SS: Tum Hi Ho - Page 2

Tum Hi Ho

Chapter 10. Care (II)

Anokhi was making the bed after dinner when she noticed he was constantly sniffing.

"Aapki tabiyat theek haina...", she inquired, worried.

"Hmmm...", he simply hummed in response.

Anokhi, on the other hand, noticed that his eyes were pale, and she suspected that he had a fever.

"Aapko... aapko bukhaar hain ?...", she asked concerned.

Shaurya himself was feeling ill but he denied it.

"Maine kha na... main theek hoon..."

"Tum jaao... aur jaakar so jaao...", he rebuked.

"Theek hain..."

"Toh main jaa rhi hoon...", she was about to leave.

"Kaha jaa rhi ho tum ?...", he interrupted.

"Sone !..."

"Toh bed to iss taraf hain...", he pointed towards the bed and it was then he realized, it was a single bed.

Anokhi continued to stare at him.

"Achcha... vo... vo... maine pehle dekha nhi tha..."

"Lekin fir tum kaha sone jaa rhi ho ?..."

"Mumma ke room mein..."

Shaurya felt disappointed..

"Achcha..."

"Good-night...", Anokhi left saying it.

"Aaj bhi akele sona padega...", he grumbled.

With a dejected expression on his face, he walked over to the bed and sat down.

His fever had reached its peak up to this point.

"Mujhe bukhaar sa lag rha hain..."

He was also experiencing a headache.

"Koi baat nhi... kal tak theek ho jaayega..."

He was about to turn off the lights when he realized his "pillow companion" was missing.

"Arre mera takiya ?!..."

Then he realized he wasn't just going to get her pillow today, but her entire bed.

Suddenly, he felt relieved that though she wasn't there, but the presence of her belongings around him made him feel her presence.

He glanced at the dolls in the shelf once more and smiled to himself. He turned off the lights and snuggled into her bed for a peaceful night's sleep.

⁂

It was midnight and someone's shadow could be seen in Anokhi's room. The person moved slowly towards Shaurya.

When the person's hands touched Shaurya's forehead, she was taken aback by the heat.

"Inhe toh bohot tez bukhaar hain !...", she was shocked.

"Jab maine poocha tha tab mujhe kuch nhi btaaya... Pta nhi itni laaparvaahi kyun karte hain apne health ko leke...", she felt sad.

In the moonlight, she could see on his face that he was in discomfort due to his rising body temperature.

She went outside right away to get what she needed. After a while, she returned and sat on the floor next to him, beside the bed.

"Itna high fever hain... par fir bhi mooh band karke hi rakhna hain unhe..."

She dipped the cloth strip into the ice-cube-filled bowl. Taking it, she gently pressed it against his forehead. The cold touch made him squirm a little.

Anokhi smiled a little seeing him sleeping like a small kid. She gently caressed his head with her palm and he was soothed by her touch..

She observed him for some time and her eyes gradually welled up as she pondered how he consistently ignores his health and ends up hurting himself.

"Aap kyu karte ho aisa...", she said to herself while again dipping the cloth piece again.

"Bohot darr lagta hain yeh sochke... ki... ki agar aapko kuch...", she couldn't finish her sentence, and unshed tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Bas... ek hi khwaahish hain aapse..."

"Khudka dhyaan rakha karo..."

"Aur kuch nhi chaahiye...", she exhaled deeply and changed the strap once more.

She kept doing it throughout the night, despite her exhaustion, because all she could think about was him.

She soon lost track of time and had no idea when she had fallen asleep.

⁂

Shaurya's ears picked up the sound of birds chirping and he slowly opened his eyes.

He was a little uneasy as he blinked open his eyes. He had the sensation that something was pressing against his brow. When he touched there, he found a cloth. He looked at it, perplexed.

Just then, his gaze was drawn to her, who was sleeping in a disoriented position on the floor. He looked at her, stunned, before noticing the bowl on the bedside table.

He sat up slowly, connecting the dots, and realized she must have been giving him the cold straps to lower his fever.

He was just staring silently at her how she was asleep with her head on the bed in an awkward position. He touched his forehead and found it in normal temperature.

"Iska matlab... usne... usne mujhe yeh patti ki saari raat..."

"Par use kaise pta chala mujhe bukhar hain ?..."

"Aur... aur poori raat vo mere liye yha baithi rhi... mujhe kuch pta bhi nhi chala..."

"Mera bukhar to sach mein utar bhi gaya..."

He jumped out of bed quickly, as she was on the floor.

"Yeh ladki apne par dhyaan nhi deti bilkul... mere liye ye karne ki kya zaroorat thi... thoda sa hi toh fever tha...", he said as he approached her.

He was saddened to see her sleeping uncomfortably as a result of him. He wanted to wake her up and tell her to sleep on the bed, but he didn't want to disturb her sleep.

He moved nervously towards her and kneeled down.

For a few moments, he looked at her small round face, which was shining brightly in the sunlight. When he saw her childish expression, he unintentionally smiled.

"Dekho kaise bachcho jaise so rhi hain..."

He immediately felt that there was no other option and that he should lift her and make her lay on the bed because she was on the floor and it could cause her to catch a cold as it had rained the day before.

He gently took her one hand from the bed around his shoulder and slid his other hand beneath her legs, lifting her gently enough not to wake her.

His gaze was drawn to her face, which had now become obscured by her tresses. He spent some time admiring the divinity of her face.

He was having a good time staring at her childish face, which was hidden behind her black tresses.

He returned to reality after a few seconds to find that he was still holding her in his arms. It was the first time they had ever been so close, and he felt as if she belonged in his arms.

Shrugging off the thoughts, he laid her carefully on the bed and covered her with the duvet.

Picking up the bowl and strap, he left for downstairs.

⁂

It was 8 a.m., and Anokhi's slumber had come to an end. She opened her eyes and found herself on her bed. With a jerk, she sat up and took a look around.

"Yeh... yeh main bed ke oopar kaise aa gayi ?... "

"Aur vo kaha gaye ?..."

"Unka bukhar ?..."

She immediately got off the bed and was about to leave the room when Shaurya walked in. When their gazes met, they quickly averted them.

Anokhi was concerned and felt the need to ask him for the fever.

"Aap... aapki tabiyat theek haina ?..."

Shaurya looked up at her, mystified as to why she was always concerned about his health.

What is the reason behind her extreme worry for him ?

Even after sleeping in that way, she was just in need to ask for his health.

He didn't respond to her question, but instead asked her another one.

"Tum poori raat mere liye jaag rhi thi ?..."

Anokhi immediately realized she had dug a grave for herself by asking that question.

"Vo... vo... main... vo...", she fumbled.

"THANK YOU...", Shaurya said to her and walked out.

Anokhi kept staring at his vanishing figure, shocked.

"Unhone mujhe... Unhone mujhe thank you bola ???..."

"Ya maine galat suna ???..."

It was the first time he said something to her in a normal tone, and she smiled a little.

"Iske liye thank you koi zaroorat nhi Shaurya...", the smile was still there on her face.

"Maine thank you expect karke nhi kiya tha aapka liye...", she mumbled to herself as she walked away to freshen up.

To be continued...

Thank you for reading

Tum Hi Ho

Chapter 11. Jumbled

It was evening and Shaurya and Anokhi both were ready to leave for Chandigarh.

"Shaurya puttar..."

"Hume bohot achcha lga aap yaha aaye..."

"Firse milne zaroor aana aur Shaan aur Aastha ji ko bhi saath lekar aana...", Ramesh said.

Shaurya smiled and touched Rama's feet followed by Ramesh.

"Khush rho beta..." she said as she placed her hand on his head and blessed him.

"Aapko ek baat kehni thi..."

"Jee Mummy ji boliye...", he replied.

"Meri Nikki bohot bholi hain... vo kabhi-kabhi daant deti haina aapko... par aap bura mat maaniyega... use chinta haina aapki isliye aise bina soche samjhe bol deti hain lekin kisi ko chot pahunchaana nhi chaahti vo... sabhi ki achchai ki kaamna karti hain vo..."

Shaurya smiled slightly, sensing the sincerity of Rama's words. He was well aware of how she was.

"Mummy ji..."

"Aap tension mat leejiye..."

