"There's no point in hurting yourself, I'm here for that, my dear. Then why are you doing my work yourself?" Saying this, in the very next moment, Ayansh Mehra shoved the girl dressed as a bride inside the car, causing her to fall backward, and she g... "There's no point in hurting yourself, I'm here for that, my dear. Then why are you doing my work yourself?" Saying this, in the very next moment, Ayansh Mehra shoved the girl dressed as a bride inside the car, causing her to fall backward, and she gasped. She began to sob in pain, but even seeing this, Ayansh's stern and angry expression remained unchanged, unmoved. Who exactly is this Ayansh Mehra, and who is this girl dressed as a bride? Why is Ayansh so harsh with her? To find out, read the full story - "My Devil Husband!"<br />
Page 1 of 34
Mumbai (Maharashtra)
A black, shiny, luxurious car stopped in front of a large, opulent bungalow. The constant loud honking of the car startled the guard who was asleep in his chair. It was two in the night; he didn't even realize when he had dozed off while on duty. He got up from his chair in a hurry and, trembling with fear, quickly opened the main gate. The car drove inside.
The guard gulped, watching the car, and quickly closing the gate, muttered to himself, "Ah... Ayansh sir, I'm dead today, and my job too!"
As soon as he closed the gate and turned around, a twenty-seven-year-old, handsome, hot boy dressed in a red sherwani stood before him. Intense anger was clearly visible in his intoxicating eyes. A light beard, light brown hair, slightly messy and falling on his forehead. Even with that look, his incredibly dashing, perfect personality could make anyone fall for him.
Then, he shook his hair back and, furrowing his brows, yelled angrily at the guard,
"Where were you dead? Does it take this long to open a gate? Don't you know that when I arrive, the gate should be opened instantly! I'm not used to waiting, and I don't need anyone who makes me wait! So, get out!"
Seeing Ayansh's anger, the guard got scared and immediately joined his hands. Hearing Ayansh's scolding, the guard lowered his gaze. He wanted to speak, but his words got stuck in his mouth because it wasn't easy to speak and make eye contact with Ayansh Mehra. Whoever was at fault couldn't look him in the eye, otherwise, Ayansh Mehra wouldn't spare them; no one knew what their fate would be!
"I said, get out! I shouldn't see you here from tomorrow! Do you understand...? Were you sleeping during duty time? Did I hire you to sleep here...?"
"I'm sorry sir... please forgive me! I won't make such a mistake again! Don't fire me! I don't know how I fell asleep! I didn't do it intentionally, sir! Please forgive me, considering it the first and last mistake, sir! It will never happen again, never! Please, sir!" the guard, drenched in sweat, his hands and lips trembling, pleaded for forgiveness, falling at Ayansh's feet.
As Ayansh was about to say something, a sound came from his car, as if someone was banging on the car window! Hearing this, Ayansh turned towards the car and, freeing his foot from the guard, started walking towards the car, saying,
"Whether it was a deliberate mistake or an unintentional one, a mistake is a mistake, which has no forgiveness in my eyes! Never!"
Hearing this, the guard got up and, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his hand, said to himself, "Why did I fall asleep? Even though I know the consequences... Even a stone would melt from pleading at his feet, anyone would show a little mercy and forgive after admitting a mistake, but not Ayansh Mehra! In his eyes, a mistake is not a mistake, but a crime, and I have committed a crime. Oh God! Do something! If I lose my job, what will I do? It's very difficult to find work elsewhere once you lose your job here! How will I support my family? How will I manage...? Just get me forgiven by the sir once! Then I swear, I won't make a mistake like today, never! Please God!"
When Ayansh reached the car, he peeked inside through the rear window. Hands full of bangles were hitting the car window, and it was clearly visible from the outside that a girl inside was hitting the glass very rapidly with her hands. At that moment, Ayansh opened the window in one go, causing the girl dressed as a bride to fall outwards; Ayansh caught her by the shoulders for a moment.
Ayansh, looking at her in the car, said,
"There's no point in hurting yourself! I'm here for her, aren't I, my love? Then why are you doing my job yourself?"
Saying this, Ayansh pushed the girl back inside the car at that very moment, causing the girl, who was dressed as a bride, to fall backward onto the seat, and a pained moan escaped her lips. But even seeing this, Ayansh's stern and angry expression remained unchanged.
The girl was groaning in pain. Then Ayansh said to her,
"Your pained throes won't affect me in the least, nor will your suffering affect anyone else!!"
Hearing this, the girl moaned in pain and got up from the seat. Her hands were tied with ropes. The bangles had broken and dug into her hands from hitting the car window, leaving her hands bloody. Pain was clearly visible on her face, along with helplessness. She was twenty-five years old, fair-complexioned, with red lips trembling from pain. She was wearing a red wedding outfit; dressed like a bride; red mehndi on her hands, wedding bangles, a mangalsutra around her neck, sindoor in her parting, kajal in her eyes which had perhaps smudged a little from her crying, but still, her big brown-golden eyes looked very beautiful, yet they held a lot of anger along with moisture. The veil from her head had fallen back, the bun of her hair had loosened, allowing some strands of her black, thick hair to fall on her forehead and cheeks. Then, biting her lips, she cried out angrily at Ayansh,
"W-what do you think you are, Ayansh Mehra? I am not something you fancy that you can just have and bring home! You are doing very wrong, very, very wrong!!"
As the girl was speaking, Ayansh grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the car, leaning her against his car and holding her by the shoulders, he said,
"Ayansh Mehra is never wrong! Are you understanding, Aarvi Chaturvedi!"
Then Aarvi pushed him back with her rope-tied hands, pushing him away from her.
Ayansh, regaining his balance, yelled at Aarvi,
"Are you mad!"
Aarvi, showing him a finger, said,
"You are the one who's gone mad! Stay away from me!"
Hearing this, Ayansh smiled slightly and leaned towards Aarvi,
"Away from you...? If you can stay away, then do so, but besides my proximity, no one else will be able to see you, let alone touch you! And if you have the courage to stop me, then stop me, but I know you can't do anything! So just shut up and come with me, Aarvi Chaturvedi!"
Aarvi, glaring at Ayansh, said,
"No... no! What did you say? Ayansh Mehra is never wrong, he doesn't tolerate mistakes... but you are wrong, Ayansh Mehra! You are wrong today, you have done wrong to me. Ayansh Mehra, who sees everyone else's mistakes, doesn't see his own mistake today, which is no less than a crime! But it seems that in your time, Ayansh Mehra ties a blindfold over his eyes, loses his power of thought and judgment, becomes blind and deaf!"
Then Ayansh grabbed Aarvi's arm and yelled at her,
"I said, shut up! Otherwise, no one will be worse than me! The whole world knows Ayansh Mehra is never wrong! So just shut up!"
Aarvi pushed Ayansh back again and yelled at him angrily,
"You just shut up and stop it, Ayansh Mehra! Stop it! And no one can be worse than you! What have I done to you? Let me go! You can't run your own will! I am not your business deal, nor am I something of your liking that you can go to any extent to get! I am Aarvi Chaturvedi! Aarvi Chaturvedi who, far from wanting to be with you, doesn't even like to see you!"
Saying this, Aarvi started to leave. Ayansh grabbed her arm and pulled her back against his car. Aarvi hit the car hard, "Ouch!"
Ayansh, releasing Aarvi, said,
"Where will you go?"
Aarvi, regaining her composure, said,
"Anywhere, but not with you!"
Ayansh said,
"It's impossible for you to leave from here without my permission!"
Aarvi said,
"I'm not scared!"
Ayansh said,
"Then start getting scared, because I am your devil husband!!"
(To be continued)
As soon as Ayansh said, "I am your devil husband," Aarvi said—
"You are nothing to me! You can scare everyone with your status and anger, but not Aarvi Chaturvedi, Ayansh Mehra!" (looking him in the eye)
Then Ayansh grabbed her tightly by the shoulders—
"Whether you want it or not, it won't matter! What Ayansh Mehra wants, happens! Or... you are not my choice, you are my dislike, and you know that very well. I hate you. And as for the deal, I never make such a bad deal in business. Anyway, listen to me, Aarvi Chaturvedi. Look around, this is Ayansh Mehra's boundary, which is no less than a Lakshman Rekha for you... No, no, an Ayansh Rekha, if you even think of crossing it, the limit of the pain you will receive will not decrease, but rather double, which perhaps you won't be able to bear! You can leave from here, escape from me, stop thinking about it, because it won't even happen in your dreams, let alone reality... So quietly go inside. I don't want any unnecessary drama."
Ayansh untied the rope from Aarvi's hands and threw it aside.
Aarvi yelped "Hisshshsh" and jerked her hands, as Ayansh had untied the rope from her hands so forcefully that Aarvi felt a lot of pain. So much so that she squeezed her eyes shut and bit her lips. Then Ayansh looked at Aarvi's hands, which were quite injured—
"Amazing, Aarvi Chaturvedi! Is the pain you are getting from me not enough, that you are compensating for it yourself, by hurting yourself!"
Aarvi opened her eyes and looking into Ayansh's eyes said—
"Who is talking about pain, you heartless person! Who only knows how to inflict pain on others, who doesn't know what balm is, and instead knows perfectly well how to rub salt in wounds!"
Hearing this, Ayansh was enraged and grabbing Aarvi's face, said—
"Get used to this heartless person, from whom you will get nothing but pain from now on in your life. There will be pain and only pain, injury will also cause pain, even balm will cause pain!" (releasing Aarvi's face)
Aarvi said—
"Only if I stay here... I am not a bird that you can cage! Your will won't prevail, Ayansh Mehra!!"
Then Ayansh filled Aarvi's face with his hands. Aarvi tried to break free, but couldn't—
"You will just keep struggling like this. You cannot free yourself from my slight grip. And what do you think, you will leave from here? No! You have to stay here now. Whether you call it a home or a cage, you are imprisoned here forever. Consider this your earth to walk on, your sky to fly in... otherwise, you won't even know when your wings will be clipped. Your life and death are in my hands. So, will you quietly go inside?" (releasing Aarvi)
Aarvi shook her head in negation and said—
"No, Ayansh Mehra, no! I will not come with you!"
Ayansh smiled and said—
"You already have?"
Aarvi said—
"Don't be so happy about forcing me! You haven't done any great deed. I am not your choice, you hate me, then why have you done all this to me? Why have you snatched my life away from me? And why have you betrayed Saksham? I meant nothing to you, but Saksham, he was yours, wasn't he? Then even with him... you betrayed him too. You did wrong by him too. Didn't you think about Saksham even once? What must he be going through seeing this side of you? The one he valued more than himself, would do this to him? Saksham would never have imagined in his dreams, in a moment you took everything from him and gave him such pain that he will never recover from. Today Saksham must also be disgusted with you, thinking, spitting on Ayansh Mehra, on whom he trusted more than himself, was proud of, and who broke his trust! ... I realized today that this heartless person who considers himself God is such a demon! I never thought you would stoop this low, Ayansh Mehra!"
Hearing Aarvi's words, Ayansh's anger reached its peak. He again grabbed Aarvi's arms tightly and pulling her close, whispered—
"Say whatever you want to say. Think whatever you want to think. But the truth is now that I have married you. I am your husband, you are my wife... Yes, I am not God, I am a demon, especially for you, my wife... You are welcome to this hell, where whatever I want, happens. It will be better if you do as I say, you will be able to breathe a little easier. Only if you obey me, but your remaining breaths will be difficult to live... less happiness, more sorrow, less joy, more pain!" (with a devilish smile)
Aarvi looked at Ayansh and said—
"I would rather die than stay with you, under the same roof in your house... Never... Never, Ayansh Mehra! And you don't need to tell me what will happen to me while staying with you... Forget expecting good from you, you cause trouble even to those who stay away from you. What must be the condition of those who stay close! I know, nothing good comes from a heartless person except pain. So I can't even imagine getting even a few moments of peace with you. And you have already made my life miserable. I would prefer death over living with you, let it come right now... I will be happy with that, but I will not stay with the wrong person... Did you hear? I will not!" (shouting)
Then Ayansh pressed Aarvi's arms with his hands, and she winced "Hisshsh" and squeezed her eyes shut, as she was in a lot of pain—
"Leave me!" Aarvi said, biting her lips and opening her eyes.
Ayansh pushed her towards the car again, causing her to fall on the car—
"Ah... why are you doing this?" (looking at Ayansh again)
Ayansh said—
"Didn't I just say, your life and your death are in my hands. Consider your breathing as my doing. What are you, until I wish, not even death, no one can touch you. So don't talk about dying. And I don't consider it necessary to answer any of your questions! So stop shouting, or I will put a leash on your tongue too, just like on your life. Everything is in my hands, you know. And I am not going to listen to your nonsense all night... I am not asking you if you will come or not... I am telling you, understand... You have no option but to obey me, Aarvi Chaturvedi. Those doors will never open (gesturing towards the main gate), but these are open (gesturing towards the house doors). Come if you want to, otherwise die here, this is your world now."
Ayansh called out to the guard—
"Hey... come here!"
Who was still standing near the gate! The guard, scared and flustered, ran over and stood before Ayansh with his eyes downcast.
Ayansh said loudly—
"Last chance! If you value your job and your life, keep an eye on this girl, otherwise... I think I don't need to explain!"
The guard nodded in agreement without looking up.
"No more mistakes... go, do your duty properly!" Ayansh told the guard.
Hearing this, the guard quickly moved towards the main gate, saying "Yes sir," and thought to himself as he went—
"I won't make any mistakes now. Phew, the job is saved... but there's a threat to my life as the sir said, I will have to do it... Who is this girl... what do I care... I have to do my duty, otherwise Ayansh Mehra won't spare me... Sir's anger is very dangerous!" (as he went and stood near the gate)
Ayansh glared at Aarvi and started to leave, when Aarvi came in front of Ayansh, stopped him, and clasped her hands together, saying—
"Let me go from here, please!"
Ayansh placed his hand on Aarvi's cheek—
"Forget it!"
Aarvi removed Ayansh's hand from her cheek, stepped back, and said—
"Why aren't you understanding? Don't be heartless, Ayansh Mehra... It's not me who will forget, it's you who should realize that what you want will happen. I won't stay, your will won't prevail much longer... My name is Aarvi Chaturvedi... You may keep the world at your feet, but you won't succeed with me, did you hear!"
Ayansh said—
"Not Aarvi Chaturvedi... Aarvi Ayansh Mehra!"
Aarvi said—
"Never!"
Ayansh said—
"Try if you can. It would be better if you get used to it instead of trying. And today, from now, from this very moment, you are not Aarvi Chaturvedi, but Aarvi Ayansh Mehra... Aarvi Mehra, understand!"
(To be continued)
As Ayansh said to Aarvi, "From today you are not Aarvi Chaturvedi, you are Aarvi Ayansh Mehra. Aarvi Mehra, understood?"
Aarvi said, "Absolutely not! Not at all!" she said, shaking her head left and right.
Then Ayansh said with a smile, "Haven't you eaten almonds ever? Or is your memory weak? It's okay, I'm here to remind you! And I promise, I won't let you forget! It's not even been a few hours since our wedding, and you've already forgotten? That's not right, my wife! How will this work? Remember it well, our wedding happened today. Look, you're wearing a red outfit, and I'm in a sherwani. These are our wedding clothes, and we just got married here. You are in your in-laws' house, remember? Hmm, Mrs. Mehra!"
"Wedding? What wedding? A fake wedding, a wedding by deceit, a forced wedding! Do you even know what marriage means? Marriage is a beautiful bond of joy, heart, and consent between two people, a beautiful dream, a feeling. When two people become one forever, fulfilling rituals, vows, and promises. And you think marriage is just a joke! The marriage you've had is ruin, betrayal, and wrong. And yes, it's nothing short of a nightmare for me! And I've learned to stay away from bad dreams, bad thoughts, bad people. Aarvi Chaturvedi never remembers bad dreams, Ayansh Mehra!"
Aarvi was speaking when Ayansh suddenly put his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Holding Aarvi's hair in his fist with one hand, he brought her face close and said, "Now you won't remember anything else. The bad dream and this bad Ayansh Mehra will be on your mind every moment. Every vein, every fiber of your being will be only me! You can't forget, not me, nor this wedding that happened today, no matter how it happened. And yes, when a woman's hair is adorned with vermilion in someone's name, and the mangalsutra around her neck acts as a shield, then that woman becomes associated with that person and their surname. Isn't that what happens after marriage? I've taken seven rounds with you. I am your husband, and you are Mrs. Mehra, my wife. The proof of this is the mangalsutra around your neck and the vermilion in your hair, both of which are in my name. Understood?"
Aarvi was struggling to get away from Ayansh. She was trying to free her hair, but Ayansh's grip was so strong, and he held her hair tightly that she writhed but couldn't get free. Then Ayansh released her hair and pulled Aarvi even closer by placing his hand on her neck. Aarvi squeezed her eyes shut.
"L-leave me!"
"You won't escape from my name and from me, Aarvi Mehra. Now you will only see me in your dreams, and in your thoughts. Wherever you look, whoever you think about, it will only be Ayansh Mehra. I will make you so helpless that you won't be able to do anything else. And yes, this red vermilion in your hair is not a gift of happiness, but a mark of danger, which you will adorn in your hair every day. It will keep reminding you that there is danger from me. And this mangalsutra around your neck will always make you realize that this is a noose that will not come off your neck. Right, Mrs. Mehra!"
Aarvi opened her eyes and said, "How can anyone be so cruel? How?"
Ayansh said, "Because I am your devil husband!"
Aarvi said, writhing, "What do you think? Everything will happen according to you now?"
Ayansh said, "What do I think? It will happen! Even your breaths are in my fist, your thoughts too... I will control both your body and mind!"
Aarvi said, "Don't mistake me for a puppet, Ayansh Mehra!"
Ayansh said, "Don't you make the mistake of underestimating me. I will never have mercy or pity on you!"
Hearing this, Aarvi's eyes welled up. Sobbing, she said, "What can be expected from a cruel person!"
Ayansh said with a smile, "Right, my wife. Enjoy your new journey with me. I've heard that happiness is found after marriage, but you are the unlucky one to whom I won't even give happiness as charity!"
Hearing this, Aarvi spat on Ayansh's face in anger. "Pah! Forget happiness, I won't even beg from you!"
Aarvi's action angered Ayansh greatly, and he shoved her hard onto the ground. Aarvi fell with a thud. "Ah!"
Ayansh pointed a finger at Aarvi and said, "This is your status, you wild girl!" And at that moment, burning with the fire of anger, he went inside the house.
When Aarvi fell to the ground, her bangles broke, piercing her wrist! She was hurt even more, and in great pain, but she lay there on the ground, sobbing. Because more than the external wound, she was hurting from the internal wound, inflicted by Ayansh and every word he had spoken. Ayansh's cruelty had completely shattered her heart.
As Ayansh walked inside quickly, his steps suddenly stopped in the middle of the hall. He turned his head to the right, looking down at the room opposite, in the doorway of which stood an elderly man in his seventies. He was wearing a white dhoti-kurta, round spectacles on his eyes, white hair on his head, and a cane in his hand! When Ayansh looked at him, he turned and went back into his room! The sound of his cane was audible to Ayansh from outside. Ayansh stood there, looking towards the room. As soon as the sound of the cane stopped and the light in that room went out, he climbed the stairs and reached his room. He opened the room door with a strong push, the room was dimly lit! Ayansh took off his sherwani and threw it on the floor in the room, and went straight into the bathroom. With both hands on the wall, head bowed, he turned on the shower and stood there.
After some time, showered and wearing a black lower t-shirt, Ayansh came out of the bathroom. Water dripped from his hair, and even in the dim light, immense anger was visible in his eyes. Sometimes he widened his eyes, sometimes he furrowed his brows. Clenching his teeth, he paced angrily around his room. The anger was probably towards Aarvi, for her spitting act! Then Ayansh pushed his wet hair back with his hands, went to the bed, pulled up the blanket, and lay down. For a few moments, the room light remained on, then Ayansh reached out and turned off the light. Darkness spread throughout the room with peace.
