The Yellow Umbrella - The Fifth Part

Recap:

Bindiya smiled and said, Rishabh they sound so similar as if they were destined to be brought together to help each other. But, how can we do that, Ankita is reluctant to meet Nitya.

Rishabh said, Aunty, you are in safe hands because I have a plan, but it would require your support.

And then he shared his plan. Listening to his plan Bindiya smiled and said, "That sound's great. Definitely, I can do that.

He said, "Great aunty, let's put our plan in action and bring these two together.

Ankita's father and brother "Mayank" were returning home from the party.

During their ride back home, Mayank gave a call to Bindiya to check, if Ankita had her dinner and was doing fine. After Bindiya told him, everything was okay, he got relaxed.

Seeing him so worried about Ankita, his father said, Son, you care too much about your sister. Of course, she is fine. She is at home only, where else she could go.

Mayank was surprised to hear this from his father, and so very politely he said, Papa, she was supposed to meet Vaibhav today. I don't know, but something tells me something is wrong somewhere. I called up Vaibhav to check on Ankita, he told me it was okay and since he had some urgent work, he had to leave the restaurant early.

Also, later I got a text from him, he is traveling to the US, in 4-5 days for a couple of projects he recently got. Surprisingly he didn't mention anything about Anki Nor Anki called up to share such a piece of big news.

Hope all is Ok between them? Have you noticed nowadays, she seems to be so quiet, doesn't talk much, nor does she go out, as if something is troubling her

That accident has really changed her. I thought at least having Vaibhav in her life, she'll be able to cope up, but it seems their world has got divided into two?

Is she happy with the relationship, Dad? Have we done the right thing by getting them engaged? Does she want this marriage? Is Vaibhav the right guy for him?

"What are you talking about Mayank? Ankita was fortunate that she found Vaibhav, who in spite of her current situation, got accepted by him? Can you imagine, what her life would be if Vaibhav had not accepted her?

Yes, I agree their worlds are different but do I need to remind you, this is a love marriage, both of them wanted to share their lives with each other.

Yes, I know we have supported Vaibhav financially in the beginning, but look how wonderful that boy has done for himself. Today, he has name, fame, money, glory, what more could Ankita ask for?

I am proud of what he has done for his career, and I am sure he'll keep Ankita happy.

It's Ankita's turn to adjust and adapt to the new life.

Considering that she is in a wheelchair and none of the treatments has worked so far, she has to accept it and move on. We cannot do anything more than that 

And Mayank, I don't want you to get so emotional about your sister, it's just a matter of time, she would be Vaibhav's wife, so my suggestion, stop thinking about her and focus on the business.

All Mayank could think of, why his dad was so indifferent towards his sister, just because she is on a wheel-chair, she has now become a responsibility. How could he not see the things he as a brother could see it.

 These questions troubled him a lot, but he knew it was not worthwhile discussing with his father. Maybe he'll try to talk to his sister directly and find out the truth.

His father said, Son, Now, I have some good news for you, you remember Mr. Singhania, that business tycoon, he has a daughter Piya. He saw you at the party and well, he was quite impressed by you. I have invited them for dinner tomorrow at our place. I feel it's a huge opportunity for us.

Piya is definitely a smart, beautiful girl and imagine, how wonderful it would be if she becomes part of our family.

Mayank said, but Dad, I don't want to get married now. There are so many things to do, I don't want to get settled now, Instead, we should focus on Ankita.

His father was furious with the response, he said, I was not asking. I was telling you. We are going to their place tomorrow and I want you to get married to Piya, that's the end of the discussion.

All Mayank could think of "How am I supposed to help Ankita when I can't help myself. I really wish God, please send some angel in her life, that can help and support her. He had no idea his prayers were in progress to be answered.

On the other side, Vaibhav was in a bad mood post his argument with Ankita. He had called her up in such a good mood, to share his success and all Ankita cared about was her mother's umbrella and her best friend Rishabh.

This accident had really changed Ankita so much, it was getting difficult for him to accept.

They were already engaged and in the next few months were supposed to be getting married, but now he was really questioning his decision.

It was not like he didn't love her, but he was not able to accept the new version of Ankita.

They had known each other for such a long time, had been friends yet, he wondered if she was the same Ankita he knew back then.

His thoughts were intervened by his Manager "Tanya", who said, Vaibhav, what happened? Why do you look in a really bad mood? I am sure Ankita did something again. Is she joining us at your success party?

Vaibhav said, Ya, all well. She'll not be able to join us today. It's pretty late for her to join.

Well, she never liked Ankita and always thought "Vaibhav" deserved someone better. And as cunning as she was, she never left any opportunity to keep both of them apart. 

She knew post-Ankita's accident things had changed between Vaibhav and Ankita. Their relationship was going through a tough phase and she made sure to create more drift between them.

