CHAPTER 22
The next day,
Shaurya entered the house and saw Prisha sitting on the couch in the living room, her leg propped up on a pillow and wrapped in a cast from the thigh down. He asked, looking around, “Where is Mom?”
“There was a function in the neighborhood, she went there,” she said while changing the channel.
Shaurya frowned and said, “Mom shouldn’t leave you alone.”
“Mom was not going, I forced her to go.” She turned toward him. He sighed and said, “I will tell Mom to call me next time if she is going anywhere. What if you need anything?” Prisha rolled her eyes; he was behaving like she was a kid.
“Have you eaten anything?” he asked while removing his tie. Prisha was going to say yes, but she stopped and made a wicked plan to take her revenge. She thought, “Mr. Shaurya, you made me your servant, now it’s your turn.”
“Mom cooked rice for me, but I want to eat white sauce pasta. Can you go and prepare it for me?” she asked, looking at him.
Shaurya looked at her with wide eyes. He said, “Prisha, you know I can cook only survival food like maggi, sandwiches, or salad. I don’t know how to cook white sauce pasta.”
“I have to take medicine. And you know I am not allowed to eat outside. Let it be, I will wait for Mom,” she said innocently. Looking at her innocent face, Shaurya sighed loudly and said, “Okay, don’t be upset.” Then he watched a video and walked to the kitchen.
Shaurya was bustling around the kitchen, preparing white sauce pasta. After half an hour, he walked out of the kitchen tiredly. He forwarded the bowl and said, “Your white sauce pasta.”
Prisha smiled, picked up the bowl, and started eating. Surprisingly, it was tasty. She asked him, “Do you like it?” She was going to say no like he used to do, but she couldn’t do this because of her soft heart. She smiled and said, “It’s nice.” He nodded and was going to sit when she said, “Can you fetch me that book from the shelf? I want to read.” Shaurya sighed dramatically but obliged, walking over to the bookshelf and retrieving the book. He handed it to Prisha, who grinned mischievously.
She kept teasing him like this, making him do her work like changing the bandage, bringing another book, etc. But seeing his tired face, she said softly, “I am fine now, you go and take a rest.” He nodded and walked to his room.
At midnight,
Prisha sighed loudly, waiting for Shaurya. Every night, he came to her room and talked to her, thinking she was asleep. She had grown to love hearing his words, the ones he couldn’t bring himself to say in the daylight.
She closed her eyes and pretended to sleep as she heard the door click open. He walked toward her and sat on the floor beside her. “I’m such a bad person, Prisha,” he whispered. “I know you were trying to take revenge on me. I used to reject your food and made you cook so many times. I’m sorry, please forgive me. You’re such a kind soul; you couldn’t even take your revenge. How evil I am, to hurt you.”
He stood up and continued, “Thank you for loving a man like me. Even if we divorce, I will be grateful to you. Thank you for coming into my life. I love you, my love.” After saying this, he walked out of the room.
Prisha opened her eyes, tears rolling down her cheeks. She murmured painfully, “He’s still thinking about divorce.”
Suddenly, her expression changed, and she smirked. “Mr. Shaurya, you can’t give up like this.” She closed her eyes and slept with a smile.
The next day,
Prisha was sitting in her room, talking to Aditya. "Prisha, don’t you think your husband would kill me? He is so possessive about you. I don’t think it's a good idea," he said nervously. Knowing about his feelings for her, Prisha had already told him how much she loved Shaurya and couldn’t think about any other man. They were just good friends now, and Prisha had even introduced Aditya to one of her friends, whom he seemed to like.
After discovering Shaurya’s true intentions, she had talked to Aditya, who advised her to give Shaurya a chance. He explained that Shaurya wasn’t entirely wrong, as he had his own fears and insecurities and was only thinking about her.
“Aditya, you told me to give him a chance, but he’s still thinking about divorce. I should teach him a lesson, please!” she requested. Aditya couldn’t say no and agreed with her plan.
In the evening,
Shaurya entered Prisha’s room and was shocked to see Aditya massaging Prisha’s leg. His blood boiled at the sight. He roared, “What are you doing?”
