Bonded by Fate- AkshAn FF (Part 48 Pg 117) (UPDATED-2 Jan) - Page 3

On popular demand😆, I am here with Part 2⭐️

Part 2- The First Night

After few minutes,Guddan showed up in the room, dressed decently. Akshat had been waiting andwithout as much as a word, swiftly moved to the door and closed it.

Guddan clasped andunclasped her fingers uneasily.

Why was uncle notasleep yet? Shouldn't he be snoring away to glory at this time of night?

At the back of her mind, hervoice screamed in the highest, non-audible pitch. It's your wedding night!!

Guddan quickly turned around, words of rejection ready to take off hertongue when his voice boomed through, shattering her misconceptions.

"Why? He asked, his back still turned to her.

"Kya!? she asked, confused.

"Jb chali hi gayi thi toh wapaskyu aai?! He repeated, turningaround.

Guddan looked at his face. Her throat suddenly felt parched, his wordshad sucked the life out of her.

"Jawab do!, he demanded taking two steps in herdirection.

Guddan backed off, scared. Guilty. She was in the wrong here.

"Main wo... she stuttered.

"Mehandi se bhaag gayi, I let yougo thinking that forcing you against your wish won't be good. Phir kyu aaiwaapis?! Akshat asked,accusation surfacing in his voice, as he stepped closer to her.

Guddan stepped back involuntarily. Her half assed senses screameddanger.

Should she confess the truth?

"Jab kisi aur ke saath haldikarne gaya toh waha aakar hungama macha diya, or mujhe haldi se rang diya!Kyu?? He stepped closer yetagain, his voice getting low with an undertone of something akin to rage.

Guddan stepped back only to collide against the wall. She gulped onseeing the inferno ablaze in his eyes.

Finally Akshat stood infront of her, centimetres apart, towering overher existence. Guddan felt like a deer caught in headlight.

"And then, you actually attackedMiss Shweta to marry me! Why??He asked, more like ordered.

She stared straight into hiseyes. Words deserted her. Would he beable to bear the truth?!

And suddenly, his phone started ringing. As Akshat fished for his phonein the pocket, Guddan decided to slip away discretely.

But alas! Her respite died the instant she moved her body to escape, asthe bulky' arm rammed right against the wall, blocking her escape. She triedto escape from the other side, but Akshat was quick, he threw the phone ontothe bed, and caged her in between his arms.

"Meri baat abhi khatm nhi huihai, he cleared, boring holesinto her.

"Important call nhi tha kya? Guddan asked, trying to smile as much asher face joints permitted.

"This is more important, I wantmy answers or we can just stand here the entire night, gazing into each other'seyes. And the night after, and after and after

In usual circumstances, these words would have been consideredromantic. But he was not normal. She was definitely abnormal, she knew it. Andtheir situation was totally nowhere near the brink of normality. His words helda promise, a promise to breathe down her neck like a fire dragon till sheagreed to spill the beans out.

"Kahin tumhe mujhse pyaar toh... He had almost voiced out his doubt when hervoice cut in, sharp as a knife.

"Iss galatfehmi mein mat rehnauncle, Guddan stated poking herforefinger against his chest.

He looked down at her finger and then looked into her eyes. The micehad transformed into a ferocious lioness. He had no misunderstanding about herfalling in love with him. Her actions always spoke louder than her words. Buthe needed to rile her up, to get his answers.

"Apni umra dekhi hai? Poore 25saal ka fark hai hum dono mein aur pyaar ki baat karte hai! Guddan almost laughed at the last sentence.

"Haven't you heard? Age is justa number! He whispered into her ears, leaning closer.

She had moved her face to other side, the instant he dipped his headdown but his words angered her. She moved her face and stared right into hiseyes, taking him head on.

Akshat almost let the smirk slip to his lips. She was taking the bait.Such a naive, foolish girl!

"Don't you know!?Numbers areimportant, they matter. I may not know much about love, but Y-O-U can never bemy definition of love, sheemphasised.

"Pyaar nhi hai toh phir kyu ki yeshaadi? Let me think- For money?He asked, more like told her.

"As you said numbers matter, alot. Jindal khandaan ki bahu bankar, you could get it all. I never knew youwere that smart!? He praised herin a mocking tone, ghost of a smirk dancing on his lips.

Guddan suppressed a chuckle athis theory. Ameer log aur unka paisa!

"I thought you were better thanthat AJ uncle! Mujhe daulat ki itni chahat hoti, toh aapki vo beshkimatianguthi nhi khoti! If I wanted so much as a penny of your earnings, I didn'tneed to even try. Destiny, literally, dropped you right into my life. I wouldhave never ran away from mehandi if I remotely desired the luxuries of Jindalhouse, Guddan completed.

"Then why?! he almost shouted, getting tired of thisblame-chase game.

Guddan looked at him. She could tell him the truth but then...

"Meri chutki ke liye, she spoke, baffling AJ.

"Par mene toh Parv ko... he confirmed, furrowing his bushy brows inconfusion.

"He found his way back. He toldchutki about how we both forced him to, LIE to her about his infidelity

Akshat moved back, angered at Parv.

"Main abhi uss Parv ko... AJ started to leave the room when Guddanstopped him.

"Aap aisa kuch nhi karenge. Chutkihas cleared to me that if we pulled another stunt like that, she will harmherself. And even if Parv's wife knows the truth, Chutki won't buy a word, Guddan explained.

AJ turned back. "Theek hai, butwhat has this matter got to do with Parv?

"It has everything to do withParv, wo aapki bahu ki behan ka..

"Hamari bahu, Akshat corrected her.

"Haan, Parv hamari Saru bahu kibehan ka husband hai. He lives in this house, I can keep an eye on him, collectproofs against him, expose his lies in front of Chutki and his wife both, Guddan explained.

Akshat let out a sigh in relief. "Thankgod, so this was your reason for marrying me! He knew that she was not inlove with him but he was surprisingly relieved to know that she hadn't marriedhim for his money. If that would have been the case, he would have actuallyfelt hurt, and he didn't know why?!

"Haan! She seconded him.

"Ho gayi tassali, Shall I go tosleep or are you actually planning to spend the entire night gazing into myeyes?! Guddan faked a smile,fluttering her lashes mockingly at him.

"Definitely not, Akshat deadpanned.

"Glad to know that our viewsmatch on something, Guddansmiled and started to leave, when Akshat moved closer and caught her prisonerin the cage of his arms, once again.

"Ab Kya hua?! Let me go! Guddan tried to move his arms away,brimming with annoyance.

"Maine kab roka tumhe! He feigned ignorance, his lips quirked up amillimetre or two.

"Apne inn dhai kilo ke haathon kohataoge, tabhi toh jaungi, Guddanexplained, irritated.

" Dhai kilo ke haath?! The lasttime I heard you, you classified this as swelling in my arms, as a result ofold age. He pondered.

Guddan felt like crying. Kis jhamele mein fas gyi!!

She clapped her palms infront of her forehead, and spoke-" Galti ho gayi uncle, flow flow meinnikal gaya tha, now please spare me some good night rest.

"Ok, he shrugged nonchalantly and moved away as if he was never there.

As she moved to the other side of bed, his voice tortured her yetagain.

"That side is mine

At that moment, Guddan wanted to bang her forehead against the wall.

Guddan tumse na ho payega.

SO GUYS! HOW WAS IT? DO SHARE YOUR VIEWS

Part 3 - The First Attack - https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/148660261?tid=5034085

Part 14 - To A better Tomorrow

"I was fresh out of IIM and had got placed in The Rodriquo, one of the few Michelin star restaurants in India. But I had a really bad habit... Akshat trailed, his lips curving in a reminiscent smile.

[In Flashback, we see a 27 years old Akshat with his hair set down like a nerd, big spectacles on his nose and a baggy white shirt on his scrawny lean frame while he flashes a goofy grin( imagine Nishant from his role in Ram milai Jodi)]

"Kyaa!? Guddan asked interested, the great AJ had a bad habit!

"The habit of experimenting, I always went out of the box and added whatever ingredient that came to my mind without another thought. That in itself was not a bad thing, considering that I was planning on making my own mark one day but I always messed with the dishes that were served to customers.. Akshat chuckled, his eyes shining.

Guddan looked at him. The smile on his face was infectious. He doesn't feel like the AJ, but just Akshat. She smiled a warm smile seeing him enjoy himself.

"And as a result, I was rusticated quite a few times, though that didn't dampen my spirits at all and thus I was demoted from a Michelin star restaurant to a Dhaba, because my CV had gathered a lot of negatives by then and no decent restaurant wanted a lunatic, who wouldn't feel sorry even after his disastrous novel food caused diarrhoea to a foreign dignitary!

