PART - 49
"Di... Don't cry... Please", Akash said hugging his sister.
Akansha quickly composed herself wiping her tears.
She felt a lot of ache, she wanted to sob loudly but she didn't want to rely on anyone.
She always stood strong, no matter the pain she felt.
She handled her pain alone until Shaurya came in her life.
The amount of love he showered on her, the level of understanding he held forced her to rely on him.
She got the confidence that no matter what, she could depend on him for anything.
He'll be there for her always but he too failed her when he chose to marry her for revenge.
He let her suffer in their marriage. What were supposed to be the best moments for a woman, the wedding, the news of pregnancy, her delivering their child got painful because of him and she would never forgive him for it.
"I am fine... Now tell me what's with the attacks on Shaurya, who is behind it?", Akansha asked, getting all serious.
"We were working on a crucial project, let's just say this project helps us to eliminate 78% of the black money in the state and reduces the crime rate by more than 58%.
This is highly confidential and We are carrying forward this mission for 3 years now.
Now they suspected government action, that's why the attacks.
It's just a suspicion for them now, but the moment they get confirmation regarding what we are doing, they would intensify attacks on him.
I told him this is a dangerous bet he is placing but he didn't listen to me", Akash said.
"What's this mission exactly about? And who all are involved in this? Is Shaurya the only target person?", Akansha asked, but Akash remained silent.
"I can't tell you anything more than this.
But yes, he is the only big target for them.
We tried to dilute the responsibility among everyone who is a part of this project if at all this got leaked, but he took the entire responsibility for this.
He said he didn't want to risk our lives, if there must be any loss of life, it should start and end with him only", Akash said, Akansha appreciated Shaurya's accountability but internally she was hell worried for his life.
What kind of a mission is this? If it has such an impact on black money and crime rate, she can only imagine what kind of people might be involved in this and the danger that comes with it.
"Shaurya is right in not risking your lives, since he is the mastermind behind this, he should be the one taking sole responsibility", Akansha said masking her worry and fear for her husband's life, Akash looked at her in surprise.
"Anyone in his place would try to protect himself because technically a chief minister's life is always more precious than common officers, but his thought process is entirely different. For him, his officers' lives matter more than his.", Akash said
"And he is right", Akansha said
"It also needs sincere IAS officers like you. We rarely have people like you, Akash... And yes, instead of thinking why Shaurya threw himself in front, think about how you can protect him...", Akansha said
"Why do I feel that you are not so brave from inside, as much as you are trying to show", Akash said looking at his sister.
"Why do I feel you are more eager to get slapped than you are showing?", Akansha asked him...
"Mai jaara hu study mein(I am going to the study), can't keep my boss waiting", Akash said and slipped calmly before his sister slapped him. He believed she could do it.
--------------------
"Sir... We have got everything removed from the internet, but this clip of ma'am and your daughter became viral", his P.
I detailed Shaurya showing the clip in which Akansha, Siya with him were captured taking the holy dip, whoever took the clip was definitely a professional and he loved it.
He couldn't have introduced his wife and daughter in a better way, he took it as Mahadev's blessings.
"We can get this deleted tracking the source server sir. ..", his P. I added.
"No it's okay... Let it be... It will die down soon", Shaurya said and decided to talk to Akansha about it. If she wanted him to take action or get this deleted, he wouldn't have an option other than obeying her because in the end, it's her choice but he would sure try not to do so.
Akash entered the study followed by Suraj.
Shaurya along with his core security and investigating team were already present there, and they started the discussion to prevent further such attacks.
Suraj proposed to end them silently but Shaurya didn't want to take any risk at the time of the elections.
His political strategist advised him to take advantage of these attacks by victimizing himself but Shaurya hated sympathy politics.
They became a huge success across the nation but for some reason he wanted people to think beyond that.
He believed people should become wise and choose a leader who is good for them, and who could understand their pain, not someone who showed he is in pain.
Neither Suraj nor Akash liked Shaurya's idea.
He can't be risking his life until then.
The election date wasn't announced till now, so they are assuming at least a few months in it.
Shaurya would be campaigning too and he would be vulnerable and protecting him would get harder and harder.
They didn't understand why he was denying any action.
"Concentrate on protecting me for now, Suraj.
If we take any action, there's a risk of the whole cover blowing away, and it would waste all the effort we have been putting towards it for years now.
