"Dev... Keep your back door open", Shaurya said as soon as Dev picked up his call...
"Wait! You are coming now? Shaurya, Is everything alright?" Dev couldn't help asking, as it was 1:45 AM in the night, and Shaurya sounded as if he was in deep sh*t. At the same time, there was euphoria in his tone. He didn't understand the mixed signals, and more than anything, his visiting Dev's house shocked him. It's been years since he last visited. Due to their political rivalry, they kept that distance.
Shaurya hung up without answering anything and Dev knew something was terribly wrong otherwise his best friend wouldn't have made this impulsive decision. Shaurya was on his way with his compact team of security as he trusted very few people even in his close aids to keep this news under covers.
It started raining cats & dogs, the weather suddenly changed matching the storm that's running in Shaurya's head and heart. The whole way, Akansha and Siya's thoughts evaded his head. He was furious how his ex-wife hid about his daughter all these years and the possibility of never knowing his daughter burned his heart... He knew Akansha would have never told him about Siya if fate hasn't intervened. The thought itself fueled his fury on his wife/ex-wife.
Looking at the storm and the weather change, he was worried about his daughter who is already sick. He just wanted to rush to her and stay with her, take care of her and do everything for her. He instructed Akash to take care of Siya and not let her exposed to the weather outside, he is glad they reached home before the weather changed. It's shocking for himself, how he started behaving like a typical father though it's not even a day he got to know about his daughter. He always used to reprimand Dev whenever he acts extremely protective of his kids, he used to say that kids should be left on their own so that they learn to make mistakes, get hurt while playing so they know what not to do to avoid getting hurt or how to rectify their mistakes, but now that he was in those shoes, he wanted to protect his daughter, his little Siya from all the miseries, challenges life throws at her, hiding her from any potential threats or pain.
"Sir... Mr. Sharma has talked to the disaster management team, they were preparing for all kinds of issues in case the storm worsens", his security head Suraj informed him...
"Okay... Ask the concerned departments to look into waterlogging issues as well, people shouldn't face any issues in commuting to their workplaces/schools/colleges... Normalcy should be restored as soon as possible", Shaurya said, Suraj nodded before getting back to do the work Shaurya just assigned.
They soon reached the backside of Dev's mansion, 30-foot compound wall stopping him from storming in and sharing the biggest news of his life with his best friend.
The back gate was opened but they couldn't drive the car through it, it's a narrow passage hardly a person could pass at a time. Shaurya stopped his security outside the gate and he alone walked in, he refused his commandos though they insisted on following him, holding an umbrella...
Shaurya reached the mansion's back door where Dev was waiting... Shaurya was completely wet, water dripping from his hair to his clothes as it was raining due to torrential rains.
"What happened that you...", Dev started screaming at his best friend for taking such a risk and also walking in the rain without an umbrella but what Shaurya did next got him tongue-tied. Shaurya hugged him tightly and his voice croaked.
"Siya is my daughter", these are the first words he spoke as soon as he hugged his best friend. Dev froze at the newfound information... He no longer cared that his best friend was hugging him in soaked clothes that were also wetting him.
Dev knew his friend must be feeling terrible and terrific at the same time... God! He didn't understand what was happening, the little girl who got his best friend's attention at first sight is his daughter? Why did Akansha hide such a huge thing from Shaurya, and she was pregnant when she left Shaurya? Why didn't she think about her child and her future without a father? Dev for sure knew his best friend has made his fair share of mistakes but most of them he did to protect her, his approach sure was wrong but his intentions weren't, yes he had hurt her but not letting him know about his own blood seemed too harsh of a punishment both for Shaurya and that little girl. Dev didn't understand why Akansha did that? She wasn't like that, she was a very mature and composed woman, what might have compelled her to take that drastic step? Several thoughts ran through Dev's head but mostly anger filled within him, nostrils flaring, how could she do that to Shaurya?
Dev patted his best friend's back consoling him trying to control his own emotions, tears slipped from Dev's eyes seeing Shaurya's agony...
"I'm here for you... I'll be there for you always yaar... We'll set things right...", Dev said patting Shaurya's back and those words gave him strength. He broke the hug and before they could notice their condition, Rachna came there.