Guddan's eyes widened, in shock and their eyes met. "Shockingly, you are not the one with the talent to food poison people! He chuckled and she joined him too.

"So even after joining the dhaba, I didn't stop with my ways and then one day, She came to my dhaba... AJ spoke, a soft hue dawning in his eyes.

[In flashbach, 38 years old Antara is seen in a saree while her hair is tied in a bun]

"Antara was a regular there, and the first one to vomit my food out! The owner of dhaba was very furious and had almost strangled me that day, had it not been for her who came to my defence. She actually laughed it off as my love for cooking and said that she will be the one to taste my experiments and help me improve them. Day after day, I kept falling for the maturity, the understanding woman who was helping a stranger. She was a charming woman who never told me to mend my weird ways...

5 minutes later, Akshat's brows furrowed at the lack of response from The Guddan and he looked down to see her.

Dead asleep.

The hell!! Here he was sharing his deepest feelings and she had fallen asleep. He wasn't singing her a lullaby!

The slight disbelief on his face disappeared on seeing her sleeping with a peaceful smile on her face. God! This girl was not from this world!

Shaking his head at her, he got up from his seat and picked her into his arms, as she laid her head effortlessly against his chest. As he started towards their room, his eyes moved to her profile. He was feeling peace for the first time in 10 years. His heart didn't feel so clogged anymore.

But he felt like a babysitter! He hadn't bought home a mother in law to his daughter in laws! Nope, in reality one more baby was added to the list of 6 grown up babies he was looking after!

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"Uncle utho!! Guddan shook the man violently from the nap he had escaped into while reading his book.

Suppressing a yawn, Akshat gave her a look over. "What happened!? Aaj suraj kahan se nikal aaya, itni jaldi ready ho gyi! He spoke checking the time on his phone, "It's only 9 am!

"Pehli baat, Suraj kabhi apni jagah se nhi hilta, it's the earth that revolves around it and doosri baat, we are going on excursion of Jaisalmer! Guddan replied.

"It's You, who is going! He replied spot on, opening his book yet again.

"Nhi, Aap hamare saath chalenge! Guddan insisted.

"Aur kyu sunu main tumhari baat! Kyuki raat ko jab main baat kar raha tha, tum so gyi thi! Akshat snapped, almost offended.

"Jhooth mat boliye, humne suna tha! Guddan pouted.

"Aadha! AJ completed with a deadpan look on his face.

"Haan toh aapki dastan-e-mohabbat mein humein dilchaspi nhi hai Guddan murmured slowly, almost irritated. She was enjoying the story when Antara's character entered and she didn't feel so good seeing AJ uncle smile with a dreamy look on his face as he went on and on about His Antara..

"Kuch kaha tumne!? He enquired, looking at her confused.

"Haan, yahi ki aap hamare saath chalenge! You said na that you met Antara ji 15 years back on this day so it calls for a celebration, Guddan aapko sikhaegi ki enjoy kaise karte hain, I'll make this day memorable for you! Guddan smiled.

Akshat flashed her a mirthless smile. "Maaf kar do! Everyday spent with you gets so vividly etched into my memory against my will, that I won't want my library of headaches to grow any further!

"What are you insinuating huh!? Guddan asked squinting her eyes and continued, "Galtiyan toh gina di ab ye bhi bata do ki raat ko meri company mein kitne khush the!

"Is that so!? Why don't I recall anyting like that?! He spoke sarcastically as Guddan turned away in irritation and left the room, murmuring curses.

As Guddan exited the palace after taking the city map, her eyes went wide as Saucers on seeing AJ uncle. Her mouth opened like fish to say something when he beat her to it. "So gayi thi kya andar?! Jaldi aao ab!

Her mouth opened and closed like a fish as she joined him on the back of jeep and sat like an obedient child. As she stole glances at the unpredictable AJ, he smiled slightly enjoying her baffled features.

So how was it? Hope you'll enjoy the update, dear readers😃

Part 18 - It's Starting

The next morning as everyone bit down the first morsel of their food, they were surprised.

"Aaj khana different hai, Saru remarked.

"I second you! Vardaan remarked in tow.

As Lakshmi tasted the food, her eyes widened. "Durga di, ye khana aapne nhi banaya? She asked, recognizing the familiarity of this taste.

"Nhi, aaj khana humne banaya hai! Guddan piped in, as Durga looked away annoyed.

Everyone's eyes widened and Saru choked on her food. She remembered being confined to the toilet owing to her saasu maa! She was quite sure that the food was going to come out of her mouth with as much ease as it was going in!

"Saru bahu! Aaj aapka pet kharaab nhi hoga, hum guarantee lete hain, Guddan chuckled seeing Saru's constipated face.

"Aap sab log bhi taste kijiye na, you'll be surprised! Guddan smiled, coaxing Kishore and Dadi to eat.

As they ate, Dadi nodded her head and smiled, "Main na kehti thi ki meri Guddan se sab ho payega!Guddan chuckled as Dadi pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Guddan and everyone at the table looked on with abated breath as AJ closed his lips over the chhole-roti combo. Guddan gulped as she saw him munch on the bite with a straight face whilst his eyes were fixed on her.Once the morsel went down his throat, he opened his mouth and spoke, "It's edible and passable!

Guddan's mouth opened in disbelief at his words. He was a miser for words. Do shabd tareef ke bol dete toh kya bigad jata' she pouted and glared at him.

Durga got up and was about to leave the table when she was stopped. "Who said you can leave, Durga Bahu?! Aapki saas ne bahot mehnat karke ye khaana banaya hai so I expect you and Saru and Lakshmi bahu to appreciate her efforts and eat it, AJ spoke and then looked at Guddan, "Agli baar cholon mein ek seeti extra dena aur haan, roti ka dough thoda loose lagaya karo!

Guddan opened and closed her mouth like a fish, at a loss for words. Ajeeb hai uncle, uski samajh ke radius ke daayre mein kabhi nhi aaenge'. Deciding to ignore him, she approached Lakshmi and asked her to eat.

"Khahiye na Lakshmi bahu? Aur bataiye ki shagird ne ustaad ki izzat rakhi ya nhi!? Guddan asked as Lakshmi scratched the back of her neck, confused.

Confused about what her mother-in-law was saying!? Confused about why the heck was her mother-in-law smiling at her and talking so jovially as if nothing had happened a few days back?!

"Ye tu kya keh rahi hai beta? Dadi enquired, perplexed.

"Dadi, Lakshmi bahu ne hi toh humein khana banana sikhaya aur puchiye mat kya ghazab ki teacher hain Lakshmi bahu! Ki matlab humein na khana banana ki trick samajh aa gyi! Guddan praised Lakshmi who downed other glass of water in bewilderment.

Saasu maa tareefon ke pool kyu baandh rahi hai!? Because the last Lakshmi remembered was a heated verbal clash between them where Guddan had expressed her loathing at her thoughts.

"Par peechle kuch dinon se toh maine Lakshmi bahu ko tumhare saath nhi dekha? AJ asked as Guddan and Lakshmi exchanged glances.

Aa gya tera waqt iss duniya ko alvida kehne ka, Lakshmi. Ye Guddan AJ ke saamne bhaanda fod degi!'

"Vo na hamari hi galti thi! Humne inki baat nhi maani aur inhe naaraz kar dia! Guddan made a puppy face as Lakshmi's eyes widened in shock.

"Toh isliye hum aapko thank you kehna chate hai! Thank you Laksmi bahu ki aapne itna patiently humein cook karna sikhaya matlab itna kabil aapne humein bana diya ki humein Edible' or passable' jese compliments mil gaye! At this Guddan gave a side glance at AJ who shook his head in disbelief at her childishness "...and so as a thank you gift, hum aapke liye ye laaye hain! Guddan finished handing over an envelope to Lakshmi.

"Kholiye! Kholiye! Guddan nudged a bewildered Laksmi who opened the envelope and could no longer stop her lips from quirking up in excitement.

"Stage show tickets?! Zangoora ki! Aapko pata hai hamara kitna man tha... Laksmi, who was chatting happily to Guddan, suddenly paused as Guddan got perplexed.

"Kya hua?! Ismein Vardaan ji ki bhi tickets hai, parson Sunday hai na, aap dono jaiyega aur khoob enjoy karna... Guddan spoke.

Lakshmi continued to look at Guddan. Guddan wasn't smart enough to plan and plot. It didn't seem like she was plotting something fishy. So then why was she being given a gift for a task she had abandoned halfway!?Why was a warm smile greeting her instead of a scornful expression?! Why were Guddan's eyes bereft of any malice, any ill will?! Why!?

Kiss mitti ki bani ho tum, Guddan?' AJ thought as he looked at the smiling Guddan and the baffled Lakshmi.