.. Succeeding in this mission is very important for the state and country as well, I can't take a risk with it", Shaurya said
"Sir... Practically speaking, if they succeed in harming you, or worse taking your life, even then the progress we made will be lost and the consequences are too bad, you know it", Akash said and Shaurya knew he was right.
"Okay... For now, whoever your suspects are, lock everyone up, no official orders will be passed for this, You know better how to do it, Suraj.
.. We'll look into this issue immediately after the elections, hoping we come to power again", Shaurya said looking at Suraj and Akash.
Shaurya didn't involve Dev in this fearing his life but if at all he loses elections and Dev came to power, he had to tell him about this and run this through him.
Both are satisfied with his answer though not very happy. They believed in completely eliminating the harm but this is fine for now.
After a lengthy discussion, Shaurya went to his room to retire for the night. He expected his wife and daughter to be asleep but was surprised to see his wife sitting on the bed beside his sleeping daughter, indulging in deep thoughts.
"You didn't sleep yet?", Shaurya asked, bringing her out of her thoughts.
"I... I couldn't", she fumbled. Thinking about her father's pain and how he might have spent every second in self-loathing is killing her.
This is why she avoided thinking about her father, he is her weak spot.
She was feeling guilty for punishing her father like this, despite knowing how soft he was.
He might not have the courage to stand against her mother but he always shared her pain.
He always sat with her and went through the same pain she had gone through, cursing himself every minute for being weak.
Yes, he was weak that is why she had to become stronger but still, he was her father and he loved her, he had been her light right from childhood. Why did she punish him so cruelly?
Shaurya sat on the floor beside Akansha's side while she sat on the bed with her legs hanging in the air.
"What happened?", he asked softly, adjusting her anklet chain on her right ankle. She shut her eyes feeling his gentle fingers on her feet. His touch always melted her... Her rigid self went for a toss at moments like this.
"Papa... Papa was unwell... He suffered a stroke and I wasn't even aware of it.
.. Akash told me today... Shaurya, I feel I was unfair to him.
He didn't know the truth, he didn't know you were marrying me for revenge.
.. He just thought about my welfare, he couldn't see the everyday torture I was going through with my mother forcing me to marry.
..", she suddenly shut herself as she thought he didn't know.
And Shaurya thought this was the right time to let her know the truth.
"To marry Rajat Sharma, who is 10 years older than you", Shaurya finished shocking Akansha...
"You knew...", it wasn't a question but a statement from her...
"I didn't marry you for revenge Akansha.
.. I married you out of love", he said, those words sounded heavier than he thought they would.
A truth he hid it within himself for years finally came out.
He started feeling lighter the next second.
Finally! He said it, he was scared he would never be able to meet her and tell her these words.
He hated himself for making her feel unworthy, for letting her think that he married her for revenge.
He knew how disrespectful she might have felt knowing his reason to marry her.
"And that was my biggest mistake. To not tell you my real motive behind the marriage.
.. I'm sorry, so sorry that I claimed that I was marrying you for revenge but it's not the truth.
Yes, I was furious about what you and Suman did to Aakriti, but if you remember, I didn't approach your family immediately after that.
When I got to know about it, I wanted to confront you, and ask you why you did it.
I wanted to know things from your point of view but I was too furious, Aakriti's health condition was bad, I saw her suffering panic attacks every single day, she was put on life support, and there were days when doctors told us to let her go.
..", Shaurya's eyes were filled remembering those fateful days.
Akansha felt the pain in his tone, she didn't understand how can someone love a person so much like a sibling without actually being connected by blood.
She heard of such bonds but saw them for the first time.
For Shaurya, Aakriti is so important... maybe even more important than her siblings are to her, she thought.
"I was shattered, I was furious with you, I didn't want to confront you when I was not in my complete senses, I didn't want to hurt you, but then one day, I received Akash's call, he told me about your mother forcing you to marry a man decade older than you.
I was furious with your mother when Akash told me how she is suffering you.
That moment I decided to get you out of that hell.
The day I met your parents and asked for your hand, I wanted to marry you out of love, yes I was angry and upset but for sometime I wanted to keep it a side and think about only the love between us.
I thought of resolving all our differences after marriage, your father agreed going against your mother, satisfied, I went back to the hospital, thinking to talk to you the next day, but that night, Aakriti suffered another major attack, when she heard your name.
.. That day... D.. Doctor told us to give up trying, and let her go as her condition was not improving.
