♡ 1 ♡

Hello Everyone ❤️✨.

Finally started this book 😭❤️

Please do votes and comments ✨ 🌸.

Enjoy reading 🎀

A beautiful morning bathed in golden sunlight, 23-year-old Amrit sat near the balcony, lost in her fictional world tied up in a neat bun. Her dusky skin glowed in the morning light, adding a radiant charm to her serene appearance. As she turned the pages of the Indian novel, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, imagining herself in the arms of the blurred-faced hero she had conjured up in her mind.

The book in her hands painted vivid pictures of romance:

"He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. 'I never knew love could be this deep,' he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. 'With you, every moment feels like a beautiful dream.'"

Amrit's heart raced as she read on, the words pulling her deeper into the story.

"He pulled her closer, their breaths mingling. 'In your eyes, I see my future,' he said, his gaze unwavering. 'A future filled with love, laughter, and endless moments of togetherness.'"

She sighed dreamily, her mind drifting to thoughts of her own romance. The novel continued to enchant her:

"'Promise me,' she said softly, her eyes searching his. 'Promise me you'll never let go.' He held her tighter, a silent vow passing between them. 'I promise,' he replied, his voice a gentle caress. 'Forever and always.'"

Amrit hugged herself, blushing deeply as the romantic scenes played out in her mind. In her dreamy state, she lost her balance and fell onto the floor with a soft whimper.

“Completed this book for the tenth time,” she muttered, glancing at the author’s name on the cover, ‘Dr. Akshat Singhania.’

Just then, her mother, Komal Tripathi, entered the room. “Aankh khuli nahi ki baith jati hai books lekar! Aaj tera college me pehla din hai aur tu yahan timepass kar rahi hai? Aur Bahar se doodh lene ko kaha tha na maine?” she scolded, her voice filled with exasperation.

Amrit quickly put a bookmark on the page and closed the book, standing up. “Calm down, Mrs. Tripathi. Iss umar mein itna chillana acchi baat nahi hai,” she said, placing the book on the table with a teasing smile.

[You shouldn't shout at this age.]

Komal’s eyes widened in mock anger. “Bataun abhi mai tujhe?”

[Should I tell you?]

Amrit giggled, grabbing her mobile as she moved toward the door. She stretched her arms, feeling the sun’s warmth on her skin as she walked outside.

She breathed in the fresh air, feeling a sense of peace wash over her as she headed to fetch the milk.

As she walked, Amrit's eyes fell on a building’s terrace where she could see a man standing precariously on the railing. Her eyes widened in shock.

"Hey Shiv ji! Is he going to commit suicide? No, no, no… Mai apne samne kisi ki jaan jaate huye kaise dekh sakti hun!" she muttered, her heart pounding with urgency. Without a second thought, she rushed towards the apartment. The guards were nowhere to be seen, and she took advantage of their absence to slip inside. She climbed the stairs as quickly as she could, her breath coming in short, anxious gasps.

[I can't let anyone die infront of me.]

Reaching the terrace, she was about to shout but stopped herself. "I can't shout from here. It will startle him and he could fall down," she thought, her mind racing. She began walking towards him slowly, making sure not to make any noise. The broad figure stood rigid in his formals, his back to her.

With a surge of determination, she reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling him down from the railing with all her strength. The sudden force caused her to lose her balance, and they both tumbled to the ground. He landed on top of her, his face buried in her neck. Amrit’s heart raced wildly, feeling the warmth of his breath against her skin.

For a moment, time stood still. Then, he lifted his head to look at her, and their eyes locked in a mesmerizing gaze. His face was strikingly handsome, his dark charcoal eyes deep and intense, holding a storm of emotions. Amrit’s dark brown eyes mirrored the surprise and concern she felt, a softness radiating from her gaze. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in this surreal moment.

His features were sharp and defined, with a strong jawline and a slight stubble that added to his rugged appeal. His hair was slightly tousled, framing his face perfectly. Amrit could feel her heart racing faster as she took in every detail of his face, lost in the depth of his eyes.

