SS: Twist Of Fate

Twist of Fate

Part 1

Standing in front of the mirror, she sees herself and picks up the comb.

She recalls Shaan sir inviting her to dinner in his flat.

She is extremely happy that her Aastha mam is now with her husband, and her relationship with her son is improving as well.

Their lives had taken a sarcastic turn following the riot incident.

Aastha had been shot and required medical attention. Shaan therefore had left Sabharwal house and was now living in his flat with Aastha. Despite Aastha's numerous attempts to persuade him to return to the Sabharwal household, he refused this time. He was adamant about his decision. He was never going to leave his wife again.

Shaurya's relationship with her was still strained, but not as much as it had been previously.

After she had slipped into coma, he had become the same four-year old Shaurya who was terrified of losing her. He had reverted to the vulnerable child who feared being separated from his mother.

Though he never expressed his concern directly or openly, but he paid frequent visits to his dad's flat, which was more than pleasing for Aastha and Shaan.

He looks after her, scolds her whenever she forgets to take her medications, and always accompanies her to hospital check-ups.

He never shows them how much he desires them, how much he longs for the same happy family back.

He was hurt that they had abandoned him, but he couldn't hate them. He had gradually come to realize that though Aastha left him but she loved him.

Aastha always showered her motherly love on him whenever he visited there, but she never imposed herself on him. She never tried to justify her decision to leave him. She just wanted Shaurya to know that the reason she left him behind at the tender age of four was not because she didn't care for him or love him, but because of something that would take time to reveal.

He still refers to her as "Miss Kashyap" which Aastha knew was for obvious reasons.

She believed there would come a time when she would be able to open up to Shaurya.

Nevertheless, everything is settling down with time, and a dinner is planned for today at Shaan's flat.

Shaan has invited Anokhi to the dinner and she repeatedly tried to decline it politely as she wanted the three of them to spend quality time together. But she had to give up in front of her Aastha mam and Shaan sir's insistence.

One more thing which was making her nervous was Shaurya's presence.

She has been avoiding him since the day she intervened in his personal life at the hospital, which was something she regrets even now.

That day, Aastha scolded her for the first time.

Aastha had courteously explained to her that she might have been good at fulfilling a teacher's responsibilities, but that didn't mean she was also good at fulfilling the responsibilities of a mother.

That day, Anokhi had realized that she had overstepped her boundaries by asking Shaurya to apologize to Aastha, as she was only his student and not someone who could prompt him to do anything.

Anokhi and Shaurya's bond even though had progressed but it was still an anonymous bond. They haven't yet realized where they stand in each other's lives.

The dynamics between them have changed dramatically since the riot.

Anokhi's guilt had grown when ACP Ahir told her that it was Shaurya who had saved her during the riots.

She had accused him of abandoning her alone in the riots without even listening to him.

That sense of guilt hasn't gone away.

She wanted to apologize, but their lives had been turned upside down by another incident.

That "LIBRARY INCIDENT".

He had called her out a characterless woman and she had been devastated by hearing that word from his mouth that day.

She felt as if her unwavering faith had been shattered.

It was as if an arrow had been shot straight through her heart, shattering it into trillions of pieces.

She was even going to leave the college for which she had struggled hard just because a man called her a characterless woman out of nowhere.

But why was that ?

Why did it have such an impact on her?

It's true that whatever he said was absolutely unethical but even so, why she was so affected by it ?

She couldn't stay there at the expense of her dignity; that was fine, but why did his remark hurt her so much ?

That "WHY" is unanswered till now.

He had apologized to her after that incident, and she had come to see a different Shaurya that day.

Someone, who apologized despite his innate attitude of never bending in front of others.

Someone, who was concerned about her future.

Someone, who cared for others without letting them know.

Someone, who wore a mask to hide his emotions.

No man ever thought for her the way he did.

The way he saved her during the riots but never revealed his actions, the way he stopped her from leaving Chandigarh, were some of the key points due to which she had grown fond of him.

She knew, he was as tough on the outside as a coconut's shell, but as soft on the inside as the white portion of a coconut.

They both are now on good terms but still that library incident had left an impact on her. They don't talk much to each other. Their conversations are limited to student-teacher interaction.

She had forgiven him, but after that incident, something had shifted in both of them. They were both dealing with some unnamed feelings.

She never tried to meddle in his life again as she had realized that she needed to stay within her boundaries as a student.

He on his way and she on her way.

It was one of the reasons she didn't want to join in the dinner, but in vain.

She sometimes gets irritated by Shaurya as he often loses his temper or behaves differently whenever she is with ACP Ahir, but she had no idea why. Even Shaurya wasn't aware what was the reason behind it.

Both were struggling with emotions they were not aware of.

Anyways...

Today, Anokhi has decked herself up in a cotton light blue Anarkali, with a printed silk dupatta on her left shoulder, which added to her beauty.

She wore the earrings and put a blue pearl bindi on her forehead.

Her pitch-black, soft hair was parted in the middle and front flicks were styled into rolls.

Her cheeks were adorned with their natural pink color and her lips were peach.

She was looking like a doll.

She was ready!

⁓⁕⁓

"Tum bhi vhi soch rhi hona..."

"Hmmm..."

"Tum sure ho ?..."

"Shaan... Beta hain vo mera... Bhale hi main... main usko bade hote hue nhi dekh paayi... uski parvarish nhi kar paayi... lekin MAA hoon uski... Saaf dikhta hain uski aankho mein Anokhi ke liye pyaar..."

"Us din jab vo Kapurthala vaapas jaane vaali thi... usi din andaaza ho gaya tha iske baare mein..."

"Tumne dekha nhi tha kaise voh bas use rokne ke liye koshish kar rha tha... voh baar-baar Anokhi ko manaane ki koshish kar rha tha... aur vo nhi maani toh usko kidnap tak kar liya..." Aastha remembered Anokhi narrating the entire incident to her, and she and Shaan both laughed at their son's antics.

Sometimes he acts so mature, and sometimes he does things that no one would expect of him.

"Main bhi yahi soch rha tha Noor... aaj Anokhi ke liye ek special din hai lekin Shaurya usko aur special bnana chaahta thsa isiliye toh ek special insaan ko bhi bulaaya gaya hain yaha..."

Aastha nodded and smiled.

"Anokhi khush ho jaayegi bohot... use dekhte hi"

"Lekin Noor... yeh toh btao Shaurya ko aaj ke din ke baare mein pta kaise chala ?..."

"Shaan... Main us din check-up ke liye gayi thi na hospital aur Shaurya bhi mere saath gaya tha..."

