Chapter 54: 51. Forgiveness

As Ekansh hung up the call with Samyuktika, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. He was about to gather his things and prepare to head to the hospital when the door swung open, and Rihaan sauntered in, a mischievous grin plastered across his face.

“Hey, Ekansh! What’s got you all smiley?” Rihaan asked, plopping down on the chair opposite him.

Ekansh rolled his eyes, knowing that Rihaan was always ready to poke fun. “Nothing. Just got some good news,” he replied casually, but a glimmer of excitement danced in his eyes.

“Come on, spill it!” Rihaan insisted, leaning forward with curiosity.

“Samyuktika’s Dadi is awake and out of danger,” Ekansh revealed, unable to contain his happiness.

Rihaan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “That’s fantastic! So, you’re going to see her?”

“Yeah, I’m heading to the hospital soon,” Ekansh said, already feeling the rush of anticipation.

“Good call,” Rihaan replied, nodding approvingly. “But you know what? You need to make sure you look gentle and presentable when you meet her. First impressions matter, especially for family!”

Ekansh raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “What do you mean by ‘gentle’? I look fine.”

Rihaan chuckled, shaking his head. “Fine? Please. You might as well be in a board meeting with that shirt and tie. You want her to like you, right? Put on something that shows you’re not just a ruthless businessman.”

Ekansh sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t need to impress her. I just want to be there for Samyuktika.”

“Exactly! And part of that is making sure you’re not a complete workaholic in front of her family,” Rihaan replied, a playful glint in his eye. “Trust me, wear something a bit more casual and approachable. Maybe a nice  ethnic kurta. "

“Fine,” Ekansh relented, a hint of a smile breaking through his stern demeanor. “But if I look ridiculous, I’m blaming you.”

“Deal!” Rihaan laughed, standing up. “Now, hurry up and get ready. I’ll cover for you here if anyone asks.”

As Ekansh rose from his chair, he felt a newfound energy. Rihaan’s playful banter reminded him of the importance of being genuine, especially in front of Samyuktika’s Dadi. He wanted her to see that he cared for her family as much as he cared for her.

With that in mind, he quickly made his way to his wardrobe, searching for something that struck the perfect balance between approachable and presentable.

As Ekansh rummaged through his office wardrobe, frustration began to set in. He had a collection of sharp suits and formal attire, but nothing that would fit the occasion of meeting Samyuktika’s Dadi. He wanted to look respectful and approachable, but all he found were business outfits.

Just then, Rihaan popped his head into the room again, a sly grin on his face. “Need help, my friend?” he asked, already knowing the answer.

Ekansh sighed, tossing aside a blazer in defeat. “I can’t find anything appropriate to wear. I don’t have any ethnic clothes here.”

Rihaan’s eyes lit up with mischief. “Well, lucky for you, I took the liberty of bringing you something!” He stepped into the room fully, holding up a neatly folded kurta pajama. The fabric was a deep shade of blue, and the intricate patterns hinted at tradition without being overly flashy.

Ekansh raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You actually thought of this?”

“Of course! I know you don’t keep any in your office, and I figured you’d want to make a good impression,” Rihaan replied, his tone playful. “Trust me, this will look great on you. Plus, it’s way better than showing up in a suit.”

Ekansh took the kurta pajama from Rihaan, examining it closely. The soft fabric felt nice against his fingers, and he could already picture how it would complement his features. “Alright, I’ll give it a try,” he conceded, feeling a spark of excitement.

“Great! Now go change, and I’ll make sure no one disturbs you,” Rihaan said, practically shooing him toward the adjoining bathroom.

Ekansh chuckled, shaking his head at his friend’s enthusiasm. “You really love playing the stylist, don’t you?”

“Only when it comes to you, buddy. Now hurry up!” Rihaan urged, his grin widening as he leaned against the wall, arms crossed in anticipation.

After a quick change, Ekansh stepped out of the bathroom wearing the kurta pajama. The fabric draped comfortably, and he felt more relaxed and approachable. He glanced in the mirror and was pleasantly surprised at how well it suited him.

“See? I told you!” Rihaan exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with approval. “You look perfect. Now you’re ready to win over Samyuktika’s Dadi.”

“Thanks, Rihaan,” Ekansh said, feeling a mix of gratitude and confidence. “Let’s hope she thinks so too.”

“Let’s get going then! Time to make some memorable first impressions,” Rihaan said, clapping him on the shoulder as they headed toward the door.

As they left the office, Ekansh felt a sense of anticipation building inside him. He was ready to support Samyuktika and her family, dressed to impress and determined to show them the genuine side of himself.

As Ekansh arrived home, he felt a surge of excitement mixed with nervous energy. He entered the living room to find Samyuktika sitting on the couch, her eyes lighting up as she saw him.

“Ekansh!” she exclaimed, momentarily taken aback. “You left in a black suit, and now you’re back in a blue kurta? What’s going on?”

Ekansh chuckled softly, enjoying her surprise. “I actually had some extra clothes in my office. You know, just in case,” he replied, trying to keep his tone casual. “And Rihaan brought me this kurta pajama to wear for your Dadi.”