Aditya and Prisha turned to him. She said with a smirk, “I have pain in my legs, Aditya was just helping me.”
Shaurya tried to help her,"I will do this. You don't need to ask to him for help."but she refused, saying," Shaurya, don't worry. Aditya is here. He can help me. You go and have rest."
He paced angrily, thinking about Prisha and Aditya. To calm himself, he called Shivay and said, “Prisha is in the room with Aditya. He was massaging her leg.”
Shivay bit his inner cheek to stop himself from laughing. Prisha had already told him about her plan to teach Shaurya a lesson so he would never think of leaving her. Shivay composed himself and said, “Shaurya, according to Prisha, you both are getting divorced, so we can’t do anything. Maybe she has decided to give a chance to Aditya.”
“What?” Shaurya shouted. He was trying so hard to better himself; he had almost quit alcohol and smoking, but his fear of fatherhood was still there.
“How can she do this? I mean, the court wants us to stay together for three months and give this marriage a chance,” he added sadly.
Shivay felt bad for his friend hearing his sad tone, but he knew Shaurya needed to realize that Prisha was a gem andhe could loseher if he didn’t act. Shaurya had to confess his love and leave it up to Prisha to decide whether she wanted to stay with him or not. He couldn’t keep deciding on her behalf.
“Shaurya, I think you should talk to Prisha about your issues, otherwise you might lose her to Aditya.” Shaurya didn’t say anything and just cut the call. He sat holding his head, only he can change himself.
At dinner,
Shaurya was burning with rage as Aditya was literally feeding Prisha. He clenched his spoon angrily. This man had the audacity to flirt with his wife right in front of him. How dare he? But Shaurya couldn’t do anything. Angrily, he stood up and said, “I’m full.” After saying this, he walked toward his room. Seeing his retreating back, everyone burst into laughter.
“I feel bad for him,” Prisha’s mother said. Prisha had told her everything. She was angry with Shaurya, but she understood how much a parent's behavior could affect a child's mental health. Despite his flaws, she could see the goodness in Shaurya, which is why she supported Prisha in giving him a chance.
10 days passed,
Aditya visited Prisha daily, and they spent most of their time together. Shaurya couldn’t do anything except watch them with jealousy and burning rage. Now, Prisha’s leg was healing, and she could walk slowly.
In Prisha and Aditya’s room,
“Prisha, it’s been 10 days, but your husband is so stubborn. He’s not ready to accept that he loves you. But he looks at me like he would kill me anytime,” Aditya said, watching Prisha eat his famous handmade noodles.
“Prisha, stop focusing on food. Do something. He’s going to kill me with his eyes,” Aditya said worriedly.
Prisha chuckled and said, “Adi, don’t worry. I’m here. I’ll save you.”
Aditya shook his head as she wasn’t taking him seriously. He saw some sauce on her lips and said, wiping her face, “Prisha, you’re still a child.”
Shaurya, who was passing by, was shocked to see the scene in front of his eyes. From his view, it seemed like Aditya was kissing Prisha. He couldn’t control his anger and marched toward them. Grabbing Aditya, he started punching him. “How dare you touch my wife?”
Prisha, who was shocked by the sudden turn of events, composed herself and said, “Shaurya, stop it! He was just wiping my face. Leave him.” Shaurya looked at Aditya and then at Prisha. He did it again; he couldn’t control his anger. He should have talked to Prisha before reacting like this. He would never change. He couldn’t control his emotions even for Prisha. Glancing at Prisha one last time, he walked out of the house.
“Shaurya… Shaurya!” Prisha shouted. She wanted to talk to him. She tried to walk after him, but due to weakness, she was about to fall. Thankfully, Aditya held her and said with concern, “Prisha, what are you doing?”
“Adi, Shaurya seems upset. I need to talk to him,” she said worriedly. Aditya stopped her, saying Shaurya went out in the car and she could only call him. She picked up her phone and tried to call him, but his number was switched off. She called Shivay and told him everything, who assured her that he would find him.
At 11 PM,
Prisha was staring at the main door, waiting for Shaurya. Seeing her anxious state, her mother said worriedly, “Prisha, don’t stress yourself. You’re still recovering. Stress is not good for you. And don’t worry, Shaurya will come. Shivay is looking for him.”
