PART - 44
Things were difficult for Akansha at home right from when she was a child.
Her father Vasant Dikshit was in a clerical job in a semi-governmentoffice.
His post was supposed to get permanent, he waited patiently to get his job converted into government, years passed but nothing happened.
He craved to have a government job and just when it was about to happen, he suffered paralysis and was fired from the job.
Akansha was just in primary school then, she was a bright student and good at everything.
She has an extraordinary skill to teach, it was first recognized by her school teacher who noticed her interest in teaching kids younger than her.
When all the kids played during breaks, Akansha spent her breaks in lower sections teaching them, and she was extremely good at it.
Her teacher asked Akansha's parents to send her to her house to help her in teaching kids, and in return, she used to pay Akansha's school fees, prepare her for olympiads, and also offer monthly allowance to her.
That's how Akansha started her first job when she was just a kid.
Jaya Dikshit always wanted a son, but due to their family condition, Vasant never wanted any more kids after Akansha.
He wanted to give the best life to his only kid but when Akansha started earning, Jaya convinced Vasant and Suman was born.
Vasant thought he would soon stop his family's dependency on his elder daughter's income who is also a kid by herself but it only increased when Akash was born.
Akansha spent most of her time in school, giving different tests, and participating in competitions to gain scholarships and monetary prizes.
Without realizing she had become the provider of her family, she took all the responsibilities on her head one by one, and to fulfill those she started working more, and with that, her interactions with her mother became fewer.
Slowly her mother started treating her only as an ATM card and nothing else.
Her father was the only one who talked to her about stuff other than money.
He kept asking about her, what interests her, and what she wanted to do.
He apologized to her for the burdens she has to weigh but Akansha never blamed him.
She knew he was played by her mother. Akash used to spend time with their father and Akansha the most. Since he is also a studious kid Akansha used to teach him, while Suman was never interested in studies, so she preferred spending time with their mother learning cooking and other things.
That's why Akash learned to value Akansha's sacrifices like their father and Suman learned to take Akansha for granted like their mother.
Home was always like a mountain of responsibilities that suffocated her, as she weighed much more than she was capable of, but after Suman's wedding was finalized it became even tougher.
Her mother made her feel like she was useless and she wasn't doing enough for the family.
All because she refused a job opportunity that would pay well but she wanted to pursue Ph.
D and become a professor. Child psychology always intrigued her.
She was about to sacrifice her dream and take up the job opportunity after her masters but Vasant didn't let her, he encouraged her to pursue Ph.
D which didn't go well with Jaya, so she not only taunted her about it but also her father and that was intolerable to Akansha, so she joined as an assistant professor.
She knew she working as a assistant professor would take up most of her time leaving her with little time to work on her Ph.
D thesis but she had no option. She has responsibilities.
Akash decided to take a part-time job to help his sister but Akansha strongly opposed it.
She asked him to concentrate on his studies and his UPSC preparation for now.
After Suman's engagement, her fiance Dilip told Alansha how Aakriti was trying to stop their wedding by pretending to attempt suicide.
He filled Akansha with fake information and she without cross-validating it went and blasted on Aakriti who was barely recovering.
Dilip told this in front of all her family and her father, Vasant collapsed upon hearing that someone was trying to stop his daughter's marriage, which made Akansha take an impulsive step.
But when Akansha got to know she was played by Suman's fiance, she proposed they break off the wedding which created more problems for her at home.
Her father too supported her, saying if she was saying the guy wasn't right for Suman then they shouldn't move forward with this proposal but Jaya and Suman hated her for saying it.
Akansha hated going home and every time she felt like breaking down, Shaurya appeared in front of her irritating to accept his proposal to date him.
She chided him, said all kinds of things, behaved rudely, showed her arrogance, and did everything she could do to make him run away from her but he stayed.
He didn't stay because he needed to break her heart but in all these months of his attempts to make her date him, he fell hard for her.
He kept thinking about her always and he may not have accepted when Dev asked him but he accepted it to himself, he loved Akansha Dikshit, Period.
Dev asked him to drop his plan as soon as he realized his best friend's developing feelings for the woman he was supposed to break the heart of.
Shaurya never had any relationships, he was never interested in it, never even looked at a girl or touched her.
