[45]
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Shashwat, visibly exhausted but relieved, informed everyone that they had found Akash.
Richa, still emotionally drained, was dropped off at her home by Reyansh.
Arushi and Siya, concerned for their friend, decided to stay with Richa for the night after getting permission from their parents.
They wanted to ensure Richa was okay and to provide some comfort after the distressing events.
As Shashwat and Akash arrived at Shashwat’s house, Kirti was waiting anxiously. Her face was etched with worry and anger. When she saw Akash, she didn’t hold back her emotions.
“How could you think about doing this?” Kirti’s voice trembled with a mix of anger and sadness. “Dimag kharab ho gaya tha kya?”
Akash lowered his gaze, unable to meet her eyes. “I am sorry,” he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
Kirti’s anger softened as she pulled him into a tight hug. Her tears soaked into his shirt as she whispered, “You scared us all, Akash. We thought we had lost you.”
Ishika, standing beside Kirti, added gently, “This isn’t like you, you can’t just give up like this.”
Ishika nodded in agreement, her expression stern. “You need to think about what you’ve done. What would your grandmother think if she saw you like this? Do you think she’d be happy?”
Naman, trying to keep his own emotions in check, said firmly, “You don’t have to stay with those people anymore. Tu abse hamare sath hi rahega.”
Akash looked up, confusion and worry in his eyes. “But uncle…”
“Kuch uncle-vuncle nahi,” Naman interrupted, his voice steely but concerned. “Ab ham apne bacche ko unn janwaron ke sath ek din bhi rehne nahi denge. I mean I never thought ki wo itna neeche gir sakte hain.”
Piyush, trying to keep the situation under control, said, “Shashwat, kal tu Reyansh ke sath jaakar iske dress aur saman le aana.”
["Bring Akash's belongings from that place tomorrow."]
Akash looked pained. “But I promised Dadi Maa that I would live with him. Unhone last time yahi kaha tha mujhse.”
Naman shook his head, his tone firm but understanding. “Unhe thodi pata tha ki unka beta iss hadd tak gir jayega. Akash, think about your grandmother. Unpe aaj teri ye halat dekh ke kya beet rahi hogi. Do you think she will be happy?”
Akash shook his head again, unable to respond. His guilt and regret were palpable.
Kirti’s voice softened but remained resolute. “Bas, Shashwat. Tera room teeno me sabse bada hai toh make some space for his things and clothes.”
“Ji papa. Chal ab,” Shashwat said, his voice gentle but firm. He took Akash by the arm and guided him up the stairs.
In the quiet living room, the tension from earlier had not fully dissipated. Kirti, Naman, Ishika, and Piyush were gathered around the coffee table, their faces showing deep concern. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows that mirrored their worried expressions.
Kirti sat on the couch, her eyes still red from crying. “I just don’t understand how he could get to this point. We’ve always been there for him. We thought we were supporting him, but it’s like he was suffering in silence.”
Naman, pacing the room with a furrowed brow, said, “It’s not just the recent issues. Akash has been through so much since he was young. He’s always been the strong one, hiding his struggles behind a brave face.”
Piyush, who had been quiet until now, leaned forward, his expression serious. “We need to address this properly. This isn’t just about a single incident. He’s been dealing with these issues for years, and it’s clear it’s eating him up inside.”
Kirti wiped her eyes, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. “So what do we do now? How do we help him?”
Piyush took a deep breath. “I think we need to consider professional help. Therapy sessions could be a good step. He’s been enduring so much, and it must be taking a toll on him mentally and emotionally.”
Naman, stopping his pacing, turned to look at Piyush. “You’re right. Therapy might help him process his feelings and work through his issues.”
Kirti looked at Naman, her expression a mixture of hope and determination. “We’ll talk to Akash about it.”
Inside Shashwat's room, Shashwat broke the silence. "Tu thik hai na?" he asked for what felt like the hundredth time.
"Haan... I am tired," Akash replied, leaning against the headrest. His voice was barely above a whisper.
"Haan late ho gaya hai. We should sleep now," Shashwat said, switching off the lights. The room plunged into darkness, save for the faint glow from the streetlights outside.
Akash turned to his side, his mind racing with memories and doubts.
Shashwat lay down beside him, his own thoughts consumed with worry for his friend.
The silence between them was thick, filled with the weight of unspoken fears.As the night wore on, Shashwat saw his phone light up with messages from Reyansh and Siya.
"Is he fine?" Reyansh asked.
"How is he now?" Siya inquired.
Shashwat replied, "He is still not recovered from that thing, but we will do something."
He then asked Siya, "How is Richa?"
"Jab se aaye the tabse roye jaa rahi thi... abhi soyi hai bas," Siya replied.
"Okk... take care of her. Ab tum bhi so jao," he texted back.
"Hmm," Siya replied.Shashwat put his phone away and turned to Akash. "Shashwat..." Akash called out softly.
"Haan? Kuch chahiye?" Shashwat asked, sitting up slightly.
"Why did we have an accident that night? It was my fault na? I made that plan and sabse jhuth bhi bola tha," Akash said, staring at the ceiling.
Shashwat took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Accidents happen, Akash. It was a mistake, but it wasn't all on you. We all agreed to it. I know it's not easy but please don't think all this is happening because of you."
Akash hummed in response, his eyes still fixed on the ceiling. Shashwat reached out and gently stroked Akash’s hair, hoping to offer some comfort. Eventually, Akash closed his eyes and drifted into a restless sleep, while Shashwat remained awake, his mind racing with plans to help his friend heal.
Next morning, the atmosphere in the university’s grand auditorium was charged with anticipation as students and faculty gathered for the annual science seminar.
As the seminar progressed, Ritika was about to present her research on innovative chemical reactions. However, just before she began, a commotion broke out in the audience.
The images were shocking. They appeared to be candid shots of Ritika and Arav that suggested an intimate moment between them. The angle of the photos made it seem as though they were kissing, though in reality, the situation was entirely innocent.
Ritika’s face turned pale as she saw the images. Her heart raced with a mixture of embarrassment and anger. She felt her stomach drop as she saw the snide comments and smirks from her peers.
The head of the seminar committee, Professor Raghav, who had been presiding over the event, took to the stage.