"Uske vaise daantne par mujhe bura nhi lagta kabhi bhi..."

"Aap to mere bete jaise hona... Main aapse kuch maang sakti hoon ?...", Rama said with hope.

"Jee Mummy ji zaroor... Main aapka beta jaisa nhi aapka hi beta hoon...", he replied smiling to which Rama felt very happy.

"Meri sirf ek ichcha hain aapse..."

"Meri bachchi dil ki bohot saaf hain..."

"Use..."

"Use humesha khush rakhiyega please..."

On hearing this, the smile that had been on his face up to this point began to fade slowly. He felt like a failure all of a sudden.

"Rakhenge naa aap meri bachchi ko khush ?...", she inquired again, her eyes hopeful.

Shaurya plastered his face with a smile and moved his head in a yes to which Rama smiled satisfied.

"Mujhe pta tha... Aap humaari Nikki ko bohot khush rakhenge... "

"Ab bol Rama... koi shak ???...", Ramesh tried to lighten the mood.

Rama smiled through tears and nodded in a no.

"Arre lekin Nikki reh kaha gayi ?...", Ramesh asked.

"Aa gayi main !...", exclaimed Anokhi from the stairwell.

She dashed downstairs and rushed over to Rama for a hug.

"Mumma..."

She was overcome with emotion as she had spent a week there and reminisced about the memories, only to have to leave them again to be with her in-laws.

"Aap dono mujhse milne aana please..."

"Main aap dono ko bohot miss karti hoon...", she sobbed.

"Arre Nikki puttar...", Ramesh embraced her from behind.

"Rote nhi aise..."

"Meri bachchi...", he wiped her tears lovingly.

"Hum aayenge milne..."

"Lekin vha bhi toh tere Maa aur Papa haina..."

"Meri bachchi ko vo kitna khush rakhte hain..."

Anokhi nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. She hugged Ramesh as well.

Shuarya smiled, too, as he realized his parents treated her like their own daughter. He was pleased that, despite the fact that he did nothing to make her happy, his parents were always there for her.

His phone rang at that precise moment.

"Main call attend karke aata hoon...", he said as he stepped outside to answer the phone.

"Mumma..."

"Aap promise karo..."

"Aap dono jaldi milne aaoge mujhe vha..."

"Maa aur Papa ne bhi kaha tha ki aap to aate hi nhi...", she pouted.

"Hum zaroor aayenge Nikki puttar..."

"Abhi duty mein thoda busy rehte haina... is chakkar mein time nhi mil paata... Lekin tu chinta naa kar... Iss baar hum zaroor aayenge...", Ramesh reassured her.

"Changa ?...", he asked, smiling, to which Anokhi laughed and nodded yes.

"Nikki..."

"Ek... ek baat poochu...", Rama asked hesitantly walking towards her.

Anokhi nodded indicating a yes.

"Main jaanti hoon Shaan aur Aastha ji tujhe apni beti jaise rakhte hain..."

"Lekin fir bhi..."

"Tu... tu khush haina vha ?..."

"Shaurya ji ke saath khush haina tu ?...", Rama inquired, cupping her face.

With misty eyes, Anokhi smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Mumma..."

"Maa aur Papa mujhse bohot pyaar karte hain..."

"Aapko pta hain jab bhi mujhe aap logo ki yaad aati hain to main bas unhe hug kar leti hoon aur meri saari udaasi door ho jaati hain..."

"Vha sabhi mera bohot khyaal rakhte hain..."

"Main vha bohot khush hoon...", she assured, and Rama smiled back.

But, unbeknownst to them, the entire conversation between the mother and daughter was witnessed by someone who immediately left the scene disturbed.

⁂

Shaurya and Anokhi were on their way to Chandigarh. Both remained silent the entire journey, as is their custom.

Shaurya was driving, but he was being inconvenienced by something. As the signal turned red, he came to a stop. He was lost in deep thought regarding that matter when someone's call came into his ears.

"Uncle !..."

"Uncle !..."

"Yeh phool le lo..."

He turned to face the girl standing at the window. He then noticed she was holding a bunch of rose flowers in her hands.

"Uncle..."

"Yeh phool le lo..."

"Isme das phool hain..."

"Aap ek le lo..."

"Sirf 10 rupay ka hain...", she requested once more, and this time Anokhi's gaze was drawn to her.

She noticed Shaurya taking one of her roses and returning 100 rupees. She was perplexed seeing it.

"Arre uncle..."

"Ek phool toh sirf das rupay ka hain..."

"Aapne toh sau rupay de diye..."

Shaurya responded with a smile and a caress of her head.

"Aap rakh lo..."

"Aap itni mehnat kar rhe ho... uska inaam hain..."

Anokhi's heart was touched by his gesture, and she smiled involuntarily.

She felt very soulful because of the way he bought something from her and also paid more than it to help the needy girl. She knew that, despite his tough exterior, he had a pure heart.

She peeped more to see the girl's reaction.

The girl's face lit up with a bright smile on hearing what Shaurya said and she thanked him showing off her white teeth.

"Thank you uncle !!!..."

"Aap bohot achche ho..."

"Aaj meri mumma khush ho jaayengi mera inaam dekh ke..."

Shaurya smiled back but the very next moment, something unexpected happened.

"Un Didi ke liya haina rose ?...", she said, pointing to Anokhi.

Both of their cheeks rose up uncontrollably, and before Shaurya could look at her, she turned her face to the outside of the window, as if she had no idea what was going on.

Shaurya swallowed the lump in his throat and faking a smile he nodded in a yes to the girl. The girl returned the smile and walked away.

The lights turned green and Shaurya turned on the engine.

From the corner of his eye, he noticed she was still peering out the window.

The next thing he knew, he'd done something he couldn't explain.

⁂

Anokhi was peeping outside the window to not let him see her flushed face for reason she herself didn't know.

Her heart was beating as the girl's words were still ringing in her ears.

"Un Didi ke liya haina rose ?..."

She was deep in thought when she nearly had a heart attack on seeing something in front of her.

A beautiful rose !

A rose was in front of her eyes, and as she travelled through the path, she was astounded to discover who the holder of the rose was.

He !

His gaze was fixed on the road, and his right hand was controlling the steering wheel, while his left hand held the stem of the red flower for her.

She looked at him nervously, trying to figure out what he was up to.

Did he buy it for her ?

Was he really giving the rose to her ?

Her trance was broken when he said in his usual harsh tone, "Main ek haath mein phool pakad kar drive nhi kar sakta... isliye tum rakh lo..."

Anokhi let out a sigh of relief as he explained the reason, but still her heart was racing like crazy inside her. She managed very hard to keep her racing heart under control.

Shaurya's cheeks were still warm, but his attention was drawn to the fact that she hadn't yet taken the flower from his hand and that his left hand was still in the air.

"Kya hua ?..."

"Maine kaha phool tum rakh lo...", he said again, his face straight on the road.

"Aap... aapne...", Anokhi hesitated to say, unsure whether she should say it or not.

"Maine ?..."

"Kya ?...", he still didn't look at her.

"Aapne... vo...", she tried to say nervously.

"Kya... maine... vo ?... Ab bolo bhi...", he said irritably, not even looking at her as he struggled to keep the temperature of his cheeks under control.

"Aapne phool ulta pakda hua hain !...", she said in one breath.

And that was the end of it !

He applied brakes right away at her statement.

He immediately realized he was holding the flower upside down. He was holding the stem with the petals facing downwards.

He felt embarrassed and mentally scolded himself for doing such a stupid thing.

One minute of silence prevailed inside the car.

She caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of her eye and feared his anger.

"Dekhiye..."

"Vo... vo main... mujhe samajh nhi aa rha tha ki kaha se pakdu... isliy-...", before she could complete, she saw Shaurya turning towards her slowly.

Her cheeks reddened as she noticed him holding the rose properly and extending it to her.

"Ab theek hain ?...", he asked, this time looking her in the eyes.

Her breath hitched, and she lowered her eyelids as her heart began to race at the speed of light once more, and she raised her hand to accept it.

"J... jee..."

As she was about to take it, her fingers brushed against his and he quickly drew his hand back.

She, too, immediately took the flower and tucked an imaginary strand of hair behind her ear to avoid looking at him.

