
Rauktima: You know what? Your Mother is right here with you, cry all you want today, just let it all out.

Geet hugs Rauktima tight and continues crying. One by one the family members notice this. Shastra’s eyes fill up with tears. Dushyanth sees that she’s about to break down and walks over to her. He holds her while she cries. At the same time the others get close to their children as well. Unknown to all of them, Kartik watches this from upstairs… He thinks to himself…

Kartik: At long last this family is back together… So why can’t I shake off this feeling that something is not right? I’ve spent too much time following my instincts to not take this seriously. But that’s tomorrow’s problem. For now, the family is together and all is well.

And at the same time outside the house, Manasvi is talking to someone on the phone.

Manasvi: Don’t worry, my family has no idea as to what’s coming their way!
Kurukshetra – Episode 440

The next day… at Chopra Mansion… Vayu is reading the papers and Nirmala brings him his tea.

Nirmala: Here you go…
Vayu: Thank you…
Nirmala: You know I was thinking…
Vayu: Stop doing that.
Nirmala: What?
Vayu: Thinking.
Nirmala: Vayu ji… You’re always making fun of me.
Vayu: Quite the contrary Nirmala ji… You know when you start thinking, there’s only disaster at the end of the thought process.

Nirmala dusts herself and pouts and sits in front of Vayu with a long face. Vayu moves the paper aside and then looks at her. He rolls his eyes and then puts the papers down.

Vayu: Ok… what were you thinking.
Nirmala: Oh just be quiet. I’m not going to tell you.
Vayu: No come on I was just joking…

Nirmala smiles very slowly and then gets a bit excited.

Nirmala: Ok so I was thinking, now that everything at Chandra Mahel seems to have calmed down… why don’t we have a party here at Chopra Mansion and invite all of them.
Vayu: Nirmala… it’s been a little over a two weeks since Aksh Jeeju died… what will Rauktima Di think if we have a party here.
Nirmala: Vayu ji… Aksh Jeeju is not going to come back from the dead and Rauktima Di is going to have to move on at some point.
Vayu: Yes but…

At that moment in time Ashvini walks in…

Ashvini: Actually I think it’s a lovely idea.

Vayu looks up at Ashvini who comes and sits down next to the two of them.

Vayu: But Bua ji…
Ashvini: Nirmala is right. All of them have been through a very difficult time in the past. A party is sure to set the mood right.
Vayu: I don’t know…
Ashvini: Don’t think so much about it. I’ll handle all the arrangements. Besides, it’ll be nice to see all of them after all these years…

Nirmala’s eyes sparkle at that statement…

Nirmala: But Bua ji… if you really want to see them… why don’t you go to Chandra Mahel…

Ashvini stares daggers at Nirmala.

Nirmala: What happened? Did I say something wrong?
Vayu: No you didn’t… but the past of this family is best kept that way, in the past. Alright we’ll have this party then.
Ashvini: Lovely.
Nirmala: I’ll go to Chandra Mahel and invite them.
Vayu: No I’ll go…
Ashvini: Don’t be silly Vayu… let Nirmala do it.
Vayu: Alright then…

Nirmala smiles from ear to ear… Later that afternoon… at the college where both Nikhil and Manasvi study, Nikhil is walking along the corridors in between classes when he suddenly sees Manasvi leaning against a wall with a boy hovering over her. Nikhil thinks to himself…

Nikhil: Manasvi? What is she doing?

As he watches, Manasvi pulls the boy closer and kisses him in front of everyone present there. Nikhil can’t believe what he is seeing. At that moment a teacher walks past them…

Teacher: What’s going on here?

Manasvi and the boy pull away.

Manasvi: Nothing…
Teacher: Miss Agnihotri I want to see you in my office right now.
Manasvi: But…
Teacher: Right now! And you young man… I’ll deal with you later.

The teacher walks off and Manasvi follows and as she does she sees Nikhil who looks very confused. She doesn’t say anything to Nikhil and just walks off. Meanwhile… Back at Chopra Mansion… Ashvini is on the phone with Naren…

Ashvini: Don’t worry Bhaiyya… everything is fine at this end.
Naren: I’m glad to hear it. Vidhushi and I planned on being back home but then we decided to stay a bit longer in New York and then we’re heading off to Boston for a few days, thought we’ll catch up with Vanshita while we’re there.
Ashvini: Of course.
Naren: Vayu tells me you’re organizing a party at home?
Ashvini: Yes we are. We thought it would be nice to invite some happiness into our lives after all this grief.
Naren: We’ve been hearing about everything that’s been going on.
Ashvini: Tragic isn’t it?
Naren: It is. But anyway, as long as you’re there we know things will be under control at home.
Ashvini: Thanks Bhaiyya, you just enjoy your holiday and give my love to Bhabi as well.
Naren: Will do, talk to you soon.
Ashvini: Ok bye…

They hang up and Nirmala walks into the room.

Nirmala: Bua ji, I’m ready to go to Chandra Mahel now.
Ashvini: Alright… make sure you tell everyone that they have to come.
Nirmala: Will do.
Ashvini: Good…

Nirmala thinks to herself…

Nirmala: This is so exciting, finally some drama in my boring life here at Chopra Mansion.

Later that day… Manasvi walks into the house and as she does we see Katya waiting for her.

Katya: You’re back.
Manasvi: Yes Mom.
Katya: Good, I was waiting for you.
Manasvi: Was there something you wanted?
Katya: Yes actually.

Katya walks over to Manasvi.

Katya: How have you been these past few days?
Manasvi: Good I guess.
Katya: You’ve been feeling alright?
Manasvi: Yes Mom, what’s all this about?
Katya: Well you could say this was about a matter of respect, it’s also a matter of trust I guess but it could also be a matter of shame.
Manasvi: You’re talking in parables.
Katya: Am I now?
Manasvi: Yes Mom you are and if you can’t tell me what this is all about then I’m going to my room.

Manasvi tries to walk off but Katya grabs her by the hand and pulls her back.

Katya: I’m not done talking to you.
Manasvi: Mom, you’re hurting me.
Katya: Really? This hurts? What about this then?

