CHAPTER 6

Akshat and Siddhant kept hugging each other, there were lots of thoughts running through Siddhant's mind but for Akshat he was living that moment holding him as close as he could because for him it is rarely possible that Siddhant let him come near leaving all his insecurities. On the other hand, Sneha was capturing this moment in her heart teary-eyed without making any movement not wanting to disturb them.

Akshat's mobile rang breaking their moment. Siddhant pulls back, his eyes were moist while Akshat has a happy smile on his face. Attending the call he spoke to his manager who called him to remind him about the meeting. Assuring to reach timely he cuts the call then looked at Sid who was still standing in the same place, ruffling his hair a little Akshat spoke " you can ask me anything anytime, you have all the rights to use not only the money but that everything I own. It all belongs to you, son "

Siddhant blinks with a slight nod, he didn't know how should he react to this, he wanted to accept it but somewhere the past experience is stopping him. Parikshit has never made him feel this way, he had never shown the love Sid was expecting from his father in fact has always shoved his necessity away without considering even once, and here Akshat is ready to give everything of his. Siddhant was confused about what to believe, and what to decide. He was scared to hope for love. He was scared thinking what if Akshat would turn like Parikshit later. Parikshit too was the same as him once. He remembers how when he was small Parikshit used to shower him with lots of gifts but later he started going away as he grows up and finally he throws them out breaking his heart who was just expecting one thing from his father, a little bit of love. Was he expecting more? Maybe yes. Will Akshat be able to give him the love and protection he was expecting? Can he dream about the happy family again, with Akshat, what is the guarantee that Akshat will keep up till last, how can he decide that Akshat is trustworthy? All these thoughts kept ringing in his head alternatively from past and present making him feel vulnerable, he was unable to decide what step should he take, he didn't want to hurt Akshat anymore but at the same time, he wants to prevent himself from the hurt of being cheated later for giving him a place of the Father. A drop of tear silently rolled down his cheeks living Akshat dazed whose eyes were still fixed on Sid.

" What happened? " Akshat asked worried wiping the tears out of his face still cupping his wet cheeks. 

Siddhant couldn't make any voice, his vocals weren't supporting him to let out the turmoil he is going through. Just tears were coming out making his head ache a little more... 

" Siddhant, say to me what happened why are you crying baccha " Akshat asked again wiping the tears which continuously rolled down Sid's cheeks.

" Nothing... It's nothing, just a little... Little headache... That's all " Siddhant hiccups looking at Akshat, the tenderness in his voice was making Sid too overwhelmed.

" You ok? " Akshat asks again checking Sid's temperature with the back of his hand while checking his pulse rate he says " let me call a doctor first "

" No, it's ok... I'm ok.. I'll be ok " Siddhant protested.

" Let the doctor check you first then we can say if you can be ok or not " he replied dodging Sid's protest and dials to his family doctor calling him on an emergency note.

" But you have a meeting " Siddhant tried to reason again.

" It is not that important as you " 

The instant reply from Akshat made Siddhant tear up more. Leaving everything aside Sid took steps toward Akshat and silently put his head over his chest until where he could reach. 

Akshat was delighted to see Siddhant coming to him by himself but his tears made him tense still he immediately wrapped his hands around Sid's frame protectively. Sid closed his eyes and tears again found their way, he too slowly brings his hands up to wrap around Akshat but before he could do that Akshat bends down and without any warning picked him up from the ground leaving him to appall, Sid's hand hastily got fastened around Akshat to balance himself in his embrace, when he was confirmed he settled in his arms he looked at Akshat wide-eyed. 

Akshat chuckles looking at his reaction then spoke " I do workout every day, so yeah, I have enough strength in me to hold you. Don't worry I won't let you fall"

Siddhant just stared at him for a while then he laid his head on his shoulder and his mind led him to the past...

10 years old Siddhant was trying to get up from his bed, due to the fever he was in he couldn't get up properly. His mother has been down to bring some water for him but didn't return till now. With his shaking figure, he came out of the room and headed toward the stairs, in the middle of his way he found Parikshit too going down so struggling to reach him he asked " Dad, can you help me to get down "

" Don't disturb me I'm getting late " he replied without even sparing a glance at Sid.

Siddhant becomes sad, his body was going weak and his thrust was increasing so holding onto Parikshit's hand he says again " Dad I'm thirsty, Maa is taking time can you just take me down " 

" Can't you understand if told once, I'm busy don't disturb me " Parikshit retorted jerking Sid's hand off himself, and then moved out of that place without glancing back concentrating on the call which just came.

