Chapter 20
“Miss Bhalla, wake up.”
Anokhi opened her eyes and said irritatedly, “God! You are loud.”
“I tried calling gently a few times but that didn’t seem to yield any results. Here, take this.” Shaurya extended a polybag towards her.
“What is this?”
“Food. I feel bad that you missed enjoying your wedding feast because of me.”
“Really? Is that the only thing that you feel bad about?”
“There are many other things. I never even in my dreams imagined that I would kidnap a girl from her marriage. I am not really proud of what I have done but tell me what else could I do?”
“But why was it so important for you to stop my marriage? Do you know how big a risk you have taken? What if they caught you?”
“But they didn’t. So let’s not talk about what could have happened. Now finish eating fast. We have to reach Chandigarh at the earliest.” Shaurya said, starting his car.
“You may not want to talk about it but I know. I am just a little project for your mom and you and you just want to have the satisfaction of completing it successfully.”
“Yes, that is why she took you in and looked after you like your own daughter.”
“Wow. The Shaurya Sabharwal who couldn’t leave a chance to insult his mother now can’t hear a word against her. That’s an interesting development.”
“You keep throwing your barbs at me but I am not going to react. Who knows, you might get offended and jump out of the car. I am not taking any chances.”
“If I wanted, I would have done that a long time ago.” Anokhi said, looking out of the window. There was the slight hint of a smile at the corner of her lips. She slowly put her head out through the window and enjoyed
Shaurya noticed it but didn’t say anything. He was happy that she was coming round.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Aastha looked at the watch worried, Shaurya still hadn’t returned. Shaurya had asked her not to call him. He had said he would himself call her if needed. But she was getting anxious. She wondered if she should leave for Kapurthala. Just then, there was a frantic knock on the door. She immediately went to open it.
“Where’s my son? What have you done to him?” Devi said, storming inside. Shaan followed behind.
Devi went and checked in every room.
“I am telling you Bhabhi, he is not here.” Shaan said.
“She definitely knows where he is. He left home yesterday morning and hasn’t come home since. He is not picking up my calls. Shaan, ask her where my son is.” Devi said, pointing at Aastha.
“How will she know where he is?” Shaan said, defending Aastha.
“I have called all his friends, and inquired at every possible place. No one could give any information about him.” Devi then stood in front of Aastha and looked straight into her eyes.
“Tell me, where is Shaurya?”
“Tell her that you don’t know.” Shaan said to Astha.
Aastha didn’t answer and looked away.
Shaan was shocked.
“He has gone to Kapurthala. To stop Anokhi’s wedding.”
“What do you mean he has gone to stop Anokhi’s wedding? I know he cannot think of doing such a thing without telling me about it. You must have forced him to go there all alone.” Devi said.
“I wanted to go along but he insisted that I stay here. He said he would convince Anokhi to cancel the wedding and return. He believed my going there would complicate the matter.” Aastha replied.
“But at least you could have told me about it. You know what kind of a person Anokhi’s father is. And Shaurya is not mature enough to handle such a person. What if he gets himself into some kind of trouble. How can you be so irresponsible, Aastha?” Shaan said, looking disappointed
“What made you think Shaurya will be able to stop this wedding? He is a quiet introverted boy who strictly keeps to his business. He cannot deal with those uneducated villagers. But how will you know that? You didn’t spend any time with him. You just gave birth and washed your hands off him. Shaurya never meant anything to you. Even today, you are trying to use him to get your student back. You don’t care if that puts him in danger.”
“I thought he must have told you, Shaan. I didn’t know that he had kept it a secret from you all.”
“Shaurya has not talked to me ever since I told him the truth…about why you had to leave.” Shaan said, looking down.
“Oh.” Aastha said, looking a bit shaken. Then she quickly composed herself and said, “He should have returned by now. Perhaps you are right. I shouldn’t have let him go there alone.”
“Give me the address. I will go there and see what the matter is. My son needs me.” Devi demanded.
Before Aastha could say anything, she heard an angry voice coming from the side of the door.
“Yes, this is the address. Look, the door is open.” Mr. Bhalla and Monty emerged with two policemen accompanying them.
“Excuse me, who is Aastha Kashyap?” One of the cops asked.