His face was a mask of stern disapproval.
“It appears that our speakers have decided to make a mockery of this seminar,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain.
“Is this the level of professionalism we expect here? I’m appalled. ”
The crowd murmured in agreement. The humiliation was palpable, and Ritika felt her world collapsing around her.
“This shameless girl!” a voice shouted from the back of the room.
“We should throw her out of the seminar! The college should take strict action. I heard this college is so strict about discipline,” another guest said loudly, his voice dripping with disdain.
“Shameless behaviour! We expected better from you,” another teacher scolded, shaking her head in disapproval. “You have embarrassed not only yourself but also all of us who trusted you.”
“Such conduct is unacceptable, especially in a college with our standards,” the principal said, her voice stern. “We will have to consider severe disciplinary action against you.”
Just as the humiliation reached its peak, Arav stepped forward, his face determined. He knew he had to do something to protect Ritika, even if it meant bearing the brunt of the blame himself.
He couldn't think of any other excuse; the real culprit was unknown, and until it became clear who was behind this, the blame would fall on both Ritika and him. The harsh reality was that they both could be expelled from the college. It was better if only he faced everything to save her image.
“Excuse me, everyone,” Arav said loudly, drawing the attention of the entire room. “This is my fault. Ritika is innocent.”
The room fell silent, all eyes now on Arav.
“What do you mean?” the principal asked, her tone sharp.
Arav took a deep breath. “I was the one who made a mistake with the chips. The photos you saw were not real. I asked a friend to take them in such a way because... because I like Ritika. I…I wanted to blackmail her…using those photos..to..to forgive me and accept my proposal.”
Arav took a deep breath. “I was the one who made a mistake with the chips. The photos you saw were not real. I asked a friend to take them in such a way because... because I like Ritika. I...I wanted to blackmail her using those photos...to forgive me and accept my proposal.”
Gasps filled the room. Ritika's eyes widened in shock, tears brimming as she struggled to comprehend what Arav was saying.
“You wanted to blackmail her?” a teacher repeated, her voice laced with outrage.
“How could you stoop so low?” another guest added, shaking his head in disgust.
Ritika, trembling with a mix of anger and betrayal, stepped forward. “How could you, Arav? I trusted you!” she shouted, her voice breaking. Without thinking, she slapped him hard across the face, the sound echoing in the room.
“You're nothing but a coward,” she continued, her voice trembling.
Arav stood there, feeling the sting of her slap and her words. He knew he had to endure this for her sake, no matter how much it hurt.
“This kind of behaviour is unacceptable,” the principal said sternly. “We will not tolerate such disgraceful actions in our institution. Arav, you will face severe consequences for this.”
Other teachers began to chime in, expressing their disappointment and anger at Arav.
Arav swallowed hard, knowing he had to bear the brunt of the blame to protect her. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
The principal nodded. “We will discuss your punishment and inform you shortly. For now, you are to leave this seminar immediately.”
After the seminar, Ritika sat alone, her mind racing. "Could he actually do something like this?" The answer came to her almost instantly. No, he couldn't.
She immediately regretted not trusting him. In her confusion and hurt, she slapped him and blamed him without thinking it through.
"He can't do something like this! Damn it, Ritika! How could you doubt him? I know he did that to save me from all that humiliation," she berated herself.
Determined to make things right, she muttered, "Before anything else, I have to catch the real person behind this." Her mind quickly raced through the possibilities until one name stood out. "Garima!" she muttered.
Without wasting a moment, she called Mohit, who arrived shortly after. She explained her thoughts to him.
"Haan, I also think that he is innocent. He loves you so much," Mohit agreed.
"Will you help me? I have a plan," she said. Mohit nodded, and Ritika began to outline her plan.
Later that evening, Mohit found himself standing outside Garima's hotel room. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Garima opened it, surprised to see him.
"Mohit? What are you doing here?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I wanted to talk to you about something important," Mohit said, his voice steady. He entered the room and closed the door behind him.
As they sat down, Mohit began to manipulate the conversation, carefully steering it towards his goal. "You know, Garima, I’ve been thinking a lot about what happened. It’s pretty clear to me now that you did this because you love Arav. And you wanted revenge on Ritika for being with him, right?"
Garima's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn’t interrupt him.
"I get it. You wanted to separate them. And honestly, I want the same thing. I like Ritika, and if they break up, it clears my path to be with her. But in the process, you’ve humiliated your own love, Arav."
Garima, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Mohit, began to reveal her plan.
"It was simple, really. I just needed to make it look like Ritika and Arav were up to something inappropriate. I clicked their pictures from an angle that made it seem like they were doing something wrong when they were just sitting and talking. I knew this would get Ritika kicked out of college, and once Arav was out too, I could reach him and convince him that it was all Ritika’s fault.
He would hate her, and they’d be separated for good. "
As Garima spoke, Ritika and the principal stood outside the door, listening to every word.
Once Garima finished her confession, Mohit gave the signal. The principal knocked on the door and entered the room, his expression stern. "Garima, I’ve heard enough," he said, his voice cold. "You’ve admitted to framing Ritika and manipulating Arav. This is a serious offense."
Garima's face turned pale as she realised what had just happened. "No, it’s not what it looks like!" she stammered.
"Save it, Garima," the principal said sharply. "We have all the evidence we need. You will face strict disciplinary action for this. Your behaviour is unacceptable, and you will be expelled from this institution immediately. But before that I have to clear Arav's image infront of everyone."
Ritika sat alone in her hotel room, lost in thought.
Arav's action chipping away at the walls she had built around her heart.
The humiliation she had endured was hard to forget, but she could see that Arav was truly regretting his actions and going above and beyond to make amends, all without expecting anything in return.
Her heart softened as she realised how much he cared for her, how much he had done to prove his sincerity.
Determined to find him and set things right, Ritika left the hotel.
She wandered through the bustling streets, her eyes scanning the area, looking for any sign of him.
Eventually, she spotted Arav sitting alone at an open café, his face etched with worry and sadness.
He was staring at his hands, lost in thought.
"Arav!!" she shouted, her voice breaking the silence. He looked up, startled, and stood from his seat, confusion evident in his eyes as he saw her approaching.