Downstairs, Aarvi was still lying on the lawn. Lying on the ground, Aarvi slowly opened her eyes, looked towards Ayansh's house, and thought to herself, "Won't they answer why? Won't they tell me anything? It's important for me to know, for them... I haven't made any mistake, nor committed any sin, yet such a big punishment? This Ayansh Mehra, proud of his stubbornness, won't let me go from here, but I don't want to stay here. I don't want to stay in the house of someone whose presence suffocates me, whose proximity disgusts me. You are happy with my defeat and your victory, aren't you? But this is your biggest defeat, your biggest mistake." Saying this, Aarvi tried to get up by supporting herself with her palm, but she fell to the ground again. But still, summoning courage, enduring the pain, sighing, and wincing, she got up from below, wiping the corners of her eyes with her hands. And looking up at the sky, she said, "Father, why did you create this world? If you created the world, why did you create such cruel, heartless people? Who enjoy hurting others, even their own? Even once, their conscience doesn't scold them to spare their own, what complaint can strangers have with them? They ruin even those closest to them. How do you send such people to earth? They make life difficult for others, Father? They say you never let bad things happen to good people, then what's the good in me and Saksham? Or were we not good? They say whatever happens, happens by God's will, then why do these people down here impose their will? Are you God, or are these humans who consider themselves God? Whose nature is devilish! What test are you giving us, Father? Is it necessary to bring a devil among good people? What's more, it's amazing that in the world you created, such worthless people live peacefully, happily, and snatch everything from others, their lives, happiness, peace... everything!"
Then, with a single jerk, Aarvi pulled off the mangalsutra from her neck. "If I wear it, it will be a noose... I don't want it!" saying this, Aarvi broke and threw the mangalsutra with both her hands, scattering all its pearls. "I don't want it!" saying this, she started wiping off the vermilion from her hair with her hands and shouted, "This marriage means nothing, all this means nothing! I don't accept this deceitful, fake marriage, none of this matters, none of this means anything to me. I will leave here, Ayansh Mehra, right now!" And managing her heavy lehenga, Aarvi ran towards the main gate when suddenly...?
(To be continued)
Aarvi was rushing towards the main gate, trying to manage her lehenga, when she suddenly tripped and fell hard. "Ah!" she cried out.
The guard looked at her but didn't move from his spot. He was extremely afraid of Ayansh Mehra and didn't want to do anything that might put him in danger. He had been instructed to keep an eye on Aarvi, and he didn't want to give Ayansh any reason to complain.
Aarvi struggled to free herself from her tangled lehenga and stood up, lifting her skirt slightly with both hands to make her way to the main gate. She quickly reached the gate and asked the guard, "Bhaiya, please let me go from here!"
The guard replied, "Madam, go inside!"
Aarvi joined her hands and requested, "Open the gate, please... I can't stay here, I need to leave. Please help me, it'll be a great favor!"
The guard gestured inward, saying, "Go inside, madam. I can't do anything like that. Ayansh sir told me to keep an eye on you, and I can't disobey him. You're asking me to let you leave?"
Aarvi shouted at the guard, "I'm asking for help, and you're following that person's orders instead of showing humanity. You know how he is, but you're still refusing to help me. You've seen how he treated me... let me go, just help me, please, bhaiya!"
The guard looked away and said, "I don't see anything, I don't know anything, madam. Please go inside!"
Aarvi begged, "Let me go from here, please! I'm requesting you with folded hands. He forced me into this marriage and I don't want to live with such a person. It's a matter of my life, bhaiya, please!"
But the guard remained unmoved. Aarvi's pleas had no effect on him. He didn't respond or move from his position. Aarvi then pushed him aside and tried to open the gate herself. The guard caught her by the arms and pulled her back, saying, "Madam, why are you being stubborn? Ayansh sir gave you permission to enter the house, not to leave. Go inside, or I'll have to call Ayansh sir!"
Aarvi shouted at him, "Have you become heartless like him? Doesn't your conscience prick you? I'm asking for help, and you're repeating what Ayansh Mehra says... I don't need his permission... I want to leave, understand? Open the gate now!"
The guard replied, "Why are you insisting, madam? We may not be heartless, but we're bound by our duties... Go inside, why create problems for yourself and me? Ayansh sir clearly said that if I do anything against him, he'll have no mercy on me!"
As the guard spoke, Aarvi fell to her knees and begged, "Please, bhaiya, please... understand!"
The guard's expression softened, but he was powerless. He bowed his head and said, "Forgive me, madam, I'm helpless... if I do anything against him, both of us will be in danger. I have a family to feed, and I need this job... I won't put my life at risk. Ayansh Mehra won't hesitate to take my life, and what about my family then? You let me do my duty!"
Aarvi looked up at him, her eyes welling up with tears. She realized that the guard was indeed helpless and that he was also afraid of Ayansh.
She slowly got up and walked back to the lawn. The guard watched her go, feeling a pang of sympathy.
As Aarvi walked away, she thought to herself, "You're right, Aarvi. You can't put your life at risk for someone else. They're trapped, just like you. They're also afraid of him. How can humanity prevail when faced with such brutality?"
She sat down under a tree and thought about how to escape.
Two hours passed, and morning arrived. The sun rose, casting a reddish glow over the sky. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers. It was March, and the morning air was crisp and cool. The time was 5:00 AM.
The guard stood at the gate, doing his duty. Suddenly, Ayansh emerged from the house, wearing a white tracksuit and sports shoes, with a black sunglasses perched on his forehead and a Bluetooth earpiece in his ear. He looked at Aarvi, who was still sleeping under the tree, and his expression remained cold.
He took off his sunglasses and approached her, saying, "You prefer a luxurious bed, but your status is this... on the ground!"
As he spoke, he gestured toward Aarvi, and then put his sunglasses back on. He turned to leave, and the guard opened the gate for him.
Ayansh walked out and said, "Keep an eye on her. I'm going for a walk!"
The guard nodded and watched as Ayansh left.
An hour later, Ayansh returned home and saw Aarvi still sleeping. He smiled to himself and said, "No one can sleep so peacefully, not with me around!"
He noticed his driver washing the car and approached him. He took the hose from the driver and said, "Good morning, my lovely wife!"
As he sprayed water on Aarvi, she woke up with a start. The cold water shocked her, and she began to shiver.
Ayansh continued to spray water on her, enjoying her reaction. Aarvi begged him to stop, but he didn't listen.
The guard and driver watched in amazement as Ayansh tormented Aarvi.
Finally, Aarvi stood up, shivering and soaked. She shouted at Ayansh, "You've lost your mind!"
Ayansh smiled and said, "I'm just getting started, my dear. Your dreams, your life... it's all going to be washed away!"
As he spoke, Aarvi looked down at herself and saw that she was completely soaked. Her hair was dripping with water, and her clothes were soaked through. She was furious.
Ayansh threw the hose aside and said, "Someone was sleeping peacefully, and I just couldn't let that happen. I woke up, and my wife was still asleep... that's just not right!"
He glared at her and walked away.
As Ayansh said, "I'm awake, and it's wrong for my wife to keep sleeping, isn't it? And Ayansh Mehra absolutely does not tolerate mistakes, understood!" (raising his eyebrows)
Arvi was standing behind the tree. But hearing Ayansh's words and seeing that Ayansh didn't have a water pipe in his hand, she came out in front of Ayansh, rubbing her arms with her hands. She was shivering from being wet, her lips were also trembling. She was rubbing her arms alternately with her hands! Seeing Arvi in such a state, Ayansh smiled slightly and said, "Tsk, tsk, tsk!" (expressing regret)
Arvi looked at Ayansh and said, "You are very happy doing all this, aren't you? You don't tolerate mistakes, right? You made the biggest mistake yesterday, and since then, you've been making one mistake after another. But everyone thinks their actions are right. Who calls themselves wrong, Mr. Mehra? And you don't even have the courage to admit a mistake when you've made one, because that would mean calling yourself wrong, bowing down, and that's something Ayansh Mehra can't do. But don't be mistaken that Arvi Chaturvedi will be scared by your antics, will bow down to you, will melt before your cheap stubbornness, and will do as you wish, never, Mr. Mehra! Arvi Chaturvedi is one to admit her mistakes and bow down, but not to bow down to what is wrong without having made a mistake. And what did you just say? You will never be my husband, Ayansh Mehra, look! There is no mangalsutra around my neck that you put there, nor is there sindoor in my hair in your name." (moving her hand towards her forehead) "Look!" (smiling and holding out both her hands to Ayansh) "This henna on my hands is in the name of my love."
As soon as he heard this, Ayansh looked at Arvi's neck, which did not have a mangalsutra, and then at her hair, which did not have sindoor. Arvi had wiped off some of the sindoor last night, and the rest had washed away when Ayansh poured water on her!
Seeing Ayansh looking at her, Arvi looked at her hands and said again, "The marriage that happened between us, which you did deceitfully, means nothing to me. What means something is this henna on my hands, whose color is so deep (look) that it testifies to my love, and what matters to me is my heart, which has only bonded with my love! And yes, your fake relationship will never break the bond of my heart, nor will it take its place. My henna's color is not faint like your sindoor, which will wash away by pouring water. The thread of my love is not as delicate as your mangalsutra, which will break and fall apart with a pull. None of your actions can remove the color of henna from my hands, nor can they erase the color of my love from my heart. And you must have heard, haven't you, that when a color is already ingrained, it is very difficult for another color to take hold. If I already belong to someone, how can I be yours!" (looking into Ayansh's eyes)
Arvi's words had increased Ayansh's anger. He was infuriated and moved towards Arvi, grabbing her by the shoulders and pushing her back against the tree! Ayansh held her arms tightly in his hands, but Arvi kept looking at him with a smile instead of showing the pain from his grip, as if she were unaffected by the pain and suffering Ayansh was inflicting.
Just then, Ayansh, coming closer to her, gritting his teeth, said angrily, "What do you think? What you just said and how you are presenting yourself to me, that no matter what I do to you, it doesn't affect you! Arvi, you are not as strong as you are trying to be. Every effort of yours will be futile in front of me, and it doesn't affect me, it's not affecting me, whether there's no mangalsutra around your neck or no sindoor in your hair in my name, because all this is nonsense to me. But with all this, you cannot change the reality that I have married you and I am your husband. Although I hate love and marriage by name. I don't like these rituals and all that useless stuff. If I married you, it was only to keep you captive. The world has seen this marriage, so you cannot deny it even if you want to, nor can you say that we are not married. You cannot deny this relationship of ours, never, no matter what this relationship is, whether it is nameless, or whether it lacks what a marriage has, but the truth is now that you are Arvi Mehra, and in your eyes, or rather, in the eyes of the whole world, I am your husband and you are my wife. And now you are with me, and that's all I want, you are mine. I could have brought you here even without marrying you, and no one could have stopped me, but my reputation is very dear to me, and because of you, I couldn't let any stain fall on it. Such oppression on an innocent girl, that would have given people and the media a chance to question me, and you know, I don't consider it necessary to answer useless people. So I just put on that show of marriage, and you were forced to come with me, right? And what I wanted myself happened, that's it!" (staring at Arvi angrily)
Just then, Arvi said, "Then... then why did you do it? Why did you get married? Why did you force me? Why did you bring me here by force? Marriage was a game, wasn't it? Then how did you become my husband? I, your wife? The game is over, let me go from here. And the world is not here, so who are you showing now that you married me? Why are you asserting your right? Why should I stay here?"
Ayansh, pulling Arvi closer to him, said, "I'm not just telling you that I did you a favor by marrying you, by giving you my surname. It's to keep you confined here forever, and to stay within these four walls, no matter in what condition you are, and I don't consider it necessary to answer any of your questions. It was my will, what I did, and what I want will happen in the future too. Even if I hadn't played the game of marriage, you would have been here, my wife. And now, consider that game as reality. Now I'm going to play this game for a lifetime with you. Do you know why? It's great fun, it's very interesting!" (smiling)
Arvi: "What punishment are you giving me? You did that show for the world to see, for your reputation, but why did you do it? You told everything, this, that, it's like this, it's like that, what will happen next too... but tell me the reason for what happened!" (shouting)
Ayansh: "You will languish for the answer to this question, you will never get it. And yes, what did you say, the color of your love has taken over your heart... well, listen, my color will spread through your every pore. My name may not be in your henna for now, because this henna of yours (taking Arvi's hands in his) is truly faint, it will wash off today or tomorrow, Arvi, but my color will not be so faint. So my wife, get ready to be colored by my color. Your every vein will now have only one name, Ayansh Mehra. Your every nerve will have only one intoxication, that of Ayansh Mehra, understand? The sooner you understand this, the better it will be for you, Arvi. And yes, now I am everything to you, and you are only mine. Don't even think of anyone else, let alone mention them, and I will be the worst. Only Ayansh Mehra has the right over you, and Ayansh doesn't even let anyone cast a glance at his things, let alone give them away. So forget everything, remember me, only me... and stop this useless drama of yours, love and all that. If you need support, make someone else your strength so that you can fight me. Weak things like the heart and love won't even stand a chance against me. No one can come between you and me now, get that idea out of here. Can you leave, or will someone take you away from me? And one thing that even you don't know, I'll tell you about yourself, you are the weakest girl in the world, the weakest!"
Saying this, Ayansh suddenly pushed Arvi away with great force, so that she hit the tree behind her! Arvi's head hit the tree so hard that she cried out in pain. Her arms also hit the tree, causing Arvi's hand to get injured from scratches.
(To be continued)
Arvi sighed heavily and rubbed her head with her hands, trying to compose herself. Her eyes were moist. She tried to appear strong, hiding her pain with a smile, but Ayan's mean words and ruthless attitude had pierced her heart. Ayan calling her a "weak girl" had broken the dam of tears for Arvi.
"Chak chak chak," Ayan said, looking at Arvi, "What happened? Where did your courage go? Where did your smile go? The truth hurts, and every word of mine will hurt you. This will give you a deep wound, a pain that won't be less than your tears. No matter how strong you try to be, you won't be able to beat me!"
Arvi wiped her tears and said, "Tears don't reduce pain; they just lighten the heart. My courage isn't broken. I don't need support to fight you; my strong determination is enough. You can do whatever you want, but I won't be weak because of your words!"
Ayan smiled (a devilish smile) and said, "Your tears, your helplessness... everything about you is a weakness!"
"My courage may or may not be broken, but your arrogance will definitely be broken, Ayan Mehra!" Arvi said.
Ayan shouted at Arvi, "Just shut up and listen! I'll write your destiny now, my wife Arvi Mehra!"
"I am not Arvi Mehra; I am Arvi Chaturvedi, and I write my own destiny!" Arvi replied.
Ayan came close to Arvi, put his hand on her waist, and pulled her towards him. "Right wife, you write your own destiny, and what happened is because of your actions. But now, I'll write your destiny. Every moment of yours will be written by Ayan Mehra. You're a bad writer, friend! Now, watch how much fun there will be in your story, and only I, the great Ayan Mehra, will enjoy it!"
Arvi didn't like Ayan's touch. She wanted to get away from him, but it was hard to escape Ayan's grip. Ayan was smiling as Arvi struggled. Then, his eyes fell on Arvi's hands, and he saw the 'S' written in her mehndi. His eyes turned red with anger. He let go of Arvi and walked away.
Arvi became very sad and thought, "How bad a person he is! What should I do; I don't understand. Ayan Mehra played such a dirty game, but why? How can I know? How can I get out of this hell? How can I get away from this person? It's not possible. There's no one here to help me. If I ask for help, those who help me will get trapped. Arvi looked at the guard and then at her hands, joined them, and examined her mehndi. For a moment, she was happy looking at her mehndi and then looked at the 'S' written between her hands and said, "Where are you?"
She thought to herself, "Everything was so good! It was all so beautiful! I had never imagined such a thing. I thought marriage would be a new beginning, something beautiful, and I was excited for it. I believed that everything would be lovely after marriage. I had so many dreams that would become reality. But I never thought it would be like this. This wasn't my dream. I never cherished such a dream, nor did I want or ask for it. The reality of the marriage I thought would be beautiful turned out to be so terrifying and bad!"
Suddenly, something fell on her hands from behind. She shrieked, jumped, and fell into her lehenga, struggling. What fell on her hand was a lizard. She saw it and jumped here and there, shouting "Hiss, hiss, hiss" and trying to scare it away. Another lizard fell on her, and Arvi screamed in fear.
Ayan, standing behind her, caught her arm and turned her around. Arvi didn't look at him; she kept looking back, scared, at the lizards. Arvi was very afraid of lizards. She was in a terrible state. She kept saying "Hiss." One lizard climbed a tree, and the other went into the grass. Arvi looked around with fearful eyes, searching for them, in case they came back. Ayan shouted from behind, "Lizard on your lehenga?"
Arvi screamed loudly and jumped from the grass to the floor. At the same time, she slipped because of the water falling from the pipe and fell with a thud. "Ah!" (a painful scream)
The fall hurt Arvi's elbows badly, and her bangles broke. Anyone seeing her condition would feel pity. People present there were feeling sorry for her. The guard wanted to help her, but Ayan glared at everyone, and they all looked away from Arvi and pretended to be busy. Ayan's presence didn't let anyone move towards Arvi.
Arvi got up with great difficulty and adjusted her lehenga. Her eyes met Ayan's. He stood with his hands folded, smiling.
"Is this your act too? And whose else could it be? You scared me and brought a lizard. You wouldn't dare do such a cheap act!" Arvi said angrily.
Ayan moved towards Arvi and said, "It's amazing! I'm very dangerous to you. Instead of being scared of me, you're scared of a simple lizard. What a shame! You're not afraid of humans but of small animals. Girls are like that!"
"You're not a human; you're a beast! I should have understood earlier. You could do such a low act. A moment ago, I thought it had fallen from the tree, but now I understand it was all your doing!"
"Yes, my wife! Whatever happens to you will be because of me. You are a coward!"
"Yes, I'm scared of lizards; I have a phobia. But I'm not scared of you or anyone else. It's true; lizards don't harm, and animals are better than the beasts hidden inside humans. But what to do; people have left their humanity and descended into beastliness. But what you did now doesn't mean I'm scared of you!"
Ayan moved closer to Arvi and said, "Human or beast; you should start being scared of me!"
"Never! I'm not scared of you!" Arvi replied.
"Really? If I put you in a room full of lizards, would you still not be scared?" Ayan asked.
Arvi's eyes widened, and she swallowed. Ayan's words made her pulse race because she knew Ayan could do anything. "W...what?"
"The same thing you heard! I can do anything; you know!"
Arvi shook her head and said, "No...no, you won't do such a thing. Please don't do this!"
Ayan spun his finger in front of Arvi's face and said, "Yes, yes, this fear is what I want to see. The fear you have for lizards should be for me. I should own everything, both the thought and the fear!"
Arvi blinked rapidly. "You...you won't do it!"
"I'll do it now. Come, wife!" Ayan said, holding Arvi's wrist and pulling her. Arvi stopped and shouted, "No! Let go of me! Please let go! Save me! Save me!" (shouting and screaming)
Ayan stopped and pulled Arvi close for a moment. He covered her mouth with his hand, stopping her voice. Arvi made "umm, umm" sounds, but Ayan didn't let a single word come out. "Be completely silent! No word should come out!"
As Ayan removed his hand from Arvi's mouth, Arvi looked at him silently, with moist eyes. Ayan moved his face close to hers and said, "You have a great fondness for the mehndi on your hands, don't you? You love looking at the mehndi on your hands, remembering love? Let's do it again. Do you want to do all that again? I'll show you what Ayan Mehra can do!"
Ayan held Arvi's arms tightly. The pain of Ayan's grip was evident on Arvi's face. Tears flowed from her eyes and fell on her cheeks.
(to be continued)
Seeing Aarvi's tears and sobs, Ayansh loosened his grip slightly and leaned towards Aarvi, whispering—"Remember this: Ayansh Mehra can do anything. Not you, not even God can stop me. See, I have killed all your desires, all your aspirations will be destroyed, everything you've ever wished for... all of it. What is mine, I don't let it belong to others. It remains mine under all circumstances, and I will go to any extent for it, understood? Though my name isn't tagged on this henna, your tag is on you, put there by my own hands. One that won't be removed for days... or a lifetime!"