"Aate vakt mujhe book shop mein jaana tha... toh maine use kaha ki mujhe vha drop karke chala jaaye par tumhe toh pta hi hain voh kitna ziddi hain.... usne meri baat nhi maani..."

"Fir jab main vo books leke aa rhi thi usne mujhse poocha ki main un books ka kya karungi ?.... Tab maine use btaya tha ki vo books Anokhi ke liye hain aur aaj ke din ke baare mein use tab hi pta laga tha..."

"Aaj ka yeh jo dinner plan hai... vo bhi usika hi hai..."

Shaan looked at her shocked.

"Really ?..."

"Mujhe laga sirf yeh decorations ka kaam aur us special insaan ko bulaane ki baat jo thi vo Shaurya ka idea hai... Lekin yeh dinner bhi ?... Maine socha ki yeh tumhaara idea hain..."

"Nhi Shaan... mere bolne se pehle hi Shaurya ne mujhse iss baare mein baat ki... usne bhale hi mujhse casually kaha ho par maine dekha tha uski aankho mein... vo Anokhi ka yeh din khaas bnana chaahta tha..."

Shaan smiled.

"I hope... vo jaldi apni feelings ko samjhe... Kitna ajeeb haina yeh... jis ladki ko college se nikaalne ke liye usne had paar kar di thi usise aaj use pyaar ho gaya... "

"Anokhi... kitni pyaari bachchi haina... I'll be glad to be her father-in-law..."

"Shaan !... Tum itna aage pahunch gaye... Abhi toh dono ko apne feelings ke baare mein pta hi nhi... aur tum ho ke..." she let out a laugh.

"Tumhe pta hain Shaan... Anokhi ke dil mein bhi vhi feelings hain jo Shaurya ke dil mein hain... maine dekha hain un dono ko... jab bhi jhagadte hain toh aise jhagadte hain maano ek doosre par unka hak ho... "

"Bass... unhe apni yeh feelings samajh aa jaaye Shaan... isse zyaada khushi mujhe aur koi cheez nhi de sakti..."

"Mera Shaurya badalne laga hain..."

"Voh bhale hi mujhe abhi tak "maa" kehkar nhi pukaarta par mujhe vishvaas hai... vo din bhi jald aayega..."

"Meri Anokhi haina... usne humesha Shaurya ko aaina dikhaaya hai... jo bhi bolna chaaha usse bejhijhak bola hai... Uski isi quality ke vajah se hi toh Shaurya usse pyaar kar baitha..."

"Shaurya se kabhi kisine itne saaf tareeke se baat nhi ki jaise Anokhi karti hain... apni baat ko humesha khulke uske saamne rakhna... galat ko galat kehne se naa darna... inhi sab ki vajah se toh Shaurya usse pyaar karta hain..."

"Shaurya ne mujhse yeh baatein kabhi kahi nhi... par main jaanti hoon... uski baato se ... un dono ke behaviour se samjah aata hain mujhe..."

Shaan smiled as he listened.

He was pleased that his son had fallen in love with a woman who was polar opposite to him, but this didn't seem to stop him from loving her.

Though Anokhi and Shaurya were unaware of their shared feelings, Shaan and Aastha were aware from the start.

Shaan and Aastha simply wish for them to recognize their feelings as soon as possible.

⁓⁕⁓

Anokhi was carefully climbing the stairs while lifting her Anarkali.

She finally reached the door and rang the bell.

No one opened it. She rang it once more.

Then she noticed the door was partially open.

She hesitated at first, but then attempted to push the door open slightly, but there was sheer darkness.

She stepped in slowly and called out, "Aastha Mam ?..."

She was perplexed as to why the door was open and the room was dark.

"Shaan sir ?...", she called again but to no avail.

She took another step, and then the door behind her clicked shut, scaring her.

She was taken aback when the lights turned on and someone's voice came.

She got more shocked.

Phoolon ka taaron ka sabka kehna hai

Ek hazaaron mein meri behna hai

Saari umar humein sang rehna hai

Phoolon ka taaron ka sabka kehna hai...

The person approached her, cupped her face, and exclaimed in joy, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKKI !!!..."

Anokhi's eyes glistened with tears as she opened her mouth, only to let out a gasp.

"Babli di..."

They both hugged each other, and the other members came in one by one, gazing in awe at the sight of sisters.

"Shhhhh... Nikki..."

"Rote nhi..."

"Di... Tu ?... Yaha ?... Mera birthday ?... Dinner ?... Yeh sab ?..." she managed to say between her sobs as she looked around and observed the decorations.

Even though there were only lights, it looked lovely.

Simple and tranquil.

"Arre Nikki... Teri hi toh birthday party hai yeh..."

"Happy birthday meri pyaari behen..." she placed a forehead kiss.

"Thank you di..." she still was deciphering the fact that it was a surprise planned for her.

She walked over to Aastha and hugged her too.

"Aastha mam... aapne... yeh sab..."

"Thank you so much..."

"Thank you Shaan sir..." she said pulling back from the hug.

He caressed her head and blessed her, "Happy birthday beta... khush raho..."

"Ab rona band karo Anokhi... Birthday girl royegi to achcha thodi na lagega..."

Anokhi smiled and wiped away her tears like a child.

Anokhi was ecstatic that it had been done for her.

"Thank you so much Aastha mam, Shaan sir, Babli di... main sach mein bohot khush hoon..." she beamed like a kid.

But soon she felt something was missing.

She realized that there was still one more important person who hadn't wished her yet.

It felt somewhat incomplete. Again, the reason was unknown to her.

Yeah... she was thinking about Shaurya.

"Shaurya sir kahi nhi dikh rhe..." she pondered and searched through the corner of eyes.

"Unhe bhi toh hona chaahiye tha na yaha... unke dad ka flat hai yeh... Unhe bhi pta tha mere birthday ke baare mein ?... Par wish toh nhi kiya mujhe..." she wondered, and her face lost its glow.

Everyone in the room could sense what she was thinking.

Shaan and Aastha exchanged a smile as Anokhi's reaction again confirmed their suspicions that she too had feelings for Shaurya.

Babli was also aware of it and attempted to cheer her up.

"Anokhi..."

"Tu jinhe dhoond rhi hain vo abhi aate hi honge..."

Anokhi got alarmed and she tried to avert her gaze.

"Main ?... Main kise dhoondungi ?... Main toh bas aise hi... yeh... yeh decoration dekh rhi thi..."

"Ohhh... achcha... achcha... Hume laga tum kisi ko expect kar rhi thi..." Shaan tried to supress his smile but that earned him a smack from Aastha.

Anokhi tried to smile, but her mind was still occupied by Shaurya's thoughts.

