[46]
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One week had passed since Akash's troubling episode, and his therapy sessions had begun showing positive results.
His laughter, jokes, and the familiar warmth had slowly returned to him.
Ritika and Arav, who had just returned to Mumbai, were eager to check in on him.
They had heard about Akash's progress and were relieved to see him improving.
When they arrived at Akash's home, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. As soon as Arav saw Akash, his expression shifted from concern to sternness.
"Akash, come here!" Arav's voice carried a note of frustration and concern. Akash, who was sitting in the living room, looked up with a mix of apprehension and relief.
"I-I'm sorry," Akash stammered. "I didn't mean for things to get out of hand."
Arav's gaze was piercing. "Sorry doesn't change what happened, Akash. What you did was reckless. You put everyone through a lot of unnecessary stress. Do you have any idea how much this could have hurt everyone around you?"
Just then, Darsh entered the room and announced, "Ritika Didi is here. She's on her way to see Akash bhaiya."
Akash's eyes widened in alarm. "Bhaiya yaar, please save me... Didi bahut marengi mujhe," he pleaded, his voice filled with dread.
"You deserve it for your stupidity," Arav replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The door opened, and Ritika walked in with an air of determined authority. Her gaze immediately locked onto Akash. "Akash, samne aao!" she commanded, her voice stern and uncompromising.
Akash hesitated, peeking from behind Arav, his expression a mixture of fear and remorse. "Aap maroge toh nahi?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"Agar nahi aaye toh aur zor se padegi," Ritika responded, her voice firm but not without concern.
With a resigned sigh, Akash stepped out from behind Arav and faced Ritika. He braced himself for what was to come. Ritika's hand moved swiftly, delivering a slap to his cheek, not too hard but filled with frustration. She then struck his other cheek in the same manner.
"Are you stupid?? Tu kya soch ke ye sab karne chala tha?
Aur kyun?" Ritika's voice was tinged with both anger and hurt.
"Itne din se dimag me ye sab chal raha tha toh baat karta ham sab se!
We all were here for you. But no! Bewkufi hi karni thi bas.
Agar Shashwat time se na pahochta toh? Ohh God!
I can't believe ki tu aisa kuch kar sakta hai! !"
Her voice cracked slightly with the weight of her emotions. Akash looked down, unable to meet her gaze, his shoulders slumped in shame.
"I know you were in a bad place, and the situation was difficult," Ritika continued, her tone softening slightly. "But making such a drastic decision was even worse. You put everyone at risk, and you made us all suffer."
She took a deep breath, her anger ebbing away, replaced by concern. "I understand you were struggling, but you should have talked to us. We could have helped you, and we would have been there for you."
Ritika walked up to Akash and enveloped him in a heartfelt hug. The gesture was a mixture of relief and reassurance. "We all care about you, Akash. Just remember that, next time, talk to us. We can face anything together."
Akash's eyes filled with tears as he returned the hug, his voice choked with emotion. "I'm sorry."
Arav and Ritika had just finished their conversation with Akash, and they now walked towards the entrance of the house.
The afternoon sun cast long shadows as they strolled, the air filled with a mix of lighthearted chatter and lingering concern.
Arav, who was planning to see Ritika off, held her hand gently, his expression serious yet warm.
"Suno na pran sakhi..." Arav began, his voice softening as he turned to face her.
Ritika raised an eyebrow playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Sunao na pran nath?" she teased, resting her elbow on his shoulder, her posture relaxed and comfortable.
Arav smiled, a hint of affection in his eyes as he pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Aaj shaam date pe le jaana hai aapko," he said, his tone filled with anticipation and excitement.
["I have to take you on a date this evening."]
Ritika's face lit up with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Haan toh roka kisne hai? President se signature karva ke lana padega iske liye?" she responded with a dramatic flair, pretending as if it were an official matter.
["Who's stopping you? Do you need to get it signed by the President for this?"]
Arav chuckled, shaking his head at her playful antics. "At 6 pm. Is that ok?" he asked, his voice gentle but expectant.
Ritika put on a theatrical pose, going to touch his feet in a mock show of submission. "Jaisi aapko aagyan swami," she said, her voice filled with exaggerated reverence.
["Whatever you order swami."]
Arav stepped back, a grin spreading across his face. "Oyee pagal!" he said, laughing at her antics.
Ritika giggled, her eyes twinkling with delight. "Bye sham me milte hain swami," she said, waving her hand in a playful manner as she started to walk towards the door.
"Ji swamini," Arav replied, waving back at her with a smile that mirrored hers.
That evening, Ritika was in her room preparing for her date with Arav.
She chose a sleek black kurti that clung to her frame in a way that was both graceful and understated.
The fabric, rich and smooth, shimmered subtly under the room's soft lighting, adding an air of sophistication to her appearance.
The kurti featured delicate, intricate embroidery along the neckline and hem, which was subtly accented by tiny, mirror-like embellishments catching the light as she moved.Her choice of accessories was equally refined.
She wore oxidised silver jewellery, which included a pair of long, dangling earrings that framed her face beautifully.
