PART - 46
The award ceremony began on a grand note.
All the ministers and the state governor, Mr Ananth Swaminathan attended it.
The governor asked for a meeting with the CR Committee as he wanted to meet them for a long time now.
He was impressed with the incredible work they are doing.
The model pedagogy they were developing has intrigued him.
Awards started getting distributed, the concerned minister handed the awards to his/her department employees.
So, for the education department, Shaurya was called on the stage and he distributed awards congratulating them.
"Next, we will move forward to distributing CR committee awards.
Though they are not permanent employees of the Secretariat, their contributions to the education sector of the state are highly valuable.
We request our honorable Chief Minister Shri Shaurya Singh Shekhawat to present awards to the best performers in the team", the host said and started inviting the members and the photographer took pictures of them with Shaurya.
The host called Akansha to come and accept the award.
Shaurya handed her the certificate, the gift box and the memento congratulating her.
She gave a fake smile to him while accepting, she was about to leave but the photographer asked her to stay.
"Ma'am... Please move closer and yes, look here...", he guided. She so wanted to bang his head as well as Shaurya's head for encouraging him.
Akansha did as asked, gave a fake smile,, and walked away—after getting the picture clicked, of course, but not before greeting Shaurya politely. She would never show their personal differences to the world and embarrass him.
The award ceremony concluded after all the departments got awarded for their remarkable work.
Later, the staff moved to their respective workplaces, and the governor as he wished earlier wanted to interact with the CR committee staff personally, so Shaurya accompanied him there.
Shaurya introduced the core team to the honorable governor who appreciated their efforts, and also congratulated Akansha and Mr. Anjan Goel, for the awards they received. They were the two people out of the 8 people in the core team who got rewarded, only these 8 directly reported to Shaurya.
"Congratulations, Mr. Goel. Your services to the country, even after your retirement, are highly respected and valued.
You are an asset to the team," the Governor said, shaking hands with Mr. Goel, a former Secretary of state in the education ministry.
Mr. Goel thanked the governor politely.
"Congratulations to you too Dr. Akansha, your deep insights and the way you presented this prestigious project in the demonstration held, are commendable.
Nothing less than extraordinary is expected with a team consisting of young talents like you and Mr. Khan and experienced people like Mrs. Arora, Mr. Khanna and Mr. Goel.
Of course, Mr. Samuel and others as well", the governor said, initially forgetting Samuel and others but seeing his pale face, he remembered mentioning him, which made everyone stifle their chuckle at Samuel's pettiness.
"With a dynamic leader like the chief minister Shaurya leading the team, no need to look back", the governor praised to which Shaurya smiled politely.
After a brief talk about the project, Shaurya looked at the governor and with the aura everyone understood that the two men wanted to talk in personal, so everyone excused themselves, greeting the governor and Shaurya respectfully before leaving.
"Akansha... Stay", Shaurya politely said, Rest all left.
The governor was left confused on why would Shaurya ask one of his direct reports to stay dismissing everyone else. He waited for Shaurya to say something related to the project but what he said stunned the old man.
"This is my wife, Dr. Akansha Shaurya Shekhawat", Shaurya introduced, he knew he would hear it for calling her with his name. He is ready to face any consequences, but for now he wanted to live that moment as a proud husband he is.
"Shaurya?", Mr. Swaminathan was left stunned.
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Shekhawat", the old man said recovering from the shock, folding his hands in a 'Namaste'.
Akansha got uncomfortable at the immediate change of treatment.
Earlier the governor just treated her as a temporary employee of CR committee but now he greeted her with high regard because she is the wife of the state's chief minister, top leader of the state.
"Pleasure is all mine, Sir", Akansha said, returning a Namaste.
"Though it was Mrs. Arora, Mr. Khanna, and other panelists who hired her, I am proud and happy to have her in the team.
The presentation I showed you 4 years ago, when I told you first about this idea of curriculum revision was prepared by her, years ago.
It was all her idea, her brainchild and I think only having her on board will give a proper direction and result to this project", Shaurya said, looking at Akansha once in a while.
"You are right Shaurya", the old man told and turned to Akansha.
"When Shaurya told me about this project for the first time, I wasn't so sure that this a good idea but I was totally convinced after the detailed presentation you have made considering multiple scenarios.
The clarity with which it was presented gave a clear picture of the excellent outcome, I am honored to meet a visionary like you Dr. Akansha.
You envisioned the coming decades and wanted to shape the curriculum that is relevant not just today but also for the next 3-5 decades.
I must appreciate you for your exemplary contributions", Mr. Swaminathan said, Akansha thanked, folding her hands.
"Thanks a lot for appreciating my work, but I think it's the team effort that we came this far, especially Shaurya's determination and team's experience", Akansha said
"But this state or even our country, in the future cannot forget that it's you who laid foundation for this.