Heart of both the persons were fluttering at the recent happening.

Shaurya ignited the engine and the car started on its way.

With a rosy flush on her cheeks, Anokhi kept fidgeting with the stem of the rose. She looked out of the window with a shy smile on her face and a firm grip around the stem.

Shaurya was driving, but he could see her in the rear-view mirror.

He had no idea why he felt so differently after giving her the rose. He had no idea why he did it, but it made him quite happy. As a result, his cheeks were too crimson.

Both people were looking in different directions, but the same shy smile was on their lips as a result of something that had happened inside a few minutes before.

The way Shaurya had held the flower was jumbled, the same way they were experiencing a jumble of emotions right now...

To be continued...

Thank you for reading

update please ...

Tum Hi Ho

Chapter 12. Back to Normal

Shaurya and Anokhi reached home.

She entered their room after a heartfelt welcome from Shaan and Aastha.

She was taken aback to see that everything was in order. Although she knew he was a neat freak, the fact that everything was in its proper place surprised her. But the next thing she knew, she was proven completely wrong.

When she opened the almirah, BOOM !!!

She saw the exact opposite of what she had seen just a few moments before. She was perplexed because she had never seen the clothes or hangers in such a disorganized state.

Shaurya walked in at the exact moment she was standing holding the almirah door open, and his gaze fell on her. He sensed what was about to happen and decided to exit the narrow lane.

He had no idea why he was fearing the little lady, even though he had his trademark rage which was more destructive than hers.

He had just turned around and was about to take another step when her voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Rukiye !..."

He stilled at his position. He composed himself and turned back as if he wasn't aware what had happened.

He entered the room and placed the watch on the dressing table, all the while Anokhi looked at him with questioning eyes.

When he didn't respond, she finally asked, "Yeh kya hain??..."

Shaurya didn't look her in the eyes and instead replied, "Koi shak hain toh kisi carpenter se pooch lo... Vo almirah hain..."

Anokhi looked at him in disbelief.

"Maine poocha... almirah ke andar... yeh kya hain ? ...", she inquired once more.

"Almirah ke andar jo hona chaahiye vhi hain... Kapde !...", he snapped back.

"Vo toh mujhe bhi dikh rha hain..."

"Toh pooch kyu rhi ho ?...", he continued his irritating behavior.

"Dekhiye !...", she exclaimed as she approached him.

"Main roz hi dekhta hoon...", came the reply.

"Aap aisa kyu kar rhe hain ?... Main pooch rhi hoon ki almirah ke andar kapde aise ulat-pulat kyu hain ?... "

"Mera almirah... meri marzi..."

"Toh aapko theek se arrange karke rakhna chaahiye na... Aise kapdo ka dher banake kaun rakhta hain ?..."

"Main...", he shrugged.

"Lekin kyu ???...", now she was infuriated.

"Tumhe agar isse koi problem hain to har subha mere liye office jaane se pehle kapde nikaal ke rakh deti..."

"Mere paas kya Doraemon ka anywhere door hain jo Kapurthala se Chandigarh teleport ho jaaungi ???...", she fired back.

"Doraemon se yaad aaya !..."

"Ek baat btao tum abhi bhi dolls ke saath khelti ho... Itnse saare doll to kisi mele mein bhi nhi milenge jitney tumhaare room mein the..."

Anokhi's face grew red and she shouted with her pouty face, "Vo mere pyaare dolls hain !... Aap aise nhi bol sakte..."

"Main to bas yeh soch rha tha ki un dolls ka vha faayda kya... tum rehti toh yaha ho...", he still didn't back down.

The following moment Anokhi felt a little sad as she remembered how her parents used to make her happy by gifting her dolls whenever she was upset with them. And here, she has no doll to reminisce them.

Shaurya noticed her silence expression and in order to continue the fight, he said, "Tumhaare paas anywhere door nhi haina... toh order karva lo..."

Anokhi knew it was pointless to talk to him. Though he was an introvert but when it comes to quarrel with her, he somehow becomes the opposite.

So she went to the almirah to set it up herself.

Shaurya unknowingly smiled inside as she meticulously arranged his clothes. She folded them, sifted them, and placed them back inside the almirah. She hung the coats on the hanger and placed the shirts where they belonged.

She returned her gaze to him, who was still standing there silently.

"Aap fresh hokar aaiye... Main kapde nikaal ke rakhti hoon..."

Shaurya at once followed her order. He had missed all of these so much during her absence that he was yearning for them. Obeying her orders had now become his habit.

Though he put on a straight face to appear as if he was doing it on his own and not at her saying, deep inside his heart was following her heart's instructions.

He went into the bathroom to freshen up, while Anokhi stared at him in disbelief.

"Ek hafte ke liye main door chali gayi... toh kabada bna liya..."

"Pta nhi agar main yaha naa rahu toh kya haal bna lenge apna...", she mumbled.

But little did she know that what she said absent-mindedly was going to turn true.

⁂

It was night and Anokhi was setting their bed.

Shaurya had just walked in, and something in him had shifted when he saw her. They were going to sleep in the same bed after so many days. He didn't know why, but her presence had been sorely missed.

He no longer needed his "pillow companion".

He walked over to the bed, took off his slippers, and laid down with his back to her, not even looking at her as if she didn't exist.

Anokhi gave him a quick glance before adjusting her pillow and falling asleep with her back to him after turning off the lights.

They were both sleeping with their eyes closed, but they could feel each other's presence.

Shaurya was making every effort not to turn to her side, as had become his habit in recent days. He was counting down the minutes until she fell asleep so that he could turn, which was becoming difficult for him.

After much patience, he was able to hear her soft snores and deduced that she had dozed off. He slowly turned and moved his gaze to her side, where he could see her back.

Unknowingly, he smiled as he noticed her sleeping with her head on his favorite "pillow partner".

Soon, staring at her sleeping form, he himself didn't know when drifted to sleep.

⁂

The sun peered through the window of the room, signaling the start of a new day.

Anokhi sighed deeply as she slowly opened her eyes in response to the sunlight. She slowly sat up straight and remembered that it was Monday, and she needed to get back to work managing him.

After taking a pleasant bath, she walked towards the almirah to take out his clothes for the office.

She selected a coat, a shirt and a matching-matching tie, knowing how particular he was about his attire and then placed it on the bed.

She then proceeded downstairs.

Shaurya awoke later as well, and seeing the empty space near him, he awoke with a jolt.

He tried to remember if she had been with him the day before or if everything had been a dream.

Where was she ?

Didn't he pick her up from Kapurthala ?

Didn't he buy a rose on the way ?

Was it all a dream ?

His gaze was then drawn to the neatly folded piece of clothing on the bed.

He at once knew that everything was indeed reality. She was there -- with him.

He smiled because he didn't have to choose his clothes today, which was a relief; it had already been done -- "READYMADE" as said by Aastha that day.

He grinned from ear to ear on the fact of wearing her chosen outfits today, which were always to his liking.

Everything was back to normal.

He got out of bed and went to get ready for the start of a new day at work...

To be continued...

Thank you for reading

Originally posted by: Smiley3262017

update please ...

Updated

Word Count: 1

Tum Hi Ho

Chapter 13. Thoda sa fark padta hai...

Like everyday, Shaurya and Ahir were having their meal in canteen at the lunch time.

Ahir could see the glow on his buddy's face and he grinned ear to ear.

"Aaj iska mood achcha hain... thoda pareshaan kiya jaaye...", he thought.

He cleared his throat and asked, "Bhabhi vaapas aa gayi Shaurya ?..."

"Hmmm...", Shaurya simply replied.

Ahir smirked inwardly.

"Chalo..."

"Achcha hain..."

"Achche din vaapas aa gaye...", he teased.

Shaurya rolled his eyes at his friend's words and asked, "Kaunse achche din ?..."

"Tujhe pta hoga na... Subha se itne achche mood mein jo hain...", he said, flashing his teeth.

"Ahir tu firse..."

"Achcha bhai main nhi bolunga kuch bhi... Thoda sa mazaak bhi nhi karne deta tu to..."

"Chal to fir ye bta Bhabhi ko kya gift diya tune ?..."

Shuarya's brow furrowed.

"Kaunsa gift ?... Kaisa gift ?... Aur kyu ???..."