Dev knew if Shaurya started loving someone, he would do it with all his heart but Akansha shouldn't be that woman, it would create a mess in Shaurya's life and Dev wouldn't want that.
He didn't want to see his best friend suffering to choose between his love and retribution.
At one point, Shaurya gave in to his best friend's pleas and thought of giving up and that's when that night happened.
He went to see her for one last time from far... He thought of making his final decision after seeing her but how broken she looked that night didn't let him hide.
Her mother crossed all the boundaries by blaming her for getting jealous over her sister's happiness.
Despite all she has done for her family, her mother dared to say this to her?
She kept ignoring her mother's and sister's behavior and words from childhood.
She didn't even react thinking it was in their nature and kept doing things for them but now it hurt her a lot, how could her mother think about her like this?
Didn't she have a conscience? She didn't cry about their behavior but now she felt like it, but she knew no one was there to wipe her tears or offer their shoulder, she had herself to lean on so she stood strong like always but soon hope arouse.
"What went so wrong that my strongest girl is letting me see her cracks", Shaurya said sitting beside her on the bench.
"Your? I will break your teeth if you dare say that... I'm not your property Shaurya Singh Shekhawat", she said making him shake his head at how quickly she transformed from a broken girl to a strong woman pulling up her tough fence.
"You know? When you call my full name, I get scared", He said and she rolled her eyes.
.. "Hey I'm not kidding, it's true... Anyway, when I said 'My strongest girl' it meant the strongest girl according to me, not that this strongest girl belongs to me.
Well, I want to claim that as well... Only if you give me a chance", Shaurya said sincerely looking at her.
"Stop it, nothing is gonna happen between us in this life", Akansha said
"Okay... I won't argue about it now, we'll talk about it some other day. Today, we'll talk about you... What happened?", he asked looking at her... She looked at the distance between them and gave a small smile.
He constantly chased her but never occupied her personal space, he only showed dignified behavior, despite her rude comments he not for once lost his calm.
He thought she wanted more distance between them but he was already sitting at the corner of the bench, so he quickly got up and waited for her to tell what was upsetting her.
She didn't say a word to him for a few minutes to see how long will he stand but he was there standing patiently, not even a hint of impatience or irritation on his face.
"Go home... It's midnight", She said turning her face away, his calmness and perseverance always did something to her heart which she resisted. He was the most handsome man she ever come across and there was not even a single reason to convince her heart to not get pulled to him.
"I'm fine... You are not, if you don't want to share what's upsetting you, it's okay, but if you think I will judge, then don't worry, I will never", he said softly
She just shook her head, got up, and started walking towards her home and he followed her.
"You are an MLA, Don't create more problems for me by following, go away, I am capable enough to take care of myself", she said after some distance.
"I don't doubt your capabilities, but still, can't leave, sorry.
And don't worry half of the people don't even know the face of their MLA, like you didn't... Most of them voted because of my party and my father", Shaurya said and she smiled shaking her head.
He is too straightforward, how is he gonna do politics?
"Are you sure you want to make a career in politics? Looking at you, I don't think you could succeed", She said and he understood why is she saying that.
"I know how to play politics, and trust me when I say I am a good player but I don't like it, so I bring out the politician in me only during elections", Shaurya said
"Rest all time?", she asked
"Leader... I want to lead, you know what's the major difference between a politician and a leader.
.. A politician always works in fear of losing his/her position, but a leader works leaving the fear of it.
When a person has nothing to lose, he will keep the courage to do what's right to create a better society", Shaurya said, Akansha kept looking at him realizing the depth of his words.
And she knew those are not just words, he meant what he said, because actions speak louder than words, and his actions regarding the development of their city speak a lot about his priorities.
"Why are you still chasing me? There's nothing extraordinary about me that a man like you could stay even after all the rude comments I throw at you.
.. I not for once talked to you politely, so why?
", she asked suddenly, seriously.
.. Why does he want to be with her after having too many good qualities?
She is not doubting herself but doubting that a man can genuinely love a person without having any arrogance or pride.
"Woman, you are extraordinary... Akansha.
.. Your strength and confidence amaze me.
.. You are the most beautiful woman and the best thing is you are real, you don't fake no matter how much you might benefit from it.
