2700+ words

tum kya jaano apne aap se
 kitna mai sharminda hu
chhut gaya hai saath tumhara
 aur abhi tak zinda hu

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Ashwin's pov:

As I sat at the breakfast table, mechanically spooning food into my mouth, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled over me. Anshika's presence nearby was a constant reminder of the reality I couldn't escape, no matter how hard I tried to ignore it.

When Bua's sharp words cut through the air, aimed squarely at Anshika, I felt a surge of anger rising within me. Despite my own reservations and doubts, I couldn't stand by and watch as my wife was belittled and demeaned. It didn't matter that our relationship was far from ideal, or that I harbored my own conflicted feelings towards her. She was still my wife, and she deserved to be treated with respect.

With a firmness I didn't know I possessed, I spoke up, silencing Bua's taunts with a single command. "Enough, Bua," I said, my voice carrying a weight that surprised even me. In that moment, I realized that despite everything, I couldn't stand idly by while Anshika was subjected to such treatment.

As I looked at Anshika, I could see the tension in her posture, the hurt in her eyes. Despite our strained relationship, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt at the sight. It wasn't fair that she should bear the brunt of my family's judgment, especially when she had done nothing to deserve it.

Turning towards her, I mustered a smile, albeit a strained one, and bid her goodbye. Despite the tumult of emotions swirling inside me, I couldn't deny the pang of regret that accompanied her departure.

As Anshika left, a heavy silence settled over the room, broken only by the clinking of utensils against plates.

When Dadu called out Bua for her constant taunting of Anshika, I felt a flicker of hope ignite within me. Finally, someone was speaking up against the injustice that had been plaguing our household ever since Anshika's arrival. Dadu's words were a balm to my frayed nerves, a reassurance that I wasn't alone in my conviction that Anshika deserved better treatment.

As Bua's ego clashed with Dadu's firm stance, I could see the tension mounting in the air. It was clear that she wasn't accustomed to being challenged, especially not by someone as revered as Dadu. But instead of backing down, Dadu held his ground, his unwavering resolve a testament to his commitment to justice and fairness.

When Bua finally stormed out of the room, her parting words echoed in the silence that followed. "Anshika just came and stole you from me," she spat, her tone laced with bitterness and resentment. But despite her attempts to sow discord, I couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation wash over me.

For too long, I had allowed myself to be swayed by Bua's manipulations and prejudices. But now, in the face of Dadu's unwavering support for Anshika, I realized that I no longer needed to placate her at the expense of my wife's dignity and self-respect. It was time to break free from the chains of Bua's influence and forge a new path forward, one where Anshika and I could ease the complexities of our relationship on our own terms.

As Dadu's gaze met mine across the table, I saw a glimmer of pride in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the courage it had taken to defy Bua's tyranny. In that moment, I knew that I had made the right decision, not just for myself, but for the woman who had become an unexpected beacon of light in the darkness of my family. 

Anshika, my wife by name but still a stranger in many ways, deserved better than the constant barrage of criticism from Bua. It pained me to see her subjected to such treatment, especially in the confines of our own home. Though I couldn't claim to harbor any deep affection for Anshika, a sense of duty compelled me to stand up for her, to shield her from the barbs of those who sought to undermine her..

She left her home just because of this marriage and it is my responsibility to mind that others are respecting her and her values. 

Even if she could have said back to bua! after all this but bua will never get that in her mind! she had always been like this with everyone but this time it's necessary to stop all this!

....

After the tumultuous breakfast and the departure of Bua, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. With Dadu's intervention and the acknowledgment of Anshika's worth, a sense of relief flooded through me. However, there was little time to dwell on these thoughts as the impending journey demanded my attention.

Hurrying to my room, I wasted no time in preparing for my flight. The urgency of the situation spurred me into action, each movement fueled by a sense of determination. Stripping off my breakfast-stained attire, I stepped into the confines of the bathroom, the cool tiles soothing against my skin.

Turning on the shower, I let the water cascade over me, washing away the remnants of the morning's turmoil. The steady stream provided a momentary respite from the chaos of the day, offering a brief reprieve from the weight of my responsibilities.

As the water enveloped me, I closed my eyes, allowing myself a moment of solitude amidst the chaos. Thoughts of Anshika lingered at the periphery of my mind, her presence a constant reminder of the complexities of our relationship. 

