CHAPTER 19 : "CROSSROADS OF LOVE AND LONGING "

I want to apologize for the extra time it took to get this chapter out. I had to cover several key scenes to ensure the story flows well and maintains its pace. I completed writing it yesterday, but it got too late at night, so I decided to post it this morning. Thank you for your patience and support, and I hope you enjoy the chapter!💌💗

"Happy Reading!!❤️

Two weeks had passed since the shocking revelation and confrontation. The news had sent shockwaves through Kashi, and every day since, her phone buzzed with calls from Vishwanath. But she never picked up.

Every time her phone rang , her heart skipped a beat, but she couldn't bring herself to answer. Her trembling hands hovered over the screen, but fear held her back. Fear of what she felt for him.

Fear of what her love meant in the face of such a vast, unbridgeable distance between them.

Vishwanath, on the other hand, was caught in the grip of agonizing longing. Each missed call was like a dagger to his chest, a silent rejection that tore him apart and though he tried to remain patient, every unanswered ring only deepened the ache within him. He hadn't felt this helpless in years. As a king and a billionaire, power and control were woven into his very being. He commanded empires, yet here he was helpless against the forces of the heart. And his heart was utterly consumed by her.

For Vishwanath, Kashi had become an inseparable part of his life, and he hadn't realized just how deep his feelings were until she started distancing herself. She was no longer just a girl from Jhansi to him. She was the woman he longed to build a future with. She was his light, his solace amidst the chaos of his world as a powerful CEO and a king. Her innocence, her honesty, and her pure heart had captivated him in ways that no one else ever had.

Meanwhile, Kashi, though confused and heartbroken, had spent time reflecting. Under her mother Anjali's guidance, she slowly began to understand that Vishwanath's actions weren't intentional . He had wanted to protect the fragile bond they had created, fearing that revealing his royal identity too soon would change her perception of him. He didn't want her to see him as a king, but as the man she had come to care for. Yet, despite understanding this, Kashi couldn't help but feel the weight of their differences. He was a king, a powerful, influential figure and she, a mere commoner. The realization left her feeling unworthy, as if no matter how much understanding there was between them, she could never truly stand on equal ground with him. That fear kept her from picking up his calls, even though deep down, she had already forgiven him.

The confusion in her heart weighed heavily, pushing her deeper into her insecurities. She had always lived a simple life, caring for her ailing mother and working tirelessly to make ends meet. Love was a luxury she had never allowed herself to dream of, and now, it had come crashing into her life in the most unexpected form, a man so powerful and so far beyond her reach.

The thought made her heart ache. He belonged to an elite class, a world of wealth and influence. She was just a small-town girl, burdened by poverty and family responsibilities. What future could they possibly have together?

Each day, she fought the battle between her heart and her mind. Her heart longed to hear his voice, to feel the warmth of his care and affection, but her mind kept reminding her of the vast gap between their worlds. So, she cried herself to sleep most nights, her pillow soaked with tears of confusion and fear, torn between love and doubt.

Despite everything, the more she tried to ignore him, the more she felt drawn to him. It became unbearable the war between her heart and her mind. Her heart longed for him, but her mind kept pulling her back, her phone would light up with his name, and her heart would race, but she never had the courage to answer.

Meanwhile, at Singhania Mansion, Vishwanath's torment was visible to everyone. He had thrown himself into his work with a kind of desperation, staying long hours at the office, skipping meals, doing everything he could to drown out the ache in his heart. But no amount of meetings or business deals could distract him from the gaping void Kashi's absence had left behind.

His brothers, Raghavendra and Rudra, had noticed his change in demeanor. He was quieter, more distant, and more irritable than ever before. Even his employees had begun whispering about his uncharacteristically cold behavior. But only his mother, Shalini, saw the truth, the pain behind her son's tough exterior.

One evening, after another long day, Vishwanath sat in his room, the weight of exhaustion heavy on his shoulders. He stared at his phone, a photo of Kashi glowing on the screen a picture taken during one of their walks through the bustling streets of Jhansi. In it, Kashi's smile was wide and carefree, her eyes sparkling with joy. He couldn't help but trace his thumb over her face, as though touching her through the screen might bring her closer. His heart ached with a deep, unbearable longing.