You live on your terms, and woman! You don't desire respect, you command it, even a man who is set to hate you will fall in love with you if he travels with you even for a few days.
..", Shaurya said, the last statement was about himself.
She looked at him in surprise. She was awed at how he explained her, she couldn't take her eyes off this man.
"Has no man ever said this to you? ", he asked her
"Men chased me but I never gave them the chance to utter nonsense, you are a first", she said making him chuckle at her savage reply.
"I'm glad I'm first, I will try my best to be the last", he said staring at her, making her shake her head.
"Now will you tell me what's wrong with you? You were not yourself", He asked her walking beside her and keeping a comfortable distance.
"Why should I share with you? Who are you to me?", she asked looking in the eye.
"I will become everything you want me to, everything Akansha Dikshit.
.. Try me", he said confidently. He didn't remember his retribution at that moment, he forgot about it every time he saw her.
.. He was angry with her for hurting his sister, but he couldn't stop falling for the same woman, his life couldn't turn any messier, but now he felt like he could do anything for her.
For a moment, he wants to confess how much he loved her, but before that, he wants to at least give her a subtle hint about his intentions, he wants to be truthful.
He knew there are high chances Akansha would kick him away from her life if he said he would hurt her but at that moment, being truthful to her mattered than his retribution.
"I don't promise I won't hurt you but I won't disrespect you ever, If at all you find me hurting you, you will get at least a justification for what I did or why I did it, but you will have to ask me, discuss with me before deciding why I did that.
I love you Akansha Dikshit, I truly, madly love you.
.. You are the last woman I wanted to fall for, but you became the first woman and will be the last woman I fell", Shaurya said looking her in the eye.
"What if I say 'No'", Akansha asked folding her arms to her chest, hiding her rising heartbeat at his truthful confession. He didn't promise roses and stars, he was truthful but she didn't realize the depth of hurt he was talking about.
"I will not leave you, I'll keep chasing you until you find a man you deserve or you end up with me", he said
"So you think I don't deserve you?", she asked and he shook his head.
"You deserve better, but my current situation doesn't allow me to become better for you. But once I settle things, I promise to become the best man for you", he said honestly and she knew he wouldn't be telling her about the 'situation' even if she asked.
"What if I ask you to marry me immediately?", she asked him to know how serious he was, for her. Because his father is the chief minister of the state, why would he want to be serious with her?
Shaurya picked up his phone and dialed Dev.
"I am getting married, how soon can you arrange for the wedding?", Shaurya asked Dev shocking Akansha.
"Have you gone crazy?", Dev shouted and even Akansha could hear him.
"What's your definition of immediately?
Tomorrow morning is fine?", Shaurya asked and Akansha nodded without thinking much.
"Dev... Arrange for tomorrow, in a temple", Shaurya said and hung up.
"I hope you don't have an issue with the temple wedding", he asked looking at her.
She stared at him in awe.
"How much do you know me?", Akansha asked
"Enough to decide that I can spend a lifetime and more with you", Shaurya said looking her in the eye with a smile.
"I don't want to marry you", she said and he nodded, his smile dimming.
"No worries! I'll keep trying then", Shaurya said
"Call your friend and inform him that", She told him.
"It's okay, he will have practice, in the future maybe I may have to tell him in even less time, this will help him", he said, Akansha frowned.
She thought he never liked troubling others but here he is, making his friend do all this.
He understood her thoughts.
"I like to trouble him sometimes for fun.
.. Just him, all others I trouble are because of work", Shaurya said and her frown turned into surprise at the level of understanding he showed towards her.
"So, Dev is your best friend hm?", Akansha asked
"Can we sit there for a while?", Shaurya asked showing the bench.
"We are just outside my house, Shaurya", Akansha said, her eyes widened
"This is not the first time. We sat here before as well", Shaurya replied in confusion
"That time, If my family saw me here with you, I wouldn't have to lie about what relationship I share with you, now I would need to, so let's go from here", Akansha said, Shaurya stood there in surprise for a while.
He stopped his grin with difficulty. He knew what she meant, earlier when they sat there, she didn't have feelings for him, so she didn't have to lie, but now, she will have to, does that mean she has feelings for him now?