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"What!? Akshat asked looking up from his book, annoyed by the incessant glares being sent his way.

"Lectures ke bomb toh bhar bhar ke girate ho aur aaj jab shabashi ki baari aayi toh saanp soongh gaya! Guddan blamed.

Akshat smiled a mirthless smile. Ye nhi maanegi aise.

"Tumhe tareef sunni hai toh suno! You proved me wrong! Mujhe nhi lagta tha ki tum kabhi insaano ko khilane layak khana bana payogi par tumne bana diya! I am shocked!! AJ spoke with a smile that his old joints were forcing harshly on his face.

"Bas! Bas! Itni smile bahot hai! Isse zyada agar aapne smile kia toh meri raaton ki neend aur din ka bacha kucha chain bhi darker bhaag jaayega! Tareef kar rahe thhe ya ehsaan!? Aapko na verbal diarrhoea hai! Ilaaj kara lijiye! Guddan remarked at which AJ furrowed his brows.

"Verbal diarrhoea!? He repeated quizzically.

"Haan, Verbal Diarrhoea! Shabdon ka abhav hai aapki baba aadam ke zamane ki vocab mein! Matlab seriously edible' passable'!? Theek hai chef honge aap, par sirf restaurant par, ghar par toh aam insaano ki tarah behave kiya kijiye. Mera toh theek hai, I don't mind your words par Durga bahu, Lakshmi bahu aur saraswati bahu! Unka kya?! Itne saalon se iss ghar ko, iss parivaar ko, aapko sambhal rahe hai, aapne kabhi taano ke alawa unse kaha hai nice work' well done' keep it up'?!

Guddan looked at AJ who just looked back. It meant so...!'

"Toh hamara matlab ye hai ki mirchi aur namak ki maatra se kahin guna important hai insaan ka dil, uski feelings, uska pyaar! Aapne kabhi unke efforts ko appreciate nhi kiya bas hamesha order jhadte rehte ho! Isse Izzat nhi darr kehte hain!

"So you want to say that I am a thankless fool?!

"Thankless, maybe and fool, vo appki marzi hai! Sirf pese aur luxury dena bahot nhi hota, what a person craves the most is recognition! Aur agar wo log aapse apne kaam ke liye chaar praises expect karte hai na toh wo galat nhi hai! Guddan concluded and started leaving.

She had hit a nerve. He did his best for them and yet he has to hear all this! He did his best and yet he was set up and framed! AJ knew in his heart that Guddan wasn't half wrong but he remembered how he was almost backstabbed by Lakshmi. He had heard it that day and damn! It stung! It stung to think that his bahu thought so low of him, that it was okay for him to be cheated on! And here, as of right now, Guddan was standing in her favour! AJ knew that he was connecting things that weren't half related and yet he couldn't stop himself. The pain inside him was threatening to run wild and tear him apart.

He caught Guddan's wrist and standing up, jerked her back as her back hit his chest.

"Ye aap kya.. Her words of protest died in her throat as his right arm gingerly wrapped around her neck and his forehead came to rest on her shoulder, as his hair brushed against her cheeks.

"Unka dil! Unki feelings! Unka pyaar! Unki kadra! Aur mera kya!? He whispered in a low voice as Guddan shuddered under his breath.

"Kya main unke liye sab kuch nhi karta?! Don't I always try the best for my children?! Then why is it too much to expect them to understand me?! Why can't they be the ones to appreciate my feelings?! Why should they feel that it is ok to hurt me just because they think that I don't have emotions, doesn't mean that I'm emotionless?! You expect me to be able to share everyone's grief but mera kya?! Mere dukh ka kya?! AJ asked as his grip on her left shoulder tightened.

Guddan felt water building up in her eyes. This AJ was so new, so weak, so fragile, he looked like he will fall apart. She didn't like this trembling voice of him. He looked the best with his pitch and words, as sharp as arrows. She clenched his arm with her left palm as her right hand went back and ruffled his hairs in consolation.

"Main hoon na, aapke liye! Kisne kaha aap emotion less hai?! As far as I see, aap toh emotional mess hain jiske aas pass ek bahot badi deewar hai! She spoke and unhooked his arm from her shoulder and turned around.

Hesistant, Guddan held Akshat's palms and looked up into his eyes that were red with unshed tears. "Aapne chaar kadam badha diye, paanchwa mujhe badhane dijiye aur fir dekhiye, chatta kadam aapki direction mein zaroor badhega, ye Guddan ka wada hai! Guddan smiled as Akshat looked into her eyes.

Deep within Guddan's heart, a lock sealing a treasure chest rumbled heavily and developed a crack, on seeing the pain in Akshat's eyes.

"Aur haan, agar aap 4 aansoo gira denge toh aapke chef brain mein salt content kam nhi ho jaayega! She joked letting go of his palms, and removing his spects, wiped the corner of his eyes for traces of tears that AJ had refused permission to pass.

And suddenly AJ shrunk back, away from the calming touch of her fingers. What had he done? In a weak moment, he had let himself break down and show fragility!? Why?!

But Guddan caught his palm and as their eyes met, she nodded her head in a no. "Peeche mat hatiye! Kyuki Guddan bhi apne promise se peeche nhi hategi.

And AJ couldn't look away from the eyes that held a promise, a promise to heal his scars.

(Vo khaab mein...dhundhla sa chehra...

Tu thi ya...koi...farishta tha...

Tujhse...milne...se pehle bhi...

Tera...mera...koiii...

Rishtaa thaaa...aaa.Rishta tha...aaa...Rishta tha...aaa...ooo...)

So how was it, my dear friends😛? I apologise for the late updates but papers have me busy.

So I didn't planning on turning this update into a senty one(I guess) but it just turned out like that😆 One thing after another came up in my brain and story expected se unexpected track par aa gyi😆 But I hope you all will find it worth a read coz when I read it, it felt just right?!

Also feel free to share your views regarding why the chapter is named 'It's Starting'😃

Part 44 – Trial of Love

Akshat groaned and slammed his laptop shut, annoyed. He could feel Karan snickering at him at his miserable state. That damned punk! It had been three months since Guddan disappeared and he couldn’t even get a single clue about her whereabouts. He actually had Karan tailed on more than a few occasions but in the end, he always outsmarted him. Heck, he had all the lines in Jindal mansion tapped in case Guddan ever called but to no avail.

And one day, he caught his mother smiling over the phone and snatched it but the person on the other side didn’t even breathe a word! It must have been Guddan because it was a private no. that could not be traced. Just great!

Deciding that sitting idle in the room will do him no good, Akshat stepped into the balcony where he and Guddan had shared many a moments. He sighed. If only she would have given him a chance!

It was when he was mulling over his bad luck, the main door was thrown open. He strained his neck to seethe visitor but couldn’t. But his eyes managed to notice how his three bahus who had been rushing about till now stopped dead in their tracks and had their eyes transfixed at the door.

G-Guddan?!

With a strong feeling building in his gut, Akshat rushed down the stairs and joined the trio in the hall.

“Guddan beta!”

Akshat couldn’t believe his eyes as he saw his mother rush past him and envelope the familiar woman in her frail old arms.

“Dadi,kesi hain aap?” Guddan smiled hugging her back.

The corner of his lips perked up of their own accord as he relished that smile and that voice he had been yearning for the past three months. He clenched his chest as the bahus greeted Guddan and she returned their gesture with same intensity.

He thought that she had walked out on him never to return. That sinking feeling he battled with each day was all for naught, for she had returned.

Once Guddan was done, her eyes instinctively went searching for that one person and their eyes met. Akshat was smiling at her as relief swept over him. She looked different. With her hair tied in high pony, adorned in a beautiful knee length floral dress, Akshat couldn’t help but gawk at her.

Snapping out of his daze, he steeled his nerves and was approaching her when Durga’s voice interrupted him.

“Who is this?” Durga focussed her eyes behind Guddan as the person chuckled and stepped beside Guddan to come into the view.

“I thought my self-respect will still have to take more severe blows!” The man smiled.

Akshat stopped few steps away as he looked at the man dressed in a casual white T shirt and blue jeans.

“Arre,I forgot!” Guddan slapped her forehead and signaled to the man, “This is Vi…”

“ ‘The Viraj Kapoor!’” Lakshmi squealed like fan girl.

Dadi looked puzzled at the man when a light bulb lit up in Saru’s head and she clicked her fingers in realization, “If he isn’t saasu maa’s co-actor from her show ‘It’s complicated’?!”

“That will be me!”, Viraj agreed half amused.

While Akshat got confused. Show? Co-actor?

“I have watched your performance and I really like your character of Arnav”, Durga joined in the conversation putting her two cents.

“I am honoured to know that!” Viraj bowed making all the woman in the room smile.

