ShAkhi FF | Deserve to be loved? | Chapter 13 - pg 44|*Updated* - Page 12

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tvmalusare thumbnail
Posted: 5 years ago

Plz give us an update. Can't wait to read next chapter

chinnu_kaku thumbnail
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Posted: 5 years ago

i was searching for this yaat..beautiful..❤️

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Posted: 5 years ago

I will be updating it this weekend.

Thank you for all the love! ❣

tanieg0911 thumbnail
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Posted: 5 years ago

Originally posted by: chinnu_kaku

i was searching for this yaat..beautiful..❤️

Thanks a lot ❤

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Posted: 5 years ago

Awesome update ! Pls update soon.

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Posted: 5 years ago

Please update soon we are waiting for the update

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Posted: 5 years ago

Originally posted by: charujain25

Awesome update ! Pls update soon.

Thank you ❤️

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Posted: 5 years ago

Chapter 5: A Tale of Sorrys and Thank-Yous

Note: Monologues are in bold

***


The Next day

Wrapping the sandwiches in a foil, Anokhi stuffed the lunch box in her bag along with a register and a few pens. Though Aastha had lent her plentiful to survive until she lands a part-time job, Anokhi decided to limit her spending on travelling, groceries and books only, instead of wasting it on canteen food or in unnecessary shopping for that matter.

Zipping the bag, she turned to look into the mirror and tied her hair in a half-tie. Adjusting the sleeves of her red crop top, Anokhi traced a finger on the piping of the square neckline, making sure that the cut was not so deep.

It was the first time that she was wearing something like this. Though Anokhi felt a little uncomfortable in the skinny jeans, she was pleased with her look. She then dabbed some red lip gloss and tied her shoelaces.

Picking up the wristwatch, she looked at the time- 8:00 am. The orientation for all the batches was to start from 10:00. Anokhi browsed through the google maps and concluded that it would take her approx 45 minutes to reach the campus. But if she was lucky enough to catch the metro on time, she could reach within a half-hour.

Swinging the bag on her shoulder, Anokhi decided to reach the campus early so that she could have some time to look around and maybe if time permits, sneak into the library for borrowing few books.

Locking the kitchen and bedroom, Anokhi came into the hall and prayed to the statue of Mata Rani, wishing success and happiness for herself as well as for the Sabharwal family. When she reached the board to switch off the lights, her phone rang. It was a video call from Aastha. Anokhi's lips curved up in a broad smile and she answered the call before the third ring.

"Namaste Aunty, good morning", Anokhi greeted as she plopped on the couch.

"Good morning beta. Kaisi ho? Tyari hogy pehle dinn ki?"

"Mai achi hu aunty. Bas college ke liye hi nikal rahi thi. Aap sab kaise ho?"

"Hum bhi ache hai. Orientation mei toh 2 ghante hai. Itni jaldi kyu jaa rahi ho?" Aastha took a seat at the dining table, setting the phone on a stand.

"Aunty, Delhi naya sheher hai, orr mujhe yahan ke raaste nahi pta. Shayad travelling mei bhi time lagg sakta hai. So, i don't want to take any risk."

"Bohat sahi socha tumne. Orr vahan mera shaurya,.... subah se phone kar rahi hu lekin switched off hai. " Aastha complained, her lips twisted in a frown while Anokhi remained silent. She didn't want to say anything about or against him.

"Mai bhi kya baatein lekar baith gy. Tum college jao and all the best. Dhyaan rakhna apna" Aastha smiled and gave her a thumbs up.

"Thank you aunty". Anokhi gave a flying kiss in return and cut the call. She then switched off the lights and locked the main door. Flinging the bag on her right shoulder, she started to go towards the staircase when her phone rang again.

"Anokhi beta sorry mai aise pareshan kar rahi hu. Lekin please ek baar shaurya se meri baat karva sakti ho? Vo phone nahi utha rha " Aastha asked anxiously.

"Aunty mai??" Though Anokhi wanted to help Aastha, the words of Shaurya stopped her from agreeing to the request.

"Han. Tumhare ghar ke samne rehta hai na vo? Ek baar baat karado meri. I know tumhe late ho rha hai but please zyada time nahi lagega." Aastha assured.

"Nahi aunty please aise matt kahiye. Mai karvati hu baat". To hell with his warnings, she can't see her Aastha aunty like this.

Anokhi strode towards Shaurya's apartment and rang the bell *ting*. No answer. *ting*. Still no answer. Now she started to get worried as well. *Ting* *Ting* *Ting*, and she continuously rang the bell until Shaurya opened the door, exasperated. Anokhi gasped at the sight, her eyes widened and she closed her eyes, turning around.

