Echoes of a Chance Encounter ~ A RuNak Five-Shot [Completed] - Page 2

They both share a similar pain and I guess that will make them closer

But this Ani has so much atttitude and no manners, ziada hi free hogaya

Chapter 3

Misunderstandings

The Morning After

As the first rays of sunlight painted the sky with hues of gold, Aniruddh was gently woken by the soft chirping of birds. Blinking his eyes open, his gaze landed on Jhanak’s face, her innocent smile gracing her slumber. For a fleeting moment, he thought he was still dreaming. A faint smile spread across his face as he reached out instinctively to brush her hair, only to stop mid-action.

Reality struck him—it wasn’t a dream. Startled, he bolted upright, inadvertently waking Jhanak. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she noticed his puzzled expression.

“When did I fall asleep?” he asked, his voice still thick with sleep.

Jhanak smiled gently and signed, “You started dozing off while looking at the photos.”

“And you let me stay on your lap?” he asked, surprised.

She signed again, “You were exhausted. You looked so peaceful, as if you hadn’t slept that well in days.”

Aniruddh paused, her words sinking in. He reflected on the serene sleep he had just experienced and realized she was right—he hadn’t felt such peace in a long time. Something about Jhanak, her quiet presence, stirred feelings he couldn’t quite name.

As he stared into her eyes, his thoughts raced: What is it about her? Why do I feel this pull, this connection?

The moment was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps and an unmistakable clinking of bangles echoed from the hallway. Both of them froze. “Shrabani Mashi!” Jhanak signed frantically, her eyes wide with panic. She grabbed Aniruddh’s hand and gestured toward the window. “Out! Now!”

“But—” Aniruddh protested, but Jhanak shot him a stern look. Her urgency left no room for argument.

In a flash, Jhanak opened the window, and Aniruddh, despite his status as a renowned star, awkwardly climbed out. He barely managed to regain his footing outside when Shrabani Mashi barged into the room.

“Jhanak!” her voice boomed with concern. “Why is your bed such a mess? And why was I hearing noises last night?”

Jhanak shook her head innocently, gesturing that she must have been dreaming. Shrabani Mashi squinted at her suspiciously but let it go. “Well, come down soon. Breakfast won’t cook itself!”

Jhanak nodded, and as Shrabani Mashi left, she quickly turned toward the window. Aniruddh stood there, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed, an amused smirk lighting up his face. “Your Mashi’s quite the lioness,” he teased in a hushed voice.

Jhanak rolled her eyes and signed with quick, sharp movements, “Go before she catches you.”

He hesitated, his hand brushing hers as she tried to close the window. “Wait,” he said softly, his tone unusually serious. “You didn’t tell me your name. And… when will I see you again? Also, about last night—thank you. For everything. You’re… different. In a good way.”

Her hand faltered, and for a moment, she stood frozen, her cheeks warming under his gaze. Finally, with hesitant hands, she signed, “Today is my birthday. Come back this evening. I’ll tell you everything then.”

She shut the window quickly before her resolve could waver, her heart pounding in her chest. Outside, Aniruddh stood for a moment, staring at the closed window with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Happy birthday, dear fan,” he murmured, shaking his head in quiet amusement as he slipped away into the bright morning.

Aniruddh’s Residence
Disguised in a cap and mask, Aniruddh quietly entered his home. He was careful not to attract attention but tensed when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Whipping around, he sighed in relief to see Ravi Dada, his trusted confidant.

“Sir, where were you last night?” Ravi asked, concern etched on his face. “I searched everywhere for you.”

Aniruddh’s lips curled into a sheepish smile as memories of the previous night flooded his mind. “It was… an adventure. A sweet adventure.”

Ravi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Adventure, eh? You’re smiling—something must’ve happened! Tell me!”

Before Aniruddh could respond, Ravi’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and froze, his face paling.

“What’s wrong, Dada?” Aniruddh asked, noticing the shift in his demeanor. Ravi didn’t answer, his wide eyes glued to the phone screen.

Jhanak’s Home
Dressed elegantly for the day, Jhanak entered the living room where Shrabani Mashi awaited her. “You look radiant today, my girl,” Shrabani said, her voice warm. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

Jhanak’s cheeks reddened as memories of Aniruddh surfaced. She quickly changed the subject, signing, “It’s getting late. Shall we go to the temple?”

Before they could leave, a call from a neighbor interrupted them. “Shrabani, turn on the news!” the neighbor urged.