The earrings, adorned with traditional motifs, added a touch of timeless charm, their intricate designs reflecting her cultural heritage. She complemented this with a matching oxidized bracelet and a ring that added a hint of sparkle without overpowering her look.
Her makeup was impeccably done, enhancing her natural beauty.
She opted for a classic look with a subtle, smoky eye that added depth to her gaze, paired with a soft, neutral lip colour that accentuated her features without drawing too much attention.
Her hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded over her shoulders, adding a touch of effortless glamour.
A few strands framed her face softly, lending her a look of casual elegance.
Divya and Siya sat on the edge of her bed, watching her with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.
"Didi, I still can't believe ki aap bhi relationship me aa gaye," Siya said, her voice filled with a playful tone. Her eyes were wide, reflecting her astonishment.
Ritika chuckled as she adjusted her earrings. "Aap iss time jaa rahe ho, what will you tell papa?" Divya, who had joined them, asked with a hint of concern in her voice.
Ritika smiled, confident and relaxed. "I have a plan..." she began, but her sentence was cut short by the sound of the doorbell ringing.
She exchanged a knowing glance with her sisters, then winked at them. "Chalo, dekhte hain kya hota hai," she said, grabbing her phone and heading towards the door.
When she opened it, Simran stood there with a bright smile. "Namaste uncle, namaste aunty... I hope Ritika ne bata diya hoga aapko ki she is coming with me to the birthday party," Simran said, her voice cheerful and respectful.
Harsh, Ritika's father, raised an eyebrow, looking slightly puzzled. "Kiska birthday hai?" he asked, trying to place the occasion.
["Whose birthday is this?"]
Simran's smile faltered momentarily. "My birthday ,uncle." She replied, her tone slightly hesitant but friendly.
Harsh's brow furrowed in confusion. "Your birthday was last month, wasn't it?" he inquired, his confusion evident.
Simran and Ritika exchanged wide-eyed glances. Simran quickly added, "W... wo uncle, actually wo mera tithi wala birthday tha... ye real hai. Meri family me dono celebrate karte hain."
["Um... uncle, actually that was my lunar calendar birthday... this one is my real birthday. In my family, we celebrate both."]
Harsh's expression softened as he processed the explanation. "Okk... but time se aajana," he said, his tone more accommodating now.
Ritika, who had been grinning, nodded in agreement. "Simran Thank you, Uncle. Hum time pe aa jayenge," she said, her smile never wavering.
As Ritika stepped out of her house, she glanced back to ensure everything was in place, her anticipation building.
The evening air was crisp, and the street lights cast a gentle glow on her surroundings.
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Arav standing a short distance away, leaning casually against his bike.
He was dressed in a sharp black shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showcasing his toned arms, his smile radiating warmth and confidence.
Ritika's eyes lit up as she approached him, her footsteps light with excitement. "Wow Arya, looking hot haan!" she exclaimed, giving him a once-over that made him blush slightly. Her compliment was genuine, her eyes twinkling with admiration.
Arav, slightly flustered but pleased, managed to stammer out, "Chalein?" His voice was warm, tinged with a hint of nervousness.
Ritika placed a hand on her hip, feigning indignation. "Arre... meri tareef kon karega? Sab mujhe hi sikhana padega kya!" she said playfully, her tone light-hearted but teasing. She tilted her head to the side, waiting for his response with a mischievous grin.
["Who will compliment me? I have to teach you everything now!"]
Arav chuckled and, closing the distance between them, leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Ye tareef chalega?" he asked, his voice dropping to a soft murmur as he tried to make her blush.
["How is this compliment?"]
Before he could fully retreat, Ritika surprised him by kissing him back on the cheek, her lips lingering just a moment longer than his. Arav stood frozen, his expression a mix of shock and delight.
"Daudega," Ritika said with a playful grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she watched his reaction. Her sudden move had left him momentarily dazed.
["More than fine."]
Arav, still slightly in a daze, shook his head to clear his thoughts. "Jhatke se bahar aayenge swami? Chalen?" she teased, her tone coaxing him out of his reverie.
["You can come out from shock."]
He finally managed a smile, his cheeks flushed. "Chalo," he said, his voice steady now as he took her hand and helped her onto the bike. They settled into their positions, Arav taking the driver's seat while Ritika sat behind him.
The night air was cool as Arav and Ritika rode through the city streets on his bike. The city lights flickered, casting a warm glow on the scene. Just as they were about to turn onto a quieter street, the bike jolted to a stop, the engine sputtering and then dying completely.
Arav, visibly frustrated, kicked the stand and tried to restart the bike. His brows furrowed in concentration as he twisted the ignition key, but the engine refused to turn over. Ritika, who had been enjoying the ride, noticed his agitation and reached out to touch his arm gently.
"Arav, it's okay," she said soothingly. "You can get this bike to a mechanic, and we could just take a bus."
Arav sighed deeply, looking around in frustration. "It's our first date, Ritika. I wanted everything to be perfect."
She smiled at him warmly, her eyes full of understanding. "Mujhe bas tumhara sath chahiye, phir chahe bike pe ho ya bus," she said, her tone reassuring. "Our time together is what matters most."
