Chapter 154
Advait returned to their hotel room after attending the meeting. He entered the room and found Shreya who was sitting on the bed watching the television. He walked to her and pressed a firm kiss on the top of her head making her smile.
"Get ready. We're going out." He informed her and headed towards the mini fridge before opening it and pulling out a beer from inside it.
He sit down on the nearby couch and poured the drink in the glass before gulping it down. Shreya shook her head at him and went to change the clothes. She came back after a few minutes carrying a two different dresses in her hand. He started checking the mails in his phone.
"Kaun si pehnu?" She asked, showing him both the dresses.
"Jo aapko acchi lage." He replied, glancing briefly at the dresses before shifting his attention back to his phone.
Shreya glared at him, "Agar mujhe pata hota to mai aap se kyun puchti?" She said.
Advait sighed and looked up, "This one." He said almost instantly, pointing at the left one. He took a sip from the glass, the liquid slightly burned his throat.
"Par mujhe ye wali jyada acchi lag rahi hai." Shreya spoke up, waving the dress which was in her right hand.
"To wo wali pehen lijiye." Advait replied calmly.
"But it's too revealing." She said, chewing on her lower lip.
"Wear whatever you want, I can fight." Advait replied, looking up at her.
She smiled but quickly masked her expressions before saying, "Par mai comfortable feel nahi karungi." She stated.
Advait sighed and glanced outside through the balcony before saying, "Hum log kal ghoomne chalte hain aaj aap aaram se dress select kar lijiye hm." He said in a sarcasm.
She glared at him for his sarcastic remark, "Chup rahiye aap, aur chup chaap meri help kariye acchi dress dhoondhne me. Mujhe perfect lagna hai." She ordered.
"The dress will not make you look perfect. You'll make the dress look perfect." He said smoothly, gulping down the another sip.
She exhaled sharply before snatching the glass from his hand, "Pehele to ye drink karna band kariye, jab se yahan aaye hain bas yahi kar rahe hain." She chided, "Kidney rent par laaye hain kya?" She said.
Advait sighed and leaned back on the couch, "Get ready." He said in a low voice.
Shreya sit down beside him and cupped his face gently, "Aap please uss baare me sochna band karenge." She said gently yet firmly.
Advait nodded his head.
"Mujhe pata hai Aru ka sacch janne ke baad aapko bohot bada sadma laga hain par iss tarah se uss baat ko baar baar soch kar aap khud ko aur takleef kyun de rahe hain." She said making Advait clenched his fists.
Advait closed his eyes, remembering the day when his life had turned upside down because of a revelation.
The doctor came to the Malhotra mansion for Angad's medical check up when Sia suggested Advait that everyone should get their blood tested. Advait agreed to her and the doctor took every member's blood sample. But the next day, Sia entered Advait's study room with a nervous yet shocked face.
"Bhaiya." Sia said hesitantly.
Advait who was working on the laptop looked up, "Kya hua?" He asked, noticing her scared face.
He stood up from the chair and walked to her, "Kya hua, baccha? Itni ghabrayi huyi kyun hai?" He asked in a concerned voice.
"Bhaiya, wo-wo sab ki reports aa gayi hain." She said in a barely audible voice.
Advait read the room and asked, "Reports me koi problem hai? Kisi ki health me koi serious issue hai kya?" He asked in one breath in a worried tone.
Sia shook her head slowly, glancing here and there, "Bhaiya wo.. uh-wo.. Aru.." She hesitated.
"Kya hua Aru ko? Sab theek haina uski reports me?" He asked without missing a beat.
"Wo theek hai, bhaiya." She said and Advait let out a sigh of relief but there was still tension on his face.
"Aru ka DNA aap sabse alag hai, bhaiya." She dropped the bomb, "Mr. Malhotra aur Aru ka DNA same nahi hai." She completed.
Advait looked at her incredulously, "What?" He asked her, "Reports me koi galati huyi hogi tu dubara check karwa." He said but his heart was beating loudly from inside.
"Maine ek baar nahi teen teen baar reports check karwayi hai, bhaiya aur reports bilkul sahi hai." She replied, "As per these medical reports, Arush is not your biological brother." She said.
"Sia." Advait warned her making her look down.
Advait looked here and there with a tensed face before snatching the reports from her hand and exiting the room. He marched straight towards the Angad's room and barged into it flinching him. Angad stood up from his place looking at Advait's red eyes.
"Kya hai ye?" Advait asked, holding the reports in front of Angad who was looking at him with confusion.
"Aru ka DNA aapke DNA se match kyun nahi hua?" Advait demanded an answer.