Today the whole country is looking at this model and implement this in their states if we get successful.
This country needs more citizens like you and your husband Mrs. Shekhawat", The governor said and took out his Indian flag badge and gave it to Akansha which she accepted with a grateful smile for the honoring gesture as she knew it's really great for her to receive the national flag badge from his excellency, himself.
Shaurya took out his phone to capture the moment, seeing him the governor and Akansha looked at the camera, Shaurya quickly clicked a picture with a proud grin on his face, forgetting that he is also the state chief minister, who is now behaving like a personal photographer to his wife.
Well he didn't mind that. He is extremely proud of his wife's achievements.
Her noble thoughts for a better society are an asset to the state.
After a brief and formal talk, the governor left, Shaurya went to send him off while Akansha went back to her work desk.
"So this is what you are hiding?", the governor asked looking at Shaurya, in an informal tone.
Shaurya nodded with a small smile but also hesitation.
He didn't want to disclose why he had to hide about his marriage.
"I won't ask you anything Shaurya, but I must tell you, Padma (his wife) would be very happy to see the lover boy side of yours", he teased making Shaurya chuckle at the older man's remarks.
Not just professionally, Shaurya shared a great bond with the governor and his wife on a personal level as well.
"Yeah... Can't stop loving her ever...", Shaurya said, took out his personal phone, and showed Siya's picture to him. "My daughter sir", he added
"She is so adorable, what's her name?", He asked
"Siyakriti...", Shaurya replied
"Wonderful name... She looks a lot like you Shaurya... Get her home once, I would love to meet her", the governor said and Shaurya nodded. "It's decided then, you are coming to dinner this weekend, with your wife and daughter", he added but Shaurya laughed it off.
"Maybe not this weekend, but soon. Will let you know sir", Shaurya said and after a brief talk, the governor left, and Shaurya walked to his office.
-----------------------
"Akan... Akansha...", Shaurya panted, due to the running marathon he just did in searching for her.
Her tears have dried now, the initial heartbreak is replaced by fury, uncontrollable fury and hearing his tone, it only doubled.
"I won't waste my time asking you if what your sister told me is right or wrong, because I am not that stupid to still not see through your act. There's nothing to talk for now. Leave", Akansha said calmly.
"Hear me once", he whispered, gathering strength.
"Listen to me... Please... My intentions to approach you were wrong but.
.. I.. I love you... I know you don't believe me after all this but it's true.
.. We... We can talk regarding other issues between us.
.. Gi.. Give me chance to explain", Shaurya said looking at her cold face.
He never saw her like this, she was not this cold not even when she was ignoring him before they got into a relationship.
She was rude, arrogant but never cold. She felt detached now and Shaurya's palms and feet got cold and sweaty seeing her like this.
The fear of losing her is high. Deep inside he knew Akansha was mature to understand that he genuinely loved her but his betrayal wasn't anything small to forget or forgive so easily.
"What if you hadn't fell in love with me in real and I did?
", she asked,"actually don't answer that, that was your plan right?
To break my heart? So it's revenge huh? Now I understand why you didn't leave when I was rude to you.
.. Everyone left but you stayed, I thought your love was too much that's why you didn't leave, but now I get it, your revenge was the reason.
.. Congratulations Mr. Shekhawat, you won in breaking my heart, but remember, you can never break me", Akansha said
"You are getting this wrong, listen to me first", Shaurya said but she shook her head.
"No... I won't... I will not allow you to make me a fool again", she said
"I love you Akansha... I really love you, I want to live with you", Shaurya said
"I love you too... More than your brain that's hungry for revenge could realize butI don't want to live with you", Akansha spat
"Don't say things you don't mean... Yes, I wanted to make you suffer for what you did to Aakriti.
But not like this... Don't forgive me but please let me explain.
.. Aakriti could have died... I know this is wrong but.
..", he started, he wanted to tell her how he was made helpless.
Dev would have approached Akansha and he didn't want that.
He agreed to do this to save Aakriti's life and also Akansha.
He was left with no choice, he can't let his sister die.
"You know what? I won't just talk about her like that, I will break her now.
I will bring her to the same place she was once in, what would you do?
Again come and take revenge on me? Do it.
.. Do whatever you want to. Now I am throwing an open challenge at you Mr. Shekhawat.
Stop me if you can", Akansha spat and walked away.
Dev who drove behind Shaurya heard them.
"Akansha...", Dev called her and she halted her steps.
"Thanks for trying to tell me his real intentions, but I was a fool... But not anymore", She said and walked away before Dev could say anything.
"Shaurya... What if she does so..something to Aakriti?", Dev asked, he knew he should be consoling his friend first, for his heartbreak, that's why he is there for, but hearing Akansha's words he got scared.