Arav's frustration began to melt away as he heard her words. He looked at her, and a small, relieved smile spread across his face. "Okay, let's do it," he agreed, stepping off the bike and signalling for her to follow.
They walked to the nearest bus stop, their hands intertwined.
The bus arrived soon, and they climbed aboard.
The bus was crowded, with standing room only.
As they made their way through the narrow aisle, Arav's protective instincts kicked in.
He guided Ritika to a secure spot, positioning himself behind her.
Ritika, feeling the warmth of his body close to hers, glanced back with a soft smile. Arav stood close, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders, ensuring she wouldn't lose her balance as the bus swayed with each turn. His presence was a shield against the jostling of the other passengers.
As the bus reached their destination, Arav helped Ritika disembark, his hand steadying her as they stepped onto the sidewalk. The restaurant they had chosen was just a short walk away. Its warm lights and the inviting aroma of food beckoned them in.
They entered the restaurant. Arav led Ritika to a cosy table by the window, where they could look out over the city lights.
As they finished their dishes, Arav reached into his pocket to retrieve his phone and pay the bill online. His expression shifted from relaxed to alarmed as he fumbled around. "Where is my phone?" he muttered, his brows furrowing as he checked all his pockets.
"What's wrong?" Ritika asked, her tone light yet concerned.
"My phone!" Arav exclaimed, his voice edged with panic. "Shit! I forgot my phone at home."
Ritika's smile faltered as she saw Arav's distress. "It's okay, I'll pay then," she offered, her voice calm and reassuring.
Arav shook his head, clearly upset. "Ritika, I am so sorry. Pata nahi kaise... sab gadbad ho rahi hai."
Ritika waved off his apology with a gentle laugh. "Arre, kya gadbad hui? Don't think too much," she said, reaching into her bag for her phone. As she pulled it out, her eyes widened in dismay. "Oh no, it's switched off. I forgot to charge it."
Arav's frustration grew as he glanced at the restaurant staff waiting nearby. "Shitt! What will we do now?"
A server approached, his expression stern but not unkind. "Sir, ma'am, you both will have to pay. Otherwise, you will have to wash the dishes."
Arav looked at Ritika, his anxiety palpable. "Can you give me your phone?" he asked the server. The server handed it over reluctantly.
Arav dialed Shashwat's number, but after several tries, he realized Shashwat was too busy to answer. He muttered under his breath, "Ye kahan busy hai abhi!!" He tried calling Akash next, but his phone was also switched off.
Ritika, meanwhile, had dialed Reyansh's number but learned he was also unavailable. They exchanged worried glances as they faced the reality of their situation.
"Fine... I will do whatever you say. Ritika, please stay here till now," Arav said, his voice a mix of frustration and resignation.
Ritika shook her head, her determination clear. "Aise kaise? Maine bhi khaya hai na. I will also help you."
Arav was about to protest but stopped when Ritika gave him a firm look. "Arre tum kyun karogi? It is all my fault. I should have checked my phone properly."
"Arav, shut up!" Ritika said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I will help you otherwise mai dobara naraz ho jaungi." She crossed her arms, looking resolute.
Arav sighed deeply, realising he couldn't argue with her determination. "Okay, fine," he said, managing a small smile despite the awkward situation.
The kitchen was dimly lit, with the glow of the restaurant's fluorescent lights casting a soft sheen on the stainless steel sinks and countertops.Arav and Ritika stood side by side, their hands busy with soapy water and greasy plates.
Arav sighed deeply, the weight of the day's mishaps still heavy on his shoulders. "Ye kya karna pad raha hai pehli date pe!" he exclaimed, his frustration evident. "I am so sorry Ritika. I planned a perfect date for you... but pata nahi kya ho gaya aaj ke din."
["What the hell is happening in our first date."]
Ritika, with her sleeves rolled up and a determined look on her face, shrugged off his apology with a cheerful demeanor.
"Arre chill na. At least pehli date yaadgaar toh ban gayi," she replied, her tone light and encouraging.
She glanced at him with a smile, clearly enjoying the absurdity of their predicament.
["Atleast this is memorable."]
Arav looked over at her, admiration mingling with his embarrassment. "What?" she asked, catching his gaze.
He shook his head slightly, a small smile forming. "How can you be so postive?" he asked, genuinely curious about her unwavering optimism.
Ritika laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine.
"And how can you be so negative ? See, we can't change what's going to happen, but we can still find our happiness in that," she said, her voice steady and reassuring.
Her words seemed to lighten the atmosphere, turning their shared ordeal into a bonding moment.
Arav's mood lifted noticeably, his smile broadening. "Ab ghoorna band karo aur kaam kariye swami," Ritika said playfully, splashing a few droplets of water in his direction. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she watched the water trickle down his face.
Arav's eyes widened in mock indignation. "Arre!!" he exclaimed, laughing as he quickly retaliated with a splash of his own.
The night had settled into a calm rhythm as Arav and Ritika strolled down the dimly lit street, their hands clasped together.
The city was quieter now, the bustling activity of the day giving way to a more serene evening.
The street lamps cast a soft, golden hue on their faces, and their laughter occasionally broke the stillness.