Katya laces Manasvi’s cheek with a hard slap! Manasvi looks up in shock.

Katya: Did that hurt?
Manasvi: What ha gotten into you?
Katya: I don’t know yet but I swear it’s not good! Is this how I raised you? To be lurking in hallways at school kissing boys and misbehaving in front of everyone?

Just then Nikhil walks in and sees the commotion. He decides to slowly walk away but Manasvi sees him.

Manasvi: Oh… so now I get it. This little snitch came back and told you everything did he?

Nikhil turns around and Katya looks surprised.

Manasvi: You just couldn’t keep your mouth shut could you?
Nikhil: Excuse me what?
Manasvi: Don’t play dumb with me! You were there when it happened.
Nikhil: Manasvi what are you talking about?
Manasvi: Geez Mom did he also tell you that the boy I was seen kissing was actually forcing himself on me?

Nikhil looks shocked because he knows that’s not what happened.

Manasvi: How could you believe this drug addicts word over mine?

Nikhil looks hurt, Katya is shocked and she slaps Manasvi again.

Katya: If you don’t shut that mouth of yours up I know how to shut it for you do you understand?

Katya then turns to Nikhil.

Katya: You knew about this incident?
Nikhil: I….
Katya: Nikhil talk to me… did you know about this incident or not?
Nikhil: Badi Ma I….
Katya: Is this how you perform the role of a responsible brother? Everyone gives this girl too much of love and now she’s abusing our feelings for her.

She then turns to Manasvi.

Katya: Think ten times before you say things about the people in this house do you hear me? Nikhil did not say a single word to me and I’m disappointed in him because he didn’t but do you know why he didn’t? Because he cares for you and he didn’t want to get you into trouble. The school called me, that’s how I know! Imagine how embarrassing it was for me to hear that my daughter was caught kissing in the corridors of her college! You are the daughter of the Agnihotri Family for goodness sake! More is expected of you do you hear me?
Manasvi: I’m so sick of this!
Katya: Well it’s time to change your attitude then!

Manasvi shakes her head and walks off. Nikhil tries to leave as well but…

Katya: Nikhil.
Nikhil: Yes Badi Ma?
Katya: Come here.

Nikhil walks over to her.

Katya: Son… I’m sorry about what Manasvi said… she’s going through some sort of phase and I don’t understand why she’s saying and doing all these things but you know she didn’t mean it right?
Nikhil: Of course Badi Ma… But…
Katya: Yes?
Nikhil: You’re right, something is definitely up with her.
Katya: Will you do me a favor then?
Nikhil: Sure.
Katya: Will you keep a close eye on her and make sure she stays out of trouble?
Nikhil: Alright.
Katya: Thank you.

Nikhil smiles at her and she messes with his hair and walks away. Unknown to all of them Rauktima is watching this from one of the wings. She thinks to herself…

Rauktima: So Kartik Chachu was right all along… something is up with Manasvi. But what? What is making her behave this way? Whatever it is, I have to find out.

Meanwhile in Manasvi’s room… she slams the door shut and then pulls out her phone. She dials a number and calls someone.

Manasvi: Things are going as planned. Now it’s time to drop a few bombshells. I’ve convinced the boy I was with today to meet me at a hotel room this evening. Make sure the media is there. Take down the address.

Manasvi gives the hotel address to whomever she’s speaking with and then hangs up.

Manasvi: I’ve got to get dressed for a spectacle.
Kurukshetra – Episode 441

Nirmala arrives at Chandra Mahel… She walks in and Poornima sees her.

Poornima: Nirmala… come in.
Nirmala: Thank you Bhabi.

She walks in and then goes over to Poornima.

Nirmala: I’ve come to invite all of you over to Chopra Mansion.
Poornima: What’s happening there?
Nirmala: Well we were thinking, Vayu and I, there’s been so much that has been happening in the past few days and everyone seems to be so depressed… so we were thinking that maybe we should have a small party, nothing much, just family and friends.
Poornima: It sounds lovely but I don’t think it’s appropriate right now…
Nirmala: I know… but we can’t keep holding on to the grief in our lives forever now can we? We have to try and move on.

Just then Rauktima walks in.

Rauktima: Nirmala…
Nirmala: Rauktima Di. How nice to see you.
Rauktima: Likewise.
Poornima: Didi… Nirmala has come to invite us to a party at Chopra Mansion.
Rauktima: Oh?
Poornima: Yes and I was thinking…
Rauktima: We should go.

Nirmala’s eyes light up.

Poornima: But Di.
Rauktima: I know, we’ve just come out of a very bad period in our lives and it may be too soon… but then again, how do we know for how long this good period will last and while it does, we should make the most of it.
Nirmala: That’s exactly what I was saying.
Rauktima: We’ll be there.
Nirmala: Lovely… Bua ji asked me to make sure that everyone would be coming.
Rauktima: Bua ji? You mean Ashvini Bhabi?
Nirmala: Yes…
Rauktima: I see… tell her that everyone will be there.
Nirmala: Alright. See you tomorrow then?
Rauktima: For sure.
Nirmala: Great. I’ll take your leave then.
Rauktima: Ok.

Nirmala leaves.

Poornima: Didi, are you sure about this?
Rauktima: We have to start moving on at some point and what better way to start than with a celebration. Will you tell the others?
Poornima: Ok Di.
Rauktima: There is one more thing.
Poornima: What is it Di?
Rauktima: After Kartik Chachu’s instatement of me as the head of the household, there is something that I wish to do and I will inform everyone about what it is tonight. So it’s important that this whole family be present for dinner.
Poornima: Di you’re scaring me.
Rauktima: It’s nothing to be afraid of. It is a simple decision that will affect all our lives in a good way.
Poornima: We have faith in your judgment. I’ll inform everyone.
Rauktima: Thank you.

Rauktima walks away and Poornima looks worried. Meanwhile… Nirmala arrives back at Chopra Mansion… Ashvini sees her and walks over to her.

Ashvini: Did you speak with them?
Nirmala: Yes Bua ji.
Ashvini: And?
Nirmala: Rauktima Di has agreed that everyone deserves a good party, so they’re coming.

Ashvini flinches on hearing Rauktima’s name.