Shaurya was taking a peaceful cold shower when the first bell rang. He ignored at first but when it rang repeatedly, he groaned closing the tap. With a thought of giving a piece of mind to the visitor, Shaurya wrapped a towel around his waist and marched to the door. As soon as he opened it, his irritation increased seeing Anokhi at the doorstep.

"Didn't she understand his warning?"

Shaurya glared at her and the droplets settled on his bare chest started getting evaporated with the heat of his rising temper. He ran a hand through his wet hair, waiting for her to spit the reason for which she was here but Anokhi just shut her eyes and turned away, infuriating him more.

"What!? Maine Tumse kaha tha na ...." Shaurya started to yell but halted when Anokhi turned a little and held up the phone in front of his face, her eyes still closed. Shaurya looked at her and then at the phone, his raging eyes softened on seeing his mother.

"Maa aap? Kya hua?" ("Isne maa ko kal ki baat toh nahi bta di?")

"Kya hua? (Aastha shouted) Phone kahan hai tumhara?"

Shaurya was taken aback by her tone "Mom mere phone ki..." but Aastha cut him in the middle, "Jao pehle kapde pehenkar aao. Fir baat karenge. Orr Anokhi beta tum yahi raho" She ordered and Shaurya nodded.

He stepped aside, making way for Anokhi and she walked inside his flat with her eyes lowered. As shaurya went into his room, her mind tried to forget the sight it witnessed few seconds ago.

***

Within 10 minutes, Shaurya came into the hall, dressed in a solid green T-shirt and white pants, paired up with black shoes. Anokhi handed him the phone without looking at him and stood in a corner as he talked with Aastha.

"Sorry maa!. Mere phone ki battery dead hogy thi isliye kuch der pehle hi charge par lagaya tha. I was taking a shower shayad isliye nahi sunai diya hoga. Aap janti hai ki mai apka call kabhi miss nahi karta." Shaurya apologised as he held the phone to his eye level.

"Shaurya tum kab sudhroge? Maine kal hi tumhe kuch samjhaya tha. Phone ko charge karke rakhna chahiye na beta..... Aaj toh anokhi ki vajah se baat hogy, varna meri toh jaan nikal jaati tension ki vajah se" Aastha was disappointed at his carelessness.

"Sorry maa.", Shaurya's eyes turned a bit moist. He hated when she gets upset because of him.

"Kab takk sorry bologe shaurya? Inn sorrys ki koi value nahi hai jab takk tum apni mistakes parr kaam nahi karoge. Har baar toh maafi nahi milegi na beta." Shaurya looked down and nodded while aastha sighed. She didn't like to scold him but for god's sake he was 24 now. He needed to be responsible.

"Chalo ab aage se dhyaan rakhna. Orientation ki tyari hogy?"

"Ji mom."

"Good! Ab kitchen mei jao" Aastha ordered and Shaurya obeyed without any questions.

She instructed him to make a mix of dahi shakkar and shaurya followed her instructions step by step. He somewhere knew what it was for.

As the mixture got ready Aastha prayed to the deity and then turned to shaurya "Ab bhagwan se thodi akkal maango orr muh meetha karo iss nayi shuruwat ke liye" she chuckled while Shaurya got flustered at the comment. He glanced at Anokhi who, to his embarrassment, was also trying to control her smile.

Shaurya fed himself a spoonful of the mixture and Anokhi watched as he happily conversed with his mother. Her eyes turned a bit moist on seeing their bond.

**Flashback**

A girl dressed in white salwar kameez with a backpack on her shoulder came running in the verandah of her house. As she buckled her black shoes by sitting at the doorstep, her sight caught the view of her mother feeding a ladooo to her brother.

She grinned, ran and stood beside her brother. She watched as her mother blessed Raja who then left after throwing a look of disgust to her.

As Rama, her mother started to go Anokhi called out "Maa bhaiya ki 10vi ke saath meri bhi 7vi ki pareeksha hai. Muje bhi ashirward dijiye na".

Rama turned, her eyes devoid of any emotions as she said "Uski padhai aage jakar kaam aegi, lekin tune toh shaadi karke chala jana hai. Teri padhai humare kisi kaam ki? Vo toh bas aajkal ladke walo ko 12vi pass chahiye hoti hai isliye zabardasti tujhe padhana padhh rha hai. Varna abhi tu meri madad kar rahi hoti ghar ke kaam mei. Badi aay.."

Anokhi's eyes filled with tears and Rama sighed "lo fir shuru hogya iska rona dhona.... Laddu chahiye na? Yeh le" and she stuffed the laddoo in her palm, walking away.