He said we could try something to give her hope and Dev told her I was marrying you for revenge, I was so furious with you at that time that I agreed with him.
I thought I would pretend till marriage and tell you the truth the next day, I was a fool to think that you deserved that punishment for one night, that's the least I could do for what you did to Aakriti.
I'm sorry I hurt you... I made a memory like marriage a bitter one for you.
.. I didn't want to lose my sister, she nurtured so much hatred for you in her heart that the idea of making you suffer gave her hope.
It was so wrong but at that critical point, I.
.. I want to bring her out alive... I want to do anything to give her the much needed hope.
I'm sorry Akansha", Shaurya said with his welled up eyes.
The bitter memories of her marriage hit a fresh.
That night when he asked her to marry him, she was so hurt seeing the raw anger in his eyes.
She was a mess, her heart shattered knowing his intentions to marry her were based on revenge.
Throughout the time they were taking vows, she prayed to make his love for her win, not his retribution.
The tears she shed because of him. All for something she did unintentionally?
On the other hand, she felt his pain, she would have reacted more violently if she was in his place and Suman or Akash were in Aakriti's position.
She wouldn't have searched for rationale too.
In fact she couldn't have loved a person who she thought was thinking to harm her siblings.
She hated him when she thought he wanted to stop her sister's wedding by falsely accusing Dilip, she calmed down only after she got to know the truth from Suman later.
But then, if he is allowed to take revenge for his foster sister, then why did he blame her for taking a step for her real sister's welfare?
"You didn't even know what happened that day.
.. Yes, I said some things about Aakriti that I shouldn't have, but I didn't know Aakriti was present there.
Suman in her childish jealousy played me.
I agree I should have been careful with my words especially when that's not the truth and was wrongly blaming someone but in my defense, I didn't know Shaurya.
.. I was in the thinking that you and Aakriti tried to stop my sister's wedding by lying about those chats but only after going home that day did I get to know the truth when I confronted Suman about why she intentionally hurt Aakriti", Akansha said
"But I have a question Shaurya.
.. If you can avenge your friend's sister's pain, why can't I think about my own sister's marriage?
why did you choose to betray me when all I did was protecting my sister's interests at the same time telling the truth to Aakriti, Dilip wasn't the right guy for her.
.. Why this hypocrisy Shaurya? It's right if you look after your foster sister whom you love 'like' your sister, while I was wrong and selfish if I do things for my own sister? ", Akansha questioned him.
"Not defending my act... I was wrong in choosing to betray you, but there's something you need to know.
.. Aakriti is not Dev's biological sister, but mine", he said shocking her.
.. "I'm trusting you with this secret...
Except for Rajnath uncle, Dev and me, no one knows this, please keep it to yourself, otherwise Aakriti could be killed", Shaurya said.
"You mean you are not Shekhawat's son? That explains your father's animosity and heartless acts towards...", Akansha started but was cut off by him...
"Akansha... You are not so good at connecting dots, so please don't try again.
..", he said, his wife's guessing skills are bad.
"I'm their child so is Aakriti", Shaurya said and soon told how his father and mother wanted the get rid of their daughter for their selfish motives, how he saved her and ran to Dev's house and how Rajnath accepted her.
Akansha cupped her mouth hearing this... She always wondered how a woman can try to kill her own son's unborn child but if she could try to kill her own her child who was just days old, killing her unborn grandchild is not so hard... Was it?
Her heart went out for her husband who went through so much trauma, and sufferings to save his sibling at such a tender age.
She appreciated Rajnath Bisht for his selfless act.
He took the blame of being the cause of his wife's death, he was called an animal for forcing his wife to give birth to his child even with her ill health but he bore all that to protect a child who was going to get killed by her own parents?
Now she understood why Dev, Shaurya and Rajnath were so protective of Aakriti.
They protected her for years, sacrificing anything and everything for her.
Dev and Shaurya hid their friendship to prevent Shaurya's parents from doubting Aakriti's existence.
That explains their aggressive reaction when they thought she was the reason Aakriti wanted to die, no she didn't agree or justify what Shaurya did but now she understood where he came from.
But she didn't know there was more to it.
"I didn't want to deceive a woman... That was against my ethics.
.. I even stopped Dev, I wanted to punish you but in some other way.
But then, you stormed into the hospital and said whatever came in your mind.
