A year ago, obeying her father and marrying a man like Naman was the biggest mistake of Shruti's life, a regret she would always carry. But is it so easy to escape a broken relationship, even if that relationship never brought you any happiness?<br /... A year ago, obeying her father and marrying a man like Naman was the biggest mistake of Shruti's life, a regret she would always carry. But is it so easy to escape a broken relationship, even if that relationship never brought you any happiness?<br /> <br /> Naman didn't want this marriage, but his father forced him into it. Shruti had no idea about this, and she had woven so many dreams about the marriage, which not only broke one by one but were also shattered to pieces.<br /> <br /> From the beginning of the marriage, Naman never gave her love or the respect due to a wife. Furthermore, he never missed an opportunity to insult her and constantly threatened to leave her. Finally, after a year of marriage, they both decided to end the relationship. But at the time of the divorce, Naman and Shruti end up fighting in the courtroom itself, where Naman insults Shruti a lot and also says that Shruti will never find anyone. Shruti accepts this as a challenge and marries a stranger.<br /> <br /> Will Shruti find a new companion on these painful paths, someone whose hand she can hold and whose presence will make the rest of her life's journey joyful and easier? Or will she be trapped forever in the schemes of Naman, his family, and her own father?<br /> <br /> Or will she discover the truth behind all this and find her soulmate, who will hold her hand and give her all the happiness in the world, the one whose arrival will change Shruti's life? Who will that be? What will Shruti's journey be like? To find out, read my story, Bound by Destiny...<br />
Page 1 of 12
There was a very large, luxuriously built house. Inside that house, all the comforts and necessities that any rich and influential man would have were visible. Besides that, some servants were also visible, busy with their respective tasks. Amidst them all, a girl of about 23-24 years, holding a water bottle, emerged from the kitchen and was heading towards her room. She was wearing blue pajamas and a light pink shirt. She was dressed in her normal home clothes. Her hair was open, and a faint smile graced her face, making her look quite innocent and lovely.
Just as the girl was about to quietly head towards the stairs, her father, Harshvardhan Sinha, entered the house carrying a large box of sweets and calling out for her mother, Asha. Hearing his voice, the girl stopped right there. Her father was a middle-aged man of about 50-55 years, but he didn't look his age at all and appeared quite healthy.
Entering the house from the door, Harshvardhan said to Shruti's mother,
"Asha, look, didn't I tell you! A handsome prince will come for my Shruti. My darling is very lucky."
Seeing her father's happiness, tears welled up in her mother's eyes. She asked Shruti's father,
"Who is he? What does he look like? What does he do? Who is in his family?"
"Don't worry, just understand that our darling's fortunes have opened up," Shruti's father replied to her mother.
Shruti was the eldest daughter of Harshvardhan Sinha, a renowned businessman in the city. Her father's business was in the import-export of building materials, and his business was doing quite well. But unfortunately, despite being the daughter of such a big house, due to her ordinary looks, her score in terms of marriage prospects was zero.
Shruti was aware of all these things, that several boys had rejected her before, which had upset her greatly. She also knew that her parents were very worried about this. But seeing the happiness on her father's face today, Shruti also felt a little better and stopped there to listen to their conversation, wanting to know who it was whose family had proactively sent a proposal for Shruti.
Listening to them, Shruti thought to herself, "Who could it be? Father didn't tell Mother anything further. And has that boy seen me, or has he liked me based on some filtered photo? Or perhaps only his family has seen me? No, no, why would his family like me for some girl? And Father said that boy looks like a prince. Has a prince really been made for me too?"
Shruti spoke all this to herself, and her initial happiness about thinking about this had now turned into a little tension because she now wanted to know the whole story.
A few days later;
Shruti's father, Harshvardhan, hosted a grand party at his house, Sinha Mansion. Prominent diamond merchants, investors, politicians, and renowned people from the city were present. Among them were Naman and his father, Ravi Malhotra.
All eyes were on Naman because he had recently returned from America after completing his MBA. Naman was an extremely handsome boy, 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a well-built physique, captivating deep eyes, and fair complexion. He looked like a hero from a Yash Chopra film. Anyone who saw him for the first time would stare at him. But a good appearance doesn't always guarantee a good character, and Naman was probably one of them.
Naman's father introduced him to Harshvardhan at the party.
"Come, Naman, son, I need to introduce you to someone."
Naman said to his father,
"Yes, certainly, Father, you go ahead, I'll come!"
Saying this, Ravi Malhotra went towards Harshvardhan.
"Good evening, Sir, how are you?"
Harshvardhan welcomed him warmly and said,
"Oh, very good evening, Mr. Malhotra, I am fine! You tell me, how is your business going? It's been a long time since we met."
Ravi Malhotra replied,
"Everything is good, and now, besides my elder son, my younger son Naman is also handling the business with me."
"Oh wow! That's great news. By the way, where is Naman? Didn't he come along?" Harshvardhan asked, looking around curiously. "The last time we met, he was quite young."
"He has come with me, he must be somewhere around. And now he is even taller and more handsome than me," Ravi Malhotra said, praising Naman.
Just then, Naman arrived there, and seeing him, Ravi said to Harshvardhan,
"Harshvardhan ji, meet my son Naman Malhotra."
As introductions were made, as soon as Naman bowed down to touch his feet, Harshvardhan lifted him up with both hands and hugged him.
Patting Naman's back gently, Harshvardhan said,
"Oh, even after living in America, you haven't forgotten your values. Very good, son, very good! But your place is not at my feet, it's here, come hug me, and I am proud of you."
Naman smiled at Harshvardhan's words, and his father was also beaming with pride at his son's praise.
Harshvardhan asked Naman,
"So, gentleman, what are your future plans? Will you handle your father's business, or have you thought of doing something of your own?"
Hearing Harshvardhan's question, Naman replied with a smile,
"Yes, Uncle! Dad's business is doing well, but I also want to do something of my own."
At Naman's words, Harshvardhan asked him more questions,
"Oh, that's good. Have you thought of anything about a new business? How do you want to do it? And what do you want to do?"
Naman hadn't really thought anything about his business yet and had said this just to impress Harshvardhan. Therefore, hearing so many questions from him, he started sweating. He didn't understand what to answer, so he forced a smile looking at them.
Just as he was about to say something, Shruti arrived there with her mother, Asha.
"If your business talk is over, let's enjoy the party a bit. Greetings, brother!"
Upon hearing Asha's words, their conversation was interrupted, and they all smiled and looked at Asha. Harshvardhan introduced both of them to Naman and Ravi Malhotra.