Anokhi looked at the laddoo and then at her mother's retreating figure. She sniffed, wiped her tears and placed the laddoo on the parapet for the birds to eat. Taking her books out for revision ,she made her way to the school.

***End***

A lone tear escaped Anokhi's eyes and she wiped it off turning her face away from the kitchen.

"Anokhi beta, tum bhi muh meetha karlo" Aastha called from the phone and Anokhi looked in their direction.

"Nahi aunty. ..mai theek hu" a tremble gave away at the end and Anokhi took a deep breath to calm herself.

"This isn't the right place. I can't get weak, especially not in front of him".

"Aise meethe ko mana nahi karte. Shaurya jao usko dahi shakkar do" Aastha instructed and Shaurya nodded. He took the bowl with a clean spoon and went to her. Anokhi accepted it and ate some mixture while Aastha blessed her.

"Good! Tum dono ko all the best. Ab jaldi se niklo, varna der ho jaegi" .

"Thank you mom/aunty," they said at the same time and Anokhi hung up the call taking the phone from Shaurya. She turned to go when Shaurya called out.

"Suno...listen.." Anokhi stopped in her tracks but didn't turn.

Before he could shout at her again, as she thought he would, Anokhi immediately clarified, "Mai yahan sirf Aastha aunty ke liye aay thi. Lekin Agar apko bura laga ho toh, sorry. " and she went away, slamming the door shut.

Shaurya stood transfixed at his spot, confused. He just wanted to thank her for not blurting anything about what happened the day before and if possible ask her, if she was okay.

While talking with Aastha, his eyes had vaguely drifted to the corner where Anokhi was standing. He noticed how her expressions switched from one to another in a swift of a second. She was happy then sad, then happy and then sad again.

When he saw her turning and wiping away the tears, something shifted inside him. He couldn't ask just straight away so he thought of talking with her after the video call. But she simply dismissed him, slamming the door on his face.

"Why does she think that she knows everything?"

***

"Hey, buddy! What's up? All set?" Aahir had video-called Shaurya to wish him luck for the new start.

"Yeah! I'm going to leave in a few minutes." Shaurya answered as he filled the water bottle.

"Okay! But why do you look so dull? Sab theek?"

"Yeah! Its just that..that girl.." Shaurya picked his phone from the counter and took a seat at the dining table.

"Kon?Vo small-town girl?"

"Yeah! Her name is Anokhi" Shaurya corrected, massaging his temples. He had no idea why he was feeling sad all of a sudden. The flashbacks of the night she was crying, then her tears that he witnessed this morning, kept playing in his mind on a loop.

"Ab kya Hua? Usne pehle dinn hi pareshan kar diya?". Aahir asked clutching his forehead.

"no no ....." Shaurya immediately denied and shared all that happened since they left the Sabharwal house, leaving out the "tears" part.

Aahir listened to Shaurya attentively and when he finished, he started laughing holding his stomach.

"Are you laughing at me?" Shaurya asked irritated.

"Yes dumbo! Are you mad or what? Jab vo tere ghar par thi, tune use itna attitude diya. Lekin Delhi jakar, usne fir bhi teri help kari... Aur tune use itni choti si baat par suna diya?"

"Choti si baat? She called me Mr Sabharwal." Shaurya repeated as if Aahir didn't hear it the first time.

"Han toh? Vo teri dost hai? Use sapna aega ki tujhe inn baaton se chidd hai? Orr ab achanak se when want to thank her, you expect ki vo tujhse seedhe muh baat karegi?" Aahir stated a series of facts that got shaurya's mind all worked up.

"Okay fine! I did wrong. Ab bta kya karu?" Shaurya was frustrated.

"Itna matt soch. Bas jab bhi mauka mile, sorry keh diyo. Padhosi hi toh hai..... Orr han, thoda araam se baat kariyo. Kyuki you know.. Kya kehte hai vo..han padhosi hi padhosi ke kaam ata hai" Aahir chuckled while Shaurya facepalmed at his lame attempt.

"Chal bye! I need to leave".

"bye! All the best."

***

Shaurya reached the parking area and a red flash behind the bushes caught his eye. He scurried to the place and found Anokhi sitting on a bench, lost in thoughts.

She was clinging to the bag, looking at nothing in particular. When she sniffed, he noticed her nose and eyes that were red, perhaps from all the crying.

Anokhi sensed somebody's presence and jerked her head in that direction, but spotted nobody much to her relief. She looked at the time, cleaned her face with a tissue and started to go towards the main gate.

