Kitchen politics - fiction (Final Chapter updated - Page 36) - Page 24

Originally posted by: shahsb_26

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.

Thanks.

I am glad you are enjoying. The upcoming chapter is going to be a turn of events quite a bit.

Can we expect an update today?

Originally posted by: Athiraachu

Loved 😍😍😍

Bring on the challenge....

i don't know what to make of Shaan and his remorse.....let's see...how far will he go to unite shaurya and astha and give astha her dignity infront of shaurya....

Shaurya's anger and disappointment with his mother is understandable but he also has that sabharwal blood...

Anokhi is fire....this was the Anokhi i wanted in the show...calm , strong and logical..

But i am enjoying anokhi the most here 😎😎😎...

Update soonish 😊

Thanks for your feedback. I am glad you are enjoying Anokhi's character.

Let's see how the relationships get restored after such a long gap.

Originally posted by: hemapadma1

Excellent episode and was waiting for your next updation ..pls ...and story was going in a very interesting mode ..just waiting update soon ....

Thanks for your feedback.

I am glad you are liking it.😊

Sorry for the delay guys. Some personal problems stopped me from working on the story. The next chapter will be up in the next post. It is a long chapter. I wrote it in a hurry. Please excuse the mistakes if any.

Chapter 17

The next day Shaurya was sitting alone on a bench inside KICAS.

“Shaurya.”

He turned to see it was Aastha. He was about to get up when she said, “Please don’t go. If you don’t wish to talk to me, I will leave. I just came to give you this.” She held out a bag before him and said, “Spiderman comic books. This is my entire collection. Anokhi read you from one of these the night you stayed at our place.”

“I don’t want these. You can take them away.”

Aastha didn’t move. She gave a gentle smile and asked, “Why don’t you want these? Is it because I am offering them? But you love Spiderman and you loved my collection.” She then took out a book and said, “Look at this one. This is a rare copy. I am sure you haven’t seen it anywhere.”

Shaurya looked at it from the corner of his eye and his face brightened up. Aastha saw that and sat down by his side. “Take them. Think of these as a gift from a friend.”

Shaurya looked at her with a frown, “Friend?”

“Yes. Perhaps it is too late to rebuild our old relationship. But can we not start a new one? As friends? Please accept them as a gift from a friend.”

“Do I look like an idiot? If you are doing all this to save yourself and your institute then it is too late. I will expose you very soon. And I will take away everything that you hold dear to yourself.” Shaurya pushed her aside and stormed out from there.

The comic books fell on the ground because of the impact. Aastha gave a sigh and bent down to pick them up.

Anokhi was watching this from a distance. She could see the pain in both their eyes. They wanted to be with each other but a giant wall of misunderstanding was stopping them. She would have to break that wall and winning this competition would be her first step in that direction.

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

“Please Mam, this is a golden opportunity for us. The money will help us make our institute bigger and better. I can already imagine how students from all over the country will line up for admission at KICAS. And getting a celebrity chef’s backing will be like a cherry on top.” Anokhi said excitedly.

“Is this my age to participate in competitions? And I am happy with teaching. I don't want to get into a race to prove that I am the best."

“But Mam, think about it. This will change our lives. It will help me realise all that I have dreamt about this institute. Please Mam, do this for me.”

“Fine. If you want to participate, then go ahead. I will help you prepare.”

Anokhi hugged Aastha excitedly and said, “That will be enough. Thank you so much. I am sure we will win this competition with the help of your recipes.”

“Confidence is good Anokhi, but not overconfidence. It doesn’t matter if you don’t win. The exposure that you will gain from there will be invaluable.” Aastha said, caressing her hair.

Anokhi looked at her and nodded uneasily. She couldn’t tell Aastha Mam how important this win was for her. She has put a lot of things at stake. She knew Aastha would never allow her to participate if she knew about the challenge. But she had to do this for her Mam.

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

"This competition is now a matter of prestige for us. We are going to face some really tough competition this time. The Malhotras who run a restaurant chain in and around Delhi are also participating in it. And their recipes are very popular. But the Sabharwals cannot lose in their own city" Tej remarked.