He too seemed captivated, his eyes searching hers as if trying to understand the reason behind her sudden intervention. Their breathing synced, each inhale and exhale became a silent conversation between their racing hearts.

As the spell broke, he quickly got up, throwing deadly glares at her.

"WHAT THE HELL!!" he yelled, his voice echoing off the terrace walls.

"That should be my line. What the hell? How could you do this to yourself? Aap suicide karne ka soch bhi kaise sakte hain? Don't you know it's a crime? Aur aisi bhi kya pareshani hai aapki zindagi mein jisse aap face nahi kar sakte? Zindagi ki problems ko face karne ki jagah unse bhagna sahi laga aapko! Ek number ke bujdil insaan hain aap," she retorted, her voice filled with a mixture of anger and concern, making him both furious and confused.

["That should be my line. What the hell? How could you think of committing suicide? Don't you know it's a crime? And what problem is so severe in your life that you can't face it? Instead of facing life's problems, you thought it was right to run away from them! You seem like a coward."]

"Sorry?" he asked, clearly not understanding what she was saying.

"Arre, why are you saying sorry to me? Apne parents ko sorry kahiye… jinke baare mein aapne ek baar bhi nahi socha ye kadam uthane ke pehle. Aap toh chale jate but aapke peeche unka kya hota kabhi socha hai? Aur aapki biwi aur bachcho ka kya hota? Wo kiske sahare jeete?" she asked, her words piercing through him.

["Why are you apologizing to me? Apologize to your parents instead, whom you didn't even think about before taking this step. You might leave, but have you ever thought about what would happen to them afterward? And what about your wife and children? Who would they rely on to live?"]

"I don't have any biwi bacha," he replied, still bewildered.

"Haan haan, thik hai iska matlab ye nahi ki ye sab kadam uthayenge aap. Aisa bhi kya problem ho gayi jo aap suicide karne chale the?" she demanded, her eyes blazing with intensity.

["Okay, okay, that doesn't mean you should take such steps. What problem has occurred that made you think of committing suicide?"]

"What the hell are you saying? I wasn't trying to commit suicide," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief and frustration.

“Toh kya yahan railing pe khade hokar chidiya udaa rahe the?” She retorted, sarcastically.

["So were you standing on the railing here, pretending to be a bird?"]

"Excuse me, Miss…" he began, but she interrupted him.

"Kya excuse me? Ab aap yahan se chaliye… I can't leave you at the terrace now. Kya pata phir se kood jayein," she said, grabbing his arm and dragging him away from the railing.

"Arre… kya batmeezi hai ye? Leave my hand," he protested, frowning as he was being dragged by this unknown girl who had appeared out of nowhere.

Amrit didn't stop. She kept walking, her grip firm on his arm. Once they were safely inside, she released him and took a deep breath. "Listen, life is precious. Problems aati hain sabki zindagi mein, but running away is never the solution. Har problem ka solution hota hai, bas humein thoda himmat aur waqt chahiye hota hai. Happiness chhoti chhoti cheezon mein hoti hai. Aapko bas apni aankhon se dekhne ki zaroorat hai."

["Every problem has a solution; we just need a little courage and time. Happiness lies in small things. You just need to look at them through your own eyes."]

He stood there, furious, speechless, and utterly confused. Before he could respond, she turned to leave, pausing only to give him one last, piercing look.

"And remember, aap akela nahi ho. Kisi se baat karke dekho, kuch nahi to khud se baat karo. But ye raasta mat chuno. It's not worth it," she said softly, then walked away, leaving him standing there, his mind reeling from the unexpected encounter.

Akshat Singhania stood there, still processing the bizarre encounter, when another man approached him.

"Akshat, tu kab aaya? And why are you standing here like this?" the man asked. Akshat looked up to see his cousin Vedant Mathur, a tall and handsome figure, wearing his white coat, having just come from his hospital shift.

