Tum Hi Ho
Chapter 29. Tum Hi Ho
Shaurya was holding his tiny wifey in his arms as he walked outside the house.
Her face was still hidden in his chest. He was having a great time.
He had no idea where he got the courage to do this in front of his elders; all he knew was that he had to take her back with him.
He walked up to the car and took her down on the ground, making her to stand up straight.
Her glaring eyes met his as soon as she set foot on solid ground.
"Lo...", he said as he opened the passenger seat door.
"Baitho..."
She didn't respond and stood there silently.
Shuarya smiled sheepishly, "Tum khud se nhi baithogi toh firse mujhe tumhe uthaana padhega..."
Hearing it, she puffed up her cheeks, melting Shaurya's heart, and stormed inside, slamming the door shut with a thud.
He gulped, knowing that a volcano was forming inside her and that it would erupt once he arrived in Chandigarh. But he was ready to bear anything just to be with HER.
He, too, got inside and saw her facing the front with red angry face.
He felt overjoyed to have her beside him in this journey.
He felt glad that from now on, the journey will be of "their together".
He was pleased that he had managed to melt her a little. He'll finish the rest after he gets there.
He turned on the engine. And the car drove on, marking the BEGINNING OF THEIR JOURNEY OF BEING TOGETHER.
⁂
The entire car ride was deafeningly quiet.
Shaurya cast numerous glances at the woman beside him throughout the journey, but this was not the case with her.
She spent the entire journey with her face pressed against the window, her eyes misty.
Inside her, a tumult of emotions was raging. A sensitive shake would cause it to spin out of control at any time.
Shaurya was aware that she was upset but he was confident that once he arrived, he would be able to sort everything out.
Finally, they reached THEIR HOME, and it was time to get off the car.
He turned to Anokhi, who appeared to be lost.
"Anokhi...", he said calmly.
"Ghar aa gaya hain..."
She turned to face him this time, and he could see the blurriness in her eyes.
"Anokhi..."
She raised her eyes to him.
"Mujhe pta hain..."
"Dad aur Maa se itne dino baad milogi... isliye thoda dar lag rha hain tumhe..."
"But chinta mat karo..."
"Vo tumse bohot pyaar karte hain Anokhi... Tumhe dekhte hi vo bohot khush ho jaayenge..."
"Aur..."
"Main hoon na..."
Anokhi was taken aback; how did he know she was worried about this?
He was correct that she was hesitant because she would be facing them after so many days.
She was sad because she missed them, but she also felt guilty for not communicating with them.
She didn't look at him and stepped down after unlocking the door.
Shaurya also got out of the car and approached her.
⁂
Aastha and Shaan were sitting in the drawing room, their hearts thumping.
They had high hopes because Shaurya had promised them that he would definitely bring their "daughter" back with him.
They didn't even call him the entire day because he had promised to do it.
They were both anxious and depressed as they sat there.
"Sh... Shaan..."
"Shaam ho chuki hain..."
"Vo dono abhi tak nhi aaye..."
"Anokhi... Anokhi vaapas aayegi na ?... Humaari beti humaare paas vaapas aayegi na... bolo Shaan..."
"Main bhi toh yahi soch rha hoon Aastha..."
"Shaurya ne jo vaada kiya tha... v... vo use nibhaayega... mujhe ummeed hain... Lekin..."
Just then the bell rang.
Aastha jumped to her feet in a hurry.
"Vo aa gye!...", she exclaimed.
"Vo dono aa gaye Shaan!..."
"Pehle darvaaza toh kholo Aastha..."
"H... haan...", she hurriedly said as she walked to the door with a smile on her face.
Her heart sank the moment she opened the door.
Their stood his son, but alone.
"Sh... Shaurya..."
"Anokhi... Anokhi kaha hain ?..."
"Use apne saath nahi laaye tum ?..."
"Bolo Shaurya... Chup kyu ho!..."
"M... Maa... V... vo..."
In the meantime, Shaan too approached him and said, "Shaurya... kuch toh bolo! ..."
"Vo baat yeh hai ki...", Shaurya stammered, trying to hide his smile.
Shaan noticed it.
"Ek minute!..."
"Aastha... Tumhaara beta aise has kyu rha hain ?..."
Shaurya became alarmed and kept a blank expression on his face.
He was noticed by Aastha.
"Bohot ho gaya Shaurya... "
"Mujhse aur rha nhi jaa rha..."
"Tumne vaada kiya tha hum-..."
"Anokhi ab aa bhi jaao...", Shaurya cut in.
Hearing it, Aastha's eyes widened, and she soon noticed Anokhi approaching from the side.
Shaan and Aastha's faces lit up with joy as they saw their little daughter in front of them.
She walked over to Shaurya and took a position next to him.
Aastha exclaimed, "Anokhi!!!..."
She, on the other hand, had her head bowed. She wasn't looking up at all.
Aastha moved forward, placing her palm on both sides of Anokhi's face.
She still didn't look up.
"Anokhi..." said Aastha, tearfully.
"Beta... Naaraaz ho apni Maa se..."
This shattered her composure, and she looked up with teary eyes.
Anokhi was in Aastha's embrace the next moment.
The father and son due were looking and smiling at the adorable scene, while Aastha was taken aback by her unexpected action.
"N... nhi Maa..."
"Main naaraaz nhi hoon... Bilkul bhi naaraaz nhi hoon...", she sobbed.
"Toh fir itne dino mein... ek baar bhi yaad nhi aayi apne Maa ki?...", Aastha said as she stroked her hair.
She sniffed, "Sorry Maa..."
"Arre!...", exclaimed Shaan.
"Mera toh kisiko khyaal hi nhi hai...", he sulked.
Anokhi pulled back from the hug and immediately hugged him.
"I'm sorry Papa...", she sniffed.
Shaan stroked her hair and smiled.
"No sorry... ", Shaan said.
"Matlab?... Aap mujhse gussa ho?...", Anokhi said cutely as she stepped back from the hug.
"Haan... thoda sa..."
Anokhi cried more and again said, "Sorry Papa... Mujhse galti ho gayi... Aage se nhi karungi..."
Shaurya was looking at his wife in awe to see how much she was attached to them.
While Aastha smacked Shaan in the shoulder.
"Kyu meri beti ko pareshaan kar rhe ho ?!..."