Ashvini: Alright, I’ve made the preparations, make sure everything is carried out well.
Nirmala: Of course Bua ji.

Ashvini turns around to leave and just then…

Nirmala: Bua ji…

Ashvini stops and turns around.

Nirmala: You’re not planning any… surprises are you?

Ashvini smirks.

Ashvini: Not that it’s any of your business Bahurani, but I’m not. And even if I were, then you’d be the last person to know about it. You know, back in the day when we were your age, we were far more subtle about the chaos we wanted to cause. But the children of today seem to have forgotten that if they want to cause trouble, there’s a way of doing it.

Nirmala is taken aback by this.

Ashvini: Honestly, some people have no class… Don’t you think Nirmala?

Nirmala is a bit peeved but smiles and nods her head. Ashvini walks off and Nirmala thinks to herself.

Nirmala: All this effort and for what? A good party without a good climax is almost like a dish that looks hot but tastes like milk.

Meanwhile at Chandra Mahel… The entire family has gathered to listen to what Rauktima has to say. Kartik sits in the middle of the great hall and Rauktima is standing next to him.

Rauktima: I know all of you are very anxious about why you’ve been summoned here. Let me assure you that there is nothing wrong. But before I start… Where are Nikhil and Manasvi?

Everyone looks around and realizes that the two individuals are not there.

Kartik: Jaya, Anirudh… Katya, Soumil… where are your children? The whole family was supposed to be here.

Katya: I told Manasvi but she doesn’t seem to be at home.
Kartik: What sort of an answer is that? You’re her mother, you’re supposed to know her whereabouts at all times and you Jaya? Where’s your son?
Katya: Apologies Chacha ji, if Manasvi is not at home then there’s a good chance that Nikhil is with her. I asked him to keep watch over Manasvi at all times.
Kartik: Why?
Katya: I’ve been feeling as though there’s something going on with Manasvi that she doesn’t want to talk to me about. There’s so much change in her behavior and I was worried about her. So I thought it best that one of her brothers keep an eye on her and I thought Nikhil would be the best to ask.
Kartik: Very well. But they should have been here tonight. After we’re done here I want Manasvi found and brought home immediately. If she needs to be spoken to then it has to be done now before… Well, I’ll let Rauktima tell you all the rest.

Everyone turns to Rauktima.

Rauktima: For many years we’ve been faced with many mishaps and tragedies. At times we’ve faced great danger and because of those times we’ve lost some of the most important people in this family. The war that has waged here at Chandra Mahel has turned this house into a Kurukshetra. We’ve all fought, at times against those who opposed us and at times against each other. We’ve been through hell and back, suffered at the hands of those who wanted to see our demise but now the time has come to take a stand and say stop.

We see the faces of all the family members as they silently nod in agreement.

Rauktima: So after a lot of thought and deliberation, Kartik Chachu and I have decided that the time has come to leave Chandra Mahel.

Everyone looks shocked.

Rauktima: I know that some of you may be against this suggestion and that some of you may wonder why it’s important to leave this house in order to start afresh. But it IS important and I want all of you to understand exactly how important it is.

Rauktima walks to one end of the hall and speaks almost personally to each family member as she walks across them.

Rauktima: Think about the lives we’ve lost in this house, think about the number of tears that have been shed, think about the curses that still linger in the hallways and scream murder at us late at night when we are asleep. Think about the times we’ve fought, the the things we’ve said and done, think about the tragedies and the pain that each and every one of us have gone through. The walls and doors and windows and ground and roof and everything of this house is dripping with the energy of those who have crossed these corridors and wanted their destruction. Think about the memories that are attached to each and every part of this house, they will only continue to cause us pain and suffering for as long as we live here. That is why it is time now to move on. That is why we have to start afresh and to forget the past, we have to leave it behind. We have to leave Chandra Mahel behind.

There is a moment of silence and then Nachiket speaks out.

Nachiket: Di, I don’t know about anyone else, but I believe that what you’re suggesting for our future is right. I think we should leave Chandra Mahel too. Poornima is with me on this.
Anirudh: So are Jaya and myself.
Soumil: Katya and I feel the same way.
Krithika: You wouldn’t have made this decision if you didn’t have the best interests of everyone in mind Di and because of that I’m with you in this as well.
Dushyanth: So am I.

Rauktima looks around the room at all who are present. She looks at Geet.

Rauktima: What are your thoughts on this Geet? What do you children feel? You should know that this decision won’t be made unless every single member of the Agnihotri Family is in agreement. So what say you?

Geet steps forward.

Geet: Mom, you must know that I will always trust your better judgment. I speak on behalf of all my brothers and sisters when I say that we’re with you as well.

Rauktima smiles at her son and then turns to look at Kartik.

Rauktima: It’s settled then. We’re leaving Chandra Mahel.
Soumil: But have you decided on where we should go?
Krithika: Are we shifting to Chandini Mahel?
Rauktima: No… the point of all this will be lost if we move there. That place is a replica of this house and as much as the place will be new, the memories will be the same. So no, we won’t be going to Chandini Mahel. Instead we’ll be moving to Pasadena in the US. Our house their has just finished refurbishment, it has been designed in Agnihotri fashion but looks nothing like Chandra Mahel. Agnihotri Incorporated will be handled from there and we will shift there completely. Our lives are headed for a huge change and…

Just then Geet’s phone rings… He looks at it and then back at Rauktima…

Geet: Mom, it’s from Nikhil.

Katya and Soumil exchange glances.

Rauktima: Answer it.

Geet does as he’s told.

Geet: Hello, Nikhil, where are you?
Nikhil: Bhaiyya… something terrible has happened.
Geet: What has happened? Are you ok? Is Manasvi ok?

Geet puts him on speaker…

Nikhil: Nothing is ok. Manasvi has just been caught in a hotel room with some boy from her college and the media is here taking full advantage of the situation. I wanted to intervene but I don’t want them to make this into something more than it already is!

The whole family is shocked.

Soumil: Someone put the TV on!
Rauktima: Nikhil come back home at once. You did the right thing by staying out of the media. Anirudh, Soumil, I’ll come with you, let’s go there as soon as we can and end this nonsense.