Shaurya sighed thanking god for his presence of mind. He peeked from behind the tree and when he saw her leaving, he quickly raced to her shouting her name. Anokhi stopped and turned confused.

"Can we talk?" Shaurya asked as he stood in front of her while Anokhi stared at him with disbelief.

"Kyu? Apko toh mujse baat nahi karni thi?" She taunted, crossing her arms.

"Yeah about that..." Shaurya started but again she interrupted, "Dekhiye. Mujhe late ho rha hai. I don't have time for this"

Anokhi wasn't in a mood to listen or say anything. Her heart and mind were at constant war. Her heart kept reminding her of the painful memories while the mind kept rebuking her for failing in her attempts of moving on. She wanted to be left alone and sort this out before it ruins the fresh start of her new journey.

When Anokhi left from there, Shaurya started to walk behind her without saying a word.

After a few steps, Anokhi growled in irritation and turned to look at him."What?"

"What?"

"Why are you following me?"

"I'm not following you. For your information, I have my orientation as well." Shaurya answered calmly. Anokhi rolled her eyes and they walked like this till the main gate.

As they crossed the society, Anokhi took a left turn while shaurya took a right turn.

"Kahan jaa rahi ho?" Shaurya asked confused and Anokhi turned, her face red in fury as if she was going to burst any moment.

Shaurya gulped and explained in a low voice."I mean cab toh dusri taraf se milegi..so?" He was sure. He had checked everything this morning. He can't be wrong this time.

"Mai cab se nahi jaa rahi. I'm travelling by metro", replied Anokhi but Shaurya's eyebrows were still scrunched in confusion.

Anokhi sighed and answered the question running in his head. "Delhi hai. Iss time, cab se traffic milega. And i don't want to be late on my first day......Ab apke doubts clear hogye toh mai jaa sakti hu?" She asked folding her hands. Shaurya swallowed and nodded.

"Thank you so much" and she went away.

"Yeh orr iska sarcasm" Shaurya shook his head as he started checking the google maps. And she was right again. The lines were all red on the map. He won't be able to reach on time if he took the cab. Shaurya slapped his forehead and almost raced towards the metro station, hoping to catch Anokhi on the way if possible.

"Waitt!" Shaurya shouted when he spotted her.

"Now what?" Anokhi gave up.

"What the hell does he want? Why isn't he leaving me alone?"

"Can i...can i come with you?" He asked panting heavily after all the running.

"Public place hai. Jahan chalna hai chaliye. Mujhse kyu puch rahe hai?" Anokhi replied pointing at the roads and gardens.

Shaurya clenched his fist and asked "Tum seedhe seedhe baat nahi kar sakti?"

"Nahi! Aapne hi toh kaha tha ki mai apse baat na karu orr ab aap hi zabardasti baat kar rahe hai. Aapki marzi ke hisab se nahi chal sakta sab. Orr mai toh bilkul bhi nahi." Anokhi walked away and Shaurya was again back to his guilt mode.

***

The heat was bearable and the footpath was smooth to walk upon. Shaurya glanced at Anokhi from the corner of his eyes, noticing how different she looked in western. The top and jeans hugged her at all the right places and well, to be honest, her dressing sense was much better than what he imagined.

After a few minutes of silence, Shaurya grabbed the golden chance and apologised, "Umm..kal jo kuch bhi hua. Nahi hona chahiye tha. I'm sorry for talking to you like that"

Anokhi looked at him, surprised and found Shaurya already looking at her. After what happened a few minutes ago, she hadn't anticipated this apology.

But just because he looked guilty, it didn't mean that he could just get away with a sorry. She needed a valid reason for his outburst. "Aapko gussa kyu aya tha? Muje ab takk samjh nahi aya. Pehle toh itna hass rahe the, fir achanak kya ho gya? Maine kuch galat keh diya tha?"

Shaurya scratched the back of his neck and answered, "Uhh..You called me Mr. Sabharwal isliye"

Anokhi stopped in her tracks and so did Shaurya, "Lekin maine apko reasons explain kare toh the ki aap..."

"Ya ya i know, bade ho crap and all that. Its just I don't like to be addressed as something which makes me feel old." He explained.

Anokhi squinted her eyes to process what he just said and her lips dissolved into amusement as the realisation dawned upon her. She diverted her eyes and looked everywhere but him to control herself from cracking up, but a soft laugh escaped her mouth which then turned into a chuckle. Shaurya glared at her but she didn't stop until Shaurya walked away.

Anokhi bit her lip and raced to him,"sorry" .

Shaurya shook his head smiling. "Its okay. I know it's weird, but at least don't laugh at me" Anokhi agreed to the 'weird thing' and nodded.