“She is.” Mr. Bhalla pointed towards her. “She and her son plotted and kidnapped my daughter. She tried that once. Now she is doing it again.”
“Enough Mr. Bhalla. You should come with some proof before making such baseless allegations.” Aastha retorted.
“Proof! I can bring a hundred witnesses who will testify how your son carried my daughter away from her wedding.”
“What? My Shaurya can never do such a thing. He is a very decent boy. I am sure there has been some kind of misunderstanding.” Devi said.
“There has been no misunderstanding. He came two days ago and tried to dissuade my daughter from marrying Monty.” Mr. Bhalla replied.
“And this is not the first time she has done that. She ruined our wedding six years ago and brainwashed Anokhi.” Monty said accusingly.
The policeman looked at Aastha and said, “Mr. Bhalla has lodged a complaint against you. I am sorry but you will have to come with us to the police station for questioning.”
“Pappa.”
Mr. Bhalla turned to see Anokhi and Shaurya standing at the doorstep.
“What’s going on here?” Shaurya asked.
Mr. Bhalla ran to Anokhi and hugged her. “Are you alright? Did he hurt you? Don’t worry. I am here now. I will make sure he pays for what he has done. Please arrest this man, Sir. He is the one who carried my daughter away from the wedding.” He said to the policeman.
Devi came in front of Shaurya and guarded him from the policeman. “No, my son can never do such a thing. I am sure it is a conspiracy by Aastha and that Bhalla girl to defame the Sabharwals. These two are in cahoots. They trapped Shaurya. She may have convinced Shaurya to help her escape. My poor innocent son fell for her act.”
“Please don’t listen to her. My girl was not even conscious when he carried her away. I don’t know who you are but I will not hear another word against my daughter from you.” Mr. Bhalla roared at Devi.
“You will soon know who I am. I am calling Tej and he will talk to the commissioner and tell him how you bribed these cops to arrest my son on some baseless charges.” Devi threatened.
“Do whatever you want. I am not scared of people like you who fake contacts in high places to get away with wrongdoings. I will make sure your so-called son gets his punishment and only then will I get my daughter married. Monty puttar, you take Nikki back to Kapurthala. I will come after putting this guy behind bars. We will have to decide on another day for the wedding.”
“Pappa, please take back the complaint. Whatever Mr. Sabharwal did, he had my best interests in mind. I got the chance to stop and think about what I was going to do. And I realized that I was indeed taking the easy way out. So I have decided that I cannot marry Monty. In fact, I don’t want to marry now. Don’t worry, I will help you with the debt. I am going to participate in the cooking competition and I am going to win it. With the prize money…”
“No, that’s not possible? I won’t be able to face the village people if your marriage to Monty is canceled again.”
Shaurya now came forward and said, “ Why are you so fixated on your Monty puttar? Couldn’t you find a better match for your daughter than this buffoon? Listen, if you are really hell bent on getting her married, I can suggest a very good match, me. I am rich, accomplished and good looking. What else do you need?”
“Ehh, even I don’t want to marry a girl who spent a night with another man. I am sorry, Bhalla uncle. This wedding is off. And please return the money you borrowed as soon as possible.” Saying this, Monty almost ran away from there.
“I can give you the money.” Shaurya offered.
“Shut up. What do you think, my daughter is up for auction? That I will give her away to the highest bidder. No, I have learnt my lesson. Nikki will marry whoever she wants and whenever she wants. It will be her decision. For now, she will focus on her competition.”
Anokhi couldn’t believe her eyes when Mr. Bhalla gently put a hand on her shoulders and said, “From now on, our mother and I are going to fully support you in whatever you do. I don’t care if you win or not because I am sure you will make me proud one day. Inspector sahab, I am sorry for all the trouble. I have decided to withdraw the charges against them.”
Mr. Bhalla was about to leave when Anokhi caught his hands and said, “Thank you Bauji. Just one more request. I want Mumma and you to be there at the competition. I will need your blessings on that day.”
“We will definitely be there, I promise.”
After Mr. Bhalla left, Devi caught Shaurya’s hand and said, “How can you even think of marrying this girl? She is way below our standards. Just look at her father. He is a foul mouthed hooligan.” Saying this she tried to drag him.