The Sabharwals were sitting in their living room and discussing about the upcoming competition.

"Don't worry Bade Papa. I have your blessings in the form of your recipes. No one can stop us from winning." Shaurya replied.

"That's my boy. I like your confidence. But you have to work very hard this time. I want you to focus all your attention to this competition." Tej said.

"Yes Shaurya beta. Your Bade Papa is right. You keep work and everything else aside and concentrate on this. Your Dad and Alok Chachu will look after the business. And...stop going to that Kashyap Institute. It's just a waste of time. I know Aastha is trying her best to turn you against us." Devi added.

"That's not so easy, Badi ma. Do you think a random person will say anything against you and I will believe them? She has been trying to use her adopted daughter against my family but I won't let her get away with it." Shaurya said.

"What are you planning to do now?" Devi was apprehensive.

"I will take away her biggest support system, her adopted daughter, Miss Anokhi Bhalla. Without her, Aastha Kashyap is nothing. Infact, this competition is going help me achieve that purpose."

"What do you mean, Shaurya?" Tej asked, puzzled.

Shaurya told about his challenge and then said, "She is too naive and brainwashed by Miss Kashyap. This competition will prove that how wrong she is in her belief that Aastha Kashyap's recipes are better than Bade Papa's. I think this defeat will be beneficial to Miss Bhalla in the long term. She will be free from the clutches of that manipulative woman." Shaurya said, gritting his teeth in suppressed anger.

Tej and Devi exchanged glances nervously.

After Shaurya left, Devi got and went to Tej, "I am scared Tej. I feel like I am going to lose my son. We cannot let Anokhi participate in that competition. We have to stop her somehow."

"Don't worry Parjaiji. I will put my men to work. That girl will never be able to make it to the competition." Alok offered.

"Shut up Alok. Why do you have to take the law in your hands to get your way? A smart businessman is one who turns his disadvantage into an advantage. Shaurya's challenge has given me a brilliant idea. Till now I was not confident of winning this competition but now I am." Tej said.

Alok looked at Devi and said, "Parjaiji, I think Tej bhaisahab has lost his mind in shock."

"I knew you were a born idiot and good for nothing. You can never see what I can see. I have finally found the trump card that will make us win this competition. Devi, I have a task for you."

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

Aastha was alone at home that evening. She was working on a new recipe for Anokhi's competition. She was so focused on her work that she didn't notice the sound of the doorbell the first time. The second ring continued as if the person had kept it pressed for a longer time to express her impatience.

Aastha hurriedly washed her hands and went to the door. She was shocked to see the person standing there. But before she could say anything, the person said with disdain in her voice.

"How much do you need to stay away from Shaurya this time?"

"Excuse me? Do you think money will be able to keep me away from my son, Devi bhabi?"

"It did last time. You sold your child in return for money." Devi replied.

"You may think that way but I gave birth to him. Shaurya is my son, not an object that can be sold."

"That's all you ever did for him. Just giving birth. I gave two decades of my life to him. I raised him to be the man he is. And you have shamelessly returned to claim your rights on him."

"I have done no such thing."

"Stop lying. You forcibly took him to your house when he fell sick. You and that daughter of yours tried to brainwash him against us. You have been trying all possible ways to make your way back to his life. And.." Devi suddenly started laughing. "You even tried to bribe him with comics. How silly is that? You think you will be able to take my son away from me with these cheap tactics." Devi said in the middle of her laughter.

"I never meant to take him away from you. It was you who poisoned his mind and turned him against me. I was afraid to go near him when I saw him react so violently on seeing me. That was all because of you. But I don't want to hold it against you. I know you love my son. I know the place that you hold in his life. I would never want to usurp that place. But Shaurya is my son. You cannot stop me from helping him when he is in need."

"Oh really. You want to help your son. If you really wanted to do your duties as a mother, you would have gone against us 25 years ago. Your ego, your principles always mattered more to you than your family, even your own son."

"I don't want to argue with you. Tell me the reason why you have come here." Aastha said, impatiently. She was afraid if Anokhi returned, she would definitely get into a fight with Devi.

"You keep claiming that Shaurya is your son yet you keep doing things that might hurt him." Devi pointed out.

