2360+ Words

Ujadi hui duniya ko tu
Abaad na kar,
behti hue lamho ko tu
yaad na kr,
ek qaid parinde ka hai
tumse yahi kehna
Mai bhool chuki hu 
udna...
Mujhe aazad na kar

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

Author's pov:

Viyaan approached Ashwin with a heavy heart, relaying the disappointing news from Dadu. Ashwin's frustration simmered beneath the surface, his jaw clenching as he absorbed the reality of the situation.

Viyaan: "Bhai, I'm sorry, but Dadu denied the request. He's adamant that you stay here."

The news hit Ashwin like a sledgehammer to the chest, leaving him reeling with disbelief and frustration. Viyaan's hesitant words hung in the air, the weight of Dadu's denial bearing down on them both like an oppressive force.

Viyaan's expression mirrored Ashwin's inner turmoil, a mixture of sympathy and helplessness etched across his features as he relayed the unwelcome news. Ashwin's mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions, each one more turbulent than the last.

As Viyaan left his side, Ashwin felt a surge of anger coursing through his veins, fueled by the injustice of it all. Without a second thought, he made a beeline for Dadu's study, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridors like thunderclaps.

With each step, Ashwin's resolve hardened, his mind consumed by a singular purpose: to confront Dadu and demand answers. As he reached the door to Dadu's study, he hesitated for a moment, steeling himself for the confrontation that lay ahead.

Without bothering to knock, Ashwin barged into the room, his demeanor tense and confrontational. Dadu looked up from his desk, his expression unreadable as Ashwin unleashed his pent-up frustration with blistering intensity.

"Dadu, do you even care about anything other than your own selfish desires?" Ashwin's voice cracked with raw emotion, his words dripping with bitterness and resentment. "I got married for the sake of this family, for the sake of this business, and what do I get in return? Nothing but disregard and disrespect!"

Dadu listened in silence, his face a mask of stoicism as Ashwin's tirade continued unabated. With each word, Ashwin's anger grew, his voice rising to a crescendo of frustration and indignation.

"I've sacrificed everything for this family, for your happiness," Ashwin spat, his voice trembling with suppressed fury. "And what do I get in return? Nothing but rejection and indifference! Well, I've had enough!"

His words echoed off the walls of the study, the tension in the room palpable as Ashwin made his grievances known. Dadu remained silent, his gaze fixed on Ashwin with a mix of sadness and anger.

But Ashwin was undeterred, his resolve unshakeable as he made his intentions clear.

"I'm leaving for London tomorrow, Dadu, whether you approve or not," Ashwin declared defiantly, his voice ringing with determination. "Nothing will stand in my way."

With that final proclamation, Ashwin turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, leaving behind a stunned silence in his wake. The weight of his decision hung heavy on his shoulders as he made his way back to his room, the echoes of his confrontation with Dadu reverberating in his mind.

As he began to pack his belongings in preparation for his departure, Ashwin felt a sense of liberation wash over him. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he felt free from the shackles of duty and obligation, ready to forge his own path on his own terms.

Anshika stood at a distance, her heart heavy with the weight of the conversation echoing through the halls. She had never seen Ashwin in such a state of anger and frustration before, and it struck her deeply. As she listened to his words, each one dripping with resentment and disappointment, she couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for him.

The intensity of Ashwin's outburst was palpable, reverberating through the corridors of the mansion. Anshika could sense the raw emotion behind his words, the years of suppressed frustration and sacrifice finally boiling over into a torrent of anger.

Anshika never knew that she was the one behind this sadness. 

Anshika took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. She knew that what she was about to say would be difficult, but it was necessary. With determination in her eyes, she approached Dadu, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging within her.

"Dadu," she began, her tone gentle yet resolute, "I understand how hard it is for Ashwin to balance his responsibilities to the family and to himself. As a businesswoman myself, I know the weight of those burdens all too well."

Dadu listened quietly, his expression a mixture of curiosity and concern. Anshika continued, her words measured yet sincere.

