OS: A Lioness Rears Her Head Last Part Pg 9 - Page 5

Pragya is tending to her mom when the doorbell rings and in walks the one and only Abhi. Pragya is shocked beyond doubt. She didn't think Abhi had it in him. Let's see what story he cooks up, she mumbles to herself. On Abhi's arrival everyone gathers in the living room.

Abhi: Uhm hi...Uhh I, uhm I...actually I wanted to talk to Puneet. Puneet I came here to say that I'm sorry the other day. It was all a misunderstanding and my anger got the best of me. I didn't give you a chance to speak or defend yourself. I was wrong and I truly am sorry I misunderstood you. If you can, please forgive me.

Puneet and the rest of the family are shocked Abhi actually apologized. No one expected that of the rockstar. But on the other hand Puneet couldn't get the image of Abhi and Tanu out of his head. He looks toward Pragya, a question in his eyes. Pragya gently nods in his direction, telling him to forgive Abhi. She couldn't afford Puneet revealing the truth to Sarla.

Puneet, dejected his Di has to go through this, gives a grim smile towards Abhi: yea sure I forgive you

Abhi: Awesome. And Sarla aunty I'm so sorry you and your family were so disrespected that day. It's my fault. Aliyah is just a kid, she doesn't understand how to handle situations like this. Please forgive us. I promise you will never be treated this way again.

Typical Sarla couldn't keep her tears of joy at bay.

Sarla: No, no Abhi beta, these things happen. I understand. I'm really happy you realized your mistake and weren't afraid of admitting it. Now lets all eat lunch

Abhi, exasperated his in-laws only thought of feeding him, simply nodded.

At the dining table:

Everyone's seated for lunch while Bulbul and Pragya are helping serve everyone. Pragya is steadfastly ignoring Abhi and serving the others.

Is she serious? I gave such a good apology, everyone forgave me, but the madam is still giving attitude, thought Abhi. No worries Abhi beta, mused Abhi smiling to himself, I know how to get to this Chashmish.

Abhi: Hey Chash...Kishmish. Can I have some rice?

Pragya: Bulbul give your jiju some rice.

Abhi says with a teasing smile: No no, I want it from your hands only meri jaan.

Pragya's eyes bug out of her head. Everyone else at the table laughs. She hurriedly walks over to Abhi and starting serving him rice.

Pragya: what are you doing? are you purposely trying to embarrass me?

Abhi: of course...not. of course not.

Pragya starts walking away but is stopped again by Abhi.

Abhi: Baby, can I also have some sabji? You make the best sabji, says Abhi with a wink.

The entire table can't stop snickering while Pragya turns red as a beet.

Pragya quickly serves Abhi and fiercely whispers: stop that.

Abhi innocently asks: stop what?

Pragya: stops with all the names, everyone's laughing at us.

Abhi was enjoying watching Pragya squirm immensely. He couldn't stop staring at her face. She has an adorable blush, thought Abhi. Wait what? Abhi get a hold of yourself dude, you're on a mission.

Abhi: Ahem, love, you work too much. Come sit here and I'll feed you.

Pragya couldn't take it anymore. She ran to her room in embarrassment. Abhi quickly followed.

Abhi comes in laughing: you should see you're face right now Chashmish, you're as red as a tomato.

Pragya: what is wrong with you? ma and dadi were sitting right there, who knows what they're thinking right now.

Abhi: its all your fault. i know you have forgiven me. you're giving me attitude just to annoy me. let go, we're going home now.

Pragya: no, I'm not coming back today.

Abhi couldn't believe his ears. She wasn't coming back? How could that be? What was he going to do without her, Abhi thought in despair. No. He would not let that happen. Dadi. She was the answer.

Abhi: What? you have to come back. Dadi, won't be able to live without you. She told me to bring you back.

Pragya: Liar. Dadi herself told me I could stay the night here if I wanted.

Flabbergasted, Abhi didn't know what else to say.

Pragya spits out: You should be happy, you can spend the whole night with Tanu

Impulsively Abhi says: I don't want to spend the night with Tanu, I want to spend it with you.

Pragya couldn't believe her ears. Did Abhi really just say that? she wondered. No, he must have some ulterior motive, he probably wants to torture her some more. But why did her heart want to believe him? Abhi, on the other hand, mentally slapped himself. What was he thinking? Chashmish was right, he could easily go to Tanu. But why was it that these days he enjoyed his evenings with Chashmish? They would always just argue about something, but she was good at holding her ground. He liked provoking her just to see how she would respond. And then there were times he would just get lost in her beautiful brown eyes.

Abhi: You're coming home and thats final.

Pragya: No, and you can't force me. Let's see what you do, replies Pragya as she turns her back on him, smiling to herself. She also loved goading him. His reactions were so unpredictable.

Abhi simply says Ok, and scoops her up in his arms.

Pragya stunned screams: what are you doing? put me down!

Abhi: you're the one that challenged me and rockstars never back down.

With that, he simple walks out of the room with Pragya still protesting in his arms. On their way out they meet Sarla and Purvi.

Sarla: what happened? Pragya are you hurt beta?

Abhi: Oh, Sarla aunty, we were just coming to see you. Pragya's absolutely fine, don't worry. It's getting late, we're going home now.

Sarla: But then why are you carrying her?

Purvi: badi ma, didn't you just see what happened at the table? jiju can't stay away from di, she snickers. They probably need to get home fast to have some privacy.

Pragya gives an awkward smile to her mom and then whispers into Abhi's ear: put me down now. this is so embarrassing. please? I'll come with you, I promise.

Abhi finally satisfied with getting his way, gently puts her down.

Sarla beams a hundred watt smile: Ok, get home safe.

Abhi: Yup, thank you. We'll see you at the next function.

As Sarla walks away, Abhi turns toward Pragya.

Abhi: Did you see that? Your mom is so happy right now. All because of me, he cheekily adds.

Pragya couldn't help but smile. He was right and she knew it.

Pragya with a slight shake of her head says: you'll never change.

Abhi simply smiles in returns, grabs Pragya's hand and heads for home, content for the moment.

The end. Thanks everyone for all the support. I really appreciate it 😃