AN - One Shot Based On The Scenario After Shaurya meets with an accident and how Anokhi reacts to the news.
Will she take the ultimate leap of faith?
Read To Find Out
SHAKHI OS - TOUCH OF LOVE
Anokhi stood morsely at the corner as she let Babli di check them out of the hotel.
Not wanting to prolong their stay anymore,she has decided to get back to SIAC .There was nothing or rather noone holding her here anymore.
She glanced around and from the periphery of her vision,she saw the Sabherwals round the corner roaming around with tensed expressions.
Well it was none of her concern but she could clearly make out PS's absence.
He might be somewhere else and it didn't matter where he was she told herself as the same time her phone pinged with a message from Kanchan.
She was asking about his whereabouts or if she was aware where was Shaurya ?.What does it mean?
Hadn't he returned back?It was almost midnight.Its been hours he had left.Was this the reason the whole Sabherwals clan was so tensed and worried?
Kanchan hadn't seen her as she was at the opposite side but a sense of foreboding and panic enveloped her.Something was definitely wrong.
Shaurya Sir may have come to Goa on a whim but he will never intentionally worry his family like that.Maybe he just wanted to be on his own for sometime.
She couldn't go and ask about him herself for she knew how it would be reciprocated but she could ask Reema to do so who had decided to stay back for few days.
Anokhi kept glancing around as Babli Di went to get their luggage and Reema came as she told her
"Anokhi i asked Shaurya Sir hadn't come back since he left the party hours ago".
Before she could converse more with Reema,Babli Di arrived and announced.
"Anokhi lets leave.The cab is here to take us to the airport".
Anokhi denied vehemently
"No Di.You go I am not coming with you".
"What do you mean you are not coming with me?.You yourself wanted to reach Chandigarh asap".
"I did Di.But P-.I mean Shaurya sir is missing Di.How can i leave without knowing he is safe."
"What you got to do with that man anymore Nikki".
"He isn't that man Di.He is the Man I Love.My anger,My disappointment they are my issues with him.
It doesn't make an ounce of difference to the love i feel for him and love him I do.I am gonna be here only".
Anokhi refused to hear anything else from Babli,neither she could stand there and justify her actions.
Her only priority was to see him again and see for herself that nothing omnious had occured and PS was safe.
Hours slipped by with her pacing around the room,her phone held tight in her hands as she waited for a message from Kanchan.
Alongside making Reema dash out time and again to find out about whether he has returned or not.As the clock ticked by she didn't let resolve break or her mind manevuer into dark pathways.
Just then Reema sprinted inside the room,panicked,unshed tears brimming in her eyes as she held her hands and spoke,her words incoherent
"Anokhi,Anokhi woh Shaurya Sir".
Anokhi waited as Reema tried and couldn't complete her sentence.
"Shaurya Sir what Reema?".Anokhi asked loudly.
"He had met with an accident Anokhi.He has a head injury and couldn't travel right now.Which is why they brought him back here.I saw Tej Sir And Alok Sir along with the team of doctor and nurses taking him towards his room.He didn't look good Anokhi."
Accident,Injured,Head Injury
Anokhi had a tunnel vision as those words resonated in her ears.The last time she had seen him hours back flashed in front of his eyes as he had been walking away and had turned to look at her one last time.
Plea,longing and desperation had been stark evident as his eyes has urged her to hear him once.
She had moved back as she had broken down in tears and Babli di had held her.
But PS?.
He had walked away alone.Why hadn't she listened to him?.
Her own pain had clouded not only her senses but her whole being due to which she had refused to hear him out once.
He had demanded,requested and even fought but she hadn't relented.She had wished him happiness and he had looked at her as if she had given him a curse.
She realised now for she had wished him happiness with someone else.
All those fleeting but most precious moments they have spent together when he has smiled with her.The shy laugh,the unabandoned laughter they had shared.
His exuberance for the surprise they had planned and the evident shock she hadn't noticed as his whole family had arrived unannounced with Shagun Mam.
What if it was indeed the last chance they have had?.What if she never got to hear his voice again?.See those eyes glaze with the same softness and warmth as he gazed at her at times.
He loved her she knew.Shaurya Sabherwal was a man of his words.But she had found it to good to be true.For someone like him to be with someone like her when so many walls were between their togetherness.
When he had walked away on her insistence she hadn't counted the pain that would envelop her if he really went away.
That one image of seeing him standing there with Shagun Mam had felt someone pierced a knife straight to her heart and Nikki you had been fooling yourself to believe you would have been able to see him with someone else day in day out?
"What if it was their only chance at expressing what the other had felt and she had lost it?.What if he never --?."
"Anokhi,Anokhi here". Reema shook Anokhi as she made her drink the water.
"Reema,PS ,PS Accident.I ,I have to see him."
Sweatbeada formed on her forehead as she haphazardly turned to make a move out when Reema forced her to sit and asked her calmly
"Hw will you meet him Anokhi?.His whole family is with him and after what happened in the other day.You think you will go and ask and they will let you?."
"I have to see him Reema.I love him."
