Panchi pov:

My mind was bouncing with unexplainable joy, when I heard my 2nd puc result from my friend, rabya's mouth. I can't even explain what I really felt when I got to know that I secured 98.7 percent. Ohhh!! I am so delighted.Talking about my nani , she was on cloud nine when she congratulated me hugging me, kissing me, whispering never ending sweet nothings.

Rabya's parents also congratulated me with proud wishes. They treat me no other than rabya, just like their own daughter. Coming to rabya, she exclaimed dangerously high pitch hugging me tight. The only friend which I got for my entire life I think. We were friends since LKG grade itself. That is the reason why we have developed a strong unbrokable bond.

I too congratulated her with same enthusiasm for her getting 88.9 percent. Their parents were so happy for her distinction result. They even decided to distribute sweets for whole village. Rabya's father, shoaib uncle, being tehsildar wanted to celebrate this good news with their village people. They were quite rich and had really very good name and fame in village. Village people respected shoaib uncle very much.

One thing I liked about them was they never compared their daughters weakness with others. They always supported her in every way possible. Today also, I didn't saw even a single ounce of jealous or comparision on their face for me getting better result than hers. They were more than happy for what she got.

Meanwhile, I am sitting in rabya's spacious bedroom with her, chitchatting and gossiping which we always does when we meet up. I was so excited to share my many thoughts with her as we didn't met since long time due to our exams. I also need to discuss her with future plans as our final exams are finished.

" So, aage kya karne ka socha hai? " I asked sitting on bed, spreading my hands on bed effortlessly, coming to main topic not before chatting some gossips.

"Dekh mera toh pehle hi tay tha doctor banne ka toh bas ab neet ke liye prepare hona hai ." She replied while searching for some books in her cupboard.

"Hmm...iska matlab tu fix hai medical field me jaane ke faisle ko lekar" I asked watching her searching. This statement of mine aroused because she was indecisive of her future plans when she used to talk to me.

"Ha yaar Mera faisla ab atal hai. Do tuk raaye nahi hai ab . I am very much clear about my plans now. Jaana hai to bas medical field." She said enthusiastically coming towards me holding a book in her palm.

"Hmm... Good ki tune faisla le hi liya. Aur ab jyaada time bhi nahi hai hamare paas. Its march now and hamara neet may ko hai to hamare paas bohot kam samay bacha hai portions coverup ke liye. Hame full proof plan banakar padna padega."

"Ha vo bhi hai. Acha sun na meri ek baat manegi please mana mat kar"

"Kya??

" Kya tu neet exam shuru hone tak mere ghar mein rahegi. Hum sath mein padenge. Please...."

"Huhh.!! Kya ?nai no way " meri nani akeli ho jayegi Ghar mein aur vo manengi bhi nahi please rabya yeh nahi I can't do this."

" Par panchi mein baat karungi na nani se mein unhe samjaungi aur vo samaj bhi jayegi. Tu janti hai na Mera biology kitna weak hai. Ab tu hi hai ek jo meri usme madad kar sakti hai please yaar mana mat kar plz plz plz.."

" Ph..par

"Plz plz plz plz... Mere khatir plz plz.....

" Acha... Lekin tumhare parents? .

"Unse baat ho gai hai aur vo maan bhi gaye infact papa to bohot khush the e jaankari ki tu mere sath padegi bole ki acha hai panchi tumhare sath hogi to tumhara dhyan bhi nahi batkega. Plz yaar say yes"

" H..a okay fine lekin sabse pehle nani se permission lena padega agar vo maan gai to hi mein aaungi nahi to.."

"Ha ha done done 👍 mein baat karungi nani se arre baat karungi kya abhi karte hai na chal abhi permission mil jayegi chal." Holding my hand, she dragged me excitedly out of the room to living area where nani and uncle aunty seated on sofa chatting something about our topic itself.

"Nani ek baat poochni thi" rabya asked nani as dragging me to my nani holding my hand. I held her hand having nervous face anticipating the upcoming situation.

