1400+ Words

Manzil mushkil thi,
par hum khoye nhi,...
dard tha dil mein
par hum roye nahi...
koi nhi yahan hamara,
Jo humse pucha;
Jaag rahe ho kisi ke liye;
Ya fir kisi ke liye soye nahi

-------------------------------------

Author's pov:

As the family conversation shifted towards Anshika's request to return to the office, Ashwin seized the opportunity to broach a similar subject. Turning to Dadu with a tentative expression, he spoke up, "Dadu, can I go to the office as well.. I have many and many much pending left and I literally can't leave my office now by it's own ?"

Dadu, with a knowing smile, responded gently, "Ashwin, my boy, I believe it's important for you to spend some time with Anshika right now. After all, you two have just begun this journey together." His words carried a sense of wisdom, urging Ashwin to prioritize his relationship with his new wife.

Anshika gently reassured her grandfather, Dadu, with a calm and steady voice. "It's okay, Dadu. Ashwin can go to the office if he needs to. I'll be fine on my own."

Ashwin, grateful for Anshika's understanding, nodded in agreement. "See, she's okay with it."

Anshika, with a reassuring smile, added, "Yes, Ashwin. We have plenty of time to spend together. Besides, I have some work to catch up on as well."

Dadu, visibly relieved, gave a nod of approval. "Very well then. If Anshika says it's okay, Ashwin, you may go."

With a warm smile, Anshika turned to Ashwin. "We'll make the most of our time together later."

Ashwin, feeling a mix of relief and unease, said his goodbyes. "Alright, bye Dadu, Dadi, Mumma, Papa, and Anshika."

As Ashwin prepared to leave, Viyaan, adjusting his tie and readying himself for the day, couldn't resist a bit of teasing. "Hey, Bhai, remember how you said goodbye to Bhabhi just now? You looked like you were saying goodbye for the first time!"

Ashwin, caught off guard by his brother's playful comment, felt a hint of embarrassment creep in. He retorted, trying to mask his irritation. "Oh, come on, Viyaan. I'm done with all this. It's not like I'm used to saying goodbye to my wife every day."

Viyaan, with a mischievous grin, pressed on. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But you were hesitating like you were leaving for a month-long trip, not just for a day at the office!"

Despite Ashwin's attempt to brush off the teasing, Viyaan's playful nature continued to shine through. "Anyway, have fun at work, Mr. Newlywed! Don't forget to text Bhabhi every five minutes to let her know you miss her!"

With a wink and a chuckle, Viyaan headed out the door, leaving Ashwin with a mixture of frustration and amusement. As Ashwin watched Viyaan disappear down the hallway, he hastily checked his watch.

"Viyaan, you've got just a few minutes," Ashwin called out, his tone a mix of seriousness and irritation. "If you don't make it to the office on time, you'll be in big trouble. You know the rules—you won't be allowed back in the house tonight."

Viyaan, sensing the urgency in Ashwin's voice, kicked his pace into high gear. His movements became frantic as he gathered his belongings. "Got it, Bhai! I'm on it. No need to worry."

With determined focus, Viyaan swiftly completed his preparations, his sense of urgency matching Ashwin's as they both rushed out the door. As they climbed into their respective cars and sped off towards the office, the race against time had begun, with both brothers determined to reach their destination before the clock ran out.

At office...

In the bustling atmosphere of the office, Ashwin strode in with purpose, his presence commanding the attention of those around him. As his colleagues greeted him with warm smiles and nods of acknowledgment, Ashwin, immersed in his thoughts, continued on his path without so much as a glance in their direction.

Undeterred by Ashwin's aloof demeanor, the office hummed with activity as employees carried out their tasks with diligence. Meanwhile, Ashwin made his way to his office, where his loyal PA, Rohan, awaited him.

With a brisk nod, Ashwin summoned Rohan, indicating his readiness to delve into the day's agenda and meetings.

With a brisk nod, Ashwin summoned Rohan. "Rohan, I need the schedule for today's meetings and any urgent matters that require my attention. Let's get started."