“Now wait a second Viraj! You can’t do that!” Guddan punched his shoulder, chiding him.

“Ouch!What did I do?” Viraj feigned pain as he massaged his shoulder.

“You have not yet stepped into the house properly and you are already flirting with my bahu?!” Guddan narrowed her eyes at him.

“Bahu?!” A wide eyed Viraj turned to the women in question and looked over them in amazement. “Your being a saas in this age is a wonder enough, now you have three bahus that look nothing but your big sisters! I am really envious of the lucky men who have these gorgeous women as their wives!”

Guddan couldn’t help but shake her head at Viraj’s what he calls as ‘Aadat’. Viraj is a natural flirt and a born charmer. Every line he speaks is nothing short of a pick-up line.

“You can postpone your sweet talks for later! Let me introduce you to everyone” And with that Guddan introduced Viraj to Dadi as he touched her feet and she blessed him.Then he greeted the trio by folding his hands and finally came Akshat’s turn.

“Who might he be?” Viraj pointed to Akshat as the smile on Guddan’s face suddenly changed.

“He is Mr. Akshat Jindal….my husband…”

“Oh! So he is your hus…..” The smile from Viraj’s lips totally disappeared and the hand he had forwarded for handshake stopped midway.

As Akshat tilted his head confused, Viraj regained his composure and switched back to his charmer mode. “A plea-pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jindal”.

Akshat nodded with a small smile of his own and looked back at Guddan hopefully, who tore her gaze away before he could let out another word.

“Dadi,who kya hai na…for the next few days we will be shooting in Indore so I thought that Viraj should stay with us…” Guddan trailed trying to ignore someone’s gaze pricking the back of her neck.

“Ofcourse beta! You don’t have to ask for permission. This is your house and he is your friend. He is most welcome to stay”.

Guddan smiled in response and lead Viraj to a guestroom whilst Akshat decided to wait till she was alone.

He had questions but no answers. Shooting? Next few days?! What exactly was happening?!

During lunch, as everyone settled down, Akshat glanced at Guddan every other second trying to come up with something to talk about but was failing miserably. Everyone at the table was going on about some show, Viraj’s character, Guddan’s acting and what not.From what Akshat could gather, Guddan had been shooting for a TV show for the past three months and Viraj was currently acting opposite her.

“So…Mr. Jindal, how did you like Guddan’s acting in the show?” Viraj popped the question at Akshat out of the blue.

The table went silent as everyone exchanged glances while Akshat coughed trying to come up with something. He possibly couldn’t tell Viraj that he had no clue about Guddan’s acting venture despite being her husband. He possibly couldn’t make a spectacle out of their relationship by telling him that everyone in the house was aware except him. He already had a mess to clear and so had no intentions of making the situation worse.

“That…actually…..” Akshat fumbled for words when Guddan pitched in for him.

“He….is not really interested in these things. He rarely watches television so…”

Akshat turned to Guddan thankfully but she just brushed him off. He couldn’t even complain. She was angry. She had all the rights to be.

“Ok…but still you’d think that he’ll just try to watch a few episodes because it’s his wife’s first venture…” Viraj shrugged and started eating while Akshat stole a glance at Guddan who was fiddling with her spoon in a trance.

‘I am sorry Guddan for being a failure as a husband. I am so sorry..’ Akshat extended his hand to console her but couldn’t go further and pulled them back.

He had to apologise first. Everything else could be dealt with later.

Throughout the day Akshat tried to catch Guddan alone but she managed to evade him. Day changed to night and soon everyone went to bed except for Guddan who was strolling around the gardens with Viraj. But Akshat patiently waited and when Viraj finally turned in for the night, Akshat waited with abated breath as Guddan ascended the stairs and then…

She passed right by their room!

Shocked, Akshat hurried out of his room and catching Guddan’s wrist, stopped her.

“Where are you going?!”He asked perplexed.

“Hum….sone jaa rahe hain”, Guddan replied, pointing to the other room.

“But our room…” Akshat had started when he realized what exactly had happened three months back.

“We-e need to talk Guddan..”

“Can we do that tomorrow? I-I am tired”, Guddan replied as she started to caress her arms uneasily.

Akshat nodded half-heartedly as she turned around to leave.

“That’s your biggest problem dude! You think too much! She had so simply confessed to you. You had to do the same but nhi, you had to overthink!”

At that moment Karan’s words rung in his ears and he caught her wrist yet again, “Nhi Guddan….we need to talk right away. It’s very urgent”.

Guddan breathed in deeply and as she opened her eyes, Akshat dropped to the floor on his knees.

“Ye aap kya…”

“I am sorry Guddan. I am very sorry. I never intended to hurt you, trust me when I say that. I was very confused and overwhelmed by my own emotions that I couldn’t properly respond to your feelings. You tried to reach out to me but I pushed you away. I was in denial of the things you made me feel. Whatever I said that day were just some words spoken out of desperation and nothing more. I didn’t mean any of that. And before I could reach back to you, you’d already left. And that Karan refused to tell me anything about you. Every day for the past three months I have done nothing but figure out ways to bring you back into my life.I-I may have loved Antara but the truth is that I lo…”

“Ruk jaiye!” Guddan interrupted him suddenly as she had her eyes clenched shut.

“Why did you stop me?” Akshat asked perplexed as he got back to his feet.

Guddan opened her eyes and looked back at him with determination, “Because you don’t need to apologise. It was never your fault to begin with. You were just being honest about your feelings when I was simply trying to smother you with them…”

“Nhi Guddan, aisa nh…”

“Let me speak- I am not angry in the least with you. I’ve made peace with the truth.And you didn’t really speak all that much that day- just a few lines showing me the reality while I overreacted like a child”, Guddan smiled slightly as Akshat started shaking his head.

“I left not because I was angry but because I was offered a role in a show. I just needed to organize my thoughts so you don’t have to blame yourself because I am not angry with you. At All”

“Then why are you going to sleep in another room?” Akshat asked fisting his fingers.

“Abhi kaha toh maine- I’ve made peace with the truth. You are my husband and this here is my family, nothing will ever change that. But now I’ve opened my eyes to my responsibilities too”

“Responsibilities?!” Akshat repeated after her confused.

“Haan…as your wife, it is my responsibility to respect your thoughts and choices. You made your choice that day so how can I burden you?!”

“Youare not understanding at all, damn it!” Akshat shouted clutching his hair exasperated.

“Whatever I said that day wasn’t the truth! Jitna ye sach hai ki hum dono pati-patni hai,utna hi ye bhi sach hai ki main tumse pyaar karta hu!”

“Nhi,you don’t love me. You are just forcing yourself to return my feelings out of goodwill. You don’t have to anymore because I’ve come to realize that I misunderstood my feelings as love”

“W-what?” Akshat stumbled a step back, shocked.

“Haan,you were the first man in my love and husband to top it off. Uske baad aapka acha behaviour aur…we’d spent so much time together that I developed a habit of you. And my stupid naïve heart named that habit as love. But I’m clear now!” Guddan smiled while Akshat felt his heart clench.

“Clear now?! Are you kidding me!” Enraged Akshat pulled Guddan closer by pressing her arms, “And you say you are not angry?This indifference…this nonchalance…it’s not my Guddan…it’s not! You are punishing me, right?! I mean…you sound so…sincere that it’s unnerving. You seem so distant. And what you’re calling as realization is not realization but denial!You are fooling yourself to protect your heart!”

“Nhi….It is realization only”, Guddan replied softly as she pushed his arms off her and backed away from him.

“You don’t have to beat yourself anymore. It’s all in the past. Good night”.

And with that Guddan turned away from him and walked into her room.

“Who are you messing with?! Are my words the reason you’ve closed your heart, Guddan? Is my foolishness the reason you refused to accept my love even when I’ve said it out aloud?! No….I won’t let my mistakes smear your innocent heart with pain. This mask of indifference…I’ll break through it and get my feelings across. Galti maine ki hai toh uska solution bhi karunga. I won’t let my love go away from me, this time. That’s a promise, Guddan. I love you, Guddan. I love you”, Akshat clenched his teeth in a resolve.

SO HOW WAS IT?! dO SHARE YOUR VIEWS!

Part 33 Kal Ho NAA Ho

Recap: Guddan meets an accident in quest to save Durga's life. Akshat is informed of this unfortunate incident as soon as he lands up in Indore.

"Guddan?! Where is she? Akshat asked breathless as he halted his run infront of a room where his family was assembled.

Kishore looked towards the operation theatre and Akshat's heart clenched. Pushing him aside, he approached the door to see a team of doctors assembled around her. He couldn't see her clearly but as two nurses rushed out of the OT, the door creaked open and every ounce of oxygen left Akshat's body at the sight he saw.