"I don't want Ashwin to feel trapped or obligated to be with me if it's not what he truly wants. I care about him deeply, and I want him to be happy, even if that means not being with me."

There was a moment of silence as Dadu absorbed Anshika's words, his gaze softening with understanding. He could see the sincerity in her eyes, the genuine concern for Ashwin's well-being shining through.

"I appreciate your honesty, beta," Dadu finally responded, his voice tinged with sadness. "It's clear that you care deeply for Ashwin, and I respect that. I won't force him to be with you if it's not what he desires."

Anshika nodded, relieved yet saddened by the conversation. She knew that letting go of her own desires for the sake of Ashwin's happiness would be a challenge, but it was a sacrifice she was willing to make.

"Thank you, Dadu," she said softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I just want what's best for Ashwin, whatever that may be."

Dadu reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Anshika's shoulder, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and understanding.

"We all want what's best for him, beta," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "And I believe that in time, everything will fall into place. Until then, let's support him in any way we can."

With a nod of agreement, Anshika and Dadu shared a moment of quiet understanding

......

As Anshika left, Dadu decided to pay a visit to Ashwin's room to convey the news personally. He gently knocked on the door, waiting for a response before entering.

"May I come in, Ashwin?" Dadu called out, his voice warm and inviting.

Ashwin, who had been lost in thought, was brought back to the present by Dadu's voice. He quickly composed himself before replying, "Yes, Dadu. Please come in."

Dadu entered the room, his presence bringing with it an air of calm and reassurance. He took a seat opposite Ashwin, who regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

"I just wanted to let you know, Ashwin, that you have my permission to go to London," Dadu said, his tone gentle yet firm. "I've thought it over, and I believe it's the right decision for you."

Ashwin's eyes widened in surprise at Dadu's words. He had expected a longer discussion, perhaps even some resistance to his plans, but Dadu's acceptance caught him off guard.

"Thank you, Dadu," Ashwin said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I appreciate your understanding."

Dadu nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You're welcome, beta. I trust that you'll represent our family well in London."

"Thank you, Dadu," Ashwin said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I'm sorry for my behavior earlier. I didn't mean to upset anyone."

Dadu waved off his apology with a reassuring smile. "No need to apologize, beta," he said kindly. "We all have our moments of frustration. What's important is that we learn from them and move forward."

Curiosity tugged at Ashwin's mind as he looked at Dadu, a question burning on his lips. "Dadu, why the sudden change of heart? Why did you decide to let me go?"

Dadu's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with affection. "It was because of Anshika," he confessed.

Ashwin's brows furrowed in confusion. "Anshika? But why?"

Dadu chuckled softly, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Because she cares about you, Ashwin. More than you realize. She came to me and asked me not to force you into anything you didn't want. She wants you to be happy, and she understands the weight of your responsibilities."

Ashwin's reaction was more subdued than Dadu had anticipated as he mentioned Anshika's involvement in the decision. There was a flicker of acknowledgment in Ashwin's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a mask of indifference. He nodded slightly, his expression guarded, as if he were trying to keep his emotions in check.

Dadu noticed the subtle shift in Ashwin's demeanor and furrowed his brow in concern. He could sense that there was more going on beneath the surface, something that Ashwin wasn't willing to reveal just yet.

"Is everything alright, beta?" Dadu asked gently, his tone laced with concern.

Ashwin's response was a curt nod, accompanied by a forced smile. "Yes, Dadu. Everything's fine. I appreciate your understanding."

Dadu regarded him for a moment longer, a hint of skepticism lingering in his gaze. He knew that there was more to the story than Ashwin was letting on, but he also respected his grandson's privacy enough not to press the issue further.

"Alright then," Dadu said finally, though his eyes still held a trace of uncertainty. "Just remember, Ashwin, if there's ever anything on your mind, you can always come to me."

"Is there anything else you need from me, Dadu?" Ashwin asked, eager to make the most of this opportunity.

Dadu shook his head. "No, Ashwin. You have my blessing. Just make sure to pack everything you need and be ready to leave tomorrow morning."

