Professor

24 days ago

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@MidnightLibrary

Prithvi's eyes widened in surprise as he caught sight of Anushka sitting at a table. Her normally endearing smile was replaced by a look of shock and confusion as she saw him approaching. As he drew closer, he couldn't help but notice the tall, imposing figure standing next to her. The man was ACP Zunaid Yusuf Imam Mallick, the COP at crime branch special of Mumbai city. 

Prithvi couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story. How did Anushka know about ACP Zunaid, and why was she so afraid when she saw him? The questions burned in his mind as he spoke. 

As the three of them stood in silence, Prithvi's attention was drawn to Anushka's and also to his wife, Sanyogita, who seemed just as bewildered by the situation. Anushka herself appeared frozen, her face a mask of uncertainty and fear.

The two ladies in question were visibly tense, their faces etched with worry as they contemplated their next move.

Despite the awkwardness of the moment, Prithvi managed to muster a small smile for his sister. As he brushed through memory a few minutes before the women 's section scene flashed in his mind - he remembered the moment when he had seen a glimpse of his sister reflected on the clean glass in the women's section heardta was peering over his shoulder behind him. Her hand waved over his shoulder, her sudden change in mood to blame his husband for not paying much attention to his wife. At the time, he hadn't thought much of it, but now everything seemed to be falling into place. 

Anushka stepped out from the table and approached the side where her elder brother and elder sister-in-law were standing. She found it difficult to speak due to nervousness. 

Prithvi was trying his best to keep his composure as he addressed his sister in a normal tone. "Anu!" He called out to her 

Anushka, on the other hand, did her best to keep her voice from sounding too excited as she responded, "Bhaiya... bhaiya... aap dono??" She exclaimed, "I mean, it's such an amazing surprise to meet you two here!" Her eyes shone with delight as she looked at her brother and the other person with him, wondering what had brought them here. 

Amid Prithvi preparing to speak, Sanyogita interjected and exclaimed, "Anu, it's truly a delightful surprise to see you here! How have your exams been? Did you come here to take a break and refresh yourself after a rigorous exam schedule?" 

Anu replied, "Yes, bhabhi. My papers have gone off but I'm still feeling a bit apprehensive."

Sanyogita tried to lighten the heavy atmosphere of the situation by saying "Don't worry beta everything will be fine."

Prithvi, however, did not respond verbally. He simply observed his sister and his ife as they engaged in a subtle game of hide and seek, communicating with each other through gestures. 

As they continued to infindst, Prithvi suddenly exclaimed, "Anu apne Bhaito deal with bhul hi Gaye !!", reminding Anu that she had forgotten about Prithvi amidst all the activity.

"Nah, bhaiya." Anushka gave her older brother a hug after saying it.

Prithvi gave the same kind of warm embrace in return. He then jokingly called her a "Buddhu ladki" (silly girl) “When we met surprisingly let's come have dinner together. Tonight we will not leave you easily “ Prithvi chuckled

Anushka shows the same gesture to her brother.

As Sanyogita watched the siblings' talking go easy she took an exhale and relaxed sigh. Her eyes darted to Zunaid who was trying to hide his face, when Sanyogita caught him with Anushka in a single trial room flashed again in his mind making him embarrassed.

Sanyogita even found it a little bit difficult to show any sign of a pleasant surprise. 

As they separated, Prithvi's attention was drawn towards a man who was standing beside Anushka. He asked her with a curious tone, "By the way, Anu, who is this man with you?" 

Anushka, realising that her brother was waiting for an explanation, she gave him a foolish smile, indicating that there was some story behind the man's presence. 

She mumbled first, she put her hand over her nape and found the sweats ..

Zunaid was a completely silent audience within the conversation of the trio watching his girlfriend in a very tough situation. He thought to say something but Anushka parted her lips and said something which he was anticipating.

As she opened her mouth and the words slipped out, Zunaid cursed his star that night. 