Shaan laughed, while Anokhi stared at them, puzzled.
"Anokhi...", said Aastha.
"Tum Shaan ki baato par dhyaan mat do... Vo tumse koi gussa-vussa nhi hain... Vo to mazaak kar rha tha..."
Anokhi broadened her eyes and looked at him, to which Shaan smiled sheepishly.
"Papa!...", Anokhi pouted.
"Achcha achcha... sorry Anokhi...", Shaan grinned.
"Lekin ab tumne agar rona band nhi kiya toh main sach mein naaraaz ho jaaunga...", he said.
Anokhi quickly wiped away her tears and said, "Theek hain... Yeh dekho... Main nhi ro rhi..."
"Ab aap log gussa nhi karoge na...", she innocently said.
"Bilkul nhi...", said Aastha.
"Abhi baatein baahar rehkar karni hain kya !...", Shaan exclaimed.
"Meri beti vaapas aayi hain... use andar toh aane do... Mujhe dher saari baatein karni hain usse..."
Everybody smiled and so did Anokhi through tears.
Both Shaurya and Anokhi took a step forward together, marking their another step in their journey of being together.
They both looked towards each other for a second before averting their gazes which made Aastha and Shaan smile.
Anokhi was overcome with emotion after returning after such a long time.
She swung her gaze around, taking in the familiar sensations.
Shaurya noticed it and smiled, knowing how much she loved them all, even after being so hurt.
Aastha held her hand and made her sit in the sofa. She sat down next to her.
"Anokhi...", she cupped her face.
"Kaisi ho beta ?...", she said a bit emotional.
"Main theek hoon Maa...", she said, placing her hands above Aastha's.
"Aap aur Papa kaise ho ?..."
"Aap dava time par lete hona ?..."
"Aapke ghutno mein jo dard tha... vo abhi zyaada toh nhi haina Maa ?..."
"Mujhse please naaraaz mat hona... main firse... firse aisa kabhi nhi karungi... Ab se main aapka firse dhyaan rakhungi... Humesha...", she said cutely.
Everyone was awestruck by the mini woman sitting there. She was such a cutie pie.
"Anokhi !...", Aastha said.
"Hume bhi toh kuch bolne do..."
"Hum sab bhi bilkul theek hain... lekin tumhe pta hain... itne dino mein ek bhi din nhi gaya jab humne tumhe yaad naa kiya ho..."
"Bohot yaad aati thi tumhaari... har roz sochte the ki aaj tum phone karogi... lekin... ", she trailed off.
"Sorry na Maa... Firse aisa nhi karungi... Promise...", Anokhi was again as on the verge of crying.
Aastha placed a forehead kiss and said, "Tumhe apne saamne dekhkar mujhe bohot khushi ho rhi hain Anokhi... main bta nhi sakti..."
"Meri beti mere paas vaapas aa gayi... bas aur kuch nhi chaahiye...", she expressed her gratitude.
Anokhi smiled with moist eyes on receiving this much love from them.
"Achcha achcha ab bohot hua !...", Shaan said.
"Meri beti ko ab aur rulaao mat..."
"Raat hone vaali hain..."
"Jaao Shaurya jaakar fresh ho jaao... aur Anokhi... Tum bhi jaao beta..."
Anokhi's expression suddenly changed.
She wasn't ready to step in his room now. She was still upset with him.
"M... Maa..."
"Main aa... aapke room mein reh sakti hoon..."
This stabbed Shaurya's heart.
He knew she said that because he had severed all his ties with her "that day" with "those words". She didn't consider his room to be hers any longer.
He was enraged at himself once more.
His heart sank, but he remained silent.
Aastha, too, was aware that Anokhi was still upset with her son, and she didn't want to put pressure on her.
So, she said, "Haan bilkul Anokhi..."
"Meri beti apne Maa ke room mein hi rahegi..."
Shaurya looked up at Aastha to which she passed assuring eyes.
He didn't say anything though he was hurt.
"Chalo Anokhi... mere saath chalo..."
"Main bhi chalti hoon tumhaare saath..."
Aastha and Anokhi made their way to the room.
Shaurya was still standing there upset. Soon, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and found Shaan smiling at him.
Shaan grabbed his shoulder with both hands and pulled him into a hug.
"Thank you Shaurya... ", he smiled.
"Thank you kis baat ke liye Dad ?...", Shaurya said, hugging back tightly.
"Meri beti ko vaapas lautaane ke liye...", he said smiling.
Shaurya replied, "Maine to bas apni galti sudhaari Dad... par abhi bhi usne mujhe poori tarah se maaf nhi kiya..."
"Chinta mat karo Shaurya..."
"Anokhi bas thoda sa naaraaz hai... uski naaraazgi jaldi door ho jaayegi..."
"Thoda vakt do use...", he patted his back.
Shaurya nodded in the hug.
"Chalo..."
"To ab jaao apne room mein... aur fresh hokar neeche dinner karne aa jaao...", Shaan said.
"Hmmm...", Shaurya pulled back from the hug and left for his room.
Shaan continued to look at him with a smile on his face, and he, too, soon left.
⁂
Anokhi was sitting on Aastha's bed in her room.
She was experiencing a flood of emotions on the inside, but she wasn't displaying them on the outside.
Aastha walked in and saw Anokhi sitting on the bed, dressed in the same clothes she had worn previously.
"Anokhi..."
She turned to face her.
"Tumne abhi tak change kiya..."
Anokhi remained deafeningly silent.
Aastha approached her and placed her hand on her face, "Anokhi..."
"Yeh ghar bhi tumhaara hi hain..."
"Yaha sabhi log tumhaare hain..."
"Toh fir Shaurya ke room mein jaane se kyu hichkicha rhi ho...", she said softly.
Anokhi looked up as she was right.
"N... nhi Maa... aisa kuch nhi hain..."
"Toh fir jaao..."
"Tumhaare kapde abhi bhi almirah mein hi hain..."
"Shaurya ne bohot sambhaalkar rakhe hue hain..."
"Vo toh apne kapdo par bhi itna dhyaan nhi deta jitna tumhare par deta hain...", she smiled.
Anokhi looked up shocked.
"Ab jaldi jaao... aur fresh hokar aa jaao...", saying so she left.
Anokhi stood up and nervously steeped outside the room, to encounter his room.