"Meet my beautiful wife Asha and my daughter Shruti."
After Harshvardhan's introduction, for a moment, everyone's eyes stopped because his daughter Shruti and his wife Asha looked very young. In fact, to be blunt, Asha Devi looked even more beautiful and younger than Shruti.
This was because she was Mr. Sinha's second wife, meaning Shruti's stepmother. Mr. Sinha had remarried after the death of his first wife, Shruti's mother, so that Shruti's care would not be an issue.
To be continued
The parts of this story will be this long, but I have to write daily. So if I give longer episodes, there will be a gap of one day. But we have decided to upload this story daily, with maybe one day off per week, on Sunday. But still, six days an episode will come. So please read and tell me how you liked the story so far and who is interested in moving forward. And please don't just leave by writing "Nice part" in the comments! We are tired of these "Nice" and "Nice part" comments. It would be better if you just put a heart emoji; it's less irritating than "Nice part"!
In fact, Asha is quite old; she is over 40 and about 20 years older than Shruti. But still, she has maintained herself quite well. So much so that even standing next to Shruti, she doesn't look more than her elder sister. This is because she is wearing a stylish net saree. On the other hand, Shruti looks like she has been forced to wear Indian wear and looks quite uncomfortable.
It is clear from Shruti's appearance that she does not wear such clothes.
Shruti stands there lost, looking at Naman. She hasn't spoken anything between them so far.
Seeing her standing quietly, Asha Devi placed her hand on her shoulder and pressed it, saying to Shruti,
"Beta, say hello to everyone, especially Naman..."
Hearing her mother, Shruti quickly nodded and said,
"Hello!"
Saying this, Shruti extends her hand towards Naman.
Naman shakes Shruti's hand with a faint smile. But after looking Shruti up and down, Naman looks at his father and says,
"Dad, I need to go, my friends are waiting for me there."
Saying this, he leaves.
As soon as he leaves, his father shrugs his shoulders and says,
"Children don't stay long with elders, do they? They need their own kind."
Hearing Naman's father, Harshvardhan also looks at Shruti and says,
"Yes, yes, you've said it perfectly. Shruti beta, you go too. You must have friends at the party too..."
Hearing them, Shruti also quietly leaves. But somewhere, seeing Naman's reaction, she understood what was going on in her mind: he doesn't like her much.
But Shruti doesn't know what to do about this or whom to talk to, as her father and Naman's father have already agreed to their marriage.
Still, Shruti thought she would talk to her father about it once, because she doesn't want to be tied to anyone against her will.
******
After that party;
At Sinha Mansion...
"But Dad, he's such a handsome boy... why would he marry a girl like me?" Shruti said to her father, Harshvardhan.
"Oh, so is my daughter any less? And don't think so much, beta. He has already agreed to marry you," Shruti's father replied to her. Shruti did not look convinced at all. But she has no other option. So, taking a deep breath, she quietly moved towards her room.
Shruti and Naman's marriage is actually like a contract marriage deal, which both families are doing for their respective business growth and benefits. This is because Shruti's father has a building material export-import business, and Naman's father and Naman's entire family are builders. Therefore, their collaboration is quite beneficial for both.
However, Shruti's father did not let Shruti know about this at all. And he is pretending to talk about it like a real marriage in front of her. That's why, while Shruti was questioning her father with doubt about her upcoming marriage, Naman, after seeing Shruti at the party today, was also not very happy about this relationship.
********
Malhotra House;
It is 11 PM, and Naman's father, Ravi Malhotra, also reaches home and tries to talk to Naman.
Naman is on his way to his room when his father stops him and says,
"Naman, wait! I need to talk to you about something."
Naman tries to avoid his words and says,
"Sorry, Dad! Can we talk tomorrow? I am very tired right now."
"No, Naman! It is important that we talk about this now," Ravi insisted.
"Okay, speak quickly... whatever you have to say," Naman said reluctantly, stopping there.
"I have chosen a girl for you," Mr. Malhotra said suddenly.
Hearing his father, Naman is shocked,
"What?! A girl for me?"
Naman had some inkling of this, but still, he directly asked,
"When did you choose this girl, and who is this great girl? Anyway, how can you choose a girl for me without asking? I have already told you that I will marry only by my choice. And besides, I have no plans to get married right now. I want to establish my business first."
Naman's father, Mr. Ravi Malhotra, stated his decision as if announcing it,
"I don't know all that, Naman. But you are marrying Shruti! The elder daughter of Harshvardhan Sinha."
"What!!!! Shruti!!" Naman is shocked.
Seeing Naman shocked, his father asked,
"Yes, her, why? What's wrong with that girl?"
Then Naman almost shouted,
"What's special about that girl? No looks, no beauty. Where is she and where am I! There's no match between us, Dad, have you gone mad?"
Naman's father shouted at him,
"Mad? Not mad, I am your dad! And this luxurious life you are living is all on my money. And do you think I don't know what you were up to in America? And don't forget that you came back from America failing your MBA, not passing. And I have no money for your business. No bank is ready to give you a loan on this failed degree. And you know this very well. So, stop making excuses about business."
Naman said foolishly,
"So, will the bank give me a loan if I marry this girl?"
Naman's father hit his head and said,
"Really, you are a number one donkey, and your mother is also like that... I am tired of explaining to both of you! You foolish boy, after this marriage, you won't need to take a loan from the bank."
Naman asked,
"Why? Will I win the lottery by marrying her..."
Naman's father interrupted him and said,
"Yes, consider it a lottery. And understand what I'm saying. I'm not asking you to stay with her for your whole life. As soon as your business is set, leave her and then marry a girl of your choice, okay!!"
After saying this, a cunning smile spread across Naman's father's face.
Naman thought for a moment and asked,
"And what if her dad creates some problem later?"
Naman's father said carelessly,
"Oh, we'll see about that. Once the marriage happens, there are a thousand reasons for divorce. And besides, getting married and then getting divorced has become a child's play these days."
Naman looks at his father and says,
"Okay Dad, I'll think about it and tell you, good night."
Naman's father threatened him,
"You have no option but to say yes. So, no matter how much you think, in the end, you will have to get married. Otherwise, forget about getting anything from my property..."
Naman said nothing at this and quietly went towards his room.
********
The next day,
It is 10:00 PM, and Naman's father, Mr. Malhotra, is sitting in his house, waiting for him to return. He goes out with friends or parties late into the night every day and comes and goes to nightclubs.
He is currently not interested in the family business or office work. But he wants to finalize the marriage matter with him as soon as possible. That's why he is waiting for him.