He quickly came out of his thoughts and followed her. Both of them settled on the bench far from her house. They sat in silence for a few minutes. She understood he wanted to say something, so she didn't interrupt him.
"Dev is my best friend... Dev Bisht", Shaurya said, Akansha frowned, and then shock filled her when she realized what he just said, Dev Bisht is an MLA and prominent personality belonging to the opposition.
Aakriti used her mother's name as her surname as she believed she died giving birth to her like everyone else, so she wanted to keep her alive through her so Akansha couldn't guess she was Dev's sister.
"Yeah opposition party's MLA, also a famous leader in the state, is my best friend, but we portray ourselves as rivals in front of the whole world including my parents.
..", Shaurya started and from there he told her everything about their friendship and for the welfare of people, they had to pretend as rivals.
He didn't mention anything about Aakriti though she was the main reason behind Dev and Shaurya hiding their friendship.
Shaurya wanted to keep his parents away from Aakriti.
"For people's welfare? So technically to prevent the corruption from the opposition's end, you both joined two rival parties?", Akansha asked
"There's one more reason, but I can't tell you now", Shaurya said turning his face, remembering Aakriti.
He and Dev hid their friendship right from start to protect Aakriti.
There are chances his parents could have known that Aakriti might be their child if they knew he and Dev were friends so they hid it.
Later when they grew older, the desire to empower society awoke in both of them and the only way to effectively implement their ideas was through politics.
Guilt occupied Shaurya's heart for forgetting his real motive, his sister when Akansha was in front of him, he decided to seek answers from her for what she did to Aakriti.
In these few days of knowing Akansha, he understood she wasn't the kind of woman to harm someone without having concrete proof, she is not the one to judge people as well but what she did and why she did is still a mystery to him.
Whenever he thought of it and how it affected his sister, his blood boiled but he kept his anger in check.
Akansha fell into deep thinking and he noticed it.
"Is something wrong?", he asked her.
"No, I was just thinking, would you trouble me the same like you were troubling Dev if I were to give you a chance", Akansha suddenly asked Shaurya, making his eyes go wide.
"Shaurya, breathe... And answer", Akansha asked looking at him when he became still at her question. He understood what she meant but he couldn't believe this was happening.
"Yes... Because then you will become as dear and close to me as Dev", Shaurya answered
"Okay... Then let's see how you trouble me", Akansha finally said, Shaurya is on cloud nine.
"Can I?", Shaurya asked showing his arms wanting to take this incredible woman in his arms but she shook her head.
"Not yet, give me some time to adjust", she said and he nodded pulling away his arms.
They started dating but Akansha already fell in love with Shaurya's personality, his charm, and more than anything his caring and observant nature.
He treated her with love and respect. With him, she never had to ask for anything, he already knew what she wanted without uttering a single word.
Regarding his time, she adjusted to it, understanding his demanding profession.
She shared her every little feeling with him, she never had to pull her guard up when she was with him, in fact, he was the only person to whom she could show the real Akansha, a soft, caring, and loving Akansha, not the tough one.
Despite being so vocal about her feelings, she never shared about her family or how they treated her with him.
He waited to know what relationship she shared with her sister or how much she loved her to betray Aakriti or to use the cruel words at her.
After a few days, Akansha introduced her brother Akash to Shaurya.
Though Akash was initially shocked to know his strict and rude sister is in a relationship, that too with their MLA, soon with Shaurya's nature, Akash got very close to him, so close that he shared about how Akansha is mistreated at home.
He gave a peak into Akansha's life which even she refused to give him.
And this confused Shaurya even more, but then Akash told how Suman loved a guy and after the engagement, that guy's crazy admirer threatened to kill herself if he married Suman, and with all that, their father's health deteriorated and Akansha promised to make things fine and he told how she warned Aakriti to stay away from Suman and her fiance, Dilip.
Shaurya thought Akansha was given the wrong information, so thought to clear the truth to her that Aakriti never attempted suicide to stop Suman's engagement, she was hurt because of Akansha's words and how Suman's so-called fiance taunted her. But what she told shocked him.
"Akash... Don't you have classes? Go and study, instead of wasting your time, discussing like those typical gossip aunties both of you", Akansha said
"So rude di... He is sacrificing his sleep to come and meet you, and you are late. Above that, you don't even appreciate me for giving company to your boyfriend till you come", Akash complained but with one glare from Akansha, he quickly left bidding bye to Shaurya.