“ Bhaiya actually, he is…he is… ” Anushka was stammering, “ he reverberated” she blurted out mistakenly.

Sanyogita's eyes grew wider in astonishment as if she had heard something that she shouldn't.

She patted her hand on her forehead, as she knew her husband was already aware of the real identity of Zunaid, whom her dear sister-in-law claimed to be her college professor. 

" Achaa then what's the name of your professor? “Then didn't you introduce your bhaiya to your professor?? Prithvi asked in a bit of curiosity. Suppressing anger beneath his smile . 

“Hehehehe…Sure bhaiya “ She replied with a stupid expression . Anushka cursed her star for her foolishness. As she already knew Prithvi had met Zunaid on the same night when her brother beat Jaga goon. 

"Sir , it's my brother, Mr. Prithviraj Malhotra, a famous Businessman and met Mrs Sanyogita Malhotra, his wife and my elder sister-in-law “

Sanyogita gave a weak nice to meet you smile to Junaid who also did the same.

Junaid tried to suppress his laughter so he looked here and there 

Anushka continued..“ Actually Sir has taken our friends shopping….I mean for giving us a treat as the exams have ended we did quite well in our last professional exam . Ishita and Amaan are already gone as they need some urgent work. I will soon go back home when I see you both “

Sanyogita looked at Anushka, her eyes grew rounded, even dumbfounded learning her stupidity.

To his dismay, Prithvi was forced to listen to lies while he was waiting for his sister to tell him the truth. "Wow, that is amazing! When did ACP Zunaid Yusuf Imam Mallick of Mumbai City's Crime Branch Special join the medical field after leaving the police department?" he asked in a tinge of sarcasm. 

Anushka was taken aback by her brother's statement and her mouth hung open in surprise. 

Prithvi looked at his younger sister Anushka with disappointment and frustration in his eyes. He couldn't believe that she had lied to him yet again. "Anu, how could you keep telling lie after lie to me?" he asked in a stern tone. "You have grown up so much, but it seems like you haven't learned anything. I am so disappointed that my own sister is constantly resorting to white lies.”

Anushka stood there like a statue. Her gaze was on the floor. Her chest grew tightened as it was rare for her to get scolded from her brother. Tears began to propel in hell not because her Brother caught him with her boyfriend but because he said her to be dishonest. And called her publicly. 

Zunaid, meanwhile, was struggling with a tough choice: should he tell Prithvi the truth or keep things a secret and complicate matters further? 

At last, he made the decision to tell Prithvi the truth and express his feelings. 

He couldn't stand the silent audience watching his love getting scolded by her own family because of being in a relationship with him . He needed to take a stand for the love his life.. 

“ Mr. Malhotra!”

Prithvi who was looking at her sister who kept her gaze over the floor .

He diverted his attention to the strong deep male voice

“I can understand how you mube feeling right now. I want to express that Anushka is not to be blamed for anything. She only spoke the truth to save our relationship. I love your sister deeply and we have been in a committed relationship for two years now. We have kept it a secret from everyone due to our different cultural and religious backgrounds. Please know that if in future Anushka and I decide to get married, I will always do everything in my power to keep her happy. I would never want to force her to convert to Islam or compromise on her beliefs. Her happiness and well-being are of utmost importance to me. I hope you can understand my intentions and feelings towards Anushka and our relationship. 

Zunaid looked at Prithvi's stern gaze but nonetheless, he didn’t stop he said "taking out his heart in his mouth" " and more than that ..I loved her for who she was - with her kind and gentle, bubbling nature and her unique personality - not for any superficial reasons. I may be a bit short of resources, but she is my responsibility, and I will always keep her happy, and loved, and make sure her adorable smile never fades away. I am not interested in anything your family can offer me except my Anu. I gave my word to you, and I intend to keep it. She has grown up with luxury, but I know how to make her happy without it. Please feel free to express any concerns or questions you may have, and I will address them to the best of my abilities. “ ”

Zunaid was expecting Prithvi to ask or say something but he stayed silent.