"She won't, this was her anger talking, Dev. She wouldn't do something like that, I know her", Shaurya replied confidently but Dev wasn't so sure as he saw the determination in her eyes.
"Akansha is so hurt, why did Aakriti have to do it?", Shaurya asked, pain filled his eyes.
"She didn't know Shaurya, she didn't know you fell in love with Akansha in real, but maybe she got an idea now", Dev said and Shaurya realized how he reacted, getting angry with her.
He should have controlled his anger, yes he was upset with her but considering her weak mental state, he should have handled his emotions but his brain gave up when he thought about Akansha's feelings, her hurt and pain.
"Ho... How is she? They left to airport?", Shaurya asked looking at Dev but his expressions scared him.
"Aakriti refused to go to the US", Dev said Shaurya frowned and then Dev explained Aakriti's hysteric reaction to how Shaurya stormed out.
Dev and Rajnath tried to convince her a lot but she was adamant.
Shaurya sat on the bench holding his head.
Dev sat beside him but Shaurya glared at him sternly.
"Get up, that's Akansha's place", Shaurya warned... "I will wait here till she hears me"
"Well! You think she will hear you? Listen to you? Yes, maybe if you say you gave up your revenge, she might agree", Dev said
"Gave up? I still need answers, for what she did to Aakriti, and I didn't give up anything.
I told you that day, whoever is responsible for Aakriti's terrible condition, I will not leave them, I still am sticking to that promise", Shaurya said, but he didn't want to suffer Akansha, he needed answers.
Akansha who came there as she forgot her wallet on the bench heard him.
She stormed there, picked up her wallet, and when she is about to leave, Shaurya held her wrist.
"I love you a lot, but what you did to my sister is not at all forgivable, Akansha. You wouldn't have left the person if you were in my place too", Shaurya said, his eyes blazing with regret for hurting her and anger for what she told about his sister.
"True! I wouldn't have left the person, I have tried my best to avenge my sister's pain but I would have never stooped so low like you did, that's for sure, and yes, halt your plans for now, because after I destroy your sister completely, take your revenge altogether", she said
"Don't you dare Akansha Dikshit, it was me who wronged you, come at me, do anything you want to me, but not my sister.
..", Shaurya said, he knew Akansha is giving empty threats, he knew she wasn't someone to hurt innocent ones but Akansha had hurt Aakriti before as well, despite knowing she was innocent.
Why? Is she insecure about Aakriti trying to sabotage her sister's marriage?
"Akansha, Aakriti is innocent, you know it", Shaurya added getting restless.
"I thought so too, but not anymore", Akansha said and left from there.
"Akansha, you need to listen to us... Hey listen", Dev said walking behind but seeing her going into a crowded road, he stopped following her, he cannot be seen with Shaurya at any cost. That's when it stuck him.
"Damn! she knew our secret", Dev said but Shaurya shook his head calmly.
"She won't tell a soul... I trust her", Shaurya said with determination
"Even after all this?", Dev said, staring at Shaurya as if he had lost it.
"Yes! even after all this, I trust her, and I love her", Shaurya said and walked away, trying to think about other solutions to tell her Aakriti isn't at fault and convince her for the hurt he caused.
But she blocked him everywhere, Akash too was shocked when she said she broke up with Shaurya, she didn't give him any reason but strictly asked him not to contact Shaurya, and blocked him from Akash's phone as well.
Shaurya tried to talk to her a lot but she didn't give him a chance to.
She made it impossible for him to reach even her shadow.
Akansha got busy with her family, taking all the load, and trying to fulfill Dilip and his family's demands.
Now, her mother and sister's venomous words didn't give her any pain, because she is dealing with the biggest pain in her life now.
She loved Shaurya more than anything and anyone.
Even now she didn't block him out of her life completely, she still wanted him, it's him or no one but she is too angry and upset, so thought to stay away from him for a few months, at least until her sister's marriage which was postponed due to her father's doubts on Dilip.
But then Suman Dikshit got pregnant but only Akansha knew this. Suman told her and requested her to convince their family for marriage without telling anyone.
Akansha convinced her father for their marriage and took care of the arrangements.
Dilip liked Suman but wanted money behind Aakriti so he started texting her.
Shaurya who was passing by his sister's room saw her frustrated face and entered her room only to see her teary eyed staring at her mobile.
Shaurya who read the conversations got disgusted knowing what kind of a person Dilip is.
Now he didn't flirt with Aakriti but sold her fake stories on how Akansha and her family is forcing him to marry Suman for which he needed some money.
Shaurya also read the earlier flirting messages he used to send Aakriti which were leading her, and all these were when he was in relationship with Akansha's sister, Suman.