⁂
Shaurya had just entered his room, and his gaze darted around it once more.
"Aaj bhi yeh kamra khaali hain..."
"Lekin ab nhi rahega...", he smiled.
"Main Anokhi ko zaroor mana loonga..."
He was relieved that he would no longer be confronted with the lifeless room.
Every time he walked into the empty silent room; it broke his heart even more.
But now, things are on their way of mending.
He smiled as he walked up to the bed and took something up in his hands.
He smiled as he looked at it.
It was his beloved "pillow companion."
He brought it up to his face and softly placed his lips there for a while.
"Pillow..."
"Tumhaari maalkin ko main vaapas le aaya hoon...", he smiled to himself.
"Abse tumhe uske bina nhi sona padega... Aur naa hi mujhe...", he smiled through tears.
He placed it back on the bed and walked towards the almirah.
When he opened it, his gaze was drawn to an object that had been placed inside. He smiled even wider this time. He had bought it for HER.
He took out his casuals.
Just as he closed the door, and was about to step forward, he got a heart attack.
There SHE was, standing in front of him, in THEIR room.
He felt elated.
"Ano... khi... Tum..."
She didn't say anything and stepped towards the door.
He didn't like her silence, but then he realized she might have come to take her clothes.
He became alarmed and, as she approached the door, he exclaimed, "Ek minute !!!!..."
Anokhi looked at him, perplexed.
He stepped forward and opened the door and took something out, but Anokhi couldn't see it because she was hidden behind the door.
"Tumhaare kapde yahi hain... A... almirah mein..."
"Main neeche jaata hoon... Tum... tum yahi change kar lo...", he said as he crossed his hands behind him as if hiding something and began walking out of the room.
Anokhi kept looking at his strange behavior while he went downstairs.
She turned to look around THEIR room. She became teary-eyed as she remembered how she used to live there.
She noticed that her and "his pillow" were still on the bed and remembered how he was sleeping with it hugging it one day.
Did that imply he'd be sleeping with her pillow every night ?
She wiped her misty lashes, then her gaze was drawn to the almirah. She held the door handle with trembling hands and yanked it open. And she was taken aback when her gaze fell inside.
Her clothes were still in the same place she used to keep them.
Her vision had blurred, and she remembered Aastha's words.
"Tumhaare kapde abhi bhi almirah mein hi hain..."
"Shaurya ne bohot sambhaalkar rakhe hue hain..."
She looked around and noticed that his clothes were also neatly arranged.
She smiled through tears as she saw that he didn't end up in a junkyard.
But little did she know that it was indeed a junkyard, and that he had cleaned it up because he was certain that he would make HER return at all costs, and was fearful of her wrath upon seeing it on returning.
She took out her casuals and wiping off her eyes, she walked into the bathroom.
⁂
Shaurya entered Aastha's room as if he was a thief.
Aastha noticed his strange behavior and noticed him with his hands behind his back, as if he was hiding something.
"Shaurya !...", her voice jolted him.
"M... Maa aap ? ... Aap yaha ?...", he said as he walked in.
"Toh mujhe kaha hona chaahiye ?... Main apne room mein hi toh hoon..."
"N... nhi main to... a... aise hi bas..."
"Tum kya chhupa rhe ho ?...", she narrowed her eyes.
He became alarmed and clasped his hand tightly behind his back.
"Kuch bhi toh nhi...", he lied.
"Achcha ?!..."
"Apne haaath saamne karo... mujhe dikhao kya hain....", she said as she walked over him.
"Arre !... Kuch nhi hain... mere kapde hain... Vo oopar Anokhi haina... toh main yaha aa gaya..."
Aastha was about to walk behind him when he abruptly turned around.
They played ringa-ringa-roses for a few minutes, with Shaurya turning around and Aastha trying to see his hands.
"Shaurya !!!..." she shouted.
"Kya kar rhe ho tum ?... Mujhe pta hain tum kuch chhupa rhe ho... Jaldi dikhaao..."
"Arre... bas aise hi hain... kuch khaas nhi...", he again tried to hide it.
This time, Aastha quickly grabbed his hands, and when her eyes fell on the object, she looked surprised.
Shaurya's heart skipped a beat on getting caught.
His cheeks began to flush.
"Maine b... bola tha na... K... kuch khaas nhi..."
Aastha at once knew the object was meant for whom and she smile broadly.
"Vhi main sochu..."
"Mera beta iske saath kya karega..."
This made Shaurya more shy.
"Maa !..."
"Vo... to... bas... aise hi... use pasand hain... vo... m... mujh... se naaraaz hain... to... to... isliye... matlab... maine... u... USKE LIYE... laaya...", he stammered.
Aastha burst into laughter seeing her shy son.
Shaurya turned grumpy and turned his face around.
"Aap has kyu rhe ho ?... Maine kuch galat kiya kya ?...", he sulked with a puffy face.
"Alle mera LADDOO...", said Aastha, turning him towards her and cupping his face.
"Maa !...", he sulked.
"Tumne kuch galat nhi kiya Shaurya...", she said, smiling.
"Uske liye laaye ho ?...", Aastha asked.
Shaurya nodded with his crimson cheeks.
"Awwwww... ", Aastha melted.
She was overjoyed that her daughter Anokhi had been able to influence Shaurya's behavior.
The object in his hands represented his efforts to change himself, to overcome his inferiority complex, and to express himself more openly.
In her mind, she thanked Anokhi for making this possible.
He'd never done anything for someone else, never expressed his feelings, never did this type of thing to make someone happy.
She was well aware that his son did everything without expressing himself or in an indirect manner, but his this gesture to make her daughter happy warmed her heart.
"Dekhna... Anokhi bohot khush ho jaayegi ise dekhte hi..."
"Mujhe bohot khushi hui ki tumne yeh uske liye kiya..."
This time Shaurya too faced her and smiled back.
"Vo thodi gussa hain... lekin mere bete ko bhi toh apni galti ka ehsaas ho gaya naa... Tumne apne vaada bhi poora kiya..."
"Dekhna... sab kuch theek ho jaayega..."
"Chalo... Abhi tum jaao..."
"Ab change kar lo... fir dinner bhi toh karna hain..."
Shaurya nodded and after placing it on the bed, he went to change.
Aastha glanced at the object once more before walking away.