Puzzled, Shrabani switched on the TV. What she saw left her stunned. Images of Aniruddh sleeping on Jhanak’s lap flashed across every news channel. Speculative headlines swirled—claims of a secret relationship, allegations of scandal.

Jhanak’s eyes welled with tears as the world twisted a moment of innocence into a sensational story. “Don’t worry, Jhanak,” Shrabani said, pulling her into a comforting hug. “I know you’ve done nothing wrong. We’ll get through this.”

As reporters swarmed outside, shouting questions and demanding answers, Shrabani stepped out to handle the media. Jhanak, trembling, turned to retreat to her room. That’s when she saw him—Aniruddh, standing at her door.

The Confrontation
Aniruddh’s eyes blazed with anger. Without a word, he grabbed Jhanak’s hand and dragged her into her room, slamming the door shut behind them.

“How dare you use my name like this?” he shouted.

Jhanak shook her head desperately, signing frantically to explain herself, but he wasn’t listening.

“I thought you were different,” he continued bitterly. “I thought you understood pain, loss… but you’re just like the others. You used me to gain fame!”

Tears streamed down Jhanak’s face as she clutched her throat, swearing her innocence. But his words cut deeper than she could bear.

“To hell with everything I felt for you,” he said coldly before storming out.

The Truth Unveiled
As Aniruddh made his way out through the kitchen, his phone buzzed with a call from Arshi Mukherjee.

“How did you like my surprise?” she asked smugly.

“What are you talking about?” he snapped.

“Oh, come on. The photos, the chaos… You didn’t think I’d let you off so easily, did you? I saw you sneaking into that house last night. The rest was easy.”

Realization dawned on Aniruddh. Arshi had orchestrated the entire scandal. His heart sank as he recalled his harsh words to Jhanak.

He turned and ran back inside, but it was too late. In her room, Jhanak lay collapsed on the floor, gasping for breath.

“Jhanak!” Shrabani’s scream echoed from the doorway as she rushed in.

Aniruddh froze, the name ringing in his ears. Jhanak. The name pulled him back to a moment from his past—a moment that changed his life forever.

After all who was Jhanak in Aniruddh's life?

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To be continued.

reserved for comment on chapter 3

Your story is much better than the original series. It's intriguing

Lovely, the story progressed. MU bhi ho gai. Abb maafi chahiye. Achi tarah se!

Loved your story telling. When is the next chapter?

I'm updating the next part right now.

Chapter 4

Do you know a secret?

Aniruddh felt a shiver run down his spine when he saw Shrabani and heard Jhanak’s name. It was a moment of piercing realization, dragging him back to a day he wished he could erase forever—the day he had decided to end his life.

Flashback: Three Years Ago

Grief weighed heavily on Aniruddh, suffocating and relentless. Days after his father’s death, he found himself unable to accept the cruel reality. The thought of being utterly alone, orphaned by fate, consumed him. One evening, his despair peaked, and he resolved to end his misery. With trembling hands, he opened a drawer and pulled out a cutter, his mind made up.

Just as he was about to press the blade to his wrist, there was a knock at the door. Ignoring it, he tightened his grip. But the knock came again, and then a third time, louder and more insistent. Frustrated, Aniruddh slammed the cutter down and stormed to the door.

Standing there was Shrabani, a woman he had never seen before. “Who are you?” he demanded, his voice heavy with irritation.

Shrabani folded her hands respectfully. “Aniruddh baba, you don’t know me, but I’ve worked for your father for years.”

His face twisted in pain. “If you’ve come for help, you’re too late. My father is gone. I can’t do anything for you.” He began closing the door.

“Wait!” Shrabani pleaded. “I know Bose Saab is no more, and I’m deeply sorry for your loss. But I have something important for you.”

From her bag, she pulled out a letter. Aniruddh looked at it, puzzled.

“Your father sponsored a little girl whose parents died in an accident. She was abandoned by her relatives, and Bose Saab took responsibility for her. He hired me as her nanny and supported her secretly. Every year on her birthday, she writes him a letter. Today is her 18th birthday, and this is her letter.”

Aniruddh stared blankly at the envelope, unsure what to do.

Shrabani continued, “I’m not asking you to take over his responsibilities. I’ll manage everything. But please, read this letter. It’s from someone who’s endured the same pain you’re feeling now. Maybe her words can comfort you.”