Aarvi kept her eyes closed, as Ayansh was too close. She couldn't escape his grip, nor could she tolerate his proximity. Just then, Ayansh held both her hands in his and said—
"Look, my wife! Look at these hands. Just a few more days, and then I myself will apply henna of my name on these hands. Your hands will then have a color deeper than red, a color... no one has ever had such henna, only you will. You are very lucky! Now that Ayansh Mehra has entered your life, all this is possible. Then tell everyone, 'Ayansh ji, look at my henna!' Show it to everyone and say, 'It's henna of my devil husband.' Even love wouldn't bring such color, as much as my hatred will, Mrs. Mehra, on your hands... Wow! Congratulations Aarvi! Congratulations on this most different wedding! And the first wedding gift from me to you is these tears. Every husband in the world might give his wife happiness, expensive things, I will give you pain, which will make you realize you are mine and you cannot go against me!" (Pushing Aarvi away from him)
Aarvi was already hurt, and Ayansh's words and behavior poured salt on those wounds.
At that moment, pain overwhelmed Aarvi's body and mind. Her condition became dire, as if she were breaking from within. She was swallowing the pain that was increasing her suffering. Her voice was choked; only her sobs and the sound of her breathing could be heard. Her eyes were still closed, tears continued to flow. Then Ayansh held Aarvi in his arms again and said—"I said, open your eyes, just now!"
But how could she open them? She was enduring, bearing everything with her eyes closed. She didn't even want to see Ayansh, but Ayansh wouldn't take pity. He didn't care, neither about Aarvi's tears, nor her pain. Ayansh's face was just filled with anger. He yelled at her again loudly—"Open your eyes!"
Then Aarvi opened her eyes, looking at Ayansh, and bit her lip. Ayansh looked at Aarvi's eyes, which had turned red. Seeing this, he wiped Aarvi's tears with his hands and said—"Are these eyes red with anger or from crying, Mrs. Mehra?" (Pulling Aarvi closer to him)
Then Aarvi turned her face away and said with sobs, "A... Ayansh Mehra! No one teaches learning to feign ignorance like you. The one who inflicts the wound is asking me the reason for it. Have some shame! You don't even realize what you've done. What stone are you made of? Even the worst animal shows mercy when inflicting injury, but you are worse than an animal! You've fallen so low that you only know how to give pain to others... Only Ayansh Mehra can do such things, and there's no pride in it. Even if everyone stays silent out of fear of you, their hearts will be sending prayers for you, for your shameful actions!!"
Seeing Aarvi speak like this even after all this— still telling him off, still having the courage to meet his eyes and reply after so much pain— where her voice shouldn't have come out, Aarvi was scolding him. Ayansh could clearly see the pain he had inflicted on Aarvi's face, but there was still no fear of Ayansh in Aarvi's eyes. Ayansh thought this, staring at Aarvi with anger.
Aarvi—"What are you thinking? That I'm not afraid... I am not afraid of you. You can give me pain, but not fear, Ayansh Mehra. I will endure the pain you give me, but you won't be able to bear that even after all this, you can't create fear in me, Ayansh Mehra! Right!" (Smiling slightly as she wiped her tears)
Then Ayansh grabbed Aarvi's face—"You have quite a tongue, don't you? Just shut up! The rope has burned, but the knot remains... it won't take a moment to cut off that tongue and throw it away!"
Hearing this, Aarvi's eyes widened. She looked at Ayansh with wide, astonished eyes, to which Ayansh said again—"Why are you surprised, wife? Now start knowing me... You can neither defeat me, nor can you win against me. So it's best if you don't do all this, because in front of me, you are nothing. You can't harm me, but yes, I can do anything to you. So keep your tongue shut and your eyes down. So, think carefully before you do or say anything, or the consequences could be dire, which only you will suffer. This was just the trailer, Mrs. Mehra, the whole film is yet to come. Everything might have a limit, but sometimes the pain you get from Ayansh Mehra will have no end! Don't forget this, and even if you forget, just take a look at your own condition. This gift I've given you (pointing to the injuries) won't let you forget that you are Ayansh's now. Understand? I think you better understand! And if you still don't understand, I have other ways." Saying this, Ayansh released Aarvi's face and pushed her, causing her to fall to the ground— "Ah!"
Ayansh left the place at that moment.
Watching Ayansh leave, Aarvi got up from the ground and glanced at the injuries on her arms. Tears welled up in her eyes and fell onto her hands.
As Ayansh was walking inside, he noticed an elderly man standing in front of him. He went up to him, calling him "Dadu" and said with a smile—"Good morning, Dadu!" (Standing a little distance away from him)
(This is Ayansh's grandfather, Dinkar Mehra! In Mehra Mansion, only Ayansh and his grandfather live, along with three or four servants, all male, whom Ayansh has kept for his grandfather's care and the maintenance of the house. Ayansh only meets them in the morning before going to office, whether he has breakfast with them or talks for a bit, this is the extent of their meeting despite living in the same house, because he remains busy at his office all day, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, returning home late at night, so sometimes he meets his grandfather, and sometimes Dinkar ji falls asleep before he arrives. Both love each other very much. Dinkar ji calls Ayansh 'Anshu', and Ayansh affectionately calls him 'Dadu'! In the whole world, only Dinkar ji is someone Ayansh isn't too strict with, because for Ayansh, his Dadu is everything, and Dinkar ji also cherishes his darling Ayansh, but due to Ayansh's behavior, they can't fully express their love to Ayansh, and Ayansh also can't openly say anything to them. Therefore, their conversations are always normal; neither do they ask anything, nor does Ayansh tell them anything, but both are very important to each other!)
As soon as Ayansh said good morning, Dinkar ji looked at him and said—"Whose good morning is it today, Anshu, yours or everyone's?"
Ayansh understood what Dinkar ji was referring to, so he said, "Come on, Dadu, it's time for breakfast, and then I have to go to the office!"
Dinkar ji—"Am I allowed to ask you about what has been happening since last night and what just happened, Anshu?"
Ayansh said nothing and started to leave, but Dinkar ji said, "I knew you wouldn't tell me, because Ayansh Mehra doesn't feel the need to answer anyone, right!"
Hearing this, Ayansh came in front of him and, placing his arms on Dinkar ji's shoulders, said with a smile—"How many times have I told you, don't compare my world with the rest of the world, because they are just a crowd, and you are my life... Ayansh Mehra is for everyone, but for you, I am just your Anshu. And Dadu, please don't engage in this dialogue, I won't melt, even if you talk to me in a tone of strangers, because if I have to tell you something, I will tell you myself, and your grandson doesn't have an answer to what is happening. I hope you won't ask repeatedly... Anyway, I'll get ready and come, you come inside too." Saying this, Ayansh went inside.
(To be continued)
Dinkar ji looked back inside and then at Aarvi standing on the lawn, who was still crying. Dinkar ji spoke to himself, "I don't understand, Anshu, why have you become like this? I can't say anything, nor can I ask until you want to, you won't tell me either. You only do what you want, and you are my only one, and I don't want you to be far from me. You won't listen even to my restrictions, I'm tired of explaining. Now I have also lost. I don't know what has happened to you, you don't even let me know anything. You run away whenever I want to know something, for which you punish yourself and everyone else. I understand you don't care about anyone, have no dealings with anyone, but such carelessness is not good. And this time, it's gone too far. What have you done to this girl? Who is she?"
Just then, Dinkar ji called out, "Radhe! Oh Radhe!" And a man came running from inside.
He was a servant of the house named Radhe, who always stayed with Dinkar ji and had been working in this house for years. He came to Dinkar ji and said, "Yes, sir?"
Dinkar ji - "Quickly go and get water and the first aid box."
Radhe (surprised) - "The medicine box... master?"
Dinkar ji (looking at him) - "Why are you looking like that? Yes, the medicine box!"
Radhe - "But master?"
Dinkar ji (staring at him) - "Are you really blind or pretending to be blind? You saw the spectacle outside the kitchen window, didn't you? And you still want to ask the reason? Do as you're told, go!" (shouting)
Hearing this, Radhe lowered his gaze and stood there. Seeing him not go, Dinkar ji struck his cane hard on the ground. Hearing the sound of the cane, Radhe (joining his hands) - "Master, I'm not refusing you, but Aayansh Baba!" (out of fear)
Dinkar ji - "In front of him, you all become blind, you avert your eyes, so do you want to become deaf in front of me? And yes, you all are afraid of him, I am not afraid. And do as I've told you right now, or my stick and your head?"
Hearing this, Radhe swallowed his spit and said in a trembling voice, "I'll... I'll bring it now!"
"Quickly!" Dinkar ji said again, striking his cane hard on the ground. So Radhe said "Yes" and ran inside.
Dinkar ji shook his head left and right and said, "No one understands the language of love. After living with Aayansh Mehra, everyone has become like him, and now they only understand his language!"
"These two, grandfather and grandson, are strange. These two can control the whole world, but not each other. The elder one is stubborn... everyone is afraid of Aayansh Baba except the master. And Aayansh Baba can control everyone. Not a leaf moves here without his will... He can't say anything to the master... and the master can do anything. It's beyond my understanding!" Radhe was muttering to himself, scratching his head as he walked towards the kitchen, when he collided with Aayansh.
Aayansh had a coffee mug in his hand, from which coffee spilled onto the floor. "Are you blind?" (throwing the coffee mug angrily, shouting at Radhe)
Radhe (joining his hands) - "M... My apologies, Aayansh Baba... it was!"
Aayansh - "What? Can't you see where you're going? You just bump into me, idiot!"
Radhe (lowering his gaze quickly) - "My mistake, I was in a hurry!"
Aayansh (angrily) - "What train were you missing that you couldn't even see me!"
Radhe - "Well... the master?" (gesturing outside)
Aayansh - "What?"
Radhe (fearfully) - "He...?"
Aayansh (shouting loudly) - "Speak?"
"He... the master has ordered the medicine box. He wants to bandage the girl outside," Radhe said in one breath, lowering his gaze. As Aayansh took a step towards him, "Nonsense!... There's no need to show pity to that girl, understood!"
Just then, Radhe stepped back fearfully and, swallowing his spit, looked at Aayansh and said, "Aayansh Baba, what about the master?"
Aayansh - "I said... no! And go make me some coffee, the one you spilled. Go!"
Just then, Dinkar ji came inside and, tapping his cane on the ground, said, "You will do the work that Radhe was asked to do first!"
Radhe immediately looked towards the door. Aayansh, looking at his grandfather, said, "Radhe, my coffee!"
Radhe kept looking at his grandfather and then at Aayansh. Just then, Dinkar ji said, "Coffee can be made later. If Aayansh Mehra has no compassion, it doesn't mean everyone here is heartless!"
Hearing this, Aayansh shouted at Radhe, "Are you standing here? I said, give me my coffee just now!"
Dinkar ji also shouted, "Didn't you hear? Radhe, do the work I asked for now. He cannot remove you from this house even if he wants to, but if you don't obey me, I will throw you out of this house right now!"
Hearing this, "I'll bring it right away, master," Radhe said, giving Aayansh a glance, and ran towards the kitchen. Seeing Radhe leave like that, Aayansh looked at Dinkar ji and said, "You are not doing the right thing, Grandfather!"
Dinkar ji - "You cannot call what I am doing wrong, Anshu, nor can you stop me!"
Hearing this, Aayansh, seething with anger, went upstairs to his room, and Dinkar ji went back outside.
(Radhe had stayed here for years because Aayansh would have thrown him out of the house for even a small mistake, but Dinkar ji wouldn't let him go. They had been together for years, he was loyal, so Dinkar ji had started to feel like Radhe was a member of the family. Therefore, Radhe would sometimes defy Aayansh and obey Dinkar ji, because Aayansh couldn't have his way with them. And Radhe also valued his job, so he sided with Dinkar ji, and Aayansh would remain angry!)
Dinkar ji came outside and reached Aarvi, who wiped the corners of her eyes and looked at them. Dinkar ji glanced at Aarvi and said, "Who are you?"
Aarvi says nothing about herself, she only asks him, "Can you let me go from here?"
Hearing this, Dinkar ji remained silent. So Aarvi smiled slightly and said, "No... then what will you do by knowing who we are? Because the one who brought us here is determined to end our very existence!" (with teary eyes)
Just as Dinkar ji was about to say something, Radhe came there with the medicine box in a tray and a glass of water, and as he came closer, he said, "Master!"
Dinkar ji (pointing to Aarvi) - "Give her water and apply medicine to her wounds!"
Radhe started to move towards Aarvi when Aarvi held out her hand and stopped him - "I don't want your pity!"
Dinkar ji (looking at the injuries on Aarvi's hands) - "Get the wounds bandaged, otherwise these wounds will cause more pain!"
Aarvi, coming towards him, says, "Which wounds will cause more pain? The ones on the mind or the ones on the body? The external wounds, I agree this medicine will heal, but what about the internal ones? What good will this help, this medicine do? Because this is just the beginning. The one who inflicted so much pain and wounds will do it again. These wounds won't heal before he digs them up again. Will the old wound not heal, and I'll get a new one? Your medicine will be ineffective. If you must help, if you pity our suffering, then instead of a moment's relief, give us complete relief, let us go from here, get us out of here. Then it will be truly your help and your great kindness!" (with teary eyes, joining her hands in front of Dinkar ji)
Hearing this, Dinkar ji's eyes welled up!
Aarvi spoke again, "You can do this, you can free us completely from this pain and suffering!" (looking at Dinkar ji with hope)
(To be continued)
As soon as Aarvi asked Dinakar Ji, "Can you completely relieve me?" Dinakar Ji lowered his gaze without saying a word. Then Aarvi smiled slightly and said,
"Your silence has answered the question. You can go. We don't need any help. Take this too!"
(Pointing towards the tray held in Radhe's hand)
Then Radhe said to Aarvi,
"Don't say that. Your grandfather—I mean, the master—sent all this for you, going against Ayansh Baba. Please apply the medicine. Ayansh Baba won't say anything. Your wounds will heal, and the pain will also reduce!"
Aarvi looked at Dinakar Ji with teary eyes and said,
"It won't end, will it!"
Radhe—
"But..."
Just then, Dinakar Ji extended his hand and gestured for Radhe to be silent. He then spoke to Aarvi,
"Let me help in whatever way I can. He is stubborn. You are also hurting yourself with your stubbornness. He doesn't understand what's right or wrong, but daughter, you understand, don't you?"
Aarvi—
"Thank you very much. You are explaining to me, telling me things, and telling me what's right and wrong. So, aren't you his grandfather, the elder one? Then why don't you say anything to him? He can do as he pleases, but why can't you say anything to him? Forgive me, but if you had raised him properly, given him good values, then today he wouldn't be doing this injustice, nor would you have to help him against your grandson. Because then he wouldn't do such a thing. What's the point of you being the elder and him being your grandson if you can't stop him from doing wrong? If you had fulfilled your responsibility as an elder from the beginning, then today you wouldn't have to face this situation. Before your eyes, your grandson is doing such terrible things to a girl. You wouldn't have liked it either. If you did, you wouldn't be feeling sorry for me and wouldn't have brought all this here (gesturing towards the medicines). And what kind of grandson is he? Your tongue is tied, and your eyes are downcast because of his actions!!"
Dinakar Ji was about to say something when Ayansh loudly called from behind,
"How dare you speak to my grandfather like that!"
Everyone looked towards Ayansh. He walked towards Aarvi angrily, pointing a finger at her, and said,
"Just shut up! My grandfather showed you a little mercy? And you started lecturing him!"
Aarvi—
"What I said is true, Ayansh Mehra. If he can bring medicine for me by going against you, then why doesn't he have the courage to let me leave here by going against you? Are they really your elders? Elders guide the younger ones. But they have remained silent. Or, like you, do they also prefer to create a scene and watch? And yes, if you care so much about your grandfather's respect and love him, then why are you bowing his head with your wrongdoings? Look, I'm no one to them, yet their eyes are moist seeing my pain. But you can't say anything to the one who caused the pain? What is the helplessness behind this? And you are his own, doing wrong. Have you thought about what he must be going through? Or are you accustomed to showing your authority to everyone? They also fear you like everyone else. What will Ayansh Mehra think of outsiders? He doesn't even think about his own!"
Hearing all this, Ayansh moved towards Aarvi in anger. Just then, Dinakar Ji banged his stick forcefully on the ground. Ayansh looked towards him, shifting his gaze from Aarvi. Then he said,
"You are right. I am helpless due to his stubbornness and my affection for my grandson. I don't even know the reason for what is happening. Whatever he does, I never question him. I didn't know my Anshu would do something like this. I am aware of his anger, but I never thought he would go this far. And he won't even answer for what he has done today. I am not calling him wrong today, nor am I calling him right. I thought I could do something good for you by applying medicine to the wounds inflicted by my grandson. I don't know why and what he is thinking while doing all this? But I have realized this much, if he is stubborn, then you are also extremely stubborn?"
Saying this, Dinakar Ji looked at Ayansh and left from there at the same moment.
Aarvi was watching him leave. Then Radhe, pointing towards the tray in his hand, said,
"This?"
Just then, Ayansh slammed his hand on the tray, and it fell from Radhe's hand.
"There's no need to show mercy by bringing this, no medicine for my grandfather, and none for you either! Get out of here! If I see you doing all this again with him, I won't spare you!"
Ayansh yelled at Radhe, and Radhe ran away from there immediately.
Aarvi—
"That's right, as I thought, you are as I imagined, merciless Mr. Mehra!"
Just then, Ayansh grabbed Aarvi's arms and said angrily,
"What do you think, you'll say all this to my grandfather and leave from here with his support? Or will I let you leave on his say-so? Never, Aarvi! You are fooling yourself by thinking like that. Yes, my grandfather is everything to me, I love him a lot, I can do anything for him, and I don't even stop him. Just because he brought medicine for you today and can bring it in the future, don't assume I will listen to him in your case. I don't listen to anyone anyway. My grandfather is my world. If you speak to him or say anything to him in this manner again, you have no idea what your devil husband will do to you. I'm resorting to words now, I don't know what I'll do later. Get used to pain, not medicine. I don't even talk to my grandfather like this, so who are you? I have full rights over you, and whatever happens will be as I wish. So, from now on, keep your lectures to yourself and keep your mouth shut in front of my grandfather, or I won't tolerate it!"
(Speaking in one breath)
Aarvi looked at Ayansh angrily and said,
"Your behavior towards your grandfather is evident. Love, world, this, that. Enough, Mr. Mehra! The tusks of an elephant are for eating and different for showing!"
Just then, Ayansh pushed Aarvi backwards and left from there in his car.
Aarvi watched Ayansh leave and said,
"How complicated this person is! Beyond comprehension. What he wants, what he does, I can't understand anything. If he loves his grandfather so much, his world, then what happiness is he giving him by doing all this? And what is that grandfather's attachment that even knowing it's wrong, he can't even slap him, let alone say anything. Everyone fears this devil prince!"
Ayansh's car stopped in front of a large building. Ayansh got out of the car and headed inside. As he walked in, everyone greeted him with "Hello Sir" and nodded in agreement, but Ayansh walked straight ahead, without looking at anyone, without responding to anyone. As Ayansh headed towards the elevator, a peon rushed up to him and pressed the elevator button, opening it. Ayansh got into the elevator, and as the doors closed, he said to the peon,
"One coffee!"
Peon—
"Yes Sir!"
And Ayansh went up to his cabin on the second floor. As soon as Ayansh entered the cabin, he took off his coat, threw it on the chair, and stood by the window. Just then, the peon brought his coffee. Entering, the peon placed the coffee on the table—
"Sir, coffee!"
Ayansh came from the window towards him and picked up the coffee mug from the table, saying to the peon,
"Listen, send Vineet immediately!"
Hearing this, the peon looked at Ayansh and lowered his gaze.
Ayansh put the coffee mug back on the table and said,
"What happened?"
Peon, in a muffled voice—
"That... that sir, Vineet sir hasn't arrived yet!"
Hearing this, Ayansh said angrily,
"He's not here yet? Call him, go and tell him to reach the office in ten minutes, otherwise consider his leave!"
Peon—
"Sir, he...?"
Ayansh—
"Get out!"
And the peon left the cabin immediately.
"I don't know what they all think of themselves! This is an office, not a home! Time has no value!"
Saying this, Ayansh picked up the coffee mug again and stood by the window, drinking his coffee. Just then, there was a knock on the door again—
"I'm coming, sir!"
Ayansh, without looking towards the door—
"You're here very quickly. You've saved your job after all!"