Without thinking, Ritika rushed towards him. Before he could react, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug, causing him to stumble back a step. Tears streamed down her face as she clung to him, finally feeling his presence close to her after so long.
"R... Ritika... Are you ok?" Arav stammered, shocked and confused by her sudden embrace.
"I love you," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
"What?" Arav asked, his eyes wide in disbelief.
"Sunai nahi deta kya!" she repeated, her voice stronger this time.
"Matlab... tumne mujhe maaf kar diya?" he asked, hope and disbelief mingling in his voice.
["Did you forgive me?"]
"Haan toh mai hug kyun karne aaungi aise bina maaf kiye!" she replied, still holding onto him tightly.
["Why would I hug you?"]
A wide smile spread across Arav's face as his own eyes filled with tears. He hugged her back just as tightly, lifting her off the ground in his joy. Passersby glanced at them curiously, but the couple was oblivious to everything around them.
"I love you too... Ohh god! I love you so much!" he whispered fervently, his voice choked with emotion.
“Thank you so much for forgiving me," Arav said, his voice steady and sincere. "I’ll spend the rest of my life making up for my mistakes if you’ll let me."
She smiled through her tears, her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time.
They broke the hug, still standing close to each other. Ritika took a deep breath and looked down, guilt heavy in her eyes.
"I am sorry... I should have trusted you when you took all the blame on yourself when the main culprit was Garima," she said, her voice trembling, eyes cast downward.
"Garima?" Arav asked, confusion knitting his brows. Ritika explained everything that had transpired, detailing Garima's manipulations, the false accusations, and the entire plan that had led to their misunderstanding.
"That's so disgusting! Aur you don't have to apologise, it's not your fault... koi bhi aise react karta uss time," Arav reassured her, his tone firm yet gentle.
"No, it's my fault. I claimed that I loved you, but trust is most important in love, aur maine tumpe trust hi nahi kiya.
Maine thappad bhi maara sabke samne... I am feeling so guilty.
Tum chaho toh mujhe thappad maar lo uske badle," she said, her voice breaking as she looked up at him, tears brimming in her eyes.
["I shouldn't have slapped you. You can slap me in return."]
"Ritika, kya bakwas kar rahi ho! I can't do this," Arav said, shaking his head vehemently.
"Please... Mujhe bahot bura lag raha hai. Agar tumpe trust nahi bhi kiya toh bina proof ke thappad nahi marna chahiye tha. Please slap me once," she pleaded, her voice barely a whisper as she closed her eyes and braced herself for the impact.
["I am feeling bad. Please slap me."]
"Jyada zor se mat marna," she added, her voice trembling. Arav couldn't help but smile at her scared, earnest expression.
He bent down, his heart swelling with love and tenderness, and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. Ritika's eyes flew open, flustered and shocked by the unexpected gesture.
"Ye chalega?" he asked softly, his eyes filled with affection and a hint of amusement.
["Is this fine?"]
Ritika looked down, her cheeks flushed crimson. She couldn't hold back her tears any longer, overwhelmed by the tenderness of his response.
Arav gently pulled her into another hug, holding her close as the sounds of the city continued around them. Ritika buried her face in his chest, her tears soaking his shirt.
The Mittal house stood in a state of subdued disarray, mirroring the turmoil within. Shashwat and Reyansh arrived at the residence. The front door creaked open as they entered, greeted by a disheartening silence.
Vihaan, who had been wandering through the house with a look of deep concern, spotted Shashwat and Reyansh and hurried towards them. His face brightened momentarily at the sight of familiar faces, but quickly fell back into an expression of worry and sadness.
"Bhaiya, kaise hain?" he asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.
["How is he ?"]
"Pehle se better hai, but still he is not recovered," Shashwat replied, his tone subdued, carrying the weight of the situation.
Reyansh, scanning the room and seeing the packed bags scattered around, inquired, "Tumne uske bags pack karva liye?"
Vihaan nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Wo ab kabhi vapas nahi ayenge?" he asked, his voice cracking with the pain of loss and isolation. The question hung heavily in the air, echoing his sense of abandonment.
["Won't be return back?"]
"Nahi," Shashwat replied simply, his eyes not meeting Vihaan’s.
Vihaan’s father, Dinesh, appeared in the doorway, his demeanour stern and unyielding. He threw the bags with a forceful motion, the thud echoing through the room. “Ye le jao uske bags!!” he barked, his frustration palpable.
“Vihaan, go back to your room now! What are you doing with them? Don’t you have your test tomorrow?” his mother scolded, her voice carrying a mix of irritation and concern.
"Dad, why are you behaving like this? Don’t you know bhaiya was about to end his life?” Vihaan’s voice rose in desperation, his eyes pleading for understanding.
"But sadly he didn't. Mar jata toh accha hota..." Dinesh started to say, his words dripping with cold indifference.
["I wish he would have died."]
Before Dinesh could finish his sentence, Shashwat's anger flared. Without warning, he grabbed a jug of water from a nearby table and hurled it towards Dinesh, the water splashing across the floor and soaking the furniture.
"Shame on you!" Shashwat exclaimed, his voice laden with anger and disappointment.
“Shashwat…” Reyansh said, placing a restraining hand on Shashwat's arm, trying to calm him down.
“How dare you? Mere ghar mein ghus ke mere sath aisa behave karne ki himmat kaise hui?” Dinesh shouted, his face flushed with a mix of rage and humiliation.
Vihaan, still overwhelmed by the situation and desperate to help, approached with a hopeful expression. “Bhaiya, mai bhi aap ke sath chal ke unse mil sakta hun kya?”
“Vihaan!! Don’t you dare! Just go to your room,” Dinesh yelled, his voice filled with harsh authority. Vihaan flinched, hurt by the sharpness in his father’s tone.
Reyansh and Shashwat returned to the Rajvansh residence, their expressions a mixture of exhaustion and concern. The weight of the day’s events hung heavily on their shoulders. They carried Akash's bags into Shashwat's room, placing them carefully on the floor.
Shashwat looked at Akash, who was sitting on the bed, staring blankly at the apple he had placed on a plate. His once lively eyes were now dull, reflecting the storm brewing inside him. Shashwat’s worry deepened as he saw his friend in such a state.
