Chapter 42
"Akansha... my wife," Shaurya said with a smile.
Well, he already knew she would probably break his teeth once they reached home because she absolutely hated introductions like this, even if it was technically the truth now.
Akansha could clearly sense the shock... and the faint hint of betrayal... in Mr. Joshi's eyes. Despite all the support he had offered her over the years, she had never trusted him enough to tell him something this important.
Still, Mr. Joshi quickly understood that she must have had her reasons. Suddenly, everything about Akansha started making sense to him — her constant need to stay low-key, her refusal to let people know about her actual qualifications, her guarded personality... everything.
Even Mr. Goyal silently recalled several incidents, especially the day Akansha had panicked after they unknowingly taken Siya to Shaurya during the Annual Day.
They had assumed perhaps Shaurya didn't know about Akansha's pregnancy or Siya's existence but during the press meet a few days ago, Shaurya had openly admitted he knew his wife was pregnant back then.
So what exactly was the truth?
After the press meet, just as expected, there hadn't been much negativity. The revelation had definitely shocked people, but instead of backlash, most praised Shaurya's sacrifice and admired his wife's courage and selflessness for letting go of her husband when she needed him the most.
Shaurya shook hands with the chairman before turning toward his wife.
"Where is Siya?" he asked.
"She's with the other kids. Don't meet her right now," Akansha stopped him immediately. "The moment she sees you, she'll jump on you and refuse to leave you alone. Meet her after the first performance."
Shaurya nodded obediently.
"Akansha ma'am, the peon will guide you and sir to your seats," the chairman said quickly. He had already instructed the staff to seat Shaurya and Akansha in the front row beside Dev and Rachna.
Akansha immediately understood his intention and smiled politely.
"Thank you, but that's not necessary. We'll sit in the seats allocated for Siya's parents," she said before looking at Shaurya. "What do you say?"
"Absolutely. No need for any special treatment," Shaurya agreed instantly.
"Please sir," Mr. Goyal insisted nervously. "We can't let our state's Chief Minister sit in the regular seats."
This time even Shaurya understood the chairman wasn't entirely wrong. Sitting in the middle rows would inconvenience the other parents, attract unnecessary crowding, and create security complications as well.
But unfortunately, going against his wife wasn't something he dared to do anymore. Akansha was about to refuse again when Suraj stepped forward.
"Ma'am, this seating arrangement would be better for everyone... including the parents and the crowd," he explained respectfully.
Akansha finally nodded in understanding.
"Fine, Shaurya. We can sit in the front."
Shaurya immediately nodded at the chairman in agreement.
At that point, everyone around them understood very clearly who held the upper hand in the marriage. Surprisingly, Shaurya didn't seem embarrassed by it at all. If anything, he looked perfectly content following his wife's lead for the rest of his life if she allowed.
Akansha and Shaurya walked toward the front seats while Suraj and the security team followed behind.
Meanwhile, Akansha's colleagues stood frozen.
Not even in their wildest imagination had they expected their quiet colleague to be the Chief Minister's wife. Especially because Akansha never behaved like one. In fact, her visible irritation whenever Shaurya's name came up had completely thrown them off.
Now, however, they interpreted it differently. Maybe the bitterness had come from the separation.
Rashi suddenly remembered how panicked Akansha had become after learning that Shaurya praised Siya's dance during Annual Day. At that time it had seemed odd, but now it made sense. Was she trying to hide Siya from him back then? Or perhaps keep the father and daughter apart publicly?
"Bharti ma'am, you seriously need to control your mouth sometimes," Shipra muttered.
"You questioned what work could possibly be more important than attending his daughter's Father's Day function.
Well... now you have your answer. Siya's father literally runs the state, and despite that, he's still here for his daughter.
Maybe he can't stay till evening and participate in every activity, but what matters is that he came.
That alone says enough about how much he loves Siya. "
"I didn't know he was the Chief Minister," Bharti defended weakly. "Akansha never behaved like she was the CM's wife..."
"That speaks about her dignity, not yours," Shipra replied bluntly. "Not everyone likes to advertise their power or capabilities. That doesn't make them untalented or powerless. Akansha ma'am is one of those rare people who are both talented and powerful yet remain grounded."
"And did you guys notice CM sir's shirt?" Rashi squealed suddenly. "He actually followed the dress code for his daughter!"