With the force, Parikshit has pushed Siddhant his body couldn't handle it, his steps faltered and he fell down the stairs with a shout calling for his mother. Sneha came running that way hearing his shout even Parikshit to came hearing the commotion. Siddhant has managed to get a grip on the handrail that helped him to stop at the midway, it prevented him from a major injury but still, his body got bruised here and there, and also a cut on the right side of his forehead.

Sneha cryingly gathered Siddhant in her embrace checking him while Siddhant's eyes were constantly gazing at Parikshit who was standing looking at them. Siddhant still expected that his father would come to see him injured but to his displeasure, Parikshit turned back and went away. A new stream of tears rolled down Sid's cheeks. He turned his head to Sneha and snuggled into her feeling the warmth he needed. That was the day he finally let go off of his expectations from his father, from that day it was only his mother and him.

Siddhant's hold got tighter on Akshat as he snuggled more into him, Akshat stroked his back and hair moving towards Sid's room while Sneha silently followed them. Siddhant weeps silently recalling the way Parikshit has treated him and this adds to raising his body temperature with a heavy headache.

" Hey, your temperature is rising " Akshat exclaimed tucking him on his bed.

" Don't go " Siddhant requested meekly holding Akshat who tried to go for checking on the doctor.

" Will you be with me? " Sid asked seeing no reaction from Akshat.

Akshat was too overwhelmed by the way Siddhant asked him to stay which held a lot of hope in it and when he asked again, he just couldn't deny it. Nodding to him, he replied " always "

Akshat went back to attend the meeting after Siddhant slept due to the injection given to him but not before pecking on Sid's forehead promising him to return soon. But the meeting took a bit longer and he came back home past 10. He couldn't come back earlier but he kept the tabs on Sid by calling home on every break he got.

Akshat entered Sid's room silently after Sneha informed him to be asleep taking his food and medicine. Akshat sat beside Sid, he first checks the temperature and felt relief knowing it was normal. Holding his gaze on Sid's face he softly draws the little circles on Sid's forehead with his thumb. Sitting there in silence for a while he bends over, kissed Sid's forehead, and mouthed " get well soon, whatever happens, good or bad just know I will be there with you always, if not as your Father then as a friend I'll be there, good night. Have sweet dreams " setting Sid's hair back giving a final peck he left the room.

Hearing the click of the door Siddhant finally opened his eyes who heard everything, his eyes were moist feeling of being loved after many days. Before closing his eyes to sleep he mumbles " I wish you were my Papa from the beginning then it wouldn't be so hard for me to accept you, Mr. AB... Why were you not there before... "

MORNING 

Siddhant came down to the dining room all set to go to school, seeing him Akshat asked " you are going to school, are you fine? You can take a rest today "

" I'm very much fine Mr. AB, don't worry " Siddhant replied with a sweet smile that wipes the tension from Akshat's face. He nodded smiling at him and they got to indulge in their breakfast.

Siddhant was leaving his house on his bicycle, as he was about to paddle Akshat came calling him, reaching near him he puts a 100 rupee note in Sid's shirt's pocket saying " your pocket money for today " without waiting for his reply Akshat moved away giving a light kiss on his forehead. Both of them left the house having a sweet smile on their face while Sneha too moved back inside the house with a smile.

CMS

Siddhant used his fastest speed to reach school today, as he was excited to meet Roli. He didn't want to miss this chance, yesterday he forgot to fix a place where they'd meet so today he came a bit earlier just to make sure that he can meet her just at the gate itself. Leaning on the trunk of the nearest tree to the gate Sid waited for her. After waiting for five minutes he saw a car stopping by the side of the road outside the gate and he was quick to recognize it as being Roli's as yesterday he was able to memorize her car number. Siddhant straightened himself taking two steps ahead keenly looking at the car.

Rajat, Roli's father came out of the car moved to the other side, and opened the door helping Roli to come out. Who came out happily bouncing in new excitement. Rajat helped her with her bag, giving him a goodbye kiss she moved towards the gate but halted in her steps after she spotted Siddhant waiting for her. She smiles big then shouted showing her Papa " Papa, see there, He is my friend Shhi "

Rajat looked at Sid and Sid too looked at him hearing Roli introducing him. Siddhant joined his hands together and bows a little greeting him from afar. Rajat liked Siddhant instantly, he nods with a smile acknowledging his greeting then went ahead holding Roli's hand protectively in his. 