Ahir had been expecting something like this and was now really disappointed.

"Mujhe lga hi tha..."

Shaurya was even more perplexed.

"Kya lga hi tha ?..."

"Ki tujhe yaad nhi rha hoga...", Ahir replied.

"Kis baare mein bol rha hain... saaf-saaf bta na..."

"Arre teri 6 months anniversary ki baat kar rha hoon bhai !...", he revealed.

Few moments of silence and realization dawned upon Shaurya.

He wondered if she forgot too?

"Umm.. ohh... achcha... haan... haan toh ? ... Usme kya hain ?...", he pretended as if it didn't matter to him.

"Yaar Shaurya... Are you serious ???...", Ahir asked somberly.

Shaurya, too, sensed that his friend was upset about something this time.

"Tu... tu aise kyu behave kr rha hain mere saath ?...", Shauyra inquired.

"Aur tu jo Bhabhi ke saath aise behave kar rha hain in chheh mahino se.... Uska kya ???...", he retorted.

Shaurya became deafeningly quiet.

When Ahir noticed it, he gently held his hand.

"Dekh Shaurya..."

"Ek baar unke baare mein sochke dekh..."

"Tune wish tak nhi kiya unhe..."

"Toh use bhi toh yaad nhi tha...", Shaurya snapped back.

"Tujhe pkka pta hain ?..."

"Tujhe pkka pta hain ki unhe bhi yaad nhi tha... Aisa bhi toh ho sakta hain ki vo jaanboojhkar chup rhi kyunki unke husband ke liye toh yeh rishta matter hi nhi karta..."

Shaurya fisted his palm unknowingly at his statement and said, "Tujhe pta toh hain sab Ahir... Humaare beech kuch vaisa..."

"Aur kab tak ye aisa rahega ?...", Ahir cut him in middle.

"Dekh Shaurya... tujhe anniversary yaad nhi thi... koi baat nhi... vo badi baat nhi hain... "

"Lekin tu ab iss baat par gaur kar ki chheh mhine ho chuke hain... aur tu vhi ka vhi hain... Bhabhi bhi to ready nhi thi iss shaadi ke liye par fir bhi unhonhe kabhi tujhe ya uncle-aunty ko ignore nhi kiya... Unhone to apni responsibility humesha khushi-khushi nibhaai..."

"Jiske saath Bhabhi ka rishta hain... vo asal mein rishta hain hi nhi..."

"Kya vo yeh ignorance deserve karti hain ?..."

Shaurya looked up, taken aback by the sincerity of his words.

"Maine sahi kha na ?...", Ahir enquired, attempting to make him understand.

Shuarya averted his gaze and pinched the bridge of his nose with a yes.

"Toh kab tak aise chalta jaayega Shaurya ?... "

"Tum dono kab tak aise ek-doosre ko ignore karte rahoge ?..."

Shaurya interrupted in rage as Ahir was about to say something.

"Main iss rishte ko chaahta hi nhi tha... Toh isme meri kya galti ?..."

"J... jai... jaisa chal rha hain vaise chalta jaayega... Mujhe koi fark nhi padta...", he said with a heavy heart as he was lying to himself.

"Chaahta - nhi - tha... Lekin abhi bhi nhi chaahta ???", Ahir emphasized the last words.

Shaurya raised his head, noticing the stressed words.

Why wasn't he able to answer him ?

Why can't he answer Ahir's simple question now, after he just said that their relationship doesn't matter to him ?

"Bta..."

"Ab chup kyu hai tu ?..."

"Jo tere liye itni care karti hain... Tujhse kuch expect kiye bina tere har needs ka dhyaan unhe sabse zyaada rehta hain... jisne us din... us din vo tujhe us haalat mein dekhke pta hain vo... vo kitna ghabra gayi thi... "

"Itna kuch hone ke baad bhi tu aise ignore kaise kar sakta hain ???... Tujhe zara bhi fikar nhi hain unki ?... Bhabhi ki khushi tere liye matter nhi karti ?..."

"Tujhe nhi lagta tu aisa karke unke saath galat kar rha hain..."

"Tu unko us baare mein bta kyun nhi deta ??..."

"Bass !!...", yelled Shaurya, and stood up enraged.

"Mujhe iss baare mein koi baat nhi karni...", saying, he stormed out of there.

"Main tujhe yahi toh samjhaana chaahta hoon Shaurya..." said Ahir, shaking his head in disappointment.

"Tu jab tak us baat ko disclose nhi kar deta... tab tak tum dono hi takleef mein rahoge..."

He left, hoping that everything would gradually be fine when the secret comes out.

⁂

Shaurya was driving back to his house, but his thoughts were detangled.

He was furious with himself. He was extremely angry with himself for what he had done to her. He was remorseful for his actions towards her.

All he could think at that moment was her.

After his verbal spat with Ahir over Anokhi, all the moments she cared for him, scolded him for good, expressed concern for him and cried for him flashed across his eyes.

He was agitated with himself, wondering if he deserved all of this.

He had never cared for her, but she was always concerned about his well-being.

Why did she have sentiments for him ?

Why was she being a good wife if he couldn't be a good husband ?

He slammed his fist on the steering wheel to control his rage.

"Mujhe kuch nhi pta..."

"Kuch nhi pta mujhe !..."

⁂

It was night and Shaurya's thoughts were swirling around her.

She hadn't yet arrived in the room from the downstairs.

He smiled sarcastically as tears welled up in his eyes while saying to himself, "Mere saath koi kaise khush reh sakta hain..."

"Main hoon hi nhi kisi ko khush rakhne ke kaabil...", his heart palpitated.

"Arre teri 6 months anniversary ki baat kar rha hoon bhai !..."

"Chheh mahine ho gaye humaari shaadi ko... ", he realized.

"Kya use bhi yaad nhi tha ?... Ya tha ?..."

"Par maine toh dhyaan hi nhi diya ispar..."

"Jiske saath Bhabhi ka rishta hain... vo asal mein rishta hain hi nhi..."

"Main dhyaan dekar bhi kya karta... humaare beech toh bas ek naam ka rishta hain..."

"J... jai... jaisa chal rha hain vaise chalta jaayega... Mujhe koi fark nhi padta..."

Shaurya became restless.

"Haan... mujhe... mujhe fark nhi padta !..."

"Koi fark nhi padta !...", he cried as he lay down.

"Maine pehle hi kaha tha... main nhi rakh paaunga use khush..."

"Mujhe fark nhi padta... nhi padta nhi padta !..."

His hands slipped to her pillow unintentionally, and he drew it closer to him and embraced it.

"Pta nhi kyun..."

"Par thoda sa fark padta hain..."

More tears streamed down his cheeks, and he closed his eyes, only to fall asleep...

To be continued...

Thank you for reading

Tum Hi Ho

Chapter 14. Intuition

Anokhi entered into their room and she noticed he was already asleep. She scrunched her eyebrows as it never happened before. It was too early.

The most perplexing aspect was that he was sleeping with his arms around "her pillow".

She walked towards him and moved to his side because she felt an urge to have a look at him, and the next moment, she was flabbergasted.

His cheeks were stained with dried tears.

He had been crying!

"Vo... vo ro rhe the ???...", her heart dropped.

His eyelashes were glistening wet, and he had tear streaks on his face.

"Lekin kyun ???...", she was herself reduced to tears in split of seconds at the sight of his face.

A person who never expresses himself openly, a person whose face is always etched with anger, that person had cried, alone in a room.

She was about to touch his face to wipe away the dried tear stains when she came to a halt.

She wanted to know the reason.

Did she make any mistake?

Was there any problem he couldn't share?

What exactly had happened???

She was perplexed and wanted all the answers right away, but she knew he wouldn't tell anyone, and she was far away.

Her eyes were almost wet with tears as she felt the urge to cry.

Whenever she sees him in pain, whenever he hurts himself, it hurts her as well for reasons she doesn't understand.

She knelt in front of him and gently stroked his forehead.

"Shaurya..."

A tear drop fell from her eye.

"Please..."

"Mujhe nhi pta kya hua hain..."

"Lekin please..."

"Jo bhi baat hain uski vajah se akele khud ko aise dard mat do..."

"Mujhse nhi... toh Maa ya Papa se share zaroor karna..."