A person of Ayansh's age, named Vineet, stood in front of the table and said,
"Sorry, sir! And the matter of saving or not saving my job is in your hands. If you wish, you can throw me out of your office, without a resignation letter!"
Ayansh turned towards him—
"Is this home or office?"
Vineet, looking at Ayansh, quickly said,
"Office!"
Ayansh, coming towards him—
"Then why mistake it for home?"
Vineet—
"It's a mistake, sir, not a fault. And mistakes can be forgiven, right!"
Ayansh, putting down the coffee mug on the table—
"May I know the reason for being late?"
Vineet—
"If you tell me the reason for what you have done, sir, then I can also tell you!"
Hearing this, Ayansh angrily took a step towards Vineet. Just then, Vineet picked up the coffee mug from the table and said,
"Stop bossing around for now, let me drink my coffee first, man! I haven't eaten or drunk anything properly since yesterday. Haven't even had a sip of water since morning!"
Ayansh looked at him angrily, and Vineet took a sip of coffee—
"Let me drink this first!"
Hearing this, Ayansh shook his head in negation and left his cabin at that moment. As soon as he left, Vineet took a long breath and blew out, saying,
"My job and my life are saved! Being close to a lion in the jungle is not without danger!"
(Swallowing saliva)
(To be continued)
Ayansh came out of his cabin and went to the terrace of his office. Vineet quickly finished his coffee and also came out of Ayansh's cabin.
(Mehra Sadan)
Dinkar ji was sitting on the sofa in the hall. Just then, Radhe brought him tea. Placing the tea cup on the table in front of Dinkar ji, Radhe said, "Master, your tea?"
Seeing that Dinkar ji said nothing, Radhe placed the tray on the table and sat down at his feet, saying, "What happened, Master? I've been watching you for a long time, you are lost in deep thought. What are you thinking about?"
Hearing this, Dinkar ji looked towards Radhe. Radhe joined his hands and said again, "Forgive me, Master, I asked because you looked worried!"
"I am worried, Radhe," Dinkar ji said, placing his hand on Radhe's shoulder.
"Is it about that girl outside?" Radhe asked.
"Hmm!" Dinkar ji nodded in affirmation, looking outside.
Radhe looked outside and said, "Yes, Master! You gave medicine, water, juice, food, I sent everything, but she flatly refused. She's not coming inside either, she's just sitting there, not eating or drinking anything. But what's the use of you worrying when she's not agreeing? If you get worried and fall sick, Ayansh Baba won't like it!"
Dinkar ji said, "And what Ayansh Baba does, does everyone like it!"
Hearing this, Radhe lowered his gaze. Just then, Dinkar ji smiled and picked up the teacup and started drinking tea.
Radhe looked at him in surprise, "You were worried a moment ago, and now you're smiling, Master?"
Dinkar ji said, "If I'm happy, I'll smile, won't I? I won't cry. Yes, I am worried about that girl. I don't know who she is, and I'm also worried about what Anshu has done. I just hope I don't do something wrong in my anger. He's still not doing the right thing with that girl, but I'm afraid he might do something very wrong. (Thinking to himself)
Radhe hesitated and said, "Master... I can understand your worry, but you are happy... If you wanted to, you could have told Ayansh Baba to let her go from here, and you could have let her go. Ayansh Baba won't tell you anything, won't you help that girl?" (Looking at him with questioning eyes)
Dinkar ji said, "If Anshu is stubborn, then this girl is extremely stubborn, Radhe. She doesn't give up easily, she's a match for your Ayansh Baba. She doesn't need help, she can fight for herself. I've seen the courage in her eyes. Yes, I can help, I can go against him, I can throw that girl out of here, but I've seen a passion in Anshu's eyes to keep this girl here. Didn't we see it on TV a little while ago? Didn't we see the picture of that girl and our Ayansh Baba's wedding in the newspaper? If I do anything now, the consequences could be very bad for that girl. Even if she leaves with my help, he will bring her back. He got married so he could keep her here. We don't know what the matter is, but we know our Anshu. In his stubbornness and anger, he loses his temper. We are both aware of it. And to avoid causing pain to that girl, I am doing nothing. Be quiet, Radhe!!"
Radhe nodded in affirmation and said, "I understand, Master. You are silent so that the girl doesn't suffer more. Ayansh Baba won't say anything to you, they don't have control over you, you are not afraid of them. But that girl might have to pay the price if you throw her out. But you are happy?"
Dinkar ji said, "Do you need to know everything?"
Hearing this, Radhe quickly got up from his side and started to leave with the tray from the table. Just then, Dinkar ji said, "Wait!"
Radhe bowed his head and stood in front of him, "Yes, Master?"
Dinkar ji placed the teacup on the table and said, "I used to wonder which girl would come into my Anshu's life, into this house? A boy who doesn't like girls at all? I used to think whether this boy would ever get married or not. But look, he got married and brought the girl into this house himself. A boy who hated the name of marriage, a boy who detested festivals and rituals, got married with all the ceremonies and customs. Didn't we see it on TV? I don't know what will happen next. Fate has brought these two together, Radhe, their relationship is tied. Whatever the outcome, this girl, who is not afraid of Ayansh Mehra, who looks him in the eye and talks to him, will bring some improvement in my Anshu, she will change him in some way. Look, as soon as this girl entered his life, my grandson, who never goes to weddings or anything, was sitting under the canopy, wearing a wedding crown yesterday! If nothing else, he will learn to trust relationships, to believe in customs and rituals. Who knows, my Anshu, who always runs away, might stop and learn to be happy in his life. I just wish that this girl teaches my Anshu how to live, that's why I'm happy because I want to see him happy!" (Looking with teary eyes at the picture of Ayansh Mehra hanging in the hall)
Hearing these words, Radhe's eyes also welled up. Wiping the corners of his eyes, he said, "I can understand your feelings, Master. What happens, happens for the best. Who knows, maybe there is good in what is happening? If our Ayansh Baba is a lion, then this girl is a lioness. She roars so much that the echo of their roar fades away!"
Dinkar ji said, "You are saying this in front of me, don't say it in front of her, but that lion will devour you!"
Radhe shook his head in negation and said, "No, no, Master, I want to live, not die. And my tongue doesn't come out in front of him anyway. I only talk a little with you, otherwise I am silent. Look, completely mute!" (Putting a finger to his mouth)
Seeing this, Dinkar ji laughed a little, picked up his stick, got up from the sofa, and started walking towards his room, saying, "Stop talking, start working. Go and ask for tea and water once more. That extremely stubborn girl will agree someday. We can at least take care of her!"
Radhe said, "Yes, Master!!"
Dinkar ji went into his room, and Radhe, placing the teacup on the tray, headed towards the kitchen.
A little later, Vineet also reached the terrace. Ayansh was standing on the terrace, leaning on the railing, with his eyes closed. As soon as Vineet arrived on the terrace, Ayansh said, "If someone has come to ask questions, you can turn back, because I don't have any answers right now."
Hearing this, Vineet, who was slowly approaching Ayansh, stopped in his tracks and, placing both hands on his waist, first smiled and then said, "Questions and answers from you? No way, I don't want to die!"
Hearing this, Ayansh said again, "Then why have you come? Go from here!" (Without looking at Vineet)
Vineet, coming towards Ayansh, said, "Well, I came here to soak up the sun. I thought I'd keep my boss company. March has arrived, but see, even in the early morning, it's quite cold, and today there's a wind too. The sun is playing hide-and-seek behind the clouds. The joy of soaking in this mild sunshine is something else! I love it!" (Holding the railing and looking at the sky)
Hearing this, Ayansh opened his eyes and looked at Vineet, who was standing by the railing, looking at him and smiling.
"There's no need for this chatter, and I'm not standing here to soak up the sun!" Ayansh said, staring at Vineet.
Hearing this, Vineet looked at Ayansh and said, "How do you know I've arrived when your back is turned?" (Raising his eyebrows)
Ayansh looked at Vineet with a slanted gaze and said, "I'm not an idiot like you!"
Just then, Vineet smiled and said, "Thank you for the compliment, darling. And yes, Ayansh Mehra is not a horse that can only see straight ahead. You are a cheetah, boss, who recognizes me by my footsteps, like a bear that can smell, my perfume is very strong, you have eyes like a hawk, and a neck like an owl, which can see forward, backward, left, right, up, and down. I'm proud of you, my friend!" (Smiling, he placed both hands on Ayansh's shoulders)
"Are you done with your nonsense? Leave me alone?" saying this, Ayansh shook off Vineet's hands and turned away from there, coming to the place where a table and two chairs were kept. Ayansh took a cigarette from the packet of cigarettes on the table, sat down on a chair, and lit his cigarette with a lighter. He threw the lighter on the table and took drags from his cigarette.
Vineet stood there by the railing, looking at Ayansh. He also came to Ayansh, sat down on a chair, took out a cigarette, and picked up the lighter to light it when Ayansh snatched both the cigarette and the lighter from his hand.
Vineet asked Ayansh for his cigarette back, "Give me one, I'm your friend, and I can keep you company. I also know how to blow smoke!" (Acting like he was blowing smoke from his mouth)
Ayansh looked at Vineet with anger and said, "There's no need to do what you're trying to do. You want to smoke? Have you ever put a cigarette in your mouth before?" (Putting the lighter and cigarette in his coat)
Vineet said, "No, I haven't, but I can be with you in your troubles, in your pain. I can understand what you're going through right now." Before Vineet could say anything further, Ayansh dropped the cigarette in his hand on the ground and crushed it with his foot, saying, "I don't need anyone's company. The worry, the pain, the hurt that is mine is only mine, I don't want any partnership in it. No one can be a shareholder in what is solely mine. Understand!!"
Vineet asked, "Then why do you include me in your happiness?"
Ayansh placed his hand on his shoulder and said, "Happiness can indeed increase by sharing it with someone, but by sharing or telling about pain, it doesn't decrease, it only gives false solace, like the mind feels lighter, better. Otherwise, there is no change. It's just a momentary distraction, and then everything comes back, everything is remembered. So why tell anyone when you have to live the same way, with no less worry or anything else? And you end up making a fool of yourself. We fool ourselves. It only makes you weaker, and Ayansh Mehra doesn't do any of this, ever. Understand!!"
Vineet said, "Man.....!!"
Just then, Ayansh shook his coat, got up from the chair, and said as he was leaving, "There's a meeting today, isn't there? Prepare for it, right now. There's no need to waste your mind and my time talking nonsense!"
Just then, Vineet said, "Listen, he was your best friend, wasn't he? Since childhood!"
Hearing this, Ayansh's steps stopped. Without looking at Vineet, he said, "Don't defame yourself by calling a traitor a friend? And yes, I have only one friend now. I hope he plays his enmity well!"
Hearing this, Vineet said, "Yes, enmity," and with a slight laugh, he got up from the chair and, coming towards Ayansh, said, "Don't worry, Ayansh Mehra, I prefer to attack you from the front, not from behind. And yes, I've handled everything, the media, the press, what you said. Everything is under control!"
Ayansh turned slightly and looked at Vineet and said, "I know you've handled it, that's why you haven't asked anything!"
Vineet said, "You don't ask, and you don't let me ask!"
"You don't have the stature to ask anything, son," saying this, Ayansh was about to leave when Vineet blurted out, "How is Aarvi Bhabhi?"
Hearing this, Ayansh turned towards Vineet and landed a powerful punch on his face, causing Vineet to fall to the ground with a thud.
"May my enemy never get a friend like you!" saying this, Ayansh left at that very moment.
Vineet called out to him, "Hey friend, if I'm your friend, how will I meet your enemy? We are only fit to be enemies of your enemies, not friends!"
As soon as Ayansh left, Vineet, groaning, got up from the ground, holding his cheek, and said to himself, "Ah, the bull doesn't come, the lion does. These things of getting mauled happen sometimes. The scoundrel almost shook my whole jaw. Ugh! Ayansh Mehra hits so hard. He'll kill me. But he won't reveal anything until he wants to himself. The key to his tongue's lock is only with him. If only a duplicate key could be made for his mouth, by filling it I could know everything, but it's not possible. Understanding him and getting anything out of his mouth is impossible! (Ouch! Rubbing his cheek)
(To be continued)
Vinit quickly arranged everything for the meeting Ayansh had asked him to prepare. The clients had arrived at the office. Vinit met them and, along with Manager Tarun, ushered everyone into the conference room. Tarun came out after seating the clients in the meeting hall and saw Vinit pacing anxiously.
"What happened?" Tarun asked, approaching Vinit.
Vinit stopped and looked at him. "Nothing has happened yet, but if our boss doesn't show up for the meeting, then something big is definitely going to happen!"
Hearing this, Tarun looked towards the upper floor and asked, "What do you mean, sir?"
Vinit glared at him. "Man, speak less English in front of me. Your English, 'What happened, what do you mean, why, hi...' bothers me more than Ayansh Mehra's silence. I don't get as much of a headache from alcohol as I do from your English, 'Oh my mata!' I'm already stressed, and on top of that, English! This is such an injustice to me, an innocent soul!"
Just then, Tarun blurted out, "You drink?"
Hearing this, Vinit showed Tarun a fist, and he quickly stepped back. "Sorry sir, I mean, do you drink?"
Vinit: "Yes, I drink milk, tea, coffee, water, juice, all of it, and not just a small amount, but occasionally. Whatever you're asking, it's an office matter anyway, not personal, only professional!" (glaring)
Tarun nodded affirmatively. "Then go, sir, and bring the boss. The clients have arrived!" (gesturing towards the conference room)
Vinit raised both his hands. "Where should I bring him from?"
Tarun looked bewildered. "What do you mean, sir?"
Vinit pointed upwards. "Our boss, Ayansh Mehra, is not in his cabin. In fact, he's not even in the office. He's not picking up his phone, nor replying to messages... If I knew where he was, I'd beg and drag him here!" (slapping his forehead)
Tarun's eyes widened in disbelief. "Th-the boss isn't in the office?"
Vinit rested his hands on his waist. "What language did I just speak? What I said means Ayansh Mehra is not here."
Tarun: "Then where is he?"
Vinit: "OMG... You go from here! You know the answer but you're still asking. How would I know where he is?"
Tarun: "Sorry sir, but please call him soon. We've already postponed this meeting with these clients twice. The clients were upset when we first postponed it. This shouldn't happen today, or it will be a big problem. Everyone is in the office, waiting for the boss. We just need the meeting to happen and the deal to be signed. Everyone is waiting for that... Please do something, Vinit sir. It will be a huge problem if this meeting doesn't happen today. Where can a boss just go? He's the one who asked to arrange this meeting, isn't he? He's ready, you said it, and everything was managed accordingly. Even the clients have been called. The boss should be in the office at this time for this meeting. Where could he possibly be right now!"
Seeing Tarun speak so much in one breath, Vinit shouted at him, "Stop it!"
Tarun immediately put a finger to his lips. "Sorry sir, I'm just stressed?"
Vinit: "I know, man, I'm stressed myself, but what can I do? Ayansh himself wanted this meeting, and everything is ready based on his word. Now he's disappeared without a word... What can I do, I don't understand. It will truly be a problem if this meeting doesn't happen. And it won't happen without the boss. I hope he comes soon... This meeting and closing this deal today is very important!"
Tarun: "Yes sir, very important, otherwise you know what will happen. Please do something, Vinit sir!"
Vinit nodded and said, "I'll go and handle the clients... Until then, you prepare the papers, get the files out... I hope I can handle the clients, and by then, our esteemed boss will have arrived!"
"Yes sir," Tarun replied, and Vinit went to the conference room. A lot of time had passed. In the conference room, the clients, along with Vinit, were waiting for Ayansh. It had been a long time since everyone arrived, more than half an hour, but Ayansh still hadn't shown up. Vinit kept looking at his watch and the door.
Just then, Mr. Kapoor looked at Vinit and asked, "Where is Mr. Mehra? We've all been waiting for so long. First, this meeting was supposed to happen a week ago, but it was scheduled for today, and the person who should be here isn't. It's already late, and now even later! You scheduled this meeting at his insistence, right!"
Everyone present agreed with Mr. Kapoor, and all eyes turned to Vinit for an answer.
Vinit smiled and looked at them. "Yes, yes, Mr. Kapoor, the meeting was scheduled at his insistence. The boss is here, so all this happened at his word. I didn't do it myself!"
Mr. Kapoor spoke again. "So where is your boss? The meeting has been scheduled, but it seems he doesn't have time to meet!"
"Yes, that's why you see us sitting here for so long. We're not free either; we have a hundred things to do... We thought since Mr. Mehra has given us time today, we could also finish pending work. Mr. Mehra's time is not easily available, but Mr. Mehra has become Mr. India!" Mr. Agnihotri said, agreeing with Mr. Kapoor.
Just then, Vinit spoke again. "Oh, oh, what are you saying? Ayansh Mehra is coming... He'll be here in a little while. Have some patience. All of you, the meeting will happen, and the deal will be signed!"
Mr. Kapoor: "Okay, but what could be the reason for his lateness? We've heard Mr. Mehra is very serious about his work!"
Mr. Agnihotri: "Yes, and he gave us a time. It means the partnership is done. But today, he himself isn't present at the given time!"
Just then, Vinit quickly said, "Oh, are you all married? Understand! Our boss just got married yesterday. Until now, he only looked after the office and work, always on time. And now he has to look after his wife too. Responsibilities increase after marriage. Even so, if a meeting is scheduled, sometimes managing becomes a little difficult, doesn't it? You all understand his situation! Where he should be on his honeymoon with his wife, this meeting was scheduled before that. It's urgent, isn't it... Our boss's married life is very new, so it will take a little time to strike a balance, won't it! Just a little wait... Ayansh Mehra is coming!!"
Hearing this, everyone fell silent, because they all knew! News channels, newspapers – everyone had seen the highlighted news of Ayansh Mehra's wedding that happened yesterday that morning.
Mr. Agnihotri smiled and said, "I understand... we will wait!"
Vinit: "Thank you so much! ... Now, I'm not married, but you all must know about a wife's tantrums and all... If he leaves her today, the day after the wedding, his wife will get upset and leave. Imagine, the home might be ruined before it's even built! But the boss is trying, trying to leave his wife's side and come to the office!" (showing his teeth)
Hearing this, everyone laughed. Vinit's words had controlled the situation. The clients who were complaining about Ayansh's absence were now sitting quietly. Seeing this, Vinit breathed a sigh of relief and tapped his phone on his palm, thinking to himself, "Come on, man, where are you... You can't even be at home right now. I know, otherwise, I would have asked Dada, and if I ask him, he'll get worried too. Then I'll be in double trouble. If Dada gets worried?" (thinking)
Just then, Mr. Kapoor called out to Vinit, but Vinit's attention was still fixed on the door. Mr. Kapoor then called out louder, "Mr. Vinit!"
Hearing this, Vinit's trance was broken. He quickly looked at Mr. Kapoor. "Yes... yes, Mr. Kapoor!!"
Mr. Kapoor: "Well, we saw the news, I mean, Ayansh Mehra's photo with his wife... What was her name... hmm!"
Vinit: "She... she's Aarvi Mehra!"
Mr. Kapoor: "Yes, I read the name... The photo of Mr. and Mrs. Mehra in their wedding attire that was published in the newspaper and the news channels were also showing, that same pose... but they didn't invite anyone to the wedding, nor did they inform anyone. A sudden wedding, it's strange!"
(Actually, after marrying Aarvi, Ayansh had a photo taken of them together and, after talking to the media and press, only showed that one photo to Vinit, not letting anything else out to the world.)
Vinit said with a laugh, "They didn't even invite me to the wedding!"
(To be continued)
"I wasn't invited to the wedding either!" Vinit said, and Mr. Agnihotri was shocked. "What?" And the six-seven people sitting there looked at each other.
Then Vinit said, "Oh, what's the big surprise? Mr. Mehra got married, he didn't shoot a movie that would have a trailer first and then the movie for us all to see. It's not necessary. His wedding, his choice. A simple wedding, formalities free. So, if the girl was liked, the boy agreed, the girl agreed, then it was a quick engagement and marriage. What else would we have done as groomsmen? And to share happiness with everyone, he also shared the news of his wedding with everyone. That's our duty now, we can only pray. God bless him!" (Joining hands, looking up at the ceiling)
Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. Then Mr. Agnihotri said, "If not the wedding, then there must be a reception party, right? You will invite us to that, won't you? After all, top businessman and most eligible bachelor Ayansh Mehra has gotten married!"