"Forgive Anushka if you can, but don't hold anger in your heart towards her. She deeply respects her elder brother, and has shown that she is willing to fight for him even against her love," Zunaid said before departing, his smile recalling the many passionate arguments Anushka had made in defence of her brother.

Zunaid left Prithvi behind perplexed.

Anushka watched Zunaid leaving the restaurant. Her heart was getting heavy, making her eyes welled up. 

Prithvi watched his younger sister intently gazing at the path Zunaid has left ., his unwavering gaze seeming to scan her every movement, clearly detecting the nervousness growing within her.

As Prithvi brian ponders over Zunaid's words, they reverberate within him like an unyielding tape recorder. Gradually, his feet carry him towards the site ahead. Upon reaching there, he seeks confirmation from his sister Anushka, wanting to ascertain the truth. He approaches her gingerly and inquires, "Anu, did you ever harbour love for ACP Zunaid Yusuf Imam Mallick?”

Prithvi saw Anushka lift her chin and face her brother. She took a glance at Sanyogita who nodded her head sideways .

She nodded her head simply “ Yes" 

Startled, Prithvi looked at his sister. 

Has anything ever been said to you, Anu, for anything you desire in life? Did I ever discourage you from pursuing your goals because of what you are willing to do. 

Anushka gave a disapproving nod with her head tilted to the side. 

“Why, therefore, did you keep this information from me? Or was it because you thought I was so awful that you had trouble telling your big brother about your relationship? I don't even know my younger sister has grown up so much she can take her decision on herself “

Sanyogita's gaze moves between her husband and Nanad. She could sense the tension between them. 

Sanyogita felt a tinge of disappointment upon realising that Prithvi was being too stern with her sister-in-law, Anushka. “ Prithvi now please let it go… “ 

Wanting to diffuse the situation, she gently implored Prithvi to let the matter go. Without saying much, she simply motioned towards Anushka, whose face had dropped in shock and dismay, hoping that Prithvi would take note of her reaction and ease up on his strictness.

Prithvi shifted back his eyes from his wife to his younger sister once again. This time he also felt bad . He exhaled a heavy breath and let go of his anger.

Prithvi’s heart sank as he watched his younger sister being scolded in public. He heard her say, "I'm sorry bhaiya, I didn't do it intentionally... I thought you would be angry with me!" Her voice trembled with fear and regret as she tried to explain herself.

She ran out of the restaurant. As she was one the very ones crying and needed privacy to cry out her heart .

Prithvi felt a mix of emotions - angry for being harsh to his sister for the very first time, sadness to make her cry with her publicly, and a sense of responsibility to be more friendly with her so she wouldn't have to hide her relationship like that.  

Sanyogita also ran behind Anushka, she approached her and gave her a heartfelt hug, enveloping her in a warm embrace

“ Arrey arrey…Don't be upset beta.. your bhabhi with you na why are you worried ?? Okay, I will double scold your bhaiya ..thik hai !!! " she said in a gentle tone, trying to console Anushka.” She said in a childish tone to make Anushka relax "Let's go somewhere quiet and talk, just you and me." Sanyogita looked around and noticed a few people staring at them, making sure to guide Anushka away from any prying eyes.

Sanyogita was trying to light Anushka's mood .

“ Buddhu ladki, dekho kaise ro rahi hai!! Pura kajal kharap ho gaya hai !! “ She kept her tone soft . 

"What made you think your bhaiya would be angry with you? Don't you know your bhaiya loves his little Anu more than anyone else in his life? And why did you think on the negative side of the coin? Chalo, if he does not agree with you, I will give your hands to Zunaid. Kitni pyar jodhi hai tum dono ki. You and Zunaid make such a great pair, your name begins with “A” and his from “Z" so let's see even if it completes the whole alphabet! So, if you two do end up having children, you'll have a full set of 26! Isn't that amazing?” Sanyogita tried to bring back the adorable smile from her Nanad cheeks.