Samyuktika’s expression softened, a mix of gratitude and intrigue evident on her face. “That was really thoughtful of him. You look... different, but in a good way.”

“Thanks,” he said, feeling a warmth in his chest at her compliment. “I figured it would be better to dress more appropriately when I meet her.”

As she studied him, Samyuktika sensed there was more to the story. “But why would Rihaan go out of his way to bring you a kurta?” she asked, a teasing smile forming on her lips. “What’s the real reason?”

Ekansh smirked, knowing that Rihaan’s intentions were indeed more than just helping him dress well. “Well, let’s just say he has a flair for dramatics,” he replied cryptically, leaving the hidden purpose unspoken.

Samyuktika raised an eyebrow, sensing his playful tone. “Come on, spill it! What else is going on?”

“Trust me, it’s nothing too serious,” Ekansh said, waving her off lightly. “He just thought I’d look better in something traditional. Besides, I can’t help that my friend knows how to make a statement.”

“Sure,” she said, still unconvinced but letting it slide for now. “I just hope you’re not hiding anything embarrassing.”

“I promise, it’s all above board,” he assured her, leaning closer, his voice softening. “The main goal is to support you and your family. I just want to be there for you.”

Samyuktika felt her heart swell at his words. “You’re doing that already, Ekansh. Thank you for coming with me.”

Just then, Naira walked into the room, her expression flustered. “I’m so sorry, Samyuktika! I just got called into an urgent meeting, and I can’t make it to the hospital with you,” she said, looking genuinely apologetic.

“That’s alright,” Samyuktika replied, masking her disappointment. “I understand. You have work.”

“Ekansh will be there with me,” Samyuktika added, glancing at him. “I’m sure he’ll help keep my nerves in check.”

Naira gave Ekansh an appreciative nod. “Thanks for stepping in. Samyuktika needs all the support she can get right now.”

“Don’t mention it,” Ekansh replied, a reassuring smile on his face. “I’ll make sure she’s taken care of.”

As Naira hurried out of the house for her meeting, Samyuktika turned back to Ekansh. “Are you ready to go?”

“Absolutely,” he said, feeling a mix of anticipation and determination. “Let’s go see your Dadi.”

As Ekansh drove through the city, the atmosphere in the car felt thick with anticipation and unspoken emotions. Samyuktika sat quietly in the passenger seat, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her kurta.

“Hey,” Ekansh said gently, glancing at her as he navigated the traffic. “Are you okay?”

Samyuktika sighed, her heart racing. “I’m just feeling a bit overwhelmed,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know how my Dadi will react when she finds out that I’m married... especially to someone like you.”

Ekansh could sense the anxiety radiating from her. “What do you mean, someone like me?” he asked, his brows furrowing slightly.

“Someone from a wealthy family, a businessman,” she said, her voice trembling. “She always had high expectations for me. I can’t help but worry that she’ll be upset, thinking I rushed into things without considering how it would affect the family.”

Ekansh took a moment to process her words. He reached over and gently placed his hand on hers, squeezing it reassuringly. “You don’t have to be afraid of how she’ll react. You’ve always been there for her, and she loves you. Yes, the circumstances may be unexpected, but love is what truly matters, right?”

Samyuktika nodded slowly, appreciating his support but still feeling a lump in her throat. “What if she thinks I’ve betrayed her trust? What if she feels like I didn’t wait long enough to tell her about us?”

“Everyone has their own way of processing change,” Ekansh replied thoughtfully. “Your Dadi might be shocked at first, but I believe she will eventually understand. You’ve got to trust that the love you have for each other will shine through. And remember, I’m here for you.”

Taking a deep breath, Samyuktika looked out the window, watching the familiar sights of the city pass by. She could feel the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her chest. “I just want her to be proud of me,” she murmured.

Ekansh noticed the glimmer of tears in her eyes and felt a pang of empathy for her struggle. “You are her pride, Samyuktika. No matter what happens, she will always see you as her precious granddaughter. Your happiness means everything to her.”

“Do you really think so?” she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

“I know so,” he said firmly, his grip on her hand tightening as if to anchor her in the moment. “And I promise that I will stand by you, no matter how she reacts. We’ll face this together.”

Samyuktika took a deep breath, feeling a little lighter with his words. “Thank you, Ekansh. It means a lot to have you by my side.”

As they approached the hospital, the weight of their journey seemed to lift slightly, replaced by a shared determination to face whatever lay ahead together. They parked the car, and Ekansh turned to her, his expression earnest.

“Are you ready?” he asked softly.

With a small nod, Samyuktika straightened her back, summoning the strength she needed. “I think so. Let’s go meet her.”

Together, they stepped out of the car, ready to embrace the challenges that awaited them inside the hospital.

As they walked toward the hospital, Ekansh’s heart raced, his mind flooded with anxiety. He kept glancing at Samyuktika, who seemed lost in her thoughts. What if her Dadi doesn’t accept me? The fear gripped him, tightening around his chest.