Rohan, accustomed to Ashwin's no-nonsense approach, swiftly provided the necessary documents and updates. As Ashwin delved into his work, his focus was unwavering, and the office buzzed with efficiency—a testament to his leadership and dedication.

Amidst the flurry of tasks, Rohan approached Ashwin with a sense of urgency. "Sir, I regret to inform you that there's an urgent meeting in London that requires your presence."

Ashwin, his attention momentarily drawn from his work, looked up with a furrowed brow. "London? That's unexpected. How soon do we need to be there?"

Rohan replied promptly, "The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, sir. We need to finalize the arrangements and ensure everything is in order for your departure."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Ashwin nodded. "Very well, Rohan. Make the necessary arrangements for my trip to London. I'll need a detailed briefing on the agenda and any relevant documents before we depart."

With a sense of purpose, Ashwin turned his focus to the impending trip, determined to address it with the same dedication he applied to all aspects of his work. As Rohan hurried off to make the arrangements, Ashwin delved back into his tasks, resolute to ensure everything was in order.

After a moment, Ashwin's gaze grew colder as he inquired, "Is Viyaan at the office?"

Rohan, intimidated by Ashwin's icy demeanor, shook his head. "No, sir. I haven't seen him yet."

Without another word, Ashwin dismissed Rohan with a flick of his hand and dialed Viyaan's number, his voice devoid of warmth.

Viyaan answered, sounding curious. "Hey, Bhai. What's going on?"

Ashwin cut to the chase. "Where are you right now?"

Viyaan hesitated. "I'm just a few kilometers away from the office. Why do you ask?"

Ashwin outlined the urgency of the situation with clinical detachment. "There's an important meeting in London that requires my immediate attention, so I have to leave tomorrow. I need you back at the office now."

Viyaan's concern was met with Ashwin's impassive tone. "Bhai, is this trip really necessary? You just got married, and leaving so soon..."

Ashwin remained unmoved, his voice as cold as ever. "Some things take precedence over personal matters. I was asked to marry, not to follow rules. I won't compromise my business. I expect you back at the office immediately."

With that, Ashwin ended the call, leaving Viyaan to rush into Ashwin's office. The room was charged with tension as Viyaan found his brother seated behind his desk, exuding an air of unyielding resolve.

Ashwin's gaze was piercing and unforgiving. "What delayed you, Viyaan?"

Viyaan swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his brother's stare. "Apologies, Bhai. I encountered an unexpected delay on the way."

Ashwin's expression remained unreadable. "Speak, Viyaan. What is it that you wish to discuss?"

Viyaan took a deep breath, steeling himself for the confrontation. "Bhai, it's about the trip to London. I understand the importance of the meeting, but..."

Before Viyaan could continue, Ashwin's voice cut through the air with sharp authority. "But what, Viyaan? Spit it out."

Viyaan, sensing the gravity of the situation, pressed on carefully. "Bhai, is it wise for you to leave so soon after your marriage? Shouldn't you be here with Bhabhi?"

Ashwin's eyes narrowed, a steely glint in them. "My personal life is not up for discussion, Viyaan. I've made my decision, and I expect you to respect it."

Viyaan, bristling at the dismissive tone, countered, "But what about Bhabhi? She's your wife. Shouldn't you be there for her?"

Ashwin's jaw tightened, his temper flaring. "Anshika knew what she was signing up for when she married me. I don't need you or anyone else questioning my choices."

Viyaan recoiled, his heart sinking. "Bhai, I'm just worried about you. You've been distant lately, and..."

For a brief moment, Ashwin's expression softened, a flicker of regret passing over his features before he regained his composure. "I appreciate your concern, Viyaan. But this is something I must do. For the family, for the business...for everything."

Viyaan, his resolve crumbling, asked with uncertainty, "Bhai, what exactly do you want me to do?"

Ashwin's gaze remained steely as he replied, "I need you to help me handle Dadu. Convince him that my presence here is not necessary, that I must leave for London tomorrow."

Viyaan, resigned, nodded. "Very well, Bhai. I will do as you ask."

With that, Viyaan turned to leave, the weight of their conversation heavy on his shoulders. As the door closed behind him, Ashwin sank back into his chair.