"Bhabhi AAP naa bhabhi naa!" At last, Anushka smiled shyly and said,

"Arey dekho toh kaise Sharma Rahi hai!!" Sanyogita teased her Nanad

When Prithvi appeared outside, found his sister and wife grinning and chatting to one another. 

He tooks steps to them . 

Prithvi kept his left arm around her sister to try to make her comfortable.

“ Kaya hua abhi bhi apne bhaiya se naraz hai?? Still you are angry with your bhaiya “

Anushka didn't respond, she remained silent . She nodded her head negatively. 

“ Then Why are you crying? And how did you find that I'm gonna be angry with you?? “

Whenever you are also for anything I give it to you ! Even your first car which was newly launched in foreign country, not even In India, I gifted that to you . Even though you wanted to study here while staying in India , I requested Uncle and Mamsy not to send you abroad. Then why did you think that your brother would be offended because you are dating someone! perhaps there may be someone gap has left so I couldn't reach to that close to my siblings “

Anushka stood there like a statue. Her gaze was on the floor. Her chest grew tightened as it was hearing her brother's selfless love for her. . 

"No bhaiya, I am sorry," Anushka said, her voice quivering. Prithvi noticed her vulnerability and knew that he needed to tread carefully. He could sense that Anushka was on the verge of tears and any further conversation might make her break down completely. So, in an effort to lighten the mood, he chimed in with a lighthearted comment, 

"Anyway, good choice!" As he said this, Prithvi's tough, angry expression transformed into a gentle chuckle, hoping to ease Anushka's nerves.

Anushka felt a sudden jolt in her heart, as if it had skipped a beat. She was overwhelmed with joy and couldn't contain her emotions, so she immediately hugged her brother tightly. Tears of happiness streamed down her face, blurring her vision. 

Sanyogita's smile was radiant and genuine, emanating from the depths of her heart. It was clear that she was genuinely happy for Anushka.

Suddenly Anushka's heart skipped beat after beat as she saw those familiar figures watching her standing at the corner of the balcony. 

************

Prithvi walked ahead along with his sister still holding her right shoulder with his left arm . Sanyogita also followed them. 

He gave a wink to Anushka saying that “ this your ACP , look how will make your ACP dumbfounded “

Anushka was aware of her brother's distaste for COP. He had a run-in with a policeman back in college who wanted money from him for driving after hours. 

As Zunaid watched them approaching him , he could feel his breathing grow heavy making him nervous. Even though he is never anxious when interacting with criminals, he found it difficult to ask his girlfriend's family dealing tonight. 

“Mr. ACP Zunaid Yusuf Imam Mallick. You talked about your words with me. However, there was something else I wanted to say to you.I understand that you have dealt with countless criminals, but as a brother, I must ask some questions of You.

With bewilderment, Zunaid suddenly darted at Prithvi. Anushka looked surprised, and her eyes widened. Sanyogita was experiencing the same circumstances as Zunaid and Anushka.

"Firstly, if we entrust my sister into your hands, how will you ensure her well-being? Also, as a COP, how will you balance your duties as a husband and your responsibilities towards your job? For instance, if there is an emergency in your workplace and my sister also needs your attention, whom would you prioritise first - your duty or my sister?"“

Sanyogita looked at her husband, baffled. She wondered about witnessing his level of possessiveness. 

Hearing Prithvi's question, Zunaid's mouth fell open. Even so, he maintained his composure and made an effort to unwind; he was never able to figure out why Mr. Malhotra would always get irritated when he saw him. 

“ I know Anu is my responsibility and duty is also important to me. But if the situation goes out of control and my team needs me I'll definitely do my duty ..

"Then what will happen to my sister?" Prithvi asked in a harsh tone, cutting him off in the middle.

"My family and I will be with her in addition to taking care of her; I will also hire a caregiver for that. I know love is important but I didn't only have one family, the entire Mumbai City is my responsibility “ Zunaid's words reverberating on the balcony as if he was giving an interview for selection in the IPS.