The TV comes on.

Reporter: The Agnihotri’s have always had a knack for scandal and looks like the latest generation of the family is not going to stand for second best…
Kurukshetra – Episode 442

Rauktima arrives outside the hotel with Anirudh and Soumil. She turns to look at them.

Rauktima: Here’s what we’re going to do. When we walk in there…

Rauktima explains her plan to the brothers and they all get off the car. The three of them walk into the hotel and both Anirudh and Soumil head for the lift. Rauktima walks into the lobby of the hotel and looks around. She then sits down on one of the sofas and begins reading a magazine. Anirudh and Soumil make it to the floor where the Manasvi scandal is happening and they find the room where all the reporters are clamoring about. Anirudh sees a bellboy walking across and he runs to him and gives him some money. He tells the bellboy something and then goes back to where Soumil is hiding. The bellboy makes his way over to where the reporters are…

Bellboy: OH MY GOODNESS LOOK! RAUKTIMA AGNIHOTRI IS ALSO HERE!!! LOOK THERE SHE IS IN THE LOBBY!

All the reporters hear this and look over the edge, just then one of them sees Rauktima. She looks up and sees them looking down at her. She gets up and acts panicked.

Reporter: Let’s go, it looks like she’s caught wind of us! Let’s get her before she can leave!

The reporters start running downstairs and Rauktima tosses her magazine aside and starts running to the exit. The moment all the reporters are gone, Anirudh and Soumil head into the room. There they see Manasvi looking at herself in the mirror while the boy is getting his pants on. Soumil lunges at the boy!

Soumil: You bloody bastard!!!

Manasvi turns around in shock to see her father and uncle there. Anirudh grabs Manasvi by the hand.

Anirudh: Bhaiyya come on! We don’t have time for this! We’ll deal with him later. Come on!

Anirudh gets Soumil off the boy with the greatest of difficulty and the trio heads out. Meanwhile back downstairs, Rauktima is waiting for her car and the reporters are closing in on her. Finally her car comes in and she gets in…

Rauktima: Driver, go to the rear entrance of the hotel.

The driver takes the car to the rear end of the hotel… The reporters come running out and seemed to have lost Rauktima.

Reporter: She can’t have gone far, come on let’s look for her.

They all scatter and at the rear end of the hotel Rauktima waits impatiently. Finally, the doors open and Anirudh walks out with Manasvi and Soumil trailing behind. They all get into the car and drive off and just as they do the reporters come running there. At the same time at Chopra Mansion… Vayu and Ashvini have seen this on TV.

Vayu: What is wrong with that girl?
Ashvini: I’m not surprised, she’s an Agnihotri after all.
Vayu: Don’t say that Bua ji.
Ashvini: I’m sorry Vayu but it seems like dishonoring the family name comes to all those children naturally.
Vayu: And their wives…

Ashvini looks up at Vayu in shock. He just tosses the remote aside and walks away. From behind them Nirmala has observed all of this and looks thrilled. She thinks to herself…

Nirmala: Looks like I was wrong… The climax arrived before the party it seems!

Not long after Soumil is dragging Manasvi into Chandra Mahel followed by Rauktima and Anirudh. Soumil drags Manasvi to the great hall, tosses her inside and raises her hand to slap her. Just then Rauktima walks in and stops him.

Rauktima: No Bhaiyya… Don’t…
Soumil: Don’t stop me today Rauktima. This child has been given everything she has ever wanted from birth and we have done all we can to raise her up the best way we know how and this is how she treats us? By destroying our respect!
Manasvi: You can only destroy the respect of those who had it to begin with, Dad!

Soumil turns to look at her in shock and the rest of the family has a similar face on.

Soumil: What did you just say to me?
Manasvi: Why are you asking me to repeat things when you already heard me the first time? What is this so called respect you are talking about? What respect? Wake up and smell the news Dad, the Agnihotris have no respect!
Katya: MANASVI!
Manasvi: Please Mom, shouting isn’t going to change anything. The fact of the matter is that this isn’t a family, it’s some twisted soap! Half the children in this house don’t belong to their parents and half the wives don’t belong to their husbands!

Rauktima looks at Manasvi with anger in her eyes.

Manasvi: Yes I was with a boy tonight, big deal. Now I know your next question is going to be why in a hotel room? Well the simple truth is that I couldn’t have brought him home, not with all of you here constantly poking your faces into other people’s business.

Rauktima looks at Kartik who is looking back at her. She makes a gesture for him to say something but Kartik shows no emotion. Rauktima gets angrier.

Manasvi: It isn’t my fault that generations of this family have a habit of ending up in the news one way or the other. I didn’t ask to be born famous now did I? Besides, look at it this way, all I’m doing is taking the family name forward. I’ve read that lots of others in this family have gotten caught in hotel rooms as well. So what’s the big deal if I got caught too? Hmmm?

That cuts the final straw holding Rauktima’s patience together. She pulls Manasvi towards her and slaps her hard across the face. Then she speaks to her in a tone so low, it almost resembles that of Kartik’s when he is beyond livid…

Rauktima: Listen to me and listen carefully child. This family has gone through enough without having you prancing around naked in a hotel room for the whole world to see.

Soumil raises his eyes at Rauktima and we see that he is somewhat taken aback by her choice of words, so is Katya.

Rauktima: But if you wanted to be so brazen then we would have sent you off to a whorehouse, like the ones your father used to frequent when your mother was pregnant with you!

Manasvi looks at Rauktima in horror, her entire expression has changed now. The rest of the family is shocked by Rauktima’s tone as well.

Rauktima: That’s what this is about isn’t it? The fact that Soumil isn’t your real father? This change that has taken place in you started from when you found out the truth isn’t it? You’re trying to rebel because you think you have been wronged! But every war that has been waged through the HISTORY of time has been done so after careful consideration with all facts taken into account. So what if Soumil isn’t your biological father? He has been to you what most parents can never be to their children. He has given you more love and affection than most of us have given to our children. Still if you have a problem with him then take it up with me and I will tell you where to get off, are you listening to me?

Rauktima grabs Manasvi’s face and turns it towards her.