Soon, Shaurya came out in his casuals and his gaze was drawn to that object.
He caressed it as he held it in his hands.
"Mujhe pta hain... "
"Anokhi ko yeh bohot pasand hain..."
"Mujhe kitni mehnat karni padi ise dhoondne mein..."
"Yeh dekhkar vo pakka apna gussa bhool jaayegi... Poora nhi toh thoda sa hi sahi...", he talked to that object.
"Tum bilkul uske jaisi hi ho...", he stroked it and a shy smile played on his lips.
He hid it inside the almirah so no one could see it.
He then went outside.
⁂
Anokhi had changed into her casuals as well and after coming out, she sat down on the bed.
She sat on the side of the bed where he used to sleep.
She remembered him by touching the texture of the bedsheet.
She missed it !
She badly missed him !
She took "his pillow" in her hand and moved it close to her heart.
As she engulfed it even tighter, tears streamed down her face.
She had been in a state of emotional turmoil since her return to the house. She wasn't showing it outside because she didn't want to.
That emotional baggage would be cleared only after crying them out.
She buried her face in "his pillow" and let her tears flow.
It had aura of HIM. It gave her a sense of his presence.
She stroked it with her palm and closed her eyes while holding it close to her heart.
⁂
Shaurya was waiting for her at the dining table.
It had been a long time since she had been upstairs and she still hadn't arrived.
He was about to leave when Aastha told him that she would come downstairs by herself and that he should give her some time.
"Anokhi nhi aayi abhi tak Shaurya...", said Shaan.
"Shaurya...", said Aastha, who was on her way out of the kitchen.
"Tum jaao..."
"Dekhkar aao..."
"Haan main jaata hoon...", he exclaimed as he leapt to his feet and dashed upstairs.
Shaan smiled at Aastha seeing their excited son.
⁂
Shaurya walked into his room.
He took a nervous step forward, and the scene in front of him surprised him.
The little lady was sleeping on the bed, her arms around "his pillow" as if it were her teddy bear.
He smiled seeing it.
He approached her slowly and sat down next to her.
He noticed how she was clutching "his pillow" with both hands.
This made his eyes water again, as he used to do the same with "her pillow" whenever her absence killed him.
This proved yet again how much she missed him.
He looked how calmly she was sleeping with his pillow.
But little did he know that beneath this calm face was a dam of emotions about to burst.
He didn't want to wake her up, so he got up and went downstairs.
He reached there onto the dining table.
"Kya hua Shaurya ?... Anokhi nhi aayi..."
"Vo... Dad vo so rhi hain...", he said.
"So rhi hain ?... "
"Shaayad thakaavat ke kaaran so gayi hogi..."
"Shaurya...", Aastha said.
She approached him and handed him the plate, saying, "Yeh lo..."
Shaurya looked at it, perplexed.
"Tum oopar jaao... Aur khud Anokhi ko khila do...", she said.
Shaurya was taken aback.
"M... main khilaau ?..."
"Haan tum...", she replied back.
"L... lekin Maa... vo mere haath se... matlab...", he hesitated.
"Ek baar koshish toh karo... Vo zaroor khaayegi tumhaare haath se khaana..."
Shaurya's heart jumped with a hope.
He indeed wanted to do it because he had never done anything like it before. He never got the opportunity to care for her, or to put it another way, he never attempted to do so.
Without wasting more time, he took the plate in his hands and said, "Theek hain Maa..."
"Main apne room mein jaa rha hoon...", saying so he left while Shaan and Aastha exchanged smiling glances.
⁂
Shaurya walked in and carefully placed the plate on the bedside table.
He then took a seat next to her and gazed intently at her angelic face.
He wanted to stroke her hair, but his insecurities kept him from doing so.
It's true that he had pulled a stunt this morning by picking up in his arms and then going in front of elders in that manner, but at the time he was determined to take her back with him at any cost. So he didn't have to think too hard at the time.
But now that she was back near him again, he remembered that their relationship wasn't that of a typical couple before.
This brought back his fears and anxieties, but he promised himself that he would never hurt her again.
He promised himself that from now on, he would always be with her, he would never leave her side, and most importantly, he would never dare to make her leave him against her will.
HE PROMISED HIMSELF THAT HE WOULD LOVE HER THE WAY HE WAS ABLE.
Coming out of his thoughts, he nervously placed his hand on her shoulder and called out, "Anokhi..."
She didn't wake up.
He tried again, this time pressing his palm slightly.
"Anokhi !..."
She moved a little more this time, and her eyes eventually opened.
She sat up straight and fluttered her eyes open like a baby, making him smile.
She looked around and realized she was in THEIR room.
She soon realized she was still hugging his pillow and left it.
This made his heart sank but he ignored it.
She slowly raised her head to meet his gaze, but quickly averted her eyes when their sight collided.
She knew she wouldn't be able to bear the agony and longing in his eyes, so she does this whenever his gaze falls on her.
"Anokhi..."
"Dinner ka time ho chuka hain..."
She looked up at the clock, then turned to face him, and finally said something.
"A... aap kha lo... Mera man nhi hain..."
Shuarya was aware of this, and he knew what he needed to do.
"Tum nhi khaaogi... Toh main bhi nhi khaaunga..."
Anokhi looked up, surprised that he was playing with her.
She knew he knew she couldn't make him do it. But she denied it once more.
"Main nhi khaaungi...", she said and turned her face aside.
"Theek hain..."
"Toh fir mujhe bhi bhookha hi rehna padega...", he said.
Anokhi didn't budge instead stayed mum looking at other side.
Five minutes passed and Shaurya stood up.
He walked to the bedside table and it was then Anokhi noticed the food plate.
He picked it up and then came to sit beside her.
She kept looking at him, trying to figure out what he was up to.
"Khaaogi nhi toh mujhe daantne ke liye energy kaha se milegi ?...", he said softly as he filled the spoon with rice and extended it towards her mouth.
"Isliye please kha lo..."
Anokhi was emotionally taken aback.
He was feeding her ?
Her eyes brimmed but she managed to keep the tears at bay.
Without looking at him, she replied, "M... Main khud bhi kha sakti hoon...""
Shaurya smiled at the fate's tricks.
Previously, it was he who denied her care, and this time it was she.
History was repeating itself, but their roles had been reversed.