Why wouldn't she talk to him? What could he do to make things right?

Just then, Shalini entered his room, carrying a plate of food. She noticed the hollow look in his eyes and the phone clutched in his hands. Sitting beside him, she gently placed the plate down.

"Vishu, beta, I know you've been busy, but skipping meals isn't the solution," she said softly, her eyes filled with motherly concern. "You need to take care of yourself."

"Maa, I'm not hungry," Vishwanath replied, his voice hoarse, the weight of his emotions barely contained.

"Not hungry?" Shalini shook her head. "You haven't eaten properly in days. Rudra told me you missed lunch again today. This can't go on. Come on, let me feed you."

Vishwanath, too exhausted to protest, allowed his mother to feed him, though every bite felt tasteless. His mind was miles away, filled with thoughts of Kashi.

When they were done, Shalini glanced at the phone still clutched in his hand. The picture of Kashi caught her eye. She already knew what was weighing on her son's heart.

"Vishu... you miss Kashi, don't you?" she asked gently.

At the mention of Kashi's name, something inside Vishwanath broke. His chest tightened, and despite his best efforts to stay composed, a single tear slipped down his cheek.

"Maa... I can't do this anymore," he confessed, his voice trembling. "I miss her so much, and she won't talk to me. I've tried giving her space, but I can't wait anymore."

Shalini's heart ached for her son as she watched him crumble before her. He laid his head in her lap, his body shaking with silent sobs.

"I never wanted to hurt her, Maa. I love her. I love her so much," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Shalini stroked his hair gently, her heart heavy with his pain. "I know, beta. I know. Sometimes love takes time to heal. She'll understand your feelings one day. Just be patient."

Vishwanath's eyes fluttered shut, exhaustion finally claiming him as he fell into a restless sleep, his mother's comforting presence the only thing keeping him grounded.

Shalini watched him for a long time, quietly stroking his hair, her mind already forming a plan. She knew now that it was time for her to intervene. Her son was in love, and she would do whatever it took to help him win back the girl who had stolen his heart.

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The next morning, Shalini set her plan into motion. Drawing on her trusted sources, she delved into every aspect of Kashi's life. She discovered how Kashi worked tirelessly to support her ailing mother, juggling two jobs to make ends meet and it tugged at Shalini's heart to imagine her son's beloved toiling away, hiding her pain behind a brave smile.

One of her jobs was at a small, humble café, famous throughout Jhansi for its exceptional samosas, chai, and its well renowned cupcakes and pastries, celebrated for their unique and delicious flavors. With this information, Shalini saw the perfect opportunity to devise a plan.

Shalini called the café and arranged for a stall at a grand event at Singhania Mansion, celebrating the success of a major project that had catapulted the Singhania Empire to the top of the global stage. The event would feature multiple stalls from renowned places around India. Shalini thought this was the perfect chance to orchestrate a meeting between Kashi and Vishwanath. She specifically requested that Kashi's cafe provide a stall showcasing their famous delicacies.

Shalini made it clear that she specifically wanted Kashi to handle the event. Though Shalini requested that Kashi should not be informed about who had arranged for her services. The cafe owner was a bit taken aback by the unusual request, wondering why Rajmata insisted on sending Kashi only, but chose not to question it and agreed to the arrangement.

Later, she made another call, this time to Kashi's mother, Anjali. Though Anjali was initially shocked to receive a call from Rajmata Shalini, her nerves eased when she heard Shalini's kind and humble tone.

Anjali ji," Shalini said softly, directly coming to the point after greeting her, "I want Kashi and Vishwanath to meet. I believe it's important for them to talk and resolve their differences. I'm planning an event at Singhania Mansion and I have arranged for Kashi to handle a stall there. Could you help me by persuading her to come? She might be reluctant, but if you will talk to her, she might agree."

Touched by Shalini's sincerity and knowing how much Vishwanath cared for Kashi, Anjali agreed. Together, the two mothers formed an unspoken pact to reunite their children.

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The next day at the café, Kashi's boss, a kind, elderly woman, approached her with a smile. "Kashi beta, we've received a request for a stall at an event at Singhania Mansion, hosted by the royal family. They want our café to handle it."