Rauktima: Soorya Kapoor is a spineless coward and I’m ashamed to call him my brother! All of us in this room have our mistakes but he was one who was never willing to accept his. If he loved you so much then where was he all these years? He doesn’t even know what you look like and you want to rebel against this father of yours for that one? Just for that thought…

And she slaps Manasvi hard across the other cheek.

Rauktima: There is a great difference between what you think you know and what you should know. Gone are the days when one generation of this family kept secrets from the other just so that it would protect them. Can you see the outcome? All of you?

She addresses the entire room.

Rauktima: If we don’t share the truth of our pasts with our children then all we’re going to get is pain and suffering in return. We choose not to communicate with each other, we have outsiders come in and do our jobs for us and then we blame them for causing discord in our lives… Do I have to throw names in your faces for you to remember the past?

Everyone looks down.

Rauktima: Today I will reveal to everyone in this room what they need to know about the past of this house and today everyone will listen. Today the barrier between generations will be broken and today all questions will be answered! Open your ears and listen carefully to the words of the days gone by! Listen to the history of Chandra Mahel!

Rauktima moves to the centre of the room and begins talking. Everyone listens as she tells them the stories of the past and of Chandra Mahel. We see flashbacks of some of the most important moments in the history of the house…

The Flashback Sequence

Rauktima: Vijay Agnihotri and his two sisters Kamini and Aindri… And so Protima Agnihotri was forced to leave Chandra Mahel and… Vjay Agnihotri’s death… When the Pandit ji cursed the house and the family… Ankita and Kaurav were married… Sanket arrived from Australia… Kartik married Rudrakshi… Sangeeta Agnihotri… Revati Agnotri committed suicide and Mahamaya Devi died on the same day… Tamanna was thrown out of Chandra Mahel… Tamanna was brought back as Keshav’s wife… Ranveer Thandav… Dhananjay and Shubhavi… Vidhushi and Naren… Kartik’s deception…

The Flashback Continues through Rauktima’s words…

Rauktima: Kartik Agnihotri’s law remained… Vanshita was raped in London… After Manorama’s murder the family… Sanskriti and Poornima were married into the family but no one knew… And that’s when we were brought back to Chandra Mahel after so many years of… The day finally arrived when Kartik decided to tell everyone the truth… Sanskriti decided that it was time for revenge but little did she know… So Kartik returned to Chandra Mahel as Shatranj with Tamanna as his wife… Dushyanth was intent on making his point clear… Ahsvini was not dead in fact… The deaths of many Agnihotris followed… The Thakrals entered our lives and… The time had come for the truth to be revealed yet again… Soon after Tamanna and Rudrakshi were shot and killed… No one knew that Nakshatra was adopted but coming back into his life was only half of Urvashi’s plan… Urvashi became a dark cloud that enveloped Chandra Mahel… After Krithika and my accident… That’s when Aksh and Rajind came into our lives… Urvashi schemed and… Krithika ended up in a mental asylum, Kartik Chachu in prison and I was presumed dead…

Everyone listens intensely to all that is being said… Rauktima continues…

Rauktima: I was with the Kauls and… Having come back as Drishti and seeing what had happened… The end of Urvashi…

Flashback Sequence Ends…

Rauktima: So now, all of you know about the history of this house for as long as we can all remember it! This is who we are, this is where we come from… Does anyone have any questions?

Rauktima looks around and everyone looks silent…

Rauktima: Good.

Then she turns to Manasvi.

Rauktima: Now go to your room and lock yourself in there and don’t come out until you’re ready to apolgize to your father and the rest of this family.

Manasvi looks like she’s frightened of Rauktima and runs upstairs.

Rauktima: I’ll have the servants send all your dinners to your room, I doubt everyone’s in the mood to eat after this. Anirudh… we need to figure out a way to deal with the media.
Anirudh: I’m already on it Di.
Rauktima: Good, excuse me everyone.

Rauktima walks off and one by one the whole family disperses until only Kartik is left behind. He thinks to himself…

Kartik: At first I wondered if Rauktima was the right choice to take on the future of this family and all its responsibilities, but now I see that I made the right choice indeed. I would never have told the entire family the truth about how ugly our past was or how each of us played a role in tarnishing this family’s name but she did and through it she’s made this family united in one cause for the first time… She’s made them see that through all the ways we’ve come, at the end of the day only one thing is important, and that’s family… if we don’t have each other, we have no one… Now… I can rest in peace… At last…

Kartik gets up ever so slowly and looks around at Chandra Mahel. He walks through the halls and looks around at every last nook and corner. He then sighs deeply and walks up to his room. He stands by his door and looks outside one more time. Then he closes it.
Kurukshetra – Episode 443

Later that night… Rauktima is sitting alone in her room and thinking about what happened dowstairs…

Rauktima: Dear lord… did I do the right thing by revealing all those dark truths about our past to everyone? What will our children think of us? Will they think any less of us now that they know the things we’ve done? What have I done? But then, why didn’t Kartik Chachu stop me… Maybe I should go and talk to him about what happened…

She gets up and is about to leave when she sees Manasvi standing at her door, her head bent down.

Rauktima: Manasvi, what are you doing here at this house?
Manasvi: Badi Ma… Can I call you Badi Ma?
Rauktima: Of course…
Manasvi: Badi Ma… I’m sorry.

Rauktima walks over to her…

Rauktima: I’m not the one you should be apologizing to…
Manasvi: You’re right… I should be apologizing to everyone, for the way I’ve behaved, for the things I’ve said and done and for the hurt and pain I’ve caused my own flesh and blood…
Rauktima: Look at me.

This time Rauktima is gentle.

Rauktima: I can see in your eyes how truly sorry you are about what happened. Don’t lose heart, we will fix this and we will…
Manasvi: There’s a lot more to fix here than you know Badi Ma.
Rauktima: What do you mean?
Manasvi: Until you told me the truth about the history of this family, I didn’t know some very important things that I should have. Had I known those things then maybe I would have come into your lives in a different way.

Rauktima looks confused.