"Apartment ke bahar ek bacche ne mujhse kaha tha ki uski kite terrace ke upar jo tanks rakhe hain wahan chali gayi aur usse vapas chahiye thi. So, I was trying to get that kite. But achanak se ek pagal ladki aayi aur mujhe neeche gira diya. She thought I was about to commit suicide and gave me a lecture before storming off. Bewakoof ladki! At least dusron ki baat toh sunni chahiye. Khud hi assume kiya aur khud lecture de ke gayab ho gayi, Miss bullet train. Rukne ka naam hi nahi le rahi thi." Akshat explained, exasperated.

[Outside the apartment, a child had told me that his kite had flown onto the terrace tanks, and he wanted it back. So, I was trying to retrieve that kite. Suddenly, a crazy girl came and pushed me down. She thought I was about to commit suicide and lectured me before storming off. Foolish girl! She should have listened to others. She assumed on her own and disappeared after giving a lecture, Miss bullet train. She didn't even consider stopping.]

Vedant chuckled. "Accha, ab mood mat kharab kar. Chal, mummy pakode bana rahi hain."

[Don't spoil your mood. Come mom has made pakoras.]

They walked back into their home. As soon as they entered, a dramatic voice filled the air. "Akshat, mere jigar ka tukda, aaja mera baccha. Meri ankhen taras gayi thi tujhe dekhne ke liye. Kahan chala gaya tha tu?" Preeti Mathur, Akshat's aunt, greeted him with exaggerated emotion.

["Akshat, my dear one, come here, my child. My eyes were longing to see you. Where had you disappeared to?"]

Akshat shook his head with a smile. "Masi, mai kal hi aaya tha."

Preeti pouted. "Tum dono na sara maza kharab kar dete ho . Mai kitne acche Mother India wale form mein thi."

[You both always ruin all the fun. I was in such a great "Mother India" mood]

Vedant's father, Vikram Mathur, entered the room and shook his head. "Preeti, ek jawan bacche ki maa ban gayi ho tum. Ab toh ye sab bachpana band karo."

[Preeti, you've become the mother of a young child. Now stop all this childishness.]

Preeti rolled her eyes dramatically. "Hey Bhagwan! Pata nahi kaise boring logon ke beech fas gayi mai." She headed to the kitchen while Akshat and Vedant chuckled.

[Oh God! I don't know how I got stuck among such boring people.]

Vikram sighed. "Beta, kisi din tumhare Nana se puchna padega ki kahin unhone apni beti ko bachpan mein sar ke bal gira toh nahi diya tha." This comment made the boys laugh, and Preeti's voice rang out from the kitchen.

[Beta, someday I will have to ask your grandfather if he ever dropped his daughter on her head as a child]

"Sun liya maine!" she shouted.

[I heard that.]

"Sun ne ke liye hi kaha tha," Vikram shouted back, amused.

Preeti soon returned with a tray of pakodas and chai, and Vedant and Akshat helped her serve. The family settled into the warmth of the familiar setting, enjoying their time together.

After a while, Vikram stood up, glancing at his watch. "Alright, I got a call from my PA. Meri flight ka time ho raha hai. See you all after a few days."

"Where are you going?" Akshat asked.

"Business trip," Vikram replied, and Akshat nodded in understanding.

As Vikram prepared to leave, Preeti couldn't resist a bit of theatrics. "Tussi jaa rahe ho? Tussi na jao," she said, mimicking a famous dialogue.

Vikram shook his head with a smile. "Grow up, Preeti."

Preeti muttered under her breath, "Huh! Dono baap bete ek jaise hain. Khadoos!"

Vikram headed towards the door, calling out, "Bye, Preeti."

"Bye... I love you," she shouted after him, and Vikram smiled to himself, a soft expression crossing his face as he walked outside. She followed him to the door, watching as he left.

Akshat's phone rang abruptly, cutting through the quiet of the room.

"Krishav is calling," Vedant announced, handing him the phone. Akshat answered the call swiftly.

"Toh mai kya karun?" he asked, listening intently to the voice on the other end.

[What should I do then?]

"Aata hun," Akshat replied decisively, and ended the call."What happened now?" Vedant inquired.

[Ok coming.]

"He's at home and calling me over. Alright, I should leave now," Akshat said, gathering his things.

Vedant nodded and walked with him, seeing him off. Just then, he collided with a girl who was holding an ice cream, which fell to the floor.