Vinit: "Now, what can I say about that? Just as thousands of girls' hearts are broken today hearing the news of Ayansh Mehra's marriage, our hearts are also broken. After all, we all know Ayansh Mehra never mixes his personal and professional life. So, that's one reason he didn't invite anyone to the wedding, right!"
Upon hearing this, everyone said in unison, "Very complicated!"
Vinit: "Hmm, very complicated, too much complicated! But don't worry, we will sweeten all your mouths. After today's deal, there will be sweets, and a party of your liking will be added to it. Wedding party, business party, okay!" (Smiling)
Mr. Kapoor: "Hope so! Honestly, I didn't believe Mr. Mehra would get married. So suddenly! The one who is discussed in the media daily, even the media couldn't be part of his wedding!"
Hearing this, Vinit scratched his head and thought to himself, "The media's reach is longer than even the law, who can stop them from reaching? But their hands get cut by Ayansh Mehra's hands, so they sadly pulled their long hands back!"
Just then, manager Tarun arrived. Vinit gestured and asked about Ayansh, but Tarun's face fell. It took a second to understand that Ayansh couldn't be found!
Then Mr. Agnihotri said, "Manager sir, have you brought any news about your boss? How long do you intend to keep us waiting like this? Look, it's been an hour!"
Hearing this, Tarun and Vinit looked at each other. Just as Tarun was about to say something, Vinit, looking towards the door, quickly said, "The boss is here!"
And everyone's gaze shifted to Ayansh, who was walking into the conference room, his eyes glued to his phone. Looking at Ayansh, Vinit thought to himself, "So much attitude and so much ignoring! My future girlfriend won't even ignore my calls and messages as much as he does. The phone is stuck in his hand, but he won't even give one reply. I don't know what he ate to be born this way. Even if my life is lost in worry, he won't stop doing what he wants!"
As soon as Ayansh entered, everyone stood up from their chairs! Ayansh threw his phone on the table and looking at everyone, said, "Hello everyone!"
Mr. Kapoor extended his hand towards Ayansh. As Ayansh was shaking his hand, Mr. Kapoor said, "Congratulations Mr. Mehra!"
Ayansh released his hand, placed his palm on the table, and standing up said, "Let the meeting happen first. We haven't finalized our deal yet!"
Mr. Agnihotri: "We will say congratulations after the meeting and the deal papers are signed. Until that happens, we can't even say it. That depends on you. And this congratulation is for your wedding!"
Mr. Kapoor smiling: "Yes, from all of us, many congratulations on your wedding. Sorry, I forgot to bring a gift in the hurry for the meeting!"
Hearing this, Ayansh looked at Vinit and Tarun, and Tarun quickly said, "I'll turn on the projector, sir!"
Vinit: "I'll help too." And both of them moved towards the projector behind Ayansh.
Just then, Mr. Agnihotri extended his hand and said, "Very, very congratulations Mr. Mehra for your married life!"
Ayansh didn't shake his hand, but pushed his chair forward and sat on it, saying, "Shaking hands can wait, let's have the meeting first. Sit!"
Along with everyone else, Mr. Agnihotri also lowered his hand and sat back in his chair!
Mr. Kapoor: "We have been ready for the meeting for a long time, Mr. Mehra. You are the one who is late!"
Ayansh, twirling the watch on his wrist, said, "So you want me to apologize for being late?" (Looking at everyone)
Mr. Kapoor: "No, no, we understand!"
Mr. Agnihotri: "Yes, Mr. Mehra, we all understand. After all, we have all been married. Time can be a bit off." (Smiling)
Hearing this, Ayansh turned his chair backward and said, looking at Vinit, "Mr. Vinit!"
Vinit, who was standing with his back to him, thought to himself, "I'm dead!"
Tarun, placing his hand on his shoulder: "Sir is calling." And he himself turned to look at Ayansh!
Vinit blinked and swallowing, turned to Ayansh, who was glaring at him with anger! First, Vinit smiled slightly and then coming towards Ayansh, said, "Everything is ready!" (Standing near the table)
Ayansh turned his chair back towards everyone. Tarun came and stood next to Vinit and said, "Let's start, sir!"
As soon as Ayansh nodded in affirmation, his phone rang! Ayansh's gaze fell on the phone. The screen showed the name 'Dadu'. Thinking 'Dadu' to himself, Ayansh quickly turned his chair back and received the call, "Yes!"
At Ayansh's action, everyone looked at Ayansh and then at Vinit, and Vinit smiled because everyone's reaction was natural. First, Ayansh was late, and then he got on a call!
"Everyone has been calling you for so long, Anshu, you should have picked up at least once!" Dinkar ji said from the other end!
"Sorry... I was busy," Ayansh replied!
"Yes, I know about your urgent work and your being busy, where you don't take calls from anyone but me, and in such a situation, I have to call you. Radhe is tired of calling you, and if it continues like this, Anshu, if I'm ever in no condition to call, then think what will happen if something urgent happens here? You don't even pick up other people's calls?" Dinkar ji continued!
"Please... Dinkar ji... about being in no condition to call..." Ayansh said, and then said, "Sorry, I'll be careful next time... What happened, tell me?"
Then Dinkar ji said something that made Ayansh exclaim, "What?" and jump out of his chair. "I'm coming right away," Ayansh said, cutting the call and started to leave, when Vinit came forward and asked, "What happened?"
Ayansh, putting his phone in his coat: "I'm going home."
Tarun: "But sir, the meeting?"
Ayansh: "Cancelled."
Hearing this, everyone got up from their chairs and looked at each other in surprise. Then Mr. Kapoor said, "How can you do this, Mr. Mehra? We've been waiting for so long. You can't leave like this. This meeting is also important!"
Ayansh looking at them: "Nothing is more important than my wife!"
Mr. Agnihotri: "You can't do this, Mr. Mehra... If this deal isn't finalized today, we might have to discuss again with you regarding the partnership... It has to be finalized today. Otherwise, you are the one who will lose. Think about it!"
Ayansh said, looking at them with attitude, "I don't think... you all think. I don't care about losing. And yes, you need it more than I do. So, you decide whatever you want to decide. No problem. And now, bye... there is something more important than this meeting right now." (Looking at Vinit) Saying this, Ayansh ran off from there!
And everyone watched Ayansh leave!!!
(To be continued)
After Ayansh left, Vinit looked at everyone who was looking at him with a smile. Then Mr. Kapoor said, "What is this? Mr. Vinit!"
Vinit: "Well, well, Mr. Kapoor... understand, it's their wedding day. Some urgent work, I mean, an emergency must have come up, that's why he had to go. Otherwise, Ayansh Mehra never cancels a scheduled meeting... the deal will happen today or tomorrow. Don't worry!"
Tarun agreed, saying, "Yes!"
Mr. Agnihotri: "What can we do now? You all have already wasted a lot of our time... anyway, let's go!"
Mr. Kapoor: "Finally, even Ayansh Mehra has been changed by this thing called marriage. This is the situation on the very first day, who knows what will happen next? What seemed impossible is happening... I don't think this meeting will happen now, let alone the deal!" (with some anger) And everyone shook their heads in disagreement and left.
Tarun tried to stop them, tried to explain, even went after them outside, but everyone left. Tarun returned to the conference room, distressed, and saw Vinit sitting on the chair, holding his head. Tarun came to Vinit and said, "Sir, what will happen now?"
Vinit sighed and said, "Whatever Ayansh Mehra wills will happen!"
Tarun: "But sir... this is a very big project. If we let it slip away, we will incur a huge loss!!"
Vinit: "Didn't you hear what Ayansh Mehra said, he doesn't care about losses!"
Tarun: "But you do, don't you... what are you saying?"
Vinit: "Chill, man, nothing will happen... these people who left here a bit angry and upset, they also need to work with us. After all, they also want to raise their standard in the market. They are more eager than us for this deal to happen... they will wait, and they will do this project with us too... They won't shoot themselves in the foot by backing out, Mr. Kapoor and Mr. Agnihotri. So don't worry, nothing will happen, we will handle everything!!" (with a slight smile)
Hearing this, Tarun smiled and sat on the chair next to Vinit, saying, "I like it, your positive thinking, you are very awesome sir, superb, mind-blowing!"
Hearing this, Vinit glanced at Tarun. Then Tarun quickly said, "I mean, when there are stalwarts like you to handle everything, how can anything go wrong, sir... Mr. Kapoor and Mr. Agnihotri had no choice but helplessness, so they left muttering a bit angrily, because no one can defy the boss... But they have to come back here... sooner or later, they won't let this opportunity slip away, right!"
Vinit patted Tarun's shoulder and said, "Wow, you're right, but I liked it most that you said it in Hindi!" (laughing)
Tarun, happy, said, "Thank you, sir... but sir, why did Ayansh sir leave like that?"
Vinit, thinking, said, "I don't know what happened, and who would ask now? Who would put their hand into a burning fire!"
Then Tarun hesitantly said, "There's one thing, sir, what Mr. Kapoor said was right... what seemed impossible is happening. Ayansh Mehra is changing now. Everyone changes after marriage, I've heard our boss will also change, I never thought so!"
Vinit said thoughtfully, "Yes, man, our boss, who used to go home late at night, rushed home. A phone call from home shook him... marriage and wife changed him so much in one night... such a storm is marriage... I would never do it, you shouldn't either... it's true, a girl came into life, and the man went off track!"
Tarun laughing said, "That's what I've heard. Anyway... sir, will this marriage of the boss bring a change in his anger too?"
Hearing this, Vinit stared at Tarun, and in a few moments, both high-fived and burst into laughter.
Then Vinit put his finger to his lips and said, "Shhh, he's our boss!"
Tarun: "Yes, sir... but he's your friend, right? That's why, whether he says it or not, you handle everything, you tolerate his anger, and you even stand up to him, whether he's in a good mood or not... Aren't you scared? His staring alone makes me weak!"
Vinit, thinking about Ayansh, said, "Didn't I just say, I am his friend, and if I have made a friendship, I have to uphold it... And if I am a friend, I have to handle it, won't I, whether it's his anger... Whatever the relationship, it's perfect only when we accept the person's flaws along with their strengths... flaws that are overshadowed by their strengths, and strengths so great that the flaws are not even visible. I am scared too, after all, I am friends with a lion, but there is loyalty in this friendship. No matter how angry, how upset he gets with this cub (pointing to himself), he will never strike back, but if that lion is betrayed, loyalty is abandoned, faith is broken, if you stab him in the back, he won't take a moment, he will tear you apart... he will strike in such a way that you will be in pieces, he won't leave you anywhere. Such a lion he is!!"
Hearing this, Tarun said, "You know the boss the most, right?"
Vinit shook his head no, saying, "Not even 1%!"
Tarun: "Still his friend?"
Vinit: "I know only as much as is necessary. Yes, I am a friend, but Ayansh Mehra never allows anyone to know him beyond a certain limit!"
Tarun, surprised, said, "Why is that, sir... if not everyone, but secrets from friends too?"
Hearing this, Vinit said to himself, "Some secrets should be kept from friends too, Mr. Manager, otherwise Vinit might make the mistake of becoming capable, and the consequence of that is very dangerous. One fears friends more than enemies, because the closer someone is, the deeper the wounds they inflict!"
Tarun waved his hand in front of Vinit, saying, "What are you thinking, sir?"
Vinit smiled slightly and said, "You won't understand this, Manager Tarun... it will go over all our heads. Even if we try to understand, it's like a plane passing overhead in an instant, then suddenly everything is clear. Ayansh Mehra is a very complicated personality. He is like a book that even if we read, we won't know or understand. There is no one whom Ayansh Mehra has allowed to read himself... so it's better to keep it a secret. You be happy reading two pages, I'll be happy reading four pages of our boss's personality, that's enough for us, otherwise, it'll be 'Oh my mata'!" (laughing)
Tarun smiled and said, "Yes, sir, whatever we have is fine. We are less tangled now, we'll get more tangled later!"
Then Vinit slammed both his palms on the table and said, "Oh hello, the boss has gone home, we are here, we have to manage the office, what are you sitting for? Let's get to work!"
"Yes, sir..." said Tarun, getting up from his chair at that very moment and leaving.
Vinit picked up the spinner on the table, spun it, and said to himself, "Marriage or ruin... everyone sees marriage as the reason for the changes seen in Ayansh Mehra, everyone thinks it's like his marriage, where responsibilities increase, spending time at home, with the wife is necessary, etc., etc., but who knows the real truth behind this marriage of Ayansh Mehra and Aarvi Chaturvedi?"
Ayansh reached home quickly in his car. The guard immediately opened the main gate. Ayansh took the car inside and got out, looking around. Not seeing Aarvi there, he called out to the guard. The guard came running to Ayansh.
"What happened here? And where is she?" Ayansh asked him, glaring angrily.
The guard pointed inside and said, "Sir, she is inside!"
"I told you to keep an eye on her, I'll deal with you later!" Ayansh shouted at him and ran inside quickly. The guard, looking scared, followed Ayansh. He looked like he had to explain himself.
As soon as he entered, he saw Aarvi lying on the sofa, and on the sofa opposite her sat Dinkar ji. Radhe was also standing there.
"What happened to her?" Ayansh asked, looking at Aarvi.
Dinkar ji: "Can't you tell what happened to her by looking at her condition?"
Ayansh, looking at Radhe, said, "You tell me... how did she faint?"
Radhe: "Well, Ayansh Baba, we went to offer tea, but she refused. But when we went with water the second time, we found her lying unconscious in the garden!"
Ayansh: "What?"
Then the guard, looking scared, said, "Sir, after you left, madam came to me and said, let me go from here, but when I refused, she went back towards the garden! I checked twice. First, she was sitting, and the second time she was sleeping in the garden. I thought she was sleeping, but later it turned out she had fainted!"
Radhe: "Yes, Ayansh Baba, I also thought she was sleeping when I took water. I called out to her, she didn't get up, so I held her and then told the owner that she had fainted, and on the owner's instruction, we brought her inside!"
Hearing this, Ayansh looked at Radhe and the guard, and both lowered their gaze. Looking at Dinkar ji, looking at Aarvi, shouting at the guard, Ayansh said, "Is she sleeping or has she fainted, can't you see the difference?"
Dinkar ji: "No, you can't, especially from a distance. You were told to keep an eye, not to touch and see. From a distance, a lying person looks like they are sleeping. If you go near, you understand whether they are unconscious or asleep. And all this shouting and scolding later, first bring her back to her senses?" (looking at Aarvi)
"Radhe, bring water?" Ayansh said.
Radhe: "We sprinkled water, Ayansh Baba, not once, but four times!"
Ayansh shouted, "Didn't you hear? Bring water!"
Dinkar ji: "Not water, call the doctor. Looking at this child's condition, we've splashed water on her face, I did it myself, she didn't regain consciousness. Take her to the doctor before the problem worsens... I had already called the doctor, I don't know why he hasn't come yet?... If you got married, fulfill your responsibilities properly!"
"The doctor won't come, Grandpa, and it's final. I got married, she is my wife, so I will take care of her too." Saying this, Ayansh moved towards Aarvi, lifted her from the sofa into his arms, and looking at Radhe, said, "Bring water quickly!"
"Yes, Ayansh Baba!" said Radhe, and he ran off.
Ayansh was about to leave with Aarvi when Dinkar ji banged his cane on the floor and got up from the sofa, "Anshu!"
Ayansh stopped and looked at him, saying, "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen! She can't have such a quick and easy death! (looking at the unconscious Aarvi in his arms)"
Ayansh took Aarvi from there and went upstairs. Dinkar ji watched him go. The guard also left.
Ayansh reached his room with Aarvi and laid her on the bed. Just then, Radhe came up with a tray holding a jug of water and an empty glass, "Ayansh Baba, water!"
"Put it on the table?" Ayansh said, taking off his coat.
Radhe brought the tray and placed it on the table next to the bed and looked at Ayansh, then at Aarvi lying on the bed.
Ayansh rolled up his shirt sleeves and said to Aarvi, "What is it? I've put the water down, now go away!"
"Yes," said Radhe, and left.
Ayansh folded his shirt sleeves, went to Aarvi, and said, "My wife, sleeping so deeply is not good. Your devil husband is home. Come on, wake up, you've rested enough... I told you this morning, the husband wakes up and my wife is still sleeping, it doesn't feel right... How can you sleep before me? You forget so quickly, Mrs. Mehra, I'll have to remind you again." Saying this, Ayansh picked up the jug of water from the table in an instant and the very next moment poured the entire jug over Aarvi.
(To be continued)
As Ayansh poured the jug full of water on Aarvi, she suddenly sat up, sobbing. The water hit her so hard that she came to her senses.
"Good morning, wifey?" Ayansh said, placing the jug on the table.
Water dripped from Aarvi's face. Her eyelids blinked incessantly. Unaware of what had happened, Aarvi wiped her face with the palms of her hands and looked at Ayansh, who stood with his arms crossed right in front of her, her lips quivering. Seeing Aarvi look at her, Ayansh sat on the bed in front of her and said, "How much do you sleep, I've got a lazy wife! Look how much effort I have to put in to wake you up!"
Hearing this, Aarvi glanced at Ayansh and then looked around the room, saying, "Where... where am I? How did I get here?" (shocked)
Ayansh stood up from beside Aarvi and said, "By the way, your idea of fainting was good. You didn't want to come into this house, and now look, you're in the bedroom with me... You didn't give up your stubbornness and came inside! And how did you come? Your devil husband carried his unconscious wife in his arms and brought her here!" (leaning down towards Aarvi abruptly)
As Ayansh came closer, Aarvi recoiled backwards with a jerk. Her head hit the bed. Ayansh placed his hand behind her head. At this moment, Ayansh was very close to Aarvi and whispered softly, "Be careful, my dear, you'll get hurt... Anyway, there was no need to do the fainting drama, Mrs. Mehra, this house is yours now, you would have come inside on your own." (raising his eyebrows)
Then, Aarvi pushed Ayansh back with her hands and got off the other side of the bed. "I didn't do any drama, I didn't even realize I had fainted!"
Ayansh got up from the bed and walked towards Aarvi, saying, "Really, you don't even realize what happens to you!"
Seeing Ayansh coming towards her, Aarvi looked at him with wide eyes and clutched her lehenga in both her fists! As Ayansh's steps approached her, Aarvi began to step back nervously!
Seeing Aarvi do all this, Ayansh came closer with a smile! Aarvi backed against the wall. "Look, you..." Aarvi said, but Ayansh tucked the hair falling on Aarvi's face behind her ear with his fingers and said, "What do I look at?"
Aarvi felt uncomfortable. She started to move aside, and Ayansh quickly put his arm forward and placed his hand on the wall. Aarvi started to move out from the other side, and Ayansh placed his other hand on the wall! Now Aarvi was between Ayansh's arms. Swallowing hard, blinking continuously, she looked at Ayansh, who shook his head left and right, refusing to move.
Aarvi stammered, "M-move?"
Ayansh smiled, "Why?"
Aarvi, "This... this is not right!"
Ayansh leaned a little towards Aarvi, "I'm not doing anything wrong either, it's my right! Anyway, we just got married yesterday, and you didn't even let me come close. Because of your stubbornness, I didn't even consummate our marriage last night. I'm thinking of making it our wedding day... is that possible? You're here, I'm here, in my room..."
As Ayansh was speaking, Aarvi pushed him away and started to run, but Ayansh grabbed Aarvi's wrist and pulled her back, pressing her against the wall again. "Where are you running?" (holding Aarvi by the shoulders)
Aarvi squirmed, "Let me go?"
Ayansh, "You're a strange girl! When I hurt you, you look me in the eye without any fear, and when I come close, you run away scared!"
Staring at Ayansh, grinding her teeth, Aarvi said, "Mr. Mehra, I can endure any great pain you give me, but I cannot bear your touch; I detest you!"
Hearing this, Ayansh grabbed Aarvi's hair. "Oh!"
"Ah... why?" Aarvi tried to free her hair. "Can't you stand the truth? Yes, it's true, your touch feels like I'm near the dirtiest and most disgusting thing, where even breathing becomes difficult!"