Aakriti just started recovering and doctor told us to take her home, I went to talk to the doctor and complete discharge formalities but by the time I returned, she was.
.. She was lying in a pool of blood harming herself.
My police friend suggested you to get arrested under abetment of suicide, but Rajnath uncle didn't want to spoil your future, neither did I.
Dev wasn't getting convinced, he wanted to send you to prison at any cost but I promised him you would get the punishment you deserve and the suffering Aakriti wanted for you.
.. I.. I'm sorry. At that time I didn't love you, I was only concerned for my sister, I know it's wrong.
..", Shaurya trailed. Akansha sat there numb.
Her thoughtless actions caused so much damage to that girl.
Yes Aakriti was weak to choose self-harm but she was strong right?
Why didn't she choose to explain Aakriti in an amiable manner?
"I didn't know Aakriti attempted suicide for real.
Dilip fooled me and my family. He made us believe that Aakriti was behind him, she fake-attempted suicide to prevent his engagement with Suman, hearing this, Papa collapsed and I was furious.
I didn't know what I was doing. I should have cross-checked the facts.
.. I'm sorry Shaurya... I was impulsive.
.. But later I got to know the truth from a student and called Aakriti's home to apologize, Mr. Rajnath Bisht picked up the phone.
.. He warned me not to call again, so I decided to stay from her", Akansha said holding her head.
"You called to apologize? Raj uncle didn't tell me.
I didn't know you were played... Why didn't you tell me all this when we were in a relationship, when I asked you about it, you said you know it's not Aakriti's fault, and when I asked why did you hurt her then, you didn't tell me that you got to know about it later and you called to apologize to her family.
.. Instead you dismissed it like you didn't care and I got so furious that you didn't care about my sister's suffering", Shaurya said
"I didn't know you were Aakriti's brother then, I thought you wouldn't like someone threatening me, I didn't want you to have a tiff with Mr. Bisht so I hid it. Also I just wanted to stay away from Aakriti's life like her father asked, so I didn't tell you", Akansha clarified.
"If you got to know Dilip played you, then why did you accept the alliance and got your sister married to him?", Shaurya asked
"After that incident, I got wary of Dilip and expressed my concerns to my father who postponed the wedding to know Dilip better, Suman and my mother got so upset with that fact that they accused me of being jealous of my own sister's happiness.
.. Well, let's just say my home became a mini hell for me at that time.
..", Akansha said, Shaurya wiped the lone tear that escaped her eyes thinking about her mother's and sister's bitter words.
"You know it, you saw me going through that phase though I never expressed my reasons to you.
..", Akansha said and he nodded fisting his palm.
Her mother and sister are the most selfish people he saw till date.
"But I didn't care, I preferred Suman's future rather than their baseless accusations, but then Suman got pregnant, and she said she would die if she didn't get married before she started showing up.
.. She didn't want to take humiliation, also she told me Dilip was ready to take the responsibility of the child and he loved only her so I convinced papa and got them married.
That's why I got so furious when you tried to stop the wedding, I was scared of wedding being called off, and my family had to face the humiliation if Suman's pregnancy news comes out", Akansha told and Shaurya understood what might have happened.
He chuckled bitterly at fate's cruel game.
He was so frustrated then that she wasn't listening to him when he was trying to save her sister's life but in actual, all this was going in her head.
In his anger he told her words he didn't mean, he would never forgive himself.
"I was so restless from the time I made you think I married you for revenge, I wanted to clear things with you soon, the night of our marriage, I was walking towards our room when my father's PS called me, asking me to handle a meeting and gave my dad's work phone to fetch the details of the meeting.
While searching, I accidentally found a voice note where my father was telling someone that he would eliminate him till the end of the day.
I ran in search of him and that day, I saw my parents' cruelty with my eyes.
Yes I know they tried to kill my just born sister but that n.
. night I saw them brutally murdering a man.
..", Shaurya said, and told her everything that happened after that.
How he was shattered to know his parents killed a good leader just to make sure he had a successful entry into politics with a bi-elections and murdered his P. A to hide the truth forever.
Sweat formed on her forehead hearing him. She lived with such people? No wonder Shaurya made her stay with Dev for months in his absence, no one would trust their parents after witnessing such things.
"When I realized I couldn't be able to tell you how much I loved you, why I married you, the thought of seeking revenge from you seemed so petty in front of the danger I witnessed in the form of my parents.
I thought I would tell you the truth that very night after Aakriti left to Bisht house.