After a few seconds, she asked, "Vaise toh hum sirf padhosi hai orr college mei kabhi baat karenge nahi. But by chance agar kuch zarurat padi, toh aapko kya naam sahi lagega jisse apko gussa na aaye?"

"Shaurya. Nothing else." He replied without a second thought and Anokhi nodded.

"Orr han, thanks for not complaining about it to my mom this morning."

"Apko thank you kehne ki koi zarurat nahi hai. Yeh humari problem hai and we are adults. Aastha aunty ko yeh sab btakar mai kyu pareshan karti." Shaurya looked at Anokhi and smiled at her maturity. If he was in her place, he would have definitely complained to his mom.

***

By the time they entered the metro station, it was 9 already. The station was underground and equipped with elevators, lift and centralised air conditioners. They went through the security check and bought the tokens for the travel. To Shaurya's surprise, it just cost them Rs. 30 whereas the cab's fare went as high as Rs. 200.

While waiting for the metro, Anokhi contemplated that she wouldn't be getting any time for herself till the day gets over. So now, her only concern was to reach the campus on time.

Whereas Shaurya was calm and composed. He felt a heavy burden lift off his chest after apologising to Anokhi. Since she seemed a little normal now, he didn't try to ask about the sight he witnessed this morning. Moreover, Shaurya felt that he had no right to ask her either. She was just a neighbour, and he didn't want to make her uncomfortable by interfering in her personal life.

Within 5 minutes the metro arrived. It was almost full with no vacant seats. So, Shaurya took the support of the glass near the door with Anokhi in front of him, taking the support of the other glass. As the metro started to move, there was a jerk, and Anokhi almost stepped forward losing her balance. Her hands reached for the support of the handle but Shaurya caught her arm on time, steadying her."You okay?"

Anokhi looked at his concerned expression, then at his hand and nodded. Shaurya pulled back his hand from her arm while Anokhi adjusted her bag, taking the support of the handle.

They kept glancing at each other as the metro passed through the stations and without realising, all the troubles of Anokhi took a back seat. Her mind got busy analysing Shaurya's apology and his sweet behaviour on a deeper level.

"What changed all of a sudden?"

***

As they left the station, it was a 5 minutes walk to the campus. It was a quiet road with greenery on both the sides. With each step, Anokhi's heartbeat started to accelerate, and her nervousness increased. Sweat beads formed on her forehead and she clutched to her bag tightly as her fight or flight responses got activated.

"Am i really prepared to meet new people ?"

Shaurya observed her features, her fidgeting with the bag and her moving eyeballs as if she was thinking about something. He rummaged through his bag and handed her the water bottle.

"Are you feeling fine?"

Anokhi nodded but denied to take the water bottle.

When they reached the campus, Anokhi stopped in her path and Shaurya turned confused.

He understood the reason for her anxiety and chuckled "Don't worry. Everything is going to be okay."

Anokhi looked at him and then at the campus board- "Sabharwal Institute of Art and Commerce"

"Anokhi, this is the place where your dreams are going to come true. A lot is at stake and you know that. Don't step back this time."

Taking a deep breath and gulping away her fears, Anokhi chanted "You can do it" in her mind as she walked towards the gate with confidence.

She showed her ID card to the security and Shaurya did the same. The guard granted them entry and they walked in as the black metal door got closed behind them.

~*~

Precap : Mr. Shaurya Sabharwal, apko mujh par taras khane ki koi zarurat nahi hai. Samjhe aap? Nahi chahiye mujhe apki sympathy.

~*~

Thank you for all the love. I hope you enjoyed the long update.

Do leave your feedback. Criticism is wholeheartedly welcomed. ❤️

***

~ Chapter 6 - Pg 22 ~


Link:-

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/157570682

***

Edited by tanieg0911 - 4 years ago
-Fedex- thumbnail
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Posted: 5 years ago

Tanya, big hugs to you 🤗 Hope all is well and take care of yourself. ❤️

Loved the update! You know how much I love this story! I am so happy that Shaurya is seeing the real Anokhi and his perceptions are changing. Cannot wait to see what happens next. Anokhi is strong and she has already taken a big step in showing herself that she can do it but the burden of the past scars are so heavy on her. I hope Shaurya can be a friend and be there as an emotional support for her. She needs a friend badly.

Will patiently wait for the next update! Write whenever you can. Lots of love ❤️

Edited by -Fedex- - 5 years ago
chinnu_kaku thumbnail
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Posted: 5 years ago

Thank for updating us inspite of your emergency...take care.

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