The moment Kashi heard the name "Singhania Mansion," her heart skipped a beat. Her hands, which had been carefully arranging the cupcakes, stilled.The memories of that day flooded her mind, the revelation of Vishwanath's true identity, his confession, and the whirlwind of emotions that followed. Her throat tightened as panic welled up inside her. The thought of facing Vishwanath again was overwhelming.

"Aunty ji, please," Kashi said, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to steady her breath. "Can you send someone else instead? I.... I can't leave my mother alone for a full day. She's been so weak lately. I worry something might happen if I'm not there to take care of her."

Her owner looked at her with concern, sensing the genuine worry in Kashi's voice. "Kashi, I know your mother needs you, and I understand that. But it's a prestigious event, and I really need someone reliable like you to manage this. It's just about a day beta. Perhaps you could arrange for someone to stay with your mother?"

Kashi's heart pounded. She wasn't making excuses, her mother's health truly was fragile. But beyond that, the thought of stepping foot in Singhania Mansion again, of possibly running into Vishwanath the man she had started falling in love with but didn't feel herself deserving of his love, terrified her. Her fears of facing him, the man , mixed with the responsibility of caring for her mother, leaving her torn and conflicted.

Her boss, though understanding, gave her a soft yet firm look. "Kashi, this is a very important order for us. I trust you more than anyone else to handle it. Please, beta you know I wouldn't ask you unless it was necessary."

Seeing the concern and helplessness in her boss's eyes, Kashi felt torn. The old woman had always been kind to her, giving her flexible hours to juggle her work and care for her mother. Despite the panic rising within her at the thought of returning to Singhania Mansion, Kashi couldn't bring herself to disappoint a person who had been so understanding of her struggles. She hesitated, her mind racing with memories of Vishwanath and the turmoil in her heart, but finally, she gave a reluctant nod.

Her boss smiled, visibly relieved. "Thank you, Kashi. I know it's not easy, but I promise you will only have to manage the stall and it's just one day.

As Kashi sat in silence, her friend Riya, who worked with her at the café and was also her neighbor, overheard the conversation and offered to stay with her mother for the day. Grateful for her friend's support, Kashi's fears eased, but the thought of facing Vishwanath again loomed large over her.

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Later that evening, after her long shift at the textile factory, Kashi returned home, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her. Sitting beside her mother, she hesitated before speaking, gathering her thoughts.

"Maa," she began softly, "I have to go to Singhania Mansion again for a day. It's for a catering order at a big event there, and.... I might have to face Vishwanath ji again."

Anjali, who had already been briefed by Shalini, smiled gently. "Kashi, beta, maybe this is your chance to talk to him. Don't you think you owe it to yourself, and to him, to clear things up?

You've been carrying so much in your heart. Don't you think you owe it to yourself to get a closure? And i know you have forgiven Vishwanath deep down, haven't you? Maybe seeing him again will help ease the confusion."

Her hands fidgeted with her dupatta, betraying the anxiety she felt about stepping back into the place where everything had unraveled. Kashi looked away, her heart heavy with the weight of her emotions. "It's not that simple, Maa," she murmured slowly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Anjali gently placed her hand on Kashi's trembling hand. "I know it's not easy, Kashi," Anjali replied softly, her eyes filled with understanding. "But how long will you keep escaping this situation, hiding away in silence? You can't run from your feelings forever. Sometimes, facing the situation is the only way to find peace."

Kashi though was in turmoil. Could she really stand in front of Vishwanath ji again without breaking down? Would she be able to face him without losing herself to the flood of emotions she had tried so hard to suppress? She wasn't sure. But deep down, a quiet voice told her that this was inevitable. Their paths were destined to cross again, and this time, there was no running away.

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Author's Note 📖

This chapter captures the essence of longing, illustrating that love, even when faced with obstacles, can bridge the gaps between different worlds. Join Kashi and Vishwanath on their journey as they confront their fears and desires, leading them closer to a moment of truth. Their story reminds us that love, in all its forms, is worth the struggle, and sometimes, all it takes is a leap of faith to find one's way back to the heart.Thank you for reading,and I hope you feel the depth of their

emotions as much as I do! 💕 🫶🏻

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