With a resigned sigh, I pushed aside these thoughts, focusing instead on the task at hand. Time was of the essence, and I couldn't afford to be distracted by sentimental musings. Stepping out of the shower, I quickly dried myself off before donning fresh clothes, the fabric crisp against my skin.

As I entered the room, my eyes fell upon a small note lying on the table. Instantly recognizing Anshika's handwriting as I saw that before while anshika was sleeping after writing some important work, I felt a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. With a sense of trepidation, I reached out and picked up the note, unfolding it carefully to reveal its contents.

As I read her words, a pang of guilt washed over me. Anshika's apology for leaving before my departure struck a chord within me, reminding me of the strain our relationship had endured in recent days. Her admission of discomfort in the face of Bua's taunts only served to deepen my sense of regret, highlighting the impact of my family's actions on her well-being.

"Hey there, Mr. Business Tycoon Extraordinaire,

 I couldn't resist leaving you a little note before you jet off on your business trip. Sorry I couldn't stick around to bid you farewell in person. Bua's constant taunts were like nails on a chalkboard, you know how it is!

So, it looks like you're off on another whirlwind adventure, leaving me to hold down the fort with the resident Buazilla. Lucky me, right? But hey, absence makes the heart grow fonder, or so they say I know that won't happen in our case.

 Who knows, maybe by the time you get back, I'll have even grown fond of her constant nagging. (Just kidding, that's never going to happen! or I will try to make it happen))

 Maybe by the time you return, I'll have mastered the art of dodging her snarky comments like a ninja. (Watch out, I might even earn myself a black belt in Bua-defense!)

Anyway, as you embark on this journey to conquer the corporate world once again, I wanted to send you off with a few words of encouragement. You've got this, Ashwin! I've seen you work your magic in the boardroom, and let's face it, you're pretty darn impressive. Just remember to flash that winning smile, charm everyone in sight, and seal those deals like the pro you are.

As you gear up to conquer the corporate world once again, just remember to pack your secret weapon: your charming smile and that irresistible charisma. Seriously, Ashwin, I've seen you work a room like nobody's business, and let's face it, you've got more charm than a roomful of Casanovas. Just promise me you won't let it go to your head. (Well, not too much, anyway!)

Oh, and speaking of packing, don't forget your lucky socks. You know, the ones with the holes that you refuse to throw away because they've brought you more luck than a four-leaf clover? Yeah, those ones. And please, for the love of all things hygienic, remember to bring your toothbrush this time. I don't want to hear any excuses about 'accidentally' leaving it behind. Trust me, hotel shampoo does not double as toothpaste. I speak from experience.

In all seriousness, Ashwin, I know you're going to rock it out there. You always do. But just in case you need a little extra luck, I'll be sending positive vibes your way faster than you can say 'business deal.' And who knows, maybe this time apart will make us appreciate each other's quirks a little more. Or not. We'll see!

Take care of yourself, stay focused, and remember to have a little fun amidst all the boardroom shenanigans. And when you come back, be prepared for the triumphant return of the unstoppable duo: Ashwin and Anshika Singhania, ready to take on the world, one deal at a time!

Safe travels, my ambitious husband. I'll be counting down the days until your return, armed with a barrage of terrible puns and cheesy jokes to welcome you back with open arms.  I'll be eagerly awaiting your return, ready to hear all about your adventures.

Until then, go show 'em what you're made of!

With all my love and a sprinkle of mischief,
Your Partner-in-Crime,
Anshika"

Despite the somber tone of her message, Anshika's words of encouragement brought a flicker of warmth to my heart. Her genuine wishes for my success on the business trip served as a reminder of the unwavering support she offered, even in the midst of our turbulent relationship. Her playful teasing, though lighthearted in nature.

With a heavy sigh, I folded the note and tucked it into my pocket, carrying Anshika's words with me as a silent reminder of the complexities of our relationship.

"But how can someone write such a huge letter! She don't actually talks much and she wrote this much woah- kind of unexpected but still she is my wife-" I stopped and tried to come in my senses.

"Dude what's wrong with my damn mind? Why am I always thinking about her? I know she is immature and cute and loving and carin-" 

"Stop it already ashwin" I murmurred to myself

"That's just a note! read the line again" 

"absence makes the heart grow fonder, or so they say I know that won't happen in our case.... " and that's somewhat true! of course! 

...

As I hurriedly glanced at my watch, a twinge of panic shot through me. It was already 8:00 AM, and I was running late for my flight. Hastily grabbing my essentials, I dashed out of the house, almost colliding with Viyaan in the process.

