~ Safarnaama ~ An Armaan-Abhira FF - Part Twenty (16.05.2024) - Page 16

Part 12: It was yet another beautiful piece!! The growth between them is gradual and slow and of course practical too!! People go through life differently and they learn too and that’s what you have been showing consistently!!! I love how Armaan put his thoughts about the pain Abhira suffered in his home and what he himself went!!! Very well written!! Love it 💕👏

Arey , you changed title. But i like this one! Waiting for p13. ❤️

Thank you all for your super encouraging and heartwarming feedback 

The title of the fanfic has changed, allowing me the liberty of this cheesy pun - thank you for being my humsafars as I write on 

(Did I change the title, just so I could make that pun? Maaayyyybe...  Worth it, right?)

Ps. @Pinecone - you're too quick man! I was still writing this out when I saw that you've already commented on the change in the title! Thanks for being so regular with your feedback 

PART THIRTEEN

Over the course of the next six days, as Abhira continued to shadow Armaan at the legal aid clinic, each day seemed to blur into the next, a seamless continuum of relentless advocacy. From the early morning hours until late into the evening, they found themselves immersed in a whirlwind of client meetings, legal drafting and courtroom appearances.

Their days were filled with a myriad of legal challenges, each presenting its own unique set of obstacles and opportunities. As were their dim-lit evenings, punctuated by the customary chai break and, occasionally when they stayed past dinner time, a steaming bowl of two-minute noodles, Mussorie-style, expertly prepared by Armaan.

And as the days passed, Abhira found herself increasingly in awe of Armaan's skills and dedication, and increasingly grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and for the exposure she was getting. With each passing day, she felt herself growing stronger, more confident in her abilities as a lawyer... and through it all, she felt, increasingly now, that she was not alone — for in Armaan's unwavering support and understanding, she found solace and strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Time and again, in her moments of quiet reflection, Abhira would find herself drawn back to the memory of the embrace shared between her and Armaan. It was a moment etched in her mind with vivid clarity, a fleeting yet profound encounter that had left an indelible mark upon her heart.

In the stillness of that embrace, she had felt a sense of belonging she had long yearned for, a warmth that transcended the confines of words. His touch, gentle yet firm, had ignited a flame within her, one that burned with a fervent intensity, warming her to the very depths of her soul. 

As Armaan's arms had encircled her, Abhira had been engulfed in a sensation that transcended mere physical contact. It was as though his embrace formed a protective cocoon around her, shielding her from the tumult of the outside world. In that moment, she had felt a profound sense of safety wash over her, as if she had finally found her way back home after a long and arduous journey. There was a familiarity in the warmth of his embrace, a comforting reassurance that whispered of belonging. It was as though every worry, every fear, had melted away, leaving behind only a deep-seated sense of peace.

In Armaan's embrace, Abhira had felt understood in a way she had never experienced before. There had been no need for words in that moment; their shared silence had spoken volumes, weaving a tapestry of understanding and empathy.

For Abhira, it was a homecoming unlike any other, a return to a place of refuge and acceptance that she had long believed to be lost.

And as they stood there, locked in each other's embrace, Abhira had realized that perhaps, just perhaps, there was hope yet for healing. It was a moment suspended in time, a brief respite from the weight of their past and the uncertainty of their future. 

Slowly, almost reluctantly, as they had begun to pull away from each other, the warmth of their embrace had continued to linger like an echo in the air. She had felt a palpable tension between them, a delicate balance between longing and restraint. For a moment, they had stood there, their eyes locked in a silent exchange that spoke volumes without uttering a single word. There had been no need for words, for in that moment, they understood each other in a way that transcended language. With a small smile, and one last lingering glance, they had turned away from each other, their footsteps echoing softly as they made their way back to their respective seats. And as they settled into their work once more, a sense of peace had settled over them, a quiet reassurance that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would be able to face them together.

This moment of solace had unfolded late into the night, after Armaan had returned to the quiet confines of his apartment. Alone in the dimly lit room, Armaan could still sense the lingering traces of Abhira's intoxicating fragrance, feel her heart — or was it his? — pounding against his chest, as if her essence had seeped into his skin, into the very fabric of his surroundings, as a reminder of the moment they had shared and the burning emotions that had been stirred within him.

As he had settled into his bed, despite the weight of the day's events pressing upon him, Armaan had found himself enveloped in a sense of calm that he had not known in what seemed like an eternity. The echoes of their shared moments had resonated within him, offering a semblance of comfort in the darkness of the night. In the dim light of his bedroom, as he lay down upon his bed, Armaan had realized that he could not feel the absence of Abhira's presence as acutely as he had before. The sheets had no longer felt as cold against his skin, and the solitude of the room had been tempered by the memory of their shared moments.