" So you are the one of whom she was talking day and night yesterday " Rajat asked reaching just in front of Sid, Sid smiled a little awkwardly with a slight nod accepting it. Whereas Roli giggles, she left her father's hand and moved to Sid, and stood holding his hand.

" So your name is Shhi only or? " 

" Siddhant Bhardwaj, uncle, it was Roli who gave me the new name as mine was big " Siddhant replied politely with a smile on his face.

Rajat was about to ask something but Roli interrupted " you are so bad Shhi, I won't talk to you"

" Arrey, what I did " Siddhant asked surprised looking at Roli who was standing scrunching her little nose, she looks cute, Sid thought.

" You called me Roli, not Rooi so I won't talk to you " Roli told making Rajat chuckle at her childishness while Siddhant bit his tongue.

" Sorry sorry... Sorry Rooi " Sid asked the forgiveness quickly.

" No, you will get the punishment " Roli says trying to be stern but failing, that makes Sid giggle but he composed himself while Rajat stood silent watching these two having a pleasant smile on his face.

" Ok, I surrender princess say what I've to do " 

" you have to give me a chocolate" Roli grins putting her demand.

" No way, don't even think of giving her a chocolate, Siddhant... She is such a sweet tooth, just in the morning she had one, today's quota is over so no more chocolate " Rajat warned Siddhant that was when Siddhant realized his presence there.

Sid looked at Roli who was pouting with a pleading look toward her father in an attempt to melt him, then his eyes went to Rajat, he can see Rajat was trying hard to hide his smile at her cute face. For a moment he was zoned out looking at the bond these two shared whereas such things are missing in his life. His reverie was broken by Roli's voice.

" no Shhi don't hear Papa, you say you will give me right " Roli asked holding his hand.

Siddhant looked at Rajat who nodded no, he turned to Roli then replied " but uncle is saying right naa, you know if you eat this much chocolates in a day then what will happen " 

Siddhant purposefully stopped creating a little bit of suspense for her and out of curiosity she asked " what will happen Shhi "

" if you will have so many chocolates in a day then insects will come and eat your teeth one by one and soon Rooi will be left with no teeth then how will you eat your favorite cutlets, say do you want this to happen " Siddhant finished his explanation with a little laugh as he noticed how Roli's expression changed into complete shock, she covered her mouth with both of her little palms trying to prevent her teeth having her eyes wide open.

Rajat kept looking at them and he was totally impressed by the way Siddhant explained to her the things, yesterday when Roli had shared about her new friends Ayuu and Shhi, and Shhi being elder to her, he was a little tensed out of protectiveness thinking what if this elder boy would bully his little cutie. He wanted to meet up with him and today after meeting him he was satisfied that his daughter chose the right boy. And the way Sid was treating her he was sure that this boy would take care of her during the school hours little did he know that the same boy is going to take care of his daughter not only during school hours but throughout his life.

" I won't eat more today I promise " Roli promised to Sid locking her pinkie finger with his. That's how Rajat noticed Rosid.

" ok then let me take a leave you both go inside " Rajat said taking their attention. 

" Yes Papa, you can go Shhi will take me from here " Roli chirps holding Sid's hand tight. Siddhant smiled and nodded back at Rajat.

" Take care " Rajat told.

" Don't worry uncle I'll take care of Rol... Rooi " Siddhant corrected himself before Roli notices him calling her name.

Rajat chuckled and softly patting Sid's head he spoke " not only her take care of yourself too... And yeah don't forget her calling Rooi otherwise she'll come up with different punishments " Rajat laughs recalling how his daughter's mind works for giving punishments. Siddhant too laughs at this. They bid bye to each other and went in their respective direction. Rajat turned back once again to see them, he smiled in relief at seeing Sid who was now holding Roli's bag in one hand and was holding her hand in the other.

With a smile on his face, he went back, and at the same time, one car halted at the gate making a rash sound grabbing everyone's attention. Rosid too turned back to see, and as Sid's eyes fall on the car he stiffens at his place recognizing it as Parikshit's. Siddhant clutches Roli's bag tight in his hand trying to control the rage that was building up in him. He glued up at his place looking directly towards that direction as the door opened just to know who his son is so that he can keep his distance from him.

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