Chapter 141
It was night. Everyone was tired and resting in their room except Aditya.
He was laying on his bed, his eyes were open and he was blankly staring at the ceiling.
He was feeling sad after looking at his result and the Advait's scoldings made it worse.
He was feeling guilty for disappointing Advait and also for upsetting Vanya.
He knew the career should be his upmost priority but he couldn't stay away from Vanya and he couldn't go against Advait either.
He was feeling upset, guilty and confused.
Advait's scolding was more hurtful than his beating and his words were echoing in Aditya's mind when he remembered a childhood incident.
Advait had returned back from the office and entered the living room when a ten year old Aditya was sitting on the couch with a pout on his face. Advait furrowed his brows and walked to his side before ruffling his hair slightly.
"Kya hua, ab kya kaand kar diya?" Advait asked playfully.
Aditya shook his head without looking up. Advait settled down beside him before taking him in a side hug, "Kya ho gaya, mere bacche ko?" He asked softly.
Aditya again shook his head when Advait remembered something, "Aaj to result day tha na?" He asked, "Result bekar aaya?" He asked cautiously.
Aditya dugged his face more between his shoulders, silently agreeing with Advait.
Advait sighed and tucked his finger under his chin to make him look up, "Result kharab aaya hai to kya hua isme itna sad hone wali kya baat hai?
" He asked in a feather-like voice, "Mere bacche ne to mehnat ki thi na.
.. next time se thodi jyada mehnat karna aur acche marks le kar aana. " He said softly.
Aditya slowly shook his head, "Mai next time bhi aise hi marks le kar aaunga." He said.
Advait furrowed his brows, "Kyun?"
Aditya swiftly changed his expressions and grinned widely, "Kyunki maine class me top kiya hai. Mai to mazak kar raha tha." He said excitedly jumping on his place.
Advait's lips bloomed into a smile and he quickly hugged Aditya, "Arey waah, mera baccha." He praised.
Aditya pecked his cheeks but Advait narrowed his eyes, "Jab acche marks aaye hain to jhooth kyun bola?" He asked.
"Maine kahan kuch bola? Aapne khud hi sab assume kar liya." Aditya said and giggled that was when Advait realised Aditya hadn't said a word.
Advait playfully glare at him before tickling his side making his laughing echoed in the mansion, "Bohot shaitaan ho gaya huh?" He muttered while tickling him. Aditya was laughing but Advait left him when he noticed he was getting out of breaths.
"Agar mai fail ho jata to aap mujhe gussa karte?" Aditya asked in a sacred voice, looking up at him with his doe eyes.
Advait lightly pinched his nose, "Mai kyun apni jaan par gussa karta? Mere bacche ne itni mehnat jo ki thi... haan agar mehnat nahi ki hoti tab jarur gussa karta." He said in a serious tone.
Aditya smiled and launched himself in his arms, "Accha bata kya chahiye tujhe?" Advait asked.
"Bike." Aditya replied instantly.
"Mil jayegi... aur kuch?" Advait replied, pecking his cheek.
Aditya widened his eyes in disbelief, "Aap mujhe bike dila denge? Sacchi me?" He asked in shock.
Advait smiled confusingly, "Haan usme kya problem hai. Toy bike hi to chahiye na dila dunga." He replied.
Aditya huffed, "Bhaiya, mai sacchi mucchi ki bike ki baat kar raha hoon." He said with a pout.
"Real bike? Aur tu?" Advait asked incredulously, "Pehle dhang se ande me se nikal jaa uske baad bike chalana." He replied.
"Bhaiyaaaa!" Aditya whined.
"Hush! No whining." Advait hushed him.
"Mai baat nahi karunga aapse." Aditya huffed, puffing out his cheeks and crossing his arms over his chest.
"Arey aise kaise baat nahi karega, bhaiya apne Adu ko bohot saare video games dilayenge. Phir to baat karega na?" Advait said while showering his face with the kisses making him giggle.
Aditya quickly nodded his head, "Karunga, karunga." He said.
Advait cupped his cheeks, "Tu bas aise hi mehnat karte rehna... result apne aap accha aayega." He said seriously and Aditya bobbed his head in response.
Aditya's eyes misted remembering the Advait's love and advice.
He turned to the other side and closed his eyes to kept his emotions in control.
He was about to sleep when the door of his room got opened and someone entered the room.
Aditya could tell who had entered without even turning back.
He closed his eyes, pretending to sleep.
"Adu, so gaya baccha?" Advait asked in a rarely soft voice.