"Not again! Miss Nandini Ahuja, how many times have I told you to bring your eyes along when you walk?" Vedant exclaimed, glaring at the woman standing there. She glared back at him, wearing a simple kurti, her hair messy from the summer breeze.

"And how many times have I told you, Mr., to wear your glasses when you leave the house? Meri puri ice cream gira di," Nandini shot back, frustration evident in her voice.

"I don't have time for this nonsense. Get lost," Vedant retorted before attempting to walk away.

"Hey, wait a minute! This is your fault, and I'm not wasting your time. That ice cream cost twenty rupees!" Nandini called after him, her voice rising in indignation.

He turned back, his face a mask of irritation. "If you had used your eyes properly, this wouldn't have happened," Vedant said, fishing out a 20-rupee note from his pocket. "Here, buy another one and leave me alone."

"Excuse me, ye meri beizzati kar rahe hain aap? Mai kya aapko bhikhari dikhti hun? Acchi khasi job karti hun mai," she snapped, crossing her arms defiantly.

"Oh, so you've come here to flaunt your salary now? Aur bezzati hone ke liye izzat bhi honi chahiye pehle." he taunted, rolling his eyes in exasperation.

"Haan ye toh hai." Nandini said, nodding her head thoughtfully.

Just then, Vedant's mom, Preeti, came out of their house, attracted by the commotion. She took in the scene with a quick glance, her eyes narrowing as she approached.

"Vedu, what's going on here?" Preeti asked, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and mild reprimand.

"Nothing, Ma. Just an accident. She dropped her ice cream, and now she's making a fuss over twenty rupees," Vedant replied, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide his irritation.

“See Preetu darling, your son is blaming me.” Nandini said and kept her head on Preeti’s shoulder.

"An accident? Vedu, you should be more careful.  I’m sorry Nandu baby. Vedu, maafi maang isse," Preeti said firmly, her eyes shifting between her son and Nandini.

"But Ma..." Vedant started to protest, his voice trailing off as Preeti's stern look silenced him.

"I'm not sorry, and Maa stop calling me vedu, it's so cringe" Vedant said defiantly, his tone cold. He turned on his heel and walked inside his home, leaving both women in stunned silence.

"Hawww!!" Nandini exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Did he just...?"

"Leave him, baby aise logon ke muh nahi lagte," Preeti interrupted, her voice soothing. "Tum andar aao. Mai kal market se ice cream laayi. Tumhe bulane hi aa rahi thi."

"Haan, let's go," Nandini agreed, shaking her head in exasperation but smiling at Preeti's warmth.

Preeti and Nandini entered Preeti's home, leaving the confrontation behind. Vedant, now sitting at the dining table and poring over his patient files, glanced up to see the two women making their way to the kitchen. They were soon seated at the table, eating ice cream and chatting animatedly, their laughter filling the room.

"Hey Bhagwan, Maa ko yahi mili thi best friend banane ke liye... Maa ke wajah se isse mai kuch bol bhi nahi pata, hamesha ussi ki side leti hain," Vedant thought bitterly, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Nandini.

[Oh God, was this the best friend my mom could find? Because of her, I can't say anything to her; she always takes her side.]

Nandini’s eyes fell on him. "Oh, hello, aise kya taad rahe?" she asked , raising her eyebrows in challenge.

[Why are you staring at me?]

"Taad nahi Ghoor raha hun… tumhe taadne se accha mai andha ho jaun," Vedant retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He abruptly stood up and stormed out of the room, leaving a shocked Nandini behind.

[It's better to be blind than staring at you."]

"Preetu darling, dekh rahi hain aap apne bete ko," Nandini complained to Preeti, her voice a mix of frustration and amusement.

"Wo to aisa hi hai baby. Kya kar sakte hain," Preeti said with a resigned sigh, patting Nandini's hand reassuringly.