Reluctantly, Aniruddh took the letter, closed the door, and placed it on the table. His gaze returned to the cutter. As he picked it up, a gust of wind blew the letter off the table, landing it near his feet. Annoyed, he placed it back on the table, but the wind sent it flying again, this time brushing against his face.

Irritated but curious, Aniruddh finally opened the letter and began reading:

“Pronaam Sirji,”
How are you? I hope you’re taking care of your health. Today, on my 18th birthday, I want to thank you. You’ve given me everything—a life, an education, and hope. I’ve never met you, but you mean the world to me.

I want to share something with you: No matter how lonely life feels, you’re never truly alone. Pain may seem endless, but it will pass. Please remember that someone out there cares deeply for you. If you ever feel overwhelmed, think of me. I’ll stand by you, even if only in spirit. You’ve shown me kindness when the world turned its back on me. You deserve happiness, too.

With love,
Jhanak

Tears blurred Aniruddh’s vision as he finished reading. The raw sincerity in Jhanak’s words struck a chord deep within him. For the first time in days, he felt a flicker of hope. He threw the cutter into the trash and clutched the letter to his chest. “Thank you, Jhanak,” he whispered. “You saved my life.”

Present Day

Aniruddh’s flashback was interrupted by Shrabani’s frantic screams. In his arms lay Jhanak, unconscious and battling for her life. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he carried her outside, only to be blocked by a swarm of reporters.

“Who is this girl?” one shouted.

“Is she your mistress?” another demanded.

Aniruddh’s patience snapped. “Move!” he roared. “She needs medical attention!”

The reporters reluctantly stepped aside. Aniruddh rushed to his car, placed Jhanak in the backseat with Shrabani, and sped toward the hospital.

At the hospital, Jhanak was wheeled into the ICU while Aniruddh and Shrabani waited outside. After an hour, Shrabani returned with a box.

“What’s this?” Aniruddh asked.

“These are all the letters Jhanak wrote to her Sirji over the years,” Shrabani explained. “She never knew your father had passed away. She kept writing to him. There’s one more—the letter she wrote today.”

Aniruddh hesitated but eventually opened every envelope. Each letter revealed Jhanak’s admiration for him—his resilience, his humility, and even the hidden pain she sensed in his eyes. The final letter, however, left him speechless.

“Pronaam Sirji,”
Last night, something extraordinary happened. I saw my idol, Aniruddh Bose, standing before me. We spent hours talking, not as a star and fan but as two ordinary people. Beneath his arrogance and curt demeanor, I saw his pain—a pain I understand all too well.

I don’t know how to explain this, Sirji, but I think I’m falling for him. I’m sharing this with you because you’re the closest to my heart. Please guide me.

With love,
Jhanak

Aniruddh’s hands trembled as he held the letter. Tears streamed down his face, a mix of gratitude and guilt. How could he deny his connection to her now?

Press Conference

Hours later, Aniruddh faced the media. “The rumors about me and Jhanak Chatterjee are false. She is not my mistress or my girlfriend. She is simply a kind soul who gave me shelter when I needed it most. That’s all.”

The room fell silent, reporters stunned by his curt dismissal. Aniruddh walked out, his heart heavy with unspoken truths.

An Hour Later, at the Hospital

Shrabani carefully spooned food into Jhanak’s mouth, who had been moved to the casualty ward for further treatment. Her face was etched with concern as she asked gently, “Now that all the allegations against you have been cleared, do you feel any better?”

Jhanak nodded slightly, her tired eyes reflecting both relief and lingering pain.

Just then, the door creaked open. Aniruddh stepped inside hesitantly, his gaze fixed on the floor, unable to meet Jhanak’s eyes. He took a deep breath and addressed Shrabani quietly, “Can I… can I speak to Jhanak privately? Just for two minutes?”

Shrabani glanced at Jhanak for approval. Jhanak instinctively caught Shrabani’s hand, her fingers gripping tightly as she shook her head, signaling her unwillingness.

Shrabani offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Jhanak. I’ll be right outside.”

Reluctantly, Jhanak released her hand, and Shrabani exited the room, casting a worried glance over her shoulder.

Aniruddh hesitated, then slowly approached Jhanak, sitting on the chair beside her bed. She turned her face away from him, her body language cold and unyielding. Tentatively, he reached out to touch her hand, but she pulled it away sharply.

“Jhanak, I…” he began, his voice trembling, but she raised her hand, silencing him with a firm gesture.