That was it and the dam inside Aditya broke down.
The sadness, the guilt, the disappointment, he was feeling inside him had poured down off his eyes.
He rolled over his back and buried his head in Advait's lap, wiping off his tears with the back of his hand.
Advait sighed heavily in guilt, knowing that his child was crying.
"Ro kyun raha hai?" Advait asked, caressing his hair.
"Itna daanta aapne, uske baad manane bhi nahi aaye." Aditya complained, not looking up from his lap.
"Aur abhi kis liye aaya hoon phir?" Advait taunted.
"Mujhe nahi pata." Aditya muttered.
Advait was continuously stroking his hair and Aditya laid silently, resting his head on his lap. After sometime, he looked up at Advait, blinking his eyes innocently.
"Next time se pakka mehnat karunga." He promised.
Advait smiled, ruffling his hair, "I know." He muttered.
"Bhaiya?" Aditya said quietly.
"Hmm?" He hummed.
"Vanu se door rehna jaroori hai kya?" Aditya asked in a low voice.
"Maine tujhe Vani se cut off hone ke liye nahi kaha, Adi. Tum dono ka relationship tumhari padhai ko clearly affect kar raha hai islie bas apne career par jyada focus karo aur ek dusre par kam. Mai bas itna hi chahta hoon." Advait cleared.
"Par bhaiya Vanu aur career dono hi mera future hai to dono ko hi saath me le kar chalna chahiye na?" Aditya said more than asking.
Advait rolled his eyes at him, "Itna dimaag padhai me kyun nahi chalta tera?" He asked, lightly whacking his head.
Aditya pouted and rubbed the sting, "Meanie." He mumbled.
"So jaa ab bohot raat ho gayi hai. Kal bohot busy rehna hai." Advait said caressing his hair.
"Aap sula do." Aditya muttered, closing his eyes.
Advait started gently stroking his hair till he fall into a deep slumber.
His hands didn't stop moving, his fingers were slowly waving through his soft curls.
He glanced at Aditya and noticed he had slept so he gently placed his head down on the bed and adjusted the pillow and the duvet.
He leaned forward and pressed a good night kiss on his forehead.
He stood up and silently walked out of the room without making any noise.
~________________________________________~
Abhishek was standing in front of the mirror in his wedding outfit. He was wearing a white sherwani with a heavy red dupatta to match with the Sia's outfit. He was looking at himself in the mirror, his eyes were mist and he closed his eyes when a memory flashed back in his mind.
One year back, Abhishek was in London for a business meeting but unknown to Advait he brought Roohanika with himself to London.
They were staying together in a room, they roamed the city and enjoyed every moment.
Abhishek captured her every smile, her each moment when she was looking at him with her love filled eyes.
It was their last day in London when he texted Roohanika to dress up and come to the said location.
Roohanika wore a long beautiful black gown, hugging to her body.
She was looking marvelously beautiful with her hair opened, resting on her back.
She made her way to the backside of the hotel and about to dial Abhishek's number but before she could do that he appeared from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist. She alerted but quickly melted in his arms after recognizing the touch.
"Beautiful." He murmured against her ear.
Roohanika smiled, "Mujhe yahan ready ho kar aane ke liye kyun kaha? Is anything special?" She asked.
Abhishek nodded, resting his chin on her shoulder, "You're special." He husked.
Roohanika turned around to glare at him but before she could say something, he picked her up in his arms catching her off guard.
He started walking to the car and settled themselves in the car.
Abhishek started driving and after a short drive they reached the open, secluded area.
He get out of the car and helped her to stepped down of it.
Roohanika stood up straight and looked in her front only to be taken aback by the view.
The sky was covered with the lightening chandeliers, it was looking like the sky was covered with a blanket of lights.
In front of her, a huge ring was decorated with the soft glow lights.
The rose petals were covering the ground, making a straight path to the decorated ring.
The balloons were lazily scattered on the sides of the huge ring.
Roohanika glanced between the decoration and Abhishek.
"You did this for me?" She asked in awe.
"Yes." He whispered, tucking a hair strand behind her ear.
He held her hand and walked her on the rose petal path. She delicately stepped on the petals and stood in front of the big decorated ring. She was looking into his eyes when he bent down on his one knee. He pulled out a ring from his blazer's pocket and she smiled.
"I love you, Rooh. Will you marry me?" He asked and her breath hitched in her throat.
Roohanika nodded her head with grace and forwarded her hand.
Abhishek put the ring on her finger and kissed on it, looking straight in her eyes.