"Tera bag," Reyansh said, handing a bag to Akash.
"Thank you," Akash replied with a small, forced smile. The simple act of gratitude seemed to take all his energy.
As Shashwat glanced around the room, his eyes fell on a knife in Akash's hand. His heart skipped a beat.
"Ye chaku tere hath me kya kar raha hai!" Shashwat exclaimed, rushing forward and snatching the knife from Akash's hand.
"I was going to eat apples," Akash replied, gesturing towards the plate on the bed with the apple on it. His voice was calm, almost resigned.
Shashwat and Reyansh exchanged relieved glances, but the tension in the room was palpable. Akash picked up a book he had been reading and walked towards the table to put it back. Shashwat, not wanting to leave him alone for even a second, followed closely behind.
Akash turned around, noticing Shashwat’s persistent presence. "Peecha kyun kar raha hai kabse?" he asked, a hint of irritation in his voice.
Shashwat shook his head, unable to find the words to explain his worry.
With a sigh, Akash stood up and grabbed a change of clothes. He started walking towards the washroom, and Shashwat, like a shadow, followed him.
"Chal tu bhi chal naha le sath me," Akash said, grabbing Shashwat's hand and dragging him along, clearly irritated by his behaviour.
"Arre kya kar raha hai!" Shashwat protested, trying to free his hand from Akash’s grip.
"Nahi nahi tu chal hi le ab," Akash said, his irritation turning into a half-hearted jest. He let go of Shashwat’s hand, shaking his head, and went into the washroom.
Shashwat paced the room, glancing nervously at the closed bathroom door. "Ye itna time kyun laga raha hai?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.
"Haan... it usually takes him 5 minutes to take a bath," Reyansh replied, frowning.
A sudden, alarming thought crossed Shashwat's mind. "Shit! Kahin usne phir se toh..." His heart started pounding louder, echoing his rising panic.
Reyansh’s eyes widened. He rushed to the bathroom door and started banging on it loudly. "Akash...are you okay??" he called out, his voice shaking with urgency.
There was no reply. The silence was deafening.
"Akashh!!" Shashwat shouted, joining Reyansh at the door.
"We should break the door!" Reyansh suggested, and Shashwat nodded in agreement.
They both took a few steps back, readying themselves to force the door open. They ran towards it, aiming to hit it with their shoulders. Just as they were about to make contact, the door swung open, and they both stumbled inside, crashing directly into the bathtub together.
Akash stood there, dripping wet, looking at them in disbelief. "Kya kar rahe the tum dono!" he exclaimed.
["What are you doing?"]
Before Shashwat and Reyansh could respond, Darsh and Arushi, who had heard the commotion, rushed into the room. They stopped short at the sight before them: Shashwat and Reyansh sprawled together in the bathtub, soaking wet.
"Bhaiya...aap dono..." Arushi said, her eyes wide with shock.
Darsh quickly video-called their WhatsApp group, and soon, Siya, Ritika, and Richa joined the call. "Shashwat bhaiya aur Reyansh bhaiya ek sath nahate huye pakde gaye!" Darsh announced, showing the scene from his phone's back camera.
["Reyansh bhaiya and Shashwat bhaiya has been caught in bathtub togather."]
"Pagal ho gaya hai kya tu?? Band kar phone!!" Shashwat yelled, trying to cover his embarrassment.
"Hey Bhagwan!! Ye kya ho raha hai hamare peeth peeche??" Siya responded, her eyes wide with shock.
["What is happening behind my back?"]
Ritika, sitting with Arav, looked at them with wide eyes. "Mujhe toh pehle se shaq tha!" she said, and Arav chuckled at the scenario.
["I already had doubt."]
"Uth na leta kya hua hai merepe!" Reyansh said to Shashwat, struggling to maintain some dignity.
Akash, chuckling at the scene, went over to help them stand up. "Akash..." Richa said, noticing him there.
"Akash, tu waha kya kar raha hai?" Ritika asked, confused.
"Wo...aap log kal aa rahe ho na toh kal baat karenge," Siya said, trying to deflect.
"But kya hua hai?? Is everything alright?" Arav asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Haan bhaiya...sab thik hai. Aap log enjoy karo," Akash quickly said, disconnecting the call before more questions could be asked.
Siya, Richa, and Divya entered the house, as youngsters were sitting in living room, their chatter echoing through the spacious hallway.
“Tum log?” Akash looked up, surprised to see them. His expression was a mix of curiosity and mild surprise.
“Haan, aaj saath mein movie dekhne ka plan banaya hamne,” Shashwat explained with a bright smile.
Akash gave a small smile, “Ok nice,” he said, his voice calm but a little distant.
The group made their way to the living room, where plush sofas and a large TV awaited them. They settled in comfortably, the atmosphere light and filled with anticipation.
“Konsi movie dekhein?” Reyansh asked, glancing around the group. His question was met with a few thoughtful hums and puzzled expressions.
“Movie dekhne ka plan ban gaya, par movie hi decide nahi hui wah!!” Arushi said, her voice laced with amusement .
“Vivaah dekhen?” Siya suggested, her eyes lighting up.
“Ohh, last time bhi tumne yahi suggestion diya tha. Kuch naya bolo,” Shashwat responded, shaking his head .
Siya, ever the quick thinker, smirked and quipped, “Aap kahiye to Rajesh Khanna ya Dharmendra ki movie laga dun, dadaji.”
“Arre!! I mean koi comedy movie batao na,” Shashwat countered.
Reyansh turned to Akash, who had been quietly listening, and said, “Akash, tu bata na koi.”
But Akash seemed distant, his expression shifting slightly as he stood up. “Mujhe nahi dekhna… mera man nahi hai,” he replied, his voice carrying a hint of weariness.
Before he could walk away, Richa reached out and gently held his hand. Her touch was soft, her gaze tender. “Ok fine, but at least hamare saath to baitho,” she requested, her voice filled with gentle concern.
Akash hesitated for a moment, then nodded and settled beside her. Richa smiled warmly at him, her eyes filled with understanding, and after a brief pause, Akash returned her smile, although a small one.