She didn't have a choice but to go to sleep.

She can't wake him up nor can find out the reasons behind his crying.

She went to her side of the bed and sat down facing him.

She wanted to caress his head to provide the least amount of comfort she could, but she couldn't because he could wake up at any time.

She had no idea that the comfort she wished to give him had already been provided by "her pillow", which was tightly clasped against his chest.

She switched off the lights and laid down.

She faced his back today, as he had done with her the day before, and soon fell asleep.

⁂

The next morning, Anokhi awoke only to find her bedside empty. She sat up with a jolt thinking where he was.

She was concerned for him as his tear-streaked face from the night before flashed across her eyes.

"Vo... aaj mujhse pehle jaag gaye ?..."

"Kya hua hain unhe ?...", she felt sad.

She got off the bed and was about to go downstairs just when Aastha entered.

"Anokhi..."

"Good-morning Maa..."

"Good-morning beta...", she caressed her head.

"Tumhe dekhne hi aayi thi main..."

"Vo main keh rhi thi ki tum jaldi se nahaake taiyaar ho jaao... kyunki main aur tumhaare Papa nikalne vaale hain..."

Anokhi looked confused.

"Kaha jaa rhe ho aap Maa ?...", she asked.

"Vo beta... Delhi mein Shaan ka ek dost rehta hain... office se related kuch kaam hain... Toh main aur Shaan dono hi vha jaa rhe hain kuch dino ke liye..."

"Kuch dino ke liye ?... Toh fir aap dono kaha rehne vale ho itne din ?..."

"Hume to hotel mein hi rukna padega..."

"Hotel ?..."

"Achcha...", Anokhi said.

"Chinta mat karo Anokhi..."

"Hume vha koi pareshaani nhi hogi... hotel ki booking toh ho chuki hain..."

"Ohhh... theek hain Maa..."

"Shaurya ko tumhe kuch din akele hi manage karna padega... Tumhe koi takleef toh nhi haina...", she said giggling.

Anokhi realized he and she would be alone in the house for a few days.

"N... nhi Maa... Ta... takleef kyun hogi... Mujhe toh aadat hain...", she gave a shy smile.

Aastha grinned at her reply and placing her palm on her face, she said, "Meri beti hi toh mere bete ko sabse achche se jaanti hain..."

Aastha knew that the only person who could handle her moody son was Anokhi. She adored both of her children, but Shaurya's concern was always on her mind.

She hoped that one day Shaurya will realize what a valuable person he has in his life and will keep her close to himself with tendance.

Anokhi looked up at her and smiled nervously.

"Tum ready ho jaao Anokhi... Shaurya to office jaa hi chuka hain..."

This came as a shock to her.

"Vo chale gaye ???..."

"Lekin kab ?..."

"Vo keh rha tha ki kuch important kaam hain... isliye aaj jaldi chala gaya..."

Something didn't feel right to Anokhi.

"Kaha kho gayi Anokhi ?..."

"Huhh ?..."

"Vo... achcha... vo... chale gaye mujhe pta nhi chala... Main so rhi thi..."

"Koi baat nhi beta..."

"Main neeche jaa rhi hoon... Tum bhi fresh hokar aa jaao..."

Anokhi nodded and Aastha left.

"Vo aaj itni jaldi office chale gaye ?..."

"Mujhe aisa kyu lag rha hain ki kuch baat zaroor hain..."

She felt sad and wondered if she should confront him about it when he returns from work.

⁂

Shaurya was working on his laptop, but he was constantly stealing glances from Ahir, who too was doing the same.

Ahir was his best buddy and he couldn't stay mad at him for longer and moreover, he knew that he himself was the one at fault. Ahir was only trying to make him understand for the better.

"Lagta hain mujhse naaraaz hain vo..."

"Manaana padega use...", Shaurya thought to himself.

Ahir too thought in mind, "Lagta hain kal ki baat ko lekar mujhse rootha hua hain..."

"Mujhse rha nhi jaa rha usse baat kiye bna..."

"Lekin meri bhi kya galti... main toh use bass samjha rha tha kal..."

"Iss baar main nhi manaaunga use... "

"Mera bhi toh hak hain usse gussa hone ka...", Ahir emphasized his right over his friend and returned his focus back to laptop.

Both were attempting to remain silent in order to avoid conversing with each other.

It was finally time for a break, and Shaurya looked up at Ahir after closing the laptop.

Ahir gave him a sidelong glance as well, but he ignored him and was about to walk away when Shaurya grabbed his hand.

Ahir came to a halt but didn't turn around.

"Kaha jaa rha hain ?...", Shaurya asked.

He finally turned around and said, "Canteen jaa rha hoon..."

"Akele ?..."

"Mujhe chodke ?...", Shaurya passed a hurt expression.

This melted Ahir's heart at once, prompting him to exclaim, "Yaar tu cheating karta hain!..."

"Itna pyaara sa mooh bnaayega toh main gussa kaise karunga..."

Shaurya grinned sheepishly that how easily his friend got convinced. He smiled and the next thing what he did, completely surprised Ahir.

"SORRY...", the word left his lips.

Ahir's eyes blinked open, his mouth agape.

"Mere kaan to nhi baj rhe ????..."

"Tune mujhse sorry bola ??..."

"Oh my god !!..."

"History mein pehli baar hua ki Shaurya ne kisi se maafi maangi... Oh - My - God !!!!..."

Shaurya rolled his eyes as his melodramatic friend was back.

"Maine to sirf manaana expect kiya tha... Tune toh seedha sorry..."

"Yeh sab Bhabhi ka kamaal hain... Main maan gaya unko..."

Shaurya stiffened at his statement.

"Maine kitni mushkil se itni der tak apna mooh band karke rakha tha tujhe pta hain !... "

"Finally tune mujhe mana hi liya...", Ahir laughed to which Shaurya smiled back.

"Chal ab pet mein choohe daud rhe hain..."

"Jaldi chal...", Ahir dragged him along, and Shaurya chuckled as he followed.

⁂

It was late in the evening, and Anokhi had just called Aastha to see if they had reached Delhi. She got to know they had arrived at the hotel safely.

She glanced at he clock and saw it was seven.

"Unke aane ka time ho gaya hain..."

She was sitting on the bed with fidgeting fingers, lost in deep thought whether to ask him about the previous day or not, when he returns.

She expected him to be miffed with her for intruding into his personal life; after all, how significant was she in his life ?

However, she couldn't help but wonder why.

She simply wanted to know if she could do the least to help him in any way.

She was thinking about all of this when the bell rang. She leapt to her feet and dashed downstairs.

When she opened the door, she saw him standing there, as she had expected.

His eyes met hers.

They shared an eye lock, but he quickly averted his gaze and walked inside silently past her.

The way he lowered his eyes, Anokhi sensed there was definitely something wrong.

His behavior was now giving her negative sort of intuition.

Shrugging her thoughts away, she went upstairs as well after closing the door.

To be continued...

Thank you for reading

Tum Hi Ho

Chapter 15. Sweet Moment

Anokhi and Shaurya were having their dinner.

She stole a few glances from him, but his focus was solely on his plate.

Shaurya himself was baffled as to why he was attempting to avoid her.

"Main... main kal raat ke baare mein poochhu ?... Ya nhi ?...", she pondered.

But she quickly discarded her plan because she didn't want to upset his mood right now.

"Rehne deti hoon..."

"Bechaare office se aaye hain abhi-abhi... Meri vajah se mood kharaab ho jaayega...", she mumbled in her mind.

Dinner was a silent affair as is customary.

After supper, Shaurya washed his plate and retired to his room.

Anokhi too, after completing her kitchen work returned to her room.

She noticed him standing near the table, rummaging through the files. Shaurya also caught a glimpse of her coming in through the corner of his eye, but he didn't turn.

Anokhi walked in and took out her phone, dialing Aastha's number. She talked to her for a long time, telling her about her day and inquiring about her and Shaan.

Shaurya's ears were listening intently to every detail the entire time.

"Maa se toh mujhe bhi baat karni hain..."

"Par kya vo mujhe phone degi ?...", he thought to himself.

He kept staring at her out of the corner of his eye.

"J... jee Maa... Vo yahi hain...", he overheard her and realized they were talking about him.