Angad's eyes widened slightly before his gaze dropping to the floor. Advait's heart started beating loudly in the anticipation of his answer.
"Tell me, what I am thinking is not true." Advait said, barely composing himself. His heart was pounding in his chest.
Angad looked up slowly, "It is true." He whispered, Advait's knees wobbled making him take a step back, "Arush is not my biological son." He confessed and the reports fell down off Advait's hand.
Advait's face turned pale as if someone had poured a bucket of cold water on his body. The kid who was his whole world was not his real blood. He slumped down on the bed, catching his breath. The only thought of Arush knowing something like this was enough to break him from inside.
"Advait." Angad said in panic, pouring the water in the glass and handing it to him. Advait held the glass with a shaky hand and gulped down a few sip.
Angad sit down beside him on the bed and looked at his state, "Aru, Swati aur uske boyfriend Vikrant ka beta hai." He informed. Advait's grip around the glass got tightened.
"Aapko humesha se pata tha?" Advait asked in a too calm voice.
"Ek baar health checkup ke liye maine sabke test karwaye the jab reports aaye to mujhe ye sacch pata chala.
Maine Swati se confront kiya aur phir usne mujhe bataya ki Abhi aur Adi ke hone ke baad bhi uska Vikrant se affair chalta raha aur Aru Vikrant ka beta hai.
" Angad told him, remembering the nightmare of his life.
Angad gently took the glass from Advait's tight grip and placed it on the bedside table, "Maine tumhe sacch islie nahi bataya kyunki mujhe laga...tum sacch janne ke baad Aru ko Abhi aur Adi se alag treat karoge." He said almost in a whispering voice.
Advait rubbed his palm over his face and stood up from the bed.
He picked up the reports from the floor before standing up to his height, "Ye baat kabhi kisi ko pata nahi chalni chahiye.
" He warned, "Humare beech kabhi aisi koi baat huyi hi nahi.
Arush mera beta hai aur humesha rahega.
" He said firmly in a sharp tone and left the room.
Advait went towards his own room and opened a drawer taking out a lighter from inside it.
He walked to the balcony, set the fire on the paper and left them on the floor.
The flames started ignited from the paper and gradually the paper burnt down into ashes.
Advait was sure that Sia would never tell anyone about this but his own body was trembling from inside just by the mere thought of Arush knowing about the truth.
"Bhaiya." Arush's voice dragged him out of his panicking state.
Advait looked up, finding Arush was standing at the entrance of the balcony, "Ye kya jal raha hai?" He asked, glancing at the ashes on the floor.
"Nothing important." Advait replied curtly in a soft voice.
"Bhaiya, aaj aap dinner banao na please." Arush requested.
Advait smiled, "As you say, sir."
Arush jumped up in excitement and ran to hug him but his bare feet touched the hot ashes and he let out a yelp. Advait's instinct was quick, he quickly pulled him aside from the mess and made him sit down on the chair with a worried look.
"Dikha kahan jala?" He asked in a panic filled voice.
"Nahi jala bhaiya bas thoda sa...
"Kya thoda sa? Kitni baar kaha hai tujhse slipper pehen kar ghooma kar, ek baar me sunna nahi hota hai kabhi." Advait scolded harshly, his suppressed emotions took a toll over him.
Arush looked down with a small face muttering, "Sorry." He said in a low voice.
Advait checked his feet and sighed in relief when there was no sign of burnt skin. He looked up at Arush's small face and his eyes softened a bit, "Jaa kar slippers pehen." He told him gently, getting up on his feet.
"Mai nahi baat karunga aapse." Arush mumbled softly, looking down at his lap.
Advait cupped his cheeks, "Dekh kar chala karna baccha, abhi lag jaati phir." He said but Arush's face remain unchanged, "Accha, I'm sorry." Advait said.
"It's okay." Arush mumbled, looking up at him with doe eyes and wrapping his arms around Advait's torso.
Advait's lips broke into a smile and he ruffled his hair, "Mera baccha." He said in endearment but for the first time in his life the words felt strange on his tongue.
"Aap ye sab sochna band kar dijiye, Advait." Shreya said lightly, "Arush humara baccha tha aur humesha rahega. In sab baaton se koi farak nahi padta." She said, squeezing his hand firmly and reassuringly.
Advait hugged her tightly, burying his face in the crook of her neck, finding solace amidst the chaos. His life was never easy, the fate had always been testing him.
~________________________________________~
Vanya was sitting in her room, her eyes were fixed on the book in her hand.
She was happy that Aditya had forgave her but her heart was aching remembering her brother's words.
Reyansh's words pierced deep inside her heart making her feel unworthy.
His cruel words were echoing in her ears making her feel frustrated.