Divya piped up, “Chup Chup Ke lagaiye na.”
“Haan, usme bandiya ki shakal iss se milti hai, isliye itni excited hai,” Darsh teased with a mischievous grin.
“Haan, aur tumhari haunted movie ke hawasi music teacher ki aatma se jab woh heroine ke friend ke andar ghus jati hai,” Divya shot back, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm.
The room erupted in laughter, everyone enjoying the light-hearted banter. Even Akash, who had been so serious moments ago, shook his head with half smile.
“Maalik, bas bahot ho gaya. Aaj to iss baat ka faisla kar hi dalte hain. Kaisa faisla? Seedha chalte hain muchhad ke ghar aur muchhad ko bolte hain ki naav vapas karta hai ki nahi. Phir? Phir muchhad bolega ki naav vapas nahi karunga. To? To ho gaya na faisla,” Siya imitated Rajpal Yadav and Paresh Rawal’s comedic timing with such accuracy that everyone burst into laughter.
They began skipping through scenes, fast-forwarding through the 3-hour movie in just 30 minutes. The mood was off; it was hard to enjoy anything when one of them was visibly troubled.
As the movie ended, Shashwat sighed, breaking the silence. “There was no fun. Should we play something?”
But Siya wasn’t interested in games. Her eyes lit up with a sudden idea. “Nahi, kuch banate hain… Cake banaye?” she suggested, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
["No, let's make something... Should we bake a cake?"]
Shashwat’s eyes widened in mock horror. “Mujhe apna kitchen pyara hai aur hamari zindagi bhi. Toh please, tum wahan jane ki meharbani mat karna,” he teased, shaking his head dramatically.
["I love my kitchen and our lives too. So please, don't do us the favor of going there."]
Siya pouted, defending herself. “Ab aisa bhi kuch nahi hai,” she said, crossing her arms with a huff.
["It's not like that."]
“Kaisa hai, mujhe pata hai,” Shashwat retorted with a knowing smile. “Tum touch bhi nahi karna, specially gas cylinder… Jo karenge, hum karenge. Tum bas khadi rehna.”
["I know how it is. Don't touch anything, especially the gas cylinder... Whatever we'll do, we'll do. You just stand there."]
Siya, not one to back down easily, mocked him by making a face, her expression both adorable and defiant. Shashwat chuckled, unable to resist smiling at her cuteness.
Deciding to go along with the plan, they all headed to the kitchen.
Richa, noticing Akash still lingering behind, gently took his hand and pulled him along.
“Chalo, tum bhi chalo,” she said softly, her eyes encouraging him to join in.
Reluctantly, but not wanting to refuse, Akash allowed himself to be led into the kitchen by Richa.
["Let's go, you come too."]
The atmosphere in the kitchen was soon filled with the sounds of clattering utensils and playful banter as they all busied themselves with the task at hand.
Even though Akash wasn’t fully engaged, being surrounded by his friends’ energy and warmth was beginning to lift his spirits, if only just a little.
“Koi recipe to dekho,” Shashwat suggested, eyeing the assortment of ingredients on the counter with uncertainty.
["Look up a recipe at least."]
Siya, always quick with a retort, shot back, “Bahot chef ban rahe the na to kariye ab.” Her tone was playful, but there was an unmistakable glint of mischief in her eyes.
["You were acting like such a chef, so do it now."]
Shashwat crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at her. “Tumhe bada aata hai na.”
["You know a lot, right?"]
“Haan aata hai par Dadaji apne se upar kisi ko samjhe na,” Siya replied with a smirk, making everyone chuckle—everyone except Akash, who remained silently standing in the corner.
["Yes, I do, but Grandpa doesn't consider anyone above him."]
Shashwat, feigning defeat, threw his hands up in mock surrender. “Acha bitiya, ab batao kya karen pehle.” His exaggerated tone drew more laughter from the group.
[Alright, little one, now tell us what to do first.]
“Ji Dadu,” Siya played along, “pehle container lijiye,” she instructed, as Arushi handed over the container.
[Yes, Grandpa, first take the container.]
“Andar ache se butter laga dijiye uske baad...” her voice trailed off as she focused on the next step.
[Spread butter inside it properly, then…]
Shashwat and Reyansh moved to the oven, setting the temperature to 350°F. They grabbed the cake pans, intent on greasing them properly.
“Arre ache se kar na yaar, gira kyun raha?” Shashwat complained, watching as some of the butter slipped off the pan Reyansh was handling.
[Hey, do it properly, why are you spilling it?]
“Tu hi kar le,” Reyansh shot back, equally frustrated, “agar tere se gira, toh muh ragad dunga tera ussi pe.”
[You do it then, if you spill it, I'll rub your face in it.]
Shashwat rolled his eyes. “Akash sahi kehta hai, tum bhai behan itne violent ho jate ho har baat par…chal kar ab,” he muttered, shaking his head.
[Akash is right, you siblings get so violent over everything...come on, do it.]
Siya intervened, “Akash bhaiya, dekhiye inn dono ko, lad rahe hain. Agar kuch kharab hua toh aap dono ka huliya kharab kar denge ham.”
[Akash bhaiya, look at these two, they're fighting. If something goes wrong, we'll mess up both of your looks.]
Akash, barely acknowledging the commotion, simply murmured, “Hmm.”
Siya and Divya worked in harmony, with Arushi carefully measuring the flour while Divya whisked the ingredients together. Just as they finished, Arushi slipped, and the bowl of dry ingredients tumbled to the floor, sending a cloud of flour into the air.
“Kutti kha jao sab!” Siya exclaimed in irritation, her frustration evident.
[All of you go to hell!]
Shashwat and Reyansh exchanged wide-eyed glances, barely suppressing their laughter.
“Aru, tu pagal hai kya?” Shashwat scolded, rushing to help her.
[Aru, are you crazy?]
Siya turned to Richa. “Ready to cream the butter and sugar?”
[Ready to cream the butter and sugar?]
“Haan, ho gaya,” Richa responded, already at work.
[Yes, it's done.]
“Dhang se hua hai na? Kuch gadbad na ho,” Siya added, her voice laced with concern.
[It's done properly, right? Don't let there be any mistakes.]