And then Ayansh, seething with anger, pushed her towards his bed, holding her by her hair. "Now whether you feel disgust or anything else, no touch other than Ayansh Mehra's will be able to touch you... and since you've come into this house, stay wherever you like. Before I return, you should be out of my room, otherwise, you won't be able to stop me from coming close to you... then my touch will not only make it difficult to breathe, but it will make your life difficult!" With a devilish smile spread across his face, Ayansh Mehra picked up his coat and left.
Seeing him go, Aarvi screamed, "I have no desire to stay in your room, nor in your house... You brought me here yourself, so why don't you throw me out! Why are you doing this to me?" Getting up from the bed, Aarvi ran to the door of the room, shouting, and then collapsed on the floor, weeping. "Sometimes you scare me with pain, sometimes with your disgusting words... how can anyone be so heartless and stony-hearted!"
When Ayansh reached the bottom of the stairs, Dinkar saw him and got up from the sofa! Ayansh stopped and looked at him, saying, "She's regained consciousness... You must have heard her screaming. You don't need to worry, Grandpa; I'm here for her. You go and rest. I'll come and meet you. And yes, if you still feel sorry for her and want to take care of her, tell Radhe to serve her. After all, she's your grandson's wife, you should also fulfill some duty... but I don't think she'll eat anything. Your grandson has brought a very stubborn wife. My attack doesn't affect her, so what effect will your love have... she's filling her stomach with wounds and drinking tears. I think it's become her favorite dish since yesterday. Anyway, if she faints again, don't disturb me; just splash water on her face, and she'll regain consciousness. Okay, bye..." Saying this, Ayansh left.
As Ayansh reached outside, he bumped into Vineet. "You here?"
Vineet, "Yes, me here?"
Ayansh, "What are you doing here?"
Vineet, "Well, I... I came to meet Grandpa."
Ayansh, "Seriously!"
Vineet, "Hmm, who else would I come to meet?"
Ayansh, "You're not as smart as you try to be!"
Hearing this, Vineet touched his neck and smiled slightly, saying, "Now, in front of the smartest person, how can mere mortals with a little bit of smartness stand a chance! Now that you know, you tell me – how is Grandpa?"
Ayansh, "Fine!"
Vineet, "Good. And what about... Grandpa's Radhe?"
Ayansh, "He's fine too!"
Vineet, "Very good. And how is Aarvi bhabhi?"
As soon as Vineet said this, Ayansh glared at him angrily, but Vineet changed the subject and said, "Not bhabhi, how is that girl? Grandpa told me she fainted, which is why you had to leave the meeting and come home!"
Ayansh, "Oh, so you've come to ask about her? Did Grandpa tell you or did you ask? And aren't you a bit too concerned!"
Vineet, "I am concerned! Now that you've come, I asked Grandpa, and he told me about her too. And whether I ask or Grandpa tells, it's all the same, isn't it, man!"
Ayansh stared at him, "And you ran away to get the news!"
As soon as Vineet said yes or no, Ayansh lunged at him angrily, but before he could catch him, Vineet ran inside. "Since I've come home, I might as well meet Grandpa!"
"Meet me at the office!" Ayansh said to himself and drove away.
When Vineet entered, Dinkar Ji was sitting on the sofa, and Radhe was standing beside him. "Hello Grandpa!" said Vineet, coming closer and touching Dinkar Ji's feet. He sat on the sofa and said, "What happened, Grandpa? Why do you look so worried?"
Dinkar Ji looked at him and said, "When will this habit of yours of pretending to be ignorant go away!"
Hearing this, Vineet started avoiding his gaze. Dinkar Ji placed his hand on Vineet's hand and said, "Don't worry, I won't say anything... just as your friend tells me nothing, you also won't say anything until he wishes. After all, he's your boss, you can't disobey him! I know, so don't look away; I'm not going to ask you anything, even though I know nothing and you know something!"
Vineet looked at Dinkar Ji and said, "There's nothing like that, Grandpa!"
Dinkar Ji, "Leave it!"
Vineet, "Please, Grandpa, don't worry. You know Ayansh, he doesn't like it at all when you're worried!"
Dinkar Ji, "And he troubles me! What about him? Me and that girl too! (looking upwards) I had called the doctor for that girl; she had fainted and was injured, but it seems Ayansh refused to let the doctor come; I don't know why he's doing this!"
Vineet placed his hand on Dinkar Ji's shoulder and said, "Grandpa, don't worry, he'll handle it!"
Dinkar Ji, "Go and see the girl's condition! And Ayansh isn't even feeling sorry for her!"
Vineet looked upwards and said, "Even if I want to, I can't go and see that girl, Grandpa. Anyway, everything will be alright... Radhe, take care of Grandpa, I'm going to the office." Saying this, Vineet got up and left immediately. Dinkar Ji shook his head as he watched him go, saying, "He's become just like him, the influence of association is evident!"
A little later, Aarvi came downstairs, and Dinkar Ji went to her and said, "Daughter, eat something, at least drink some water. Someone else is troubling you; don't trouble yourself!"
Aarvi looked at Dinkar Ji and said, "That 'someone else' is yours, and why are you caring about me? Your grandson won't like it; there's already pain, let there be a little more!" (smiling slightly)
Dinkar Ji, "What are you made of?"
Aarvi, "I'm made of a kind of earth that your grandson cannot break, nor can he mold it according to his will... If he tries, he'll get nothing. Aarvi Chaturvedi is molded in such a way that no one can change her, no matter how much they try!"
Dinkar Ji stared at Aarvi, stunned by her frank reply.
(To be continued)
Finding Dinakar Ji staring at her intently, Aarvi asked, "What happened?"
Dinakar Ji didn't say anything, just shook his head. As Aarvi started to leave, Dinakar Ji said, "What happened? Where are you going?"
Looking towards the house, Aarvi replied, "I'm feeling suffocated here. So I'm going out."
Dinakar Ji said, "Listen, child!"
Looking at him, Aarvi replied, "Don't worry, we are right outside here. Besides, we are permitted to go beyond this door. I think there's no security guard here to stop us from going out, like there is at the main gate. According to Ayansh Mehra, we can go to any corner of this house, just not his room or outside the property. So, I'm leaving!" (Gesturing outwards)
Hearing this, Dinakar Ji didn't say much, "Alright, go outside, I'm not stopping you. Listen, I'll have a room prepared for you..."
Dinakar Ji couldn't finish speaking before Aarvi said, "We don't need it," and left at that very moment. Dinakar Ji watched her go, when Radhe appeared. "Master, shall I serve food?"
Dinakar Ji shook his head in denial and said, "No!"
Radhe said, "Why, Master? It's time for your medicine too. Come on, eat something. You didn't even have a proper breakfast this morning, did you?"
Looking at Radhe, Dinakar Ji said, "Not a drop of water has gone down anyone's throat, and I should eat food!"
Radhe said, "Master, you know Ayansh Baba, don't you? You know what he does to anyone who harms you because of someone else... The lady is already in distress. If you get upset about her, her troubles will increase. And if I don't give you food and medicine on time, Master, he will tear me apart. You won't say anything to me, he won't spare me... Come on, Master, eat your food. You know Ayansh Baba's anger!!"
Dinakar Ji said, "I know, and I will eat. Bring the food to my room in a little while. For now, I'm going to rest a bit. And yes, tell someone to prepare a room for her. How long will she stay outside? And you, make sure she eats and drinks, don't let her faint again!!"
Radhe said, "Yes, Master!" And Dinakar Ji headed towards his room.
Ayansh sat in his chair in his cabin, spinning the paperweight on his desk with his hand. He was lost in deep thought. His eyes and facial expressions clearly showed that anger was simmering inside him over something... a fire of rage so intense that anyone who came in front of him would be incinerated. Suddenly, something pricked him from within, and he violently slammed the glass paperweight he was holding against the front window, shattering the glass!
The noise of the breaking window glass only intensified Ayansh's inner rage. Looking at the scattered pieces of glass on the floor, he said, "I will destroy you, everything you have! So utterly ruined, so utterly destroyed that you will never be rebuilt... I will make you suffer so much that every moment will feel like death, and even death will not be within your reach, no matter how much you wish for it... Until now, you've only seen loyalty in your life, now you will see hate! This fire of hate will be such that everyone will burn in it, everyone connected to you! Ayansh Mehra does everything with great intensity, so wait and watch!" (Grinding his teeth)
Aarvi sat quietly in the lawn, her arms folded around her knees, resting her head on them, staring intently at the main gate, thinking, "How do I get out of here? It's true that no one can get me out of here except myself, but what can I do to escape Ayansh Mehra's created Ayansh boundary? When I watched the Mahabharata, I wondered why these wars happen, why? But who knew that I would have to fight such a battle in my own life, a battle for self-preservation, a fight to protect my self-respect? No one is coming to help here. Draupadi is me, Arjuna is me, Krishna is me, and even Abhimanyu, I have to be myself, only then can I break this cycle of hatred created by Ayansh Mehra... Sometimes, my own life feels no less than the Mahabharata or Ramayana. This imprisonment feels no less than Lanka! Although, that's a different matter. Anyway, Mr. Mehra, I am Aarvi Chaturvedi, who has never learned to lose. You like to win, right? Well, I don't like to lose either. So now, wait and watch!"
Just then, Dinakar Ji arrived and said, "You're thinking about how to get past this gate, aren't you?"
Hearing this, Aarvi's head shot up and she looked at Dinakar Ji. Swallowing hard, she looked at him with wide, surprised eyes, stood up from her sitting position, and looked around as if caught red-handed!
Seeing this, Dinakar Ji smiled and said, "Don't be alarmed, I know that caged birds often think about escaping that cage, about when they'll get an opportunity to fly away. After all, everyone cherishes freedom, everyone wants to fly on their own terms!"
Hearing this, Aarvi looked at him and said, "It's strange, you are Mr. Mehra's grandfather, and you speak on my side. If you know right from wrong, you can surely call right as right and wrong as wrong... Oh, yes, he's your grandson, how can affection for your grandson let you do anything, even if someone's life is being ruined? Anyway, we have no complaints with you, but yes, one who supports wrong is also wrong!"
Dinakar Ji smiled slightly and said, "You're slapping me and asking me not to cry!"
Aarvi said, "No, no, you are elder. How can we even think that. We don't even talk back to elders... It's just that wrong cannot be tolerated, and I have a habit of speaking the truth, so I say it. I know how to respect elders. If anything I said was hurtful, please forgive me (joining hands). Our fight is not with you, but with your grandson!"
Dinakar Ji said, "Truth is bitter, but truth is truth, isn't it, child... understand it as compulsion, helplessness, or whatever else you wish. What more can we say, nor can we say anything... You said it right, one who supports wrong is more wrong than the one who does wrong, and so is the one who tolerates it... But my grandson has not involved me in this wrong. Therefore, what I can do... I am doing. It's also true that I cannot get you out of that gate, no matter how much I want to. The good thing is that you also don't tolerate wrong. Your fight is yours, so you have to fight it. No one will be your charioteer here. You've understood that, haven't you? And now you've said that the fight is not with me, but with my grandson. And since I am elder, will you accept my word?"
Aarvi said with a little surprise, "Which word?"
Just then, Radhe arrived with food. "Master!"
Dinakar Ji gestured towards Radhe's hand and said, "I admit you are stubborn, but you can at least obey this much. Let me help a little, so that I can get some peace. And now look, you have to escape from here, and for that, you need strength. If you haven't eaten or drunk anything, where will the strength come from... You'll have to run a lot so you don't get caught again. And for that, all this is necessary, isn't it? Otherwise, you won't even be able to step out of the house, and you'll get trapped within these four walls again!"
Hearing this, Aarvi smiled slightly and said, "You are stubborn too, you won't rest until you make us eat!"
Just then, Radhe blurted out, "Who is he the grandson of now? He's bound to be stubborn!"
Hearing this, Dinakar Ji slammed his cane on the ground and glared at Radhe. "Forgive me, Master," said Radhe, lowering his gaze!
Aarvi started to smile gently. Seeing her, Dinakar Ji also smiled. Then Aarvi came to him and said, "Even if you are not our charioteer in this war, you can at least give us your blessings and support us a little... Even though you are his grandfather, in the name of humanity, can't you place your hand on our head and become our strength!"
Hearing this, Dinakar Ji and Radhe both stared at her intently!
"Your name is Radhe, isn't it? Tell your Master that if he gives his blessings, only then will we eat anything, otherwise, forget eating, we won't even touch it!" Aarvi said, standing before Dinakar Ji with folded hands!
"Master?" Radhe asked Dinakar Ji softly!!
Aarvi's words had brought tears to Dinakar Ji's eyes. He nodded in affirmation with a slight smile!
Aarvi bowed to receive the blessings and said, "I've heard that elders' blessings are never in vain, so give them quickly!" (Looking up at Dinakar Ji with a smile)
Dinakar Ji placed his hand on Aarvi's head. "Thank you," said Aarvi, getting up after receiving his blessings. Then Dinakar Ji extended his hand towards Aarvi, "Come?"
Aarvi took his hand, and Dinakar Ji led her to the swing in the lawn and asked her to sit, "Sit!"
Aarvi sat on the swing, and Dinakar Ji sat beside her. He gestured to Radhe, who placed the food in between them!
"Here, eat the food, properly!" Dinakar Ji said!
Radhe said, standing to the side, "Yes, you eat. If you eat, Master will also eat properly. He didn't eat properly at all today... If he doesn't eat properly, he will fall ill!"
Hearing this, Aarvi looked at Dinakar Ji, and Dinakar Ji said, "There's nothing like that, I've eaten. And you, Radhe, go from here, do the work I told you to do!" (Authoritatively)
Radhe said, "Yes," and ran away from there!
Just then, Aarvi picked up a glass of juice and handed it to Dinakar Ji, "You drink this?"
Dinakar Ji said, "No, child, you drink. He was just saying that."
Breaking off a piece of food, Aarvi said, "We are not thinking about what he said or didn't say. We just want you to keep us company. It's not good to eat alone, you must have heard that two is better than one (smiling slightly)... Now, if you want this morsel from my hand to reach my mouth, drink the juice quickly, otherwise, we'll leave mid-way!"
"No, no, I'm drinking," saying this, Dinakar Ji brought the glass of juice to his lips, and as soon as he took a sip, his eyes welled up with tears!
"What happened? Are you alright?" Aarvi asked quickly!
"Nothing, eat your food!" saying this, Dinakar Ji continued to drink the juice!
Putting a morsel in her mouth, Aarvi said, "I didn't know you put chilies in your juice here, that drinking it makes your eyes water... tell the cook to put chili in the juice, in the vegetables?"
Hearing this, Dinakar Ji looked at Aarvi, and while breaking another morsel, she said, "It's not very spicy, and I like spicy food. But this is also good. After all, they say that those who give advice should also practice it themselves. Everyone needs strength, don't they!" (Putting the morsel in her mouth, raising her eyebrows)
"Talking too much? Eat your food... I'll be back," saying this, Dinakar Ji placed the half-filled glass of juice back on the tray and got up and went inside!
Watching him leave, Aarvi said to herself, "Two people living under the same roof, who are blood relatives, yet there's a sky-high difference between them. One finds peace by removing distress, while the other finds solace by causing distress... Actually, even a single grain of your food is difficult to swallow, Mr. Mehra, but for the sake of respecting them, we are eating. We don't want to cause anyone distress, even unintentionally, because of us, fall ill, face any difficulty because of us, we don't want that... There's you, who intentionally causes distress, but not everyone is like you. Your grandfather is not like you. Even though we have no relation with him, today we have formed a relationship of humanity with him... The bond of humanity has outweighed the bond of blood, Mr. Ayansh Mehra!" (Smiling slightly)
(To be continued)
Arvi watched as Mr. Dinkar walked away. The moment he was out of sight, Arvi looked towards her food and began eating with tear-filled eyes.
Mr. Dinkar went inside and sat down on the sofa. Radhe was still in the hall, and he approached Mr. Dinkar, saying, "Sir, do you need anything?"
Mr. Dinkar replied, "No, Radhe."
Radhe pointed outside and asked, "Has she eaten?"
Mr. Dinkar said, "She's eating...she'll eat. A bit more, as much as, but she'll eat!"
Radhe sat down next to Mr. Dinkar at the table and asked, "I didn't understand one thing, sir. You said earlier that this girl would change Ayansh Baba, that fate brought them together, and she would teach him to live, improve him, and all that. But now, you told her outside that she could only leave if she ate, that she would gain strength and then fight...You want to keep her here for Ayansh Baba, but you're also showing her the way out. Why did you say that to her?" (scratching his head)
Mr. Dinkar smiled and said, "I just said that so she would eat. And Radhe, whether she stays here or not is now in Ayansh Baba's hands. You know it's not easy to leave from here. Either we make her leave or she leaves on her own, but he will bring her back!"
Arvi ate a little and then got up from the swing, heading back towards the main gate. She thought to herself, "If I can just get out of here, I'll never come back...I need to find out about Saksham, where he is, what's he like?" (looking worried)
In an old mill with dim lighting, a group of five or six men surrounded a person. The person was kneeling on the ground, hands and feet tied with ropes, mouth gagged, and was moaning in pain. One of the men received a call and, after a brief conversation, told his companions, "Start, the order has come. It's time to give him another dose!"
As soon as they heard this, the person tied up looked up with a mix of fear and pain in his eyes. The men began beating him with sticks. After a while, one of them said, "Dhiroo Bhai, it's not even an hour since the last time, and now again?"
Dhiroo replied angrily, "We get paid to do this. If your life is precious, get to work, or we'll replace you in no time!"
The man apologized and, on Dhiroo's signal, the men stopped beating and left the person semi-conscious on the ground. Dhiroo poured water on him to revive him.
As the person regained consciousness, Dhiroo sat next to him, holding his hair, and said, "Stay awake! You'll feel the pain only if you're awake. We do this for a living, and we get paid for it. If you remain unconscious, we won't get paid, and our livelihood will suffer...You see, because of you, we're able to afford better food. Why, didn't I say it right?" (laughing)
The men around him laughed in agreement. Dhiroo stood up and said, "Alright, let's eat. We need to fill our stomachs; there are rats causing a commotion in there!" (glancing at the person on the ground)
Two men stayed behind to keep an eye on the person, while the others left with Dhiroo.
Ayansh was sitting in his cabin when Vinait entered. Vinait said, "May I come in?"
Ayansh replied without looking up, "If I say no, will you still come in?"
Vinait entered and sat down in the chair opposite Ayansh, saying, "I might as well come in. Why didn't you go home?"
Ayansh looked at Vinait and said, "Do you really need to ask?"
Vinait pointed to his watch and said, "It's almost eleven. You're half an hour late."
Ayansh got up and walked to the window, standing with his hands in his pockets, "I would have come late anyway!"
Vinait followed him, standing by the wall with his hands clasped, "You know, it seems strange...some people cause us pain, and then we also cause ourselves pain...Why do we do that?"
Ayansh turned to Vinait and said, "You'll never understand this, Vinait. It's beyond your comprehension. So, why bother trying? Hmm!"
Vinait looked at Ayansh intently and asked, "Can't you just tell me what's going on? I do everything you say without questioning, but I wish you could understand me...Does what you're doing bring you peace?"
Ayansh smiled devilishly and said, "Yes, I have peace. A lot of peace. And I'm fine, so drop the subject!"
Vinait got irritated and said, "What's the point of my asking if you won't answer?"
Ayansh replied, "If you know you won't get an answer, why ask?"
Vinait expressed his frustration, "I wish I had never befriended you! Five years have passed, but it seems like you don't understand me, and I don't understand you."
Ayansh sat back down and said, "I didn't invite you to be friends. I didn't ask you to consider me a friend. It was just business, Vinait. Don't complicate it."
Vinait stood up, facing Ayansh, "You could have said no, told me to stay as just a business partner. I didn't need to be friends. I feel like I made a mistake by considering you a friend!"
Ayansh laughed and said, "So, are you blaming me? You're the one who put your foot on the axe...suffer the consequences! I only return what I receive, Vinait. If it's companionship, I give companionship; if it's pain, I give pain!"
Vinait approached Ayansh, "Yes, I know. A few people are close to you, while the rest are just professional acquaintances. And I'm in both categories...That's why I know a lot, but I also don't know much. Some people are lucky to have your love and companionship, while others get hatred and pain."