"It wasn't that girl's fault... Aakriti... Her name", Akansha said and Shaurya fisted his palms to supress his anger. If she knew Aakriti is not at fault, then why did she say all those things to her?
"If she wasn't at fault, then why did you say all those things to her Akansha?
", Shaurya asked but Akansha dismissed his question without answering as she didn't want to tell him how she was misguided by her sister's fiance, she also didn't tell him about how she called Aakriti's home to apologize but got threatened by her father.
She knew Shaurya wouldn't sit calm after knowing someone threatened her, she didn't want to disturb Aakriti's family with her presence so she avoided saying it and Shaurya's anger doubled at Akansha's careless dismissal despite knowing her fault while his sister suffered the brunt of her actions.
Yes, he promised Aakriti to make Akansha feel the same pain but he now fell in love with her genuinely, he can't break her heart forever but he decided to seek answers and make Akansha feel the same pain of betrayal his sister felt, and now that he got to know why she did that despite knowing Aakriti is innocent, he felt she deserved to feel the pain Aakriti felt though for a few hours but he didn't know that would become his biggest regret as his betrayal then broke her bit by bit.
-----------------------------------
Suraj dropped Akansha in the school and picked Siya taking her to Shaurya's office. Shaurya was in a meeting with the home minister and police department to prepare for the security when the campaigning time would start.
"Uncle, where is Dadda?", Siya asked Suraj.
Shuarya's guards showed respect to Suraj while they walked in the aisle to Shaurya's office and all this fascinated Siya.
"Wow... Uncle... you are vely (very) big", Siya said, what she meant was he is great for getting everyone to respect him and Suraj understood her words, he chuckled at the little girl's cuteness.
"Your Dadda is bigger than all of us", Suraj said, to make her understand in her language but he kept his tone low as people with a dirty mind are everywhere and they take out a second meaning out of it.
"We reached your Dadda's cabin... Will you go from here?
I have some work?", Suraj asked and Siya nodded.
Suraj opened the door and Siya walked in, he shut the door as soon as she entered and walked away. He knew Shaurya was in a meeting with the home minister and the department but his office is big and Shaurya himself instructed him to send his daughter inside.
Siya walked in with her school bag hanging from her shoulder and her water bottle hanging in her neck.
Shaurya looked at his little one walking, his office was too big for her to hear anything he says. He turned to Mr. Sharma to ask him to settle his daughter but his little one's understanding nature left him and his staff in awe.
Siya looked at her father and the people around him.
She understood her Dadda is busy with work and in a meeting.
She showed her little palm to him assuring that she is fine there.
She slowly dropped her school bag on the chair, then herself sat on the chair beside and sipped some water from her bottle making Shaurya smile with awe and pride shining on his face.
Damn! His wife did a great job in bringing up their child.
The home minister and the department men too looked at Siya and her cute antics. She is no doubt a pretty adorable child and her antics make her even more adorable.
Shaurya cleared his throat to make them concentrate back on the meeting.
"So... As I said, make sure to allot double security to opposition party leaders while they are campaigning.
We should keep people's safety in mind and act accordingly, there shouldn't be a law and order problem, what happened during last election could never be repeated", Shaurya sternly ordered Mr. Pathak and the home minister, and other senior officers.
After discussing a few more points, they walked out, with the home minister patting Siya's head affectionately.
"Dadda...", Siya ran to her father after everyone left except for Mr. Sharma.
Shaurya narrowed his eyes and the little girl quickly slowed her pace. Shaurya got up and walked, taking his daughter into his arms.
"How is school my unicorn?", Shaurya asked making her sit on the sofa and he settled beside her.
"Good... Teachel gave me stals, 4 stals (Teacher gave me stars, 4 ????)", Siya said and showed him. He praised her and got her to start painting. Mr. Sharma and Shaurya discussed a few things after which he dismissed Mr. Sharma and started feeding his daughter her lunch.
In the evening, Akansha finished her classes and Suraj dropped her back to Shaurya's residence.
Shaurya and Siya too returned after a couple of hours as he didn't want to leave his wife alone on their first day.