"What are you guys doing here... Come inside... God! Shaurya you are completely drenched... and now Dev too...", Rachna said, looking at her husband and his best friend's condition... She laughed looking at her husband...
"Done enjoying? Now please get two towels... and ask someone to switch on the heater in my study, We'll be sitting there", Dev said
"Oh towels are here", Rachna said getting them a towel each and then turned to Shaurya... "Change into a fresh pair, You still have your clothes in the guest room", she said, Shaurya nodded with a smile... Before leaving, Shaurya gave a look to Dev and he understood what that meant, Dev blinked, assuring he wouldn't be disclosing anything to Rachna till Shaurya decided to tell her himself.
"You too, go and change... and Before locking yourself in that study, ask Shaurya to meet the kids first, they are missing him a lot, I know he is here because of something important, but just 5 minutes won't hurt, hm ?", Rachna said and Dev nodded kissing her cheek and purposely biting it, to irritate her...
"Idiot! just go...", she swatted his arm...
"I will, it's late, go and sleep, I'll get the kids back to sleep after meeting Shaurya...", Dev told his wife...
"Take care of him, he looked devastated", she said and he gulped his anger...
"He is... he is in deep sh*t", Dev said sighing deeply...
"And you can't tell me what it is", she didn't ask but stated, she saw the exchange between the men... Dev shook his head and she sighed nodding...
"Take care of him... I'm going to sleep, wake me up if you need something", Saying this, she walked away. Dev too changed and took Shaurya to his sons' room and woke them up... After meeting their favorite uncle, all their grumpiness of waking up from half-sleep flew away... After some time, Dev patted them back to sleep.
Both the best friends settled into Dev's study...
"You want a drink?", Dev asked but Shaurya shook his head.
"I'm afraid I wouldn't stop with one if I start drinking... I want to make myself numb so that this doesn't ache anymore", Shaurya said pointing towards his heart, his voice creaking...
"How did you know?", Dev asked, taking a drink for himself as he couldn't bear to see his best friend in so much pain without the help of a drink.
"Akash... He came to my place and Siya was with me at that time...", Shaurya started, explaining all that happened... "Siya is my daughter, my blood and I had no idea about it... my baby missed me so much all these years... her pain... How did she handle life without a father, Dev? At this tender age, she needed my presence and I wasn't there with her, for her... I could never forgive myself...", Shaurya said letting out his pain... Dev didn't say a word, it's good that his friend is letting his pain out after all these years, it's important for him to heal... All these years he suffered too much, now he at least deserved to let his pain out...
"Akansha... She... How could she not tell me about her pregnancy... She left home when she was pregnant... I can't even imagine the hardships she faced during that time... She needed me... I can't even imagine her pain... what she went through... God! What have I done in my thirst for retribution?", Shaurya said holding his hair, his eyes reddened with the memories of his uncountable errors running in his head like a reel.
"Shaurya... Stop tormenting yourself...", Dev said but there's no change in Shaurya's demeanor...
"Every time I think of how Akansha hid my daughter from me, my blood boils... How could she? How dare she? She could have punished me in any way, I would have silently tolerated everything, accepting it with open arms... but this? She... She hid my daughter from me... This... I don't deserve this... No father deserved this... Dev... I missed experiencing my baby's kicks... my wife's sonography, taking care of her, her cravings... helping her with everything... my baby's birth, her first word, her first crawl, her first step... her first birthday... everything... I won't ever experience this Dev... It's gone... That time is gone... I can't bear this thought...", Shaurya said, his eyes welled up but he didn't cry...
Dev hugged his best friend unable to control his emotions... He felt so bad for Shaurya, at that moment, he wanted to scream at Akansha, shout at her, question her why she did that? It's the biggest punishment any father could ever get...
"Seeing you taking care of Rachna during her pregnancy... I always dreamt of taking care of Akansha the same... But, the truth is too bitter... My wife didn't even think I deserved to know about my baby's existence... No woman could punish her husband like this, not even a woman who hates her husband, my Akansha wasn't so heartless, then who is this woman? I should hate her for doing this to me... but no... even now... I think of her sufferings, how she might have managed this pregnancy... and bringing up Siya... And all these thoughts just multiply my hatred for myself", Shaurya said
"No... Shaurya... Don't... She wasn't alone, Akash was there with her... Stop tormenting yourself so much", Dev said
"I don't know... Akash said he met Akansha just a few years ago... that meant only one thing... Akansha was alone during her pregnancy", Shaurya's voice choked at the end and even Dev's heartbeat rose... How would she have managed, his heart ached at her probable sufferings. Dev and Akansha shared a very good relationship, they were very good friends, just like Rachna and Shaurya... Dev cared about Akansha, he prompted Shaurya to abort his stupid mission and give a real chance to their relationship, when Shaurya seemed stubborn, he even hinted to Akansha about Shaurya's intentions, but she was too much in love with Shaurya to catch any hints.