Sha said, Vaibhav, sorry to hear that. But don't you think she always has an excuse to avoid being part of your success. She is always available to hang out with her best friend that guy - Rishabh, but you being her fiance, she has no time for you.

Look Vaibhav, as your Manager, I always want the best for you, and let me tell you this upcoming project is going to be a huge success for you. I sometimes feel she doesn't appreciate your success. Well, yes her family has supported you financially, but that doesn't mean that they owe you.

If she is your fiance she should start acting one.

You told me, you guys were in love with each other, where has this 'love" disappeared?

By Vaibhav's expression, she could make out, he was aligned with what "Tanya" said. This was the perfect moment to bring her plan into action.

She said, I am sorry Vaibhav if I am stepping my boundaries, but do you really want to get married to her? Do you know this marriage may jeopardize your career?

You are handsome, talented, and born to deserve success, but I feel this marriage may act as a big 'Impediment" in your career?

My suggestion is, Think over it and make the decision accordingly.

Well, if it helps Ankita is in a wheelchair and God knows how long is this going to be? What if this is for a lifetime? How would you spend your life with someone like "her"?

It felt as if Tanya had given words to Vaibhav's feelings. Well, Vaibhav was confused with the feelings, and Tanya just showed him, what was best for him.

"Thoughts" play a vital role in our life, these thoughts only decide the path of our life. And when we are surrounded by people who pretend to be our well-wishers, knowingly, unknowingly we give them super- the power to influence our thoughts. Nothing harms us more than keeping the wrong set of people close to us.

We don't realize it until we pay the price for keeping these people around us.

Yes, Name, fame, glory had changed Vaibhav, he was no more the same guy Ankita fell in love with, but the truth was he lost a part of himself in this race. Unfortunately, he was not aware of it. It was not easy for him to be where he was today, he had his own sacrifices.

He loved his new life, the recognition and attention he received where ever he go, but the big question was, how Ankita would become part of it.

Where would she fit in his "New Life"? 

Before accidents things were different, now she herself was a responsibility, how would she support him?

The next day Ankita noticed that Bindiya aunty was looking worried while she was preparing breakfast. She said You look, troubled aunty. What is it? You know you can share anything with me. Bindiya said, Nothing beta, all is fine. Actually, I have a friend back in my hometown, her daughter stays in the city. She works in a restaurant here. Today is her birthday and my friend wants me to bake a cake for her and send it to her. The problem is I'll back the cake, but I can't send her the cake. 

Actually, your papa told me this morning, we are expecting some guests today during dinner time. So definitely I can't go, so was thinking about what to do. I can't ask any servant to deliver, since that girl is expecting me.

Ankita smiled and said, Aunty, you bake your cake, I'll order some nice bouquets too along with it. Also, I have a nice trendy necklace that we can give her a gift. What say? And yes, don't worry I'll personally go and deliver it. 

Bindiya said, No Beta, Bouquet, and necklace, etc, not required, you don't have to do all this.

Ankita smiled and said, Aunty, If she is important to you, she is important to me too. And don't worry about guests, they'll not even notice that I am not here. Text me the address and timing, the driver shall drop me, and I promise you, I'll celebrate her birthday on your behalf. I'll go and do the arrangements. I forgot to ask, what's her name, Aunty?

She smiled and said her nickname is Khushi, that's all I remember.

No problem Aunty, Khushi shall get some extra "Khushi" today, Ankita said and left from the kitchen.

Bindiya thought to herself, She is such a warm-hearted person. I pray that she finds her way out of her troubles soon.

Ankita got the address from Bindiya, she told her to reach at 8.00 pm.

When Ankita reached the place, she knocked at the door. 

After two knocks the door was open and much, to her surprise, she saw a familiar face. She thought, wait this can't be true, she was supposed to meet " Khushi", not "Her".

Ankita was shocked and said "You"? What are you doing here? Anyways, I am here to meet "Khushi", can you please call her, so that I can leave.

Nitya smiled and said, Hi Ankita, Good to see you again. Well, I am the "Khushi" you are looking for. But how did you know my nickname and where is Rishabh? And how did you know it was my birthday?

Ankita went silent for a second, she could now connect the dots. She cant believe that Bindiya aunty and Rishabh had planned this. She thought, 'Maybe Destiny was giving her 2nd chance to make things right.

Ankita hugged her and said, Happy birthday Nitya, Can I come in"? I don't think so, Rishabh is joining us. It's going to be Us, I guess. 

And at that very time, Nitya got a text from Rishabh saying, "Hi, Sorry, got stuck in-office meeting. Cant come. Happy birthday, Nitya. Stay blessed. Keep smiling and inspiring everyone around you. I hope you'll enjoy the company. Shall catch up post office meeting. Bye.

Nitya saw the text smiled and said, 'Thank you Ankita. Yes, please come in, we have a lot to talk.

To be continued......