"Lagta hain Maa ne mere baare mein poochha..."

He saw her approaching towards him.

"Maa ka phone hain... baat keejiye...", she said as she forwarded her phone to him.

He cleared his throat and took her phone in his hands.

"Hello Maa..."

...

"Haan haan main theek hoon... aap dono bhi apna khyaal rakhna..."

"Dad kaha hain ?..."

...

"Achcha... theek hain Good night..."

Anokhi stood nearby, listening in on their conversation.

He hung up the phone and handed the phone to her.

She turned to leave, and Shaurya became engrossed in his file as well, but a minute later he was startled that his ear curtains were about to tear on hearing her scream.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa !!!..."

He quickly turned his attention to her and saw her hopping on the floor.

"Itni zor se kaun chillata hain ???... Aur yeh aise kangaroo ki tarah kood kyu rhi ho tum ?!!...", he looked baffled.

Before he could decipher her actions, he saw her approaching him, and she hopped onto him, clutching him tightly.

He was completely taken aback.

"Kya kar rhi ho ?!!..", he exclaimed, wrapping his arms around her frame to balance himself and her.

"Cockroach !!!!!!!!!!...", she shrieked and hugged him even tighter.

"Ahhh !... mera haath... mera haath chodo !..."

She had such a tight grip on his arms that it was causing him pain.

"Cockroach !... Cockroach !... Cockroach !..."

"Please use hata deejiye... use mere saamne se hata deejiye... Main haath chod dungi pehle aap please use mere aankho ke saamne se hata do... Mujhe bohot darr lag rha hain... Please please please...", she begged.

Cockroaches are the creepiest creatures on the planet, according to her, and she is deathly afraid of them. She buried her face more into his chest to avoid the sight of that creature.

"Arre !... Itne se coackroach se kaun darta hain bhai ??...", he growled.

"Main darti hoon maine kaha na... please use hata deejiye na... Mujhe use nhi dekhna... Please !....", she begged, almost in tears.

Shaurya was actually having a good time seeing the scared woman in front of him, as he was unfamiliar with it. This fearful tiny woman was completely new to him.

"Tum mujhe chodogi tabhi toh use hataunga na !...", he said.

"Nhi... nhi...", she clung to him even more.

"Pehle use hata deejiye fir main aapko chod doongi... Main use nhi dekhna chaahti...", she didn't even realize what she was doing out of fear.

Shaurya was surprised to learn that this angry mini lady was also afraid of something.

And he had no idea why he was feeling good because of the way she was hugging him.

Shaurya looked down at the floor and saw nothing, which meant the cockroach had gone.

"Udhar dekho..." he said, gently placing one hand over her shoulder.

"Nhi !... Bilkul nhi...", she immediately denied, snuggling closer to him.

Shaurya didn't know why he wanted to caress her head to comfort her, but shrugging his thoughts, he said calmly, "Ab nhi hain vha cockroach"

"Nhi... Aap jhhooth bol rhe ho... Aapne toh abhi tak kuch kiya hi nhi...", she cutely said.

"Arre ek baar dekho toh...", he said softly holding her chin.

While his shirt was still in her small fists, Anokhi looked up and slowly turned her face towards the floor, her face filled with fear.

Shaurya chuckled quietly to himself as he observed her childlike fearful expression.

When she discovered the floor was clean, she breathed a sigh of relief and her heart rate slowed slightly, but the next moment she realized she was almost clutching onto him and immediately backed away with a jerk.

Shaurya didn't know why he disliked the sudden loss of warmth.

"S... s... s... sorry..."

She didn't look him in the eyes.

"M... maine jaanboojhkar nhi kiya..."

She took another step back.

"Vo main... mujhe cockroach se bohot darr lagta hain... toh... isliye... aise... aapko..."

"Maine nhi expect kiya tha ki kisi insaan ko itne chhote se jeev se darr lag sakta hain... Vo tumhe khaa thodina jaayega... Itna darne ki kya baat hain isme...", he retorted.

"Haan to kya hua ?... Mujhe darr lagta hain to lagta hain...", the annoyed little lady returned with a pout.

"Aapko nhi lagta darr ?...", she snapped back.

"Nhi !... Main kisi se nhi darta...", he said, swagger visible on his face.

How easily he told a lie straight on the face of the little lady right in front of him, who herself was the person whom he feared, but unfortunately, she wasn't aware of it.

Anokhi made a red angry face and walked over to the bed to adjust the pillows.

Shaurya kept staring at her, aware that she was slightly offended, but shrugged it off. He kept the file on its place and went towards the bed.

They both turned to their side and laid down after turning off the lights.

Anokhi closed her eyes and the recent happening ran across her mind. She recalled how she was clutching onto him.

"Pta nhi vo kya soch rhe honge..."

"M... main bohot darr gayi thi... isiliye toh unko saamne paakar unko vaise hug kar liya tha... Main toh bachpan mein bhi aisa hi karti thi... Papa ji ke oopar chadh jaati thi cockroach ko dekhte hi...", she giggled quietly to herself.

But then she realized that in his embrace, she had felt a sense of warmth and security. Even though he didn't reciprocate, it felt like a safe haven for her for reasons she didn't understand.

The way she hugged him was flashing beneath Shaurya's eyelids.

He had his eyes closed but his lips curled up into an unintentional smile recalling the way she was burying her small round face into his chest to avoid the sight of that insect.

He relished the warmth of that situation. He liked the fact that she had come to seek refuge in him.

Recounting the "sweet moment", they both didn't know when they dozed off into a deep slumber...

To be continued...

Thank you for reading

Tum Hi Ho

Chapter 16. Foreshadow

The sun shone brightly, and the rays hit Anokhi in the face.

When she opened her eyes, all she saw was his face. She noticed how he was sleeping with his mouth slightly open, like a child. His hair was ruffled and he appeared to be a child.

She wondered how, the rest of the time, he acts like a grown-up mature man, but when he fights with her, he acts like a grumpy kid.

A shy smile appeared on her lips as she remembered the "cockroach incident" from the night before.

She smiled inadvertently seeing his sleeping structure and sat up slowly.

She cherishes the fact that every morning when she wakes up, she sees him in front of her eyes.

It had become a habit for her.

She had no idea that her this habit may hurt her in future because who knows if today was going to be her last day in the house?

Who knows what was going to happen unexpectedly today in this house?

She got out of bed, tying her loose strands and hair into a bun. She walked over to the almirah as usual and taking her clothes she went to freshen up.

After bath, she took his clothes out of the almirah as well and went downstairs to prepare the breakfast.

Shaurya woke up after some time, and he too freshened up.

He walked over to the bed and noticed that the item of clothing had been folded and placed neatly. Picking it up, he got ready in it.

He never has to throw tantrum, if the clothes are chosen by her.

He had no idea that things would not be the same the next day.

He dressed and made his way downstairs.

⁂

He was descending the stairs from the kitchen when Anokhi noticed him.

He walked over to the dining table and took a seat.

She served him the breakfast and then returned to the kitchen to clean up.

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

She had just finished washing a plate when she heard him cough.

"Shaurya..."

She looked around and noticed that the jug was on the kitchen counter. She walked over to it right away and grabbed it before sprinting towards him.

She poured the water into the glass and passed it over him.

"Yeh leejiye..."

"Main... main theek hoon...", he denied it immediately.

"Shaurya... please..."

"Paani pee leejiye na... theek ho jaayega..."

He was still coughing and not drinking it. As a result, Anokhi took the initiative and forced him to drink.

"Dhyaan se...", she stroked his back gently and made him drink the water slowly.

Shaurya continued to stare at her as he drank, observing how worried she was for him merely for the cough.

Why does she care so much about him?

At that precise moment, Ahir's words from that day rang in his ears.

"Jo tere liye itni care karti hain... Tujhse kuch expect kiye bina tere har needs ka dhyaan unhe sabse zyaada rehta hain... jisne us din... us din vo tujhe us haalat mein dekhke pta hain vo... vo kitna ghabra gayi thi... "

"Itna kuch hone ke baad bhi tu aise ignore kaise kar sakta hain ???..."

He believed that if he never cared for her, he didn't deserve her care either.

He snatched the glass from her grasp immediately and said, "Main khud bhi pee sakta hoon..."