The two girls took turns adding sugar to the softened butter, beating the mixture until it was light and airy. Richa giggled as a bit of butter splattered onto her face, and in a moment of shared mischief, Siya did the same, flicking a bit of butter back at her.
“Ache se mix karo, koi gadbad nahi chahiye mujhe,” Siya said, looking around the kitchen with a critical eye.
[Mix it well, I don't want any mistakes.]
Everyone turned to her, folding their arms across their chests, giving her unamused looks.
“Kya hua? Aise kya dekh rahe?” Siya asked, confused by their collective stare.
[What happened? Why are you all looking at me like that?]
“Tumhe bas recipe batane kaha hai na? To bata kar chup ho jao, lecture kya jhar rahi peeche se,” Richa said with an exasperated expression.
[You were just asked to tell the recipe, right? So, just say it and be quiet, why are you giving a lecture along with it?]
“Ham to bas keh rahe ki kuch gire na, sambhal ke sab ho jaye,” Siya defended herself, her tone earnest.
[I'm just saying that nothing should fall, so that everything goes smoothly.]
“Ooo, tum to mat hi batao sambhal ke kam kaise karte hain…mujhe abhi tak yaad hai wo papa par kheer giri thi jo,” Shashwat chimed in.
[Ohh, you don't need to tell us how to do things carefully...I still remember when you spilled kheer on Papa.]
“Akash, tu bhi kuch help kar ya bas aaram se khada ho ke dekhega aur maze lega khane ke,” Shashwat said, grabbing Akash's hand and pulling him towards the work area.
[Yes, Akash, you help too or will you just stand there and enjoy eating?]
“And ham kuch galti na kar den, pehli baar bana rahe hain, tu help kar de. Tune to kayi baar banaya hai na,” Reyansh added, looking to Akash for guidance.
[And we might make some mistakes since it's our first time making it, you help us out. You've made it many times, right?]
“Mai koi bakery wala nahi hun jo kayi baar banaya ho, bas ek hi baar banaya hai,” Akash replied, and for the first time in a while, a half smile played on his lips, relieving everyone to see a glimpse of his usual self.
[I'm not a baker who's made it many times, I've only made it once.]
He added the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, alternating between flour and milk, mixing gently. The batter became smooth and velvety under their careful hands.
They divided the batter between the two pans, spreading it evenly. The group gathered around as Siya and Arushi placed the pans in the preheated oven, setting the timer for 30 minutes.
“Ye sab jo kachra ho rakha hai usse saaf to karo,” Divya suggested, surveying the messy kitchen.
[Clean up all this mess.]
“Haan, tab tak ye karte hain,” Arushi agreed.
[Yes, let's do that in the meantime.]
“Aap sab kyun karenge, ye hai na naukar ye kar dega,” Divya said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
[Why will you all do it, there's a servant here who will clean it.]
“Oo, tum hogi naukar, badi aayi,” Darsh shot back.
[Oh, you must be the servant, how generous of you.]
“Ohh, acha, par ye gale par kitchen towel latka kar to Ramu kaka tum lag rahe ho,” Divya said with a smirk, making everyone giggle as Darsh quickly removed the towel from his neck.
[Oh really? But with that kitchen towel around your neck, you look more like Ramu Kaka.]
As they continued chatting, time flew by. The kitchen filled with the delicious aroma of the baking cake, making everyone’s stomachs growl in anticipation.
“Ho gaya,” Siya announced, checking the timer.
Carefully, they removed the cakes from the oven. The golden-brown layers were placed on a wire rack to cool, the group eagerly eyeing their creation.
“Jaldi le chalo hall mein, badi lalach aa rahi,” Siya urged, as the aroma of the freshly baked cake wafted through the air.
Arushi and Darsh quickly cleaned the kitchen while everyone else made their way back to the hall.
Shashwat handed a knife to Akash, he looked at him confused and asked, “What?”
“Cut the cake,” Shashwat insisted.
“Par mai kyun? Tum log ki mehnat hai,” Akash protested.
“Beta, formal hone ki jaroorat nahi hai, chup chap cut kar, hame khana bhi hai,” Reyansh said, nudging Akash towards the cake.
Reluctantly, Akash cut the cake and began serving it on plates. Everyone took a bite, savoring the soft, moist texture and the sweet, buttery flavor.
“Kafi acha ban gaya,” Arushi said, smiling with satisfaction as the group enjoyed their hard-earned treat together.
Shashwat had just left the living room when Siya noticed him walking towards the garden.
Concerned, she followed him and found him sitting on the ground, his head low in his hands.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grass, and the gentle rustle of leaves filled the quiet air.
Siya approached him quietly and sat beside him, her presence a silent offer of comfort.
"Shashwat? Kya hua aapko achanak?" she called softly, her voice filled with concern.
"I... I can't see him like this," he said, lifting his tear-filled eyes to meet hers. His usually bright and cheerful face was now a mask of sorrow, and the pain in his eyes was unmistakable.
"Shh! Everything will be fine. Aap roiye mat, please," she said, gently wiping his tears away. He held her hand tightly, as if anchoring himself to her strength.
"Usse itna toota hua pehle kabhi nahi dekha!
I mean... I... I knew about his condition and he cried in front of me many times, but at least he was like before.
But now it seems like the Akash I used to know is.
.. is lost somewhere. I failed as a friend.
He was there for me whenever I needed him, but jab usse meri sabse jyada zarurat thi.
.. mujhe pata bhi nahi tha uske sath kya ho raha hai," he said, his voice choking with emotion.
His shoulders shook with the weight of his guilt and helplessness.
"Arrey... it is not your fault. Kisi ki bhi koi galti nahi hai.
It's just his father's fault," Siya said, trying to comfort him.
"You were always there for him, Shashwat.
Sometimes, things happen that are beyond our control.
But what matters is that you are here for him now.
" Her voice was soothing, like a balm to his wounded heart.
"Those images of him standing at the edge of the bridge are not leaving my mind.
Agar ham sab late ho jate toh? He is so precious to me, Mishti.
I don't know how to live without him," he said, turning slightly towards Siya before resting his head on her folded knees, tears streaming down his face.
Siya gently caressed his hair, her touch light and comforting.