"Ha beta bataiye kya baat hai..." Nani said with confused face.

" Vo plz mana mat kariye.. abhi to exams khatm ho gaye aur bas ab neet baaki hai to kya panchi mere sath neet exam shuru hone tak yahi reh sakti hai. Plz plz plz nani plz mein uska ache se khyal rakhungi. Agar vo yaha rahegi na to Mera bhi padhai mein man laga rahega. Plz nani..." Rabya said making puppy face, pleading continuously without giving her any chance to speak crazy girl!! As a result first she looked little unapprovingly but then taking a deep sigh she agreed with plastering a small smile.

After that we had lunch together chitchatting. Me with rabya and nani with uncle and aunty. Most of their chattings were about some pickle which my nani prepared. She has a very good hands on making traditional food items. I too learned some of them.

After a very good meal me and my nani left bidding them bye as I also have to pack up my cloths and belongings to shift in rabya's home. I was little unsettled about my feelings of living in rabya's home as it will be my first time to stay in anyone's home. That too for long period of time. But on the other hand i am excited as well thinking that I can spend my time with my bestfriend.

More than me rabya is super excited that she told me umpteenth time to come early, packing up my things hurriedly.

"Nani pakka mein jau na, agar aap kahe to me nahi jaungi." I asked several times to my nani since we were in bus. I wanted to confirm whether she will be fine with it. I was the only one there for nani to help in house chores and to remind her medicines timely.

If I will be gone, then I doubt whether she will properly take care of her. She sometimes forget to take her medicines too due to her poor memory. Thinking about all this, now really my mind is changing about the decision to leave her.

"Aree.. kitni baar puch chuki hai tu aur kitni baar bata chuki hu main ja gudiya. Meri taraf se poori ijaazat hai. Jake man lagake padhai kar aur ache ank to tu lati hi hai. " She confirmed her decision as we entered our home unlocking door key.

"Par nani agar me chali jaungi to sara kaam apke upar aa jayega. aur apke dawai ka kya. Ap to dawai lena bhi bhul jati hai. Kitni laparvaahi karti hai aap apni sehet ko leke." I complained her sitting on chair. She went to kitchen to keep the snacks which nazma aunty gave.

"Nahi nahi main ek kaam karti hu mein nahi jaati. Mein rabya ko kuch bhi bahana bolke mana kar dungi. Ha yahi sahi rahega."

"Aree. Kitna zyada sochti hi tu.." nani retorted while coming back from kitchen.

" Maine ek baar kaha na tu jayegi matlab jayegi."

" Aur meri chinta mat kar mein teri nani hu choti bachi nahi jiska khyaal rakhna pade. Tu jaa rahi hai bas aur kuch nahi jaldi jaa jaake apne kapde vagera bandh le. Kal subah jaldi nikalna bhi hai "

"Par nani apki dawai..." Before completing my sentence she retorted

" Dawai sab kuch ache se le lungi aur tujhe phone par batiyati rahungi ab khus hai.. jaldi jaa jake saman jod le"

She said holding my elbow and pushing me to the wodden wardrobe in which all our clothes were kept. With a deep sigh I gave up the battle. And started packing my things. I was somewhere relieved that even if she forgets to take her medicine I can call her and remind.

Author's pov :

Ranawat mansion

Forest side, there stood a large mansion coverd with white marbles.

The excessive mansion had so many rooms that it felt like a maze, and the grand ballroom could easily fit an entire football stadium.”

The amount of gold and marble that adorned the mansion would be seen by many as rather excessive.

The expansive mansion was a stunning sight to behold, with its towering columns, sweeping staircase, and numerous balconies overlooking the rolling hills

The grand mansion’s intricate architecture, elegant chandeliers, and ornate furnishings exuded an air of sophistication that left visitors in awe.”

The mansion’s grand entrance with its sweeping staircase, high ceilings, and intricate details gave a sense of majesty and splendor that was fit for royalty.”