Rauktima: I have no idea what you’re talking about Manasvi…
Manasvi: That’s just it Badi Ma… I… I don’t know how to say this but…
Rauktima: You can say anything to me… Come now, what is it?
Manasvi: Badi Ma… The truth is, I’m not really Manasvi.

Rauktima looks even more confused now.

Rauktima: What do you mean you’re not Manasvi?
Manasvi: I look like Manasvi and I am a part of this house but I’m not Manasvi…
Rauktima: What are you…
Meenakshi: My name is Meenakshi, I’m Manasvi’s twin sister!!!

Rauktima is shocked out of her wits hearing this…

Meenakshi: I was sent here to destroy this family, my family and the person who sent me here was the same person who raised me all these years to believe that I was abandoned at birth because I was claimed to be unlucky by the family… But now I find out that this family doesn’t even know that I was born!

Rauktima is still shocked.

Rauktima: This is not possible. I was there the day you were born. Katya gave birth to an only child, one daughter… Manasvi.
Meenakshi: No… she gave birth to two daughters – twins – Manasvi and Meenakshi. I was told that I was adopted when the family gave me away to an orphanage but now I see that it is possible I was kidnapped at birth without you even knowing about me by an enemy of this family…
Rauktima: Who?

Meenakshi looks Rauktima straight in the eyes…

Meenakshi: Bhoomika Thakral!

Rauktima’s eyes go wide in shock.

Rauktima: Bhoomika?
Meenakshi: Yes…
Rauktima: Wait… but if what you’re saying is true and you are indeed Meenakshi, then where is Manasvi?
Meenakshi: She’s being held prisoner by Bhoomika.
Rauktima: WHAT?
Meenakshi: Do you remember the day of Manasvi’s kidnapping?

Rauktima is shocked to hear this.

Rauktima: I ordered a fake kidnapping to be carried out on Manasvi as part of my plan to expose Urvashi.
Meenakshi: That may have been so, but that day, Manasvi was really kidnapped. When the van grabbed Manasvi, the exchange was made inside and the girl who was thrown out of the van was not Manasvi but me.

Rauktima feels like her head is spinning.

Rauktima: So all these days, Manasvi has not been at Chandra Mahel?
Meenakshi: No, it’s been me all along.
Rauktima: Dear lord… we have to inform Kartik Chachu immediately!

Rauktima is about to walk out of the room but then she looks at the time and stops. She thinks to herself…

Rauktima: Everyone’s been put through so much throughout this one night. Let them rest, let them all rest. Tomorrow morning, I’ll announce the truth to everyone and then figure out what we’re going to do about Manasvi and at the same time, introduce Meenakshi to her parents so that they may know who she is for the first time…

Then out loud she says…

Rauktima: On second thought go to sleep now. In fact, sleep here in this room with me. We’ll figure out what needs to be done in the morning.
Meenakshi: But Badi Ma… Bhoomika is a very cunning woman. I’ve only now realized how much she is capable of…
Rauktima: Don’t worry… I know how to handle Bhoomika when the time comes and now everyone in the family knows and will understand why she did what she did. I knew something was out of place the day you were born… I should have known that my instincts were right then. But don’t worry, we will fix this, nothing will happen to your sister, we will bring her back home safe and sound and until I tell you to, there will be no further communication with Bhoomika, do you understand?
Meenakshi: Yes Badi Ma.
Rauktima: Good. Now go to sleep.

Meenakshi goes to sleep and Rauktima looks stressed. The night eases by and morning arrives. The family has been informed of what Rauktima has learned the night before. Meenakshi hugs Soumil and Katya for the first time as her parents and there is a smile on everyone’s faces.

Soumil: We have to get Manasvi out of Bhoomika’s claws now!
Rauktima: Easy Bhaiyya. We don’t want to do anything rash. This woman was crafty enough to raise our own child against us for all these years, there’s no saying what she could do to Manasvi if she realizes that her game is up.
Katya: Then what do we do?
Rauktima: I was planning on consulting with Kartik Chachu first but…

Just then there’s a bloodcurdling scream that echoes through Chandra Mahel and everyone looks up. Moments later one of the servants come running down.

Rauktima: Ramu… what has happened? What’s all this shouting?
Ramu: Something unfortunate has happened Madam?
Rauktima: What?
Ramu: It’s Bade Sahab…
Krithika: What’s happened to him?
Ramu: He’s…

Ramu is unable to complete his sentence and the rest of the family exchanges looks. They all run upstairs and Krithika is the first to make it to the room, followed by Rauktima. They both look inside and see Kartik, sleeping peacefully on the bed. The servant who screamed is standing over him in shock.

Krithika: Dad! Dad!

Krithika runs in and sits next to Kartik.

Krithika: Dad… Dad come on wake up.

Rauktima walks up to her and sits next to her.

Rauktima: Chachu… Chachu wake up, it’s time to get up.
Krithika: He’s not waking up, why isn’t he waking up Di?

Rauktima reaches out and places her finger underneath Kartik’s nose, she leaves it there for a while and then the color drains from her face. Rauktima looks petrified and Krithika turns to look at her.

Krithika: Di? What is it? Di please, please don’t say what I think it is. DAD!
Rauktima: Krihtika, listen…
Krithika: No I don’t want to hear it…
Rauktima: Krithika please come on…

Krithika breaks down crying and one by one each of the Agnihotris make their way into the room and watch Krithika crying over Kartik’s dead body while Rauktima holds her. Flash-forward to the funeral of Kartik Agnihotri… Everyone is in mourning… Rauktima is standing far away from the others and she seems to be in deep thought. Just then she turns to look at the door and her face changes immediately. Vayu and Nirmala have just walked in and right behind them, she sees Ashvini. Vayu and Nirmala head inside but Ashvini stands near the door. Rauktima sees this and walks over to her.

Rauktima: You came.
Ashvini: It’s a movie I’ve been waiting to watch for years now, wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Rauktima: What’s the matter Bhabi? In all these years you seemed to have gotten really bad at lying.

Ashvini gives Rauktima a strange look.