"Then shouldnt you have had faith in him Anokhi?.I know you were hurt beyond words.I was myself so angry with him but I saw him Anokhi.He was so worried about you and was looking for you everywhere.
He wanted to meet you to make things right between you both.He rushed once he knew where you were and do you know the plans he had made?.
From requesting Babli di to arrange the party to taking acp's help in gifting you the dress he did it to calling m here and including me in his plans.He did it all to make the moment special for you.
"What Should I Do Reema?." Anokhi asked her friend whom she knew will always give her truth even if it wasn't what she wanted to hear.
Reema gave Anokhi a big bear hug and spoke endearinglu
"Noone can tell you that my friend.Its your decision but you can't be half in and half out Anokhi.Its either in or out.Think About It.".
Anokhi stepped out of the room closing the door behind her as she took measured steps towards Shaurya's room.
It was time she decided whether she was willing to put her heart on line or not.
What Reema has said
today flashed a mirror in front of her as Anokhi realised how her actions had been the past few days.
From realising her love for Shaurya to the exhilaration and bliss of finding it reciprocated to being on an high his love.
But the moment one harsh brush of reality had kicked in she had flighted.
Seeing him with Shagun,the difference in their stature,her own issues and fears all had resulted her in the confrontation she had with him the night they were supposed to go on their first date.
She had decided to avoid him but then believing kanchan mam she has come all the way to Goa to make amends with him.
He has told her out straight that he loves her and that was his truth.It was her decision if she chose to trust him.
"But Did She? "
Would their relationship held any hope of surviving all the roadblocks that laid ahead of them if she chose to keep quiet and she kept putting other's people opinion and suggestions about him and her.
There was a lot she didn't know about him and a lot he didn't know about her.
Shaurya Sabherwal had never lied to her and if she decides today there will be no going back Nikki.
She can't step back or refuse to have the uncomfortable conversations in the fear of whatifs.
She was a fighter,had always been and it was time to decide if she would fight to be with the one she loves or let her own insecurities,their families opinions,the interference and other worldly matters get between them.
It was Shaurya's word against them all.
She knocked and as she knew it would be it was Devi Mam who opened the door and she blatantly refused to even let her have a glimpse of her PS.
But her crude remarks didn't bother her for her only concern was seeing him for herself,touch him to know he was there and hadn't left her alone and she will be damned if she went away from here without meeting him.
And so she paced back and forth in front of his room looking and waiting for one opportunity to get through.
She saw Kanchan looking at her with empathy as she explained her futile trials to make Devi Sabherwal understand.
Anokhi just nodded with a smile as she continued her strive amidst praying for him to be awake.
The new day dawned with new hopes as Anokhi made her way towards the cafeteria to get a strong cup of coffee.Staying awake for two nights straight was making it difficult for her to keep her eyes open.
She had waited whole night for PS to be left on his own so she could get a moment alone with him but to no avail.
There was a commotion in the corridor as she turned the corner and the sight in front of her almost had her weeping in relief.
There he stood Shaurya Sabherwal struggling to stand erect as his family members surrounded him with worry clouding their faces.
She rested her back against wall as voices rang aloud in the silent early morning hour.
"It isnt possible Badimaa that Anokhi won't come and meet me if she knew about my accident.Maybe she isn't aware.Did anyone of you inform her?."
"Ill go and meet her myself,I know she is upset with me but I know she will understand me."
There were other voices of his family members but Anokhi only heard his as he fought her corner.His faith in her h shakeable.
The cup she was holding splattered to the ground with a thud as that was the moment her decision was made.
Anokhi ran those few steps and embraced Shaurya in her arms with all her might.
He could barely stand and his first waking thought has been her.
His faith in her banished all other thoughts away as Anokhi tightened her arms around him and finally let her heart and soul take the ultimate leap of faith.
Everything and everyone else around them seemed to fade away as two people held onto each other for their dear life.
"Aap Thik Ho?" (Are You Okay?)
Anokhi asked him moving back a little so she could look at him.
"Ab Thik Hoon" (Now I Am Okay!).
Shaurya answered as he wiped away the stray tears from the corner of her eyes.
Taking hold of his weakness Anokhi stepped away reluctantly from his embrace and held his one arm over her shoulders while she wrapped the other around his waist and made her way in his room holding her head straight.
Anokhi helped Shaurya settle on the bed comfortably and stood up.His grip tightened on her hand,question in his eyes.
She shook her head in negative and held his even tighter for a second as she stood besides him.
The silence was growing uncomfortable as seconds ticked by and Shaurya decided to end it as he announced
"I would like to rest so if you all will please". Shaurya spoke to noone in particular but to all his family members standing there.
"But Shaurya Beta." Devi Sabherwal tried to intervene but Shaurya was quicker as he told her
"You don't have to worry Badimaa.Anokhi is here ".
"Shaurya"
It was another voice,the one he didn't want to hear at all.
Shaurya glanced at Anokhi and saw the emotions shift on her face and even though his whole body ached in pain due to the injuries Shaurya had a hard time controlling his laughter.
Oh he was proud for Anokhi today was standing besides him and not letting anyone intimidate her to leave but right now she looked ready to burst.