"Aaj main khila doon tumhe..."
"Please...", he said, his voice calm as river.
Anokhi turned to face him, her eyes welling up.
He wanted to feed her ?
She was fighting back tears because she had never experienced such intense attention from HIM.
She didn't have any expectations from him or any complaints about it. It's just his action simply made her feel cared for and loved.
He moved the spoon closer to her, and she didn't object this time.
She opened her small mouth to take the spoon in, tears welling up in her doe-shaped eyes.
Shaurya was overjoyed when he finally succeeded in feeding her.
He realized what it's like to look after someone.
He loved that feeling.
He took another spoon and continued to feed her.
He was giddy with delight as she ate quietly like a baby, and he was feeding her every spoonful.
It was as if a mother feeding her small baby.
Anokhi's eyes had already begun to tear up at this gesture, but she refrained from crying.
She was enamored with the feeling of being cared for by him, but she didn't show it outside.
He extended the spoon once more, but this time she took his hand in hers.
He looked at her.
"Aap bhi khaaiye...", she said without looking him in the eyes as she turned the spoon towards him.
"Main baad mein kha loonga...", he said with a smile.
"Nhi... Abhi khaaiye !...", she exclaimed, extending the spoon to his mouth and making him to eat it.
He opened his mouth and ate it as he couldn't dare to deny the little lady's order.
This happened several times while they were stealing glances from each other.
He fed her once, she fed him the next, and they were done with it in no time.
When they were finished, Shaurya took his handkerchief from his pocket and delicately placed it on her mouth.
She was taken aback, and her cheeks began to flush, but at the same time, tears threatened to well up in her eyes as a result of his kind gesture.
Shaurya stood up and walked downstairs, holding the plate.
Anokhi sat there silently, taking in what had just happened a few minutes before.
She loved his caring but still wasn't ready to confess it to herself.
Shaurya returned to the room after a while and walked over to the pillow on the other side of the bed. He put something beneath it as if trying to hide it from her. This was exactly how he acted when she had arrived to take her clothes from the almirah.
Soon after, she noticed him approaching her side and taking a seat beside her.
She averted her gaze to avoid meeting his.
There was a pregnant silence in the room.
He finally spoke up after a few minutes of silence.
"Mujhse naaraaz ho abhi bhi...", he said calmly.
This reawakened Anokhi's anger toward him, which she had forgotten about during the feeding game.
Her eyes welled up once more.
The dam of emotions within her shook, as if ready to burst at any moment.
She got out of bed and was about to walk away when he gently took her hand in his.
He was stopping her from leaving.
She didn't turn, knowing that one more look in his eyes would bring her to tears.
She didn't say anything because she didn't want to become weak, so she just stood there, her face turned away from him.
Shaurya was controlling his emotions.
He had also become weak as a result of the emotional baggage he had been going through for the past one month.
"Mat jaao..." he said, his voice trembling.
"Please mat jaao..."
Hum tere bin
Ab reh nahi sakte
Tere bina kya vajoodh mera
"Tumhe jo bhi bolna hain... Vo bolo Anokhi..."
"Tumhe jo shikaayat hain mujhse... vo kaho Anokhi..."
"Par please...", he said, his voice breaking.
"Aise..."
"Aise mujhse door mat jaao..."
"Ab...", his voice cracked even more.
"AB NHI RHA JAA RHA MUJHSE..."
Hum tere bin
Ab reh nahi sakte
Tere bina kya vajoodh mera
Tujh se juda agar ho jayenge
Toh khud se hi ho jayenge juda
Anokhi's heart sank as he made this single statement.
He couldn't bear living without her any longer ?
Why?
But she was well aware that she was in the same boat. She, too, couldn't stand the distance between them, but her heart refused to give up its tenacity.
She was caught off guard the next moment when she felt a secure warmth envelop her.
She was taken aback when she realized she had been dragged and landed on his lap by him.
This made her even more vulnerable.
This was making her heart to give up its stubbornness.
Tears were on the verge of gushing down her cheeks.
"Ch... cho... chodiye mujhe...", she managed to mutter between sobs.
He was simply holding her shoulders gently in order not to let her go and to stop her.
"Please Anokhi..." he sobbed.
"Mere saath aisa mat karo naa please...", he said, his voice calm but tearful.
"Maine kaha na..."
"Galti ho gayi thi mujhse!..."
"Tum... tumhe khu... khud se door kar ke... bohot badi galti ki thi maine..."
"Lekin tumhe pta hain..."
Anokhi was still in his lap, facing the other side, trying to hide her tears.
Shaurya had made her sit comfortably in his lap.
"Tumhe pta hain..."
"Tum... tum itne din nhi thi na... To... toh mujhe bilkul bhi achcha nhi lga...", he sobbed like a child.
"Tum mujhse door thi... har vakt main... main tumhaare baare mein sochta tha..."
"Pta hain... h... har subah main sochta tha k... ki mere office jaane se pehle... mujhe apne kapde pehle hi bed pe mil jaayenge... L... lekin fir baad mein yaad aata tha... ki tum... tumhe toh maine khud se door bhej diya hain... ab tum mere saath nhi...", he cried out.
Kyunki tum hi ho
Ab tum hi ho
Zindagi ab tum hi ho
Chain bhi mera dard bhi
Meri aashiqui ab tum hi ho
Anokhi's tears had already begun to fall.
He had been hurt, and this had caused her pain.
She was crying, but a part of her was still inside.
She was still trying to maintain her cool.
"Jab bhi main office ke liye late hota tha... toh main jaldbaazi mein breakfast karta tha... aur aise jaldbaazi mein mere gale mein khaana fas jaata tha... toh mujhe khaasi aati thi... Aur fir mujhe tum yaad aa jaati thi... k... ki agar tum hoti toh tumhaare haatho se paani peene ko milta... tum... tum mere peeth ko sehelate hue mujhe paani pila rhi hoti...", he explained all the happenings like a crying child.
"Itni bhi kya jaldi thi!!...", Anokhi exclaimed, her voice broken.
"Humesha bas apni manmaani karni hoti haina aapko... apna khyaal toh rakhna aata hi nhi...", she scolded him as tears streamed down her face.
"TUM hona mera khyaal rakhne ke liye... Isiliye toh main nhi rakhta...", he replied smiling.