She shook her head vigorously in exasperation to divert her mind from his words.
"Am I dreaming?" Reyansh's voice made her jolt up.
She looked up startled.
"Meri behen padhai kar rahi hai?" He said in an unbelievable voice, entering the room, "Aaj suraj kahan se nikla hai?" He teased.
Vanya got up from her place, looking down.
"Khadi kyun ho gayi? Padh padh." He told her making her sit down back on her place.
Reyansh pulled out a bag from behind his back and placed it on the table in front of her. She glanced between the bag and Reyansh back and forth with a questioning look.
"Tere liye hi hai, shayad tujhe acche lage." He said with a shrug.
Vanya hesitantly grabbed the bag and pulled out a cloth pouch from inside it before opening it. Her eyes got widened when she realized it was the handbag from her favorite brand. There was a surprised look on her face but she didn't smile.
"Thank you, bhai." She mumbled with a small smile on her face, "And I'm sorry." She apologized.
Reyansh's face etched with the guilt looking at the sad face of his princess. He crouched down in front of her and held his ear, "I'm sorry, baccha." He said.
Vanya made him pulled down his hands saying, "Aap kyun sorry keh rahe hain bhai, galati meri thi.
Aapne jo kaha sahi tha mere saath koi dosti nahi rakhna chahega islie to mera koi dost bhi nahi hai.
" She said in a low voice, feeling the weight of her emotions, "Ek Adi hi hai jo mere nakhre jhelta hai aur mai baar baar usi ko hurt kar deti hoon.
I don't deserve him. I don't deserve anyone. " The tears spilled out of her eyes.
Reyansh gently wiped them off from her face, "Vani, that was very wrong of me to say something like this to my baby sister." He said in an apologetic tone.
"Mai gusse me tha aur maine gusse me wo sab keh diya.
Saari galati teri nahi hai Vani, humesha se rajkumari ki tarah rakha hai tujhe sabne, kabhi kisi baat ke liye kuch nahi kaha aur ab achanak se tujhse perfect hone ki expectations rakhna bohot galat baat hai.
" He told her, "Par bacche mai bas tujhe itna samjhana chahta hoon, this world doesn't revolve around you.
If I don't teach you how to behave then this world will teach you and trust me you won't like their way at all.
Jaise tujhe hurt hota hai waise dusro ko bhi hurt hota hai.
Har baar sirf apne baare me sochna bohot galat baat hai.
Adi tujhse bohot pyar karta hai, wo teri bohot respect karta hai.
It is your responsibility to give him the same respect and make him feel loved.
Respect his choices just like he respects yours.
" He said, his hands were gently cupping her face.
Vanya nodded her head, "Mujhe apni galati realize ho gayi hai, bhai." She said.
"Very good." He said and kissed her forehead making her smile.
She hugged him tightly, "I love you, bhai." She murmured.
"Love you too, Princess." He said, pecking the top of her head.
~________________________________________~
In the Malhotra Mansion, Everyone was seated in the dining room for the dinner.
Arush was quietly eating as he was missing his bhaiya so much.
Aditya was finally having the food with all his heart as everything had sorted out between him and her Vanu.
Abhishek and Sia were silently eating, elbowing each other in between to tease each other.
"Aru, acche se kha beta." Abhishek said, glancing at his barely touched plate.
"Mann nahi kar raha, bhai." Arush mumbled sadly.
Aditya rolled his eyes, "Aa jayenge bhaiya jaldi, tu to aise behave kar raha hai jaise tera breakup ho gaya ho." He said.
"Kal tak aap bhi aise hi behave kar rahe the." Arush retorted, earning himself a whack on his head.
Abhishek snorted in a laugh, "Correct bola, Aru." He said, giving a high-five to Arush, "Ab sir ki Vanya madam se baat ho gayi haina islie mood theek hai warna kal tak to devdas bana ghoom raha tha." He added with a small chuckle.
"Mujhe yakeen nahi ho raha bhaiya ne ghar ki jimmedaari tumhe di hai jo khud abhi tak bacchon ki tarah apne bhaiyon ka mazak udata hai." Sia made a statement, making a face.
"Correct bola, bhabhi." Aditya said, giving a high-five to her, mimicking Abhishek's actions.
"You should be on my side." Abhishek said to Sia.
"Kyun bhai?" Sia asked, raising her brow.
"Bhaiiiii?" Abhishek, Aditya and Arush shouted simultaneously in an incredulous tone.
Sia closed her ears, squeezing her eyes shut, "Sorry, galati se flow flow me nikal gaya." She clicked her tongue.
Abhishek took a deep breath and shook his head, "Kisi din aise hi flow flow me heart attack de dogi tum." He said.