"Lekin ye plan..." she widened her eyes.

"Matalb di!... Tune jaanboojhkar mujhe wish karne ke liye phone nhi kiya tha aaj ?..." she realized that her sister could never forget her birthday, then how come it happened today.

"Haan Nikki... agar phone kar deti toh surprise kaise milta tujhe... "

"Di... yeh toh cheating hain... aaj mujhe sirf mumma ne aur Reema ne hi wish kiya... mujhe laga baaki sab kisiko mera birthday yaad hi nhi hain... main kitni udaas ho gayi thi pta hain..." she sulked.

"Awww sorry meri pyaari Nikki... Yeh sab to Shau-..."

"Ting-Tong..."

The bell rang, and Babli's words came to a halt...

To be continued...

Thank you for reading 

Twist of Fate

Part 2

"Shaurya hoga...", exclaimed Shaan as the bell rang.

Anokhi, who had been waiting for that person for a long time, stiffened. She now has to face the person she had been attempting to avoid for so long.

Babli was standing closest to the door, so she went to open it.

Anokhi was anticipating a person's face and as soon as the door opened and Babli stepped aside to let the person enter, THEIR EYES MET.

For a brief moment, they both felt as if time had stopped for them.

HIS eyes on her and HER eyes on him.

Between those silver earrings on her ears that swung back and forth, he noticed how lovely her small round face looked.

Her face was accentuated by a bindi between her brows.

The wind outside made her hair to sway in the air.

Her beauty was enhanced by a light blue dress.

He was just standing there, looking intently at her.

He was captivated by her sight.

He then observed her big eyelashes lowering down on their own, followed by a pinkish tinge on her cheeks.

He adored that moment, how calm she appeared. 

He wished for the moment to come to a halt so he could stare at that petite frame in front of him forever. He'd never get tired of it.

The rest of the group was having a good time observing the two of them.

His trance was broken when he heard Babli clear her throat.

The two of them were jolted back into reality.

"Shaurya sir !..."

"Itni der kardi aapna aane mein...", Babli spoke up.

"Huhh ?... Vo... vo... main... baahr... Haan baahar baarish ho rhi haina... isiliye thoda jam ho gaya tha...", he said this while walking inside and mentally chastising himself for peering at a particular person.

"Shaurya... tum to thode bheeg gaye ho... Jaao jaake change karlo nhi toh thandi lag jaayegi...", Aastha said concerned.

"It's okay... zyaada nhi bheega hoon main...", he replied.

"Aastha sahi keh rhi hain Shaurya... Tumhaare kapde hain mere almirah mein... jaao karlo change..."

He gave up when he realized he had no other option and went inside.

He took a shirt out of the almirah to wear, and SHE flashed across his eyes.

He recollects how beautiful she appeared in that dress.

He'd always liked her in Indian outfits, and she was wearing one today.

Her pinkie cheeks amplified her elegance even more.

He didn't want to let her know that it was his plan, so he arrived late and had informed Shaan, Aastha, and Babli about it, claiming that she would not accept this celebration if she found out it was done by him.

He wanted to make her happy.

He wanted to make her day special by involving her sister, who was a very special person in her life.

He wished he could always see the twinkle in her eyes.

He wished he could keep that adorable smile on her face forever.

That is why he did all of these things, and it will not bother him in the least if she never finds out that it was all planned by him.

All that mattered to him was her happiness.

Her smile held so much importance to him.

This morning, as he was decorating the room, he asked himself for the first time why he was doing all of this.

It's not that everything he does has to have a purpose. But what was it implying ?

Was he just doing those all the things as a teacher to her ?

Or as a friend ?

Friend ???

When did he become her friend ?

Or was he someone more to her than a friend ?

He has no answers to these questions.

It was still unclear why he had gone to such lengths to prevent her from leaving Chandigarh. He believed it was her career, her future, but was it the only reason?

When she's with ACP Ahir, why does he feel insecure?

These were the questions; these were the feelings he'd been battling for a long time but couldn't seem to resolve.

Though they are friendly, Anokhi has been avoiding him for a long time, and he had noticed it.

He had apologized for what he had done, but he knew it had left an impact on both of them.

He believes Anokhi was avoiding him because she still can't get over the library incident.

How could she forget ?

He had made a slanderous remark about her character.

A wave of remorse washed over him all of a sudden. He was filled with grief for having caused her pain.

He fisted the shirt in his hand, transferring the rage he felt for hurting her onto it.

Today, after many days they have come so close and he just wishes to get a chance to talk to her.

Soon, he changed into the new shirt and went to the drawing room.

In the drawing room, everyone was preparing for cake cutting.

Now that everyone was present in the drawing room, Shaan spoke up, "Chalo bhai... sabhi aa gaye... ab party shuru..."

Aastha smiled.

Babli approached Anokhi and escorted her to the center table.

She saw a small vanilla cake bearing a wafer with Nikki written on it.

It made her smile once more.

All of the decorations and preparations had been made for her. It felt like she was the center of attention. She was feeling blessed.

Shaan lit the candle while Aastha handed her the knife.

Anokhi and Shaurya were stealing glances from each other as they stood diametrically opposite one another.

But Anokhi was just wondering why he wasn't wishing her.

"Ek wish to kar hi sakte the... Vaise to jab dekho mujhe sunaate rehte hain... Abhi bolne ki zaroorat hai to kuch bol hi nhi rhe..."

She took the knife in her hand, but a part of her heart still felt empty.

Everyone sang as she blew out the candle.

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday Nikki

Happy birthday to you...

With a gleaming smile on her face, she cut the cake like an excited child.

A person's attention was drawn to that smile.

Yes... it was Shaurya.

His mission had been accomplished. He had hoped to see that blissful smile on her face, and now it has finally happened.

He is over with his work now. It made him happy.

Babli looked at Shaurya, whose gaze was fixed on Anokhi, and felt happy that there was someone in her sister's life who cared for her, who wanted to make her birthday more special, who wanted to put a smile on her face.

She knew they had feelings for each other and hoped they would realize it as soon as possible.

Anokhi was cutting the cake, but she was missing her family at the same time.

Her mother had called her this morning and blessed her with wishes.

Her relationship with her Papaji remained unchanged. She didn't expect him to wish her and the same happened. He didn't call her as expected, but her mother sent her many well-wishes, which she valued more.

Her mother wasn't present there but Aastha was. She was no less than her mother.

Likewise, Shaan was like a fatherly figure to her and it made her forget the sadness she had due to her Papaji.

Babli di, her sister was present there. She was the one who has always been a huge support. She never backed off inspite of so many hardships in her life. That was her strength too.

And at last, her Shaurya sir was also there.

