Shravani's POV:

My eyes widened the minute he announced he was Sattu!!!
Then I looked at his face.
He's grown up!!! He was a boy then...
He has gained weight. More muscular now! That beard!!!
But those eyes....
Those are still having the same depth!
I swallowed hard.
He snapped his finger and I was back from gawking him.

'Ummm... what will you eat?' he asked and I simply settled on a cup of coffee...
He ordered lemon mint juice.
Then there was silence.

None of us knew where to start this from...
It was awkward!!!
Finally he began the conversation...

'So you are a doctor?'

'Physiotherapist!'

'Yup...I mean ...you work in Chennai right?"

'Ive took a transfer to the Coonoor branch for this term...I thought dad needs me'

'Good!!! Yup...Sumit uncle really needs someone...'

Soon the waiter served our drinks...
Now again there was silence...
But again he broke the silence...

'Doctor...I have had a failed marriage before...I wouldn't want to discuss the past...it....it just didn't work out with Karishma... '

I cut the conversation sharp and said...
'I also cannot forget Varun Satyendra'

He looked up to meet my eyes the minute I called him 'Satyendra'

No one here calls him Satyendra...he is Sattu for everyone. Probably I was ...is and I'm the only one who always addressed him with the full name and he never really objected it!!!

I cleared my throat and it broke our eye-lock.

'Im sorry about Varun' he said...

'He is still with me...I'm not sorry...I still love him...I always did! My one and only TRUE LOVE!!!' I said firmly only to earn a crisp gaze from him.

He nodded his head.

'I don't want this marriage Satyendra!' I said in one go and he looked at my face.

'Deny it!' I added...

Sipping the last ounce from his juice he said...
'Its no longer in my hands now Doctor... Sumit uncle is going to sell Shine Valley to Oberoi constructions who will commercialize the estate into a hotel..and Shine Valley runs many houses..'

'Oberoi Constructions will hire a few as waiters and managers and...the farmers will be given compensation'

In one go he stood up keeping cash on the table and said...

'By taking away opportunity of growing in lives and throwing some cash into a farmer's pocket if you expect them to flourish in life it's the most dumbest suggestion ever Doctor!!! I thought you are educated enough to understand what's self respect!!!' saying he kept his wallet back into his pant.

'You are overreacting Satyendra. If not this what do you expect me to do??? I'm the best physiotherapist in Chennai!!! Leave my flourishing career and settle here in Coonoor??? Are you kidding me?' I said standing up at once.

'Huhhhh....Aapka career career...doosronka adjustment? (your career is a career...rest have to adjust?) Wooow Doctor!!! What a logic!!!' he said taking steps towards the door and I followed him.

'Satyendra...stay!!!'

He stopped and without turning around.

'Look...I'm not saying other's career is a joke here... I'm just saying I CAN'T RUN the estate!!! I have no idea about it!!!'

To which he turned back and looked deep into his eyes!!!
I was speechless and captivated!!!
Something within thundered in my heart....
Those eyes capturing me like a vulture like it did the very first time 12 years ago...the intensity in his brown shiny eyes were same!!!
Sattu indeed!!! My heart skipped multiple beats!!!
I was sweating now...
Except a few wrinkles...a thicker beard...well built body and an angry bird expression nothing eise changed!!!
HE was still the same!!!

He took another step closer to me with that his hot breath hit my face!!!
The brute perfume and I swallowed dry again!!! I took a step back and my back hit the wall of the restaurant and he stood too close to me!!! I wanted to move away as we were too close now...
I was pushing myself to the corner of the wall and walk away...but his other hand stopped me and now I was crushed in a corner with his right hand caging me!!!

I could literally see the strong green nerves popping out on his wrist and toned biceps as his shirt was sticking to his chest so tight!!! And I saw his eyes red in anger!!!

'Doctor Mrs Shravani Suri...This is the reason your father wants me to take care of that estate!!! Hence...

MARRY YOU!'

....

Suddenly there was a strong breeze and I saw rain was pouring non stop!!!

Rain began hitting my face sideways and I close my face with my palms...
But next second the wind flow stopped and I opened my eyes.

He ....was covering me completely by caging me on both the sides!!!
I lifted my head to look at his face...
He was looking towards the roof and I saw rains hitting his back.

'We.....we must go inside and talk Satyendra!!!'
I said softly this time.