Shaurya released his hand and said, “No Badima. I cannot come with you now. I have to…”
“Shaurya, please listen to your Badi ma and go home. Everyone there is worried for you.” Aastha said calmly.
“Fine,” Shaurya said reluctantly and went out.
Devi stood still for a moment as she watched in horror and dismay the effect Aastha’s words had on Shaurya.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
The next day at Sabharwal house.
“Shaurya, you cannot withdraw your name from the competition. I have already done quite a bit of publicity for you. This is a matter of prestige for us now. I cannot let you play with it.” Tej declared angrily.
“I am sorry, Bade papa but this time you will have to find someone else to protect your prestige. I cannot help you with this. Especially after knowing that you wanted to win this competition using unfair ways.”
“Stop it Shaurya. Don’t talk like your father. Winning this competition is going to give a big boost to our business. And it is my duty to do everything possible to further our business. There is nothing unfair in this. What if we took Aastha’s recipe, we will repay her generously for it. I am sure she wouldn’t refuse.” Tej said smugly.
“I don’t think our business is going to suffer some huge loss if we do not win this. There are people who can benefit more than us from winning this. I would rather help them.”
“I am sure you are referring to that Bhalla girl. That girl has seemed to have cast a spell on you.” Devi remarked. “Tej, didn’t I warn you before? I told you not to let Shaurya go there. Aastha and her so-called daughter have trapped our son.”
“Badi ma, there was a time I blindly believed every word you said. But now I cannot. And every time you badmouth my mother, I lose some more respect for you. So please don’t repeat this. And yes, I am going to support Anokhi in this competition. Because she deserves a shot at winning.
“You are such an ingrate. After all that we did for you, this is how you repay us? Ask your father what all I have done for him and Alok. We saved you from the pathetic life that you would have got had Aastha managed to take you along. You don’t understand the value of what you have unless you experience life without it. Had I not worked hard to take this business to where it is, you people wouldn’t be living a life of luxury. You wouldn’t have managed to travel the world and master international cuisines. Now when it is your turn to do something for the business, you want to give away that opportunity so that a “nobody” can get an advantage. That girl wouldn’t even know what she would do with all that money and fame.”
“Enough, Tej Bhaisahab!” Everyone turned around hearing Shaan’s angry voice. “I won’t let my son submit to your emotional blackmail like I did many years ago. It is true you have done a lot for me, and I have repaid it with my life. I lost my wife, my family to protect your ego but Shaurya has no such obligations. The day Aastha gave me Shaurya’s custody, she made me promise that I wouldn’t let Shaurya compromise on his happiness for anything. Don’t try to make him believe that you did him a favour by snatching him away from his mother.” He stopped and looked at Shaurya, “I know that Anokhi winning this competition would give you more happiness than yourself winning it. That is why I wholeheartedly support you in your decision. Don’t worry about those who don’t, if they really loved you, they wouldn’t force their decisions on you. I have learnt it the hard way. ”
Shaurya’s eyes shone with pride. Today, for the very first time he saw Shaan taking a stand in front of Tej. “Thanks Dad. You are right. Miss Bhalla will be a very deserving winner because unlike Bade papa, I believe she will utilize the award in the best way possible. I believe in her abilities.”
Just then Shaurya’s phone beeped. It was Anokhi: “Mr. Sabharwal, can you meet me at our flat? It’s important.”
“Shaurya, I wanted to say something. I am really sorry for everything. I was so scared of losing you. You haven’t talked to me in the last few days and it was like hell for me. Please tell me that you have forgiven me.”
“Hmm.” Shaurya said inattentively.
“What?” Shaan was confused.
“It’s okay, Dad. Listen, I have to leave for some urgent work. See you later, bye.” Saying this he rushed towards the exit.
Shaan stared at him with relief mixed with surprise at being forgiven so easily.
Sorry for being so late. I was trying to upload after completing the story but it has been too long so I thought it better not to keep you guys waiting. Hopefully I will be able to post the final chapter in a week.
thank you so much for the update! I was literally visiting forum every now and then for this story update! lots of love
Originally posted by: Idiotboxer
Chapter 20
“Miss Bhalla, wake up.”
Anokhi opened her eyes and said irritatedly, “God! You are loud.”