What was his significance there ?

She knew, it would absolutely feel incomplete without him, but why?

Was he just her teacher, or someone more?

Why would it matter to her if he wasn't there?

She also needed his presence in her birthday, a special day, but why was that ?

HER HEART KNEW THE ANSWER BUT HER MIND CURTAINED IT WITH ITS RATIONALITY AND SHE SHRUGGED OFF HER THOUGHTS EVEN BEFORE COMING TO A CONCLUSION.

The room erupted with applause as she cut the cake.

Shaurya was silently standing there peering on her. He just clapped and his eyes were only on HER.

He was observing how those eyes sparkled like a child's, how those cheeks dimpled, and how those lips curled into a huge smile.

Shaan blasted the confetti and his trance broke.

He then noticed Anokhi feeding his mother, "Aastha," the first piece.

He was relieved that his mother had erased Anokhi's missingness for her own mother to a great extent.

He was concerned about her happiness, but why did it matter so much to him?

HIS HEART KNEW THE ANSWER BUT HE WASN'T READY TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT.

He was thinking about all these things when he saw Anokhi approaching him.

Anokhi's smile had fainted.

Anokhi felt nervous; she had fed others the cake and Shaurya was the only remaining one.

Their hearts began to beat faster in unison.

Anokhi's hand began to tremble.

Shaurya felt solace as he saw her approaching him. It felt as if calmness was enveloping him.

She walked over to him and took a position in front of him.

She looked up; he looked down; their gaze met.

At that exact moment, their hearts skipped a beat.

They hadn't been in talks for many days and today, after a long time they have come so close.

Their gazes locked and spoke volumes.

Shuarya could see some guilt, disappointment, sadness, and longing in her eyes, just as she could see these in his.

Shaurya looked at her as she hesitantly extended her hand, brought it close to his mouth. 

Her long black eyelashes lowered down and a crimson hue appeared on her cheeks, giving her a heavenly appearance.

Ahhh!... He was totally mesmerized by that sight.

He raised his hand, took hers in his, and returned the cake piece to her mouth.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY... ANOKHI"

Finally !!!

She finally got to hear the words she had been waiting to hear since his arrival.

She felt as if this one wish meant world to her.

A blissful smile made its way to her lips which erased all the sadness, anger and disappointment in her eyes and she opened her small mouth to take in the cake piece.

The rest of the trio was enthralled by the adorable scene.

They knew Anokhi was looking forward to him wishing her, and now that it has, her face has regained its radiance. They were delighted for her.

Anokhi was gulping down the cake piece when she heard Shaurya saying, "Maine thoda sa diya tha... tum toh poora hi khaayegi... mera hissa bhi tha usme..."

Her eyes widened as she looked at him.

"Shaurya !...", Aastha exclaimed, she knew he was pulling her leg.

Now Anokhi was back to real Anokhi.

"Poora kha gayi se kya matlab hai aapka Shaurya sir ?... Maine aapko hi diya tha... aap hi ne nhi khaaya toh meri kya galti..."

Now Shaurya was thrilled to the core that he was conversing with the same Anokhi he had been wanting to interact since long.

The same bold Anokhi.

Shaurya was now happy and relieved.

Aastha walked over to her.

"Anokhi... uski baato par dhyaan mat do..."

"Aur Shaurya... yeh kya baat hui... uska birthday hai... Vo cake nhi khaayegi toh aur kaun khaayega..."

Shaurya shrugged off and suppressed his smile.

The rest of the members looked amused as the two of them can start their quarrel anywhere and at any moment.

⁓⁕⁓

The cake had been cut into five pieces by Babli, and everyone was seated at the table with their plates.

Shaurya and Anokhi were on opposite ends.

Anokhi spoke up again excitedly, "Thank you so much aap sabhi ko... main bohot bohot bohot khush hoon... Isse pehle kabhi mera birthday aise celebrate nhi kiya gaya... Thank you sooooo much..."

Shaurya looked up from his plate and a smile made its way to his lips.

Aastha, Shaan, and Babli exchanged glances because the true planner was Shaurya, and they all wanted Anokhi to know about it, but Sahurya had asked them not to tell Anokhi.

Anokhi noticed them and said, "Kya hua Aastha mam ?... Di ?... Aap log aise ek doosre ko kyun ghoor rhe ho ?..."

They turned alarmed and they averted their gaze.

"Nikki... Tu khush haina ?...."

"Haan di !... Yeh bhi koi poochne vaali baat hain... Koi khush kaise nhi ho sakta itna kuch hone ke baad... Par ye to btao yeh plan tha kiska ???..."

Shaurya's grip on the spoon slipped and landed on the plate.

He instantly looked up and eyed them.

All of them wanted to disclose the fact but had to remain tongue-tied.

"Arreh... kya hua ?... Koi mujhe btayega bhi ab ki plan tha kiska ?... "

She glared Aastha.

"Aastha mam... Aapka plan tha ?..."

"N... nhi Anokhi... mera p... plan nhi tha... Shaan se poocho..."

Her glaring eyes landed on Shaan.

"Shaan sir ?...", she raised her eyebrows.

"Arre... Tumhari mam mujhe fasa rhi hain... maine kuch nhi kiya... Babli se poocho..."

Shaurya was eyeing them continuously but he could sense his plan failing.

He gave a pleading look to Babli. She was the last ray of hope he had.

Anokhi then looked at Babli while Babli's eyes were on Shaurya.

Anokhi noticed it and a question flashed across her mind, "Kahi yeh Shaurya sir ka plan toh nhi ?..."

But the next moment she made herself understand, "Nhi nhi... aisa kaise ho sakta hain... Vo mere liye plan kyu karenge itna sab kuch... Pkka yeh Babli di ka hi plan hain..."

She again intimidated, "Bol na di... tera plan tha na ?..."

Babli opened her mouth to say something but again her eyes were drawn to Shaurya, who was giving a pleading expression.

Finally, after heaving a sigh, she stated, "Nhi..."

"Mera plan nhi tha yeh..."

Anokhi looks on shocked...

To be continued...

Thank you for reading 

beautifully written, felt like I am watching the serial again. Thanks for taking us to Shakhi again

Originally posted by: Smiley3262017

beautifully written, felt like I am watching the serial again. Thanks for taking us to Shakhi again

Thank you so much😊

Twist of Fate

Part 3

As soon as Babli's words left her mouth, Shaurya's mouth fell open.

"Te... tera plan nhi tha... Toh fir ?...", Anokhi turned to look at Shaurya.

He immediately looked down at his plate, trying to come up with something to answer her questioning gaze.

"Arreh Nikki...", Babli exclaimed.