"Viyaan, can you drop me off at the airport? I'm running late," I blurted out, my voice betraying a hint of urgency.

Viyaan nodded in his usual easygoing manner, grabbing his keys as he headed for the door. As we settled into the car, Viyaan couldn't resist teasing me about something. His mischievous grin hinted that he was up to something.

"What's with that dreamy expression, bro? Been thinking about someone special?" Viyaan quipped, his tone laced with playful curiosity.

I felt the heat rising to my cheeks, a rare occurrence for me. "N-no, it's nothing like that," I stammered, attempting to brush off his teasing.

But Viyaan wasn't one to let things slide easily. He persisted, nudging me with a knowing smirk. "Come on, spill the beans. Is there a secret admirer we don't know about?"

I chuckled nervously, feeling somewhat exposed under Viyaan's teasing scrutiny. "Seriously, Viyaan, it's not what you think. Let's just focus on getting to the airport on time," I deflected, hoping to steer the conversation away from my newfound flustered state.

Viyaan's laughter filled the car, his teasing unabated. "Alright, alright, I won't press further... for now," he teased, winking conspiratorially.

I shot him a mock glare, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Despite my attempts to appear nonchalant, I couldn't deny the flutter of anticipation in my chest. There was something undeniably exhilarating about the prospect of what lay ahead, even if I wasn't quite ready to admit it to myself.

As Viyaan maneuvered through the bustling streets, my mind drifted to the events of the past few days..

But as much as I tried to push aside these thoughts, they lingered in the recesses of my mind, surfacing whenever I least expected. Anshika's graceful presence, her quick wit, and the subtle teasing glances we shared... they all served as a constant reminder of the complexity of our relationship.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the passing scenery as we neared the airport. Viyaan's voice broke through my reverie, bringing me back to the present moment.

"We're here, bro. Try not to miss your flight this time," Viyaan jested, his tone light-hearted as he parked the car.

I offered him a wry smile, grateful for his presence amidst the chaos of my thoughts. "Thanks, Viyaan. I owe you one," I replied, stepping out of the car and grabbing my luggage.

As I made my way through the bustling airport, the weight of anticipation hung heavy in the air. Each step brought me closer to a new chapter, one filled with uncertainty and possibility.

Finally reaching the departure gate, I took a moment to collect myself before boarding the plane. As I settled into my seat, the hum of the engines drowned out the noise of the world outside, enveloping me in a cocoon of solitude.

With a deep breath, I closed my eyes. As the plane took off, I opened my laptop and started doing some work on presentation.

I began poring over the details of the upcoming presentation, my focus squarely on the task at hand.

But as I scrolled through my emails, a headline caught my eye: "Vikram Mehra spotted in Mumbai." My heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. Vikram Mehra was a figure from my past, someone I hadn't seen in years. 

(Well dear readers if you don't know who vikram mehra is have a look over arun and ashwin's conversation in Chapter 2 thank you <3)

Quickly, I pushed aside the initial surge of panic that threatened to engulf me. Mumbai was a vast city, and the likelihood of crossing paths with Vikram in such a bustling metropolis seemed slim. Besides, there was no reason to believe that his presence posed any immediate threat to me or my family. After all he was the one who was spying of course! I just killed his one man! nothing else.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to adopt a rational mindset. "It's alright," I murmured under my breath, repeating the words like a mantra. "He's just in Mumbai, probably for business or some other reason. There's no need to jump to conclusions."

With a concerted effort, I pushed aside the nagging doubts and refocused my attention on the task at hand. There would be plenty of time to address any concerns once I landed in London. For now, I needed to stay focused and ensure that the presentation was polished and ready for the upcoming meeting.

As the hours passed and the plane continued its journey, I buried myself in my work, the steady rhythm of typing serving as a welcome distraction from the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind. With each passing mile, I felt a sense of anticipation building within me, tempered by a lingering sense of unease.

But as the plane finally touched down in London, I made a conscious decision to push aside my apprehensions and focus on the task at hand.

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Heya lovies:

21st Chapter! After 3-5 days I guess :) ...!!!

I guess love is growing between 2 people guyzzzz. I hope you all liked it! give lots of love and support love ya all!...
And something is wrong isn't it?
Well finally a part better than those teasing one I guess
Do give lot's of love guys please! I will appreciate that...!!!

Your little author:
Ashi ;)