Abhishek stood up and pulled her by her waist before pressing his lips against hers.
They started kissing each other, moving their lips in sync.
Abhishek was gripping her hip and pressing her body against his'.
Roohanika claws were digging on the back of his neck.
The air was heavy in the tension, their tongues were mingled with each other.
They were drowned in the kiss when Abhishek's phone had started ringing, "Fuck.
" Abhishek cursed under his breath and pulled back, irritating Roohanika.
He pulled out his phone from the pocket and stood up straight looking at the caller I'd, "Kuch bolna mat.
" He instructed Roohanika before picking up the call.
"Ji bhaiya?" Abhishek said quietly. Roohanika glared at him but he made a pleading face in return.
"Khana kha liya, baccha?" Advait asked softly from the other side.
"Ji bhaiya, aapne?" Abhishek asked.
"Haan." Advait replied, "Kal ki flight haina?" He further asked.
"Ji bhaiya." Abhishek replied meekly, looking at Roohanika's glare.
"Bhaiya, yahan raat ho rahi hai. Mujhe neend aa rahi hai. Mai sojaun?" Abhishek said.
"Theek hai baccha, dhyan rakhna aur flight take off hone se pehle ek baar call kar lena." Advait said in a concerned voice.
"Ji bhaiya. Good night." Abhishek said and Advait wished him back before hanging up the call.
Abhishek pocketed his phone before holding Roohanika's hands, "I'm so sorry, baby." He said.
"What sorry? Mujhe to lagta hai humari first night par bhi tumhare bhaiya ka call aa jayega." She said and looked away in frustration.
"He was worried about me, baby." He murmured.
Roohanika rolled her eyes. Abhishek cupped her cheeks softly, "Mai wapas jaate hi sabse pehle bhaiya ko humare baare me bata dunga." He said.
Roohanika caught off guard, "Uh-mm itni jaldi kya hai, Abhi?" She asked.
Abhishek raised his brow, "What do you mean?"
"Matlab thoda time ruk jate haina...
"Abhi?" Shreya's voice dragged him out of his memories.
Abhishek shook his head and looked at Shreya who was standing beside him. His vision was blurry with the unfazed memory. His nails were digging at the edge of the dressing table.
"Kya hua, baccha? Kahan khoya hua tha?" Shreya asked in her soft voice.
"Kuch nahi, bhabhi." Abhishek replied, gulping down his emotions.
Shreya nodded still unsure, "Bohot shona lag raha hai, mera beta." She said, applying the kajal behind his ear.
Shreya made him sit down on the chair and adjusted his dupatta with precision, "Kitni jaldi bada ho gaya tu." Shreya mumbled with fondness.
Abhishek wrapped his arms around Shreya and she pecked his head, "Best of luck, baccha. Bhagwaan mere bacche ko saari khushiyaan dein." She blessed him with her heart.
"Bohot dar lag raha hai, bhabhi. Agar mujhse koi galati ho gayi to...agar maine Sia ko hurt kar diya to?" He whispered in fear.
"Mere bacche ka dil itna saaf hai ki wo anjaane me bhi kisi ko hurt nahi kar sakta." She replied in assurance, "Sab accha hoga." She said.
Abhishek melted in her arms, tightening his hold around her. Reyansh entered the room with a cheerful smile on his face and patted Abhishek's shoulders.
"Waah dulhe raja, aap to kamaal lag rahe hain." Reyansh teased.
Abhishek chuckled, "Aapko dekh kar to lag raha hai aapki shaadi hai, bhai." He said looking at his outfit.
"Mere buddy ki shaadi hai, overdressed hona to banta hai." Reyansh replied, taking him in a side hug.
"Bhai, aap yahan Abhi ke saath rukiye. Mai bahar saari arrangements dekh kar aati hoon." Shreya said and went away from there.
~________________________________________~
Advait was wearing black and looking effortlessly smart in his outfit. He was walking towards Sia's room when he bumped into Shreya on the way. Shreya stopped and glared at him firmly, resting her hands on the waist.
"Aapne phir se kaala pehen liya?" Shreya said, exhaling sharply.
"Bohot khoobsurat lag rahi hain aap." Advait said to divert her mind.
"Chup rahiye aap, har baar ye trick kaam nahi karegi." She chided him, "Aapke paas kisi aur color ke kapde nahi hai kya? Iss baar mai khud aapke liye shopping karungi." She said.
"Jaisi aapki marzi." Advait replied sincerely.
"Abhi jaiye aur jaa kar kapde badaliye." Shreya ordered making Advait make a pleading face, "Please, love." He requested.