I thought one night wouldn't kill you, my sister would get a hope to live, my heart kept telling me to clear things to you before marriage, I was feeling gut wrenching pain seeing you sitting in mandap with no life in you but I ignored my feelings, instincts and went forward with my stubborn decision.
I wondered what would happen in a few hours and fate showed me what all could happen.
Life is so unpredictable that it would turn tables not in few hours but just in a few seconds even.
Trust me, there wasn't a single minute I didn't regret marrying you and bringing you to this hell from then.
Had I known my parents were this dangerous, I wouldn't have married you.
I thought I was bringing you out of a hell away from your mother's mental torture but didn't realize I was pushing you into an even bigger one.
Every second, I lived in guilt of hurting you.
.. All I wanted was to take you in my arms and tell you how much I love you but I couldn't... I couldn't even behave normal in our room as my father got recorders and mikes installed in our room", Shaurya said making her gasp in shock.
"I got them damaged to a possible extent where they worked just enough to not cause my father suspicion.
I placed them away from our bed, after a few weeks of our wedding.
.. I can't let you embarrassed in front of anyone.
And I'm sorry, I made you feel disrespectful.
I didn't want to touch you when you were in the thinking that I married you for revenge, but that night, when you visited Aakriti in the hospital and my mother made a big scene out of it, I couldn't control myself, You looked broken, I had to console you, you needed me so.
..", Shaurya trailed.
Akansha remembered that day.
She felt alive after a long time... He loved her as if she was the most beautiful creature, as if his world started and ended with her and her alone.
.. That was the first time they made love after marriage.
"I couldn't assure you with words, so tried with my actions. ..", he said holding her wrist.
He made love to her every day from then.
That was the only time he showed his love and that was the only time she felt alive, as she got to experience his love.
He always made sure she had food on time, kept asking how she was doing.
That kept her going, giving her hope that he still loved her a lot and there were high chances their marriage could work but then things took a turn with Meera Pathak's entry, how she treated her and how he did nothing but to sit and watch her disrespect silently, at least that's what she thought until recently.
Tears gathered in her eyes and soon Akansha started sobbing remembering all her time in his ancestral house which weren't less than hell for her.
The trauma she went through. The pain his indifference caused and now when she knew the back story of everything he did then, she didn't know what to think.
No, she didn't forgive him but she tried to understand what he did and why?
Shaurya pulled her to his chest, wounding his arms, she so wanted to jerk him away but she knew he wouldn't give up until she finds solace in his arms and maybe for just this one night, she wanted to be in peace.
To be in the arms of the man she loved with all heart, the man who loved her unconditionally but failed to give her a secured and safe life.
She wounded her arms tightly around his waist hugging him tightly.
He lifted and made her sit in his lap, straddling him.
He gently ruffled her hair, calming her down.
He felt the physical ache in his heart seeing her so vulnerable and knowing he was the reason for it.
He kept whispering how sorry he is. She sobbed until she felt light in her heart.
The lighter she felt, the heavier his heart got with regrets and ache of her sufferings.
"I hate you", she whispered, sobbing
"You are right in doing so", he whispered back.
"You said I deserve your betrayal...", she complained, sobs getting louder.
"No you didn't... I am sorry... You shouldn't have stopped with one slap Jaan", he whispered back.
"You loved me for revenge", she said
"I approached you for revenge, but I loved you because I couldn't stop myself from loving you.
I stayed not because I had to fulfill my revenge but because I loved you and I want only you in my life, no other woman.
Despite your rudeness, arrogance and efforts to push me away, I stayed because I loved you and I still do.
If it was for revenge, I would have left much sooner.
.. I stayed because of you Akansha... I know I have made so many mistakes but please don't punish yourself for them.
.. Trust me, my feelings for you were never mixed with cunningness. They were genuine", Shaurya whispered.
"I can't trust you again...", she said
"I don't deserve it... But I'll keep trying to gain it.
.. Don't resist yourself. Don't suffer yourself, suffer me instead.
.. Just let your heart free. Don't judge your actions or pull yourself back.
If you feel like slapping me do it, if you feel like kissing me the next minute, do it.
Don't think of consequences for your actions.
.. Just be yourself. You don't deserve pain anymore Akansha.
You deserve the world and I'll try every second of my life giving you that.
.. Please let me stay in your life, maybe as a helper.