“It’s all my fault. I shouldn't have made this stupid plan. Now, Shaurya thinks there is something between Aditya and me,” she said painfully. “I’m sure now he will give up on me, thinking my happiness is with Adi.”
Prisha’s mother sighed, cupping her face. “Prisha, Shaurya is carrying a lot of baggage. He has anger issues, fears, and insecurities. Do you really want to give him a chance? Change takes time. It could take a year or ten years, we can’t say.”
Prisha looked at her mother, realizing she was right. She couldn't expect Shaurya to change overnight. He needed time. Was she ready to give him that time? To have patience and stay beside him no matter what? Was she ready for all this sacrifice?
She came out of her trance when she saw Shaurya entering the house with Shivay's support. He was blabbering something, and it was clear he was heavily drunk.
Prisha’s mother looked at Shaurya with disappointment. Prisha sighed, trying to touch Shaurya, but he jerked her hand away, shocking her. Tears started forming in her eyes. Did he doubt her? Did he think she had an affair with Aditya and didn’t want to keep any connection with her?
Her mother held her for support. “Prisha, don’t worry. He’s drunk. You can talk to him tomorrow.” Shaurya’s voice interrupted them.
“You girl, don’t touch me. You don’t know I am a married man. I have a beautiful, sweet, and innocent wife...my Prisha.” Hearing him, Prisha and her mother were shocked.
“Only my wife has the right to touch me. No other girl can touch me, understand? I have a perfect wife who loves a stupid man like me. Even with so many flaws, she loves me,” he said with a big smile.
“Shaurya, look at her carefully. She is your Prisha,” Shivay said, still holding him. Shaurya blinked his eyes, his vision blurry because of the alcohol. Seeing her properly, he said, “Yes, she is my Prisha. My wife. My world, my life...my everything.”
Shaurya cupped her face and said, “Prisha, thank you for loving a man like me. You know my dad used to say I am not made for love. Everyone leaves me because of my behavior. Will you also leave me, Prisha?” Prisha’s heart beat like a drum as he continued, “I thought you would also leave me, that’s why I left you. I thought it would be less painful.”
He laughed loudly. “I am so stupid. This can never lessen my pain. Nothing can lessen my pain.” He turned to Shivay and said, pointing toward him, “My best friend, my brother, told me to talk to you. And confess my love to you. But, I was such a coward, never gained the courage to confess how much I love you.”
He cupped her face again and said, “I love you so much, Prisha. You are the reason for my living. You are my everything.” Tears were continuously flowing from her eyes. She knows he loves her, but listening from his mouth, brings unknown emotions.
“But I can’t be with you. I have so many issues. I can’t control my anger. I have a drinking habit. I never want to become a father.”
“No girl can stay with a man like me. What can I give you? Nothing. You would have to handle me all your life like a nanny. I don’t want this for you. I want you to have a beautiful future. I want your happiness, which I can’t give you.” Tears started rolling down his cheeks.
He joined their foreheads. “Prisha, I am not for you. I can’t give you anything except pain and tears. So, I have decided I will end this relationship for your happiness. This will give you pain for a few months, but living with me will give you pain forever.”
“But I can’t see you with another man, so I have decided. I will go far from you, so my shadow can’t reach you.” He kissed her forehead and said, “But remember, I will always love you, no matter where I am. I have only one wife, and that’s you, my love...Mrs. Prisha Shaurya Rawat.” Before he could speak further, his head started spinning and he was about to faint, but Shivay held him and said, “I’m taking him to his room.” Saying this, he walked to Shaurya’s room.
Prisha sat on the sofa holding her head. Her mother sat beside her and said, “I can’t believe Shaurya’s father could speak like this. Didn’t he think once about his son and how it would affect his mental health?”
Suddenly Prisha turned to her mother and hugged her. “Thank you, Mom, for giving me such a wonderful childhood. Thank you for always being there for me, thank you for always supporting me.” Prisha loved and admired her mother a lot, but sometimes we need to tell the person how much they matter to us.