"Mera plan nhi tha... Mere kehne ka matlab hai ki mere akele ka plan nhi tha... Hum sab ne milke bnaya tha plan... Aastha mam... Shaan sir... Shaurya sir... sabhi ne ek saath kiya sab kuch...", she smirked at Shaurya and he breathed a sigh of relief.

He was terrified that his plan would be revealed.

"Ohhh... achcha... Sabhi ne milke kiya...", Anokhi comprehended.

Her racing heart, which was sprinting with so many questions, was calmed.

The cake-eating event continued with lots of chit-chats, and the evening was spent very happily.

While Anokhi and Shaurya exchanged glances multiple times, they quickly averted their gaze, which made Babli smile.

Anokhi was delighted to see Shaurya's generous conversation with Aastha. She could tell he was more open now than before. 

She wished that the mother-son relationship would grow stronger. She is unaware of his past, but she hopes that everything will be fine and that she will be the happiest.

Babli approached the table, holding something in her hand.

With her palm, she closed Anokhi's eyes.

"Di !!!... Kya kar rhi hain..."

The other members chuckled at them.

"Pehle tu apni aankhen band kar..."

"Diiiii... please na... btana kya hua ?..."

"Surprise hai Nikki... Pehle aankhe band !..."

Anokhi pouted and closed her eyes as she was told, and everyone stared in awe at her.

Babli took Anokhi's hands in her own and placed a box on top of them.

"Ab aankhe khol de..."

She opened her eyes only to find a cuboidal box covered in a gift wrapper on her hand.

"Di... iski kya zaroorat thi... Tu mere paas hai yaha... mujhe isse zyaada aur kuch nhi chaahiye..."

Babli cradled her face between her palms and said, "Main jaanti hu Nikki... "

"Lekin ek baar kholke toh dekh... mujhe ummeed hai tujhe pasand aayega..."

Anokhi smiled and began undoing the tapes, while the rest of the members looked at it, curious about what was inside.

She took off the wrapper and emptied the box.

A veil of water formed under her eyelids as soon as her gaze fell on the image.

That was the most valuable thing she could think of.

Her courage, her inspiration, her entire being was captured in that single frame.

She looked up at her sister, whose eyes had welled up as well.

She rose from her seat and hugged her tightly.

"Di... Yeh... yeh best hai... Thank you Di... Mujhe yeh pasand nhi... bohot bohot bohot pasand aaya... Bohot !!!..."

Babli reciprocated the hug. She knew her little sister would love it for sure.

"Hume bhi toh dikhao kya hai...", Shaan tried to lighten the atmosphere.

Anokhi smiled and sniffed.

"Yeh... isme..."

"Isme meri duniya hain...", she flipped the frame over and showed it to them.

Shaan, Shaurya, and Aastha watched it and realized why she was so happy and emotional all at the same time.

They adored Babli's choice.

It wasn't just a plastic photo frame with an image on it; it was much more.

It was Anokhi's everything and they felt delighted.

It was Rama, Babli, and Anokhi all in one frame.

"Yeh meri mumma hain Shaan sir..."

"Meri mumma... meri Babli Di... meri taakat... mera sab kuch hain isme... is chhote se frame mein..."

"Main ise apne hostel room mein table par rakhungi Di... Aur roz dekhungi...", she beamed with joy.

"Yeh bohot achcha hai Babli... Bohot keemti cheez hain yeh...", Aastha said as she took the frame in her hand.

"Haan Babli... isse zyaada achcha gift toh aur koi ho hi nhi sakta tha... Yeh best hain...", Shaan praised Babli as he looked over the gift from Aastha's hand.

Shaurya smiled as he looked at Anokhi.Her heart was so pure that she valued the frame so much. He felt happy at it. 

Babli was pleased that she was able to brighten her sister's special day.

Her gaze then was drawn to the watch, and she remembered something that made her smile fade.

"Shaan sir... Aastha mam... Shaurya sir... Nikki... ab mujhe jaana hoga... "

"Arre Babli... abhi toh sirf aath hi bje hain... itni jaldi ?... Dinner to karti jaao...", Shaan said.

"Shaan sir... Aap sabhi logo ne Nikki ke liye jo bhi kiya... mujhe bohot khushi hui... Meri behen bohot lucky hain jo aap logo ko paaya hain usne... lekin ab mujhe jaana hoga... Agar main jaldi nhi gayi toh ghar pe...", her eyes lowered, as if trying to hide some sort of pain.

Anokhi's heart sank upon seeing it. She wished her sister would spend more time with her, and she knew Babli felt the same way, but they were both aware of the consequences. Her sister's life had been made a living hell by that "Vineet Bhatia". She intends to kick him out of her Babli Di's life as soon as possible.

Shaurya was no other. He too was feeling empathetic. On Valentine's Day, he had seen what kind of person Vineet was. If everything was in his hands, he would have thrown him in the jail right away.

Aastha approached her and consoled her.

"Babli..."

"Humesha yaad rakhna hum bhi hain tumhaare saath... Jab bhi zaroorat pade hume yaad karna... kabhi hichkichaana mat..."

Babli smiled and hugged her. Anokhi jumped in as well.

Shaan and Shaurya smiled as they watched the adorable scene.

"Babli ji... Chaliye... main aapko chod deta hoon...", Shaurya said while picking up the key from the table.

Anokhi silently appreciated his gentlemanly attitude.

Babli pulled away from the hug and said, "Nhi nhi Shaurya sir... Main chali jaaungi... Auto stand toh yahi paas hi mein hain... Aapko kyun takleef dena..."

"Babli ji... Please..."

"Aap apni behen ki tarah toh nhi hain jo mujhe humesha pareshaan karti rehti hain... Mujhe koi takleef nhi hogi...", he tried to spark a fire.

And, as predicted, the fire erupted the next moment.

"Main pareshaan karti rehti hu ???... Main ???... Matlab kya hain aapka Shaurya Sir ?... ", she intimidated.

"Tumhe pta hoga na... Ek toh seatbelt lagaana bhi nhi aata... Oopar se chalti gaadi se bhi koodne ki dhamki deti ho... Pareshaan nhi toh aur kya hain yeh ?...", he poured more fuel on the fire by reminding her of her threat to jump from the running car when he kidnapped her to prevent her from leaving Chandigarh.

The other members were trying hard not to laugh as they recalled the incident.

Anokhi stomped her feet and narrowed her eyes.

"Usme meri koi galti nhi thi... Aap hi ne mujhe aise bina btaye kidnap kiya tha toh main aur kya karti...", she frowned.