Ayansh said, "Well, you reap what you sow. And for me, only two people matter. I don't care about the rest, you know!"
Vinait said, "But hasn't your circle of close people shrunk now? One very special person is gone. Where is he now?"
This made Ayansh jump up, and he grabbed Vinait's collar, saying, "Stay within your limits, Mr. Vinait. Don't cross the line. You know how far you can go with me."
Vinait said, "Is this what friendship is all about?"
Ayansh dropped Vinait's collar and stepped back, "I'm going home...my wife must be waiting. And don't forget, a friend's wife is also a 'bhabhi'."
As Ayansh walked towards the door, Vinait said, "You're leaving like that? You're always like this, Ayansh Mehra."
Ayansh turned around, smiling, "I'm not leaving; I'm just going. And yes, friendship is about loyalty. If you can do that, then it's fine. But if you try to pry or take someone's place, you'll see what happens. I can give my life for you, but I can also take it if you talk nonsense!"
Vinait looked at Ayansh and said, "I used to feel jealous of your friendship with him. I wanted to take his place, be involved in everything. But now I realize I don't want to know what happened; I don't want to take his place. I just want to be in your life, but not intrude. You don't share or tell me anything, but I want this friendship."
Ayansh turned his back to Vinait and said, "If you want to stay, stay. But never try to be like him or take his place. If you do, you'll see what happens, and you'll regret it!"
Vinait shook his head and said, "No, no, I'm fine being Vinait. I won't ask or mention him again. I promise!"
Ayansh picked up his coat and threw it on, heading out. Vinait called out, "Go home; your wife must be waiting. And boss, a friend's wife is also a 'bhabhi'. I accepted that, so I can call her 'Aarvi Bhabhi'!"
Ayansh gritted his teeth and walked out of the cabin. Vinait watched him go, then sat on the stairs, thinking, "I made it out alive. If I had stayed, I would have been in trouble."
Vinait's phone rang, and he saw the caller ID. He said, "Old Mill?"
As soon as Vinit received the message "Old Mill," he stood up from the stairs. Another message arrived. Vinit read that one too—"Go meet her. You miss her a lot, don't you? But if you even think of becoming like her, I won't take a second. I'll bury you straight in the ground!"
Hearing this, Vinit smiled and typed "Sorry." Ayansh was sitting in the car. He read Vinit's sorry message, threw the phone on the seat beside him, started the car, and drove away.
Vinit said, putting his phone in his pocket, "I've heard that the more you love someone, the more intensely you hate them too... Today I've seen it for myself. I'll meet you soon, Saksham Walia!"
Dinkar Ji had already gone to sleep in his room. Radhe had also finished all his chores, but in the hall, sitting lazily on the stairs, he was waiting for Ayansh to come home. He was feeling sleepy, but he also had to give Ayansh food; hence, he couldn't sleep even if he wanted to. So, his eyes were fixed on the door. It was past midnight. Aarvi was still sitting outside the house, on the swing in the lawn. Dinkar Ji had asked her to come inside, but she didn't agree; so Dinkar Ji didn't say much more. Aarvi's eyes were completely free of sleep. She was staring intently at the main gate.
"He's just like the previous guard...
(A different guard is on duty each day, another the next. The previous one had left and the new one had arrived, and he was told to keep a close watch on Aarvi!) ...What difference will it make? Everyone who works for Mr. Mehra becomes like him—ruthless. Just once this guard moves away from here, and the gate is slightly ajar, then how will I get freedom from here? Show me some way, Bappa! Just give me one chance, please!"
Just then, the sound of a car horn was heard. Aarvi jumped off the swing and quickly ran and hid to the side. The guard opened the gate, and Ayansh's car entered. Ayansh got out of the car and went inside.
"This is the moment, Aarvi! Do something! Get out of here before this gate closes again..." Aarvi looked around and her gaze fell on a stone lying on the ground. Aarvi picked up the stone and threw it at the car parked in the parking area. As soon as the stone hit the car's windshield, the sound of breaking glass drew the guard's attention towards it, as he was about to close the gate.
"What happened?" the guard said, abandoning the gate closing midway and running towards it. "Something has happened, I need to check. Otherwise, sir won't let it go. His anger is not small either!"
Seeing the guard move towards the parking area, Aarvi smiled and said, "Run Aarvi! This chance won't come again... Goodbye, Mr. Mehra!" (Looking towards the house) And in the next moment, Aarvi slipped towards the gate from there without making a sound and left.
The guard looked around, "What could have happened? I can't see anything. I heard something break, but from where? It's so late, and with so many cars, I can't see anything. (Scratching his head) I'll have to see in the morning. I can't see anything right now." Saying this, he walked back towards the gate. Just then, his gaze fell on the swing in the lawn.
"Hey, where did that madam go? (Looking around) She's not here. Did she go inside? But she wasn't ready to go inside. But sir also went, and Sunil (the previous guard's name) told me that she is sir's wife, so sir must have taken her inside. Yes, she must have gone inside." Just then, he remembered the gate and ran towards it, saying as he closed it, "I forgot to close this. I left it halfway. If sir saw it, it would be trouble." Saying this, he securely closed the gate and sat down on the chair kept there, resuming his duty.
As Ayansh entered, he saw that Radhe had dozed off. He was sitting on the stairs, snoring with his palm against his cheek. Seeing this, Ayansh paused for a moment, looking at him, and in the next moment, sat in front of him and said, "Radhe!" (in a deep voice)
Hearing this, Radhe's eyes snapped open, and as soon as he saw Ayansh sitting in front of him, he fell backward. Ayansh folded the sleeves of his shirt and got up from below, saying, "What's going on here?"
With wide eyes, a little scared, Radhe swallowed and came down the stairs, stood in front of Ayansh, lowered his gaze, and stammered, "I... I was waiting for you, Ayansh Baba!"
"Like this, sleeping?" Ayansh said.
"Forgive me, Ayansh Baba, I was awake, I just dozed off!" Radhe said, joining his hands.
Ayansh—"How many times have I told you that you are here to look after Dada, you don't need to stay awake for me. I can take care of myself!" (in an attitude-filled tone)
Radhe said, keeping his gaze lowered, "I know, Ayansh Baba, but the master said to serve you food when you arrive. You didn't eat anything this morning either, so the master was worried about you, and how could I refuse him? So, I was just waiting for you to come home. I just dozed off!"
Ayansh walked towards the dining table, "Serve the food quickly, and then go to sleep!"
"Yes! Ayansh Baba," saying this, Radhe ran towards the kitchen. When Radhe brought the food, Ayansh was sitting at the dining table. As Radhe placed the food in front of Ayansh, "Ayansh Baba, your food. The master has ordered everything according to your preference—bitter gourd curry..."
As Radhe was speaking, Ayansh put out his hand and stopped him, and he silently stepped back. Ayansh looked at the plate of food and said, "I can see what has been made. Did Dada eat?"
Radhe—"Yes!"
Ayansh—"Did he take his medicine?"
Radhe—"Yes!"
Ayansh—"Did he sleep?"
Radhe—"Yes, he went to sleep a little while ago!"
Ayansh—"Alright. Now you go and sleep. And yes, I can get my own food, so there's no need to stay awake for me. Tomorrow, I shouldn't see you sleeping on the stairs. I always say it, but you don't listen. If you don't listen this time, I'll tell you, even Dada won't be able to save you!" (staring at Radhe)
Radhe nodded his head in agreement, "Yes, Ayansh Baba!"
(Meanwhile, both Radhe and Ayansh knew that nothing of the sort was going to happen. Ayansh would tell Radhe off, but he would still stay awake, because he could say yes to his Ayansh Baba, but not to his master, Dinkar Ji. And only Dinkar Ji could save him from Ayansh. Radhe knew this, so he tolerated Ayansh's scolding and sided with Dinkar Ji... Therefore, at Dinkar Ji's behest, he would wait, warm up the food, even if he was afraid of Ayansh's anger and had to listen to his scolding... For now, this was the situation. Ayansh had scolded him and told him not to, and Radhe had nodded his head in false agreement.)
Ayansh—"Now why are you standing here? Go!"
Radhe—"Do you need anything else?"
Ayansh—"I'll get it!"
Saying this, as Ayansh was about to eat, Radhe was still standing there. Seeing this, Ayansh turned his gaze towards him, and he quickly said, "I'm going, I'm going!"
Just then, Ayansh said, "Listen, did she eat anything?"
Radhe—"Who?"
Ayansh—"Who?"
Radhe—"Understood... She hasn't eaten yet, but she ate a little in the afternoon at the master's insistence. I asked her again just now, and she refused!"
Ayansh broke off a morsel, "There's no need to ask so much. If she ate, she ate, otherwise, let it be. Don't spoil her... By the way, where is she now? Dada must have gotten the room ready, right? He was feeling so sorry for her!"
Radhe—"The room was prepared, but she refused that too. She's still outside!" (gesturing outside)
Ayansh dropped the piece of roti in his hand back onto the plate, "Outside... But I just came, I didn't see her outside!"
Radhe—"She is outside, Ayansh Baba, she was sitting on the swing!"
Ayansh shouted at him, "I came right in front of the swing, I didn't see her there!" Saying this, Ayansh got up himself and walked quickly towards the outside. Radhe also ran after him. Ayansh looked around for Aarvi. "She was right here!" saying this, Radhe also searched, but Aarvi was nowhere to be found. Ayansh, unaware of this, was looking for her. He called out to the guard, "Come here!"
The guard ran, came towards Ayansh, "Yes, sir!"
Then Radhe said, "She was sitting here, where is she?"
Ayansh—"Where is she?"
The guard gestured inside, "Inside?"
Radhe—"What? But she's not inside, she was right outside? Here?" (pointing towards the swing)
The guard—"Yes, but by the time sir arrived, she was no longer visible here. I thought she must have gone inside with sir!"
Hearing this, Ayansh, infuriated, grabbed the guard's collar and shouted, "She didn't go inside with me! I told you to keep an eye on her!"
The guard, scared—"I was keeping an eye, sir!"
Ayansh—"Then where is she?"
Seeing this, Radhe looked around and thought to himself, "Has she run away!" (swallowing)
"You can't keep an eye on one girl!" saying this, Ayansh glared angrily at the guard and Radhe, and both lowered their gaze. Ayansh let go of the guard and shouted at both of them, "Go find her everywhere in the house! I want her in front of me right now... JUST NOW!"
"Yes! Yes, sir," saying this, Radhe ran inside, and the guard began searching for Aarvi in the area outside. Ayansh, with his hands on his waist, angrily called out, "Aarvi! Come out wherever you're hiding! If you think you'll escape by hiding, you won't... Come out!" Ayansh called out again and in the next moment, walking towards the trees in the lawn, he said to himself, "Has she fainted again?"
Along with Ayansh, the guard, Radhe, and the other servants searched the entire house. Dinkar Ji also woke up hearing the commotion. Radhe told him, "That she's not in the whole house!"
Hearing this, Dinkar Ji was also very surprised.
Radhe—"Yes master, Ayansh Baba is very angry!"
Just then, Ayansh came inside and shouted at Radhe and the other servants, "Did you find her?"
Everyone shook their heads and stood with their gazes lowered.
"We searched the whole house, how could she not be found? Where did she go? There are so many people in the house, someone must know, right? Someone says she's inside, someone says she was outside, so where is she now?" Ayansh said angrily, when his gaze fell on Dinkar Ji. Ayansh came in front of him and said, "Did you...?"
Dinkar Ji looked at Ayansh and shook his head, "No... I couldn't put her in more trouble by doing that, I swear, Anshu!"
Hearing this, Ayansh said nothing to Dinkar Ji and said through clenched teeth, "Aarvi! You didn't do the right thing!"
Just then, the guard who had run inside came back, panting, and said, "Sir, she's not anywhere outside either. We've checked all around!"
Hearing this, Ayansh moved towards him, "Did you leave the gate open?"
The guard—"No sir, Sunil told me to keep an eye. He even asked me to open the gate, but I didn't!"
Ayansh—"Not even for a moment?"
Hearing this, the guard's senses left him, and he clasped his hands and said, "Sir, forgive me... When you arrived, I left it open. I closed it a little while later, not much, just a little... that..." Saying this, the guard told Ayansh everything about the sound of breaking glass and what happened, and fearing, fell at Ayansh's feet, "Sir, it was because of that... Then I closed it immediately. I thought Madam had gone inside with you, then I didn't pay attention. I made a mistake, sir, please forgive me?"
Ayansh pushed him away with his foot, saying "Mistake forgiven!" "Because of your mistake, she managed to escape from here, but no, I won't let her go. Aarvi! You didn't do the right thing! By stepping outside, by going against me, by not listening to me, you've only increased your troubles. I'm coming!" Saying this, Ayansh stormed outside. Dinkar Ji kept calling out to Ayansh, "Anshu! Anshu..." but he didn't stop.
"You should have kept an eye! You all didn't do right by being careless," Dinkar Ji scolded everyone, but they all stood with their heads bowed.
The guard got up from the floor, "Forgive us, master, it wasn't intentional!"
Radhe came to Dinkar Ji and asked, "Now master?"
Hearing this, Dinkar Ji thought to himself, "She didn't do the right thing by running away from here. God knows what will happen now." (distressed)
Aarvi was running. As she ran, she happily said to herself, "I've come so far from their house! No, from jail! Now I just have to avoid being caught. What did you say? I can't even think of escaping from there, but I've broken your cage! Now you think about how I escaped!" (smiling)
Ayansh drives off in his car to find Aarvi. Driving faster in anger, he said, "She must be happy escaping from my house, but this happiness won't last long. This act of yours will cost you dearly, Aarvi... Get ready now to be imprisoned in a cage where you won't even have room to flutter... Wait, my wife! Your devil husband is coming!!" (with a devilish smile on his lips)
(To be continued)
Arvi ran away from Ayansh's house, and Ayansh set out to find her and bring her back. As she ran, Arvi panted. Stopping by the side of the road, looking around, she said:
"I've been running for an hour. I can't get any help here. I don't know which road I've come to. I don't understand. It's night, and I don't have my phone. And if I talk to someone, it might increase my troubles. If Mr. Mehra finds out... No, no! And I can't stay here. Come on, Arvi, you can't stay here. By now, Mr. Mehra must have found out that I've escaped. Before I get caught by him again, I have to go far away from his grasp." Arvi adjusted her lehenga and started running again.
Suddenly, a fast-approaching car appeared in front of Arvi. Seeing the bright headlights and the car speeding towards her, Arvi let out a scream and covered her face with her palm. The car stopped just in time, and someone grabbed Arvi's arm and pulled her to the side. The car sped by.
Arvi opened her eyes and watched as the car drove away. She said:
"I was saved! How do people drive cars! They should brake when needed, but they just floor it. Thanks, Bappa!" (exhaling) Then, "Thanks" with a smile, Arvi turned to see the person who saved her. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"V... Vinit's" (stammering)
Vinay stood before Arvi with his hands folded, smiling slightly.
"Hey, Arvi Bhabi!"
Arvi took a step back, saying, "No, no..." Vinay said:
"Don't do that; it won't help. You'll have to go back where you came from. Honestly, Arvi, you didn't make the right choice by running away!"
Arvi stopped and said:
"You're telling me I did the right thing or you did wrong? You're the one who's wrong by supporting the wrong side, Vinay! And why do I have to stay there? I know what's right and wrong for me. You don't need to tell me. Those who are blinded by friendship!"
Vinay said:
"Let's go home!"
Arvi replied:
"Never!"
Vinay said:
"You have to go!"
Arvi asked:
"Why do I have to go? Tell me. I didn't leave to go back there, Vinay. I won't go!"
Vinay said:
"Your stubbornness might be a threat to you!"
Arvi said:
"I've been surrounded by dangers since yesterday. Now I've got some relief. Listen carefully, I won't go back to that hell. What Mr. Mehra wants won't happen. Understand that and make him understand too. And yes, teach your friend Ayansh Mehra a lesson about friendship. What he thinks friendship is, it's not. It's not about betraying!"
As Arvi finished speaking, Vinay rushed in front of her, blocking her path.
"Please come... you have to come with me!"
Arvi looked surprised and said:
"What kind of person are you? You want me to go back and die bit by bit? You just saved me for show. Why did you pull me back? You could have let me die in front of that car. What was the need to save me?"
Vinay said:
"How could I let you die? You're my sister-in-law now; it's my duty to protect you!"
Arvi smiled slightly and said:
"You prioritize duty based on relationships over humanity. Let it be; don't bother. They forced me into marriage. Move out of my way and let me go!"
Vinay shook his head and said:
"No, no, I won't let you go. I've fulfilled my duty of humanity by saving you from the car. Now it's time to fulfill my duty based on relationships. Think, Arvi Bhabi; if I hadn't saved you, my friend Ayansh Mehra would be a widower. The news of your marriage was published today, and tomorrow it would be: 'Arvi Mehra, wife of Ayansh Mehra, died after being hit by a car.' Doesn't that sound bad? A wedding today and mourning tomorrow!"
Arvi looked astonished and said:
"What do you mean... by car?"
Vinay pointed behind Arvi and said with a smile:
"Look, Bhabi; your loving husband has arrived!"
As Arvi turned around, she saw the same car approaching. She thought to herself:
"No, no, this can't be happening!" (swallowing)
The car stopped in front of her. Ayansh lowered the window and said with a devilish grin:
"Hey, my dear wife!" (without looking at Arvi)
Arvi took a step back, her eyes wide with surprise, and Ayansh said:
"Vinay, tell your Arvi Bhabi to get in the car!"
Vinay gestured towards the car and said:
"Go, Arvi Bhabi; your husband has come to pick you up!"
Arvi shook her head and said:
"Never!"
Ayansh said:
"Mrs. Mehra, you either get in the car or I'll get out and put you in. I'll say it only once!"
Vinay intervened:
"Chill out, man! Your wife is upset and ran away; if you get angry, she won't come... come on, Arvi Bhabi!"
Arvi said:
"No, I won't sit in the car, and I won't go with you!"
Vinay held Arvi's arm, stopping her, and said:
"Please, Arvi Bhabi; the more you struggle, the harder it will be!"
Arvi struggled to free herself and said:
"Vinay, let me go; please let me go. I don't want to go there. You know it's wrong, but you're still making it worse. Let me go!"
Ayansh stepped out of the car and stood beside it, saying:
"I don't understand the language of love; she understands my language!"
Seeing this, Arvi looked at Ayansh, whose eyes showed his anger. Vinay pushed Arvi towards Ayansh and said:
"Take care of your own wife!"
Arvi fell into Ayansh's arms. Before she could fall, Ayansh held her tightly and said:
"My wife; I'll take care of her, right, Mrs. Mehra?"
Arvi tried to free herself, shouting:
"Let me go! Vinay, save me! Let me go!"
Vinay put on his glasses and said:
"Bye, guys!"
As Vinay walked away, Arvi called out:
"You can't leave like that, Vinay... you can't. If you were in my sister's place, would you still support your wrong friend? Would you hand her over to someone so despicable?"
Vinay got into his car and drove away. Arvi shouted:
"Save me, save me!"
Ayansh covered Arvi's mouth, muffling her voice. He turned her around, stood beside the car, and shouted:
"Shut up!"
Arvi bit Ayansh's hand. Ayansh pulled his hand back and said:
"Bloody girl!" (shouting)
Ayansh still held one of Arvi's arms. Arvi tried to free herself and pushed Ayansh back. She was about to run away but Ayansh caught her again.
"The more you try to get away from me, the closer you'll be to me!" (clenching his teeth)
Ayansh held Arvi so tightly that tears rolled down her cheeks. He repeated:
"The more you try to get away from me, the closer you'll be to me. And for the disrespect you've shown me today, be ready to face the consequences, my wife!"
Ayansh slapped Arvi, and she fell against the car.
"Ah..." Arvi let out a loud cry. She touched her cheek, her eyes filled with tears and anger. Ayansh held her close and said:
"I warned you not to do anything I wouldn't like. You did it anyway. You think you're very smart; see how smart you are... no matter where you go in the world, you'll never escape Ayansh Mehra, never!"
(TBD)
As Arvi squinted, Ayansh, who was watching her, was disturbed by Arvi's sobs and the pain reflected on her face. He closed his eyes for a moment, and the next moment, he turned his back on Arvi, leaving her behind and standing facing away from her.