He had got many important meetings, Luckily the meetings are with his trustworthy people, so he shifted them home.
They had an early dinner. Akansha is feeding Siya while Shaurya waited for his daughter to finish her dinner so that he and his wife can have their dinner.
After feeding Siya, Akansha sent her with Mrs. Sudha as she has some important things to talk to Shaurya.
"Why was I nominated for the award?", Akansha asked when they both started having their dinner.
"You were? I didn't know", he said and she frowned at him.
"Shaurya, don't play games, you head the project, how is it possible that you didn't know about it?", Akansha asked him.
"Yes, I head the CR committee, but you are forgetting that apart from being an education minister, I am also the chief minister of this state, I have too many things on my plate so usually Mrs. Arora takes care of the nominations along with Mr. Samuel and Mr. Khanna.
I am supposed to get the list tomorrow for approval, how did you know that you were nominated? ", he asked her softly.
"The printer guy told me, he was printing the lists, maybe to send for your approval", Akansha said, calming down.
"It's a good thing, you are doing a great job, it would be a surprise if you weren't be nominated", Shaurya said
"But I don't need them, especially when I'm still your wife, at least legally.
They won't leave a single chance to defame you, honestly I don't care about your reputation but despite all the hardwork I have put, people won't take a single second to call it something else, so I'll be better off without an award, don't approve the list", Akansha said
"It's human nature to make perceptions, clever people perceive it right, stupid people perceive it the opposite.
We can't do a right thing if we are stuck at what people will think.
As a CR committee head, I will approve the right list. According to me, talented and hardworking individuals deserve appreciation for their wonderful work and you are definitely one, so yes you deserve this award if at all you are chosen.
I have known Mrs. Somya Arora for years, she wouldn't make a mistake in recognizing talent, so yes, I cannot not approve her list", Shaurya said earning a glare from Akansha.
"If I ended up getting the award, see what I do to you", Akansha said and quickly finished her food, leaving the place. He pleaded her to listen to him but she didn't. He left a deep sigh. He was badly stuck. He finished his supper and left to his study to resume his meetings.
Akansha entered her room and saw Mrs. Sudha slowly patting Siya to sleep.
"She slept?", Akansha whisper-asked Mrs. Sudha who nodded at her.
"Go and take rest, you look weak", Akansha told Mrs. Sudha. The old lady got tired as she has been doing a lot of work since early morning.
Mrs. Sudha nodded and got up, her phone buzzed with Shaurya's home study number. He asked her to bring coffee for 10 people and some lite snacks or homemade biscuits. Akansha offered to make it as Mrs. Sudha looked drained and the old lady accepted her offer.
Akansha made the coffee and sent it along with snacks to Shaurya's study. Shaurya recognized the taste in the first sip and a small smile formed on his lips. He quickly typed a 'Thank you' to his wife who reacted with a thumbs up(??) to his message.
"So... What areas to cover in the first 2 days sir?", Manoj, one of the MLA who is very loyal to Shaurya asked, putting the half empty coffee cup down.
"First finish the coffee, we will discuss it later", Shaurya said
"I'm done Shaurya saab, thank you", Manoj said
"Finish it, we have a lot of discussion to make and I don't want any of you to doze off", Shaurya said but his motive was not to let even a single drop of his wife's hardwork go waste.
He was so happy that his wife took effort to make coffee for him and his team despite hundreds of complaints against him. Anything she does for him makes him so happy. Just a glimpse of her and he feels as if he is on cloud nine.
He got done with his meetings late and then entered his room.
His heart beat rose seeing his wife and daughter on his bed, no!
their bed. Even the thought of it warmed his heart.
All he has to ask God is for one chance, one chance to set everything right, to treat his wife right and to give them both everything they deserve and much more.
He freshened up and moved to the bed. Luckily he doesn't need an alarm to wake up in his usual time but he sets it everyday nonetheless just in case. But he switched it off as it could disturb Akansha and Siya.
He lied on his side but sleep was far away.
He is experiencing extreme feelings, on one side he is extremely happy to have them beside him, he felt as if all his wounds are getting healed just by staring at them.
On the other hand, the thought of their sufferings, especially Akansha's all these years are pinching his heart.