The sun rose gently over the domes of Ranawat Haveli, casting golden patterns through the jharokhas and onto the polished marble floors. Inside the open courtyard, marigold petals lay scattered like little suns, as the sound of conch shells echoed softly.

In the middle of it all stood Geetanjali Devi Ranawat — draped in a pale peach saree, simple yet regal. Her forehead bore a calm tilak, her hands joined in prayer before the household mandir. Brass lamps flickered beside her, casting shadows that danced over the idols, and her voice — low, steady, filled with devotion — recited the morning aarti.

There was something grounding in her presence. She was the kind of woman whose silence comforted more than most people’s words.

As the aarti came to an end, the household staff stood with folded hands. She turned toward them with a smile — not formal, not distant — but warm, the kind that made you feel seen.

“Laxman, tumhare bete ka exam hai na aaj? Khud par bharosa rakho, woh accha karega,” she said gently, placing a hand on the old servant’s shoulder. His eyes welled up — not because of what she said, but how she said it.

She handed the prasad out herself, touching each hand like a mother blessing her children. That’s how the staff saw her — not as the thakurain, but as maa.

Just then, light footsteps echoed through the corridor.

Rashmi Ranawat 26 years old entered — cotton co-ord set, sketchpad under her arm, kajal in her eyes, and a sleepy smile. Her hair was a beautiful mess, just like her spirit. A cheerful and fun loving girl. Beautiful features just like her mother. A fashion designer who always dreamt about it and now she made it all true with all her hardwork and dedication without any support or influence from his brother.

“Aarti khatam ho gayi? Mujhe laga main time pe aa jaungi…” she said, a little breathless.

Geetanjali Devi turned, half stern, half amused.

“Aarti ka samay bhool jaane wali ladki fashion ka samay kaise yaad rakhti hai?”

“Fashion ka koi time nahi hota, maa… inspiration toh subah 4 baje bhi aa sakti hai!”

They both laughed — the kind of laugh that only comes from years of shared mornings, shared arguments, and quiet tea breaks in the garden.

Geetanjali cupped her daughter’s cheek, brushing a strand of hair away.

“Tere bina yeh haveli adhoori lagti hai.”

Rashmi hugged her, tighter than usual. She always missed this — the fragrance of her mother’s saree, the warmth of her arms, and the peace only this home could bring.

After a pause, Geetanjali’s gaze shifted toward the large portrait on the wall — a smiling Ranvijay, in a white kurta, his late father beside him.

Her smile faded — gently, not in sorrow, but in yearning.

“Waqt kitna badal gaya hai na, Rashmi... Kabhi socha bhi nahi tha ke mere Ranvijay ki aankhon mein itna sukoon chhup jaayega... lekin tanha sukoon.”

Rashmi lowered her eyes.

“He’s not ready, maa.”

Geetanjali didn’t argue. She just placed the aarti thali down and folded her hands again, eyes closed.

“Main har din dua karti hoon... ki koi ho, jo uske dil ka dard samjhe. Jo uski zindagi mein rang laaye. Aur is ghar mein... phir se khushiyo ke geet bajayein.”

The temple bell chimed softly.

“Ek maa ki dua mein bahut taqat hoti hai, maa,” rashmi whispered.

---

The soft sound of a baby crying echoes in the quiet wing of the mansion.

Princess.

Seven months old. Lying in her cradle, arms reaching into empty space. Her voice isn’t loud, but it’s restless. The kind that doesn't stop even after being fed, even after being rocked.

A caretaker gently lifts her. “Shhh, Princess... look, your favourite toy,” she tries, shaking a small stuffed elephant.

The baby turns her face away and cries harder.

Geetanjali Devi, walking down the corridor. She stops. She’s heard the cry. Doesn’t wait for anyone to call her — just changes direction and walks straight toward the nursery.

Inside, the caretaker looks helpless.

