Angad awoke to the persistent beeping of his alarm clock, the weight of another day pressing down on him. It had been a year since Sahiba had left, but memories of their turbulent relationship still haunted him. The fights, the harsh words, the bruises—he remembered it all, and the regret gnawed at him.
As he descended the stairs, Angad found himself face-to-face with Seerat, who was waiting to escort him to breakfast. Her proximity made him uncomfortable, but he managed a polite nod and followed her to the dining room.
"Good morning, everyone," Angad greeted, taking his seat at the table.
Daarji looked up from his newspaper, giving Angad a stern nod. "Morning, Angad. I trust you're ready for today’s meetings?"
"Yes, Daarji," Angad replied, trying to focus on the day's tasks.
Seerat, sitting across from him, kept casting glances his way, which he did his best to ignore. The family engaged in light conversation, but Angad’s mind wandered back to Sahiba’s final words.
**Flashback**
"Sahiba, please... let's work on this together. We don't need to end things like this," Angad had pleaded, his voice filled with desperation.
Sahiba shook her head, her eyes filled with determination. "Angad, I need to follow my dreams. I need to find happiness on my own terms. And you deserve the same."
Angad had watched her leave, feeling helpless and defeated.
**End of Flashback**
After breakfast, Angad headed to the office, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. Work was his only solace now, the only thing that kept him from drowning in his memories.
Sahiba walked through the bustling streets of Delhi, feeling the freedom she had longed for. She had opened a small art studio and was slowly making a name for herself. Yet, despite her newfound independence, thoughts of Angad lingered at the back of her mind.
One afternoon, while setting up for an art exhibit, Sahiba was surprised to see Veer walk into her studio.
"Veer! What are you doing here?" Sahiba exclaimed, genuinely happy to see him.
"I heard about your exhibit and wanted to check it out," Veer replied with a smile. "It’s good to see you, Sahiba. We've missed you."
"I've missed you all too," Sahiba admitted, her smile faltering slightly. "How is everyone?"
Veer hesitated for a moment. "Everyone's fine... but Angad, he hasn't been the same since you left."
Sahiba looked away, feeling a pang of guilt. "I had to leave, Veer. For both our sakes."
Veer nodded. "I understand. But maybe you two should talk. Clear the air."
Sahiba sighed. "Maybe. Someday."
Back at the Brar Mansion, Angad was sorting through some old papers when he came across a sketch Sahiba had made of him. He traced the lines with his fingers, feeling a surge of emotions. He missed her more than he cared to admit.
"Angad, can we talk?" Veer’s voice broke through his thoughts.
Angad looked up, nodding. "Of course, Veer. What’s on your mind?"
"I saw Sahiba today," Veer began, watching Angad’s reaction carefully.
Angad’s heart skipped a beat. "How is she?"
"She’s doing well. She has an art studio now," Veer replied. "But I think she misses you too, Angad."
Angad sighed. "I don’t know if she would want to see me."
"You won’t know unless you try," Veer encouraged him
A week later, Angad found himself standing outside Sahiba’s art studio, his heart pounding. He took a deep breath and walked in.
Sahiba looked up from her work, her eyes widening in surprise. "Angad?"
"Hi, Sahiba," Angad said softly. "I... I wanted to see you."
Sahiba set down her brush, wiping her hands. "What brings you here?"
"I’ve been thinking a lot... about us, about what happened," Angad began, struggling to find the right words. "I’m sorry for everything. I never truly understood what you went through."
Sahiba’s expression hardened. "Angad, it’s too late for apologies. You can’t just walk in and expect everything to be okay."
Angad looked down, feeling the weight of her words. "I know. But I had to try."
Sahiba sighed, crossing her arms. "What do you want from me, Angad?"
"I want to make things right. I know I can't undo the past, but maybe we can start fresh," Angad said, his voice filled with sincerity.
Sahiba shook her head. "It’s not that simple. You hurt me, Angad. You and your family treated me like an outsider. Trust doesn’t rebuild overnight."
"I understand," Angad said softly. "But can we at least try? Can we take it one step at a time?"
Sahiba looked at him for a long moment before finally nodding. "One step at a time. But don’t expect forgiveness so easily."
The days that followed were a test of patience and perseverance for Angad. He visited Sahiba's studio frequently, sometimes bringing coffee or lunch, other times just sitting quietly, watching her work. Each visit was met with a mix of indifference and caution from Sahiba, but he remained undeterred.