"For your kind information Miss Bhalla... Kidnapping bina btaye hi ki jaati hain... itni si common sense nhi hai aap mein...", he was having a good time with the angry young woman after so long.

"Shaurya sir !!!...", she was now completely irritated.

The other members, who were enjoying the banter, felt that they needed to stop Shaurya in order to prevent the volcano from exploding.

"Anokhi ko tang mat karo Shaurya... Voh bilkul sahi keh rhi hain... Tumhaari hi galti thi usme..."

"Aap to humesha usika side lenge dad... mujhe toh apni ladai akele hi ladni hogi...", he said it sarcastically.

However, as soon as the words reached the other person's ears, they sensed their truthfulness.

Shuarya's face became expressionless as he interpreted his own words. He didn't mean anything when he said it, but his words eventually reflected his internal turmoil.

Even Anokhi who was fighting with him until now, became upset. Her heart felt unsettled as those words made her feel that he was too alone. She simply wanted to console him at the time, to assure him that, despite their differences, she would always be there for him.

Again, those unnamed feelings arose within her, and all she wanted to do was hug him tightly.

Aastha was the most hurt by it as she knew that she was the sole cause of his torment. She looked down with moist eyes, her face contorted with regret.

A pure silence spread in the room.

After few moments, Shaurya himself spoke up, "Main... maine toh bas aise hi keh diya... main kuch mean nhi kar rha tha... Sorry..."

He felt bad for ruining Anokhi's joyous occasion.

Anokhi was simply staring at him, wondering how he he always manages to conceal his emotions so easily. At that moment, she could clearly see the pain in his eyes, but instead of expressing it, he was masking his emotions to turn the situation back to normal.

With each passing day, the more she is seeing him the more she was growing fonder of him.

"Nhi Shaurya..."

"Tumhaari koi galti nhi hain..."

"Galti... galti toh humse hui hain...", Shaan placed his hand on his shoulder to express his repentance.

Babli attempted to lighten the mood as she saw the situation becoming depressing.

"Toh theek hain Shaurya sir !..."

"Aap hi mujhe drop kar deejiye..."

"Maine seatbelt lgaane ki training bhi le rakhi hain... aur main chalti gaadi se kood ke traffic rules bhi nhi todungi... Aapko pkka koi taakleef nhi hogi..."

The faces that had been silent until now cracked up laughing, and the atmosphere returned to its light mode.

"Kaash aapki behen bhi aapki tarah intelligent hoti...", Shaurya resumed his banter again.

This time, Anokhi didn't get angry but instead passed a wide smile to him. He automatically smiled seeing her.

Those unexplainable feelings resurfaced in both of them, and they shied, turning their faces away.

⁓⁕⁓

Anokhi, Babli had arrived downstairs, and Shaurya was getting his car out from the garage.

Anokhi had requested that she return to the hostel as well, but Shaan and Aastha insisted that she stay until dinner time. And she had to give up again in the face of their demands.

Shaurya was wiping his car and Babli saw it as an opportunity to tell Anokhi that everything was Shaurya's idea.

She believed it was high time they both needed to explore and realize their mutual feelings.

Seeing Shaurya busy, she pulled Anokhi aside and revealed the matter to her.

"Kya hua Di ?...Tu aise mujhe kheench ke kyu le aayi ?..."

"Mujhe tujhe kuch btana hai Nikki..."

"Kya ?... Bol..."

"Nikki... Tu jaanti hain... yeh... aaj ka jo bhi plan tha na... Voh Shaurya sir ka plan tha..."

Anokhi's brows furrowed.

She took a few moments to figure out what Babli was saying.

"Di... Tu yahi kehna chaahti haina ki Shaurya sir ne bhi tum logo ki is plan mein madad ki thi ?..."

"Nikki... sirf madad nhi... poora plan hi unka tha..."

"Voh decorations... mujhe yaha bulaane ka idea... tera favorite vanilla flavored cake... sab kuch... unhone khud kiya tha... Madad toh humne ki thi... Asli kaam toh unhone kiya tha..."

"SIRF TERE LIYE... TERI KHUSHI KE LIYE... TERA DIN SPECIAL BANANE KE LIYE..."

Anokhi was utterly stunned when Babli clarified her confusion.

Her heart was pounding in her chest. 

Till now, she had been thinking that Shaurya might have just helped them in the arrangements, but the fact that the entire thing was solely his plan was far too unexpected for her.

"Nikki...", Babli's voice jolted her out of her reverie.

"Ek baat kehna chaahti thi tujhse..."

"Shaurya sir bohot achche insaan hain... Unhone meri Nikki ke liye itna sab kuch kiya..."

"Main pehle sochti thi vo bhi sabhi mardo ki hi tarah hai... lekin nhi... vo alag hai...", Babli expressed her gratitude.

"Vo kisiko dikhaate nhi... lekin sabki bohot care karte hain..."

Anokhi was perplexed as to why no one had told her of this until now.

"Di... main... maine jab tab poocha tha yeh kiska plan hai... tab mujhe kisine kyu nhi btaya iss baare mein ?..."

"Kyunki maine btaya na abhi... Vo kisiko dikhaate nhi... lekin sabki bohot care karte hain... Unhe lga tha shayad tu unke is surprise ko accept na kare isiliye vo nhi chaahte the tujhe yeh baat pta lge..."

 "Lekin mujhe lga yeh galat hoga..."

 "Teri khushi ke peeche jo insaan hai tujhe use hi thank you bolna chaahiye... isiliye maine tujhe yeh baat bta di... Jo cheez vo deserve karte hain vo unhe hi milna chaahiye ..."

All of this was being said by Babli when Shaurya's car arrived and the horn beeped.

Both the sister's attention went towards him who was gesturing Babli to come.

Babli gave Anokhi a warm hug and left, but not before muttering something into Anokhi's ears.

"Ek baar sochke dekhna Nikki... Teri Khushi se unhe kya mila hoga... Tera din special bnakar unhe khushi kyu hui hogi...Unke yeh sab karne ke peeche kya reason rha hoga... Apne dil se ek baar poochhke dekhna..."

The car drove away, but Anokhi remained standing there staring at the vanishing car's lights and lost in thoughts.

She stood there in a daze, thinking about why Shaurya sir had done all of that for her...

To be continued...

Thank you for reading 

Twist of Fate

Part 4

Anokhi was on her way upstairs, but her mind was preoccupied with Shaurya.

"SIRF TERE LIYE... TERI KHUSHI KE LIYE... TERA DIN SPECIAL BANANE KE LIYE..."

These words resounded in her ears.

"Mere liye ?... Meri Khushi ke liye ?... Lekin kyu ?...", she wondered.

She reached the door and went inside.