“I tried calling gently a few times but that didn’t seem to yield any results. Here, take this.” Shaurya extended a polybag towards her.
“What is this?”
“Food. I feel bad that you missed enjoying your wedding feast because of me.”
“Really? Is that the only thing that you feel bad about?”
“There are many other things. I never even in my dreams imagined that I would kidnap a girl from her marriage. I am not really proud of what I have done but tell me what else could I do?”
“But why was it so important for you to stop my marriage? Do you know how big a risk you have taken? What if they caught you?”
“But they didn’t. So let’s not talk about what could have happened. Now finish eating fast. We have to reach Chandigarh at the earliest.” Shaurya said, starting his car.
“You may not want to talk about it but I know. I am just a little project for your mom and you and you just want to have the satisfaction of completing it successfully.”
“Yes, that is why she took you in and looked after you like your own daughter.”
“Wow. The Shaurya Sabharwal who couldn’t leave a chance to insult his mother now can’t hear a word against her. That’s an interesting development.”
“You keep throwing your barbs at me but I am not going to react. Who knows, you might get offended and jump out of the car. I am not taking any chances.”
“If I wanted, I would have done that a long time ago.” Anokhi said, looking out of the window. There was the slight hint of a smile at the corner of her lips. She slowly put her head out through the window and enjoyed
Shaurya noticed it but didn’t say anything. He was happy that she was coming round.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Aastha looked at the watch worried, Shaurya still hadn’t returned. Shaurya had asked her not to call him. He had said he would himself call her if needed. But she was getting anxious. She wondered if she should leave for Kapurthala. Just then, there was a frantic knock on the door. She immediately went to open it.
“Where’s my son? What have you done to him?” Devi said, storming inside. Shaan followed behind.
Devi went and checked in every room.
“I am telling you Bhabhi, he is not here.” Shaan said.
“She definitely knows where he is. He left home yesterday morning and hasn’t come home since. He is not picking up my calls. Shaan, ask her where my son is.” Devi said, pointing at Aastha.
“How will she know where he is?” Shaan said, defending Aastha.
“I have called all his friends, and inquired at every possible place. No one could give any information about him.” Devi then stood in front of Aastha and looked straight into her eyes.
“Tell me, where is Shaurya?”
“Tell her that you don’t know.” Shaan said to Astha.
Aastha didn’t answer and looked away.
Shaan was shocked.
“He has gone to Kapurthala. To stop Anokhi’s wedding.”
“What do you mean he has gone to stop Anokhi’s wedding? I know he cannot think of doing such a thing without telling me about it. You must have forced him to go there all alone.” Devi said.
“I wanted to go along but he insisted that I stay here. He said he would convince Anokhi to cancel the wedding and return. He believed my going there would complicate the matter.” Aastha replied.
“But at least you could have told me about it. You know what kind of a person Anokhi’s father is. And Shaurya is not mature enough to handle such a person. What if he gets himself into some kind of trouble. How can you be so irresponsible, Aastha?” Shaan said, looking disappointed
“What made you think Shaurya will be able to stop this wedding? He is a quiet introverted boy who strictly keeps to his business. He cannot deal with those uneducated villagers. But how will you know that? You didn’t spend any time with him. You just gave birth and washed your hands off him. Shaurya never meant anything to you. Even today, you are trying to use him to get your student back. You don’t care if that puts him in danger.”
“I thought he must have told you, Shaan. I didn’t know that he had kept it a secret from you all.”
“Shaurya has not talked to me ever since I told him the truth…about why you had to leave.” Shaan said, looking down.
“Oh.” Aastha said, looking a bit shaken. Then she quickly composed herself and said, “He should have returned by now. Perhaps you are right. I shouldn’t have let him go there alone.”
“Give me the address. I will go there and see what the matter is. My son needs me.” Devi demanded.
Before Aastha could say anything, she heard an angry voice coming from the side of the door.
“Yes, this is the address. Look, the door is open.” Mr. Bhalla and Monty emerged with two policemen accompanying them.
“Excuse me, who is Aastha Kashyap?” One of the cops asked.
“She is.” Mr. Bhalla pointed towards her. “She and her son plotted and kidnapped my daughter. She tried that once. Now she is doing it again.”