“Maaji… main bahut koshish kar rahi hoon. Lekin aaj toh bilkul nahi chup ho rahi…”

Geetanjali doesn’t scold. Doesn’t speak. Just extends her arms.

The moment the baby is in her embrace, the crying slows. Princess presses her face into Geetanjali’s shoulder, fists clutching her saree.

She sits down slowly on the swing near the window, rocking her gently.

“Tu toh meri Meera ka hissa hai… usi ki khushboo hai tu…” she murmurs, holding her close. “Ek maa ke bina pal rahi hai… par iss maa ka pyaar tujhmein poora utar jaayega.”

Tears rise in her eyes, but she blinks them away quickly. She strokes the baby’s back, humming softly.

Rashmi enters, watching quietly from the doorway.

“She only stops crying with you, maa.”

Geetanjali looks up, smiles faintly.

“Bachpan maa ki god ke bina adhura hota hai, beta.”

There’s a pause. Princess has fallen asleep now, breathing softly against her.

“Meera chali gayi. Uski jagah mera beta kisi ko nahi dena chahta par is bachi ko bhi to maa ka anchal chahiye. ”

She looks at Rashmi.

“lekin hum kya kar sakte hai maa, akhir faisla to bhai ko hi karna padega na. Aur vo apni zindagi mein aage badne ke liye taiyyar hi nahi hai to kya kar sakte hai hum.” she said hopelessly.

" Bohot kuch kar sakte hai aur ab me karungi bhi. Kuch esa jisse uski zindagi sudhar jayegi. Aur meri poti. Ki bhi."

She kisses Princess’s forehead, softly, like sealing a promise.

In evening,

The brass diya burns steadily. Incense smoke swirls in the air.

Geetanjali Devi stands in front of the mandir, her hands folded, eyes closed. Her lips move in prayer — silent, but intense. The thali of aarti rests beside her, untouched now.

She opens her eyes slowly and looks at Krishna’s idol. Her voice is soft but filled with a mother’s ache.

Geetanjali Devi:
“Bhagwan… ek maa ki aakhri umeed hoon main… Mere bete ke chehre par muskaan dikhaye kitne din ho gaye… aur meri poti… uski aankhon mein maa ki talaash dekhti hoon roz...”

Her voice begins to shake just slightly. She places her hand gently over her heart.

Geetanjali Devi:
“Ek aurat… ek aisi aurat bhej de jo in dono ke zakhm bhar sake… jo mere Ranvijay ki zindagi mein phir se roshni laa sake… jo meri Princess ke aansuon ka jawaab ho…”

She closes her eyes again, deep breath in — then folds her hands once more.

Just then, Rashmi enters quietly, holding a cup of tea. She stands by the door, watching her mother with soft eyes.

Rashmi:
“Maa… aap subah-subah ro rahi thi kya?”

Geetanjali wipes the corner of her eye and smiles faintly.

Geetanjali Devi:
“Nahi beta… main toh bas dua kar rahi thi. Har maa ki kuch adhuri duaayein hoti hain… main chahti hoon woh poori ho jaayein.”

Rashmi walks closer, hands her the tea, sits beside her on the floor.

Rashmi:
“Aap ab bhi Ranvijay ke liye sochti ho na?”

Geetanjali nods.

Geetanjali Devi:
“Woh toh sirf zinda hai, Rashmi… par jee nahi raha. Apni beti ke liye bhi ek patthar ban gaya hai. Na rote hain, na muskurate hain… bas khud mein band ho gaya hai.”

She holds Rashmi’s hand tightly.

Geetanjali Devi:
“Ek aurat chahiye uski zindagi mein… koi jo uske dil ki deewar gira sake… jo Princess ko maa ka pyaar de sake… jo is sooni haveli mein phir se rang bhar de, rasoi mein seeti bajti ho, jhooth-moot ka gussa ho, taano mein pyaar chhupa ho…”

Rashmi’s eyes fill up. She lays her head in her mother’s lap.

