Kitchen politics - fiction (Final Chapter updated - Page 36) - Page 22

Originally posted by: GHKPM

Love how Aastha & Anokhi are always on the side of what is right but Shaan & Shaurya have Tej & Devi to blame for their screwed up loyalties & virtues... they are not kids though & really need to man up to their own mistakes though... really love the way you are writing this story, tq 👍😊💖🌹...

Would love a tag when you update, tq🌹

I will send you a PM.

Thanks for your lovely comments. Shaan and Shaurya have become the victims of Tej's ego.😔

Originally posted by: Javeria3991

Awesome chapter. I hope Anokhi will be well soon, Shaurya shouldn’t judge her but sadly, it’s what people do as it’s the easiest thing to do.

Thanks for your feedback. Keep sharing them. I may be late in replying but I wait eagerly for the comments.

😳

Originally posted by: shahsb_26

Shaurya got the slapped he deserved from Mommy Astha

His rudeness needs to be in check.

Astha still cares for Shaan but her self respect, like any other woman, is on top. I seriously wonder when would Shaurya know about what happened years ago in Saberwal family.

The politics is at core of all the issues..

Loved the update ❤️

I knew you would love the slap. Shaurya had it coming for being so blind.

Thanks for your comment. keep reading.😳

Originally posted by: Monarch_2021

When will you update?

Waiting eagerly for next part.

I am sorry. Caught up in real life engagements. But fortunately I have managed to finish another chapter. The update is coming right away.😊

Chapter 16

Aastha was staring out of the window at the endless downpour while Shaan looked at the road ahead. The sound of the rain only intensified their silence.

“Aastha” Shaan broke the silence after a while.

“Hmm” Aastha turned her face towards him.

“You really hate me, don’t you?”

“No. You were helpless before your loved ones and made a decision against your will. I was just a pawn in your brother’s game. I never meant anything to any of you. I was an idiot who saw love in your eyes when it was actually deceit. I don’t hate you. I am just mad at myself, at my own stupidity.” .

“I had also made myself believe that you meant nothing to me. That my family was more important than anyone. When you left, I was broken but I thought it was just guilt. But as days went by, I realised how incomplete I was without you. I had never been honest with you yet no one understood me like you did. It took me very long to realise and even longer to admit that I loved you, Aastha.” Shaan was so overwhelmed with emotions that he stopped his car. He couldn’t control the tears running down his cheeks. He turned to Aastha. There was incredulity on her face. She turned her face away the moment their eyes met.

Shaan extended his hand and put it on Aastha’s. “Will you be able to forgive me, ever?”

“I will, if you can tell me how do I forgive myself for giving my son away in a bargain to save myself. How do I forgive myself for being such a worthless mother who could not raise the child she bore.” She paused to clear her throat and then said, “The rain has stopped. I can walk from here. It’s not very far.” And she got down.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Shaurya was in his room, immersed in work when the repeated screech of the car horn broke his concentration. He went to find out who it was. On reaching the driveway, he noticed his father’s car. The headlights were blinking constantly. The security guard had opened the car door by then and was trying to pull someone out. Shaurya immediately sprinted towards the car.

He helped the guard to get Shaan out who was reeking of alcohol. Shaan was mumbling something in his stupor. Shaurya strained his ears to understand what he was saying.

“Please don’t leave me again, Aastha. Please don’t go. I need you, Aastha. Please forgive me.”

Shaurya controlled his rising temper and supported Shaan to his room. He made him lie down on the bed and removed his shoes and socks. Shaan’s clothes were wet. They needed to be changed. He tried to bring his father back to his senses.

“Dad, Dad.” He stroked Shaan’s cheeks.

Shaan opened his eyes. On seeing Shaurya, he sat up and held his hand, “Shaurya, my boy.”

“Why did you drink so much? Do you know how dangerous it is to drink and drive?”

Shaan didn’t seem to register his words. He held his hands tighter and gave him a beseeching look, “Shaurya, please patch up with your mother. She loves you a lot. Believe me.”

Shaurya drew his hand away and got up.

Shaan looked at him and said, “She hasn’t done anything wrong. She doesn’t deserve so much hatred from you. It is me who is your culprit. I betrayed her. I didn’t honour her love.”

“You met her today, right?” Shaurya asked suspiciously.

“Shaurya..I..I..” Shaan stammered.

“It’s too late in the night, Dad. I am sleepy. You should change your wet clothes fast.” Shaurya came out of the room. He was seething with anger.

On the way to his room, he came across Tej who called him.

“Shaurya beta, how far have you progressed on the KICAS thing?”

“Actually, Bade Papa..” Shaurya hesitated a little.

“Never mind. I want you to keep it aside for some time and focus on this.” Tej showed him something on his mobile phone. “This internationally acclaimed celebrity chef is going to host a cookery competition in Chandigarh. The team with the best recipe will get a monetary reward of Rs 50 lakhs. However, that is immaterial for us. But along with that he will also become their brand ambassador and promote them. Just imagine the exposure it will give to us. We will become world famous.”