And drank the rest of the water from the glass.

"Tumhe meri care karne ki koi zaroorat nhi hain!... Mujhe pta hain ki apna khyaal kaise rakha jaata hain..."

Anokhi looked at his strange behavior but said nothing.

He did the breakfast and left without even saying goodbye to her, which had never happened before anyway.

⁂

It was evening and a cool breeze was blowing, and the sky was clouded over with black clouds, foreshadowing the arrival of a storm.

Shaurya was over with his work. After chit-chatting with Ahir, they parted ways, and he was heading to the car's parking spot.

He was just going to open the car's door when his mobile beeped up prompting him to check it. He was going through it when he overheard someone's conversation in the phone passing from there. He didn't intent to eavesdrop, but the man was speaking in such a high tone that it got into his ears.

"Haan Somu..."

...

"Main bass abhi aa rha hoon..."

...

"Tumhaari khushi ke liye main kuch bhi kar sakta hoon..."

...

"Okk... Tum ready rehena... main pohonchte hi hum restaurant ke liye nikal jaayenge..."

His way of speaking clearly indicated that he was conversing with his partner. It irritated Shaurya in some way.

"Tumhaari khushi ke liye main kuch bhi kar sakta hoon..."

These words reverberated in his head.

Image of Anokhi flashed through his eyes right at that moment.

He recalled how she had become overly concerned when she saw him coughing this morning. All of the times she had cared for him flashed through his mind once more.

He remembered overhearing Anokhi and Rama's conversation on the day of their departure from Kapurthala.

"Main jaanti hoon Shaan aur Aastha ji tujhe apni beti jaise rakhte hain..."

"Lekin fir bhi..."

"Tu... tu khush haina vha ?..."

"Shaurya ji ke saath khush haina tu ?..."

The fact that he never did anything for her nor even treated her well enraged him in a matter of seconds.

"Vha sabhi mera bohot khyaal rakhte hain..."

"Main vha bohot khush hoon..."

He was desperate because despite the fact that he never did anything to make her happy, she expressed her gratitude and expressed her happiness being with him and his family.

What made her claim that she was content with him?

Why did she put her own happiness on the line?

She should have told them how he treats her, instead of compromising herself here.

The fact that she did everything without expecting anything in return and gave up her own happiness made him outraged.

He slammed the car door shut with his fist. He couldn't fully comprehend what was happening to him.

Why is it that whenever he remembers that he has done nothing for her, he becomes enraged with himself?

Why the man's lovely talk with his partner affected him?

Why was he reacting that way all of a sudden?

Not finding solutions to any of the questions above, he shook his thoughts away from his disoriented mind and sitting inside the car, he drove back towards his house.

He was unaware that a massive storm was on its way.

He had no idea that a huge blunder was going to occur tonight, and that he would be solely responsible for it...

To be continued...

Thank you for reading

Tum Hi Ho

Chapter 17. Heartbreak

Shaurya and Anokhi were over with their dinner.

Anokhi was washing her plate in the kitchen while looking out the window at the heavy rain. She had the feeling that something bad was going to happen, but she pushed these thoughts away and finished her kitchen work.

Here Shaurya was on his bed, pondering each of Ahir's statements on the day of their dispute.

He had been in a depressed state since he returned home from work. He couldn't stop thinking about her.

His ears were ringing with Ahir's words.

"Tu unko us baare mein bta kyun nhi deta ?..."

His heart palpitated, and he fisted the bedsheet in his palm just as he recalled it.

He was feeling too broken and vulnerable at the time.

He suddenly felt the fear of losing her. He definitely didn't want it but also didn't know the reason at the same time.

"M... main kaise btau usko ?..."

"Kya uske baad vo mujhe chod ke chali jaayegi ?..."

"Nhi!..."

"Aisa kaise ho sakta hain..."

"A... agar vo chali gayi toh fir... fir main... main uski awaaz kaise sunoonga?... Har subha uthke uska chehra kaise dekh paaunga?... Meri tie... meri tie matching karke kaun dega mujhe... Uski tarah mera khyaal kaun rakhega?... Mujhe daantega kaun?...", he let his tears fall.

"Lekin..."

"Lekin Ahir ne bhi toh sahi kaha tha... Main aise uske saath galat kar rha hoon..."

"Main toh aisa karke use dhokha de rha hoon..."

"Maine to usko dhokha diya hain!!...", he exclaimed, outraged of himself.

"Main uski life aise barbaad nhi kar sakta...", he shuddered.

"Par... main... uske bina...", he sobbed, clutching "her pillow".

He never gave their relationship much thought during these six months.

They were married off and both of them were living with that tag only.

However, after Ahir's conversation with him that day, he realized the gravity of the situation. He felt the need to look into this matter.

He can't destroy her life this way; she deserved better.

He introspected and realized that Anokhi had always been a responsible wife, daughter. She never gave anyone the chance to complain; instead, he was the one who was always enraged with her, but she never spoke out against him. She never left him. She adjusted with the way he was.

"Agar uski jagah koi aur hota... toh vo mujhe... mujhe kab ka chodke chala jaata..."

"Toh fir... Vo... vo mere liye kyu hain yaha...", he sobbed.

He realized he was the one at the fault. Due to his introverted personality, he never acted like a responsible husband, never treated her well, and never even spoke to her normally.

This was due to the fact that he was unprepared for marriage, and the root of the problem was also the "secret matter" that he was afraid to reveal.

He recalled the wish that Rama had expressed to him on the day of their departure from Kapurthala.

"Meri sirf ek ichcha hain aapse..."

"Meri bachchi dil ki bohot saaf hain..."

"Use humesha khush rakhiyega please..."

"Main... main usko khush nhi rakh paaunga..."

"Vo to mere saath khush nhi haina..."

"Maine... maine Mummy ji se jhootha vaada kiya tha..."

"Nhi!... Mujhe kuch karna hoga..."

At the time of marriage, he had sternly stated Shaan and Aastha that he won't be a good husband, nor he would be able to keep her happy, and most importantly they were both against the marriage.

However, because they were family friends and had a good relationship, they were kind of forced to get into this relationship.

Shaurya was completely ignorant of her from the start and had harbored a grudge against her.

He had assumed that they would simply show the outside world that they were a couple, but never thought what the future of such a relationship would be. He never imagined he would be doing wrong with her in this way.

He and she had not always been on good terms, but it had gradually become normal for both of them. They'd grown accustomed to being in each other's company, even if it meant silence.

Anokhi had adjusted to her husband's behavior and she never had expectations from anyone because first and foremost, she was opposed to the marriage and secondly, she was a selfless soul.

Her responsibilities, however, were never a burden to her. She always fulfilled them from the bottom of her heart.

She never found it upsetting that her husband didn't have a close relationship with her or didn't talk normally to her because she knew he, too, didn't want to marry her the way she did, but she knew he was a good man.

She always did everything without any expectations.

Silent tears were rolling down from his eyes, and he had completely forgotten that the door was open and she could walk in at any moment.

He was crying and thinking all of this when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He stiffened but didn't turn.

He knew who it was.

What was he going to say to her now?

"Hua kya hain Shauyra?...", said her resolute voice.

He quickly wiped away his tears but still didn't turn.

"Good-night..."

"Main so rha hoon...", he declared emphatically.

However, Anokhi held his hand before he lay down, prompting him to look up.

When his gaze met hers, all she saw were pain, guilt, and anger. He averted his gaze right away.

"Aap chhupa kyu rahe hain?..."

"Kyu ro rhe the aap?...", her eyes moist.

"It's none of your business!...", he gave a curt reply.

"Mera haath chodo...", he said, trying to get his arm free from her grip.

"Nhi..."

"Jab tak aap mujhe btate nhi ki aap kyu ro rhe the... tab tak main yaha se nhi hilungi..."

Shaurya had been in a fowl mood from the start, and Anokhi's questioning session enraged him even more.

He stood up, startling Anokhi, and exclaimed, "Tum hoti kaun ho mujhse yeh poochhne vaali?!..."

"Main hasu ya rou... Tumhe usse kya fark padta hain haan?!!..."

Anokhi flinched at his voice, her eyes welling up with tears.