She was bleeding all over. Her body was tattered to shreds, literally. He could no longer bear to look her way and turned away.

What the...'

It was when a doctor stepped out and Akshat turned to him, desperate. "What is it, Doctor? Why haven't you started operating yet??!! S-She is bleeding all over! Akshat shouted.

"Finally you're here, Mr. Jindal, Doctor spoke up as he signalled over the nurse who handed Akshat a consent form.

"What is this?! Akshat asked baffled as he flipped the pages.

"It's a consent form, Mr. Jindal

"Consent?! For what?! He enquired.

"This form states that the hospital or the participating doctors won''t be held responsible if during the course of operation due to any unforeseen circumstances, Mrs. Guddan Jindal ends up succumbing to her injuries...

"Y-Ye aap kya... He asked as his hand holding the form started shivering.

"How can you even say that?!! Th-his is the best hospital in Indore!! W-Why would she succumb?! You have world class facilities over here! You must be able to save her!! Akshat shouted, getting agitated every second.

"Papa...calm down... Kishore came forward to control Akshat, who swatted his consoling hand away and looked at doctor, "What is it that you want?! Is it money!? I have ample of it! I am willing to shell money like water as long as it saves her!

"I know, Mr Jindal but money probably won't be enough to save her. Mrs Jindal's injuries are very severe. It is already a miracle that she made it to the hospital alive with a punctured liver and misplaced bones. Her situation is very critical and as of right now, no doctor in this hospital is qualified enough to save her..

Akshat stumbled back. What was the doctor saying?!

"Then call over a doctor from somewhere else! I don't know what you will do but you have to save her!!

"Actually, a renowned surgeon from Germany has been invited to the City hospital and we have called him over. Any minute now, he'll be arriving over here. The doctor replied.

"B-But you should atleast give her first aid! She's bleeding so much! Akshat pleaded as he looked through the door.

"We can't Mr. Jindal. She has internal bleeding. Our reports reveal that her thoracic vertebrae have pierced into her liver and one misstep could take her life or even if she survives, she can get paralyzed for the rest of her life. So all you can do is pray

And with that the doctor was gone, leaving Akshat in despair. How did it come to this?! Everything had been fine the last night. She had been fighting with him over phone over some stupid nonsense. She had promised to give him some sort of surprise so why was he coming to home to face the biggest shock of his life!

Every ounce of strength left his legs as he stumbled back into the wall and slid against it. Why was it happening? Why wasn't he there when this happened?! H-He could've saved her!

With blank eyes, he looked up to see Lakshmi consoling his maa and Kishore comforting Durga, whose eyes were terrorized. Realization dawned and scrambling to his feet, he hurried over to the duo.

"K-Kya hua tha Durga bahu?! He asked as she looked up into his eyes scared.

"I asked how the hell did this happen!!? Akshat shouted.

"Main batati hu Papa! Lakshmi volunteered to share the story and told him how Guddan was accused of poisoning Durga and in the end how she had seen Guddan hurrying out of the house in desperation.

"HOW?! Akshat asked authoritatively as Durga stood up and had just opened her mouth when certain murmurs reached Akshat's ears.

"W-What have I done?!How can I- with my own hands...

Akshat turned around to see Parv seated in a corner cocooned in him self while Saru was standing by his side like a stone, making absolutely no effort to console him.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?Akshat roared furious as he rushed to Parv and getting hold of his collar, pulled him to his feet before punching him straight in his jaw.

From the force of blow, Parv rammed his head against the wall but made no effort to defend himself. "I-I...her bloody b-body with...my own two hands...

"You piece of trash! I will kill you!! And with that another hard blow was dealt to Parv's gut.

"What did you do to her?! Akshat asked yet again but before he could punch him yet again, two police personnel caught him from behind.

And another one handcuffed Parv.

"Who is Saraswati Jindal?! She called us here...

"It's me! Saru spoke up as she approached the inspector, "I was the one who called you. This man over here, my brother is the one who signalled that truck driver to mow down the woman that will come its way!

mowed down by a truck?!'

A shiver ran through Akshat's spine as he realized how exactly the accident had come to pass. His heart lurched at the mere thought of her being run over by a heavy lorry.

"And I was his accomplice. He planned to harm Durga di and I was fully aware of it. But in the last moment, saasu maa showed up and risked her life to save Durga di's, Saru confessed monotonously as police cuffed her too and started to drag her away.

This was just too much to handle. His bahu had done such a cruel thing to her saas...his wife...why?!

"I-I am sorry AJ! But I realized my folly too late! I hope realication comes to you quickly.. Saru smiled sadly as the sister-brother duo was dragged away.

But before all this drama could settle down, the foreign specialist showed up and rushed past them.

30 seconds, after observing Guddan he stepped out of the OT and approached Akshat.

"Time is of significance as we speak and every moment wasted will take the girl closer to her demise. I will be honest with you, her liver is falling apart and the only way to save her is graft implantation.Thankfully, a live liver has been arranged for her but it can not be checked for compatibility with her system and we can not afford to waste another second. So in a nutshell, if the graft implantation is succesfull, she'll live otherwise if her body rejects the graft, then she won't be able to make it and the probability of graft rejection is 97%. And thus, you and your family should be prepared for the worst.

And with that announcement, he disappeared into the OT with a team of doctors and nurses.

Chances of her survival were 3%. He couldn't envision her dying. She is so young, her life has just started...their journey has just begun then how can god be so cruel to him?! A tear trickled down his eye as he reminisced her charming smile and feeling of despair gripped his gut. As he closed his eyes, he found himself standing in a dark secluded place. Taking a step forward, he stumbled upon something and looked to see something covered in white. With shivery hands, he removed the white sheet to reveal a morbidly pale and cold face of Guddan.

Akshat's eyes snapped open as beads of sweat traced his cheeks.

"No...I won't let you leave...I WON'T! And balancing his wits, Akshat rushed out of the hospital, determined, to fight for what is supposed to be his, should never be snatched away from him, ever again...

Part 34 - PG 72

First of all, apologies guys🥱 for disappearing like that! I was on a tour with my friends and thus could not find the time to update 😕

I came back yesterday only and as soon as my body had it fair share of rest acquired, I got hold of the lappy and penned down this part🥱

Hope it's upto your standards coz my fingers feel a lil rusty not writing for so many days😆

Part 21 - The Odd Pair

Quick Recap: Akshat took Guddan for a surprise audition and she cleared the audition to secure herself a seat in NAAA'

Lakshmi and Dadi congratulated Guddan on her selection as soon as she and AJ reached home.

"Par humein samajh nhi aaya ki aapne humein pehle kyun nhi bataya audition ke bare mein? Guddan asked puzzled.

"Tum aam khao na, guthliyan ginne mein dimaag mat kharch karo! Akshat chided her while at the same time Lakshmi let her tongue loose.

"Arre, kyuki Papa aapko surprise karna chahte thhe tabhi toh unhone... Lakshmi chimed when her eyes caught her sasur's glaring eyes that were screaming to shut-the-hell-up.

"Sorry Papa! Aapne mana kiya tha batane se! She bit her tongue, troubled and AJ just slapped his forehead annoyed.

Lakshmi bahu ke pet mein kuch nhi pachta!

Guddan chuckled and then gave AJ, an impressed look. "Not bad huh! Surprise vagerah! Guddan exclaimed and Akshat opened his lips to say his usual self expressed welcome' from Guddan's side when she interrupted him.

"...But you know this was more of a shock than a surprise! I think you need to work on your skills at pleasantly-surprising' people otherwise you are just fine at terribly-surprising' people! Guddan complained while Akshat's eyes widened and he stared at her in disbelief. This was what he got! Not even a single thank you!

Guddan looked at Akshat's constipated face and broke into laughter, "How was it? Taste of your own bittergourd mixed neem medicine! Aapki hi sangat ka asar hai! Aapke saath reh rehkar mera thank you and praise karne ka tareeka bhi tedha ho gaya hai! Guddan shrugged.

"Was that a thank you!? AJ asked incredulously.

"Sounded more like a taunt! Nhi?! Guddan asked and looked at Akshat who was giving his fed-up glare.

"Vo kya hai na...aap bhi compliments aise hi dete hain. People ususally say Good job' but you say its passable'. Ab aise insaan ki sangat ka asar toh aisa hi hoga na, Dadi!? Guddan turned to Dadi who started laughing too while Akshat just decided to leave the saas-bahu trio to their devices.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

"Get ready Perv! Your days in this house are numbered! Guddan taunted Perv as he was passing by her side.

Turning around, he looked at Guddan innocently and spoke, "What are you saying saasu maa? Kya mujhse koi galti ho gayi! I am sorry for any wound that I gave you intention...

