25~ The Request
AKRITI
I was angered after Adhyay told me that Hrishika's condition was because of that shithead Aviraj!
Both father and son like destroying lives, destruction is what they cause.
What was Hrishika's fault? What did she ever do?
She was a sweet, bubbly girl with so many dreams and what did he do?
He harassed her so much that she is traumatised.
Why is he doing this? Why? Can't he let me and people related to me live peacefully?
Was destroying my mumma's happy life not enough for him that his son is now ruining the life of the sister of the man I became close to?
First he destroyed my mother's life and now his son is hell bent on destroying an innocent girl's life.
I am at fault, everyone I get close to suffers.
If I hadn't become close to Adhyay, it wouldn't have happened.
He wants me to suffer, he wants me to die.
I sobbed uncontrollably remembering my painful childhood, the pain in my mother's eyes as she used to see other couples with their kids, everything!
I don't want Hrishika to suffer, I don't want her to have suicidal thoughts like I had.
I just want him and his family to always be happy.
I love him for God's sake! I love Adhyay and I can't deny it!
But him coming closer to me will give him pain only.
I'll give him pain and like a stupid he is, he won't say anything.
He'll cry silently but will smile for others.
I don't want him to break just like I'm shattered.
He doesn't deserve me, I am not made for him.
I cried banging my head on the glass wall of the shower, the water mixing with my tears.
Why? Why does it happen to me? Why did I have to be born to that Chaudhary?
Why God why? What was my mother's fault, what was my fault?
Is it my fault that his stupid ass couldn't believe in equality?
Is this my fault that I am a girl? Brick by brick, I slowly made my walls, making myself stronger but every fucking time, Viraj Chaudhary has to do something that hurts me.
Furiously wiping my tears, I came out of the shower and wiping myself from a towel, wearing a black shirt with grey pants. Putting on a fake smile for mumma, I went to her room. She smiled brightly at me and that broke me. How could he do this?
I smiled back and gave her the medicine. She gulped them with water and sighed.
"Akriti? Baby can we talk?", she sweetly asked and I nodded. I slowly took a seat beside mumma. With a graceful smile she patted on her lap and I nodded. I kept my head on her lap and she slowly massaged my head.
"Bacha, you know I am not well and there is no guarantee-
"Don't say this mumma! Doctor said you will be fit and fine, so chillax", I interrupted before she could say the word die. She chuckled and nodded.
"But there will be a time when I will have to go, leaving you baby", she said and I glared at her with teary eyes. Why is she saying this? She's my only family and I don't want her to leave me ever.
"And all I want is to see you getting married and starting a family.
You can't spend your whole life taking care of me.
You need a life of your own bacha. Kids who call you mumma just like you call me.
A loving husband who'll love and support you unconditionally", she said with a dreamy look in her eyes.
Unwantedly, my brain pictured an image of Adhyay and I getting married and having kids.
Tears blurred my vision. Is it even possible?
She gently caressed my cheeks and kissed my forehead.
"I am asking for one last thing bacha, let me see you getting married and live a peaceful life, please".
I nodded. I need to do that to see her content. She has just asked for one thing from me and I need to fulfil it.
"I'll get married soon mumma", I promised, earning a calm smile from her.
If that makes her happy, then I'll do it.
She ruffled my hair with a smile and I smiled back.
Kissing her forehead,I went to my room and dialled his number.
I called him early in the morning as well to know about Hrishika.
He was sounding dejected, I wish I had got a brother like that.
He picked up the phone instantly and I said, "Is it okay if we meet? I just need 5 minutes. Please Adhyay".
"Fine, but why?", he questioned and I sighed.
Why does it feel like I'm playing with him?
Is asking him for marriage the right decision?
One thing I know for sure is that I can't imagine anyone else other than him but didn't I deny him yesterday?
What would he think of me? He would think that I am opportunistic.
"Adhyay, you're gonna be pissed off so it will be better if we talk face to face", I said and heard him sigh.
"Okay, I'm coming to pick you up. No arguments on that", he commanded and I had to agree even though I was a bit sceptical about it.
What would he think of me if I go on saying 'Adhyay marry me'?
Will he laugh sarcastically and shout at me for hurting me?
Or will he stomp his feet and yell? Either way he's shouting.
I took a deep breath and stopped thinking about it. We'll see what happens.
After 15 minutes or so, the doorbell rang and my heart pulsated at a higher rate. He's here! Trying to control my anxiety, I opened the door and found him smiling but that smile wasn't true. There is no use of putting a fake smile, he shouldn't.
"Who's there?", my mother shouted from her room and my eyes widened. What will I say to her?
"Mumma, it's from the company. They need to finalise the date", I lied swiftly. Adhyay raised his eyebrows and I signalled him to remain quiet.
"Are you going?", she shouted back.
"Yes! Just for a while, I will come back soon", I yelled and heard her say okay.
I stepped out and looked at him, gazing amusingly at me.
I glared and pressed the button of the lift.
We both stepped in together, our arms brushing and as soon as the doors of the lift were going to close, my neighbour stepped in.
I gritted through my teeth. No one will give me privacy with Adhyay!
Tushar looked at Adhyay, scanning him from top to bottom, making me irritated.
"Akriti? Where are you going?", Tushar asked. Why does it matter to him?
"On a date with me", I heard Adhyay say and I looked back at him, his face devoid of any expressions. What the hell did he say?
Tushar's face dropped and the lift doors closed.
I tapped my foot continuously waiting for this awkward moment to end as soon as possible.
Finally, we reached the ground floor and stepped out.
I sighed in relief and together with Adhyay walked to his car.
He opened the passenger front seat door for me and I thanked him with my eyes.
He smiled warmly and went to sit on the driver's seat.
I'm going to ask him for marriage, I am going to propose to him.
Second update for the day!
And we are done with the first phase of the story. Now, the second phase will begin.
Are you excited?