“Enough Mr. Bhalla. You should come with some proof before making such baseless allegations.” Aastha retorted.
“Proof! I can bring a hundred witnesses who will testify how your son carried my daughter away from her wedding.”
“What? My Shaurya can never do such a thing. He is a very decent boy. I am sure there has been some kind of misunderstanding.” Devi said.
“There has been no misunderstanding. He came two days ago and tried to dissuade my daughter from marrying Monty.” Mr. Bhalla replied.
“And this is not the first time she has done that. She ruined our wedding six years ago and brainwashed Anokhi.” Monty said accusingly.
The policeman looked at Aastha and said, “Mr. Bhalla has lodged a complaint against you. I am sorry but you will have to come with us to the police station for questioning.”
“Pappa.”
Mr. Bhalla turned to see Anokhi and Shaurya standing at the doorstep.
“What’s going on here?” Shaurya asked.
Mr. Bhalla ran to Anokhi and hugged her. “Are you alright? Did he hurt you? Don’t worry. I am here now. I will make sure he pays for what he has done. Please arrest this man, Sir. He is the one who carried my daughter away from the wedding.” He said to the policeman.
Devi came in front of Shaurya and guarded him from the policeman. “No, my son can never do such a thing. I am sure it is a conspiracy by Aastha and that Bhalla girl to defame the Sabharwals. These two are in cahoots. They trapped Shaurya. She may have convinced Shaurya to help her escape. My poor innocent son fell for her act.”
“Please don’t listen to her. My girl was not even conscious when he carried her away. I don’t know who you are but I will not hear another word against my daughter from you.” Mr. Bhalla roared at Devi.
“You will soon know who I am. I am calling Tej and he will talk to the commissioner and tell him how you bribed these cops to arrest my son on some baseless charges.” Devi threatened.
“Do whatever you want. I am not scared of people like you who fake contacts in high places to get away with wrongdoings. I will make sure your so-called son gets his punishment and only then will I get my daughter married. Monty puttar, you take Nikki back to Kapurthala. I will come after putting this guy behind bars. We will have to decide on another day for the wedding.”
“Pappa, please take back the complaint. Whatever Mr. Sabharwal did, he had my best interests in mind. I got the chance to stop and think about what I was going to do. And I realized that I was indeed taking the easy way out. So I have decided that I cannot marry Monty. In fact, I don’t want to marry now. Don’t worry, I will help you with the debt. I am going to participate in the cooking competition and I am going to win it. With the prize money…”
“No, that’s not possible? I won’t be able to face the village people if your marriage to Monty is canceled again.”
Shaurya now came forward and said, “ Why are you so fixated on your Monty puttar? Couldn’t you find a better match for your daughter than this buffoon? Listen, if you are really hell bent on getting her married, I can suggest a very good match, me. I am rich, accomplished and good looking. What else do you need?”
“Ehh, even I don’t want to marry a girl who spent a night with another man. I am sorry, Bhalla uncle. This wedding is off. And please return the money you borrowed as soon as possible.” Saying this, Monty almost ran away from there.
“I can give you the money.” Shaurya offered.
“Shut up. What do you think, my daughter is up for auction? That I will give her away to the highest bidder. No, I have learnt my lesson. Nikki will marry whoever she wants and whenever she wants. It will be her decision. For now, she will focus on her competition.”
Anokhi couldn’t believe her eyes when Mr. Bhalla gently put a hand on her shoulders and said, “From now on, our mother and I are going to fully support you in whatever you do. I don’t care if you win or not because I am sure you will make me proud one day. Inspector sahab, I am sorry for all the trouble. I have decided to withdraw the charges against them.”
Mr. Bhalla was about to leave when Anokhi caught his hands and said, “Thank you Bauji. Just one more request. I want Mumma and you to be there at the competition. I will need your blessings on that day.”
“We will definitely be there, I promise.”
After Mr. Bhalla left, Devi caught Shaurya’s hand and said, “How can you even think of marrying this girl? She is way below our standards. Just look at her father. He is a foul mouthed hooligan.” Saying this she tried to drag him.
Shaurya released his hand and said, “No Badima. I cannot come with you now. I have to…”
“Shaurya, please listen to your Badi ma and go home. Everyone there is worried for you.” Aastha said calmly.