It was about to be 11:00 PM when they heard the sound of a bike stopping outside the house. And then the sound of footsteps. Naman's father was getting a bit tired waiting for him. He heard a similar sound. He sat up and saw Naman entering the house.
"Is this any time to come home?" a voice fell into Naman's ears. Even seeing his father there, he quietly ignored them and went towards his room. But hearing this voice, he was forced to stop.
To be continued.
Hearing his father's voice from behind, Naman had to stop, though he didn't want to. Turning back and looking at them, he said worriedly, "What happened, Dad? You're here... still awake this late? Is everything alright?"
Approaching him angrily, Naman's father said, "Will anything be alright when you try to fix things? What is all this? Coming home like this every night, after everyone has gone to sleep? And where do you disappear all day? You haven't even visited the office since you returned from America. How long will this go on?"
Naman replied irritably, "Dad, please! Don't tell me! Are you here to lecture me this late at night? And besides, it hasn't even been a month since I returned to India. I'm just going to meet those who were missing me—all my friends and cousins..."
Reminding him of the truth, Naman's father said, "When you have nothing in your hands and are standing alone without your startup, none of these people will stand by you; the ones for whom you are wasting your time, your life."
Naman said, exasperated, "Okay, so what do you want me to do? Start my business? Will you invest money in it? You clearly refused, didn't you, that you wouldn't invest a single penny in my business. So, I have to arrange everything myself, right? And that takes time. Please, Dad, I need time!"
Seeing Naman shout like this, his father explained calmly, "Look, I've told you the straightforward path. See, your marriage with Shruti will happen, and I've decided that. Look, it's for your benefit. If you think carefully, her father can help with your business, as much as you want. In return, you just have to marry his daughter."
Without hearing him out completely, Naman refused, saying, "No... no, I think this price is too high for a business startup. And anyway, what's the guarantee that the business will even work? So, I can't take such a big risk. I won't marry that girl, Dad. Please, don't force me. I won't be happy with her; she's not my type at all."
His father explained again, "Oh, so am I telling you to be tied to her apron strings your whole life? I told you, it's just for a year. And besides, we've already spoken. Now, if you agree, we'll get the contract papers signed even before the wedding. Are you okay with this marriage then? And a year will pass quickly anyway. So, it's to your benefit."
Hearing his father, Naman thought for a moment. Then a crooked smile appeared on his face, and he said, "If I'm getting investors and funds for my business, then living in such a marriage for a year isn't a big deal. But, if... if you can get that girl, or her father, to agree beforehand. Anyway, I find that man to be extremely greedy. If he sees his benefit, he'll agree to all our terms..."
Naman, thinking about everything, finally agreed to the plan because he saw his own benefit in it.
Naman's father told him, "He has already agreed to all our terms, and I will talk to him about this as well. Your divorce will be settled before the marriage. Don't worry too much about it."
Naman announced his decision, "Okay, Dad! Then I'm ready. But I won't tolerate that girl for more than a year!"
As soon as Naman agreed, his father happily said, "Yes, alright. You won't have to tolerate her for longer than that. After a year, you can leave her and then marry the girl of your choice."
Along with Naman, his father's company would also collaborate with Shruti's father's company, which would greatly benefit them in business. That's why they were forcing Naman into this marriage.
The very next day, Naman's father spoke to Shruti's father about it, and he also agreed.
Shruti's father, without her consent and by deception, got her to sign the contract papers, which already stated that Shruti and Naman would separate by mutual consent after a year. This meant their divorce was decided even before their marriage.
Meanwhile, Shruti, whose life was being discussed, had no inkling about any of these contracts or this arranged marriage. Moreover, she had tried to meet and talk to Naman once or twice before the wedding, but Naman always made an excuse and avoided her. Shruti also didn't try too hard from her side, as she was tired of her stepmother's taunts about her not getting married. So, finally, she also accepted her fate and became mentally ready for the marriage.
A few days later, they both got married with great fanfare, and Shruti came to Malhotra Mansion after getting married.
And this grand wedding and large function were not held for the happiness of Naman and Shruti. These were for show, where the Sinha family and Malhotra family had invited all the big businessmen and their investors, acquaintances, to create a good impression on everyone.
The wedding night;
Shruti and Naman were not strangers to each other. Both families already knew each other, and they had attended the same high school before going to America. Shruti had liked him since then, but she had never seen herself as Naman's life partner because she had never sensed anything from Naman's side. And she had never even thought about it until the wedding. She felt that a handsome guy like Naman would never marry an average-looking girl like her.
So today, even though they are married, it all feels like a dream to her, and she can't believe it. Because until their wedding, she felt that Naman would always refuse this marriage outright, as whenever she met Naman, she felt like he wasn't happy seeing her at all and didn't want to get married.
This was never Shruti's dream either, but she had to get married because of her father. Because after all, Naman had said yes. Somewhere, Shruti was very happy thinking that the person she had once liked was now her husband. But in reality, Shruti didn't know what Naman was like, because they had never spent much time together.
Thinking all this in her mind, Shruti was waiting for him. Then she looked at the clock, and it was very late, and there was no sign of Naman coming to the room. So she became a little worried. She felt quite heavy in her wedding clothes and jewelry, so she got up to change her clothes. But just then, she heard the sound of the door opening, and Shruti stopped dead in her tracks.
She turned her gaze towards the door, and there she saw... not Naman, but someone else standing there.
Shruti didn't move an inch from her spot and kept looking at him in surprise.
To be continued
No response from Groq.
Seeing Naman so drunk, his father and grandfather angrily said, "What have you done to yourself, Naman? Anyone seeing you would say you were married just yesterday and came home drunk in front of your new wife? And where did you go this morning?"
"I only drank in celebration of the wedding, Dad. Aren't you happy? I thought you'd be very pleased, after all, I brought home the bride of your choice," Naman slurred, still inebriated.
Hearing this, Shruti felt a pang of hurt. She knew she was chosen by Naman's family, not by him. Although she had an inkling of this, hearing it directly caused her great sadness.
However, she said nothing and quietly slipped away, hiding her tears. Everyone else in the house was already scolding Naman. His father had first asked if he had been home last night, but then Varsha intervened, saying Naman had gone to meet a friend that morning and perhaps had a drink then.
Everyone was very angry with Naman. His elder brother Arnav and sister Varsha somehow managed to escort him to his room.
There, he saw Shruti had changed out of her saree and was dressed in office wear, standing in front of the mirror getting ready.
Naman was so drunk he could barely stand or speak coherently. But seeing Shruti getting ready, he glanced at her and tried to get up from the bed. His siblings had already put him on the bed and left his room.