"Shashwat, listen to me," she said softly, her fingers running through his hair.
"Akash bhaiya needs your strength right now, not your tears.
He's already suffering so much. If he sees you like this, he'll think it's because of him, and that will only make him feel worse.
He needs to see your smile, your support.
We all need to be strong for him, to show him that he's not alone in this.
" Her words were gentle but firm, each one carefully chosen to bring him comfort and clarity.
"But what if I fail him again?" Shashwat whispered, his voice breaking. The fear and self-doubt were palpable, and Siya could feel the depth of his anguish.
"You won't," Siya reassured him firmly. "Because this time, we're all in this together.
We will support each other and make sure Akash bhaiya gets through this.
He's not alone, and neither are you. We're a family, and together, we can face anything.
" She looked into his eyes, willing him to see the truth in her words.
Shashwat looked up at her, his eyes searching for reassurance. "You really think we can do this?"
"I know we can," Siya said with conviction. "We have to believe in ourselves and in each other. Akash bhaiya is strong, but he needs to see that strength in us too. He needs to know that we're here for him, no matter what." She smiled at him, her eyes shining with determination and hope.
He nodded slowly, understanding the truth in her words. Siya wiped his tears away, and he managed a small smile. He kissed her palms gratefully, feeling a sense of solace. "Thank you,"
"Chalein?" she asked gently, her voice soft and reassuring.
He nodded, and they both stood up, ready to face the challenges ahead together, their bond stronger than ever.
They walked back towards the house, a renewed sense of determination in their hearts, knowing that together, they could overcome anything.
The garden, once a place of sorrow, now felt like a sanctuary where hope was rekindled.
Richa saw Akash walking toward the terrace, and her heart sank with worry.
She quickly followed him, her mind racing with fear and concern.
As she reached the top, she found him sitting on the cold floor, knees drawn up to his chest, face buried in his arms. The sight of him like this broke her heart.
She slowly approached and knelt beside him, her hand reaching out to gently wipe the tears from his cheeks. He looked up, startled, and quickly tried to hide his tears. Richa's eyes were filled with empathy and pain, reflecting his own suffering.
Without a word, she pulled him into a tight embrace. Akash clung to her, his sobs wracking his body. He held onto her like a lifeline, the weight of his emotions pouring out.
"I am so sorry," Akash mumbled between sobs, his voice cracking with despair. "I'm failing everyone. I'm a burden. I see everyone trying so hard to make me smile, but I just... I can't. I want to laugh with everyone, to be the old Akash, but I don't know how. I'm lost."
Richa held him tighter, her heart aching at his words.
"I try so hard not to let their words affect me, but they have," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "They've cut deep. Sometimes, I think my presence is making life harder for everyone. Maybe they'd be better off without me."
Richa pulled back slightly, cupping his face in her hands, her eyes fierce with determination. "Don't you dare think like that, Akash. Your absence will make us lifeless.”
Akash looked at her, searching her eyes for any sign of doubt. He found none, only unwavering love and support. Richa's hand gently caressed his cheek, her touch warm and comforting.
"Listen to me," she said softly but firmly, "you are not a burden. You are not making anyone's life difficult. We are here for you because we love you deeply and unconditionally. We want to see you happy again. You don't have to go through this alone."
"I feel so lost, Richa. I don't know how to come back from this," Akash admitted, his voice trembling with vulnerability.
"It's okay to feel lost," she replied, her voice a soothing balm. "It's okay to take your time to heal. No one expects you to snap back immediately. We just want you to know that we're here for you, every step of the way."
Akash took a deep breath, feeling a small sense of relief wash over him. "I'm scared, scared that I'll never be the same again."
"You don't have to be the same," she said, smiling softly. "You can be even better, stronger. This pain, this experience, it doesn't define you. It will shape you, and you can grow from it. We will help you through it."
"I just want to be happy again," he whispered, his voice filled with longing.
"And you will be," Richa assured him. "It will take time, but you will be. And we will be with you, supporting you through it all. Every tear, every step, every moment."
"I am sorry for pushing you away... but thank you so much for not giving up on me. Please hold me like this forever," Akash whispered, his voice breaking as he hugged Richa tighter.
Richa's heart ached as she felt his pain.
She stroked his back gently, her touch conveying the love and support she had for him.
"I will... even if you push me away, I still won't let you go.
Ek baar paala pad gaya merese toh itne aasani se nahi peecha chhorne vali hun.
Marne ke baad bhi chudail ban ke milne aaungi tumse," she said, trying to lighten the mood.
Akash managed a small chuckle through his tears, the sound of her voice providing a soothing balm to his troubled heart. "Tumhare marne ke baad mai zinda reh kar kya karunga?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Haan phir tum bhoot ban ke merese milne aana.
Then we will marry each other. Akash bhoot weds Richa chudail," she replied, and he burst out laughing.
The sound was music to her ears. They broke the hug, and she looked at him, smiling as he finally laughed.
He stopped laughing and looked at her with a small smile, caressing her cheek.
"I love you," he said, his eyes filled with sincerity and emotion.
She kissed his hand, which was placed on her cheek, her lips lingering there for a moment. "I love you too," she whispered back, her voice filled with warmth.
He glanced at his phone, the screen showing the time. "Uncle ne bataya tha 5:30 se therapy session start hai. It's 5:10. I should leave," he said, and she nodded as they stood up.
"I will also come with you," she said.
"Par...tum kya karogi?" he asked, surprised.
"Aree... mujhe bhi ghar jana hai na...toh won't you drop me home?" she asked with a playful smile, and he smiled back, nodding.
As they walked back downstairs, the rest of the group looked up, noticing the change in Akash's demeanor.
After Akash left for his therapy session, Shashwat spotted Reyansh walking alongside Arushi, heading towards her room. The hallway was lit with the soft glow of morning light filtering through the large windows, casting a warm hue over the polished wooden floors.
"Oyee, where are you going with my sister?" Shashwat called out, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Bhaiya, I’m just showing her my room," Arushi replied, her voice steady and polite.
"Room hai, taaj mahal nahi jo dikhane le jaa rahi hai," Shashwat retorted with a smirk.
["That is not a Taj Mahal that she will show you."]