Ashwin nodded in response, though his mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with thoughts of Anshika and the unexpected role she had played in shaping his future. Despite his efforts to remain detached, he couldn't shake the feeling that she had somehow managed to break through the walls he had erected around his heart.

As Dadu left him to his thoughts, Ashwin's mind buzzed with questions and emotions, But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the task at hand: preparing for his journey to London and the uncertain future that awaited him there.

....

Ashwin stood in the doorway, his gaze fixed on Anshika as she sat reading a book in his room. The question burned on his lips, and he couldn't resist the urge to ask.

"Why did you take my side, to get close to meh ehh?" Ashwin's voice held a hint of eagerness, his curiosity piqued by her unexpected support.

Anshika looked up from her book, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, Ashwin," she chuckled, her laughter light and carefree. "Do you really think I took your side to get close to you?"

Ashwin's brows furrowed in confusion, his mind racing to comprehend her words. "Then why?" he pressed, his tone laced with curiosity.

Anshika shrugged nonchalantly, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Because it was the right thing to do," she replied simply. "I may not be interested in getting close to you, but that doesn't mean I'll stand by and watch you struggle alone."

Ashwin's eyes widened in surprise at her candid response. He had expected her to evade the question or offer some vague explanation, but her honesty caught him off guard.

"You didn't forget that we're couples outside, did you?" Anshika teased, her tone light and teasing. "But inside? Well, let's just say there's nothing there for me to forget."

Ashwin felt a pang because of her words then came in senses and knew that those were his words only.

"I see," he murmured, his gaze dropping to the floor as he processed her words. "Thank you"

Those words came outside itself from ashwin's mouth! He himself was shocked and then anshika said "what?" eagerly waiting for ashwin to say that again.

Ashwin didn't said anything and just looked outside the balcony.

Anshika stood up and started resisting her view and stood in front of ashwin's eye.

Ashwin laughed "I still can see outside you shortie"

The room fell into a momentary silence as Ashwin playfully teased Anshika, calling her "shortie" with a mischievous grin. Anshika, not one to back down from a challenge, retaliated in the most unexpected way.

With a swift movement, Anshika reached out and pinched Ashwin's nipples, catching him completely off guard. Ashwin's eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of shock and disbelief crossing his features as he let out a startled yelp.

"Ouch!" Ashwin exclaimed, his voice tinged with both pain and amusement. He recoiled slightly, instinctively trying to shield himself from any further pinches.

Anshika couldn't help but burst into laughter at Ashwin's reaction, her amusement bubbling over as she watched him squirm. "That's for calling me 'shortie'," she quipped, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Ashwin couldn't help but chuckle despite the discomfort, his surprise quickly giving way to amusement at the unexpected turn of events. "If I do the same?," he conceded, rubbing his nipples lightly to soothe the lingering sting.

Anshika's eyes widened in mock horror at Ashwin's playful threat, her hand instinctively flying to her chest as if to protect herself. The laughter bubbling in her throat turned into a delighted gasp, her surprise mingling with amusement at Ashwin's bold response.

"Dare You do that!" Anshika echoed, her voice laced with feigned innocence as she met Ashwin's gaze. "Oh, Ashwin, you wouldn't dare."

With a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, Anshika raised an eyebrow in challenge, daring Ashwin to follow through on his playful threat. The air crackled with anticipation as they locked gazes, a silent challenge passing between them.

Ashwin's lips curled into a sly grin, a spark of mischief dancing in his eyes as he considered Anshika's challenge. For a moment, the room was filled with the unspoken tension of their playful exchange, each daring the other to make the next move.

But then, with a dramatic flourish, Ashwin shook his head, his grin widening into a smirk. "I suppose you're right," he conceded, his tone teasing. "I wouldn't dare."

Anshika let out a playful sigh of relief, her hand dropping from her chest as she relaxed into a fit of laughter. The tension dissolved, replaced by the easy camaraderie that defined their relationship, a reminder of the playful banter that bound them together.