He looked at me and after few minutes he nodded his head and began walking inside.

Idli Vada and Onion Uttapam were ordered.

I began digging in with a fork and knife while he got up and went towards handwashing section and came back.

Next began unbuttoning cufflinks of his shirt and folded it till his elbow and began digging his Uttapam with a chutney.

I smiled thinking few things never change...

'Shonali...Im not the kaatachuri (knife n fork) category daaaaa....
I'm 💯 Pakka local da...Unlike sophisticated types'
He shouted loudly that Diwali afternoon. I knew that taunt was for me.

Idiot!!!

'Doctor... do you want extra chutney?' he asked bringing me back from my trans and I nodded a no and continued eating my idli.

'Why are you calling me Doctor?'

'Why you have a fake degree or what?'

I passed him a glare raising my eyebrow. Again...few things never change!
He and his sarcasm!!!

'Look Satyendra...you won't be happy with me...I am really not interested in dad's estate or property...I'm happy with what I earn. I can rent it away by giving you the power of attorney. But.... marriage ....I don't see the reason here'

Licking the chutney of his finger he said...
'Reason is Sumit uncle...
I've already given him this option. But he wants you to settle down. The reason he's using our weaklings!!!
Your weakling him!!!
My weakling my people!!!' saying he got up finishing his Uttapam

I looked at him....I was confused...
'Your people????'

'Didnt your father tell you..
Other than being your father's biggest competition in Coonoor for estate's and farming...
I'm also the Sarpanch here!!!
I'm their representative!!!
I'm a businessman yet I'm a farmer too!!!
A proud one!
So I'm sorry.... anything but I'll let my people loose their daily living.
I could hire them ...
But your father out of his kindness has given his lands for many farmers on rent. Shine valley consists of hundreds of acres of land given to farmers for yielding a daily living
..I can't let them Starve overnight because of a stubborn doctor who is still congested into her past!!!'

He said it like he broke a stick into two pieces!!! And my anger was now on cloud 9.

He went to wash his hands. I was so damn angry now that I left cash on the table and stormed out of the restaurant.

It was still raining and I was so damn angry that I began walking in rain.

Soon my phone began ringing and it was Gogi... but I was so disturbed that I didn't want to pick anyone's phone call.

I cut his call and kept the phone inside my bag...

'Congested in my past???? Congested in my past???' I wanted to literally punch a wall now ..how dare he 🥺

What does he even know.... Does he even know Varun... Does he even know how am I living.

I began kicking a tree nearby and began crying loudly....

Flashback begins...

'Shravani...it was a dreaded accident...we will try our level best...' Dr Goel said and I was holding my head and crying while I felt Anita hugging me tightly...

'How did this happen??? We were so happy this morning Ani... He made ...he made parathas for me... We ate together... We spoke during lunch break...'

'Rohit..... Rohit.... what is Doctor saying???' I asked Rohit as he came from the operation theatre...

'He has lost a lot of blood Vani....I can't say anything...Dr Goel is saying there are multiple fractures too...we are trying Vani...but I can't assure you anything'

I broke down in Ani's arms....
4 hours passed and I was sitting in my cabin when they declared the blue flag siren which means emergency.

Emergency department gathered and I also ran in only to know it was for Varun.

While I saw Rohit and Dr Murugan trying to shock revive Varun but his body didn't respond.

My Varun who hugged me and in who's arms I lost my world last night was now lost ... He was lying lifeless now...

And I collapsed... While Rohit being a doctor himself broke down on his friend's chest...

'Im sorry Varun....sorry Vani' he began crying and my World came to an end!!! 🥺

Shravani Varun Suri died that night!!!

Here standing now is...

Dr Shravani Khanna!!!

A living dead!!!

People call me mad!!! Because I see my husband...I get attacks...I hallucinate him.

Rohit treated me...Ani's parents thought I was possessed. They even took me to a temple. But Rohit's treatments slowly started showing its signs.

But I had anniversary reactions everytime I went to Lakeville...Our first house. Where I and Varun spent our last night. And went to our respective hospital. I was waiting for him at our Lakeville bungalow when I received a call from a random stranger and I got a news about Varun's car being hit by a drunk truck driver!!!

Flashback ends...

I felt a hand on my shoulder... And I broke down badly...

'Things are easy for people to say but tough to live!!!

I lived Varun's death!!! And yes it's not easy for me!!!