Shaurya didn't think he was the right man for Suman so he went to meet Akash and tell him to stop the wedding but Akansha came along with Akash, before Shaurya could say anything, she sent Akash away and bashed Shaurya for trying to stop her sister's wedding for his petty revenge.
She got extremely furious at how he was trying to spoil her sister's life especially when she was pregnant.
They had a fierce argument. After his betrayal, Akansha stopped trusting him and this frustrated Shaurya. Here he wanted to save her sister's life but she is not at all hearing him.
"Akansha, try to understand, Aakriti too confirmed it.
Despite being in relationship with your sister, he used to flirt with Aakriti badly.
When she stopped talking to him after you told her, he was the one who approached her, he enjoyed attention, he is not right for Suman. .. Aakriti...", Shaurya started
"How low can you people fall more? I know Dilip is not exactly a right person but he wasn't disloyal. Aakriti wanted him that's why she is lying to you...", Akansha said and this angered Shaurya.
"You got crazy... To clear you, Aakriti doesn't want Dilip Gandhi now... Aakriti is not like you think her to be", Shaurya defended his sister.
"I thought so too, until she asked to betray a woman just for revenge", Akansha taunted
"Akansha... Don't link up these things, she is sorry for what she did, listen to me once", Shaurya asked trying to keep his calm.
"Why should I hear you? You are worse than your sister, you betrayed me...", Akansha started.
Their argument heated to next level and Shaurya fed up of Akansha's stubborn nature and zero listening skills got very angry and blurted things he didn't mean.
"I was right in seeking revenge from you.
You always act impulsive, without caring about the consequences.
You are the reason my sister tried to commit suicide, I will never forgive you for it, you deserv.
..", Shaurya started but immediately shut his mouth not wanting to say something he didn't mean but Akansha already understood what he was going to say.
"No, I didn't... I didn't deserve your betrayal", she said slapping him hard.
Shaurya stood there shocked, placing his hand on his cheek.
"You know why I fell for you?
Your constant efforts, you never backed away despite my arrogance, rude comments etc, I did everything to push you away, but you stayed and I thought you were my forever, I thought you were the only man who couldtolerate me, handle me, stick by me no matter how I behave, but on knowing your reason to pursue me despite my rudeness was revenge, not love for me, and on knowing how you feel that I deserve it.
I have nothing to offer you. This ends here Shaurya.
You started it, but I'm putting the end card", Akansha said and walked away wiping her tears.
He cursed himself for losing his calm, for hurting her with his words. No, she didn't deserve it, she didn't. He told himself wiping a lone tear that slipped.
She knew he would come behind her after some time, he knew she would give him a chance but after punishing him enough.
They may have had bitter arguments but none of them left the other completely.
One big reason was they couldn't imagine anyone else other than each other.
For Shaurya it was Akansha and no one if not her.
For her it's Shaurya and only Shaurya.
Suman got married to Dilip and after a month, the couple announced their pregnancy.
Akansha wouldn't meet Shaurya for months.
She deserted him, she waited for her anger to go down and it slowly went.
Shaurya never stopped caring for her, he always made sure she reached home safe, she always found him at her college, on her way trying to be discrete.
His care despite his anger slowly calmed her anger.
She didn't like what he did to her and he would only get a chance when he repents rightly, thought she.
Aakriti went into deep depression with how Dilip tried to use her even before a few days of getting married to another woman, with how her brother actually fell in love with the woman he was supposed to hate.
She felt betrayed by Shaurya, she hated Akansha but also felt guilty for hurting her.
Her words rang in her head till date and her emotionless words to her mocking her love had dark impact on her.
She loved and admired Akansha, why did she have to be so rude to her, and why is she still admiring that woman forgetting how she treated her.
All these things ran in her head frequently.
Aakriti went to hospital for her regular sessions and that's when she saw Suman and Akansha in the hospital with Akansha putting her hand on Suman's belly securely, holding her sister who is heavily pregnant.
Aakriti tried to ignore them and pass, but Suman noticed her and flaunted her nuptial chain, her baby bump and Akansha as well. She was furious at how Aakriti tried to stop the wedding till the last moment or that's what she was fed by Dilip.
Suman leaned to Akansha as if telling her something, she made it seem like she was telling Akansha about Aakriti's presence and then both the sisters started laughing. Akansha rubbed the belly looking at it affectionately.
Suman casually talked about her wedding and Akansha expressed how she is happy to see her happy.
Suman thanked Akansha for saving her husband from Aakriti's trap.
Akansha wanted to correct her sister about Aakriti but it always lead to ugly arguments between them and now she didn't want to cause her any stress as doctor advised so she stayed calm and told Aakriti is not right for Dilip, so she did what she did to avoid it.
Suman bashed Aakriti for being shameless to stop her wedding and Akansha who is also in the same thinking added a few words which broke Aakriti's heart brutally.