Shaurya looked at it and his face shone, “You are right, Bade Papa. This is a brilliant opportunity. This person has a huge popularity. If he becomes our brand ambassador, no one can stop us from reaching the top.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

The next day in KICAS.

Anokhi was in the kitchen alone, intently working on some dish when there was a knock on the door.

“Excuse me Mam. May I come inside?”

Anokhi turned her face with an irritated look. “What do you want?”, she asked. Then returned to focus on her work.

Shaurya came and stood by her side. “You haven’t been taking our classes for a week now. I know it is because of the argument we had that day. I have come to apologise for my behaviour.”

“You think too highly of yourself, Mr. Sabharwal. What makes you think that your behaviour will affect me? What you said and did that day only reflected your mentality.”

“Is that so? Then why are you not taking the class?”

“I am not obliged to give you an explanation. No other student had the audacity to question me like this. You keep forgetting that we only have a professional relationship. Now, kindly leave and let me do my work.”

“I was just trying to sort out our differences and go back to being friends.”

“I have already told you that I don’t want to be friends with you.”

“But you can at least take our class. You are the reason I come here.” Shaurya blurted out.

Anokhi turned around with a frown on her face. “What?”

“No, I mean..I really like the way you teach.”

“Well, thanks for the compliment. But I am really sorry. I have some important engagements because of which I won’t be able to take your classes for some time.”

“What engagements?”

“Why should I tell you that? Do you discuss your business plans with your customers?”

“Smart. If you don’t mind, can I suggest something to you?” Shaurya asked.

“You will do it even if I mind. So please go ahead.”

“I think you are wasting your potential here. KICAS has no future. Why don’t you come and join us? You will get a lot of opportunities to grow at Sabharwal Kitchen. And you will also get a generous paycheck. Much more than you manage to earn here.”

Anokhi now went closer to him and looked him in the eye. “What makes you think that KICAS has no future?”

“Because it has Aastha Kashyap’s name attached to it. The institute will lose all credibility once people come to know how she has built it using lies and deception. She built it only to ruin our business.”

“Say another word against KICAS or Aastha Mam and the doors to this institute will be closed on you forever. Not even Aastha Mam will be able to stop me this time.” Anokhi roared in anger. Her eyes were spitting fire.

Shaurya gave her a side glance and smirked at Anokhi, “Do you think it will be easy to throw me out of this institute? If you attempt to do that, I will show you who Shaurya Sabharwal is.” Then he left hurriedly.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

That night, Anokhi was telling Aastha about Shaurya’s offer as they set the table for dinner.

“You and I both knew that he was here with an ulterior motive. But I won’t let him hurt our institute.”

“Shaurya was never like this, Anokhi. He couldn’t even hurt a fly when he was young.” Aastha said.

Just then the doorbell rang.

“I’ll go and check.” Anokhi got up.

Soon Aastha heard Anokhi’s loud voice, “But we don’t want you here. On one hand you try to act all friendly and on the other hand your son keeps insulting Aastha Mam. We were happier before you people came into our lives.”

Aastha immediately went to the door and saw Shaan standing and pleading with Anokhi, “Please Anokhi, I just want to see her once. I will leave soon.”

“Anokhi, let him enter.” Aastha ordered her.

“But Mam..”

“Go and prepare the table for another person” Then she looked at Shaan and said, “Since you have come at dinner time, I am forced to offer you to have food with us. But please, stop intruding upon our lives like this. Or I will have to leave this city.”

“Don’t say that. I won't come here if it makes you uncomfortable. But my feet involuntarily makes its way here. Seeing you again has given me a new hope to live And I want to cling onto that.” Saying this, Shaan went to wash his hands.

In the meantime Anokhi came to Aastha and said, “I know you still love him. If you want to get back with him, I am ready to help you.”

“That’s impossible. We have killed our relationship a long time ago. But I am worried for Shaan. He looks like he is collapsing under a heavy burden. He doesn’t seem happy. I don’t want to hurt him more.”

When Shaan arrived, Anokhi said, “You will have to excuse me. My favourite show is coming on TV. I am planning to watch it while eating.” She then picked up her plate and went to the living room.

Aastha and Shaan began eating quietly.

“Mmm..This daal makhni is delicious. And the phulke are so soft. It has been so long since I tasted such heavenly food.”

“Shaan, do you know why Shaurya joined KICAS?”

Shaan raised his head in shock. He didn’t answer but there was guilt written on his face.

Aastha continued, “He thinks KICAS is a ploy to destroy the Sabharwals. He feels I am deliberately trying to ruin your business.

Shaan extended his hand and said, “Has he said anything to you again?”

“No, but I know that he thinks I am his enemy. I am afraid that Anokhi might have to suffer because of his vindictive attitude. Today I have no one but myself to blame for all this.”

“Why are you blaming yourself? You gave Shaurya’s responsibility to me. I failed to raise him the way you had wanted.”

“Perhaps I could have done something differently. I don’t know what. All I know is I have failed him badly. I am the worst mother.” Aastha said.

“Stop being so hard on yourself, Aastha. I will tell everything to Shaurya. All these years I was scared of being the target of his hatred but I hadn’t realised how much pain you were in. You don’t deserve this pain. I do.” Shaan said.