I miss you Varun....why did you leave me....' I began crying loudly and suddenly felt arms pulling me into a strong embrace ...

'Varun...don't go Varun.... please don't go... everyone judges me baby...I....I'm....I'm not a congested woman...I can't forget you....I am damaged...I can't forget you....cccant'

I wept hard on his chest while I felt his arms comfort me...
My tears getting mixed with the pouring droplets of rain and I clenched his shirt tightly in my hands and continued crying.

After a few minutes I felt the rain slow down and it was drizzling...

I calmed down and I was back into my senses ..

'Whom am I hugging!!!'

I took a step back to look into deep brown eyes and a thick beard ....

My heart shook up!!

I moved back and saw it was Satyendra!!!

He was drenching wet in rain but his deep eyes kept looking at me!!!

'Im sorry!' I said and turned around...

'No....I ....I...think I crossed my limits...I can't speak about what I ....I....
....
....
'

I thought he would apologize...but next minute he said...

'I will drop you home Doctor!!!'

My anger resurfaced!!!

'Ill manage Satyendra!!! Anyways I've to say no to dad!!! I will manage'

'I think you cut Gogi's call... He called me... Sumit uncle is serious...Doctor uncle has visited him home...he's called us home right now...' he broke the bomb and I felt my legs weaken...

I didn't delay and climbed Satyendra's jeep and left to our mansion...

***
'Didu.... anytime.... Doctor uncle said...any....time....' and I kept hand on my chest.

I went closer to dad who was now breathing irregularly...

'My baby...I hope you have finally agreed to fulfill my last wish...Sattu is a good man Shravu....' I began crying...

'Sattu' dad called Satyendra closeby and held his hand.

'Uncle please lie down' Satyendra comforted dad while I sobbed more...

'Sattu I want to see my Shravu married again...I'm dying Sattu...my daughter will be lonely'

'Dad I won't... don't say that' I cried on his chest...

'Sattu marry her....now'

Dad broke another bomb and our eyes widened in shock 😳

'But uncle'

'Please Sattu and Shravu I didn't want to do this but....

'Tujhe meri kasam he beta (You have my swear)'

And we both were clueless!!! Helpless!!!

In no time our village temple priest was been invited home and even marriage registrar who was dad's friend was brought home.

Priest tied knots of my dupatta and Satyendra's silk shawl which was placed by Gogi on his shoulder.

Soon we were made to take wedding vows round the fire pit and before I could even analyse my forehead was filled with vermillion again!!!

This time by Satyendra Mehra!!!

And a nuptial chain was tied against my neck while my teary eyes met his emotionless ones!!!

Satyendra's friend Vasuki and Gogi signed as eye witness and...

Now...

I was ....

Dr Shravani Satyendra Mehra !!!

Satyendra's POV:

'I will fulfill the duties and rights Pandit ji' I began sitting to do all the rituals for last rites...

Sumit uncle breathed his last few hours after our marriage.

Shravani was broken... thankfully Shonali and Chetana were here. My sister Ritika had also come down. We all were childhood friends. They were hugging Shravani tightly but Shravani relaxed the most when a couple Anita and Rohit who seemed to be Shravani's close knit now came down to comfort her.

Rohit was a humble gentleman who helped us in everything. Once the last rites completed Rohit and Anita had to leave while Rohit took me aside and told me about Shravani's depression, her attacks and her anniversary reaction which she recently faced.

'She is cured Satyendra...but her wounds are too deep...she loved Varun a lot .. Its...it's never easy to forget someone whom you loved right' he said and I looked elsewhere...

'Yes Dr Rohit...I ...I understand...don't worry I'll take care of her'

'If possible... don't let her stay here...'

'No... anyways I stay in an apartment... It's best to commute and nearest to Shravani's new workplace...don't worry... and she's stayed there before...my sister and our childhood friends are still staying there and nearby... she will be fine!!!' I assured him and he hugged me...

'Keep her happy Satyendra...Vani is like my sister.. she's gone through a lot' he said...

And I nodded.

They both left and I returned home.

I saw Shravani had slept on the couch in living room holding her dad's shawl and I didn't want to disturb her.

I looked at Shonali and asked her...

'She ate Shona?'

'Just juice...you know her Sattu...it's not easy'

I nodded.

They left. Ritika stayed back with us and slept in the guest room. I didn't feel like sleeping in Shravani's room. It was awkward...