She sat back in her chair, once again lost in his thoughts.

She felt suddenly guilty that the person she had been avoiding for so many days did so much for her.

She was truly feeling happy after today's celebration, as in Kapurthala, her birthday was never celebrated this way. She was incredibly happy and grateful that these people had come together to make her day even more special.

At the time, all she wanted to do was thank Shaurya sir for whatever he had done and apologize for the reason she had avoided him till now.

"Anokhi... tum aa gayi...", Aastha's voice broke her trance.

"J...ji mam... "

She walked over to the table and took a seat.

Anokhi looked at her and thought, "Shaan sir... Aastha mam... in sab ne bhi mujhe Shaurya sir ke plan ke baare mein kuch nhi btaaya.. iska matlab hai ki unhone sabko btaane se mana kiya tha..."

She became restless as to why he did all these things for her without revealing.

On the one hand, she was overjoyed that someone had done so much for her, but on the other, she was feeling increasingly guilty, which compounded her previous guilt for ignoring him.

She also wanted to ask to Aastha about it, but backed off from that idea and she hoped for a chance to speak with him.

She wanted to talk to him, thank him, apologize, and clear everything with him.

She was feeling too light-hearted that after so many days, she got to spend time with her Babli Di.

"Anokhi... Kya hua ?..."

"Tum itni chup-chup baithi ho...", Aastha noticed her.

"N...nhi kuch nhi mam... Bas aise hi..."

She placed her palm over her hand.

"Anokhi..."

She looked up.

"Anokhi..."

"Beta... Babli ki yaad aa rhi hain ?..."

Anokhi nodded with a sad face.

Aastha placed her palm on her face.

"Chinta mat karo Anokhi..."

"Babli bohot strong hain..."

"Vo Vineet Bhatia se bohot jald chhutkaara mil jaayega use... Tum chinta mat karo..."

"Aur Shaurya gaya hain na use drop karne... voh theek-thaak ghar pahunch gayi hogi ab tak..."

Anokhi gave a small smile. Shaurya is her constant savior.

"Mujhe toh bohot bhookh lagi hain... Dinner kab aayega ?...", Shaan's voice came as he entered drawing room.

"Shaan !... Shaurya ko toh aane do... Aur thodi der pehle hi toh cake khaaya tha...", Aastha scolded.

"Arre... Daant kyu rahi ho... Dinner hi toh maanga hain... Theek hain maine abhi thodina maanga hain... baad mein kha lenge..."

Anokhi giggled seeing their small fight.

"Jab tak Shaurya nhi aata tab tak arrangements toh kar hi sakte hain...", he wasn't able to hold his patience anymore.

"Shaan... tumhaara kuch nhi ho sakta... Chalo kitchen mein... main bhi aati hoon..."

Shaan winked at Anokhi, who chuckled in response.

"Main bhi chalti hoon... main bhi madad karungi..."

"Haan to chalo...", Shaan replied.

After a half-hour, all of the arrangements on the dining table were complete.

The bell rang just then.

Shaan opened the door and as expected, Shaurya had returned after dropping Babli.

"Chalo... Shaurya bhi aa gaya..."

Anokhi's eyes lifted and she turned to look at him. He walked in, placed the keys on the table, and washed his hands at the sink next to the kitchen door.

Anokhi was just observing him and thinking that how well he managed to hide his plan. She was completely oblivious to the fact that it was his plan. He didn't say anything and pretended he had nothing to do with it. She got a bit emotional but instantly blinked back her tears.

Soon, everybody was seated on the dining table with their plates.

Anokhi and Shaurya were on one side, and Shaan and Aastha were on the other. Shaan had purposefully told Aastha to sit next to him so that they could sit close together.

"Toh kaisa lga tumhe Anokhi aaj... Tumne pehli baar apna birthday hum logo ke saath bitaaya...", Shaan said this while eating rice.

His question again reminded her that the cause of her happiness was the person sitting beside her, who was behaving as if he had no role in it.

She was disappointed that she didn't get the chance to heartily thank him.

"Mu... mujhe bohot achcha laga Shaan sir..."

"Main sach mein bohot khush hoon... Yeh bilkul naya tha... Aap sabhi logo ke saath maine pehli baar birthday celebrate kiya..."

"Thank you Aastha mam... Thank you Shaan sir..."

"THANK YOU SHAURYA SIR..."

Shuarya lifted his head from his plate and shifted his gaze to the side. His eyes ended up falling on hers, which seemed to be asking a question. He gave a small nervous smile before returning his attention to his plate.

Anokhi noticed how, once again, he didn't say anything and remained silent rather than revealing the truth.

She continued eating but suddenly something got stuck in her throat. It was too spicy.

She began coughing uncontrollably.

*cough*... *cough*... *cough*... *cough*...

"Kya hua Anokhi ?...", Aastha and Shaan asked concerned.

"Teekha !... Aahhh...", she shrieked as she waved her hands.

Shaurya instantly looked at her and realized that she was coughing due to the chilli.

She couldn't stop coughing.

Shaurya jumped to his feet, tensed, and gently patted her on the back.

"Anokhi !... Dhyaan kaha hain tumhaara..."

He poured water into a glass and made her drink it while cupping her face. She drank it all at once, while the other two members smiled.

"Humesha tumhe jaldbaazi karni hoti hain...", he said in a high tone.

Anokhi coughed a little more.

"M... maine kya kiya iss baar ?... Mirchi lagi toh meri... meri kya galti..."

"Jab dekho mujhe daante rehte ho aap Shaurya sir...", she made a sad face, and her eyes were already watering due to the chilli.

After seeing it, Shaurya regretted his action.

"S... sorry..."

When he saw Anokhi stable, he returned to his seat. Anokhi felt sorry after seeing Shaurya apologize.

"Main toh bas aise hi bola tha... Shaurya sir toh bura maan gaye...", she wondered.

"Anokhi... ab theek hona tum ?...", Aastha asked.

"J... jee mam... voh shaurya sir ne... p... paani pilaaya... toh ab theek lag rha hain..."

They both saw each other out of the corner of their eyes which didn't get unnotice by Shaan and Aastha. They grinned seeing it.

The dinner continued with some gossips, and it was now 9 p.m.

Everybody was present there in the drawing room and Anokhi said, "Shaan sir, Aastha mam..."

"Shaurya sir... aap logo ne mere liye itna sab kuch kiya uske liye bohot-bohot-bohot thank you..."

"Anokhi... ab agar ek baar fir ye shabd tumhaare mooh se nikla na toh... toh tumhe saza milegi...", Shaan said.

Everybody chuckled.