Ashvini: And in all these years you still haven’t given up sticking your nose into my feelings. How are you Badi Nanad ji?
Rauktima: As well as can be expected under the circumstances.
Ashvini: Come now, circumstances like these are expected in a house like Chandra Mahel. You’ve hardly stopped mourning the death of your husband and now this happens.
Rauktima: Your ability to sprinkle salt over fresh wounds, however, seems intact.
Ashvini: Always will be.
Rauktima: Why are you here? Especially since the man we’re here to bid farewell to was the same one that bid you from entering Chandra Mahel ever again.
Ashvini: That’s precisely why I’m here. Now that the man’s dead I suppose the rule changes too doesn’t it?
Rauktima: You’re right, there’s a new rule now, my rule and if you know what’s good for you…
Ashvini: I’ve learned, slowly but surely I’ve learned what’s good for me and that’s exactly why I’ve kept my distance from all of you all these years. But I’d like for that to change.

Rauktima looks surprised.

Ashvini: I’ll tell you why I’m really here Rauktima. Kartik Agnihotri may have been the scum of the earth, but he was a man to be respected. He was an enemy worth having and he made life interesting for everyone he knew. When he loved he loved unconditionally and when he hated he did so with a passion. No one side was given more importance than the other; nothing was ever half-baked with him. I respect that, and as hard as it is to believe, I respected him. When he first declared war on my sister, I was the first weapon he used against her and the best part of it was that he did it so well, I didn’t even feel like I was being used, in fact, I felt good about what I had done.

Ashvini walks closer to Rauktima…

Ashvini: But I can see why he chose you as his heir and the next in line to rule the Agnihotri Dynasty. He saw himself you.

Rauktima is taken aback by this.

Ashvini: I see him in you too and I bet you, so does the rest of this family. Just do me a favor and hold on to the good bits.

She’s about to walk inside but then moves back…

Ashvini: And some of the bad bits too…

Ashvini walks inside and Rauktima stares after her as she does. But then she smiles. She looks at Kartik’s photograph and a tear rolls down her cheek.

Rauktima: Look at the state you left me in Chachu. Everyone expects me to step into your shoes and fix everything that is wrong. I don’t know if I can, but I will certainly try. From now on, this family is my responsibility.
Kurukshetra – Episode 444

Meenakshi enters a house by herself. She’s still dressed in white from the funeral. She looks around and goes inside. She’s about to take one step further when suddenly…

Bhoomika: And here I thought you had gone missing.

Meenakshi turns around all of a sudden and is shocked to see Bhoomika there.

Bhoomika: Welcome home Meenakshi. Where have you been? I’ve been trying to call you for the past two days but…
Meenakshi: The circumstances were such that I couldn’t get in touch with you.
Bhoomika: What circumstances? And why are you dressed in white?
Meenakshi: There was a funeral at the house.
Bhoomika: Oh I see… well this doesn’t surprise me I mean there’s always some funeral or the other at Chandra Mahel? Who was it this time?
Meenakshi: Kartik Agnihotri…

Bhoomika is shocked to hear this!

Bhoomika: What? Kartik Agnihotri is dead?
Meenakshi: You knew him?
Bhoomika: No, but I knew of him. He was a ruthless man, just like the rest of the Agnihotris. Tell me everything that happened.
Meenakshi: I’d like to but I don’t have time. There are some important questions I need to ask Manasvi.
Bhoomika: What? Why?
Meenakshi: They’re on to me, especially after that hotel stunt that I pulled.
Bhoomika: I saw that on the news, congratulations by the way.
Meenakshi: Thank you, but you can congratulate me later. You have no idea how important it is that I see Manasvi right away. If I don’t, our whole plan could be in vain. I’ll explain everything in a while, I promise.
Bhoomika: Alright. I’ll have her brought up.

Bhoomika takes out her phone and dials a number.

Bhoomika: Bring the girl upstairs.

She hangs up and then moves over to Meenakshi.

Bhoomika: You’ve done well so far. I hope you know that. But I also want you to know that I’m doing all this for you, so that justice can be served and the Agnihotris can be given what’s coming to them.
Meenakshi: Don’t worry… Justice will be served, just as soon as…

At that moment, Manasvi is brought in. Meenakshi looks at her and her eyes well up with tears. She runs up to her sister and removes the gag in her mouth. Bhoomika finds all of this quite strange. Manasvi looks at Meenakshi in shock.

Manasvi: Who the hell are you?
Meenakshi: I’m your sister.
Manasvi: What? I wasn’t aware I had one.
Rauktima: Neither were we.

Suddenly everyone turns around and sees Rauktima standing there.

Manasvi: Bua ji!

Manasvi unlatches herself from the men who are holding her and runs to Rauktima. Bhoomika is shocked to see Rauktima in her house and turns to Meenakshi.

Bhoomika: What is this woman doing here?
Rauktima: I’m here to take my nieces home Bhoomika ji.

Meenakshi walks up to Bhoomika.

Meenakshi: My whole life you are the only family I’ve known, you are the only one I’ve trusted and now I find out that you have committed the biggest betrayal in my life! You became my family by stealing me away from my own family. You raised me in hate, telling me every day that my family threw me away at birth because I was said to be unlucky when in fact, they had no clue that I was born to begin with! How could you do this to me?
Bhoomika: You ingrate!

She raises her hand to slap Meenakshi but someone holds it and she’s shocked to see Soumil next to her when she turns around.

Soumil: So much of hate is still brewing inside you Chachi… Who would have thought that after so many years we’d have to meet like this?

Just then Katya walks in as well.

Katya: How dare you steal my child and then keep her away from me for all these years! How dare you!!!
Bhoomika: You people have always thought of yourselves as untouchable. That isn’t so true now is it?
Soumil: Just because you failed to realize a certain truth in your life doesn’t mean you destroy other people’s lives to make yourself feel better Chachi.
Bhoomika: Everything that was rightfully my son’s was taken away from him because of you Soumil and it wasn’t enough for your people so you took him away from me too.
Sanjeev: That’s not true Mom.

Bhoomika looks up and is shocked to see Sanjeev standing in front of her after so many years.