So I preferred to take the lazy chair in the living room.

I switched off the lights leaving a few night lamps and rested my head upon the lazy chair...

Looking at her baby like sleeping face I began thinking on what next. I married her without a second thought but she was 💯 against this marriage!!!
She will never accept this marriage even for a formality!!! I must talk to her soon.

Shravani's POV:

I woke up with a bad headache and saw everything looked cleared up. Rithika was helping Vijay Kaka set up the breakfast table. Rubi mumma was caressing my hair. Gogi wished me a good morning and left to college.

It's like overnight things came under control or was I dreaming???

But Dad's photograph now having a sandalwood garland brought me back to the harsh reality.

'Kanna go freshen up...I have packed your bags again'

And I looked at Rubi mumma asking...
'Where are we going Mumma leaving dad's home?'

While I heard a rough manly voice from behind...

'Your home!!! Our....our home!!!'

And I turned around to see Satyendra standing there with a bunch of files.

I stood up in one go and walked towards him...

'Im not coming anywhere!!! Dad is no more ... now there is no point in continuing this drama' I said in one go

He looked at Rithika and like she understood...
I saw Rithika and Vijay Kaka leave the space and Rubi mumma went along with them to the kitchen.

The living room now had just him and me!!!

I could see his burning gaze!!!

Stepping closer to me he said...

'Two nights back what happened can be a joke for you!!!
Not for me!!!
Everything is legal!!!
Documented!!!
You are my legally wedded wife!
And...I'm not going to let you go!!!'

I was hell angry now!!!

'Excuse me??? What will you do??? Force me???' I asked taking another step closer to him!!!

What does he think!!! He cannot scare me!!!

'If needed...I wouldn't think twice!!! I'm a beast Mrs Shravani Satyendra Sharma... don't trust my words? Try me' he said and now we were breathing angrily into each other's face!!!

'I will apply a divorce! By hook or crook this shit ends!!!' I yelled on top of my voice...

While he pulled me by my forearms and made me sit on the dining chair...

Banged a file on the table!!!

'Your father's will papers!!!
Clearly states!!!
You have to live with me 6 months minimum!!!
Without that...if either one of us divorces each other!!! Then the property will be donated to Oberoi constructions!!! Not even sold!!!
Do you understand the meaning of that???
Overnight thousands of people will be homeless, jobless!
And I'm not letting that happen!
So you have to tolerate me Mrs Sharma!!!
Atleast for 6 months!
In same house as husband & wife!!!
And I'm not letting you take divorce by hook or by crook!!!' he challenged me

And I stood up in one go and looked at his face...
'I don't want the property!!!' I yelled...

He bent closer to my face ..caging me via the chair...his hot breath was hitting my lips now and I was shivering...

'Who cares you want it or not...my people want it...and till Satyendra Sharma is alive I will not let my people go homeless for a silly girl's ego!!!
Like it don't like it
You have to tolerate me Doctor!!!
If you won't!
I promise you...I will make sure I will demolish this house!!!'

And I was shocked 😳

'Yes...your father has written this house Khanna Mansion on my name!
I can do anything with it!!!'

'You bloody!!! You dare not!!!' I screamed pulling his collar...

Sudden realisation dawned upon me that our lips were inches away...

My lips were quivering...I could see his eyes gazing my eyes and lips!!!

I swallowed nervously...

Slowly tugging a hair strand behind my ear he said...

'You don't have a choice Doctor!!! Either see this house being demolished

Or

Shift with me to Purvi Apartments!!!' he said and my head snapped in the direction up to again meet his gaze 😳

'Pur. ...Purvi Apartments???' my throat dried up...

'Where else??? I hope you don't have that bad of a memory Doctor!!! After all we... spent our childhood.....
.
.
.
.
Together!!!' he said while still gazing my lips!!!

I was shivering...

In one go he got up standing straight... collected all the papers and called out loud...

'Rithika...please feed your bhabhi... And ask her to get ready...

We are going back to our home!!!' saying he walked out of the house...

And I sat there frozen ...

Purvi Apartments!!! The apartment where I spent my childhood...

The apartment where I made my gang...

Shonali, Chetana, Nivedita, Ritika, Rishika, Gogi, Danish....
.
.
.
.
.
And....

Satyendra!!!

Or shall I say Sattu!!!

It was like I'm going 12 years back now!!!