“Fine,” Shaurya said reluctantly and went out.
Devi stood still for a moment as she watched in horror and dismay the effect Aastha’s words had on Shaurya.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
The next day at Sabharwal house.
“Shaurya, you cannot withdraw your name from the competition. I have already done quite a bit of publicity for you. This is a matter of prestige for us now. I cannot let you play with it.” Tej declared angrily.
“I am sorry, Bade papa but this time you will have to find someone else to protect your prestige. I cannot help you with this. Especially after knowing that you wanted to win this competition using unfair ways.”
“Stop it Shaurya. Don’t talk like your father. Winning this competition is going to give a big boost to our business. And it is my duty to do everything possible to further our business. There is nothing unfair in this. What if we took Aastha’s recipe, we will repay her generously for it. I am sure she wouldn’t refuse.” Tej said smugly.
“I don’t think our business is going to suffer some huge loss if we do not win this. There are people who can benefit more than us from winning this. I would rather help them.”
“I am sure you are referring to that Bhalla girl. That girl has seemed to have cast a spell on you.” Devi remarked. “Tej, didn’t I warn you before? I told you not to let Shaurya go there. Aastha and her so-called daughter have trapped our son.”
“Badi ma, there was a time I blindly believed every word you said. But now I cannot. And every time you badmouth my mother, I lose some more respect for you. So please don’t repeat this. And yes, I am going to support Anokhi in this competition. Because she deserves a shot at winning.
“You are such an ingrate. After all that we did for you, this is how you repay us? Ask your father what all I have done for him and Alok. We saved you from the pathetic life that you would have got had Aastha managed to take you along. You don’t understand the value of what you have unless you experience life without it. Had I not worked hard to take this business to where it is, you people wouldn’t be living a life of luxury. You wouldn’t have managed to travel the world and master international cuisines. Now when it is your turn to do something for the business, you want to give away that opportunity so that a “nobody” can get an advantage. That girl wouldn’t even know what she would do with all that money and fame.”
“Enough, Tej Bhaisahab!” Everyone turned around hearing Shaan’s angry voice. “I won’t let my son submit to your emotional blackmail like I did many years ago. It is true you have done a lot for me, and I have repaid it with my life. I lost my wife, my family to protect your ego but Shaurya has no such obligations. The day Aastha gave me Shaurya’s custody, she made me promise that I wouldn’t let Shaurya compromise on his happiness for anything. Don’t try to make him believe that you did him a favour by snatching him away from his mother.” He stopped and looked at Shaurya, “I know that Anokhi winning this competition would give you more happiness than yourself winning it. That is why I wholeheartedly support you in your decision. Don’t worry about those who don’t, if they really loved you, they wouldn’t force their decisions on you. I have learnt it the hard way. ”
Shaurya’s eyes shone with pride. Today, for the very first time he saw Shaan taking a stand in front of Tej. “Thanks Dad. You are right. Miss Bhalla will be a very deserving winner because unlike Bade papa, I believe she will utilize the award in the best way possible. I believe in her abilities.”
Just then Shaurya’s phone beeped. It was Anokhi: “Mr. Sabharwal, can you meet me at our flat? It’s important.”
“Shaurya, I wanted to say something. I am really sorry for everything. I was so scared of losing you. You haven’t talked to me in the last few days and it was like hell for me. Please tell me that you have forgiven me.”
“Hmm.” Shaurya said inattentively.
“What?” Shaan was confused.
“It’s okay, Dad. Listen, I have to leave for some urgent work. See you later, bye.” Saying this he rushed towards the exit.
Shaan stared at him with relief mixed with surprise at being forgiven so easily.
Its so gd to see u updating after so long. 😍 at least we wd gt a gd closure for one of our beloved Ffs 😀
Absolutely loving this one!!!
The best part for me was when Mr. Bhalla supported Anokhi!
So, finally Anokhi has decided to take part in the competition and win to repay debts rather than marrying the jerk!
Shaurya still seems to have some ego about his looks and finances 🤣but glad he just presented the idea to stop Mr. Bhalla from forcing Nikki to marry her off... And glad Shaan is developing some backbone.
comment:
p_commentcount