"Please make yourself clear." Aastha replied curtly.

"You never any cooking competition as far as I know but suddenly you gave your name in the one where Shaurya is also participating just to prove that you are better than him."

"What rubbish! I am not participating in any competition."

"But your daughter is. What's her name? Anokhi Bhalla, right? Now if she participates then she will definitely get your help in preparing her recipes. That will put Shaurya at a disadvantage. Do you know how passionate he is about cooking? If he loses this competition it is going to deal a huge blow to his confidence. He has such big plans regarding this. The celebrity chef's patronage can take our business to great heights. It is Shaurya's business now. Losing this competition will crush all his dreams." Devi played her cards carefully.

"Shaurya has Shaan and Tej bhaisahab to help him. I am sure he will do well in the competition."

" You are lying to yourself, Aastha. I may not like you but I cannot deny that I haven't seen a better cook than you. Today I admit that you are much better than Tej. You know that too. And this competition will be won by the one on whose side you choose to be." Devi paused and then folded her hands. "I am begging you Aastha, please don't let our son lose this game. This is a chance for you to do something for your son. You couldn't be there for your son all these years. Now you are getting a chance to make up for it. Shaurya's career will get a big boost if he manages to win this competition."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Just help Shaurya win this competition. Let him have your best recipe."

Aastha didn't say anything. She was lost in deep thought.

Seeing her silent, Devi said, "Come on Aastha. I am not asking too much of you. Just a recipe. Doesn't your son have a right on your recipes?"

"Wait a minute." Aastha said and went inside. She came back with a paper and said. "Here. This is my best recipe. I have spent a lot of time and labour after this. I hope this will help you."

Devi took it and said, "Thank you so much. I have one more request. Please don't tell Shaurya that this is your recipe. He won't agree to use it if he knows the truth."

Aastha nodded.

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

Meanwhile at KICAS.

Anokhi was standing outside the institute and looking at the building. Some parts of it needed urgent repair. Though she was participating in the competition only for Aastha Mam, the prize money would come in handy for all the repairs and maintenance.

"Yes, see it at your heart's content. Because after a few days, you will only be able to see it in your memories."

Anokhi looked irritatedly at Shaurya who was smirking.

"I think it is you who should see KICAS properly because you are going to spend the rest of your life here." She replied curtly.

"Day dreaming is one of the most harmful indulgences, Miss Bhalla. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, not least to my employees, of which you are soon going to be one." He said smugly.

"Huh, there is a very popular saying, Mr. Sabharwal, "pride goes before fall". I am afraid you are the next person who is going to prove it to be true." Anokhi said with a smile.

"Have the two of you gone out of your minds?"

They turned to find Shaan looking at them angrily.

"What are you trying to say, Dad?"

"I am talking about the stupid challenge you two have set. I was out of town for a couple of days and so much happened. None of you thought of informing me anything. Thankfully Kanchan overheard your conversation with Tej Bhaisahab otherwise I would never have known what you were upto."

"I didn't inform you because you are so enamored by Miss Kashyap. Who knows you might have revealed our secrets to the rivals and helped them win."

"Shut up. What makes you talk to me like that?" Then Shaan looked at Anokhi and said, "And Anokhi, how can you put your own career at stake like this?"

Before she could answer, Shaurya said, "You are wrong Dad, her career would have been at stake if she stayed at KICAS. Her Aastha Mam was only using her. First she made her run away from her own marriage and now she is…."

"Just shut up and leave, Mr. Sabharwal. I am not going to tolerate another word of your nonsense."

"Truth is too bitter. Isn't it, Miss Bhalla?"

"Shaurya, listen to me. Cancel this challenge right away."

"That's impossible, Dad. I don't go back on my word. Anyways, I have some important work. I will leave now."

Seeing Shaurya walk away, Shaan looked at Anokhi and said, "Anokhi. At least you listen to me."

"Why? Are you scared of the truth getting revealed?" She asked.

"No, not that. But you don't know my family. They can go to any extent to win this especially when so much is at stake."