Rashmi:
“Mujhe bhi yeh haveli pehle jaisi nahi lagti maa…”

Geetanjali strokes her daughter’s hair.

Geetanjali Devi:
“Jab tak kisi aurat ke kadam is ghar mein dobara nahi padte… tab tak yeh sirf ek mahal hai, ghar nahi.”

She looks at the idol again.

Geetanjali Devi:
“Tu sunta hai na, Krishna… meri poori zindagi ki dua yeh hai… mere bete aur uski beti ke liye ek nayi shuruat bhej de… bas ek nayi roshni…”

The diya flickers slightly. Rashmi closes her eyes beside her mother. The mandir bell chimes once — low and soft.

Absolutely. Here's a meaningful scene following everything established — Ranvijay’s cousins (Varun, Viren, Kanika), their parents Sanjeev and Uma, and how they interact in this large yet emotionally layered family. We'll show warmth, undercurrents, unspoken tensions — everything with natural emotion. Like watching it unfold in front of your eyes.

The haveli’s large dining hall is sunlit now. Brass plates line the long table, and silver cutlery glints softly. The smell of fresh poori-sabzi and halwa fills the room.

Geetanjali Devi walks in holding Princess, still drowsy in her arms.

Uma, dressed in a crisp silk saree, comes forward.

Uma:
“Bhabhi ji, de dijiye… main godh le leti hoon.”

Geetanjali:
(smiling) “Nahi Uma, aaj thoda ro rahi thi… mere se chipak ke hi soyi hai.”

Sanjeev, quiet and mild-tempered, folds his hands in front of Krishna’s idol on the wall, then walks over to the table. He always eats last, but today he sits down first, a little tired.

Varun is already setting Princess’s small bowl on the table — mashed fruits, neatly prepared.

Viren:
(grinning, teasing) “Bhai, tu toh full father-mode mein aa gaya hai… bas shaadi reh gayi ab.”

Varun:
“Shaadi se pehle insaan hona zaroori hai, Viren.”

They both laugh. Geetanjali Devi watches them fondly.

Geetanjali:
“Jab Ranvijay chhota tha na… Viren jaise hi tha. Hamesha muskurata, sabko chhedta. Ab dekho… chup rehna hi uski zindagi ban gayi hai.”

A pause falls over the table.

Rashmi, bringing juice, places a glass in front of her chacha, then her chachi.

Kanika walks in, phone in hand, busy filming a story.

Kanika:
“Good morning guys! Your favourite morning face is here!”
(panning the phone toward food)
“Aur yeh hai Ranawat haveli ka royal breakfast. Poori, halwa, and calories that I won’t eat!”

She keeps the phone aside and sits down with a huff.

Kanika:
(to Uma) “ Mumma apko pata hai mere beauty tutorial pe hazaar likes aaye hai aate bhi kyu nai mein hu hi itni perfect. Lekin kuch ladkiyo ki vajah se thoda time lag raha hai. Pata nahi annoying sa chehra le aati hai aur itne likes bhi bekaar mein milte bhagvaan jane kaise."

Rashmi:
(smiling gently) “Kanika, beauty filter use karne wali ladkiyon ke liye real beauty annoying hoti hai. Habit ho jaayegi.”

A beat of silence. Even Viren tries to hide a laugh.

Kanika frowns and stabs at a piece of fruit. She doesn’t reply, but her eyes show the storm inside her.

Geetanjali Devi gently pats Rashmi’s hand under the table.

Geetanjali (softly):
“Har phool ka rang alag hota hai… par sab apne jagah khoobsurat hote hain.”

From the balcony above, Ranvijay stands alone, watching.

He doesn’t step down. He doesn’t call out.

His eyes go to Princess, asleep in his mother’s arms.

Then to his cousins laughing, teasing, living.

And finally, to the empty seat beside where he once used to sit — beside Meera.

A flicker of pain crosses his face.

He turns and walks away.

---