Aakriti ran away while Suman smirked at her way. She still didn't know that Aakriti really attempted suicide before and it wasn't an act. Akansha frowned at Suman who told her how she taught Aakriti a lesson.
Akansha scolded her sister for her childishness and took her home. She called Dev to tell him of the incident, fearing Aakriti might again harm herself. Dev rushed home and sighed in relief seeing his sister asleep but his breath hitched when he saw her waking up with a heavy scream.
Shaurya rushed there too, as soon as he got Dev's call updating on the incident.
"Aakriti... Bacha... What happened?", Dev said rushing in, taking her in his arms.
"E... Every time I draw strength to live, they take it away.
.. I wanted to live for you people but now I don't... They were laughing at me, that smile is mocking me that she got successful in ruining my life, securing her sister's, I don't want to live anymore.
.. Please let me go... Let me die please, this pain is too much, the woman whom I admired so much has done this to me.
.. Why, the brother I believed to be on my side cheated me by falling in love with the woman who destroyed me?
", Aakriti said breaking down in her brother's arms.
They thought they were successful in consoling her but they realized how wrong they were when they admitted her to hospital after one more failed attempt to take her life next morning.
Akansha got to know the truth about Dilip's act, when Akansha questioned Suman on why she tried to hurt Aakriti by doing so.
Suman talked about the chats she found in Dilip's phone shocking Akansha.
So, Shaurya is telling the truth?She called Dev to know if Aakriti was fine but he informed about her attempt again pushing Akansha into guilt for what her sister did.
"Your jealousy and childish act might become a reason for someone's death.
Your selfish acts and wrong decisions brought so much pain to everyone.
Why Suman? When will you understand things?
I told you he wasn't the right guy. Even when you told me you were pregnant, I told you, I'll help you raise the child if you want to keep it but don't marry him if you think he wasn't the right one but you wanted to marry him and I gave into your demands.
I should have listened to Shaurya but I didn't because you said you would kill yourself if not marriage with him.
.. What's with everyone threating with life?
When will you understand the value of life?
", Akansha blasted at her sister but she knew it's pointless.
Shaurya didn't want to talk to Akansha Or hear her. She became the reason again for his sister's condition. Aakriti was right, he fell in love with the woman who was the reason behind her condition.
A few weeks passed, Shaurya's anger didn't disappear, it kept increasing, he wanted to hurt Akansha so badly for being so stubborn and heartless but his love for her tied his hands.
But all his anger was pushed aside when he received Akash's call on how his mother wants Akansha to marry a man 10 years older to her just because people are taunting them for getting their younger daughter married before the elder one.
That day Shaurya went and talked to Akansha's parents, her father Vasant readily agreed knowing how much Shaurya loved Akansha, though he wasn't so vocal about it, he could see it and also convinced his wife.
Akansha was made at her father for doing so.
After getting her parents to agree, he went to Akansha.
On seeing her, his eyes clouded with rage remembering his sister's condition.
Though he decided to marry Akansha for her, to get her out of her hell of a home, that day he wanted to see her suffer because of what she had done to his sister.
She tried to tell him that this was a bad idea but he didn't hear. That day it wasn't Shaurya, but Shaurya Singh Shekhawat that spoke.
"Marry me", he muttered with pure fury in his eyes holding her arms in his vile grip.
"You hate me", Akansha said with fear and determination in her eyes. Fear, yes. Because she had never seen him so dangerous till now.
"I do, and Retribution is my right", Shaurya answered
"And I have the right to a chance to justify myself", she said breaking with increasing hatred in his tone for her.
.. She wanted to tell him how she was unaware of Aakriti's innocence when she blasted at her in the hospital, and unaware of her presence in the hospital when her sister pulled the act but Shaurya didn't give her the chance.
She cursed herself for not telling him about it when he gave her the chance before.
"Like the hell, I will, you destroyed my sister and now it's your turn to get ruined", he spat.
.. "You will marry me, or see your family die", he said mercilessly.
Shaurya was never like that but that night she witnessed a person different altogether.
Little did they know that this is how it's going to be from here on.
"I will", she said losing the battle... "One last thing Mr. Shekhawat, the day you will know the truth, you will regret doing this to me", she said, he shook his head and walked away.
There are a lot of misunderstandings between them.
He understood she thought he married her for revenge but it wasn't the case.
Yes he was deeply upset and angry but his reason was different.
He didn't want her to suffer at the hands of her family anymore.
He hated himself for loving her so much despite what she did to his sister.
She thought he continued pursuing her because of his revenge and he wanted to tell her he stayed, he pursued her because he loved her, if it was for revenge, he would have left his attempts, instead hired someone but she didn't give him a chance then and later situations didn't allow him to tell her.
On the night after his marriage, he wanted to tell Akansha the truth that he married her out of love but he would need some time to forget and forgive for everything she has done and he knew she would also need some time to forgive him.