As they continued chatting, Preeti’s thoughts drifted to her own silent resolve. "Yaha mai Nandu ko apni bahu banane ke sapne dekh rahi hun ek saal se aur ye dono hain ki inki ladai hi khatm nahi hoti. Khair, mai bhi haar nahi manungi. Bahu to meri Nandu baby hi banegi. Varna mai bhi apne bete ki maa nahi," she thought determinedly, a sly smile playing on her lips as she watched the two from a distance.

[Here I have been dreaming of making Nandu my daughter-in-law for a year, and these two won't stop fighting. Anyway, I won't give up. My daughter-in-law will be my Nandu baby. Otherwise, I am not my son's mother.]

Meanwhile, Vedant paced in his room, fuming. "How can Maa be so blind to her antics? Every single time, she takes Nandini's side.” he muttered under his breath. He could still hear their laughter echoing through the house, grating on his nerves.

Vedant grabbed his coat and mobile from the table, ready to leave.

"Maa, I am leaving for the hospital," he informed Preeti.

"Abhi toh aaya hai," Preeti replied, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Mai iski manhus shakal jyada der tak nahi dekh sakta," Vedant muttered, frustration evident as he headed towards the door.

“Oyee manhus kisko kaha? Aap manhus , aapka baap…” Nandini began, but stopped abruptly when she noticed Preeti narrowing her eyes.

"I mean, aap manhus" Nandini quickly corrected herself.

******************************************

Akshat entered his home, a sprawling two-story house adorned with elegant furnishings and warm, inviting decor. The living room, with its plush sofas and family portraits on the walls, opened up to a spacious dining area where a large wooden table took centre stage, surrounded by cushioned chairs.

Just then, he heard voices coming from the dining area. As he walked in, he saw his younger brother Vihaan Singhania with his newly wedded wife Anika Singhania and his best friend Krishiv Malhotra. Vihaan and Anika had married just a week ago, and Akshat hadn’t had the chance to properly talk to her yet. He approached quietly, catching Krishiv mid-sentence.

“So, hello Anika, I am the most handsome best friend of your khadoos jeth ji. You can consider me as your brother,” Krishiv said with a cheeky grin. Anika smiled politely, still adjusting to the new family dynamics.

“What is happening here?” Akshat asked, his authoritative voice breaking through the playful banter.

“Bhai, dekho isse… he isn't letting me eat the food made by my wife,” Vihaan complained, his tone a mix of frustration and amusement. Anika’s blush deepened.

“Arre, pehle mai taste karunga na! I am her self-proclaimed brother,” Krishiv said, holding the bowl defensively, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Ye itni si hi curry bachi hui hai… Aap kuch aur kha lo na,” Vihaan said, trying to snatch the bowl from Krishiv’s hand, his determination evident.

“Arre tu kuch aur kha le… I want to eat this,” Krishiv insisted, pulling the bowl back, his expression mock-serious.

Anika looked between the two, puzzled and a bit overwhelmed by the sudden tug-of-war over her dish.

“Akshat, samjha le apne bhai ko,” Krishiv appealed, his voice exaggeratedly dramatic.

“Bhai, samjha lo apne dost ko,” Vihaan countered, equally dramatic.

“Stop troubling Anika and leave!” Akshat commanded, his tone firm and unyielding.

“Suna nahi? Akshat asked you to leave. Anika…” Krishiv said, turning to her.

“Ji?” she responded, her voice small but curious.

“What is for desserts?” Krishiv asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Gajar ka halwa,” she said softly, glancing at Akshat, who now stood with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Maine tum dono se kaha hai. Just get lost!” Akshat repeated, his patience wearing thin. Krishiv gasped in mock offence.

“Haww! Is this a way to behave with your guest?” Krishiv said, feigning hurt, his hand over his heart in exaggerated dismay.

“First, learn to behave like a guest. Aaya bada guest banne wala, guests aise bin bataye muh uthaye chale nahi aate hain.” Akshat shot back, his stern demeanour fixed but a slight twitch of a smile on his lips.

“Aane do Vishakha Aunty ko. I will complain to her,” Krishiv said, pouting dramatically, like a child denied his favourite treat.

“Grow up, Krishiv!” Akshat replied, shaking his head.

