One day, she was walking through the office, when she hear some voices. She paused. Daya was also behind her, he also said nothing.
Man 1: Kya! Pradyuman sir Shreya ma'am ke papa hai.
Woman 1: Hain nhi the kaho…. Mujhe toh unka bachna mushkil lag rha hai.
Woman 2: Aise kaise bol sakti ho tum?
Woman 1: Are yaar, voh ek mahine se coma mein hai… mujhe nhi lagta voh coma se bahar aa payenge.
Man 2: Lekin job hi ho… unhone apni beti ko toh bacha kiya na.
Man 1: Haan, lekin ma'am bhi toh kitni udaas rehne lagi hain.
Woman 2: Kaun si beti apne papa ko aise dekh kar khush hogi.
Woman 1: Lekin unhone toh kabhi unhein apne papa mana hi nhi, phir…
Man 2: Pta nhi… lekin thi toh unki asli beti hi na.
This was enough for Shreya. Generally, she used to ignore the gossips but this time it was enough that ignoring. Daya too had enough. Daya went in, banged the file on the middle table as to gather everyone's attention. Whereas, Shreya was still standing on the doorstep.
Daya (controlled anger): You 4 (pointing at the four): Come here.
They came to her.
Daya (angrily): Tum logon ko yahan salary gossips ki milti hai ki kaam ki? (The 4 exchanged glances) Answer me!
Man 1 (head down): Kaam ki.
Daya (shouted): Toh kisi ke life ki gossips kyun kar rhe ho voh bhi kaam ke time par?
All 4 (guilt): Sorry sir.
Daya then went to Shreya, who was standing on the doorstep.
Daya (softly): Shreya.
Suddenly, tear emerged in her eyes and she left the place running.
In the hospital, ACP was in the special ward. All the instruments connected to him. She never came here to see her father as she was sure she will break down badly. But today was not just another day; it was the day, when her patience died.
She came in running,
Shreya (shout): Enough is enough. Bahut ho gya. Apko maine apni kasam di thin a ki aap mujhe chhod ke mat jaiyega, lekin aapne voh kasam bhi tod di. I hate you. Mujhe bilkul accha nhi lag rha hai aise aapse dur rehna (teary): Uthiye na papa, dekhiye, main akeli pad gyi hoon. Apki kami khal rhi hai mujhe. Yeh un 7 saalon jaisa nhi hai. Aap thik the ab, sabke saath the, aur yahi dekhkar main akeli bhi wahan reh leti thi. Lekin aaj aap akele ho, mujhse ab sabke saath rehte huye bhi akelapan rehta hai. (thought something) Aapne kaha than a ki aap mujhe kucch nhi hone denge (she took out her fully loaded gun and kept it near her shoulder): Dekhiye, agar ab aap nhi uthe toh main khud ko chot pahuncha doongi, save me. (She got no respose) Thik hai, main mazak nhi kar rhi thi.
She closed her eyes and pulled the trigger. Daya entered the room, at the same time. Shreya sat down on the floor in pain as a loud moan escaped her mouth.
Voice: Shreya!
She had a lot of pain but she was satisfied. Her father can't really see her in pain. Even when he was unhealthy, he woke up.
Yes, Pradyuman woke by the pain of her daughter. This was their bond from last 24 years. No one can see the other in pain, but had given a lot of pain unintentionally.
But she did not even smile at him, not even called hm. But just looked at her and went as the doctor came in for his and her check up. Daya held her hand and left with her.
Her face was expressionless but still seemed contended. Daya was worried for her but happy that Pradyuman had waked up.
Another month passed like this. He recovered. All came to meet him except her daughter. She would come and sit outside istead of coming in. Daya would come in and tell him that she is outside. He would just smile at his daughter's antics. He knew she was angry on him but he was helpless.
He had to go to the house today. Finally, she came in, but she said nothing, even her face show no expression. She just took his belongings and Daya helped him to the house. They were about to enter but Pradyuman stopped at the gate. He looked at his daughter, who was trying her best to control her emotions.
Pradyuman (softly): Shreya.
She turned to face him. Her eyes had tears now, she just wanted to cry out loud but grabbed his collar instead.
Shreya (teary): Kyun kiya aapne aisa? Haan (APC wasn't able to understand, so t=did others): Apki chuppi mujhse bardasht nhi hoti! Yeh jante huye bhi ek mahine tak chup the. Naraz the na mujhse ki maine aapko kucch btaya kyun nhi ya kyun rhi aapse dur? Toh dant lete, main toh kehti hoon thapad bhi maar lete lekin chup kyun the? Nhi raha jar ha tha aapke bagair… isse accha hota ki goli mujhe hi lag jaati aur main mar jaati.
She broke down and hugged him tightly. All smiled seeing her expressions. She hid her face in his chest and was shedding all her pain and sorrow. He caressed her hairs.
Pradyuman (smiled): Sorry, aajke baad aisa kabhi hoga.
She separated and smiled through tears.
Shreya (fake anger): Aisa dobaara hone bhi nhi doongi.
Dadi (to lighten the situation): Are pehle mere bête ko andar toh aane do, kitna dubla ho gya hai dekho.
All smiled and came in. They all had some quality time and then left. Everything became normal. She used to spend her time with her beloved and complete family. Her smile again never faded. She again took the title of 'Prankster Queen' in the burea. Oh! Can you imagine an ACP doing pranks at her coullegue? Well, she was unique and why wouldn't she? A 24 year ACP in CID Mumbai, who is the apple of everyone's eyes.
Her father recovered. Dadi told him about her bond with Daya and that they like each other but never confessed. Pradyuman made a plan and was going to initiate it.