He wanted to tell her that what he showed when asking her to marry him was momentary anger because of Aakriti's suicide attempt.
He wanted to apologize to her.
But before he walks to his room, he finds a voice note in his father's work phone when his P.
A asks Shaurya to attend a meeting on his father's behalf and the details to that place are in his work phone, so he picks it up to take the details but he presses the wrong voice note and Shaurya gets to know what his father was busy in.
He quickly stormed to the basement of their ancestral mansion. He has never been to the basement, his father never allowed him. But after hearing the chilling voice note, he had to go there.
There he saw his parents brutally murdering a man, not some man, a very popular leader and former MLA of their party's personal assistant. The MLA died of cardiac arrest a few years back and Shaurya was made to fight the bi elections and win.
On hearing the conversation, he got to know how his parents killed a popular leader of their party and framed it as heart attack, just to bring bielections to the place and launch Shaurya as no matter the candidate, that's the only place in the state where their party could win a MLA seat despite their bad reputation and multiple scams. Shaurya was paralyzed knowing how cruel his parents can get.
He also heard his father plotting to kill Akansha and get him married again, this time to Meera Pathak.
Virendar told Shoba, that he knew it was Shaurya who constantly created problems for them, as a part of revenge for killing his sister.
Shaurya stood shocked knowing his father knew he knew they killed his sister or so they thought, and he was taking revenge on them for it.
Clearly he underestimated his parents badly.
They were a lot dangerous than he could even imagine.
Virendar also reminded his wife that if Shaurya rebelled against them after Akansha's death, they could threaten him with Aakriti's life and if Shaurya refused to anything they say, they kill Aakriti.
According to them, Aakriti was Shaurya's Rakhi sister but he loved her so much. They thought Shaurya ignored his rivalry with Dev Bisht for Aakriti, so she must be very special.
Shaurya quickly formed a plan and soon executed it the next day.
He can't even tell this to Akansha as that night he got to know that his parents also planted secret mikes across the house.
CCTV is already there in the house except for in bedrooms. So, he couldn't even tell the truth to Akansha.
What if they behave normal and camera captures it?
That will be a threat to Akansha's life.
So Shaurya thought not to tell her anything until he sorts everything.
He felt like killing himself for bringing her to this hell.
If he had known his parents real faces just hours before his wedding, he wouldn't have married her.
He would have kept her away from this hell.
The next day, he went to his father and told he married Akansha because of revenge.
"Accept this marriage and let me avenge my sister's pain, maybe that will lessen some of your sins. That's the least you could do after killing your own daughter, for me Aakriti is like my own sister.", Shaurya said shocking his parents.
Virendar got his son's story verified as he didn't trust anyone that easily, especially his son who troubled him and his wife anonymously for years for killing his sister.
His son was so clever that it took him almost a decade to know that Shaurya was the reason for almost every problem he faced.
So, Virendar could never take his son lightly.
Shaurya's story was verified luckily as everyone concerned thought Shaurya betrayed Akansha for revenge for what she did to Aakriti.
Shaurya's parents want no enmity with him as he is their future so they agreed to his demands.
Shaurya entered his room trying to be strong and appear heartless in front of Akansha.
Earlier he could have at least told her that he loved her but he married her for revenge but now he can't even do that.
By any chance if his parents or their loyal men heard or saw his affection for her, the next minute they would end her life.
Every minute in the house suffocated him, scared him.
"I know you married me for your revenge, to satisfy your ego, and to show your sister that you are making me suffer for the pain I caused her.
But for me, marriage isn't a joke, since you married me, you have to take the responsibility of this marriage, Shaurya.
I will do the same, it's better we sort these differences between us", Akansha said, Shaurya tried to walk away but Akansha held his hand stopping him.
"I'm talking to you Shaurya", She screamed
"You know why I married you... And what is wrong with you, you should be hating me, hate me as much as you want, live your life and let me live mine", he said, his tone giving away his pain while saying her those words and he hated his weak self. He need to get stronger.
"Yes I should be hating you, but the amount of love you had, or still has for me isn't letting me forget my love for you Shaurya.
.. Listen to me... Let's sort out differences, we'll have a great life together, please", she told him, keeping her ego aside.
He had done it multiple times for her, in fact when it comes to her, he took the blow on his self respect too, and his ego never appears when he is with her so now it's her turn to take care of their relationship, thought she.
"Sleep, it's late... I got some snacks, have it if you get hungry at night", he said and left to freshen up.
She stared at the snacks cover he kept on the bed.
He was aware she gets hungry in the midnight or at night as she had early dinner.
She didn't understand why was he behaving such.
On one hand he acts detached and on the other hand he cared for her, like every little thing of hers mattered to him.