She broke the hug, and her mother said softly, “It’s my duty, Prisha. To support you. Even though I supported Tina in everything, I don't know why she became like this.” She shrugged off the topic and said, “Now, what will you do, Prisha?”
Prisha remained silent. Her mother continued, “Prisha, I had doubts about whether you were doing the right thing by giving Shaurya a chance, but now I don’t have any doubts. He really loves you, but it’s your decision. He was right; you have to handle him. Are you willing to do this?”
“Your mom is right; indeed, he is a difficult person,” Shivay said, walking toward them. He sat on the sofa and continued, “Prisha, Shaurya was not totally wrong, and today, I can understand what he was trying to say. He quit alcohol; he hasn’t drunk for one month, but today he couldn’t control his emotions and went to the bar.”
He took a deep breath and said, “He has no control over his emotions. He was right; you deserve a better future. I’m scared to say it’s difficult for Shaurya to give this to you.”
“I need time to think about this.” Saying this, Prisha walked to her room. She sat on the floor and burst into tears, why life was so difficult for Shaurya and her. They loved each other so much, but they couldn’t be together easily. They had to cross so many hurdles, which was so difficult. She kept crying until sleep consumed her.
The next morning,
Shaurya opened his eyes and sat up, holding his head. “Hangover! My head is bursting.” He closed his eyes and remembered yesterday’s events. He saw Aditya and Prisha, then he went to the bar. After that, he didn’t remember anything.
“It must have been Shivay who dropped me here.” Thenremembering last night, he cursed himself. “Prisha and Mom must have seen me drunk. They must hate me.” Shaurya couldn’t muster the courage to face them, so he quickly got dressed and left the house.
Today, he decided to end this. He couldn’t stay with Prisha; he could never change. He would always remain a man like this, a drunkard. Prisha didn’t deserve a man like him. He called his lawyer and told him to finalize the divorce today.
Prisha was sitting on the sofa, still confused about her decision. Her mother passed her a cup of tea and said, “Don’t think too much. Everything will be fine.”
Prisha nodded and started drinking her tea when her phone rang. It was Shivay. She picked up the call and said, “Hello!”
“Prisha, our lawyer called and informed me that Shaurya has decided to finalize your divorce today. He’s going to meet the judge,” Shivay informed her worriedly.
Prisha was too shocked to react. She felt like someone was taking her breath away. Once again, Shaurya had made a decision on her behalf. She took a deep breath and said, “Bhai, it’s okay. It’s always him who makes decisions on my behalf. Let him do whatever he wants.” Saying this, she cut the call and burst into tears.
Prisha’s mother, stroking her hair, said, “Prisha, you can talk to him.”
Prisha interrupted, “Mom, I don’t want to talk to him. He never talked to me before making any decisions. Maybe we are not meant to be together.” She burst into tears.
Her mother hugged her, trying to console her, when Prisha’s phone rang. Seeing Shaurya's name on the caller ID, she said, “Now what does he want? I don’t want to talk to him.”
“Prisha, maybe he wants to say something important,” her mother suggested, hoping they could talk once more before making any final decisions.
“No, Mom. I don’t want to talk to him,” Prisha said sternly.If he didn't want to give chance to this relationship, then she was not going to force him.
Her mother sighed, picked up the phone, put it on speaker, and said, “Shaurya, Prisha doesn’t want to talk to you, but she can hear you.”
He chuckled sadly, “It’s alright, Mom. I deserve this.”
Prisha could hear the sadness in his voice.
“Prisha, can you please hear me one last time?” he paused. When she didn’t say anything, he continued, “Prisha, I love you so much. You changed my world. If you weren’t there, I would never have experienced this beautiful feeling called love. Thank you, my love. Thank you for loving me.”
His voice softened, “Prisha, my car brakes are damaged.” Prisha and her mother panicked. Before she could respond, he added, “Prisha, the day you became my wife was the happiest day of my life. Even if I die today, I have no regrets.”
“Shaurya, please don’t say that. Nothing will happen to you. Please, tell me where you are. I’m coming,” she said, crying and clutching the phone.
“Prisha, don’t cry. Always stay happy and remember I love you so much,” he said softly. Then they heard a loud crash.
“Shaurya!” Prisha shouted before fainting.