"Even I can go to any extent for my Aastha Mam. Don't worry, I won't do anything that will let Aastha Mam down. But I need to prove it to Shaurya that Aastha Mam is not wrong. If we win this challenge, Shaurya will be forced to spend more time here at KICAS. Then he will gradually see the goodness in her."

"You really love your Aastha Mam a lot."

"Why shouldn't I? She has given me a new life. She gave me shelter when my own family abandoned me. They were hounding me like beasts when I ran away from my marriage. I still get nightmares of that night. I had almost collapsed under exhaustion. I thought there was no escape. Suddenly I saw someone standing before me guarding me from my attackers. She had a flaming torch in her hands and she was roaring at them. I felt Mata Rani herself had come to protect me. Then I lost my senses. Do you know who that person was? It was Aastha Mam. That night she singlehandedly dealt with a crowd of angry villagers and saved me from a life of doom. And it's just one of the many things that she did for me."

Shaan had tears in his eyes, he put his hand on her head and said, "I hope that Aastha and your bond remains this strong forever. At least there is someone in this world who is ready to do so much for her."

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

On reaching home, Anokhi was surprised to find the door unbolted. She entered and saw Aastha sitting on the couch, motionless.

"Aastha Mam, how far have you progressed on the recipe. I need it really quick. You see, I will have to practice a lot to get it right."

"I am sorry Anokhi, I cannot give you the recipe." Aastha said, trying to avoid her gaze.

"But why? What happened?" Anokhi was confused.

"Actually….I mean. I just learnt that Shaurya is also participating in that competition. It is his dream to work with this celebrity chef. I wanted to help him achieve that dream." Aastha paused and cleared her throat. "So I have given the recipe to him."

Anokhi looked at her incredulously. "And what about my dreams?" The hurt in her voice was palpable.

Aastha held her by her hands and looked at her desperately, "Please Anokhi, try and understand. I have never got a chance to do something for my son. This was perhaps my only chance. I didn't want to lose it."

"I was foolish to think that you loved me like your own child. Today you proved that when it comes to your own flesh and blood, you can easily abandon me."

"That's not true, Anokhi. I cannot think of abandoning you. I will always be there with you. This was just another competition. I promise we will work harder and help you realise all your dreams. We will make KICAS bigger and better."

Anokhi took a few steps back and said, "It's too late now, Mam. Nothing can be done." She then turned and ran outside.

Aastha followed behind, shouting, "Anokhi, I am sorry for hurting you. Please forgive me. Please come back."

But Anokhi didn't stop. She started running with all her might.

Aastha lost her after sometime. She immediately returned and picked up her mobile phone.

Badi played astha 🤦😤

I am really sad for anokhi ...she must have felt the pain of betrayal ...

I disliked the way shau disrespected her ..he does not consider her ma ok but she's your guru

Sometimes blood is thicker than other bonds ..but I am fortunate to see the other side where emo bonds won over blood in a crunch situation

Waiting to see if shaan steps up

Waiting to see how anokhi fights back and hopefully wins

That was so heart Breaking for anokhi....i cried for anokhi 😢...poor girl...her trust broken....

Astha proved blood is thicker than water....say what may...it's always shaurya and she is desperate to have his love...i sympathize with astha...but she did hurt anokhi badly....

Astha always falls into Devi's trap and emotional blackmail...

Waiting for the next...update soonish yaar 😍😍😍

Feeling too bad for Anokhi 🥺. My heart ached when Anokhi asked what about her dreams. She was doing all this for her Aastha mam and KICAS and here her Aastha mam gave the recipe to Devi which Anokhi was supposed to prepare.

Aastha is also not at fault because the situation was such that she was compelled to do that and moreover Tej targeted her weakness(Shaurya), he knew that Aastha will give the recipe due to her love for her child, but while doing so, Aastha hurted her other child(Anokhi).

Can't wait to know how the story unfolds further.

Please please please update sooonish🥺.

The update was such a twist filled.. And this was like least expected one!

Gosh... Shaurya is still after the fact that Anokhi left her wedding 😡😎did he really want her to marry Monty? 😈 Is Monty gonna come back to have Shaurya taste the medicine 😆

So, Saberwals are over confident, or not? I can't wait to see how events unfold🤗

Thank you soooo much for updating!