Listening to this Anokhi turned her face sideways puffing up her round cheeks.
Shaurya chuckled through tears on having the angry little lady back.
She was crying for him and yet scolding him.
He was overwhelmed by the fact that his tiny wifey was sitting in his lap, looking so cute with those puffy cheeks displaying her rage at him.
He missed it !
He badly missed it !
Since their return, he had craved this little angry lady.
Now that she was back, he was confident that he would soon melt her heart.
"Anokhi...", he called out softly.
She didn't move or say anything, instead remaining seated on his lap with her super cute puffy cheeks.
Shaurya was moved by the sight, and he reached out to wipe away her tears.
He had her in his lap and was wiping her tears with his right hand while wrapping his left arm around her left shoulder.
He adored the way she sat quietly on his lap like a sweet little baby.
He gently caressed her cheek after wiping away the tears.
"Anokhi...", he again called out.
But she was still silent, as a part of her emotional baggage was still inside her and she was maintaining to not let it out.
"Anokhi..."
*No response*
"Anokhi..."
*No response*
"Anokhi... Anokhi... sunti ho...", he teased a little.
*No response*
"An... o... khi..."
*No response*
"Nik... ki..."
She turned to face him this time, and he was met with a glare.
He smiled as he succeeded in getting her to move, but his face fell as she turned her face sideways again the next second.
As a result, he made the decision to use his "weapon".
That "weapon" was his last hope, and he was confident that it would completely melt her.
He leaned a little backwards, balancing her as well, to reach for the pillow.
He slid his hand beneath it to take the "weapon" out, while Anokhi shook on his lap but didn't turn to see what he was doing.
He was back in his previous position when he gently wrapped his left arm around her left shoulder and said, "Dekho Anokhi..."
"M... main yeh... yeh tumhaare liye laaya hoon..."
She still didn't turn.
"Dekho naa ek baar..."
"Please..."
Still no progress in her behavior, though she was trying hard to not look what it was.
"Ek baar toh dekho Anokhi..."
"Nhi toh use bura lagega..."
"Dekho... Vo bilkul tumhaari tarah dikhti hain..."
"Tumhe pta hain Anokhi..."
"Mujhe yeh dhoondne mein kitni mehnat karni padi..."
"Kitne shop mein gaya tha main... par tumhaari jaisi dikhne vaali kahi mil hi nhi rhi thi..."
"Fir last mein mujhe ek shop mein mil hi gayi..."
Now she was running out of her patience.
Her childish heart compelled her to peer through the corner of her eyes at the object in his hands, but she couldn't see what it was properly.
When Shaurya continued, she quickly averted her gaze.
"Ek baar dekh lo na...", he said sweetly.
"Tumhaari tarah hi hai... Bilkul CHHOTU si..."
Anokhi's cheeks puffed up even more hearing the word "Chhotu".
"PYAARI si...", Shaurya continued.
This melted her a little.
"Aur MOTU si hain...", he hit the target.
"Kya kaha aapne !!!!!!!!!...", she turned her face right away, and the moment her eyes fell on the "object" what he was describing about, she was left dumbfounded.
This was the only thing left.
He knew it !
The only thing that could melt her was this.
She forgot her all anger, her all hurtfulness right at that moment and she looked up at him with tear-filled eyes.
He was already looking at her with a smile.
She raised her trembling hands to reach for the object, which he tenderly handed to her.
Her lips quivered as the dam of emotions had reached its peak.
First, he fed her the dinner with such affection, and now this.
She had lost control of her emotions.
She couldn't hold them back any longer.
She couldn't stop herself from hugging HIM.
She crashed into his chest right away bursting into tears.
He fell backwards on the bed as a result of the sudden impact, with Anokhi on top of him.
"Aap bure ho !..."
"Aap bure ho !..."
"Aap bohot bure ho !..."
"Mujhse baat mat karna...", she clutched onto him by burying her face into his chest and cried her heart out.
Shaurya was taken aback, but as she clung to him so tightly and broke down crying, his own tears streamed down his cheeks.
He couldn't bear the way she was crying her heart out uncontrollably.
FINALLY, letting go of all his fears and breaking down all the barriers within himself, he lifted his hands, which had been lying on either side of her until now, only to wrap them tightly around her frame.
The moment, she and he fitted perfectly into each other's frame, THEIR BROKEN PIECES OF HEART REKINDLED.
"A... An... Ano... khi..."
"I... I... I MISSED YOU...", he finally said what he had been wanting to say for so long.
"I missed you more !...", Anokhi shrieked.
"I MISSED YOU MORE THAN THAT...", he let his tears flow and pulled her closer to him as close as possible.
Both souls indirectly expressed their LOVE for one another by saying this.
Tera mera rishta hai kaisa
Ek pal door gawara nahi
Tere liye har roz hain jeete
Tujhko diya mera waqt sabhi
Koi lamha mera na ho tere bina
Har saans pe naam tera..
Anokhi was sobbing profusely, burying her face in his chest, and he kept stroking her hair with his fingers.
He smiled through tears as he realized, for the first time, how PERFECTLY she fit into his frame.
He had his chin above her head while she was in his embrace.
He was relieved because it was exactly what he had been craving for, for a long time.
That was the moment he realized, she indeed belonged in HIS ARMS.
He didn't object her instead let her cry her heart out to release the turmoil of emotions which she had bottled up inside her over the past one month.
He was crying too, but stroking her hair softly with one hand and caressing her back with the other.
Anokhi's sobs had turned into hiccups.
"Shhhhhhhhh...", Shaurya whispered as he placed his gentle palm over her head.
Anokhi had finally released everything from her internal system and was feeling very light after crying out.
Above all, the warmth in his embrace was exactly what she needed.
"Shhorry...", she said softly as she snuggled closer to him.
Shaurya was both surprised and awestruck as she heard his baby wifey say "Shhorry".
He ruffled her again with his fingers before attempting to cup her face with one hand.
But she buried her small face even deeper into his chest, preventing him from seeing her.
"Anokhi..."
"Idhar dekho meri taraf...", he said softly.
She nodded in a no in the same position.
"Ek baar..."
"Please...", he sounded calm.
She backed up a little and looked at him with puffy eyes.
It hurt him to see her tear-streaked face with those red swollen eyes, but what he did next stunned Anokhi.