Why is he doing this? Is this how he is gonna avenge?
That night, Akansha dozed off after waiting for Shaurya to return from his study. He returned in the midnight and settled beside her on the bed.
'I will never forgive myself for the delay I made in telling you my real intentions to marry you.
I thought of clearing everything on our wedding night, but I didn't know I couldn't be able to tell you anytime soon.
I know my behavior is hurting you, trust me it's killing me but I have no choice, I'm sorry for bringing you into this hell, I thought I am doing right by taking you away from your selfish mother and sister, but at least they are better, they didn't try to harm you physically.
.. My parents are more dangerous... I...
I saw them killing a person with their hands, brutally stabbing him, not just that they have killed Raj Gopal ji, one of the selfless and popular leaders of our state just to make me enter politics, I am not aware of how many people they have killed or destroyed.
I will have to find out, and get them punished for every crime they committed.
I cannot tell you anything or treat you the way I want to until I have the power to control them and checkmate their actions.
I can take your hate but not any harm on you.
I'm sorry for all the pain I have caused and will cause you in the future.
It's killing me to think about it Akansha but I have no choice.
.. I need to get stronger emotionally. I thought I am very clever and capable, and I can defeat my father easily and make him play according to me but I was so wrong.
I was in the illusion that if I could lead a billion dollar multinational effortlessly, I could handle my father and his dirty politics with ease but how wrong can I get more.
I wasn't clever, instead a fool to not understand how cruel and dangerous my parents are.
I can't make the mistake of underestimating my father again, I need to get stronger, emotionally and up my game soon.
.. I can do all this without much pain but hurting you takes my life every second.
I promise you, I will try my best not to cause any hurt, Please stay strong Jaan.
.. I know my silence is gonna hurt you a lot but that's my final resort, I can't hurt you with words I don't mean.
Please find my love in my actions, because I cannot show it openly.
I feel like losing myself but seeing you, I find my strength, I need to win to protect you.
I will win for sure Akansha, for you, for us, but till then Please keep up the patience love, you don't know how I wanted to hug you tightly, and tell you how much I wanted to live this marriage with you.
How I wanted to ask your forgiveness, sort all our differences and start our marriage on a happy note.
Now, all our issues, fights and arguments seem pointless compared to the danger in front of us.
I realized how much you love me if you have proposed to mend our differences keeping my betrayal aside.
You said you will fulfill your duties as a wife despite what I did.
.. I love you Akansha, I will keep loving you till my last breath, just stay patient love, and please don't change, always have little place for your Shaurya in your heart, so that you could forgive him in the future', Shaurya thought staring at his wife.
"Tomorrow is a big day, I need a lot of strength, and I want to draw it from you. Please stay strong", Shaurya whispered, pulling her into his arms.
"Shaurya...", Akansha muttered in her sleep...
"Sh... Sleep...", he said dropping kisses on her hair, making her go back to sleep.
From the following day, he maintained a cold demeanor around Akansha.
But he never failed to make sure she took timely meals and doing well healthwise.
He got his loyal staff to protect her always, he kept taking her updates every few hours.
He asked Mrs. Sudha to take care of her and inform him immediately if she felt something is wrong.
After a few days to their marriage, Shaurya's parents left to capital city to live in the CM residence but like he predicted their party lost in the elections badly, his father lost his MLA seat from both the places he contested the elections from.
This was the first time in the state history that a party leader and the CM candidate lost and it was shameful for the party, many people in the party demanded a change in leadership, and Shaurya by then got very popular among the party activists, MLAs and MPs, and even among people.
He contested from two seats, one from his native constituency and another seat from the constituency where he is currently serving as an MLA(the seat that belonged to Jai Gopal who was murdered by Shaurya's parents).
Despite his party's disastrous performance in the elections, he won both the seats.
He retained his home constituency and left the other one, leading to bi elections there, and in the bi elections, he made his father give the ticket to Mr. Jai Gopal's son, Shaurya campaigned vigorously and made him win the elections, despite the candidate's lack of experience.
He wanted to start repentance for his parents' sins and that started with Raj Gopal Ji.
He couldn't bring him back but he wanted to give his family the MLA position they were holding from decades.
Shaurya gained genuine popularity for all the good things and development projects he started.
How he isolated himself from his father and worked for the welfare yielded good results.
He still remained connected to his father's name but the negative effect regarding the scams stayed away from Shaurya, and Virendar is glad though he wasn't happy to sacrifice party leadership to his son but it's always better to pass it to his son than any outsider.
Shaurya's parents shifted back to the ancestral house and Shaurya was more cautious this time.
In the time his parents stayed away from the ancestral house, Shaurya got it thoroughly checked in the name of cleaning and just in his room, he found 5 secret mikes.