One evening, after a particularly long day at work, Angad found himself once again at Sahiba's studio. She was cleaning up, and he offered to help. They worked in silence, the air thick with unspoken words.
As they finished, Angad broke the silence. "Sahiba, I know it’s going to take time. But I want you to know that I’m committed to making things right."
Sahiba sighed, leaning against a table. "Angad, it's not just about time. It's about actions. Words mean little if they're not backed by change."
"I know," Angad replied. "And I promise you, I am changing. I’ve realized a lot in this past year. I’ve learned what truly matters."
Sahiba looked at him, her eyes searching his for sincerity. "We'll see, Angad. Actions speak louder."
---
The next time Angad visited, he found Sahiba speaking to a group of children, teaching them how to paint. He watched from a distance, admiring the way she interacted with them, her face lit up with joy and passion.
After the class, Angad approached her. "You’re amazing with them, Sahiba."
She shrugged, packing up her supplies. "It’s what I love to do."
Angad hesitated before speaking. "Sahiba, I’ve been thinking a lot about us. I want to do more than just apologize. I want to show you that I’ve changed."
Sahiba’s eyes narrowed. "How, Angad? How do you plan to prove that you’re not the same man who hurt me?"
"I’ve started seeing a therapist," Angad admitted. "I’m working on understanding my issues, on becoming a better person."
Sahiba was taken aback. "Therapy? I never thought you’d... that’s a start, Angad. But it doesn’t erase the past."
"I know it doesn’t," Angad said softly. "But it’s a step towards a better future."
---
One rainy evening, Sahiba was locking up her studio when she saw Angad standing under an umbrella, waiting for her.
"Sahiba, can I give you a ride home?" he asked, his voice gentle.
She hesitated before nodding. "Alright."
The drive was silent at first, the sound of rain pattering against the car. Finally, Sahiba spoke. "Why now, Angad? Why are you trying so hard to make amends?"
"Because I realized what I lost," Angad replied, his eyes focused on the road. "I lost the one person who truly cared for me, and I drove her away with my actions. I can’t change the past, but I want to build a better future."
Sahiba looked out the window, deep in thought. "It’s not going to be easy, Angad. You have to understand that."
"I do," Angad said, glancing at her. "And I’m ready to do whatever it takes."
--
Sahiba remained guarded despite Angad’s efforts. She had learned the hard way that trust was fragile and once broken, it was incredibly difficult to rebuild. She kept her distance, focusing on her work and her newfound independence.
One evening, as she was working late at the studio, Angad showed up with dinner. "I thought you might be hungry," he said, holding up a bag of food.
Sahiba sighed but allowed him in. They ate in silence, the tension between them palpable.
"Sahiba, I know you’re still hurt," Angad said finally. "But I want you to know that I’m not giving up. I’m here for you, no matter how long it takes."
Sahiba looked at him, her expression unreadable. "Actions, Angad. Actions speak louder than words. If you truly mean what you say, then show me."
Determined to prove himself, Angad began volunteering at a local shelter, something Sahiba was passionate about. He hoped that by aligning himself with her values, he could show her that he was serious about changing.
When Sahiba found out, she was surprised. "You’re volunteering?"
Angad nodded. "I wanted to understand what you see in helping others. It’s been... eye-opening."
Sahiba didn’t know what to say. This was not the Angad she had known. "It’s a start," she said cautiously.
---
Weeks turned into months, and Angad continued his efforts to prove his sincerity. He attended his therapy sessions diligently, volunteered regularly, and made sure to respect Sahiba’s boundaries.
One day, Sahiba approached him after a volunteering session. "I see you’ve been consistent, Angad. It’s... commendable."
"Thank you," Angad replied. "I’m trying to be better, for myself and for you."
Sahiba nodded slowly. "Maybe we can have coffee sometime. As friends."
Angad’s heart soared with hope. "I’d like that."
---
They met at a small café, the air between them filled with a mix of tension and hope. They talked about mundane things at first, avoiding the elephant in the room.
Finally, Sahiba broke the silence. "Angad, why did you do it? Why did you hurt me so much?"
Angad looked down, shame flooding his face. "I don’t have a good answer, Sahiba. I was insecure, afraid of losing you, and I lashed out in the worst possible ways. I’m so sorry for the pain I caused you."