"Apni bakwas band karo! Guddan interrupted him shocked and continued, "Ye kya naya naatak kar rahe ho! Hum tumhe warn kar rahe hain chutki ke pass gaye toh!.. Guddan threatened him while pointing her index finger at his nose.

His hands rose and he slapped them together while Guddan flinched away. "Saasu maa, aap kya keh rahi hain! Main sirf Siddhi ji se pyaar karta hu! Main kyu aapki chutki ke paas jaunga! He spoke timidly while folding his hands in front of her.

Guddan's eyes widened and then furrowed in confusion as he continued with his sati-savitri act. Puzzled, she looked around to check if he was acting in front of someone but there was no one in sight.

"Abhi mujhe kaam ke liye late ho raha hai par office se aakar main aapki saari shikayatein sununga aur aapki galatfehmi ko bhi door kar dunga.. He ended and left.

As she turned around puzzled, she punched the nearby wall in annoyance. "Ye aisa kyu behave kar raha tha jese ki ek sharavan kumar tha aur ek ye hai! Recorder on karne ka koi faayda nhi hua! With that as Guddan turned the recorder in her phone off, she was sharply turned around by the elbow and pinned to wall. Looking up, her eyes widened on seeing Parv's smirking face while he pinned her both arms above her head.

"What did you think, Guddan?! Do you think I am so stupid that I'll fall for your childish plans!? He chuckled evilly, leaning closer.

"Pyaari saasu maa ko laga ki vo mujhe instigate karengi aur main sab kuch ugal dunga and vo sab kuch record kar lengi! He mocked her as Guddan struggled to get her wrists out of his grip but to no avail.

"Humein pata hi tha ki tum jesa ghatiya insaan badal nhi sakta! Leave my hand, you snake!! She spat venomously trying to kick him while he plastered her body completely to the wall with his, effectively restraining her movements.

"Quite true you are! I am a snake... Parv chuckled as he raised his forefinger to glide across her jawline but as she turned her head away to the other side disgusted, Parv clenched his fingers shut into a fist and gritting his teeth, pulled his hand away.

"...but with a taste for a tigress blood! Parv whispered in her ears dangerously and as soon as Guddan's eyes blinked open, he was gone.

Vanished into thin air! What the hell had just happened?! Guddan thought perplexed and fisted her palms in defeat.

"That leech knows that I am after him! Ab main kya karu!?

"Tum kuch mat karo, mujhe tumhari help karne do... As a commanding voice boomed across the hallway, Guddan turned around to see Durga coming her way.

"Aap?! Aapne sab kuch sun liya!? Guddan asked to which Durga nodded and added, "Suna bhi aur dekha bhi...

"Bas phir! Chaliye hamare saath aur siddhi ji ke saamne uss parv ki sacchai bata dijiye! Guddan clapped her hands in happiness and caught hold of Durga's wrist who unclasped her fingers and glared at Guddan.

"Kar di na baddimagon wali baat! Siddhi pyaar karti hai parv se, vo hamari baat kyu sunegi?! Parv ek shabd kahega aur siddhi uska vishwas kar legi aur karegi kyu nhi?! Pati hai uska aur hamare pass sabot hi kya hai?! Durga stated to which Guddan's face fell and she nodded in agreement.

"Tumhare uss bachkane idea se Parv aur bhi alert ho gaya hai! We need to do something that will surprise him into shock and that surprise is me. Parv has no clue that I know his truth so if I were to...

But before Durga could complete, Guddan cut her off, bubbling with happiness. "Aap hamari help karengi, Durga ji?!

"Iss galatfehmi mein bilkul mat rehna ki main tumhari madad kar rahi hoon! Siddhi is like a sister to me and it's important to pluck out a cheap man like Parv out of her life and out of this family too! That's the reason that I'll help you expose him otherwise I still hate you! Durga completed.

"Kaaran koi bhi ho, aap saath dengi toh uska game over zaroor ho jaega! Guddan sighed in relief and left from the scene, jumping away in merry mode. Afterall it was nothing less of an accomplishment to get Durga's support!

As Durga saw Guddan leave, she shook her head in disappointment. "How stupid can you be, Guddan?! Jahan se main dekh rahi thi, Parv isn't after your sister...

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Parv plopped in his chair and closed his eyes to see a pair of fiery browns staring right back. He opened his eyes and shaking his head, jumped off the chair. Moving over to the opposite wall, he moved the curtain to the side to reveal a wall pasted with pictures of Guddan. Plucking off a photo, he admired it with a never seen softness in his eyes. In the photo, Guddan was enjoying a softy. Parv smiled softly and plopped back in his chair.

"I am so madly in love with you that I can't even explain. I married Siddhi for money but you happened accidently... Parv reminisced fondly how Guddan had stumbled into him while he had accompanied Siddhi to a carnival. She didn't remember him but he did, afterall she had spilled her kalakand on his white shirt. He was so freaking annoyed but to maintain his faade, he didn't shout at her. And thus a series of coincidences started happening. Since he was inspector of the very same area where she lived, he often stumbled upon her on various occasions and found himself falling for the cheerful smile and childish innocence she wore on her sleeve. But she never looked his way. But her sister did and mistook his lovelorn glances towards Guddan as hers. And thus he decided to go with the flow, to get close to Guddan. And he earned her attention, in an entirely different way though. She saw through lies of his fake love towards her sister and swore him as enemy.

"I never wanted for you to get married to AJ but that witch mother of yours was hell bent on marrying you off to the next guy she could get her hands on and thus I thought, its better to have you close than far. Pyaar nhi toh nafrat hi sahi, rather than being treated invisible, it's better to get treated as a low-life...atleast, you look at me,scornfully though; talk to me,poisonously but I don't care Parv kept her photo on the table and got off his seat.

"...Or so I thought! But I do care! How dare that AJ poke his nose in our affairs!? That geezer thinks he can woo you because you are nave but I won't let this happen. I won't stand by and watch you go away from me! Never! Parv punched Akshat's picture on the wall and fumed in anger.

Something has to be done! Or everything was going to fall apart!

Tadaaa! The cat's out of the bag! Perv is in love with Guddan!?😲 Is he?😕 or is it his obsession speaking?! Is the villain not so villainy and just a heartbroken goon!?😕

Shocked beyond words?!😉 Khisak gayi pairon talle zameen ya gir gaya sar par aasmann😆

Ye kaisa ajab gazab twist aa gya!!?😲

Bane rahiye mere saath jaanne ke liye ki aage kya hoga!! ;)😆

And my heartiest thanks to all those people who participated in my guess game and shared their two cents with me👏

Recap : Guddan and Akshat have come to realize their attraction for each other, post the pillow fight encounter when they almost kissed.

Part 26 - Chori Chori Chupke Chupke

"So why are you here again?!Guddan asked as the Mercedes came to a halt in front of her institute.

Exasperated, Akshat heaved in a sigh of patience and looked at her, " Because Mujhe jahan kaam hai wo jagah yaha se paas padegi, I thought it feasible to drop you rather than you paying for the cab, is it understood!?

Memories of their counter from the bygone Saturday were still fresh in their mind. Two days had passed since then but they were quite skeptic and wary of each other and the other's influence on their sanity.

Guddan made a confused expression and furrowing her brows, nodded her head with a grumpy face. However as she was about to open the door to step out, Akshat stopped her and turned her towards him.

"Kya?! Guddan asked confused.

"Tumhara dimaag toh theek hai! Ye mangalsutra pehenkar jaa rahi ho! As he held the mangalsutra in his fingers, her eyes darted to it and widened. "Bhool gayi! Guddan trailed with an apologetic face and extended her hands behind her neck to untie the mangalsutra.

"Let me... Akshat offered as Guddan let her hands fall to her sides while he leant closer to her, sideways.

As his fingers brushed against the back of her neck and his hot breath tickled her ears, her heart rate picked up. I am attracted to You.

She glanced sideways to see him trying to unhook the mangalsutra with utmost concentration while his tongue poked out from between his lips. He looked...nice! That was all a novice like herself could think of.

As Akshat's eyes darted sideways and met hers, he realized how close they were and how close their lips were. I am attracted to you

Looking at him from under her long eyelashes that were fanning her cheeks, made him want to do nothing more than to cradle them like she had cradled his. The right hand that was busy helping the left one unhook the mangalsutra, now slowly moved away from its position and leisurely placed itself along the junction of her shoulder and neck, and started to push against it. Towards him. And she let herself be swayed as if under a spell. His spell.

Karan who was busy playing on his phone, passed right in front of the car, only to step back 10 seconds later. He stopped and focussed, hard. He couldn't properly make out the faces of the duo in the car since they had it turned towards each other but body outline of that woman and the shape of back of her head felt very familiar. He was a dancer after all.