That night, with no need for his usual insomnia pills, Armaan had found himself enveloped by sleep before he even realized it. It was almost childlike, the way he had been able to surrender to the embrace of gentle, soothing dreams, and allowed himself to get carried away into a realm of tranquil slumber.

Both he and Abhira continued to carry within them that moment, and what it meant to them, like a glowing secret, making them smile unconsciously from time to time.

As the week drew to a close, however, a sense of melancholy settled over Abhira as she realized that her time shadowing Armaan had come to an end. As Mr Qureshi had explained on their first day, she and her classmates would be rotated to a different mentor every week. While she looked forward to the opportunity to learn from another lawyer, Kenneth Sir, who mostly handled criminal cases, and to expand her skillset, she could not help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of no longer being in close proximity to Armaan.

But she found solace in the knowledge that their paths would continue to cross within the confines of the cramped office that all the lawyers shared.

And true enough, for the rest of that month, Abhira and Armaan continued to steal glances at each other, their unspoken connection lingering amidst the flurry of legal documents and bustling activity. In those stolen moments, moments that were theirs and theirs alone, amidst the chaos of their professional obligations, Abhira found herself drawn to Armaan's presence. His familiar gaze held a depth of understanding that transcended words, offering a sense of comfort and reassurance amid the tumult of their shared workplace. As they navigated through their respective caseloads, their eyes would meet, fleeting yet filled with a silent acknowledgment that said far more than their stilted words could have.

Abhira soon understood the value of Mr Qureshi's suggested rotation system, as she came to realize that she had never encountered a group as diverse as the lawyers and paralegals at the legal aid clinic, not even during her one-year tenure at Dev Sir's firm. The eclectic mix of backgrounds, perspectives, and approaches to law within the clinic's walls was unlike anything she had experienced before. And in this melting pot of legal minds, Abhira witnessed firsthand the power of diversity in shaping legal practice. The richness of perspectives and the depth of expertise present around her opened her eyes to new possibilities and challenged her to broaden her own understanding of the law.

Kenneth Sir's approach was distinctly different from Armaan's. He viewed his work not just as legal practice, but as a strategic game of outsmarting opponents, deriving enjoyment from uncovering loopholes and bending rules — as far as it was legally and ethically permissible — to prove his clients' innocence. Despite his win-at-all-costs approach, however, his cause was ultimately the pursuit of justice, which was evident in his choice to work at a legal aid clinic in the first place. Through his methods, and a formidable combination of wit and innovation, he was able to help clients who would have otherwise been defenseless against a system biased against the poor and unconnected. One of his favorite sayings was, "Don't just think out of the box...build a new box."

Abhira learned from him the importance of strategic advocacy in leveling the playing field and empowering marginalized individuals within the legal system. She gained further insight into the complexities of justice and the impact of socio-economic factors on legal outcomes, and emerged with a deeper understanding of legal strategy and a newfound appreciation for the diverse approaches within the legal profession, drawing from both Armaan's integrity and Kenneth Sir's pragmatism as she continued her journey as a lawyer.

The week after, Abhira was assigned to a Munshi, Sharmaji, whom everyone affectionately referred to as Munshiji and whose wrinkled face would break into a smile every time he called her Sharmaji. Despite his humble title, Munshiji's expertise in legal procedures and his command over the written word of the law were unparalleled. His deep understanding of intricate legal matters made him an invaluable resource for the lawyers at the clinic, who regularly sought his guidance on complex cases. Under Munshiji's mentorship, Abhira delved into the intricacies of legal research and drafting, honing her skills and expanding her knowledge base. She marveled at Munshiji's ability to weave together legal arguments with precision and eloquence, learning the artistry of language in conveying complex legal concepts.

Through his patient guidance, Abhira gained a newfound appreciation for the beauty of language and its power to shape legal discourse. Beyond his technical expertise, Munshiji's humility and dedication to his work left a lasting impression on Abhira. Despite his immense knowledge, he remained approachable and eager to share his wisdom with others. As Abhira immersed herself in her tasks under Munshiji's guidance, she not only enhanced her understanding of legal procedures but also gained a deeper respect for the role of meticulous research and eloquent writing in the practice of law.