.. I promise you, I will not question your actions, I will not irritate you to forgive me.
.. But please let me be with you, please let me heal you.
.. Maybe just as your servant?", Shaurya asked, but she shut his mouth with her palm.
"Don't say such words, if I decide to stay in your life, or make you stay in my life, it would be done respectfully. You deserve my anger and hate too but not disrespect", she told him.
"I don't mind it, I don't need respect from you, I just need you and Siya in my life...", he told her...
"No...", she started saying but he cut her off softly
"Okay... Whatever you say... But I will fight for you till my last breath... But let's not talk about it today... Your migraine will get harsher... Don't take stress now", Shaurya said gently massaging her scalp while she nuzzled her head in his chest feeling the solace after years.
"Shaurya... Can we go, see papa? I need to tell him the real reason behind our marriage, I can't let him suffer anymore", she asked
"Yes we'll go, will take Siya too", he agreed and she hummed
"He had angioplasty... How can I not be there for him? He...", she trailed but he assured her.
"One of the best surgeons in the country performed it. Your father is fine... Nothing regular checkups and medicines can't cure which he is following... Don't worry...", he said surprising her...
"How do you know?", she asked
"Akash told me", he lied but she understood the truth behind his words.
Because she knew her brother, after what Shaurya had done to her, Akash wouldn't have gone to him for help Or told about his personal problems to him.
The truth is Shaurya never left her family.
If her guess was right, he helped Akash with everything from behind.
Yes, she is grateful but that didn't soften her stance on her decision, or maybe it did a bit.
"Sleep now...", he said ruffling her hair.
"Lay down", she replied, and understanding she wanted to sleep properly, he laid down on the floor with her laying on him, with her head nuzzled in the crook of his neck, and his arms holding her carefully. He gently massaged her scalp and soon she fell into deep slumber due to exhaustion.
The pin drop silence helped Shaurya understand what just happened and feeling Akansha in his arms, sleeping on his chest, his eyes welled up and soon uncontrollable tears made their way.
He knew this was just for the night but still it warmed his heart to no extent.
The ache in his heart is bittersweet. Her pain is causing him unbearable pain, at the same time, their proximity is giving him strength to go on for the rest of his life.
He would keep trying for her forgiveness all his life but if at all she didn't forgive him, he would live with the feeling of her in his arms for this one night.
Maybe that's why God gave him this opportunity.
The whole night, Shaurya stared at his wife who is sleeping peacefully with her head on his chest. He kept ruffling her hair and massaging her scalp as he knew she is suffering from migraine and the ache might have increased with all the crying she did. He felt guilty for her pain.
In the morning, He slowly got up, taking her in his arms, and the movement broke her sleep too. He made her sleep on the bed.
"Shaurya... What...", Akansha trailed in sleep.
"Sorry... Sorry... Sleep peacefully... Take a day off", he said kissing her forehead and she hummed in agreement as she really needed that sleep.
She got to know a lot of things, lots of information the previous night and her point of view on many things have changed, she didn't want to think about all this immediately so she is pushing those thoughts to the back of her mind to save her sanity.
Shaurya got his daughter ready, made breakfast and fed her. He cooked lunch for Akansha making sure to cook her favorite meal that could help her feel a bit better. He instructed Mrs. Sudha to serve Akansha hot though Mrs. Sudha already knew how Akansha preferred her food.
He dropped Siya in her school, he quickly did all the chores as he didn't want to get late again, it was an embarrassment to his wife as well.
He remembered her lecture on How would it look when she is the head of the disciplinary commitee and her own daughter and husband who is a responsible Chief Minister are late always.
He had to hear her for 3 days straight when he got late the last time.
In the afternoon, Mrs. Sudha called Shaurya to let him know Akansha woke up as he asked her to. Then Shaurya dialed his wife to know how she is feeling.
"How are you feeling now?", Shaurya asked after their basic greetings and talk about Siya.
"Yes I am better now. Karela bahut tasty bana hai(bitter gourd curry is very tasty) thank you. Bhindi was according to your daughter but", Akansha said...
"You had lunch already?", he asked her, getting happy at her comment. From the time she and their daughter started living with him, he cooked food many times and she knew it but never said anything. She did it for the first time and he is cloud nine.
"Having now...", She replied.
"Oh!", he said, he didn't know what to say and Akansha knew he wanted to stay in the call but didn't know what to say.