"I was talking to my family Miss Malhotra and as far as I remember you are not my family.What are you even doing here?.The only relationship we share is professional and as I can see this is certainly not SIAC.You should leave and go back to Chandigarh if you are interested in continuing your job or you can resign."
Shaurya completed and then gestured his hands towards the door for Shagun to leave.
Anokhi waited till everyone left and locked the door and was surprised to see Shaurya smiling to himself.
"May I know what has you smiling so wide?.Not that it doesn't make me happier to see you smiling."
"It's You Anokhi,No Not You.Your face when I told Shagun off.Its comforting to know you aren't immune to the feeling they term jealousy."
Anokhi was besides him in a flash as angry tears rushed in her eyes .She got on the bed and held his face in her palms tears flowing unbidden from her eyes
"YOU think this is funny?.Do you even know what I have been going through since last night?.
She held his face her fingers caressing his face lovingly as tears flew unbidden and her voice shook as she hiccuped and spoke
"What if something happened to you?.What if the injuries were more severe?
What if I lost you?.
Ever since I heard about your accident all I could think was Ill never be able to tell you what you mean to me,how special you are to me."
How you have been the only man in my life who told me to fight for my dreams,all these feelings even the confusions ,this possessiveness I have never felt for anyone else.How could you have been so careless?."
"Noone would let me in,I waited whole night just to get a chance to be with you but no avail."
Shaurya covered her hands with his own as he spoke solemnly,his heart in his eyes,his eyes shimmering with unshed tears
"You know Anokhi when that car crashed with mine and you know they say at such your whole life flashes in front of your eyes.
He kissed her palm as his voice reduced to a mere whisper
"All I wanted was to see you once more.To hold you close and tell you what you mean to me.Share with you everything that I at times don't even tell myself.I don't know when and how you became the most important person in my life but one thing you should never doubt is what I feel for you is incomparable to anything else.Its unique like your name".Shaurya finished as the betraying tear fell from his eyes.
Never had Anokhi thought she will be blessed with a person who will lay her soul bare affront her.She could only gaze at him as she endearingly kissed his eyes repeatedly with all the love she held for this man of hers.
She pulled back and entwined their hands but Shaurya wasn't done as he played with her fingers and continued
"There is a lot you don't know about me.I am not an easy man to be with Anokhi.My childhood,this family,my own issues.I --".
Anokhi interrupted him as it sounded more like he was trying to warn her off but she could feel the underlying vulnerability in his words.
"You think I am easy?.I have my own baggage and insecurities but the thought of losing you forever had made me realise I can fight with anything if you are besides me".
Anokhi sealed the promise by pressing a deep kiss on the hand she was holding and then taking note of his injuries laid him down and settled herself next to him getting closer to him as she can.
Love Was Indeed A Double Etched Sword For It Made You Vulnerable And Stong But To Find Someone Who Will Share Your Vulnerabilities And Be Your Strength,There Was No Obstacle Big Enough For Them
Shaurya held her close with one arm as Anokhi entwined their fingers and Anokhi felt the familiar feeling of safety envelop her.
The feeling she has only ever associated with him.There was no restlessness,no doubts and no confusions anymore.
"Anokhi" Shaurya called her softly.
Anokhi got up in a flash worry clouding her face as she asked
"What happened?.Are you feeling any pain?.Wait let me call the doctor!."
She turned around but Shaurya pulled her closer in a flash.Their faces were inches apart as her open hair enclosed them in a bubble.
Shaurya brought her even closer and whispered in her ears
"You talk too much Miss Bhalla.Maybe I should use another way to shut you up."
Anokhi felt a shiver run down her spine as this man even injured held the capability to make her all flustered.
She looked at him with hooded gaze
"Leave Me.You I Mean We Can't.You need to Rest".
"Yes Anokhi.We Can't Because You Know Doctors Orders." Shaurya's eyes were dancing in mirth looking at her condition when her eyes held desire but her words said something else.
Alas that got to be at another time.
"You always do this.
"Can I give you my gift now?."He asked and at her nod told her to fetch the box that was inside the pocket of his court.
Anokhi handed him the box and her eyes grew wide as she spotted a ring nestled in it.
"Do You Trust Me?." Shaurya asked as he extended his hand towards hers.
Anokhi wordlessly put her hand in his as Shaurya took the small platinium band with two stones entwined together.
"I am not proposing you atleast not yet.This Is A Promise Ring I got tailormade and wanted to gift you on your birthday.But it's good it's happening now for I realised we don't need a special moment,the moments we are together each one is special."
"This isn't just a ring but my promise to you that You will never walk alone again for I'll always be besides you in every sphere and pathways of life.Ill always be the one you can fall back upon and your biggest cheerleader.The Promise Of Doing Everything In My Capacity To Never Let Destruct Or Demean Us".
"I Promise too that henceforth you will never be alone again.I will be your humsafar and will never let any third person opinion or actions hinder what we are founding between us.This Is Ours And Will Remain Ours".
And with that promise made for life,two people slept in each other arms ready to face anything for being with each other was worth every fight.
Seher Hone Ko Hai