In her fourth and final week, she was assigned to Rastogi Ma'am, a formidable figure with a reputation for her unwavering dedication to social justice. Rastogi Ma'am's own life had been marked by hardship and oppression, fueling her determination to carve out a space for herself in what she perceived as a male-dominated world. As a staunch feminist, she fiercely advocated for the rights of women and other marginalized groups, including transgender people. She was a beautiful blend of lawyer and activist, tirelessly fighting against systemic inequalities and injustices. Her passion for social change permeated every aspect of her work, driving her to challenge the status quo and champion the rights of those who had been marginalized and silenced by society. With unwavering resolve, she stood up against oppression and discrimination, using her legal expertise as a tool for empowerment and liberation.

Under Rastogi Ma'am's guidance, Abhira gained a deeper understanding of the pervasive discrimination and systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities, particularly women and transgender individuals. 

Abhira herself had not experienced the overt prejudice to the extent that Rastogi Ma'am had. Her mother had instilled in her the belief that she could achieve anything, and she had never been made to feel, growing up, that her being a woman was a barrier to her dreams in any way. Yes, she had resented her mother's decision to tie her down in marriage to ensure her survival, but that had also been spurred by the terror wreaked by an obsessive stalker who would have stopped at nothing, except perhaps, the knowledge that she was married. 

However, her time at Poddar mansion had exposed her to the regressive mindsets that still existed in all strata of society, no matter how rich or educated people were. These experiences had perhaps been a blessing in disguise to some extent, she surmised, as they made it easier for her to relate to the suffocation individuals feel when their very identity is an obstacle in their path. It was a comforting thought... that the pain she had experienced in the past could be a tool she used to help others going forward.

In the span of the past year, Abhira had never experienced such a compelling drive to shed the weight of her past and embrace the promise of the future. This inner longing, a stirring force within her, infused every aspect of her life, including her interactions with Armaan. 

Even though, beyond the first week, Abhira was officially no longer under Armaan's mentorship, she found herself drawn to his side, often staying late at the clinic with him and offering her assistance in whatever he was doing. In those moments, as they worked side by side, interspersed by their customary tea and noodle parties, sometimes accompanied by one of Abhira's classmates who was shadowing Armaan that week, Abhira’s sense of familiarity and comfort in Armaan's presence continued to strengthen.

On the nights that they were alone at the clinic, and during their late-night drive to Abhira’s hostel, they began sharing stories... snippets from their childhood, accounts of their experiences over the past year… the challenges they had faced and the milestones they had achieved. In these candid conversations, there was laughter and nostalgia, but there were moments of tears and pain too... as they revisited past wounds and confronted lingering demons. 

Yet, amidst the emotional tumult, there was also a profound sense of comfort and companionship as they leaned on each other for support, offering solace and understanding in times of vulnerability.

Back at the hostel, as she lay in bed every night, the image of Armaan's smile danced behind her closed eyelids, igniting a flutter of butterflies in her stomach. She couldn't deny the magnetic pull she felt towards him, or the way her heart seemed to skip a beat whenever their eyes met or his hand brushed against hers. It was a sensation both exhilarating and unnerving, stirring a whirlwind of emotions within her.

But amidst the stirrings of attraction that she was beginning to feel towards him and the warmth of their steady companionship, Abhira couldn't help but feel a tinge of apprehension lingering in the background. As they peeled back the layers of their pasts, she grappled with the uncertainty of what the future held for them. The complexities of their relationship weighed heavily on her mind, and she found herself torn between the desire to embrace this newfound closeness and the fear of what it might entail. 

While she could not control her feelings, which seemed to have developed a life of their own and were now going amok... there still was one thing within her control. The choice of whether or not to act upon them. 

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

Part Fourteen

Baby sa is acquiring knowledge from the best lawyers in the legal aid clinic.

Armaan after so long time is sleeping well without pills.

Maybe his wife should show him how to enjoy life outside work as well.

Continue soon.

Great update. The month of volunteering is drawing to a close . They need to decide where their relationship goes from here. I would personally like to see Armaan bring up the "feelings"  he has and  bare himself but leave it up to Abhira what to do about their relationship and divorce proceedings. I think given their past, onus should fall on Armaan to speak about how he feels. 

Beautifully written 

Very descriptive of armaan and abhira feelings towards each other 

Very excited to read more on how story will progress

I wish abhira and armaan could think of giving their relationship a chance now that armaan is no longer living with family, something like starting slow like dating.

Uh-oh! Baby Sharma on the verge of falling in love. 

Although this Armaan is wayy better, I cannot help but be scared for her. 

Anxiety anxiety! 

It was beautiful again 💕 you are the master of depicting emotions!! Armaan and Abhira’s emotions were described so well and of course the shift in their relationship is so beautiful and organic!!! While they both have to get over their fears in order to move forward in their relationship, the emotional journey is very realistic in my opinion 👏💕

Thank you so much for your feedback!