Sanjeev: No one took me away from you. You were the one who drove me away.
Bhoomika: No I didn’t. I tried to save you from yourself.
Sanjeev: I was fine the way I was. But you tried to make me into something I wasn’t. You tried to turn me into Soumil Bhaiyya without letting me live my life the way I wanted to. You have no one but yourself to blame!
Rauktima: And now the law will blame you too Bhoomika ji. You will pay the price of your crimes.

Just then the cops walk in.

Rauktima: Inspector, arrest this woman!
Bhoomika: No!

The police walk over to her and handcuff her.

Inspector: Mrs. Bhoomika Thakral, you are under arrest.

They are about to take her away when…

Meenakshi: Wait…

Everyone stops and turns to Meenakshi.

Meenakshi: It’s true that what she did was wrong and while her intentions were bad I cannot turn back on the fact that she is the one who raised me.
Katya: She raised you to believe you were something you’re not and moreover, she raised you to believe your family was something they’re not.
Meenakshi: I know Mom. But if there’s one thing I learned more than anything else from what Badi Ma told us that night, it’s that this family is capable of forgiveness and that’s what I find most precious about it. So I forgive her and I want to drop the charges against her.
Soumil: But Meenakshi…
Rauktima: She’s right Bhaiyya. We should be proud that the next generation of our family thinks this way. Inspector, if it’s Meenakshi’s wishes that the charges against Bhoomika ji be dropped then the rest of the family stands by her decision.
Inspector: As you wish.

He signals for them to let Bhoomika go. They leave. Meanwhile Manasvi looks scared and confused.

Rauktima: Soumil Bhiayya, take the girls and Katya and leave… I’ll be out in a minute.

Soumil does as he’s told. Sanjeev is about to leave as well.

Bhoomika: Sanjeev wait, what are you doing? Where are you going? Don’t leave me.
Sanjeev: Things could have been so different for you Mom. You had a family that loved you very much, people who cared so much for you they would have done anything for you. But what did you do in return? You deceived them, played with their emotions and their happiness and turned their lives upside down. You yourself are to blame for every bad thing that has happened to you because you broke the ties you had with your family with your own hands. Now this is your punishment – live alone for the rest of your life.
Bhoomika: Sanjeev wait…

But he doesn’t listen to her and leaves. He walks out of the house and sees Dushyanth standing there waiting for him.

Sanjeev: What are you doing here?
Dushyanth: I think you and I have unfinished business…
Sanjeev: Do we now?
Dushyanth: We do. And my daughter thinks we should take care of it.
Sanjeev: Does she really?
Dushyanth: As a matter of fact she would like to meet you, when we go out for dinner, that is if you’re available, for dinner.

Sanjeev smiles.

Sanjeev: Tell her yes, I’m available.

Back inside the hosue, there’s only Rauktima and Bhoomika left. Bhoomika is crying at the fact that her plan failed even before it lifted off the ground. Rauktima walks up to her.

Rauktima: How does it feel to be all alone in the world Bhoomika ji?

Bhoomika looks at her in disgust.

Rauktima: You know in the years that have gone by I’ve fought a lot of battles for my family. Some of them have been trivial issues within the walls of my home between a Devrani and a Jethani and others have been unfathomable fiascos between enemies hungry for each other’s blood. But either way, the victory has always been mine. This is possibly the reason why Kartik Chachu chose me to run the Agnihotri Empire after him.

Bhoomika scoffs.

Rauktima: You might wonder why I’m telling you all of this. You may think that it is not important. But let me tell you something that is worth listening to and recording down in that brain of yours. I know people like you. All they want to do is make life miserable for someone else because their own life is in such shambles. Your son was right Bhoomika ji. You have no respect for relationships or the ground values of loyalty and trust. Things like love, honor and respect are mere words you’ve read off a dictionary, they mean nothing to you. But they mean a lot to me and my family.
Bhoomika: Your family…
Rauktima: I will not hear one single word come out of your mouth about my family do you understand? Today I’m warning you, don’t you ever cast your evil eye on the Agnihotris again because this time, the consequences will be severe and there won’t be anyone to save you getting what’s coming to you. If I were you, I’d take my threat very seriously because by not doing so, you’re putting yourself at great danger.

Rauktima gives Bhoomika the once over and then walks out of her house and her life for good. Meanwhile at Chandra Mahel… Krithika is on the phone with Aindri…

Aindri: I’m very sad that I could not attend Kartik’s funeral. I hope you’re all well and that things are in order.
Krtihika: They are. I believe Dad made the right choice by leaving Rauktima Di in charge. She knows exactly what to do and how to do it. I still can’t understand how he knew what was going to happen.
Aindri: Call it a premonition if you must Krithika, or something else, but one thing I know about your father is that he always thinks things through all the way to the end. When he had his brothers killed he knew full well that the day would come when he had to pay for it so he even made arrangements to save himself from the death sentence. A man doesn’t get very much smarter. Imagine, changing his face and then returning to his own house under someone else’s guise but still fully in control. Of all those brothers, Kartik was my favorite… You might wonder how this is so even after what he did to me. The answer fails me. Even I’m not sure why I loved him so much. Maybe it was because deep down inside, I saw the true Agnihotri spirit in him, I saw Vijay in him. My brother, like your father, wasn’t always the nicest person. But he knew how to take care of his own. He sent Protima away from his house but he made sure she and her family were well taken care of. They had the same luxuries that Maya’s family did. So many similarities. But this new change is one that I’ve anticipated a long time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the Bahus of Chandra Mahel aren’t capable. But just between you and me, they’re Agnihotri’s by marriage, we’re Agnihotris by blood and don’t you ever forget that.
Krithika: Never Dadi Bua.

Finally the day has come for the family to leave Chandra Mahel. Everyone is saying their final goodbyes to the house and Rauktima is in her room,writing in her diary…

Rauktima: From the day I entered this house until now, there has never been a dull moment. Yes, some of those moments have cost us a lot and we’ve suffered some great losses, but it has all been part and parcel of life. Today I leave this house a happy woman, knowing in my heart of hearts that happiness has finally dawned in our lives and I promise to do everything to protect it. Maybe the curse that was placed on us years ago has been lifted but still, today, we say goodbye to this Kurukshetra.

Rauktima closes the doors of Chandra Mahel and locks it. For good.