*Honk* *Honk*

"Don't stop in the middle of the road! A man shouted breaking the spell Guddan and Akshat were enchanted by, as they moved away.

As Guddan pushed her hair behind her ears, Akshat drummed his fingers against the steering wheel awkwardly. Another failed attempt! While Karan couldn't believe his eyes. It was Guddan! That too with Akshat Jindal, that dance wala Akshat Jindal, that trustee Akshat Jindal! Holy hell!!

But he couldn't ponder over his shock for much long as Guddan stepped out of the car and rushed towards the building while Akshat sped off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Karan! Hum na tumhe chodenge nahi! Guddan threatened as she started slamming her mini bag against him.

Chuckling, he caught her hands and flashed her mischievous smile. "What did I even do?!

"Y-you asked me to see that series and didn't tell me about th-those scenes! Guddan sputtered, embarrassed.

And he broke into a laughter, "You are such an innocent one, I mean kissing scenes ki baat karte hue bhi you are being so flustered, you are 21 and stil...OUCH!!

The line that had started on a happy note trailed into a painful one as Karan found his left ear being twisted. As Karan rolled his eyes, he spotted a pair of fisty browns glaring at him. "Ayeshaa!! He whined, as she twisted his ears even further.

"You don't learn, do you K!? She spoke as she left him to caress his tortured ears.

Guddan looked on amused as the duo bickered with each other.

"Guddan, this is... Karan was cut short by Ayesha, "I am Ayesha, iss gadhe ki badnaseeb girlfriend.

Guddan chuckled at her intro and shook hands with her. "So you are the one who leashes him from time to time!

"Hey! Karan muttered offended as Ayesha and Guddan started laughing at his whiny expressions.

*Ring*

As the name Uncle' flashed on Guddan's screen, she swiped the screen left to right and pressed against her ears. "Haa boli... But before she could complete her greeting, the phone was snatched away from her.

"Let me see, who's this caller? Karan mused, as he looked at the screen while Guddan tried to take her phone back but to no avail. He was tall!

"Oooh~ Uncle!! Karan let the words roll on his tongue as Guddan struggled to take her phone.

"Give it back, Karan! She shouted but he wasn't going to relent.

"Hmmm...badi bechaini hai uncle se baat karne ki! Karan insinuated mischievously.

"Give it back, K! Ayesha tried to take the phone but he turned to other side. "Wait Ayesha, let me atleast know ki iss miss virgin mary ki life mein konse uncle itne important hai ki unka call dekhkar gaalon par natural blush aa gaya.. Karan went on to press the phone against his ears while Guddan tried to take it back, leaning her weight over him.

But before the phone could be pressed, a hand snatched it away and pulled Guddan back by holding onto her stomach.

Karan looked on with a sly grin as a surprised Guddan stared up at a pissed AJ whose arm was wrapped around her waist in a protective manner. As Akshat let go of Guddan, Karan tried to suppress his smile, real hard. Akshat Jindal was so Jealous! How amusing!!

Akshat glared at Karan and then holding Guddan's hand, started dragging her away. Once the duo was out of earshot, Karan started chortling as Ayesha looked at him baffled. "Pagal ho gaye ho kya! You pissed him off!

"Indeed! But why was he pissed! Karan counter questioned, excited.

"Umm...maybe he was the uncle on the phone and didn't like you teasing Guddan Ayesha suggested.

Karan only chuckled in response. Ayesha was most probably right. He may have been the phone wala Uncle, but he definitely was not chacha wala uncle. There was a twist. That wasn't a parental protective embrace; it was a protective jealous lover wali shield. Oh dear!!

"Akshat, wait...chodiye...koi dekh lega! Guddan whispered as AJ whizzed past the classrooms pulling her through the corridors while his eyes darted left to right in search of something.

And soon he pulled her into a room. As soon as he let her hand go, she started with her complaining. "Ye aapne kya kiya Uncle! Weren't you and I, WE... were supposed to be a super secret! But you went and dragged me away from there, that too in front of Karan. Vo toh shukra hai ki no one is in college at this time warna to...

Guddan's eyes widened and her mouth got stuck in an O' of the toh she was going to speak as she turned around to come face to face with her reflection. Mirror?! Looking down, she located sinks and faucets. Shocked, Guddan whirled around to see the four doors behind Akshat opening into the loo. Ladies loo!!

"What. The. Hell!? This is ladies washroom! Guddan shouted at Akshat who continued to stand there unflinching and unmoving.

"We need to get out of here before someone finds us! Guddan exclaimed and side stepped Akshat only to be blocked by him.

"Was that Karan misbehaving with you?! He asked, as she made a confused face which read where-the-hell-did-it-come-from.

"Nhii, Karan humein aise hi pareshan kar raha tha! Ye uska roz ka kaam hai, he is not that kind of guy! Aur vese bhi, aapko kya lagta hai ki hum kisi ko apne saath misbehave karne denge! Guddan asked back, as Akshat's stiff shoulders relaxed and the wrinkles on his forehead disappeared.

When he was about to exit from the institute, he found Guddan's wallet lying unattended in on the car's dashboard. And thus he had called her to inform about the same when her voice was cut off by a male voice. This had ticked him off. He tried to be patient but the voices coming over from the other side of phone weren't necessarily appealing to his ears and his patience had snapped. Forgetting all, he had traced Guddan to her dance room to see her leaning completely over Karan and he lost it. And gave away something. It was proved by the coy grin Karan had flashed at him as he had dragged Guddan away.

"Ho gayi tassali toh chalein ab! Guddan repeated as Akshat nodded his head in agreement and stepped aside to give her way.

However, his sharp ears picked up the approaching murmurs of women and pulled Guddan back by her elbow.

The girls entered the washroom to find it empty and opening their bag, started to put on make up. While on the inside of the third cubicle from the left, Guddan stared shocked at Akshat who had his right palm clamped over her mouth while her back was pressed against the wall. Signalling Guddan to keep mum, he removed his palms and focussed his ears outside. He could make out 3-4 girls chattering about unnecessary stuff.

"Ye aapne kya kiya!? Guddan hissed almost too loudly as Akshat clamped on her lips once again, slamming her into himself, by her waist.

"Did you hear something? A voice asked from outside as a troubled look dawned onto Akshat's face.

"Nhi toh! It must be your ears! The other one giggled, as Akshat waited with abated breath and finally heard the other one agree with a Maybe' of her own. Feeling at ease, Akshat turned to Guddan to give her a piece of mind.

"Tumhara dimaag toh kha... His lecture died midway as he found Guddan engrossed in looking at him.

While he had his senses focused outside, Guddan had given herself the pleasure of admiring him from close. How gorgeous he looked with his jawline, as he gritted his teeth. The Rhythmic movement of his Adam's apple. That long neck which lead to broad shoulders. He was a masterpiece in every aspect. And the most exquisite feature of his handsome face was those plump li...

Akshat gulped the lump in his throat as he felt her gaze on his lips. This broke the trance Guddan was in and she looked up into his unreadable eyes that were hooded with something uncanny. Something magnetic and alluring. And long before his hand cupped her left cheek and tilting her face towards his left, dipped his head down...

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Part 43 – The Missing Mrs

Guddan walked on the pavement aimlessly as speeding cars whizzed past in the darkness of amavasya. Akshat’s words kept ringing in her ears over and over. She didn’t even try to shut them off because it was the truth. As Akshat had said, it had all been one big misunderstanding on her part. He had been brutal in his rejection. The few lines he spoke managed to pierce her naivety to shreds. She had been gullible to think that it was a smile on his face when she had confessed. She had been stupid to think that he was going to hug her post her confession.She had been naïve.

Lost in her thoughts, Guddan stumbled off the pavement onto the road. Snapping out of her reverie, as a blinding yellow light shone on her, she turned her head towards her right to see a truck approaching and could only close her eyes out of fear because her legs were glued to their spot.

However as she stood awaiting the impact, a hand shot from the opposite side and managed to pull her onto the pavement in the nick of time. Guddan opened her eyes to see a breathless Karan gasping. Once his lungs had his share of air, he looked at Guddan.

“Did you loose your marbles or what?!” Karan shouted, enraged.

“Seriously,did you forget that horrifying accident you had months back?! I was so shit scared that I won’t be able to reach you on time! Are you freakin listening?!” Karan yelled pissed while shaking her by shoulders.

Guddan on the other hand,stood still like a statue with her heart pounding in her ears.

“Relax K…”Ayesha patted Karan’s shoulders.

“Relax?! Ayesha, do you understand what would have happened had we been a second late?!If Revati would have informed us about her leaving the house a second late, she….”Karan trailed in disbelief as he looked at Guddan who still had not responded.

“She is scared, K. She is very scared”. Ayesha spoke up calmly as Karan nodded almost feverishly and wiping his face with his palm turned to Guddan.

