ShraMan SS - Dawning of Realisation| Epilogue - Pg 57 | COMPLETED - Page 21

Chapter 7

Next day at Tiwari Qilla,

Suman was in a tearing hurry. She had to reach PCT in time. She had to help her employees in the preparation of the order that was to be delivered late in the evening. It was an important order for PCT. If it worked, they would be appointed as the catering service for the meals of the company that was organizing the event. She was bustling around the house completing last minute chores. Maamiji has asked her to chop vegetables before leaving. She finished cutting vegetables when the knife fell from her hand almost cutting her foot when she was pushed across the counter towards the wall. She turned round to see who it was.

It was him, her knight in shining armour, her Shravan. "What the hell is wrong with you Sumo? You could've hurt yourself badly" he said angrily. "Whether I cut my or leg or not, it doesn't have to bother you" she replied. "Ofcourse it bothers me" he said. "Well, it shouldn't. I can take care of myself. Even if I am in dire need, I won't trouble your highness, I promise" saying this she left.

Shravan didn't have a good feeling about this. No matter how bad things were between them, she never belittled his concern for her. She had different ways of reacting. Most often then not, she would laugh it off saying he was being nave or was overthinking. But this time her ignorance hurt him. But he wasn't going to let it get to him. After all, he is Shravan Malhotra and she is HIS Sumo. He'll find a way to earn her forgiveness. But on the flip side, he realised that the spitfire Sumo was back. She was responding to him just like she did before their showdown. He smiled.

At PCT, 2 AM

The ladies had taken a break for lunch. Preeta and Suman had finished eating and were near the reception counter. Preeta was aware of the discord between Shravan and Suman but didn't know of the Nirmala fiasco. Suman had only told her that they had fought and aren't on talking terms. "Has he said sorry to you or is he still the arrogant moron?" she asked. "Sorry? He has said it a lot of times" said Sumo, nonchalantly. "So aren't you going to forgive him?" asked Preeta. Hearing this Suman smile grew wide and she said, "I forgave him the first time time he apologized to me." Preeta was puzzled. "Yes, I forgave him the first time he apologized. I just want him to repent a little more. After all, I am Sumo. Thoda tang karna toh banta hai, nahi?" she said, innocently. Preeta nodded her head in annoyance, "Tu kabhi nahi sudhregi Sumo" and went on to do her work. A mischievous smile adorned her face.

At 5PM

On the other hand, at Ramnath Malhotra and Associates, Shravan was burning in hell. He wasn't able to concentrate on work. His mind wasn't at peace. How would it be? Suman hadn't forgiven him. He was just about to call her when he heard a knock on his on his door. He asked the person to come in. It was Ramnath. Shravan was beyond pissed.

"Please listen to me, Shravan. Just once. I am here to apologize. I want to apologize for everything I have done. I don't wish to recall any of the events and cause you more pain. I am sorry for everything beta. I love you very much and I was blinded by my ego. I couldn't get past the fact that your mother was doing better than me. I was blinded by my pride and because of that I ruined all our lives. For that, I am sorry."

Shravan was about to lash out when he recalled Nirmala's words, "Shravan I want you to know that I have come back only for us, to better our relationship. But I am not here to destroy the relationship between you and your father. I know that the truth has affected your relationship with him. But remember, he has always loved you and provided for you.

You are what you are because of his efforts. Take your time, but forgive him. That'll be your biggest victory, the end to your childhood suffering."

He collected himself. "I am not angry, Papa. I am sad and disappointed. I have forgiven you but I haven't been able to forget what you did. Our relationship will never be the same again. But time is a key player. I hope it makes things better between us. I hope to have a better relationship with you. But things aren't going to mend themselves overnight. I hope you understand" he said. Ramnath was surprised. He was relieved at Shravan's reaction. He hadn't expected such a reaction. He smiled in affirmative and left.

Shravan felt a wave of peace spread across him. He had buried the ghost of his parents' misdoings. Now he had one last thing to do. "Sumo"

At PCT, 6:30 PM

The staff at PCT was wrapping up with the preparations of their order. The organizer had arranged for the food and a few PCT employees to be picked up for the event. Suman was busy overlooking all arrangements. Her phone buzzed. "Come outside, NOW." And the phone went dead. She was used to this. "Shravan and his orders. What does he want now?" she saw him outside by his car and headed towards him. "What is the issue with you? I am very busy right now. This better be important" she rattled off.

He looked at her. His eyes were moist. He had looked defeated. "I am sorry Sumo. I really am. I am sorry for all that I said. I know I shouldn't have. I was wrong. I didn't know the truth. I wronged you and Maa. I said things that shouldn't have been said. For that I am very ashamed of myself. And I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me." He tried very hard but his tears threatened to spill. She couldn't take it anymore. "For how long am I going to continue with this charade?" she thought. "He has suffered enough. Our friendship has suffered enough. And our love..." she thought. He turned his back and was going towards his car.

"I forgive you, Shravan" she shouted. "I forgive you, for all that you said, for all that transpired between us. All of it. I am ready to leave this behind us. Are you?" He looked at her. She never failed to amaze him. He walked towards her and engulfed her in his arms. He began to cry. He was letting go of all the pent up emotions that had plagued him all these years. She reciprocated. She hugged him as tight as she could, providing him support. She wanted to let him know that she'll always be there for him. The fears that were within him had finally disappeared. He was ready to start afresh. They were ready to start afresh.

They broke away after what seemed like eternity. They both were smiling. Their smile reached their eyes. They were brought out of the reverie by Preeta. "Sumo, come fast!"

"I have to go now. Today is an important day for PCT. I hope all goes well" she said. "All will go well, pakka!" he said with confidence. "I'll call you after I am done" she said. He nodded with a smile. they both turned back and went their ways, feeling content and peaceful.

Little did they know, they had an audience. "So my dear Suman. With this, your time has come to an end. Your smile is going to disappear forever. I had told you, I am not to be messed with. But you didn't listen. Now, you're going to face the consequences of your actions." Said the onlooker in a menacing tone.

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