She closed her eyes and absorbed the warmth as he gently placed his lips on her forehead.
She was overcome with emotion because this was the first time HE had expressed his longing for HER in this way.
One more tear fell from her eyes because this was a very "SPECIAL MOMENT" for her.
She never imagined that things would fall back into place in this manner.
Shaurya was quick to wipe the single tear from her eye and nodded in a no.
She felt SAFE, she felt LOVED, she felt CARED for, she felt like a BABY in his embrace, engulfed by LOVE.
Shaurya tried to sit up, and she, too, realized she had transferred her entire wait on him. She immediately drew back and attempted to sit.
They both sat up, Anokhi on his lap, but this time he pulled her more closer and held her tightly in his embrace.
Anokhi's cheeks warmed up because this was the first time they were consciously in each other's proximity.
He took up the object, "his weapon," and caressed it with his hand before saying, "Mujhe pta tha..."
"Mujhe bharosa tha... yeh tumhaara gussa zaroor pighla degi..."
"Thank you...", he thanked the object.
Anokhi pouted and said, "Vo meri hai...", extending her hand to reach for it.
But he quickly drew his hand away.
Anokhi tried several times to reach it while sitting on his lap, but it was always moved away.
"SHAURYA !!!..."
This brought him to a halt, and he smiled broadly, tears still in his eyes.
"Firse bolo...", he said.
"Shaurya... mujhe deejiye vo..."
"Ek baar aur bolo...", his eyes brimmed more.
"Shaurya...", she realized she was repeating his name, which was why he was asking her to do so.
"Ek baar aur...", he again requested.
"Sh... Shaurya..."
This time, he caressed her cheek with his palm.
He was moved to tears when he heard his name from her mouth after so many days.
To his ears, it sounded like a melody.
He wiped the tears from her eyes and handed her the object as he drew her in a little closer.
Anokhi excitedly took it in her hands and hugged it like a small girl child.
"Shaurya... A... aapne yeh... yeh mere liye laaya...", she looked at him with glossy eyes filled with happiness.
Shaurya nodded his head in a yes and said, "Tumhaari jaisi haina bilkul..."
"Bilkul Anokhi..."
"Isiliye toh bohot dhoondne ke baad mili mujhe...", he, too, placed his palm over her hand, which was on the object.
"Tumhaaro jaisi CHHOTU si..."
"PYAARI si..."
"Aur..."
"Aur ?!...", Anokhi glared at him.
"Auuuuuuuur... CUTU si hai...", he finally said it.
Anokhi's cheeks reddened from hearing his words of praise for her and REALLY, she was so HAPPY.
Doll is the only thing which can lift her mood whenever she is upset.
And he knew it !
He knew it and acted upon it.
She never expected him to go "out of his way" for her.
His this one small gesture WON HER HEART.
"Thank you Shaurya..."
"Mujhe yeh bohot achcha laga... Bohot pasand aayi mujhe... Bohot bohot pyaari hain yeh...", she hugged him and said, her voice shaking as she was moved by his this act.
Shaurya wrapped his arms around her and replied, "Sorry..."
Anokhi too replied back, "S... sorry... Shaurya..."
Shaurya placed a soft peck on her hair and said, "Tum kyu sorry ?..."
"Galti toh mujhse hui na...", he said.
"Par maine aapko daanta... a... aapko hurt kiya... Uske liye SORRY...", she said sweetly while hugging him.
He went awe at her and said with open heart, "Tum bohot achchi ho Anokhi..."
Anokhi was taken aback yet again by this.
He was the one who had never spoken openly before and was now doing so.
She pressed her face against his chest even more, saying, "Aap bhi bohot achche ho Shaurya..."
"Aapko maine bohot miss kiya... "
"Mujhe aapki bohot yaad aati thi..."
"Har roz main aapke baare mein sochti thi..."
"Main kabhi bhooli nhi aapko...", her eyes misty again as she finally let out all of her emotions.
"Maine bhi tumhe bohot miss kiya Anokhi... BOHOT..."
Anokhi raised her eyes to him, and their gazes locked.
In his eyes, she could see pure concern, yearning, and affection.
She slowly eased out of the hug and placed her palm on his cheek.
She called his name, "Shaurya...", with pure delight.
He replied, "Bolo...", in the same tone.
"Aap... aap bohot achche ho..."
"Aap sabhi se achche ho..."
"Aap bohot strong ho..."
"M... mujhse vaada keejiye..."
"AAP KABHI BHI KHUD KO KISI AUR SE COMPARE NHI KARENGE..."
"Vaada keejiye... KHUDKO DOOSRE KE MUKAABLE KAM NHI SAMJHENGE..."
"Vaada keejiye... AAP KABHI BHI AISA BILKUL NAHI SOCHENGE AAP MEIN KOI BHI KAMI HAI AUR AAP MERI EXPECTATIONS POORE NHI KAR SAKTE..."
"Keejiye vaada...", she said, extending her hand.
Shaurya stared at her, motionless.
He instantly averted his gaze from her remembering his disability.
Anokhi was well aware that he hadn't yet overcome his inferiority complex.
"Shaurya...", she said again, lovingly cupping his cheeks.
"Meri taraf dekhiye..."
"Meri aankhon mein dekhiye...", she tried and succeeded in making him look at her.
He slowly turned his face to her and pulling her more closer, he said in shaking voice, "A... Anokhi... m... main tumhe... main tumhe kabhi MAA banne ki KHUSHI nhi de paaunga...", his voice cracking at the end, tears streaming down his cheeks as he confronted her for the first time on this.
"NHI CHAAHIYE!...", Anokhi cut in.
"Nhi chaahiye mujhe..."
"Kyunki..."
"MERE LIYE AAP KAAFI HO", came the reply, which left him speechless.
"Anokhi...", a gasp left his lips.
"Haan Shaurya..."
"MERE LIYE AAP KAAFI HO ", her voice full of truthfulness.
Something shifted in him by her this statement.
He looked into her eyes, which were as deep as the ocean and as transparent as the water, revealing the DEPTH OF LOVE for him.
She went on to say, "Meri toh humesha sirf ek hi expectation thi..."
"Aur vo the AAP..."
"Aapke saath rehna... Aapke paas rehna... Aapki care karna... Aapke saath apni baaki life spend karna... YAHI TO THI MERI EXPEXTATIONS..."
