Burning in Revenge

How can I , when you can't

Aishwarya's POV 

Rehaan and Varna were sitting along with her parents and Vishal uncle and aunty were also there. As soon as I entered Varna came running to me, hugged me and kissed my cheeks.

"Thank you Aishu" she said in tears

I don't need to think too much to understand the reason 

"Congratulations, I'm so happy for you" I said 

"Congratulations Varna" Vicky congratulated. He is smart enough to understand 

He went to Rehaan, hugged him and congratulated. I was scared that Rehaan would push Vicky or some outburst but nothing of that sort happened. He thanked smiling

I sighed in relief 

I wished everyone 

"Both of you fresh up and come" aunty said 

We went to our room. He hugged me and stayed like that as soon as we were inside

"I told Rehaan everything" 

"I know, you would. You did right thing. Dad always say, 'Truth can't be hidden forever'. When he learns in future it might affect their relation" he said 

"Are you not scared?" I asked 

"I'm hell scared that your family would take you away from me. I can't live without you" he confessed 

"They know how much you love me, don't worry...I assured Rehaan that I'm happy but he  wants to take me home..."

"No, please don't go"

"Just for a day..."

"I will come with you" he said 

I smiled 

"Let's go downstairs, everyone is waiting for us" i said 

Quickly I washed my faced, changed dress and went downstairs, Vicky came after few minutes.

"We all will go to Hyderabad tomorrow" Vishal's dad said 

"Uncle, I want you to know about our family..."

"Rehaan told Aishu, everything about his dad. It's in the past... he told about his dad's crimes but didn't mention anything about my son's crimes which hurt him..." 

I was shocked when he said that, I looked at Rehaan, he was shocked too.

"I like Rehaan, I also know Varna likes him. When I talked to Vishal about the alliance, he told us everything that happened, what they all did to you, Rehaan and your family. I'm so sorry... I wanted to meet you personally and apologize but couldn't muster the courage.

Today Rehaan came home and asked for Varna's hand and told everything about your family. He said, if I believe Varna would be happy with him, accept him as son in law. He didn't say single word against Vishal" uncle said emotionally 

"Let's forget past uncle, everyone is happy" Rehaan said 

We had casual talk, Varna's family left after dinner. Rehaan wanted to go to Hyderabad but I asked him to go next day along with all of us.

Aunty and uncle apologized to Rehaan but he said it's not necessary and I'm lucky to get them as my in laws. Vicky took Rehaan out, I don't know what they talked but they looked good after returning.

We all went to Hyderabad early morning. My family was very happy with the alliance, they like Varna. Next week is her engagement in Mumbai. 

Nikki's mom is coming today, Nikki too would be here. I don't want to see her face. Should I take off and go home? anyway it's Rehaan's engagement, I should help him. It's silly excuse. I can't escape every time she comes here. I'm sure she wouldn't harm me anymore. 

Whole day I had hard time concentrating. 

Vicky came to pick me

"Nikki didn't come, don't worry" he said as if read my mind 

I nodded 

When I went home, there was beautiful lady. I guess she Nikki's mom but it's hard to believe she has 27 year old daughter. Aunty introduced me, she hugged me and kissed my forehead.

Later that night she wanted to talk to me, we both went to terrace 

"I'm sorry for what  Nikki did to you. I have no idea she had that much hatred in her. We never told our children about what happened in our lives. I don't know how she found out. I'm ashamed of my upbringing" she apologized 

"Please don't apologize aunty, it's not your fault"

"I know how much you suffered but... I'm a mother Aishu, I'm selfish to ask you... can you please forgive my daughter?" She asked looking down

"Aunty, did you forgive my mama? You know how much he repents... he begged for forgiveness for 23 years..."

She was silent 

"My mama killed your husband and his brother in vengeance. He was his best friend, he loves and respect Raghav uncle so much. He couldn't bear when he thought that friend betrayed and tried to kill him. 

Im not justifying his actions but the moment he learnt truth, he was shattered, it killed his heart. Everyday he is dying thinking of his crime for the past 23 years but you still hate him"

"Aishu..." she tried to interrupt 

"Please aunty let me finish. 

You might think no one died because of Nikki's actions but she almost killed three people, Vicky, me and my child. 

Do you know Vicky tried to commit suicide?"

She looked at me in shock 

"Even I thought of that. One day I almost jumped into the ocean, I would have if not for a small boy selling balloons. I didn't know I was pregnant. I would have killed my baby along with myself that day. You have no idea how much that thought hurts me.

We  didn't die but that doesn't lessen her crimes.

She took revenge, humiliated my family in front of society. She was not satisfied, blackmailed Vicky to break up with me. Her ego was not satisfied, she wrote a letter in Vicky's handwriting..."

I told her the contents of that letter

She had tears hearing that.

I felt like I was used by Vicky for revenge, hated him so much, couldn't forgive him. I didn't even tell him about my pregnancy. If not for that letter, I would have forgiven him easily. I hurt him so much, I was hurt too seeing him suffer. 

Finally when I was ready to give him second chance, she came and told things against Vicky.she slapped me twice, pushed me. What if something happened to my baby?" It was hard for me to recollect. I couldn't hold my tears

"Tell me aunty, should I forgive her?" I asked 

She nodded no in tears and left saying "sorry"