Her hands moved with purpose, signing angrily, “I don’t want to hear anything from you. I don’t even want to see your face. Just leave!”

Aniruddh’s heart sank. He tried once more, his voice filled with regret, “Please, Jhanak, just let me explain—”

But her agitation grew visibly, her breaths quickening. Alarmed that she might have another panic attack, he stopped himself. Defeated, he stood up and backed away, his shoulders heavy with despair. Without another word, he left the room.

Outside, Shrabani intercepted him, her expression a mixture of sympathy and worry. “Did you talk to her?”

Aniruddh shook his head, his lips pressed into a thin line.

Shrabani placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Just give her some time,” she said softly.

But Aniruddh was too consumed by his heartbreak to hear her. Without replying, he walked away from the hospital, disappearing into the shadows of the night. After that day, Aniruddh vanished from the public eye entirely, leaving no trace of his whereabouts.

A Few Days Later

When Jhanak was discharged from the hospital, Shrabani handed her a letter. Jhanak stared at it in surprise. It was from her Sirji—a man she had always written to but had never received a response from before.

Her hands trembled as she opened the envelope and read the words inside:

"I know what happened to you, but turn your pain into power. Let this be the beginning of a stronger, braver you, Jhanak!
Regards,
Sirji"

The letter brought tears to Jhanak’s eyes. Those simple yet powerful words ignited a spark within her. Determined to leave the pain behind, she resolved to focus on her dreams and rebuild her life.

Her Sirji continued to guide her through his letters, offering unwavering support and financial help to ensure her journey toward success remained uninterrupted. Jhanak channeled her pain into her passion, stepping into a future full of hope and resilience.

Over the years, Jhanak blossomed into a world-renowned dancer, earning accolades and admiration from across the globe. Her grace, passion, and talent captivated millions, yet she remained an enigma in other ways. Despite receiving countless acting offers, she turned them all down. Even more notably, she rejected every marriage proposal Shrabani brought her way.

Deep within her heart, Jhanak carried an emptiness that no amount of fame or success could fill—a void that only one person, Aniruddh Bose, could occupy. But Aniruddh had vanished without a trace. The last she had seen of him was on her birthday years ago, at the hospital.

For a brief time, the media buzzed with speculation about the mysterious disappearance of the celebrated actor. Headlines were filled with wild theories, but like all trending news, the frenzy eventually faded. Aniruddh’s name became a forgotten whisper in the industry, and nine years passed with no sign of him anywhere.

2023 – Jhanak’s 30th Birthday

Jhanak had turned 30 but remained single. Though marriage proposals still poured in, she rejected them all with quiet finality. The day had been filled with celebrations and laughter, but as the evening wore on, the loneliness she kept hidden began to surface once again.

As the guests departed and the house fell silent, Shrabani approached Jhanak with a familiar envelope in hand. “Another letter from Sirji,” she said with a faint smile, placing it on the table.

Before Shrabani could leave, Jhanak caught her hand. Her gaze was sharp, and her tone betrayed an urgency she could no longer suppress. “Mashi,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, “you’ve kept the identity of Sirji a secret all these years. But I can’t take it anymore—I need to know who it is. Tell me, Mashi. Who is he? What’s his name?”

Shrabani hesitated, her face clouded with hesitation. She averted her eyes, avoiding Jhanak’s piercing gaze, and turned to leave.

But Jhanak wasn’t done. She stepped in front of Shrabani, her hands trembling as she signed with a determined expression: “Tomar kasam (I swear on you), Shrabani Mashi. Tell me who it is!”

Shrabani froze, her shoulders stiffening. After a long moment of silence, she let out a sigh, her voice heavy with emotion as she finally blurted out, “Aniruddh Bose!”

Jhanak stood rooted to the spot, thunderstruck. The name echoed in her mind, louder than any applause she’d ever received on stage. Her knees weakened, and her eyes widened in disbelief.

“Aniruddh Bose?” she whispered to herself, her heart racing as she grappled with the revelation. For nine long years, the man she had been searching for had been closer than she ever imagined, hidden behind the letters that had been her lifeline.

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To be continued.

Hello, do you mind if I update your story in the FF index for the show?

Thanks!

Originally posted by: Anusha16

Hello, do you mind if I update your story in the FF index for the show?

Thanks!

No not at all. Infact, I would be really happy if you update my story in the FF index.