“It’s no use now, Shaan. The truth will not negate the fact that I was absent from his life. He won’t take me back as his mother when I haven’t fulfilled my responsibilities towards him. It will only widen the gap between the two of you. The truth will turn his entire life into a lie. Trust me, that feeling is excruciating. I don’t want my child to go through it.” A teardrop fell from her eyes onto the plate.

Shaan got up and held her face gently, then wiped her tears with his hand.

“I knew you would be here.” Shaurya’s grave voice made both of them turn.

Anokhi came following him. “How dare you enter my house without permission?” Then she looked at Aastha and said, “I had left the door ajar to let in some air and this guy just stormed inside. He has no manners.”

“Shut up. You people should stop talking about manners.”

“No need to get so riled up. Shaurya, please calm down. We can sit and talk.” Aastha said, getting up from her place.

“You can charm my Dad with your sweet talk but I can see through it. So stop trying it on me.”

“Shaurya, behave yourself. Say sorry to your mother.” Shaan scolded him.

“I can’t believe you are supporting her after everything, Dad.” Shaurya said, his eyes fixed on Aastha. “She used you for her selfish interests. She tried to ruin our reputation. When she couldn’t hurt us in any other way, she is back to manipulating you. She is trying to trap you but you can’t even see it.”

“Enough Shaurya. She hasn’t done anything that you accuse her of. She can never think of hurting us.” Shaan protested.

Shaurya, still looking at Aastha, said, “If she is so nice then why did she abandon her son. Was I that much of a burden for her? Was I an obstacle in her way to happiness? Ask her. ”

Aastha held Shaurya’s hand and said, “You can never be an obstacle to my happiness. Believe me, I didn’t want to abandon you. But the circumstances were such that...It wasn’t easy for me to leave you. I apologise for everything you have been through. I know it won’t be easy for you to forgive me but believe me, I have always wished the best for you.”

Shaurya released his hand and said, “You are right. I can never forgive you. I will make you pay for all the wrongs you did to my family. I will ruin you and your institute.” He then left the place leaving everyone in shock.

Aastha fell on her knees and broke down. Shaan went to console her. Meanwhile Anokhi went after Shaurya.

......................................................................................................................................

Shaurya was about to get inside his car when Anokhi held the door to block him from entering.

“Get out of my way.” He said angrily.

“I will, but first you will have to hear me out. You are misunderstanding Aastha Mam. Your family had tied a blindfold around your eyes. If you have the guts to hear the truth then listen, it is not Aastha Mam who cheated your family but it was your family who used her, stole her recipes and when their purpose was fulfilled, just threw her out of the house. They did it because they couldn’t compete with her. If you don’t believe me, go and ask your father.”

“I don’t need to ask anyone. Your Mam is too good at manipulating people. My father will say what she makes him say. And if you dare to speak another word against my family...” Shaurya raised his finger.

“Or else? What will you do? I am not scared to speak the truth unlike your family.” Anokhi said defiantly.

“The truth? You make me laugh. You mean to say your Aastha Mam was so brilliant that we had to steal her recipes. Our recipes are world class. Whatever she knows, she has learnt from my family.”

“You are delusional. I can prove how wrong you are.” Anokhi smirked.

“Really? You have too much faith in your Aastha Mam’s skills, right?” He then took out his cellphone and showed the advertisement of the cookery competition to Anokhi, “This competition will prove who is delusional. If you have the guts, try and beat us here.”

“You are right. This competition will prove who is right and who is wrong.” Anokhi said.

“And what will the winner get?” Shaurya asked.

“What do you mean?”

“I want to know what will you do if you are proved wrong?”

Anokhi thought for a moment and said, “I will come and join your business. Isn’t that what you want?”

“No, that won’t be enough. If you lose this competition, you will have to break all ties with your Aastha Mam. You won’t ever contact her.”

“I will agree to this condition if you promise to leave the Sabharwal family and your business forever in the event of you losing the competition. You will have to teach at KICAS. We would love to have a skilled instructor like you.”

“Done.”

Aila ...I think shaan must confess his mistakes and what he did .

I know astha does not want shau to hate the only parent who was with him but sometimes I gotta just rip the bandaid off

Looking forward for astha and anokhi to win this challenge. I hope shau plays fair and does not indulge in any cheating or tell his bade papa

I value and adore anokhi loyalty and love for astha

Oh God what game plan, sharto pe Zindagi taye ho rahi hai interesting will wait eagerly for the next update

Omg...now who is gonna win 🏆 the competition

The conditions are too serious 🤔

Shaan should tell everything to shaurya ...he is just guilty but not ready to rectify his mistakes 🤐

Also update the next part asap!!

Can't wait for the competition 😌

As always, this chapter was very good.

I'm very curious to know who wins the competition. Excited for the next part.

Please update as soon as possible.

Fond of your writing skills.

Absolutely loved it!!! ❤️❤️

This challenge is gonna be such a turning point... I am soooo excited for next part... Let's see who is gonna work for whom.

Who is going to win?

Would a mother's love let son win or would Anokhi's ma'am win this one to bring forth the truth!

This is definitely something I am looking Forward to...

Update soon.