But Naman was in such a bad state that he couldn't even get up properly. He tried to stand and then stumbled. Shruti looked at him and said, "If you can't handle it, why do you drink so much? And where were you all night? Who are these friends of yours who kept you out all night?"
Shruti posed all these questions to him. Then Naman spoke, "What do you know about friends? A girl like you wouldn't even have friends. And you've been stuck with me for no reason. You've really got lucky, getting a chance to become Naman Malhotra's wife. You know, yesterday everyone was saying how lucky the girl was to have such a handsome husband. Everyone was pitying me, saying my luck was terrible for getting stuck with someone like you..."
Naman's words deeply hurt Shruti. She retorted, "What do you mean by 'someone like me'? How dare you say anything to my face like that? Especially when you can't even hold yourself together. And I don't want to argue with you. Get sober first, then we'll talk."
Hearing this, Naman tried to speak again, but at that moment, he felt extremely dizzy and fell onto the bed, losing consciousness. Shruti looked at him helplessly, shook her head, and with a sigh, walked out of the room.
Seeing her dressed in office attire, Naman's mother commented, "That 'cultured daughter-in-law' act lasted only a few hours; now you've revealed your true colors..."
"What do you mean by that, Mummy Ji? I'm going to the office, so I have to get ready, don't I? I can't go to the office in a saree!" Shruti replied very calmly.
But Naman's mother snapped at her, "Oh God! This girl is already so sharp-tongued on her first day after marriage! And besides, what girl goes to the office the very next day after the wedding? How important can that be?"
"Your son can come home drunk the morning after the wedding, but I can't go to the office for my important work. Anyway, I have an important client meeting that cannot be postponed to tomorrow. So, I have to go today. And I had already discussed this with Papa Ji before the wedding!" Shruti responded to Naman's mother. This time, she couldn't say anything, because their son was also at fault somewhere.
By then, Naman's grandfather had arrived and saw the mother and daughter-in-law arguing. He interjected between them, "What happened, Saas-Bahu? What are you talking about?"
Seeing her grandfather, Shruti moved towards him and asked, "Grandfather, can I not go to the office? I have important work!"
"Absolutely, go, daughter, who's stopping you?" the grandfather replied with a smile. Shruti looked at Naman's mother and said nothing. The grandfather seemed to understand her unspoken thoughts and, walking up to her, placed his hand on her head and said, "Daughter, your husband is useless anyway. Everything that happened this morning, you saw it all yourself. So, what's there to hide from you? I think in the future, you'll have to manage our company too."
Naman's mother felt a bit hurt by her father-in-law's words, but she said nothing in front of him and quietly left. Shruti and her grandfather glanced at her, but then Shruti said, "Really, Grandfather? Is Naman always like this? I thought perhaps he was behaving this way because of the recent marriage. Maybe you all forced him into marriage, right?"
When Shruti asked Grandfather this, he started avoiding her gaze. Shruti asked again, and the grandfather made up an excuse, "Oh no, daughter, why are you thinking so much? And anyway, that's why we insisted. Otherwise, how would that useless boy get such a lovely and sensible wife like you? He's just foolish; he can never make the right decisions in his life. So, in such a situation, we elders have to guide him..."
Shruti felt a little better after hearing the grandfather's words. By then, Varsha had also arrived and said to Shruti, "Yes, Bhabhi! Naman Bhaiya isn't like this at all. Please don't judge him by this first impression and give him a chance in your life. As for the family, he always gets scolded by Dad and Grandfather because he doesn't listen to them, maybe that's why..."
Varsha again said this, smiling and defending Naman. Shruti gave her a forced smile and then, bowing to Grandfather for his blessings, said, "Grandfather! I should leave now, or I'll be late."
Seeing Shruti's clothes, Varsha had already understood she was going to the office, so she didn't stop her as she left. Shruti went out. Her car was already waiting outside, which she had received as dowry yesterday, and she had her own driver with her. Therefore, she didn't ask the Malhotras for their car or anyone to accompany her. She had been working as a Deputy General Manager in her own company for quite some time and was quite good at her job. She had discussed this with her in-laws before the wedding, and they had said that her working would not cause any problems for anyone. Hearing this, Shruti had been very happy, but today she had learned the truth. Thinking about this, she sat in the back seat of her car.
After a while, she took out her mobile phone and started checking all the company-related updates. Due to the wedding, she had missed a week of work. That's why she had decided to go to the office the day after the wedding.
To be continued.
So, what do you all think? Is Grandfather right, or is Shruti just imagining things? And what about Naman? What's his true face? Will he ever accept Shruti? Will he always treat her this way? Will Naman's mother and sister change their behavior towards Shruti? To find out, keep reading "Bound by Fate". How are you liking this story? Don't forget to comment...
Shruti was just leaving home for the office when her car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. She asked the driver,
"What happened?"
The driver replied,
"Madam, look ahead. It seems like an accident has happened, and the road is blocked."
Peeking out of the car window, Shruti exclaimed,
"Oh God! Where? It's not a very big accident, is it? I hope everyone is okay!"
She tried to peer out and see, but the crowd and the vehicles blocked her view. She couldn't see anything clearly. Since nothing was visible from inside either, she started to get out of the car. The driver stopped her,
"Madam, please stay in the car. I will take you to the office via a different route. It will take a little longer, but there's no point in waiting here. We don't know when this traffic jam will clear."
Shruti nodded slowly and sat back in her seat. She didn't get out because she was already late for the office and had already covered half the distance. She realized that changing the route would take at least another hour.
Sitting alone in the car, she was feeling very bored. She didn't feel like a newlywed bride at all, as if it were just yesterday she got married. It felt like she was being pranked.
Lost in these thoughts, her mobile phone rang. It was Kanika calling.
Shruti knew Kanika would ask about the wedding, her husband, and her new family. Most friends get very excited about weddings, even more so than the bride and groom. Thinking this, Shruti smiled at her own fate.
But as the phone rang for the last time, she received the call. Bored and alone for so long, she thought she might as well talk to Kanika for a while.
"Hello Kanika! What happened? Why did you call? You didn't even come to the wedding, didn't you have time? And now you're calling." Shruti said complainingly. Kanika was her only friend, and she hadn't attended the wedding due to some personal issues.
Kanika apologized,
"Sorry, dear! I told you. I've said sorry so many times. I tried really hard to come, but I couldn't. We're having some personal problems at home."
Shruti said with annoyance,
"Yes, yes, I know. How many times have I heard all this in these few days! You didn't attend a single function of mine. You only came to meet me for one day in between, and then disappeared. We're talking today. What kind of problems are you facing? Will you tell me something?"