He softly ruffled his daughter's hair and Siya quickly recognized her father's touch.
"Dadda...", she said sleepily, turning to Shaurya, snuggling with him. Shaurya pulled his little one to him, patting her to sleep...
"Dadda... Unicon stol... stoly...", Siya muttered sleepily. Shaurya resisted a chuckle at his daughter's memory. Even in sleep she didn't forget how he promised her to tell a big Unicorn story the previous day.
"Will tell you tomorrow bacha... Now sleep", he patted her back to sleep...
"Dadda...", Siya whined sleepily.
"Sleep both of you", Akansha muttered softly, patting her daughter, with her eyes closed but her little act raised Shaurya's heartbeat. In her half-sleep state, she didn't realize that she isn't patting her daughter but Shaurya's arm which is protectively wounded around Siya.
Akansha dozed off again and soon her patting stopped. Shaurya gently ruffled her hair, his eyes shining with love for his wife. Will she ever forgive him? But for her to at least think about it, he needs to open up about their past, Completely.
"Soon... Very soon", he whispered looking at Akansha.
No matter what her decision is, he keeps protecting her always. He would be always there for his wife and daughter whether they want it or not.
-----------------------
Shaurya woke up and started with yoga, Pranayama and then the strenuous activities before freshening up. His day starts very early as he has to accommodate hundreds of things in his 24 hours.
He made breakfast for his wife and himself, then mixed batter for pancakes for his daughter.
Mrs. Sudha entered the kitchen and smiled widely seeing Shaurya cooking with so much love and enthusiasm.
"So, can I expect you to cook frequently from here on?", Mrs. Sudha asked walking inside. Shaurya looked at her and gave her a smile.
"Good morning, Mrs. Sudha... How are you feeling now? Must be tired yesterday? I'm sorry", Shaurya said, Mrs. Sudha shook her head, patting Shaurya's shoulder.
"I am absolutely fine now, by the way, How do you know? Akansha told you?", Mrs. Sudha asked
"No, I understood when she made the coffee... She wouldn't have done it unless it's for you, so yeah... It's not that hard to guess", Shaurya said with a smile, Mrs.
Sudha nodded.
"You didn't answer my question, Shaurya, am I getting to see this side of you daily now?", Mrs. Sudha asked folding her arms, with a teasing glint. Shaurya shook his head at her teasing.
"Yeah, mostly. I always loved cooking but after taking office (CM's office), I hardly had time, but now I will make time to cook for my wife and child, especially when I know how much they enjoy my handmade food", Shaurya said whisking the batter.
"I made Vermicelli for breakfast, Akansha loves it, could you please reheat it when she arrives for breakfast? ", Shaurya asked
"Sure... I'll make pancakes for Siya, you can go, Mr. Sharma and Shweta would be arriving now", Mrs. Sudha offered.
"No, that's okay Mrs. Sudha, I'll make pancakes, there's still some time for Siya to wake up but Akansha would be here soon and she needs to be served hot", Shaurya said and left to the hall where Shweta and Mr. Sharma are waiting for him.
They got into work and after an hour, Akansha came down wearing a suit all ready for her work.
She quickly finished her breakfast, regretting not able to relish slowly her favorite Vermicelli. She walked to hall where Shaurya is having an in depth discussion with Mr. Sharma. He quickly paused his words noticing her presence.
"You are leaving for work?", Shaurya asked looking at Akansha and her handbag hanging to her shoulder.
"Yes, there's some discrepancy in the data, I just received a call from Mrs. Arora, I'll have to go. Can you get Siya ready and drop her in school?", she asked... "If you are busy let her be, I'll sort this out and come back home to...", she trailed
"Don't worry, I'll take care of Siya, I'll ask Suraj to drop you, took your lunch?", he asked quickly getting up.
"Shaurya, I'm getting late", She said turning to walk away.
"I have already packed...", he slipped his tongue, he bit back his words when he noticed his wife's embarrassing looks because of Mr. Sharma and Shweta's presence.
"I asked Mrs. Sudha to have it packed", he said and Mrs. Sudha reached with her tiffin just then which Akansha grabbed and speed walked away from there thanking Mrs. Sudha.
Shaurya called Suraj to instruct him to drop his wife at the Secretariat