She was only trying to console him in his difficult situation, and he became angry. But she was well aware about his anger issues, so she didn't mind it and tried to calm him.

"Dekh... iye..."

"Shaurya..."

"Main... Bass... Vo aapki help...", she shivered.

"Nhi chaahiye mujhe tumhaari koi help!..."

"Lekin... Aap uss din bhi ro rhe the... raat ko... "

"Toh... maine socha... a... agar koi baat... apko pareshaan...", she fumbled over words.

"Koi baat?...", Shaurya said, holding her arms and looking into her eyes.

Now he wasn't able to take the anguish anymore. Days of distress had taken a toll on him.

"Tumhe jaanna hai na main kis vajah se pareshaan hoon..."

"Toh suno!!..."

"TUM!!!!!..."

"Samjhi ?!..."

"Vajah sirf TUM ho !!..."

"M... main?...", a lone tear escaped her eyes.

"Haan TUM!!!..."

"Tumhaari vajah se main pareshaan tha!... Tumhaari vajah se hi main pareshaan hoon!..."

Anokhi was almost on the verge of cry.

"Lek... kin... Maine... maine kya-..."

Shaurya cut her in the middle before she could finish.

"Tum mere matter mein kyu interfere kar rhi ho ?!..."

"Shaurya mujhe toh bas aapki chinta-..."

"Kyun ???? !!!..."

"Kyun karti ho tum meri chinta ?!..."

"Kyun karti ho tum meri care ?!..."

"Kyun tum mera itna dhyaan rakhti ho ?!..."

"Kyun ro rhi thi tum us din mere liye ?!..."

"Main kya maayne rakhta hoon tumhaare liye ?!..."

"Tum... tum mujhe... mujhe chodh kyun nhi deti ?!!!..."

Anokhi was completely shattered by this.

He was telling her to leave him???

She was astounded by his sudden outburst.

Her arms were now hurting in his grip.

"Yeh... yeh aa... aap kya keh rhe ho Shaurya ?..."

"Bilkul sahi keh rha hoon!!..."

"Tum toh yeh shaadi ki against thi na... toh fir kyun ?!..."

"Kyun ho tum abhi tak yaha?!...", his tears were brimming out of his eyes.

"Aa... aap aise kyu bol rhe hain ?...", she broke into tears.

"Kyun maine kuch galat bola kya ?!..."

"Tum toh mujhse shaadi hi nhi karna chaahti thi na..."

"Tum yaha mere saath khush nhi hona..."

" Toh fir kyun ?... Kyun tum duniya ko jhooth dikhaati ho ?!!..."

"Kyu khudke saath samjhauta kar rhi ho ?!..."

"Bass !!..."

"Bass keejiye Shaurya!...", she finally spoke up.

"Aapko kisne kaha main khud se samjhauta kar rhi hoon ?!..."

"Aapko kisne kaha main khush nhi hoon ?!..."

"Aap aise bina soche samjhe kuch nhi bol sakte !..."

"Tumhe mere liye sacrifice karne ki koi zaroorat nhi hain Anokhi... Mujhe nhi chaahiye tumhaari sacrifice...", his eyes burned up.

"Aap... aap galat samajh rhe hain Shaur-..."

Shaurya's grip tightened more, "Ab bohot ho chuka hain Anokhi..."

"Aaj hume faisla le hi lena chaahiye...", he said, his voice trembling but determined.

Anokhi was gripped by fear.

What was he going to do?

""K... kya kehna chaahte hain aap ?..."

"Kaisa faisla?..."

"TUM CHALI JAAO YAHA SE", his voice echoed in the room.

More tears streamed down her cheeks listening his words.

"Sh... Shaurya..." she could barely speak.

"Tum chali jaao maine kaha!..."

"Yaha mere saath rehne ki koi zaroorat nhi hain tumhe!..."

"M... mujhe nhi rehena tumhaare saath ...", he jerked away her shoulders in rage.

Anokhi stepped back with a jolt unable to believe what she heard.

The room fell deafeningly quiet.

After few minutes of pregnant silence, Anokhi finally spoke up.

"Kya galti ho gayi mujhse Shaurya?..." she looked at him with tearful eyes.

"Galti ???...", he laughed sarcastically.

"Galti tumse nhi mujhse hui hain!..."

"Tumse shaadi karna meri life ki sabse badi galtithi !!...", he yelled with a heavy heart.

This broke Anokhi's heart, and she was fully devastated. She closed her eyes to stop the tears from falling.

Never ever he behaved with her this way.

"Tum kyu ro rhi ho ?!..."

"Tumhaari koi galti thodi na hain!..."

"Mujhe hi nhi rehna tumhaare saath..."

"Mujhe nhi chaahiye yeh rishta!..."

"Tum jaao!..."

"Chali jaao!!!..."

"Chhutkaara chaahiye mujhse tumse!..."

Anokhi was struggling to keep her composure and stand there as tears were continuously rolling down her face.

She has never felt so much hurt in her life.

He wanted freedom from her. Was she so bad?

Did he really loathe her this much?

Shaurya turned around towards the wall to hide his tears and supported himself against the wall with his palm.

Whatever he said, whatever he did, it was all out of rage toward himself, but it eventually spilled over onto Anokhi.

His eyes were closed because he was filled with rage on himself.

A sheer silence spread in the room after the war of words.

"Chali jaao...", he sounded as calm as a river.

Tears squeezed out of his eyelids when the next moment, he said, "Chali jaao..."

"AUR DHOOND LO KISI AUR KO APNE LIYE..."

And that was the end of it !

The thread of composure and patience that Anokhi had maintained till now ultimately ruptured.

How could he command her to find someone else for her?

Only she has the right to do it !

She wiped her tears away and put on a happy face. Her smile was tinged with melancholy.

"SORRY...", Anokhi apologized softly.

"Mujhe nhi pta tha aapko meri vajah se itne mahino se itni takleef sehni padi..."

"Aa... aap mujhe... mujhe pehle hi bta sakte the... ki aapko mujhse chhutkaara chaahiye... Main pehle hi chali jaati...", she said in a calm manner.

Shaurya fisted his palm, trying to keep his rage in check.

How shamefully he told the woman who cared for him so much that he needed to get rid from her. He was disgusted with himself.

"Alvida...", Anokhi couldn't take it any longer and bolted out of the door.

Shaurya turned around and saw her teardrops scattering in the air.

He wrathfully slammed his fist against the nearby wall. Only he was responsible for those tears.

She has left!

She was gone!

He can't even stop her.

Kise poochoon

Hai aisa kyun

Bezubaan sa

Ye jahaan hai...

He was utterly helpless as he leaned against the wall.

"Vo chali gayi..."

"Sach mein chali gayi...", he supported his back to the wall.

Khushi ke pal

Kahan dhoondhoon

Benishaan sa

Waqt bhi yahan hai...

He began to sob uncontrollably, and everything he had been holding back till now began to pour out in the form of crystals.

Jaane kitne labon pe gile hain

Zindagi se kayi faasle hain

Paseejte hain sapne kyun aankhon mein

Lakeer jab chhoote in haathon se yoon bewajah...

How desperately he wanted to pull her into his embrace to not let her leave him, how sorely he wished to stop her.

But No!

He can't stop her.

He knew he had to do it for her sake.

Until she leaves him, she won't be happy, according to him.

And that's why, all he could do was to sob sitting there on the floor.

He stared silently onto the ceiling, allowing the tears to flow.

Jo bheji thi duaa

Woh jaake aasmaan

Se yoon takra gayi

Ke aa gayi hai laut ke sadaa...

Anokhi was walking all alone on the road, drenching in rain and staring up at the sky.

"Maine toh bas humesha... humesha unka achcha chaaha..."

"Main itni buri hoon?", she said, sarcastically.

"Itni buri?... Ki unhe mujhse chhutkaara chaahiye tha...", her tears mingled with the rain drops.

Looking up at the sky, she burst into tears and screamed, "Itni nafrat hain unhe mujhse??!!..."

Jo bheji thi duaa

Woh jaake aasmaan

Se yoon takra gayi

Ke aa gayi hai laut ke sadaa...

An unexpected storm blew into their lives, causing them to suffer heartbreak.

Will those with broken hearts ever be able to reconnect?...

To be continued...

Thank you for reading