What if she thinks I’m not good enough for her? He felt the weight of his status as a wealthy businessman pressing down on him, making him feel like an outsider. What if she wants Samyuktika to be with someone else? The thought twisted in his stomach.

He caught himself fidgeting with his shirt collar, trying to appear calm. How can I make a good impression? He wanted to show Samyuktika’s Dadi that he truly cared for her granddaughter, but the anxiety clawed at him.

As they approached her Dadi’s room, the reality of the situation hit him hard. What if she disapproves of our marriage? What if she looks at me with disappointment? Each step felt heavier, and he couldn’t shake the doubt from his mind.

Just be yourself, he reminded himself, but the pressure was suffocating. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts as they stepped inside the room. Please let her see how much I love Samyuktika.

As Ekansh entered the hospital room, he was met by the sight of his father, Mahindra, seated beside Samyuktika’s Dadi, who looked fragile but peaceful in her sleep. His stepbrother, Saransh, and stepmother, Nisha, were also present. A wave of mixed emotions washed over him—anger, betrayal, and a flicker of confusion.

Saransh looked up and greeted him with a cheerful, “Hi, Ekansh bhai!” but Ekansh didn’t respond, instead, he turned his gaze away, focusing on the floor as he felt a lump form in his throat. How can I face them right now? The tension in the air was palpable, making it hard for him to breathe.

“Ekansh,” Mahindra said, his voice heavy with regret. “I’m sorry for what I did to Nalini. I know I messed up, and I’m guilty for it.” The sincerity in Mahindra’s voice struck a nerve within him. How can he just say that after everything? Anger surged inside him like a tidal wave.

He felt his heart harden, unwilling to forgive. Yet, as he glanced at Samyuktika, who stood quietly beside him, he noticed the understanding in her eyes. Her presence grounded him. She gently nudged him, whispering, “Mistakes happen, some big and some small. It’s our duty to forgive them.” Her words wrapped around his heart, softening the sharp edges of his resentment.

Taking a deep breath, Ekansh wrestled with his emotions, the conflict between his anger and the desire for peace raging within him. Can I really forgive him?

With a hesitant step forward, he finally found his voice. “I… I forgive you, dad!" The words felt heavy on his tongue, as if they carried the weight of years of unspoken hurt. He moved in for a hug, feeling the tension release as Mahindra embraced him tightly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Thank you, son,” Mahindra whispered, his voice breaking. “I never cheated on your mother. It was just a misunderstanding. My secretary had feelings for me, but I was married. She created all that drama, and I should have handled it better.”

Ekansh felt the weight of those words sink in, and guilt washed over him. He looked into his father’s eyes and saw the pain that had haunted him for years, a reflection of his own struggles. All this time, I’ve been so quick to judge.

“And Nisha,” Mahindra continued, his voice softening, “I married her because she was pregnant. It was a matter of life and death; her villagers were going to kill her for what happened to her. I couldn’t let that happen. She needed help, and Saransh came into the world after that.”

The backstory unfolded in his mind, a tapestry woven with threads of sacrifice and hardship. Tears filled Ekansh’s eyes as he listened to his father’s story, the understanding dawning upon him that life was not black and white. This was a man who made choices under pressure, not out of malice.

“I’m sorry for everything,” he murmured, pulling Mahindra and Nisha into a group hug. The warmth of the embrace enveloped him, washing away the bitterness that had festered for so long. It was a gesture of reconciliation, a bridge built over the chasm of their past misunderstandings.

Saransh, surprised and overwhelmed by the unexpected display of affection, joined in, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Wow, this is… intense,” he murmured, a hint of laughter escaping his lips despite the heavy atmosphere.

Ekansh chuckled softly, the tension easing slightly. “Yeah, it is. But it feels good, doesn’t it?”

As they pulled apart, Ekansh noticed the emotion in Nisha’s eyes. “I know this hasn’t been easy for you, Ekansh,” she said gently. “I never wanted to come between you and your father. I just wanted to be part of this family, to protect Saransh.”

Mahindra nodded, his expression serious. “I made mistakes, but I never wanted to hurt you. You’re my son, and that means everything to me.”

Ekansh felt a swell of warmth in his chest. The bond with his father and brother felt stronger than ever, and he knew they could move forward together, leaving the past behind.

Just then, a nurse walked in to check on Dadi. The atmosphere shifted, and for a moment, they all shared a quiet understanding—this was a moment for healing. They watched as the nurse carefully adjusted the blankets and checked the IV, her movements gentle and respectful.

“I hope she wakes up soon,” Ekansh said, glancing at Samyuktika, who stood beside him, her hand resting on his arm in silent support.

“She will,” Samyuktika replied softly, her faith evident in her eyes. “She’s a fighter.”

As they settled into a quiet companionship, Ekansh felt a new chapter beginning—not just for him, but for their entire family. It was a chance to rebuild, to nurture relationships that had once seemed irreparably damaged.

In that moment, he realized that healing was possible, that forgiveness could lead to a path of understanding and acceptance. With each shared glance and word, he understood that family could be imperfect, but the love they shared could overcome any obstacle. And as they sat there, he felt a sense of hope unfurling within him, a promise of brighter days ahead.