Shreya made a face at his dramatic act, "Ab hatiye mere saamne se, bohot kaam hai mujhe." She said.
"Itni jaldi me kahan jaa rahi hain, Mrs. Malhotra?" He asked, gently holding her hand.
"Arrangements check karne jaa rahi hoon. Saare guest bhi aane wale honge." She replied while walking away from there and Advait rolled his eyes at her back.
He made his way towards Sia's room and knocked on the door.
Tia opened the door and stepped back to let him enter the room.
Advait glanced at her before making his way to Sia who was sitting on the chair in front of the dressing table.
Her face was covered with the veil. She grinned widely looking at Advait through the veil and Advait smiled at her in return.
"Kaisi lag rahi hoon mai, bhaiya?" She asked in excitement.
"Bilkul gudiya jaisi." Advait replied, making her smile.
Advait glanced at Tia who was looking away, crossing her arms over her chest. They hadn't spoken to each other since their argument. Advait walked to her and nudged her lightly making her groaned in annoyance.
"Kya hai?" She asked, feigning irritation.
"Tujhe kuch jyada hi mood swings nahi ho rahe hain." Advait teased.
"Don't irritate me, Advait. Don't provoke me to punch you on your face." She said, making a face.
"Oh! I'm shaking in my boots." Advait replied sarcastically.
"You should be." Tia rolled her eyes.
"Kya aap dono bhi bacchon ki tarah lad rahe hain?" Sia spoke up in between.
"Khud ka baccha aane wala hai aur abhi tak baccho jaise behave kar rahi hai." Advait taunted Tia.
"Sia. Tell him to shut his mouth." Tia said, frustratingly.
"Nope." Advait said.
"Mat kar yaar!" Tia stomped her feet in annoyance.
Advait rolled his eyes, "Ok, relax. Stop throwing tantrums."
They stood in silence without saying anything for a few minutes when Tia looked up at him with fiercy eyes but the softness behind them didn't go unnoticed by Advait, "Sia ko kabhi hurt nahi hona chahiye, Advait." She said in a protective tone.
Advait sighed softly before taking her in a side hug, "Tu fikar mat kar, aisa kabhi nahi hoga." He replied in a assuring tone.
"Aap dono ye emotional baatein band karenge please?" Sia said, breaking the tension.
Advait and Tia chuckled before looking at her. She was looking so pure and fragile wearing the bridal lehenga. Her face was looking like the epitome of purity. Advait looked at her bridal attire and drifted back into the past memories.
Twenty-one year old Sia was standing in front of the mirror in Shreya's room. Her face was covered with the Shreya's red duppata. Her eyes were sparkling with the dreams. Shreya was standing behind her and looked at her figure in the mirror.
"Kaisi lag rahi hoon mai, bhabhi?" Sia asked shyly.
"Bilkul dulhan jaisi." Shreya replied with a chuckle.
Sia blushed profusely making Shreya laughed, "Abhi to teri shaadi bhi nahi ho rahi tab itna sharma rahi hai to shaadi hogi tab kya haal hoga tera?" Shreya asked playfully. Sia uncovered her face and looked at her.
"Ye shaadi vaadi ki baatein mat kiya karo, bhabhi. Mujhe sharam aati hai." Sia replied, covering her face with the hands to hide her blush.
Advait entered the room and looked at the scene in front of him, "Ye kya ho raha hai?" He asked with amusement.
"Aapki behen ki shaadi ki taiyaari." Shreya replied.
Advait shook his head at her, "Badi jaldi hai tujhe shaadi ki. Pehle doctor ban jaa uske baad ye sab sochna." He said. Shreya shook her head at her husband's lecture and walked to the balcony for attending a call.
Sia narrowed her eyes at Advait, "Doctor bhi ban jaungi bhaiya aur aapke ghar ki bahu bhi." She replied mischievously.
"Aise kaise? Mai to Abhi ko saaf mana kar dunga wo tujhse shaadi karega hi nahi." Advait teased her, sitting on the bed.
Sia glared at him, "Kar lena jo karna hai aapko." She replied, "Aapke Abhi ko aapki naak ke neeche se bhaga kar le jaungi mai par shaadi to usse hi karungi." She replied with determination.
"Keep dreaming." Advait said with a roll of eyes.
"Ek din ye sapna poora bhi hoga bhaiya, dekh lena aap." She replied in a challenging tone.
Advait smiled remembering the day when she challenged him and today was the day when her childhood dream was going to come true and no one could be happier than Advait.
~________________________________________~