Kanika asked excitedly,
"Oh dear, all that happens. Forget about me, you tell me about yourself. How was your first day at your in-laws'? How is everyone there? And most importantly, how is Ji-ju (brother-in-law/husband)? I saw him in photos, he looks quite handsome. You tell me the rest..."
Hearing this, Shruti remembered everything from after the wedding yesterday until this morning. Sadness clearly appeared on her face. She didn't say anything. After a while, Kanika asked,
"Hey Shruti! What happened? Where did you get lost?"
Hearing Kanika's voice, Shruti snapped out of her thoughts and said,
"Yes, no... no, nothing... I'm just on my way. I'll talk to you later."
Shruti was about to disconnect the call when Kanika stopped her,
"Oh no.. no.. wait. I don't know when we'll be able to talk later. Maybe you won't have time, or maybe I won't. At least tell me where you are going so early in the morning? Are you going out with Ji-ju the very next day after the wedding? Or is there a family deity's temple you're visiting to seek blessings after the wedding..."
Shruti shook her head helplessly,
"Dear Kanika! Firstly, you should reduce watching these Hindi TV serials. That might help solve your personal problems a bit too. There's no temple and no outing. I'm going to the office, dear, for some important work..."
Kanika said, surprised,
"Who goes to the office the very next day after the wedding, dear? Even boys don't go to the office the day after their wedding, and you... Well, your family seems quite modern, and everyone appears supportive. Otherwise, who would permit a daughter-in-law to go to the office the very next day after her wedding."
Shruti said bitterly,
"Yes, indeed... everyone here is very nice and supportive."
Her wry smile made it clear in what tone she was saying this. Kanika didn't quite understand the whole situation. She said,
"Okay, fine, but finish your office work and go back to your in-laws' house quickly. You've just gotten married, so don't give anyone a reason to complain, dear! You understand, right?"
Shruti said,
"Yes, I understand everything... Bye! Talk later."
She disconnected the call. She realized that if she talked to Kanika any longer, she wouldn't be able to hide everything. She didn't want to judge everyone so quickly. She wanted to give everyone some time.
She felt that perhaps after some time, they might start liking her, and maybe she was misjudging them in haste.
Thinking all this, Shruti's car reached the office building. From there, she went straight to her office.
She went to her cabin first. As soon as she entered, she saw someone sitting in her chair.
Shruti hadn't expected this at all. It hadn't even been a day since her wedding, and she hadn't thought that someone would take her place so soon.
Shruti entered the cabin angrily. She also saw her father, who was sitting in the chair opposite hers. Shruti said angrily,
"Dad, you hired another manager for my position so quickly? I haven't even resigned from my post yet, and you can't replace me like this."
Her father was flustered,
"Oh no! It's nothing like that, dear. I haven't assigned anyone to your position. You're misunderstanding."
Shruti pointed towards her chair and asked angrily,
"If I'm misunderstanding, then what is this that I'm seeing in front of me?"
The person sitting in the chair had his back turned towards the wall. Shruti could only see his back and hair.
To be continued
No response from Groq.
"Okay, so this is what's going on here... This is why you had to come to the office today... Come on, let's go home. I myself will tell Dad and Grandpa about this side of you!" The door opened, and when Shruti saw him, Naman was standing there. Looking at her with anger, he was saying all this. But Shruti didn't understand on what basis he was saying this. With great confusion, she was looking at him. But Naman came in so angrily and grabbed Shruti's hand.
His assistant was sitting on the chair in front of her. He didn't know anything about Shruti's marriage or Naman. So, Naman, coming in suddenly, said all this to Shruti and then, grabbing her hand, tried to forcefully pull her up from the chair. Then Tarun intervened and said, "Who are you? And what is this misbehavior? You can't treat my Madam like this! Security! Security!"
"Tarun, leave it. And Naman, what are you doing? Let go of my hand. I am in my office and here..." Shruti said, looking at Naman, trying to calm Tarun down.
Although Tarun didn't understand anything when she tried to stop him like that, he became quiet. But Naman completely ignored her words and, pulling her towards the door, said, "Yes, so who are you showing off your office to? Is this your father's office? Where you weren't working, but perhaps doing something else. And why this excessive concern for him? You came to meet him, didn't you?"
Naman said all this looking at Tarun. Just then, as they reached the door, Shruti stopped in her place and, using all her strength, freed her hand. Jerking Naman's hand away in anger, she said, "Is your mind okay? What nonsense are you talking? Tarun is my assistant, and he was just helping me with my work."
Hearing Shruti's explanation, Naman said dismissively, "Yes, fine, whatever he is. But tell me, how did you come to the office here without asking me? And is this appropriate for a new wife, a new daughter-in-law, on the very second day of the wedding?"
"What do I need to ask you? Do you tell me anything? Anyway, we just got married yesterday. So you don't have that much right over me that I'll do everything after asking you. And you yourself were missing the whole night..." Shruti was speaking when a loud voice fell on her ears, "Shruti! Is this how you talk to your husband? And what drama have you created here in the office? And Naman, son, you are so sensible, then why are you?"
Harshvardhan admonished Shruti. But he spoke very lovingly to Naman. So Shruti looked at her father in surprise because he seemed very changed to her.
Hearing Shruti's father speak so lovingly, Naman immediately calmed down and, looking at him, said, "Sorry, Dad! I'm just a little upset with Shruti. Firstly, she came to the office the very next day after the wedding. I don't want my wife to work so much. And then she didn't even tell me. Tell me, does anyone do this? And at least she should have informed me... Perhaps I could have helped her with her work."
Shruti didn't find such sweet words from Naman's mouth palatable. But she also felt that perhaps Naman was genuinely thinking this way because she hadn't spent much time with him yet, nor had she spoken to him that much.
Shruti was looking at both of them in surprise. Then Shruti's father went ahead, put his hand on Naman's shoulder, and said, "Oh no, son! You must have a lot of your own work, right? You are about to start your own business. I know how much effort it takes. And you focus on that right now. Anyway, Shruti likes to work, she'll do her own."
Hearing Shruti's father's words, Naman smiled slightly and then, looking at Shruti, said, "Okay, I didn't know about this. But still, you must be tired, right? We just got married yesterday, and it got so late for us to sleep last night. Then you came to the office so early in the morning. And you should have at least informed me before coming. I would have dropped you here. On that pretext, we could have spent a little more time together. Or which husband would want his wife to leave him alone like this the morning after the wedding?"