Shipra and Bharti chuckled at her excitement, but Rashi's expression abruptly changed.
"Oh sh*t..." she muttered. "I was openly crushing on her husband in front of her. Damn... I need to apologize to Akansha ma'am immediately."
The other two widened their eyes remembering all the nonsense Rashi had spoken over the past few days. By then, Shaurya and Akansha were already heading inside the auditorium.
"Akansha ma'am! One minute!" Rashi shouted loudly before Shipra or Bharti could stop her.
The three of them respectfully greeted Shaurya, and he acknowledged them politely before continuing ahead.
"Go inside. I'll come," Akansha told him.
Shaurya nodded and was about to leave when she suddenly stopped him.
"Wait. Take this bag with you. Siya's accessories are inside."
"Okay. Come soon," he said naturally before walking ahead with his security.
The three women stared after them in complete fascination.
Watching the Chief Minister behave like such an ordinary husband felt strangely surreal. Even their tiny exchange looked unexpectedly domestic and normal.
"Yes, Rashi ma'am?" Akansha asked.
"Akansha ma'am... I'm really sorry for all the nonsense I've spoken till now. Please don't mind it..." Rashi apologized awkwardly.
To her surprise, Akansha smiled gently. It was rare. Extremely rare. And somehow, that single smile reassured Rashi more than words.
"It's okay, Rashi ma'am. I didn't take it personally," Akansha said softly, pressing her hand lightly.
"Akansha ma'am... sorry... I..." Bharti started too.
But Akansha merely gave her a cold nod.
She knew Bharti wasn't apologizing because she genuinely regretted her behavior. She was apologizing because she had just discovered Akansha's husband was the Chief Minister.
"Just enjoy Siya's Family Day. We'll handle the arrangements," Shipra said warmly. "We'll call you if we need help."
"Thanks, but I'll help whenever the parents' activities aren't going on," Akansha replied before finally heading inside.
As expected, Shaurya and Akansha had been seated beside Dev and Rachna. That alone was enough to send the internet and media into a frenzy.
Publicly, Shaurya and Dev were never seen sitting together unless absolutely necessary. The only time people remembered them sharing space peacefully was during a tribute ceremony for a former president years ago.
Now, seeing both powerful leaders sitting side by side with their families looked unreal enough to drive social media insane. Some even joked that they gave "Karn-Arjun" vibes, completely unaware that the comparison wasn't entirely wrong.
Rachna looked ready to jump and hug Akansha after years, but Dev quietly held her wrist under the dim lights, stopping her. Shaurya noticed it and stifled a chuckle.
Dev and Shaurya sat beside each other while Rachna and Akansha occupied the seats next to their husbands. As the auditorium lights dimmed, Akansha gave Rachna a small nod and smile, instantly brightening the latter's face.
"Siya must be still thinking her Dadda hasn't arrived yet, hm?" Shaurya whispered.
Akansha sighed at his whining.
"No. Your daughter has already been informed about your presence."
Shaurya grinned immediately.
"Thank God. Otherwise she would've been upset. By the way, who told her?"
"Before coming here, I went to check on her. I had dressed her up properly, but I was sure she must've ruined both her hair and dress while playing, so I went to fix them. I didn't want to tell her about you because I wanted her to get surprised, but she kept pestering me, so I eventually gave up."
The grin on Shaurya's face widened shamelessly.
"My Siya loves me... a lot."
"Shaurya, behave," Akansha warned under her breath. "You're the Chief Minister, behave accordingly."
"Yeah... about that..." Shaurya scratched his jaw awkwardly.
"When I entered the auditorium, some parents tried approaching me, but Suraj and his team stopped them.
I hope it won't affect Siya negatively." Akansha frowned at his endless overthinking when it came to their daughter.
"I also requested them to make an announcement before the program starts. Hope that's okay."
"What kind of announcement?" Akansha asked, but before he could answer, the function officially began.
The host started with the usual introduction about the school, the chief guests, and the Father's Day and Family Day celebrations before finally reaching the special announcement.
"With immense joy and pride, we would like to share that the daughter of our honorable Chief Minister Shri Shaurya Singh Shekhawat and the son of honorable MLA and Opposition Leader Shri Dev Bisht are students of our school.
Both leaders are present here today with their families to participate in the Father's Day and Family Day celebrations. "
The audience immediately erupted into whispers.