As Arvi realized that Ayansh had left her, she sighed and opened her eyes. The tears trapped in her eyes immediately flowed down her cheeks. Wiping them away, Arvi said in a pained voice, "I wish we had never met you. That moment should never have come into our lives when we encountered you!"
Just then, Ayansh turned towards Arvi and said, "You have already encountered me, not just encountered, you have become mine. I wish there was no possibility now. And yes, to tell you the truth, the moment I met you, it was the most inauspicious moment of my life!"
And then, at that very moment, both of them started looking into each other's eyes with angry gazes, in which pure hatred for each other was evident.
(In the past)
Ayansh Mehra, a well-known name, whose name tops the list of top businessmen. He is number one among business tycoons, the sole heir and CEO of Mehra Industries. In just a few years, he had raised his status so high with his hard work that everyone wanted to work with him. But Ayansh Mehra chose only those who remained loyal to him. Ayansh Mehra would take those who were loyal to heights, and would crush those who betrayed him in an instant. As much as he looked handsome, people saw more attitude in him. He could not tolerate even the slightest mistake of others, due to his high-level temper.
He wanted everything perfect, with absolutely no flaws. He had no concern for anyone, nor did he care about anyone's emotions. He cared most about himself and expected only from himself. He believed that expecting from others meant your defeat. Therefore, he trusted himself the most. He made the decisions that he felt were right. He never let anyone interfere excessively in his decisions and his life. People knew him only as much as he wanted them to know him; understanding him was beyond anyone's capability. He was a very complicated person, the great Ayansh Mehra, who kept his personal and professional lives separate; work finished, relationships finished!
He maintained professional relationships with people. If anyone wanted to maintain a relationship with Ayansh or become personal from professional, Ayansh Mehra had only one answer - "Professionally ever, personally never. Meaning, if the work is done, then sure, otherwise you go your way and I go mine." Such a short answer would silence everyone. The world knew the value of Ayansh's name and his work in the market, i.e., his business, but everyone was unaware of what Ayansh Mehra's real life was like!
People knew Ayansh Mehra only as much as he wanted them to know him, he never thought beyond that. Ayansh started this business himself after his studies and himself took it to the top in the past years. Ayansh's parents were both no more. Dinkar ji had educated and raised him, which was most special to Ayansh. In the name of love, he had his Dada (grandfather), and in the name of friends, he had Saksham and Vinit. Saksham was his childhood friend and Vinit was Ayansh's college-time friend.
In Ayansh's eyes, family, in the name of relationships, were only these people on whom he trusted himself the most. Ayansh Mehra, who said nothing to others, would say something to these three. He was not a very talkative person, rather a quiet person who was adept at keeping his secrets hidden. He had no concern for anyone except his work. Among Saksham and Vinit, Saksham was very close to Ayansh. One could say that Ayansh shared his every decision, every matter, more with them than with Dinkar ji and Vinit. Ayansh's life resided in Saksham, and Saksham's life resided in Ayansh. As much as Ayansh respected Saksham, Vinit understood Ayansh just as much. Vinit, who stayed with Ayansh like a shadow, while Ayansh considered Saksham his life. Saksham Walia, Vinit Kumar, both friends and also MD and business partners at Mehra Industries. Meaning, they managed Mehra Industries, the three of them did business together.
Ayansh was sitting in his office cabin when Vinit entered his cabin.
"May I!"
Ayansh - "Ya!"
Vinit came in and stood in front of Ayansh, placing his palms on the table, and said, "What's the matter? You look very happy today!"
Ayansh, looking at Vinit, said, "You are asking as if you don't know, Mr. Vinit?"
Vinit - "So, are we going to the airport... to pick up my rival?"
Ayansh - "Ya, let's go!"
Vinit grumbled, "He could have come a month or two later, what was the hurry to come!"
Ayansh, getting up from his chair, said, "What did you say?"
Vinit quickly shook his head left and right, "Nothing boss... let's go!"
Ayansh, walking ahead, said, "I heard you. And yes, he is coming after a month!"
Vinit, walking behind Ayansh, thought to himself, "Whether he comes a month later or a month earlier, he's coming... anyway, what do I care?"
Ayansh, walking ahead, said, "Hurry up and don't worry. Your position won't be shaken by his arrival, he has his place, you have yours!"
Vinit, smiling, said, "I know and remember boss, I am your shadow. Wherever you go, you will find me with you!"
Ayansh - "And what is that?"
Vinit, moving ahead of Ayansh and walking quickly, said, "What do I care about that!"
Saying this, Vinit went ahead of Ayansh and opened the lift. Ayansh shook his head in negation at Vinit's action, and both of them came down in the lift and left for the airport.
Ayansh and Vinit both reached the airport. Ayansh, getting out of the car, said, "We've arrived on time, haven't we!"
Vinit, sitting in the driver's seat and looking at his watch, said, "We've arrived even before time, boss. And it's your friend who is coming, not mine. So you count the minutes, don't ask me to look at the time repeatedly!"
Hearing this, Ayansh put both his hands on his waist and looked at Vinit. Seeing Ayansh staring at him, Vinit quickly showed his teeth and said, "What happened, boss?"
Ayansh - "Why does it feel like something is burning?"
Vinit, to himself - "My beloved asks me what is burning after setting my heart ablaze, wow... my heart is burning!"
Ayansh, noticing Vinit's expression, said, "It's better to say it clearly than to say it to yourself!"
Vinit, with a faltering voice, said, "That... that... that... the car's engine is burning. It will burn now, won't it? It's Ayansh Mehra's car, just like Ayansh Mehra's mind is always hot, the engine of this car is also... uff!"
As soon as he heard this, Ayansh signaled with his hand and said, "Get out of the car?"
Vinit - "Outside... I'm fine inside, aren't I!"
Ayansh - "Look, get out, right now?"
Vinit, placing his hands on his chest, said, "Forgive me, man... I'm fine here, you go, I'll wait in the car... bring your friend!" (smiling)
Ayansh, staring at Vinit, said, "So, you won't get out?"
Vinit, swallowing hard, said, "Boss, I have to do whatever you say!"
Ayansh - "Then come out!"
Vinit, looking at Ayansh, opened the car window and got out. Smiling a little and looking a little nervous, he said, "P... please!"
Ayansh, moving a little closer to Vinit, said, "You speak first and then you get scared?"
Vinit, taking a few steps back, said, "It's my tongue, it slips!"
Just then, Ayansh placed his hand on Vinit's shoulder, making Vinit look at his shoulder and then at Ayansh, blinking his eyelids. So Ayansh, giving Vinit a light tap on the cheek, said, "Come on, I won't say anything to you today!"
Vinit - "Why?"
Ayansh, standing with his arms crossed and leaning against the car, said, "Today I am happy, so!"
Vinit - "Oh, and the reason for your happiness is that Saksham... Look, if you are sparing me from scolding and beating because of that reason, then there's no need. I don't want any favor in the name of your life. If you want, you can punch me a couple of times, it's fine!"
Ayansh, surprised, said, "Are you mad?"
Vinit - "Yes, I'm mad!"
"Seriously... what is your problem with him?" Ayansh said.
"He himself is the problem," Vinit blurted out. Then Ayansh, grabbing Vinit's collar, said, "Just shut up, and control your tongue!"
Vinit, looking at Ayansh, said, "You grab my collar for him, can you grab his collar for me?"
Hearing this, Ayansh let go of Vinit's collar, straightened his shirt, and stepped back. Then Vinit, smiling, walked ahead and said, "That's why I call him my rival. Come on, your beloved must be coming!"
Ayansh, standing there, thought to himself, "Just because I don't show it, doesn't mean I don't want it. If I have to give my life for you, I will!"
Just then, Vinit turned around, came to Ayansh, and said, "What happened? Let's go!"
Ayansh looked intently at Vinit, and Vinit, laughing, said, "There's no need to take my joke seriously. You are already such a serious type of person, and if you get more serious, it will be difficult to handle... chill, my tongue is just like that, it slips!"
"You'll die at my hands one day," Ayansh said, to which Vinit replied, "I would die for you myself. Now let's go, your majesty!" (gesturing forward)
And then both of them walked towards the inside of the airport.
In the waiting area, Ayansh and Vinit were waiting for Saksham's flight, which was due to arrive soon. After a while, the flight arrives, but there is no sign of Saksham. Ayansh, surprised, said to Vinit, "The flight has arrived, where did he get delayed?"
Vinit, looking here and there, said, "If he had come on this flight, he should have been here by now!"
Ayansh - "What do you mean?"
Vinit - "Was he supposed to come on this flight?"
Ayansh - "Yes, he was supposed to come on this flight!"
Vinit - "Then why didn't he come?"
Hearing this, Ayansh left the waiting area and called Saksham, but Saksham didn't pick up his phone. Ayansh called Saksham again, but he still didn't answer! Seeing Ayansh worried, Vinit said, "What happened?"
"He was supposed to come, didn't come, and isn't picking up the call?" Ayansh said, looking at his phone.
"Then why are you getting so worried?" Vinit said, putting his hand on Ayansh's shoulder.
Ayansh shrugged off his shoulder and, looking at Vinit angrily, said, "I can't be happy about him not coming, unlike you!"
"Oh, hello. Whether I am happy about his arrival or not, you know that you are happy about his arrival, and that makes me very happy... give me the phone, I'll try." Saying this, Vinit took Ayansh's phone from his hand and moved aside to try calling Saksham.
Saksham did not pick up the phone even once. Ayansh was worried about this, and Vinit was worried about Ayansh. Just then, Ayansh received a message, which Vinit read and then smilingly turned towards Ayansh and said, "The whole world stops for Ayansh Mehra, but he doesn't stop for anyone, except one. Everyone waits for him, Ayansh Mehra waits only for one person. He himself comes to pick him up at the airport, and that person doesn't even have the courtesy to make a call and say 'I'm not coming', even though he does it deliberately, and Ayansh Mehra doesn't even sigh at this behavior!" (handing Ayansh's phone to him)
As soon as he heard this, Ayansh took his phone and read the message from Saksham: "Not today, coming tomorrow. An urgent work has come up which I will do before coming. I was busy, so I couldn't inform you... I'll call later, okay!"
After reading this message, Ayansh put his phone in his coat pocket and walked towards the outside of the airport. Vinit, walking behind him, said, "What was the hurry to come? You just came on time to pick him up, why didn't you ask if he was even coming or not!"
Ayansh didn't say anything, he just kept walking fast, when suddenly he bumped into someone. The person he bumped into was none other than Arvi Chaturvedi! As they collided, both stumbled. Arvi started to fall when Ayansh's arms caught her. Arvi was in Ayansh's arms, and Ayansh was staring intently at her. People passing by with Vinit were looking at both of them, but Ayansh and Arvi's eyes were fixed on each other. Just then, saying "Oh, hello!" Arvi grabbed Ayansh's shoulders, got up from his arms, and shouted at him, "Mister, watch where you're going! You're flying like a storm and taking others with you. You have eyes, don't you? You're not blind that you didn't see a girl as big as this (pointing to herself) coming in front of you. You would have fallen yourself and made me fall too, breaking bones!"
But Ayansh stood like a statue, without blinking, without moving, staring intently at Arvi's face. It was as if his gaze had stopped at Arvi. Ayansh was oblivious to anything around him. He paid no attention to what Arvi was saying. His eyes refused to move away from Arvi. The most eligible bachelor, for whom thousands of girls die, thousands are infatuated with him, and who are ready to die for a glimpse of him, always wish that Ayansh would look at them. But Ayansh Mehra, who never even looked at a girl twice, seemed lost today, looking at a face in front of him. He lost his senses at a single glimpse of Arvi. The one whose sight makes everyone's heart beat faster, today his own heart was beating uncontrollably... which he himself was unaware of at that time!!
(To be continued)
As soon as Aarvi stopped speaking and saw that Ayansh was not reacting, she came a little closer to him and waved her hand, saying—
"Oh hello! Are you deaf along with being blind?"
But Ayansh still said nothing. With her big eyes wide in surprise, Aarvi tilted her head slightly to the left, looked at Ayansh for a moment, and in the next moment, shaking her head, she said—
"He's definitely crazy. He doesn't speak, doesn't say anything. Blind, deaf, everything. Forget apologizing for his mistake... he's just staring!"
Just then, Vinit came forward, bent down a little, and looking at Ayansh, said—
"You're right. (Looking at Aarvi) My boss has become blind and deaf today! (Looking back at Ayansh)"
Just then, Aarvi looked at Vinit and said—
"He's with you?" (Pointing towards Ayansh with her hand)
Vinit immediately nodded. Aarvi then said—
"The top floor is shaky. (Twisting her finger around her head, indicating his mind) Take care of him and get him treated by a good doctor soon!"
"Yes," Vinit replied promptly. Aarvi looked at Ayansh, shook her head, picked up her trolley bag, and left. As she turned to go, Aarvi's long hair brushed against Ayansh's face, forcing him to blink.
Ayansh's eyelids fluttered. Vinit was finding Ayansh's state very amusing because he never expected such a reaction from him. I mean, this could happen, Vinit had never thought of it, and he was liking it. For the first time, he had seen his friend looking so intently at a girl. Ayansh Mehra, who hadn't fallen for any girl from college till now, the most bachelor guy Ayansh Mehra's gaze was fixed on a girl for the first time today. Vinit was very happy about this. Then, suppressing his laughter, Vinit put an arm around Ayansh's shoulder and said—
"What's the plan, boss?"
Ayansh looked at Vinit and said, "Shut up." Then he looked ahead and Aarvi had disappeared from his sight. Ayansh's eyes seemed to search for her, but then Vinit came to Ayansh's other side, put an arm around him, and said—
"She's gone... By the way, what's the matter, man? Ayansh Mehra, who ignores every girl, was looking at that girl intently for the first time today. Did you like her? Could it be love at first sight for my boss?" (Looking at Ayansh excitedly)
Ayansh was staring at Vinit. He was about to say something when Vinit spoke again—
"Every girl wishes Ayansh Mehra would look at them even once, but Ayansh Mehra, who ignores everyone, shatters everyone's hearts and dashes everyone's hopes in a moment, couldn't even take his eyes off that girl today, let alone ignore her. There's something different about that girl, something special that melted a tough guy like Ayansh Mehra, forcing him to pause!" (Acting thoughtful)
"Are you done? Stop applying your logic, and let's go!" Saying this, Ayansh was about to leave when Vinit quickly stepped forward, spread his arms, stopped him, and said—
"Why the hurry to leave? What if she comes back... Oh man, don't say logic, say magic! What happened to you today is no less than magic. By the way, the girl was truly amazing. Usually, girls fall silent in front of you, staring at you silently; today, you were doing all that with that girl, she just kept talking. All girls are crazy about you, but she left you crazy. Girls wait for your word, they want you to talk to them, and that girl just lectured you! She even scolded you! Ayansh Mehra, in front of whom no one speaks, not even me, said so much to you, good and bad, and you didn't say a word! Ayansh Mehra, who silences everyone, was speechless in front of that girl today... Oh! So this is love..." Vinit was still speaking when Ayansh put his hand on his mouth and, pressing his mouth with his hand, said—
"If you don't shut up, your mouth will be shut, you won't be able to speak anything, so now shut up!"
Saying this, Ayansh gave Vinit a slight shove backward and let go. Vinit coughed and said—
"Your life is in danger because of that lady, and you're trying to kill me... It's amazing, man! No respect at all!"
Seeing Vinit's drama, Ayansh shook his head and said, "You'll never change," and moved forward. Vinit ran after him, saying—
"We're not meant to change. Anyway, I should have at least got her name... I wish I had!" (Showing a little regret)
Ayansh, walking along—
"Why?"
Vinit—
"Why what? For a second meeting... If you had asked her name, you would remember her by her name, got her number, and invited her to meet. Now, you'll only remember her glimpse and nothing else!"
"If we are destined to meet, we will meet again?" Ayansh said.
"What's this? Are you talking about fate?" Vinit asked.
"No! About planning... Ayansh Mehra doesn't believe in things like fate, and this meeting also happened without planning, so why plan for the next meeting by taking her address? If we are meant to meet, we will meet!" Ayansh said, looking at Vinit as he walked.
"Oh... Wow! So you want to meet her again? Why wouldn't you? She had a mesmerizing charm that captivated my friend on the very first meeting... And what's more? Ayansh Mehra, who plans everything, is talking about going against his plan today!" Vinit said, patting Ayansh's shoulder as they walked. (Laughing)
Hearing this, Ayansh stopped and, pointing his finger at Vinit angrily—
"Shut up!"
But Vinit wasn't going to stay quiet. He spoke again—
"You'll tell me to shut up, but how will you tell your eyes to shut up, which will now want to find her? How will you tell your heart to shut up, which will wish to meet her again?" (Raising his eyebrows)
Hearing this, Ayansh grabbed Vinit's collar and pulled him close, saying—
"Silence! Absolutely silent! Stop making stories in your mind, or you'll regret it!"
The people at the airport started looking at them, so Vinit looked at everyone and said—
"I admit you are my life, my darling, but man, this is a public place, have some mercy! I'll be publicly disgraced, don't tear apart my love like this! Look, everyone is watching, what will people think of us? They'll say, 'Shame! No shame'... Not now, show your love later, please my friend, my darling, my evergreen!" (Innocently)
Hearing this, Ayansh blew a puff of air from his mouth and in the next moment, he pushed Vinit away, causing him to fall to the ground.
Vinit, rubbing his arm—
"Ouch... What are you doing!"
Ayansh—
"What you deserve!"
Vinit, extending his hand—
"Give me your hand?"
Ayansh—
"Are you going to talk nonsense?"
Vinit shook his head no, and Ayansh gave him his hand and pulled him up.
"Thanks, man," Vinit said, adjusting his coat.
Ayansh—
"Now walk with me quietly, okay!"
"Okay..." Then Vinit shouted, "Man, that girl is back!" As soon as he heard this, Ayansh quickly looked in the direction Vinit pointed.
But it wasn't a girl. Vinit clapped and laughed loudly, moving away from Ayansh, and said—
"Look at your condition! You're done, man, what will happen to you now!"
"Nothing like that, and yes, think about what will happen to you now?" Saying this, Ayansh lunged at Vinit, and Vinit ran out of the airport. Ayansh also ran after him to catch him.
Aarvi got out of the airport, took an auto, and reached her house. As she reached the door of her house, Aarvi rang the doorbell, but no one opened the door. Aarvi rang the doorbell again, but the door still didn't open. So Aarvi slapped her forehead and said to herself—
"Why isn't Abhi opening the door? What is he doing inside? I don't know what kind of day it is, it's so frustrating. First, the flight delay issue, then the encounter with that crazy person at the airport, he didn't say anything, didn't move. He seemed to be from a well-off family, but his actions, OMG... He was looking at me like I was Queen Victoria. Hmph! Anyway, then I couldn't get an auto, and the one I got charged a lot, and now I'm standing outside my own house waiting for this great door to open. But it will only open when the great person inside comes and opens it... Why does this always happen to me, Bappa? I'm so fed up!" Saying this, Aarvi was about to ring the doorbell again when the door opened.
The boy standing in front, who was very handsome and cute, said, "Hello Aarvi," and waved his hand. It was Abhinav (Abhi), the same age as Aarvi, wearing a black vest and white lowers. His messy hair fell on his face, and his eyes sparkled with happiness. That happiness was probably at seeing Aarvi in front of him. And he had a very sweet smile on his lips that clearly expressed his joy. But Aarvi, instead of replying to his hello, stood by the door and said—
"It takes so long to open the door!"
Abhi, holding his ears—
"Sorry, man, I was in the bathroom!"
Aarvi—
"When are you not in the bathroom, Abhi!"
Abhi, rubbing his neck—
"Hmm, when someone is already in the bathroom!" (Thinking)
Hearing this, Aarvi burst out laughing and, extending her hand, caressed Abhi's head and said—
"Crazy!"
Abhi, smiling—
"I am, and now that you're here, it's certain I'll be even crazier!"
"Oh really!" Aarvi said, staring at Abhi, to which Abhi replied—
"Staring later, first, meet me, my love!" Saying this, Abhi pulled Aarvi towards him and hugged her tightly.
Aarvi, hugging Abhi happily, said—
"Who else would I meet if not you, man? You are my only true love!"
(To be continued)