There were no cameras luckily, he wanted to get rid of the mikes voice recorders but he didn't want his father to suspect him so he damaged them to a certain extent where they did work but not so effectively and he made sure his and his wife's privacy is not interrupted in any way.
-------------------------
"Mama bear...", Siya hugged her mother as soon as Akansha stepped inside.
"My Siyabear...", Akansha cooed picking her baby up.
"Dadda?", Siya asked looking behind Akansha...
"He will be late bacha... Dadda has work, but he'll be back by dinner time", Akansha said making Siya pout.
The little girl loved her father's company and always wanted him with her but since elections are very near, before he started his rigorous campaigning in a few months he wanted to complete all the work regarding the state.
Siya and Akansha walked into the room and after freshening up, Akansha spent some time with her daughter helping her paint. When Siya found a painting which she made with her Dadda, she got a naughty idea.
"Mama bear... Ide... Idea... I will scarrree (scare) Dadda when he comes... Sh... This is seclet(secret)", Siya said and Akansha nodded, acting along.
"Mama bear, will you tell me when Dadda is home, I will scare him", Siya asked
"Okay baby, I will, but first have fruits", Akansha said, making her daughter eat the Apple she boiled.
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"Mr. Sharma, tell everyone that I need these reports today, no one will go home without resolving the issue. Arrange transport for female employees, and make a list of them and take confirmation once they reach home", Shaurya said
"Okay sir, will also let at your home know you will be late", Mr. Sharma said. This is what happens everytime Shaurya asks his employees to stay back. He also stays back with them till late and Mr. Sharma let's Mrs. Sudha know.
"No let it be, I'll let my wife know", Shaurya said, that sounded so good to his ears, and he knew he wouldn't be able to use it for longer, so wanted to flaunt as much as his heart craved.
"Okay sir", Mr. Sharma said and walked away.
Shaurya called Akansha to let her know he would be late but she didn't let him talk.
"Shaurya... When will you be home? Your daughter is making plans to scare you, and minute by minute, you are ending her excitement... Come fast or else I will kick you for disappointing Siya", Akansha warned and what he wanted to say evaporated into thin air. How can he make his daughter wait?
"Yes... Leaving office now, will be there soon, sorry", he said and Akansha wanted to blast at him for not leaving till now but didn't. He is not some random person to be having some free time, he is the state chief minister and he would have multiple important works still he tries to prioritize them always, maybe she could be a little more understanding?
"Okay...", Akansha said calmly and hung up.
Shaurya quickly called Mr. Sharma while packing his stuff.
"Mr. Sharma, I will connect from home and whoever had the access can connect from home too.
Those who weren't given the secured access by us had to stay back but they will get comp-off (compensatory off).
Please also arrange transport and dinner for all of them who are staying.
Don't bother about Mrs. Gupta, I'll drop her home on my way", Shaurya said
"Okay sir, I'll ask someone else to drop Shweta, you seem to be in a hurry", Mr. Sharma offered, as Shweta's home is in the opposite direction and he would get late if he goes to drop her.
"Yeah, that would be great, thank you, let me know once she reached home safely", Shaurya said and left for home.
As soon as Siya heard her father's convoy sound, she went and hid behind the door with the monkey mask her uncle bought for her recently. Shaurya walked towards the entrance with Suraj and other men walking behind.
"Bhooooooo", Siya screamed coming from her hiding.
"Ahhh...", Shaurya too acted scared making his daughter laugh loudly, but her laugh halted a bit seeing Suraj and other men not afraid. Shaurya quickly gave them a look and they too acted scared making Siya giggle more, their act believable.
"Dadda... Hehehe you got scared... It's me... Siya... Sulaj uncle... Jasmeet uncle... Its me... Siya, don't be scared, I am dadda's good unicon(unicorn)", Siya said removing the mask.
"Acha... So this good unicorn decided to scare Dadda huh... See what Dadda does to you...", Shaurya said and started chasing his daughter who ran away and Shaurya acted like catching her and finally lifted her in his arms tickling her.
Akansha recorded the fun this father-daughter have on a daily basis. She wanted to club all these videos as a movie and gift her daughter when she is older, well this is a gift to Shaurya than Siya as he keeps complaining how Siya is growing fast.
Shaurya freshened up quickly and after his daughter fell asleep he got back to work.
When Akansha asked if he was busy when she called, he denied and showed as if he wasn't doing something important but she knew the reality.
She can see the number of calls he received from the time he came home, he was stuck in something important, maybe he called her to inform the same but she didn't let him talk.
Not for once did he act like he had important things to do Or like he is the Chief Minister of the state who has lots of work.
He tries to be cool all the time and deal with things in a casual way and she liked his way of prioritizing family.
Especially Shaurya didn't believe in showing off how much work someone do.
He believed in efforts and results rather than show off and he promoted his staff based on the same.