While saying all this, Naman's tone seemed completely changed. Just a little while ago when he arrived, he was behaving very aggressively. And now he had become completely calm. Shruti was quite confused about this and was looking at him with that same confusion.
Then Naman waved his hand in front of her face and said, "Hey, where did you get lost? And how much more work will you do, Shruti? Do you intend to go home now, or will it take you more time?"
He also asked this question with love and calmness. Shruti looked at him in surprise. Before answering him, she looked at her assistant. So her assistant said, "Madam... I will complete this and save it. You... you go!"
Hearing her assistant's words, Shruti slowly nodded her head in agreement and then looked at Naman. Before she could say anything, her father said, "Yes, go, dear. I had already told you this morning why you needed to come to the office on the very next day of the wedding? We can also handle some work, after all. Everything else will be managed. Go, don't worry. And now come to the office only after a week or two. Spend some time with your son-in-law until then. Get to know your new family. It won't do if you keep sitting here in the office like this."
Her father explained, gently stroking Shruti's head. Shruti didn't say anything. She just looked at her father. Then Naman looked at her and said, "Shall we go, Madam?"
At Naman's words, Shruti slowly nodded her head in agreement and left with him.
They both sat in the car. But the driver was also with them in the car. So Naman didn't say anything to Shruti at that time. A little while after sitting in the car, Naman received a call on his phone, and he was busy talking on it the entire way.
Shruti was sitting next to him. But Naman was so busy talking on the phone that he didn't pay attention to Shruti even once. He was ignoring her as if she was invisible to him.
Shruti felt bad about this, but she didn't say anything. Silently sitting on the side, she kept looking out of the window. After some time, they arrived back home.
As soon as they got home, Shruti headed towards her room first to change. Meanwhile, Naman lay down comfortably on the sofa in the hall. He was still talking on the phone, but now perhaps to someone else...
Before Shruti could move towards the stairs, her mother-in-law came and stood in her way. Angrily, she said, "You've come back after earning? You're bent on defaming our family's name... It's been like this from day one. God, my luck is ruined. What a daughter-in-law I've got..."
Saying this, she hit her head and looked at Shruti, glaring. But Shruti couldn't understand why she was saying all this. What had she done after all?
To be continued
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
Meanwhile, on seeing so much security on the stairs from the other side, Shriti did not ask Naman any questions. After seeing so much security, she herself understood that some VIP or a very rich and powerful man must have come to the temple for darshan. It was for his sake that such a security arrangement had been made. But who he was, Shriti was not interested in knowing.
By the time they reached the temple, that VIP man had probably left. Now everyone was being allowed into the temple.
Naman seemed very upset about this. He muttered,
"What's all this? Even in a temple, such special treatment! Is it his father's temple, or has he bought everything?"
Naman was looking around, annoyed. Because of that man, he had had to line up on the stairs from the other side. It had taken them almost half an hour to get here. He was quite irritated. He hadn't thought it would take so long to reach the temple.
Shriti, hearing his words, signaled him to be quiet and said,
"Be quiet, Naman! Why are you shouting like this? Now that we've arrived, what's the point of shouting?"
Shriti told him to shut up because his shouting had caught the attention of everyone present there. Then they both did the aarti together, and the priest applied a tilak on their foreheads. Naman stood with his hands folded, but Shriti closed her eyes with devotion and prayed to God in her heart for her upcoming life.
She was praying with her eyes closed when someone rang the temple bell behind her and went down the stairs. Shriti didn't see him, but her attention was drawn to the man who was wearing a black coat and pants.
Shriti was looking back. Following her gaze, Naman also looked in that direction, but he didn't see anyone there. He asked her,
"What are you looking at? If you're done, let's go. You stay here, and I'll wait for you by the car. But come quickly; I don't have all day for you."
"For me, you never have time; not even for God, and today is Janmashtami..." Before Shriti could finish her sentence, Naman moved towards the stairs. Seeing him go, Shriti shook her head helplessly. Then she started talking to the priest. He was the same priest who had married them and knew the Malhotra family well. He had been informed about their arrival beforehand.
The priest placed his hand on Shriti's head and gave her his blessings,
"Live long, my daughter, always be happy, and may God fulfill all your desires."
Hearing the priest's words, Shriti smiled slightly. She was a bit surprised that the priest hadn't wished her to always remain a happily married woman. But it didn't seem to bother Shriti much. Taking the prasad, she also moved towards the stairs.
By then, the crowd had thinned out considerably. The stairs on both sides were open, and people were moving in and out. Avoiding them, Shriti was going down the stairs with the puja thali in her hand. As she descended, her eyes fell on the man standing a little distance away, whom she had seen going down the stairs a little while ago. He was wearing the same black coat and pants. He was talking to someone, perhaps a security guard, but his back was towards Shriti.
"Was he perhaps the one, and was all this security arrangement made for him?" Shriti looked in that direction. After descending the stairs, she stood there looking. But just then, the man moved forward on one side and put on a mask. So Shriti couldn't see him properly. She felt a bit disappointed; she didn't know why she wanted to see that man. But then she pushed the thought out of her mind and moved towards her car.
She saw that Naman was standing by the car, and his mobile phone was working. He had a disgusted look on his face, as if he had been standing there for a long time and was irritated. Although he hadn't been standing there for more than ten minutes.
From his expression, Shriti understood that he must be angry. But by now, she was used to such things. It didn't affect her that much. She understood Naman. So she casually walked towards the car and stood there.
Naman was about to shout at her when a voice came from behind,
"Hey Naman! Hey... look this way..."
Hearing that voice, Naman stopped and looked in that direction. He saw two or three familiar faces there. They were his friends. As they approached, Naman smiled, and they came towards him happily.
Seeing them arrive, Naman placed one hand on his head and said in a low voice,
"Shit! What are they doing here? Now they'll see me with this sister, and then they'll tease me later."
Hearing this, Shriti looked at him in surprise and confusion and said,
"Who are they? What are you talking about?"
Hearing her words, Naman turned his face to the other side and said without looking at Shriti,
"My friends, they're coming this way. So, please move a bit away from here. I don't want them to see me with you, and you..."
Naman said this rudely and didn't even look at Shriti. Shriti felt terrible hearing this, but she didn't say anything at that moment and stood firm in her place. She looked at Naman in surprise, thinking that how easily a person could say such a thing to his wife.
"What are you thinking? Now move, look, they're coming..." Before he could say anything else, two girls and one boy stood in front of him. Seeing them, Shriti moved to the side. She thought of getting into the car, but before that, one girl asked Naman, looking at Shriti,
"Who's this, Naman, with you? Isn't she your wife? Won't you introduce us?"