Anushka's heart filled up with pride as she too chose a job to serve her life to the needs of the public for 24 & 7 till her last breath.

Sanyogita's eyes remain locked over Zunaid. Moreover she too agreed with Zunaid and was impressed by his strong response.

Prithvi didn't respond though. He understood Zunaid was an honest COP as he already heard from his wife how he helped her and cautioned her to stay out of the entire matter of Riddhima's case. 

“ Achhaa.. tab toh bilkul thik hai. If you can take your duty sincerely, I also want you to take care of my little sister. Perhaps for you the whole Mumbai City is your responsibility.

But for me sister isn't less than a world to me. “

“ I already told you Mr. Malhotra. I will take care of Anu more than I care for myself.”

Anushka was ecstatic to hear that everything had gone smoothly. Her face lit up with a huge grin, and she couldn't resist letting out a loud cheer .

Sanyogita smiled simply.

Zunaid still held back his emotions . The news was a huge relief, and he felt a weight lifting off his shoulders.

" Who is Mr. Malhotra btw ? If you want my sister in your life, don't call me Saala or Saale shahab. I didn't like it at all” Prithvi jokes . 

Zunaid then dumbfounded which name he would address Anushka's elder brother . " "Sure … bhaiya “ 

"Did you find me old enough to address me as my elder brother!! “" Prithvi stared at Zunaid with furrowed eyebrows

Sanyogita patted her hand over her forehead . Nodding her head sideways. “ You-are-impossible" She said in her mind to her husband. 

Anushka also now perplexed like Zunaid

" Then Mr. Malhotra.. I mean you just asked me not to call you by this name and also.. Sa.. “ Zunaid paused “ , which name I will call You then ? 

" You can called me by name or as we will be in same age or more than that so bhaiya will not be convenient “

“ No , I'm just 29 “

" Ohh My God then you are both soon going to be thirty. Matlab only I and bhabhi remain young in current generation in Malhotra family “ 

Everyone's eyes shifted to Anushka's shocking face.

Sanyogita tried to control her laughing. 

“ Do you think that I'm old?? Prithvi asked having a tinge of embarrassment in his face

“ Mein kaha kuch bola!" “ Sanyogita shrugged , when she looked at her husband dumbfounded. 

" Yes Kaya mein tum bujrgh lagta hoon??" Zunaid questions Anushka perplexed 

“ When I say old. I just mentioned that only I and Bhabi left young in the current generation of in our family”  

“ Dono same hai hote hai!! " Prithvi and Zunaid blurted out in unison

For a brief while, they both looked at one another as if trying to catch a glimpse of their own reflection in someone else's eyes. Afterward, they both turned around and faced opposite directions. 

Laughter broke out between Anushka and Sanyogita. 

************

In order to have a private conversation with his wife, Prithvi recommended that his sister and ACP proceed.

Furthermore, Zunaid and Anushka concurred. 

Anushka glances at both her brother and her sister-in-law.

Sanyogita, in the meantime, was able to deduce from her husband's severe tone that he had become suspicious of something and had gone beyond the bounds of what was still true. 

As they watch Anushka and Zunaid leaving for the order , when she turns back to face her husband finds he is eyeing her with a bit of disappointment. She couldn't help but anticipate the inevitable scolding she was going to receive from her husband. Sanyogita thought her heart would jump into her throat as she found her husband watching her with a sharp glance. Nonetheless, his gaze was suspicious too. 

Sanyogita was about to speak, but her words were cut short by Prithvi's interruption. He asked her, "Were you already aware of Anu and ACP Zunaid's relationship?" Sanyogita stood there in silence, trying to figure out how to approach the sensitive topic since she knew how possessive Prithvi was when it came to his sister's affairs. 

Prithvi grew impatient and demanded, "Sanyo, I asked you a question. Do you have something to say?" 