“You are fine, partner. You are…OK”, He whispered assuring as he cupped her face and forced her to look at him

And two seconds later, realization dawned and tears after tear trickled down Guddan’s eyes. Her legs gave up as reality set in. She had relieved that terrifying crash all over again. She could feel her bones starting to hurt. Karan caught her and pulled her in a embrace as he consoled her.

“Pshh!It’s fine! Relax!”

Guddan nodded against his shirt as she let that horrible recollection of accident dissolve in his warmth,while Ayesha patted her head.

“Let’s take her to my apartment”, Ayesha offered as Karan nodded and together the duo helped Guddan to their car and drove away.

Once Guddan was comfortably cocooned in a blanket with a piping hot coffee in her hands, Karan plopped across her and decided to get started.

“What happened, partner?” He asked reaching out for her other hand.

“It’s all over Karan. Everything is finished”, Guddan replied monotonously.

Karan looked at her. She looked nightmarish with her kajal dripping across her face. Few hours before,she had been bubbling with happiness as she had shared with him her plans to propose to her husband. And now, she had been turned down. That’s all Revati had told him over the phone that Akshat Jindal, against his better judgement had rejected the woman he was madly and insanely in love with. He couldn’t believe it.

“It may have been a misunderstanding…you know…” He trailed trying to diffuse the tornado wreaking havoc in her heart.

He wasn’t aware of the exact situation and yet he couldn’t believe that Akshat Jindal could reject Guddan to the point of breaking apart. Impossible.That man was so possessive about Guddan that he had killed Karan on many occasions with just his glares. He couldn’t forget the tears that Akshat Jindal had shed for Guddan when she was in coma. He refused to believe that it was all a farce. A sham. Impossible.

“It was a misunderstanding, Karan. I misunderstood everything. I misunderstood those actions for something more…” Guddan murmured recalling the encounters they had- those kisses, those smiles, those tears- everything they had shared was probably her misunderstanding.

“I was naïve to think that our affections were mutual. It didn’t mean as much to him as it did to me. It’s entirely my fault. I got ahead of myself and harbored hopes that even someone like me is capable of being loved by him. I got over confident.I was too hasty in my pursuit of his love. If only I had never confessed than we’d still be living like the way we used to but not anymore. I’ve destroyed it all. He hates me now. H-He hate…tes me…..” Her words ended in a sob as Karan nodded his head negatively and scooted closer.

“He doesn’t hate you. He can never hate you. You did nothing wrong by sharing your deepest feelings. I-I don’t know what caused him to turn you down but I refuse to believe that he doesn’t reciprocate your feelings. You know….every time I saw his eyes, I saw your reflection. It’s too early to loose hope”, Karan exclaimed.

“You weren’t there when he said it, you know. I tried hard to understand…to hold on but he just pushed me away…” Guddan replied recalling the shove he gave her, the fear in his eyes and then the distaste dripping from his words as he had spouted

“…..na hi tum meri Antara ki jagah le sakti ho!”

“I’ve loved only one woman in my entire life and that is Antara Akshat Jindal. She was, is and will be the only one in my heart!”

These words had been her undoing. She could not hold a candle to Antara.

“Call him!”, Karan suggested as Guddan looked up at him shocked.

“Ye tum…”

“Yes..call him. He may have said things that he didn’t mean. People tend to do that when they are angry or confused about something. You should not take chances and leave it up to fate. Don’t rely on destiny but your heart. Persevere Guddan. You can do it. Tumse ho paayega”, Karan motivated her as he pushed the phone into her hands and walked out of the room.

Three days later

Karan’s patience snapped. Enough was enough. He had sided with him against Guddan and had forced her to contact him. It had been 3 whole days and that despicable man wasn’t taking calls. What was he?! Five! He had just wanted for Guddan to get her share of happiness but maybe Akshat Jindal wasn’t too thrilled about becoming it’s part.

“So be it!” Karan hissed as he clenched the envelope in his hands and entered the room where Guddan was staring out of the window.

“Hey…” Guddan trailed with a weak smile as Karan smiled back and sitting opposite to her, stretchedher hand out and placed the envelope in her palm.

“What is this?” she asked quizzically.

“Why don’t you check?” He signalled as she tore open the envelope and pulling out the paper, unfolded it.

“Ms. Guddan Gupta

It brings us great joy to inform you that you have been selected for the rol……”

Guddan looked at Karan astounded as he nodded, “Dean sir handed it to me two days back. I was waiting for the right time to give it to you. It is the right time, I believe. The call is yours to make. I can only do so much.But hey, I’m sure you’d want to utilize your time to achieve things greater than nursing your wounded heart…”

As Karan left, Guddan clenched her fist as she pulled the photo out of its hiding place among the cushion and threw it out of the window.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Akshat Jindal had been out of reach for the past 4 days since his birthday. He had been with his friend, Paulomi. It had taken him four days to realize the injustice he had done to his Guddan. It had taken Paulomi four long days to get one simple thing into his thick head- that Antara was gone and Guddan was still living. And shunning the living for the dead was in way smart.It was pure idiocy on his part. His rejection had been uncalled for. His feelings for Guddan weren’t misplaced at all. He had loved Antara. But now he loved Guddan. He had lived without Antara. He’d die without Guddan.

As an overjoyed Akshat had switched on his phone, message after message popped stating the numerous calls made to him. Out of the 56 missed calls, 31 belonged to his Guddan and the last call was made just about some 29 hours back. He was deliriously happy. She was waiting. This time he won’t let anything go wrong and bare his heart out in front of her. He was going to tell her just how much he loved her.

As an ecstatic Akshat stumbled through the main doors of Jindal mansion, he paid no heed to the people present in the living room and made his sprint for his room.

“Guddan!” He hollered as he threw the doors to his room open but she was nowhere to be seen.

“Guddan!” He called out for her yet again, stepping into the wing, on the overhead balcony.

“Hey! Where are you hiding?!” He shouted cheerfully as he descended the stairs and checked the Kitchen but to be disappointed yet again.

The happiness index of his voice decreased a notch as he approached the living room.

“Maa…where is Guddan?” He asked his mother, unaware of a pair of seething black.

Dadi turned her face away from Akshat.

“Maa…” He trailed troubled as he turned to the bahus but they did the same.

“Why are you all so quiet? I am asking you something. Where is Guddan?!” He asked, his tone getting edgy with impatience.

“Somewhere far away, where you won’t be able to hurt her…”

Akshat turned to the source of voice to see Bhushan standing, his eyes red with rage.

“Papa aap….”

Bhushan raised his forefinger to stop Akshat. “I only have two daughters. Haan….I used to have a son-in-law as dear as a son but few days back he died when he shattered my child’s innocent heart with his words”.

“Papa..I understand your anger. I-It’s justified. But I didn’t intend to hurt Guddan that day..I just…I am extremely apologetic and today I-I am here to make amends and tell her how much…..”

“Aapne der kar di aane mein…”

Akshat was cut in between byRewati, “Not only that day, di tried to reach you continuously…she tried to understand your point despite the pain you brought her but you had no time. Rather than resolving your present, you were too busy mulling over your pasts. You know that day, di went out of the house alone and almost met with an accident. If Karan wouldn’t have reached on time,god forbid my di could have been d-dead! You are never there when di needs you”.

Akshat clenched his fist pained. Over and over, his indecisiveness had endangered Guddan.

“You are right, Rewati. I am the worst kind of low life. But please tell me where Guddan is?!” He pleaded.

“None of them knows, Mr Jindal. Only I know”, Karan announced as he came to stand face to face with Akshat.

“Where is she, Karan?” Akshat asked troubled as Karan shrugged dismissively.

“What sort of nonsense is this?!” Akshat shouted infuriated by Karan’s nonchalance.

“Nonsense?! Nothing like that, Mr. Jindal. I used to believe that you are her happiness.That was nonsensical of me, for you are a man tied by ghosts and haunted by pasts. She’s better off away from you”.

“Don’t test my patience! WHERE IS SHE?!” Akshat growled between clenched teeth and Karan just smiled in response.

“Karan..youu!” Overcome with fury, Akshat pulled Karan to his toes by clenching his collar.

“Easy,Mr. Jindal. Easy. Raising your voice and hands will get you nowhere”, Karan spoke calmly as he released his collar from his hold and dusted his shoulders.

“None knows about her but me and I won’t tell you a thing. She’ll come back when she’ll want to”.

“You think I can’t find her on my own?!” Akshat asked.

“You are most welcome to give your best shot. It still won’t get you anywhere.Because my bestie asked of me to make sure that she is unreachable until she wants to. I gave her my word and I am a man of my words. Happy finding, Mr. Jindal!”

And with that Karan walked out of the mansion.

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