Sia rolled her eyes, "Notanki." She muttered.
They had their dinner and Abhishek stood up from his chair, "Kal subah 5 baje tum dono mujhe gym me chahiye." He ordered, looking at Aditya and Arush.
Aditya and Arush's mouth fell opened, "Ye alag level torcher hai, bhai." Arush said, "Mai itni jaldi nahi uthunga, mujhe meri neend bohot pyari hai." He said in defiance.
Abhishek looked at Aditya for his reply, "I'll be there." Aditya replied.
"Seekh kuch Adi se." Abhishek said, whacking Arush.
Arush rubbed the sting, "Mai unse kya seekhun? Unhe Vani di ko impress karne ke liye body banani hogi. Mujhe ladkiyon ko impress karne ke liye body banane ki jaroorat nahi hai, meri singing skills hi kaafi hai." He said with a smug look on his face, raising his collars.
"Mera ek guitarist dost bhi aise hi bolta tha phir ek din apni hi girlfriend ki shaadi me guitar bajata hua mila... bechara." Aditya teased, feigning a sympathetic look.
Abhishek and Aditya bursted out into a loud laughter making Arush pout.
"Kyun dono pareshaan kar rahe ho bechare ko?" Sia scolded them, "Ab kuch bhi bola na to bhaiya se shikayat kar dungi tum dono ki." She threatened.
"Usey shikayat karna nahi, chugli karna kehte hain, madam." Abhishek said, but scurried away from there after receiving a hard glare from her.
Everyone headed towards their rooms but Arush was still in the hall waiting for Sadhwi to arrive. He was continuously looking at the entrance when she entered the mansion with a smile on her face. It had become a part of their daily routine to spend time with each other after dinner.
"Itni der se kahan thi?" Arush asked her as soon as she stopped in front of him.
"Padhai kar rahi thi." She replied.
"Kitni padhai karti ho tum? Bore nahi hoti kya?" He said, making a grimaced face.
"Wo padhai hai tum thodi na ho jo bore ho jaungi." She said, stifling her giggle.
Arush looked at her with an offended look, "Dard hua mujhe." He said.
Sadhwi laughed at his expressions and they both settled down on the couch, crossing their legs in a comfortable position. Sadhwi rested her chin on her hand and Arush was silently staring at her. His heart was fluttering experiencing the butterflies in his stomach for the first time in his life.
"Kya dekh rahe ho?" She asked.
"Tumhe." He replied making her blush.
"Maine kabhi socha nahi tha jis ladke ne mere college ke first day par meri ragging ki thi wo mera itna accha dost ban jayega." Sadhwi said, her eyes twinkled remembering their first meeting.
Arush shook his head dramatically, "Please wo baat yaad mat dilao." He said and gulped down remembering the taste of belt.
"Kyun, naach kar dikhaun ab?" She teased.
"Nahi devi ji, ab kahein to mai aapke saamne mujra karke dikhata hoon." Arush said in a dramatic voice, joining his hands in front of her making her laugh.
"Tum bohot cute ho." Sadhwi commented, pulling his cheeks.
Arush smiled sheepishly, "Cute?" He mumbled under his breath as he was expecting to hear handsome, "Koi nahi, cute bhi chalega." He muttered, rubbing the back of his neck shyly.
"Tumhare bhaiya kab wapas aayenge?" She asked him.
"After a week." Arush said as if it was after a lifetime instead of a week, "I'm missing him so much." He added with a sad face.
"It's okay, Arush. Jaldi aa jayenge wo." She assured him, blinking her eyes.
"Tum mujhe Arush kyun bulati ho, sabki tarah Aru bola karo na." He told her.
"Nahi, maine already tumhara itna accha naam rakha hua hai mai to tumhe wahi bulaungi alu ke chilke." She said with an innocent giggle.
"Ye accha naam hai? Aisa lagta hai bina abusive words use kiye gaali de rahi ho." He made a face.
She flicked his head, "Bhak."
"Sadhwi." A voice came from the front making their heads snapped to the direction.
Kaka was standing at the entrance, he was looking unusually between the two. He walked towards them and stopped in front of Sadhwi.
"Tum iss waqt yahan kya kar rahi ho, beta?" Kaka asked her.
"Hum dono baatein kar rahe the, kaka." Arush spoke up before Sadhwi could reply.
Kaka nodded his head and glanced at both of them before speaking, "Chalo raat bohot ho gayi hai." He said to Sadhwi.
Sadhwi looked at Arush, "Bye good night, Arush." She said with a smile and walked away from there. Kaka also went away from there but not before passing a strange look at Arush.
~________________________________________~