"Aur kuch nhi..."
"Aur kuch bhi nhi..."
"Sirf AAP..."
"Aur kuch nhi...", she sobbed.
Shaurya couldn't take it any longer, so he cupped her cheeks softly in his hands and brushed the tears away with his both thumbs.
He placed a long kiss on her forehead and both closed their eyes.
In that touch, one poured out all his emotions, while the other absorbed them all.
Her words, "MERE LIYE AAP KAAFI HO", were still ringing in his ears.
This one statement from her made him content with himself.
He felt completed.
He felt satisfied.
He felt he was no less than others.
He realized the extent of her LOVE for him.
Anokhi looked back at him and again extended her hand, "Aapne promise nhi kiya abhi bhi Shaurya..."
"Jab tak aap promise nhi karoge... main... main aapse thoda sa naaraaz rahungi...", she pouted.
From the BOTTOM OF HIS HEART, he smiled and placed his hand on hers.
He grinned broadly and said, "PROMISE"
Anokhi ultimately smiled seeing him promising.
She had already broken-down significant barriers within him with her LOVE and WORDS, and now this PROMISE marked the beginning of unravelling the "REAL SHAURYA".
"Shaurya...", Anokhi said again, lovingly cupping his cheeks.
"AAP BOHOT STRONG HO..."
"C... Cancer se ladna itna aasaan thodina hota hain...", her voice trembled at the thought of how much pain he must have endured.
"Aapne cancer ko hara diya... Aur vaapas normal zindagi mein vaapas bhi aa gaye..."
"Aap bohot strong ho..."
Shaurya was reminded of a stressful time in his life, and he became emotional.
Anokhi continued in her sincere voice, "Aap jaise bhi ho... MERE SHAURYA HO...", she said with a smile and a twinkle in her eyes.
Shaurya's heart fluttered as he saw the light in her eyes as she said this.
"AUR TUM MERI ANOKHI", he replied.
Anokhi looked down with her pinkie cheeks and smiled shyly lowering her eyes.
"Aaj ke baad agar kabhi bhi aapne khud ke baare mein ulta-seedha socha ya bola na... to... toh main sach mein humesha ke liye chali jaaungi...", she said with a sad face.
"Nhi Anokhi !..."
"Promise me... Promise me YOU WON"T LEAVE ME...", he became frightened.
Anokhi comforted him by holding his shoulders and said, "MAIN TOH AAPKO KABHI CHODKAR JAANA HI NHI CHAAHTI THI... Lekin aapne...", she sounded hurt.
"Nahi karunga...", he replied.
"Nahi karunga kabhi bhi..."
"Kabhi nahi karunga..."
"Fir kabhi dobaara aise galti nhi karunaga..."
"Tumhe khudse kabhi door nhi karunga..."
"KABHI NHI...", he touched his forehead with hers.
The warmth in their embrace comforted them.
They stayed in that position for some time when Shaurya spoke up, "Anokhi...", he sounded calm.
While playing with his button, she sweetly hummed back, "Hmmm..."
He spoke up after a brief moment of silence.
"PYAAR KARTI HO MUJHSE..."
Anokhi stopped playing with the button just as his words entered her ears.
Her crimson cheeks turned red, and she lowered her eyelashes even more.
"Bolo Anokhi..."
"Javaab do mujhe...", he said, a shy smile on his lips.
Anokhi's cheeks were warming up and she tried to dodge it.
"Aap jaanke kya karoge..."
"Aap toh nhi karte na...", she said very cutely with shy smile.
"MAINE AISA KAB KAHA...", he said, pressing his nose against hers slightly.
Anokhi's cheeks rose uncontrollably, and she quickly hid her face in his chest, wrapping her arms around him.
Shaurya was taken aback by the sudden action, but he soon felt relieved because the little lady was in his arms.
He, too, encircled her with his arms and drew her closer, his LOVE pouring down on her.
He put his chin over her head and smiled contentedly while same was the case with Anokhi, who had her flushed face hidden in his chest.
They were both feeling incredibly happy.
They expressed their LOVE for each other through their actions rather than using those "Three magical words".
No more words were needed to confess it.
They already knew what place they held in each other's heart.
He had HER in his heart, and she had HIM in hers.
Both took in the warmth of each other's embrace.
"Main aaj bohot khush hoon Anokhi..."
"BOHOT KHUSH...", he expressed his happiness.
"Main bhi Shaurya..."
"Main humesha aapke saath hoon Shaurya...", she said as she slowly drew away from his embrace.
"Aapke khushi mein bhi... Aapke dukh mein bhi... HUMESHA..."
He smiled and said, "Tum mere saath ho... mere paas ho..."
"Aur kya chaahiye mujhe... ", he said, referring her to the precious person in his life, and he indeed realized that precious things are cared for by ourselves and not left in the hands of others.
She passed a beautiful smile back to him and said, "Aap smile karte hue achche lagte ho..."
"Humesha smile kiya karo..."
He drew her into another hug, and they both closed their eyes to soak in the moment.
Kyunki tum hi ho
Ab tum hi ho
Zindagi ab tum hi ho
Chain bhi mera dard bhi
Meri aashiqui ab tum hi ho
Tum hi ho...
Tum hi ho...
Everything eventually fell back into place after a lot of going through and storms.
They closed their eyes in preparation for a new morning, which would mark the beginning of their new journey of being together.
Anokhi's LOVE cured whatever repercussions Shaurya's disability had.
Shaurya now knows that she will accompany him on every step of his journey.
She will always be there for him no matter what the circumstances are.
He has begun to dismantle the barriers within himself that were the source of his introverted behavior, but he knows he has to get out of this, and he always has "HIS ANOKHI" by his side.
He has to keep her close and safe with him for the rest of his life.
The two broken souls finally found peace, and everything was resolved.
It will be a new beginning from tomorrow, and they will always be with each other FOREVER.
Shaurya kissed her hair softly and whispered something into her ears.
"Mere iss smile ki vajah..."
"TUM HI HO"
⁓⁕⁓
Their LOVE was so strong, that before it, their life's adversities had to bend.
Finally... after a lot of challenges, their broken hearts were mend.
⁓⁕⁓
THE END
Thank you for reading and
being with them throughout the journey...
soon will read all the chapters. 
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