Sahiba’s eyes filled with tears. "Do you have any idea how much it broke me?"
"I do now," Angad said, his voice trembling. "And I hate myself for it. But I’m trying to change, Sahiba. I’m working on myself every day
The conversation at the café was a turning point. Sahiba began to see glimpses of the change in Angad. He was more patient, more understanding, and genuinely remorseful. But the scars of the past were deep, and she was still wary.
One day, while they were walking in the park, Angad turned to her. "Sahiba, I know I’ve asked for your forgiveness before, but I’m asking again. I’m truly sorry for everything."
Sahiba looked at him, her heart heavy. "Angad, forgiveness isn’t something that happens overnight. I’m still healing. But I see that you’re trying, and that means something."
---
Angad continued to work on himself, focusing on being a better person. He joined a support group for people with anger management issues, hoping to understand and control his impulses better.
Sahiba watched from a distance, slowly allowing herself to believe that Angad was truly changing. She started to let her guard down, little by little.
One evening, after a group session, Angad found Sahiba waiting for him outside. "I thought we could talk," she said, a tentative smile on her lips.
---
As they sat in a quiet corner of a nearby park, Sahiba took a deep breath. "Angad, I need to understand something. Why did you never seek help before? Why did it take losing me for you to realize you needed to change?"
Angad sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I was too proud, too stubborn. I thought I could handle everything on my own. It wasn’t until you left that I realized how wrong I was."
Sahiba nodded slowly. "It’s hard for me to trust you again, Angad. The wounds are still fresh."
"I know," Angad said softly. "But I’m not giving up on us. I’ll keep proving myself, one day at a time."
--
Over time, Sahiba began to spend more time with Angad. They went for walks, had coffee, and even attended a few art exhibits together. Each moment was a small step towards rebuilding what was lost.
One afternoon, as they were browsing through an art gallery, Sahiba turned to Angad. "Do you ever think about what could have been?"
"All the time," Angad replied, his voice filled with regret. "But I try to focus on what can be, on making a better future for both of us."
Sahiba smiled faintly. "Maybe we can start over, as friends first."
---
Angad decided to show Sahiba how much he cared by commissioning a piece of art from one of her favorite artists. When he presented it to her, she was genuinely touched.
"Angad, this is beautiful," she said, her eyes shining with emotion. "Thank you."
"It’s a small token of my appreciation," Angad replied. "For giving me a second chance."
Sahiba looked at him, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You’re welcome. Just remember, it’s still a long road ahead."
---
### Chapter 17: Unveiling Emotions
One evening, as they sat by the riverbank, Angad opened up about his past. He talked about his childhood, his insecurities, and the reasons behind his anger.
"I never knew how to deal with my emotions," Angad admitted. "And I took it out on you, which was unforgivable."
Sahiba listened quietly, her heart aching for the boy Angad once was. "Thank you for sharing that with me, Angad. It helps to understand where you’re coming from."
"I’m not that person anymore," Angad said, his voice firm. "And I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that to you."
--
As the months passed, Sahiba and Angad started to find moments of joy together. They laughed, shared stories, and even started working on a community project to help underprivileged children.
One day, while painting a mural with the kids, Sahiba turned to Angad. "You’ve come a long way, Angad. I’m proud of you."
Angad smiled, feeling a warmth in his heart. "I couldn’t have done it without you, Sahiba. Your belief in me made all the difference."
---
Despite the progress, Sahiba knew that fully forgiving Angad would take more time. But she was willing to try. They started talking about the future, cautiously optimistic about what lay ahead.
"Angad, I want us to take things slow," Sahiba said one evening. "We need to make sure we’re both ready for this."
"Absolutely," Angad agreed. "Whatever it takes to make things right, I’m here for it."
---
A year after their first tentative steps towards reconciliation, Angad and Sahiba stood at a crossroads. They had faced their past, confronted their demons, and found a way to heal together.
On a sunny morning, as they walked through the park where it all began, Angad took Sahiba’s hand. "Sahiba, will you give us another chance? To start fresh, with all we’ve learned and grown?"
Sahiba looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity and hope. "Yes, Angad. Let’s take this new journey together, one step at a time."
And so, with cautious hearts but hopeful spirits, Angad and Sahiba embarked on a new chapter of their lives, ready to build a future founded on trust, love, and mutual respect.
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