Just as Vishakha Singhania and Rakshit Singhania entered the house, their presence immediately altered the atmosphere. Though they were technically Akshat and Vihaan's uncle and aunt, but they loved them more than parents.

"I think mom and dad have arrived," Vihaan announced excitedly, leading Akshat to the hall where their unexpected guests stood.

"Where were you both?" Akshat questioned, his tone tinged with suspicion.

"Wo beta actually... we..." Rakshit began, faltering under Akshat's piercing stare.

"Why are you stammering? Tell him clearly," Vishakha interjected, her voice firm and commanding as she fixed her gaze on Akshat.

"We went to see a girl for you. And beta, trust me, she is..." Rakshit attempted to explain, only to be cut off abruptly by Akshat.

"Mom, Dad, how many times do I have to tell you both? Please, I request you not to discuss this topic," Akshat's frustration simmered beneath his controlled demeanor.

"But beta, it's high time now. Teen saal ho gaye uss baat ko. Kab tak aise hi akele aur andhere me jeeta rahega tu? You should think about giving a second chance to your life. Think about this relationship..." Vishakha's voice softened with concern and urgency.

Akshat couldn't contain the bitterness rising within him any longer. "Why should I think about this relationship, Mom? Just to see it shatter like my previous marriage? Or like my parent's broken marriage?" he responded sharply.

Vishakha and Rakshit exchanged a glance, their hearts heavy with concern. Rakshit spoke up, his voice calm yet filled with fatherly concern, “Beta, hum samajh sakte hain"

"Please stop all this! I don't have faith left in relationships. Not after what happened with my marriage, not after seeing our so-called parents' marriage fall apart. I'm happy being alone."

With that, Akshat turned abruptly and stormed into his room, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

******************************************

Amrit stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her attire with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Today was a significant day for her—it marked the beginning of her journey as a PhD student at the prestigious Singhania Institute of Technology and Arts. She had applied with great determination, poured over her research proposal tirelessly, and now, finally, her hard work had paid off—she had been selected.

She wore a simple yet elegant black kurti paired with jeans, adorned with jhumka earrings that added a touch of traditional flair. Her dusty-shining skin glowed softly in the morning light streaming through the window, reflecting her anticipation for the day ahead. Her hair, neatly tied, framed her face, and her dark brown eyes sparkled with a mixture of eagerness and a hint of apprehension.

"Ye black kyun pehna hua hai? Pehle din koi black pehenta hai?" Komal's voice interrupted from the doorway, filled with a mother's concern and a touch of teasing, as she set down a plate of breakfast beside Amrit.

"Offo Maa, leave all this. Aaj main bahut excited hun... Finally I will be there. Aur waha Akshat Singhania bhi honge humare professor. I've heard so much about him but aaj dekh bhi lungi," Amrit replied with a wide smile, her voice filled with enthusiasm and admiration for the renowned professor.

"Ye kaun hai?" Komal asked, pouring a glass of juice for Amrit, genuinely curious about the person who had garnered her daughter's admiration.

"He is a very famous author and professor. I have read almost every one of his books. Par teen saal se unki koi nayi book hi nahi aayi hai. Everyone is saying that he stopped writing," Amrit explained, her voice reflecting both her academic passion and curiosity about her future mentor.

"Accha, ab aa ke breakfast kar aur jaldi jaa. Mai bhi ek new job dekhne jaa rahi hun," Komal gently urged, a mix of practicality and motherly concern evident in her tone.

"Maa, please stop doing jobs. Aapki tabiyat kharab rehti hai. You need to rest. I will do some part-time job," Amrit insisted, her caring nature evident as she worried about her mother's well-being.

"Tu bas apni padhai par dhyan de. Tere papa ko promise kiya tha ki teri padhai mein koi kami nahi hone dungi. Aur main bilkul thik hun. Ab ye sab chhod aur breakfast kar. Late ho jayega," Komal advised, her words filled with love and support for her daughter's ambitions.

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

How was the chapter??

I know it was boring, but I promise as soon the story will  proceed it will be interesting 😭🖐️.

Drop your reviews about the characters and chapter ❤️.

Do follow us on Instagram for spoilers and news related to updates ❤️.