After knowing the complete truth even she couldn't showcase her hatred.
Earlier she didn't care much if he was hurt by her words because she thought he deserved every inch of her hatred but now she wasn't in the same thinking maybe he deserved but not so much, hence the awkward silence.
She thought to break it.
"Dono baap beti karele ke naam se hi door bhagte ho huh? (Father - daughter run away in the name of bitter gourd huh?)", she said and he was startled. Damn! She knew he made ladies finger for himself and Siya, and bitter gourd for Akansha which is her favorite. But he and Siya hated bitter gourd.
"No... It's just that, there are okra in the refrigerator. I thought I would cook them before they are rotten, you know Mrs. Sudha got it 4 days ago", Shaurya said, mentally praying his wife believed him.
"Don't show as if you are thrifty which you are not... And yes, you made bhindi (okra) definitely not because of the reason you just mentioned. Tomorrow I am gonna cook bitter gourd and make you both eat it", Akansha said
"No... Not needed, I have packed Bitter gourd in mine and Siya's lunch today, bhindi is just for you... maybe you can make karela next week", Shaurya lied but his daughter busted his lie without knowing she is digging their own grave.
"Dadda... Bhindi is soooo tasty... Umm... Yummy", Siya shouted, running to her father's arms, dropping her bag and bottle on her way.
Suraj picked up the bag and bottle, Shaurya quickly got up to collect it, thanking him. Suraj left after Shaurya's nod.
"I.. I guess I forgot packing in Siya's lunch, but I packed in mine", he fumbled.
"Video call me", Akansha said in a no nonsense tone.
Siya's school is till afternoon and they ask parents to give lunch box and they feed the lunch and then send the kids home as many parents complain that children don't eat at home properly.
"I already ate my lunch", He lied again...
"Shaurya...", she changed her tone and that did the work. She knew he wouldn't have eaten without making sure she had her lunch.
"Calling right away", he said and hung up.
"Siya... Bacha... You got Dadda and yourself in a danger zone", Shaurya said... Siya looked at him in confusion.
"Get ready to eat karela (bitter gourd) tomorrow", Shaurya said and Siya cupped her face in a dramatic manner making Shaurya chuckle.
"No... Dadda no... No.... Yuck...", Siya started.
"Now where do I bring bitter gourd curry when I haven't packed it?
There are 1500 employees here, at least one of them might have brought Karela.
.. But how do I ask for it? It's so embarrassing but at least better than your mumma's anger.
.. But what if she recognizes this isn't the curry I made", Shaurya mumbled to himself while Siya stared at him weirdly.
Before he could make a move he received a video call from his wife. He quickly picked up getting ready to face his end. She would kill him for lying.
"Show me your tiffin", she asked and he gulped before turning on his back camera...
Akansha saw Siya eating bhindi pieces from the tiffin, enjoying it, without knowing her father is getting grilled by her mother because of her.
"Siya bacha... Chew it properly...", Shaurya said
"Yeah, the same way you have to chew Karela (bitter gourd) tomorrow", Akansha said sternly to the father-daughter.
"Kalela...", Siya said with a 'yuck' face and seeing it, Akansha can imagine the same expressions mirroring on Shaurya's face as well.
"Siya, let Dadda have his lunch, go and color in your paint book", Akansha said, Siya nodded, Shaurya turned the camera so that Akansha could see only his face, and then made Siya eat from his box which she enjoyed making sounds.
"Siyabear...", Akansha called slowly but a slight edge in her tone which got Siya running to a side, settling on the couch and slowly taking out her drawing book.
Shaurya chuckled at Siya's cute antics and how afraid she is of her mother.
Akansha shifted to voice call, and the husband-wife talked to each other while having their lunch.
Akansha asked if he would want her to pick Siya up but he asked her to have the day for herself while he would take care of Siya and she agreed.
After Shaurya got to know about his daughter, he has been taking her responsibility of looking after her alot and Akansha is getting some time for herself.
It's not like she wanted frequent time offs from her daughter but earlier she didn't have that space either, to think about anything other than her daughter.
Sure she had people to babysit Siya but she was never worry free, she used to call them up once in a couple of hours to know about Siya but with Shaurya, she can trust him completely without a need to check on him, especially these days, where he became a pro dad.
"Shaurya... How is Aakriti?", Akansha suddenly asked, Shaurya remained stunned for a minute. But he understood, now is the time to address the elephant in the room.