Shriti heard this and a slight smile appeared on her face. But she didn't look at them. Just then, the other girl said,
"Come on, Riya! From what angle does she look like Naman's wife to you?"
Riya explained to her,
"Well, she was just standing with him here, so I asked."
"No... no, she's not my wife. I don't even know her. It's just... look, there are so many people, and anyway, she's going." Naman lied and said. Shriti stood still in her place and looked at Naman in surprise, her mouth wide open.
To be continued.
After this, Naman started talking to his friends. Shruti did not sit in the car; she went and stood by the side. After some time, Naman's friends left. Naman breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Shruti. As soon as they left, she started coming towards the car. But as soon as she stood near Naman, his friend came back and said,
"Naman! You are meeting tonight, aren't you..."
His gaze fell on Shruti. He looked at both of them with suspicion.
Seeing him looking like that, Naman quickly went to his friend and said,
"Yes... yes... Rohan! I am definitely coming. What are you looking at?"
"That girl... you really don't know her, do you?" Rohan asked, pointing towards Shruti. Naman said,
"Oh man! You know how handsome I am. You never know which girl might follow you and when. And you had left with Rhea and Disha..."
Rohan turned to leave and said,
"Yes, I'm just leaving. But it reminded me of the Janmashtami party that night. I thought I should remind you too, perhaps you forgot."
"No... no... I remember and I will definitely come." Naman smiled. His smile looked forced, as if he was hiding something.
Rohan again looked at him with suspicion and nodded his head and left. As soon as he left, Naman breathed a sigh of relief.
Shruti had heard their conversation. As soon as Naman came near her, she shouted,
"Why don't you know me? I am your wife, Naman! Why did you lie to your friends?"
She started coming towards him. Naman did not want to answer her. He rolled his eyes upwards and said,
"It's my wish... whether I tell anyone or not. You are no one to question me. So please stay within your limits and walk a little away from me."
He gave Shruti a shove to push her away. Shruti did not expect this. She stumbled and was about to fall when two strong hands from behind held her. Naman did not stop and moved towards the car.
"Are you alright?"
A deep, heavy voice reached Shruti's ears, sending a chill to her heart. She had never heard such a voice before. She turned around. A man was holding her shoulders and waist tightly. He was wearing a face mask and a black coat-suit. Shruti could only see his deep dark eyes.
He straightened Shruti. Shruti looked into his eyes, where she saw depth. She felt that this was the same man in the black coat whom she had seen from behind twice before.
Seeing Shruti staring without blinking, the man waved his hand in front of her face and asked,
"Hello! Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere? And who was that man who pushed you?"
Hearing his deep voice, Shruti snapped out of her thoughts. She looked at the man's hand; he was wearing a very expensive Rolex limited edition gold watch on his wrist. Shruti replied,
"Th... Thank you. I am fine. And that man... unfortunately, he is my husband. But he probably doesn't like being with me, that's why..."
Shruti replied with disappointment. She didn't know why she told all this to a stranger.
The man said,
"And do you like being with him?"
Shruti looked at him, surprised by the man's question. Then the man said,
"Take care. Before thinking about what others like, you should also think about what you like."
The man left. Shruti stood there, thinking about his words. She didn't understand why the man said all this to her. Most importantly, why had she told him so much about Naman? But honestly, she was also very disappointed with Naman's behavior.
After he left, she walked towards the car. Naman had already gotten into the car.
Shruti angrily opened the car door and sat on the far side, away from Naman. She did not look at Naman and slammed the door shut. Naman said,
"Are you crazy? You'll break the car door. Where did you take so long? I spent half the time waiting for you here."
Shruti was angry. She did not reply. Naman asked again,
"Can you hear me or have you gone deaf? I'm asking you something, where were you?"
Shruti replied angrily,
"You are not the only friends in the world. I also found a friend. And how dare you push me like that? How dare you, Naman?"
"Oh please! Stop this drama. I didn't push you to hit or beat you. I was just telling you to walk away from me. And why don't you understand? Why do you stick so close even in public places? I don't like all this."
He started looking at his mobile phone.
Shruti looked at him with a done face. She did not believe Naman's words. This was all so normal for him! Shruti felt the push not on her body, but on her self-respect. For Naman and their marriage... whatever little hope Shruti had was shattering.
Tears welled up in her eyes. She looked at Naman and said,
"You feel ashamed to be seen with me, don't you, Naman? Then why did you marry me? And all those big talks afterwards? That was all a lie, wasn't it? Because the truth is what I saw today."
Shruti said, wiping her tears. Naman said,
"Oh please... is this crying and whining drama starting now? What did I say and do that you are reacting like this? I just don't want you to meet my friends because look at your appearance. And I am so handsome and stylish. They would have made fun of me later, taking you along. And I don't want that. So, what's the big deal that you are crying like this? Come on, grow up!"
Naman said, hitting his leg in frustration. Hearing this, Shruti started looking out the window. She said nothing. Today, many things had become clear to her. Then they both reached home. Naman dropped Shruti home and went somewhere himself. She entered the house alone.
When Shruti entered the house, tears were in her eyes. But seeing Grandpa, in-laws, and Varsha sitting there, she hid her tears with a fake smile.
She went towards them. Grandpa's gaze fell on Shruti. He said happily,
"Oh child! You've arrived. Come. I've been waiting for you since morning. See, it's Janmashtami today, so you prepare Kanha Ji with your own hands."
Hearing Grandpa's words, Shruti moved towards him. Then they all started telling Shruti how Janmashtami was celebrated in their house. Among them all, Shruti was feeling a little better than before because Naman had left no stone unturned in demeaning her today.
To be continued
So, what do you people think of today's episode? That Naman, is there any chance of him improving? 😅 And for the rest, let's see how long it takes for Shruti to get wise?
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
“So tell me, Mr. Kabir Raichand, why did you marry me?” Shruthi asked with a hint of seriousness. Kabir remained silent at Shruthi’s question.
“What happened? Can’t think of an answer? I admit I was drunk and didn’t know what I was doing, but you were sober! Why did you marry me? And please, I don’t want to hear lies, because I understand enough to know that in today’s world, no one does anything for anyone without a reason.”
Breaking his silence, Kabir finally replied, “Because I like you.”
Shruthi was completely taken aback by Kabir’s statement.
“I fell in love with you at first sight. I know it sounds like a lie, but the moment I saw you outside that courtroom, something strange started happening in my heart for you. The thought flashed through my mind, ‘I wish you were my wife!’ And when you suddenly proposed marriage to me, I couldn’t say no. I couldn’t believe that God had answered my wish so quickly that day.”