"Arre... Has kya rahe ho tum log ?... Tumhe pta bhi hain Anokhi... jab se aayi ho tabse kitni baar thank you bol chuki ho... Ab bas no thank you..."

"Anokhi... mujhe pta hain tumhaare jaane ka samay hoga hain..."

"Lekin usse pehle mujhe tumhe kuch dena hain...", Aastha said.

"Aastha mam... itna kuch diya aapne... aap sabhi logo ne... aur ab..."

"Main kuch nhi sunne vaali Anokhi..."

"Yaha baitho thodi der...", she made her sit on the couch and went inside the bedroom.

Shaurya realized that his mother had gone to fetch the books she had purchased as a surprise for Anokhi. After a while, she arrived and sat next to her.

"Anokhi... mujhe pta hain economics tumhaara favorite subject hain..."

Anokhi nodded.

"Toh... isiliye... maine yeh tumhaare liye...", she handed over the objects in her hand to her.

Anokhi slowly took them and gave them a glance.

The next moment, she jumped with joy, startling Shaurya, who was standing next to her aside.

"Kya kar rhi ho tum !!!...", he screamed while balancing himself.

Anokhi joyfully said, "Yeh dekhiye Shaurya sir...", she reflected her big broad smile and flipped over the content in her hand to show him.

"Yeh hain... Manias, Panics, and Crashes by Charles Kinderberger.... Aur yeh... doosri vaali hain... The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith..."

Shaurya looked at her amused.

"Than-..."

Shaan glared at her as she was about to say something.

She bit her tongue and then said, "Dhanyavaad... Aastha mam..."

Shaan widened his eyes at her cleverness.

"Vaah !... Bohot badhiya Anokhi... maine thank you bolne se mana kiya toh ab tum dhanyavaad par aa gyi... Very nice !... Tum intelligent ho... Maanna padhega..."

Aastha and Shaurya too laughed at it.

"Thank you kaise naa bolu main... Aastha mam aapko pta hain yeh books un kitaabo mein se hain jo main bohot dino se padhna chhahti thi... Aur aapne..."

"Main bohot-bohot khush hoon... thank you thank you thank you so much...", she hugged her.

"Anokhi..."

"Tumhe pasand aaya mujhe bohot khushi hui..."

"Humesha aise hi padhaai karte rehna... aur apna naam raushan karna... Tum khoob aage jaaogi mujhe bharosa hain...", Aastha caressed her head.

Anokhi nodded smiling.

Shaurya grinned as he observed her childishness in being content with just two books, both of which were about economics. 

The more he was seeing her, the more he was getting attached to her.

"Mere yaha tak pahunchne ke peeche aapka bohot bada haath hain Aastha mam..."

"Main aapko kabhi niraash nhi karungi... yeh vaada hain mera aapse..", saying so she stood up.

"Ab mujhe jaan hoga mam... Nau baj chuke hain..."

"Aaj ka din mera best tha... main kabhi nhi bhoolungi aaj ke din ko... Yeh best birthday tha mera...", she expressed her gratitude wholeheartedly.

Shaurya felt satisfied listening it. He was successful in making her day special, and he can now sleep peacefully.

"Shaurya tumhe chod dega Anokhi...", these words made Shaurya come out of his daze.

"Aastha mam..."

She was cut in middle by Shaurya.

"Haan... Tum akeli kahi nhi jaa rhi... Main drop kar doonga tumhe..."

"Lekin main toh aapko pareshaan karti hoon na... Mujhe toh seatbelt lgaana bhi nhi aata... Haina ?... Toh fir ab aap kyu mujhe apne car mein bithaana chaahte ho...", she instantly replied back.

"Uski chinta tum mat karo... Humesha se jaise tumhe sambhaalta aaya hoon vaise hi aaj bhi sambhaal loonga... Tum akele kahi nhi jaa rhi... THAT's IT !..."

Saying so, he grabbed the keys from the table and stormed out of the room and went downstairs.

"Dekha Aastha mam... isiliye main nhi jaana chaahti thi unke saath... Voh firse gussa ho gaye...", she turned to Aastha and said.

Shaan burst out laughing the next moment.

Aastha and Anokhi exchanged puzzled looks with him.

"Shaan ?..."

"Tumhe kya hua ?... Has kyu rhe ho itna ?...", Aastha said.

"K... kuch nhi Noor...", he tried to control his laughter.

"Anokhi..."

"Tum apne Shaurya sir ko mana logi mujhe bharosa hain..."

"Chinta mat karo... Uska dimaag jaldi thanda ho jaayega... "

"Beta... raat ho chuki haina... isiliye vo tumhe akele jaane nhi dena chaahta tha... vo gussa nhi kar rha tha voh toh bas tumhe samjha rha tha..."

"Uski baaton ka bura mat maanna..."

"Nhi nhi Shaan sir... main bura nhi maani... main toh bas soch rhi thi ki ab unhe manaaungi kaise...", she said absent-mindedly which made Aastha and Shaan exchange glances.

"Good-night Aastha mam... Good night Shaan sir... "

"Ab main challti hoon... nhi toh Shaurya sir firse naaraaz ho jaayenge ki itni der laga di..."

Aastha smiled and caressed her face, "Good night Anokhi..."

Anokhi quickly left with them downstairs.

When they arrived downstairs, Shaurya was already waiting for her. He was leaning against the car.

"Yeh lo Shaurya... Anokhi aa gayi..."

When their gazes collided, they quickly averted their gazes.

"Baitho andar...", he opened the door to the passenger seat.

"Lekin... main... peechhe...", Anokhi tried to say something.

"Jo bola hain voh karo..."

Anokhi was still standing there, motionless.

Sighing, Shaurya said, "Dekho... agar tum peechhe baithogi toh mujhe lagega jaise main koi cab service de rha hoon tumhe.... So please...", he said without meeting her eyes.

Shaan tried hard to suppress his laughter while Aastha smacked him.

Finding no other choice, she did as was instructed by her Shaurya sir.

"Bye bye Shaan sir... Aastha mam..."

"Bye Anokhi...", they both said together.

Shaurya too got inside and ignited the engine.

"Anokhi ko dhyaan se hostel pahuncha dena Shaurya...", Shaan said.

"Jee dad...", saying so he pulled the gear stick and the car started on the way.

The two people in the car are unaware that something surprising is going to happen between them today that they have no idea of in the present moment...

To be continued...

Thank you for reading 

Amazing story and Shakhi 

When will you give update on wattpad? 

Originally posted by: Chrisevanfan

Amazing story and Shakhi 

Thank you so much 😊

Originally posted by: BasantiSinha100

When will you give update on wattpad? 

I am not sure about the exact date; but I will surely do, very soon.