Sanyogita clasped her hands tightly in front of her chest and nervously replied, "Yes, I knew about it." Her eyes shifted away from Prithvi and fell upon the glowing city lights, unsure of how he would react. 

Prithvi's dejected expression turned into a glare as he spoke, "You knew about it and yet you didn't inform me! He was so upset and angry, and now he's even more angry with his wife for keeping the truth from him."

As she spoke out of frustration, her voice came out in a whisper, audible only to her and Prithvi. "Then what will I do?" she exclaimed.

Prithvi, who had grown tired of her constant secrecy, responded with a question. "What do you mean, what will you do? You always hide things from me. This time it's about Anu!" he said, his voice tinged with frustration.

"I had no idea about it, Prithvi. This matter is strictly between Anu and me. I don't understand why you are trying to interfere. It's not your concern.You become so possessive about her .Don't forget she is a grown-up girl now , 24 , at least she can choose a suitable man by herself . And Zunid is also a very good person . Don't you think so? 

"I didn't mean that and it's not about possessiveness , I just simply cared for her . And talking about Zunaid I didn't comment against him but . Anu is my sister and if I am worried about her, then what's the harm? Moreover, when you got to know about it, you should have told me at least. Didn't it occur to you that it would have been more convenient to inform me?" Prithvi was becoming frustrated, so he was trying to control his growing rage. 

"I'm sorry, but I didn't find it convenient to tell you about this. You see, there are certain topics that girls can only share with other girls. Anu looks up to you as a guardian figure, and she adores you as much as she does her own parents. When I realised my feelings for you, I didn't even tell my mother about it. Instead, I confided in my sister-in-law, Shalini, and my best friend, Radhika. Sometimes in life, things may appear to be simple and straightforward, but in reality, they can be quite complicated and difficult to navigate."

Sanyogita took a pause then again let out in a gravity tone " "Can you share with me if you have ever confessed your feelings to a family member when in love? I ask because I needed you to remind me of the same situation our Anu is now facing where she was hesitant to pursue a relationship with Zunaid due to their different communities. Despite her fears, she trusted her brother to support her in fighting for her love life. It's inspiring to see the power of familial support in overcoming obstacles in love. And She has faith in her brother if he can fight for his passion and love life against the world he will definitely help her too”

Prithvi goes speechless as his wife bursts out her remark before him. He stared at his wife, startled.

“Sanyogita leaned over the thick glass railing, her hands resting on it as she looked out into the distance. The cool breeze gently blew her open hair, making it dance around her face. As she took a deep breath, she spoke softly, "And sometimes, the situation becomes such that I have to hide the truth from you. Kabhi kabhi halat aise ho jate hai ki mujhe tumse sach chupana padta hai." Her voice trailed off, lost in the beauty of the city . 

Prithvi turned swiftly, positioning himself right beside his wife as they both leaned against the railing. He gazed out into the vastness before him, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over him. "If it were within my power, I would do everything in my capacity to bring my sister's dreams to fruition," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "But unfortunately, this time around, Anu's brother is unable to help. Despite having a wealth of resources at my disposal, I am still unable to help my dear little sister."

Sanyogita darted her sight from outside to look at her husband's disheartening face.

" And moreover It's crucial to remind you that we've no religion . however Grandma, Mamsy, Ariyan and Anushka love us , but you also know that nobody will agree to this marriage. . It's highly unlikely that Uncle ( Anushka's father) will ever give his blessing to this relationship, so we should be prepared for the worst. Additionally, if we decide to assist them, Dad will undoubtedly become even more irritated with us, which could create further complications down the line.

Sanyogita was taken aback upon hearing her husband talk about his father, a side of the situation she had never considered.

“ Don't worry, just keep faith. Everything will be alright one day"

“I hope so" 

**********

They all have dinner together in the restaurant.

While Anushka was busy talking to her brother, Zunaid was there with them.

Sanyogita went to the washrooms, which she found were overcrowded. Suddenly, she received an incoming call on her mobile. 

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]

To be continued