"Tujhe kya hai? Jab tu meri behen ke saath akele waqt guzarta hai toh mai kuch nahi kehta, ab kya problem hai?" Reyansh shot back, a hint of irritation in his voice.
["What's your problem? When you spend time with my sister then I don't say anything."]
"But I don't go to her room," Shashwat pointed out, raising an eyebrow.
"Bhaiya yaar, band karo ye sab! Chalo tum bhi," Arushi interjected, grabbing Shashwat's arm and pulling him along. Reyansh glanced at Shashwat, who was now being dragged away, and shook his head with a faint smile.
As they reached the living room, they saw Siya sitting on the couch, engrossed in a book. She looked up as they entered, her face lighting up with a warm smile.
"He is sitting with my sister alone," Reyansh said, pointing at Shashwat and Siya.
"Ek thappad marungi ab mai jyada hypocrisy dikhaye toh!" Arushi scolded, her voice laced with frustration. Reyansh, caught off guard, pouted and muttered a quick "sorry," looking sheepish.
As Reyansh entered Arushi's room, the atmosphere was casual, with a hint of playful tension still lingering. Reyansh's eyes quickly swept across the room, taking in the scattered clothes and the cluttered desk. His gaze landed on a particular spot and he couldn't help but comment.
"Wow, what an organized room," he said sarcastically, raising an eyebrow at the disarray.
Arushi rolled her eyes and replied, "Yeah, yeah. I’m not exactly a neat freak."
Reyansh's attention shifted to a collection of framed photographs on a nearby wall. "Ye tum ho?" he asked, pointing at one of the pictures.
["Is this the you?"]
"Nahi, Siya hai," Arushi retorted, her tone laced with amusement.
"Siya? Wo nahi hai," Reyansh said, clearly puzzled.
["No it's siya."]
"Reyansh, this is my room, toh whose picture are you expecting to be here?" Arushi asked, her tone both teasing and exasperated.
"Ohh haan," he said, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. Arushi shook her head, bemused by his forgetfulness.
His gaze then landed on a series of paintings hanging on one wall.
Each painting was a vibrant explosion of color, showcasing an array of artistic styles.
One painting featured a serene landscape with rolling green hills, a serene lake reflecting the sky, and a burst of autumn colors.
Another depicted an abstract swirl of blues and purples, evoking a sense of movement and depth.
A third painting captured a whimsical cityscape at night, with brightly colored buildings and glowing streetlights, almost as if inviting the viewer to wander through its streets.
"Tumhe paintings khareedne ka shauk hai?" Reyansh asked, admiring the art.
["You like to buy paintings?"]
"Khareedi nahi hun. I have painted these," Arushi said with a proud grin.
"What? Seriously?? I mean, itni khubsurat paintings tumne khud banai hai?" he asked, his eyes wide with amazement.
Arushi nodded, her smile widening.
"You are so talented... tum artist ban na chahti ho?" Reyansh asked, his voice full of genuine curiosity.
"Nahi... it's just a hobby," Arushi replied with a modest shrug, her eyes still scanning the paintings.
"Aru, since you have no aim right now, I think you should consider this... I mean, sabko aise talent nahi milte. Don't waste it," Reyansh said earnestly, his tone encouraging. He turned to face her, his expression sincere.
Arushi looked at him thoughtfully. "Baad mein dekha jayega ye sab," she said, her voice soft but resolute. "For now, I’m just enjoying it."
Reyansh nodded, understanding her hesitation but not entirely convinced. "If you made your career in this field toh dekhna, tumhari sabse pehli painting mai khareedunga," he said with a smile.
As Reyansh's gaze wandered around Arushi's room, his eyes fell upon a slightly worn diary lying open on the desk. Curiosity piqued, he picked it up and opened it, revealing a collection of pages filled with colorful doodles and scribbled notes.
"Hey, what's this?" he asked, his tone light and playful as he glanced at Arushi.
Arushi's eyes widened in alarm as she saw the diary in Reyansh’s hands. She quickly moved to retrieve it, but Reyansh was already flipping through the pages.
"Reyansh, no! Please don't look at that!" Arushi said, her voice a mix of embarrassment and desperation. "That’s from my class for 7 days! It’s just full of lyrics and my terrible grammar."
Reyansh grinned mischievously, clearly enjoying her reaction and Arushi walked towards them. He began to run around the room, diary in hand, as Arushi chased after him, her laughter mingling with his playful shouts.
Eventually, Reyansh, still laughing, tripped over a stray art supply and tumbled backward onto the sofa. Arushi, unable to stop in time, ended up landing on top of him. The diary fell to the floor with a soft thud as they both ended up in a heap on the couch.
Arushi’s face was inches from Reyansh's, her breath mingling with his. Reyansh’s arms instinctively went around her shoulders, holding her gently.
He gently exhaled on Arushi’s face, causing her hair strands to lift and dance in the air. The cool breath against her skin sent a delightful shiver through her, making her cheeks flush a deeper shade of pink.
Arushi closed her eyes momentarily, savoring the gentle sensation. When she opened them, Reyansh's eyes were filled with warmth as he carefully tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The tender gesture made her heart flutter.
Arushi blushed even more, her eyes sparkling with affection. She started to get up, but suddenly realised that a strand of her hair had gotten caught in the button of Reyansh’s shirt. She began to gently untangle it, her fingers delicately working to free her hair.
Reyansh noticed her struggle and placed his hand gently over hers, his touch light and reassuring, his eyes never leaving her face.
He began to slowly and carefully unbutton the caught strand, his movements deliberate and tender.
As he finally freed the last strand of hair, he leaned in and placed a soft, fleeting kiss on Arushi’s cheek. The gentle contact sent a rush of warmth through her, and she felt her heart skip a beat.
Just as the moment seemed perfect, Reyansh’s phone rang loudly, cutting through the serene atmosphere. He glanced at the screen and saw Siya’s name flashing.
“Ye ladki na!” Reyansh muttered, his irritation clear as he answered the call.
“Ghar chalna hai ya yahin ghar jamai ban ke rehna hai?” Siya’s voice rang out, a mix of annoyance and amusement.
With that, he stood up, offering her a hand to help her to her feet.
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