Shruthi was lost in Kabir’s words for a moment, but shaking herself out of her thoughts, she softly said, “Kabir! These words might sound sweet to some other girl, but they won’t have any effect on me. And what you consider love is merely attraction. Love at first sight doesn’t happen, only attraction does! I don’t believe in love at all, because I was betrayed by the one I expected loyalty from.”
Shruthi’s voice suddenly took on a very sarcastic tone, which surprised Kabir a little.
Hearing Shruthi’s blunt words, Kabir went closer, looked directly into her eyes, and said, “Whatever you think, Shruthi, I am not going anywhere, no matter what happens. And this is my promise to you, a promise. Whether you consider me your husband or not.”
Before Shruthi could say anything, a nurse entered the room and gave a slight smile upon seeing them so close. “Mr. Husband, it’s time to change the patient’s dressing. You’ll have to move away from your wife for a while!” the nurse said to Kabir. Kabir made space for her near Shruthi’s bed and stepped back.
When Kabir saw the nurse rolling Shruthi’s shirt up her waist to change the dressing, he felt awkward and thought it best to give Shruthi some privacy. “I’ll be outside, call me if you need anything.” Saying this, Kabir left the room.
Meanwhile, inside the room, as the nurse was changing Shruthi’s dressing, she said, “If you don’t mind, may I say something to you?” The nurse, as usual, tried to strike up a conversation with Shruthi. “Hmm! What? Go ahead!” Shruthi replied. “You are very lucky,” the nurse said.
Shruthi didn’t understand what the nurse meant. “What do you mean?” Shruthi asked. “Your husband is very good. Very few husbands take care of their wives like this. Otherwise, men nowadays…” the nurse said, looking at Shruthi. Shruthi just looked intently at the nurse.
The nurse continued, “I’ve been on duty since last night, and you’re the first husband I’ve seen who is so worried about his wife. Your husband sat with you until midnight, hoping you wouldn’t be in any discomfort. He could have gone home, but the poor man slept on a bench outside, waiting for you to regain consciousness.”
Hearing the nurse’s words, Shruthi stared blankly at the nurse without changing her expression. At that moment, Shruthi found herself thinking about Kabir, even though she didn't want to. She realized that no one had ever cared for her so much before. Not her family, nor Naman. For now, she didn’t reply to the nurse. The nurse, after changing Shruthi’s dressing and giving her a sponge bath, left the room.
Outside the room, the nurse saw Kabir sitting on the bench and said, “You can go inside now, brother.” Hearing this, Kabir quickly went into the room. Kabir was just gazing at Shruthi. After the sponge bath, Shruthi’s face was clean of stains and marks, and her hair was falling open on both sides of her face.
“What happened? Why are you looking at me like that?” Shruthi asked Kabir, who was staring at her intently. “Nothing, I’m just looking at the most beautiful girl in the world.” Saying this, Kabir sat on a stool near the bed.
Shruthi took a deep breath and said, “The most beautiful girl in the world? You joke well.” Kabir replied, “Look through my eyes! Curly hair, a slightly wheatish complexion. Deep dark eyes. A long face, and a very small, beautiful mole below your lips.”
Then Shruthi looked at Kabir and said, “Mr. Kabir Raichand, this is a hospital, and you don’t flirt in hospitals. And besides, I’m not that beautiful!” As she said this, tears welled up in Shruthi’s eyes.
Tears started flowing from Shruthi’s eyes, and seeing them, Kabir realized how broken Shruthi was inside. He reached out to wipe her tears, “Please don’t cry!” Shruthi said in a slightly stern voice, “Keep your hands away, Kabir, I can take care of myself.” Hearing this, Kabir withdrew his hands, and Shruthi wiped her own tears.
After a few moments of silence, Shruthi spoke, “You haven’t gone home since last night? And you’ve been with me since morning, don’t you have work to go to?” Kabir seemed to already know the answer, “It’s more important for me to be here right now, work can wait forever!” Shruthi didn’t reply to this. She lowered her eyes.
Seeing Shruthi upset, Kabir changed the subject, “I think it’s time for your dose. Take your medicine and sleep.” Shruthi then insisted, “No, I don’t want to take medicine, no means no! I hate medicines.” Then, with a rather strange smile, Shruthi said, “You know, you can do something for me?” Kabir replied, “Absolutely, just name it!”
Shruthi hesitated a bit and said, “Go and get me a Black Label single malt, a quarter will do! Drinking it makes me sleep wonderfully, it makes all the pain and sorrow disappear! And anyway, I can’t sleep here in the hospital.” Kabir then asked, “And for food?” Shruthi said carelessly, “Anything will do, roasted cashews, or chili paneer, anything will do!”
Kabir said angrily, “You want to drink alcohol? In a hospital? This is a hospital, not a nightclub! You want chili paneer? Eat your medicine quietly!” Shruthi pouted, “Go away, I don’t want to talk to you!”
Kabir took a deep breath, “You know you can’t drink alcohol here! Do this, first lie down comfortably on the bed, and in a little while, you’ll fall asleep on your own.” Without replying, Shruthi tried to sleep. Quite some time passed, and Shruthi still couldn’t sleep. She opened her eyes and saw Kabir sitting near her bed, staring at her.
Kabir said, “There is a way you’ll fall asleep!” Shruthi asked, “What?” Kabir said, “First, close your eyes.” Shruthi took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Kabir then slowly began to stroke Shruthi’s forehead. Shruthi felt strange at being touched by a stranger, but she also felt a sense of comfort. Within the next few minutes, Shruthi fell asleep.
After Shruthi fell asleep, Kabir stood up and stretched his back. Then his gaze fell on Shruthi’s phone. When he was sure Shruthi was fast asleep, he gently picked up Shruthi’s phone. He tried to unlock it but couldn’t. There were only two ways to unlock the phone: either by knowing the PIN or by fingerprint. Very carefully, Kabir placed Shruthi’s thumb on the phone, and in the next moment, the phone unlocked.
Kabir was in the middle of doing something on Shruthi’s phone when Shruthi suddenly turned towards him. And in the next moment, due to a phone call on Shruthi’s phone, the phone slipped from Kabir’s hands in a panic.
What do you all think? Does Kabir truly like Shruthi, and what is he doing with Shruthi’s phone? What is Kabir’s motive for marrying Shruthi? You can write anything else you think in the comments, and also tell me how you are liking this new story? If you don’t like it, you can tell me what you don’t like, and also tell me your favorite scene or line from today’s part in the comments!