"Shaurya... Sh... Calm down... We'll figure some way out... Past has passed, and I know the truth is painful, yes you have missed 4 years of your daughter's life but you will have the rest of your life to make up for it... And imagine, Siya would have her Dadda with her... Don't think about the past anymore, think about what to do now to change the present and future...", Dev said and Shaurya stilled... Future? With his wife's hatred for him, is there a future for them? Will Akansha agree to stay with him for the sake of their daughter? Huh... If that's the case, she wouldn't have left him in the first place, Shaurya thought bitterly...
"I don't know Dev...", Shaurya muttered slowly... Dev gulped his drink in one go and dropped himself on the couch beside Shaurya...
"Have you asked your PI to dig information about Akansha and Siya's life in the past 5 years?", Dev said and Shaurya shook his head shocking Dev. "What the hell, Shaurya, Why? You should have ordered for the details immediately", Dev fumed at his idiot best friend.
"I promised I won't", Shaurya said and Dev shook his head
"Your wife hid your daughter's existence for 5 years and you still care for the promise you have made? Idiot... open your eyes and look around... If Akansha can hide Siya from you all these years, she might be planning to run away again... What would you do then?", Dev asked furiously...
"I asked Ashwini and his team to keep a track of Akash's, Akansha's and Richa's whereabouts, their phone calls, everything including their Google search history... They update me in realtime...", Shaurya told Dev, remembering how he immediately called Ashwini about this... Ashwini is a top-notch private investigator and hacker... He is really good at the stuff he does, he runs on Dev's payroll but works for both Shaurya and Dev. For everything that's not legally justified, Shaurya tasks it to him instead of his own PI to avoid any further problems.
"But what about their past lives?", Dev asked
"I'll know that too, but not now...", Shaurya said and Dev let an irritated huff... "You have no idea how desperate I'm to know it but this time, I want to fulfill all my promises to her... I want to be sincere and truthful in my attempts to gain her forgiveness... My deceit had caused her enough damage, not anymore...", Shaurya said and Dev patted his shoulder, understanding him, but he thought in his head to do something about this because after knowing about this, Dev couldn't stop himself from knowing about their life in the past 5 years.
After discussing a few things, Shaurya left from there before the sunrise. Thankfully the storm was passed and there wasn't much damage but there's an issue of waterlogging in some roads which Shaurya ordered to get it cleared soon, summoning the respective municipal officers for the condition of roads including the minister holding the respective portfolio.
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Akash started dragging his sister to a room before she could reveal anything to Richa Or before the smart woman could have figured it out herself... But Akansha has already made her decision.
"You will not meet Siya or take her anywhere here after... You cannot even see my daughter anymore... You are not welcome here, you can leave and I expect you to return the spare key to my home soon", Akansha stated coldly before walking away with her brother shocking Richa. She expected Akansha to get angry, mad, upset, she expected the slaps as well but this? Richa has given up many things for Siya and Akansha, and she didn't regret it, they both deserved it, and she loved them immensely and did everything out of love, but her friend kicking her out of their life just like that paralyzed her. Every time she saw Akansha's heartless behavior towards others, she thought at least she is saved from this but how wrong is she?
Richa knew she was wrong and deserved punishment but instead Akansha snatched two dearest things to her and this is unacceptable... But for now, she thought to give some time to her friend, she too needed some time to cope up with what just happened, Akansha slapped her, the slaps didn't hurt her as much as her words did... Her friend just abandoned her? Just like that? Why?
Was what she thought the real reason behind Akansha's hatred for Shaurya? Or is there more to it? The day's happenings clearly hinted at the latter possibility and Richa determined to find out...
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The brother - sister walked to the balcony not to disturb Siya.
"Di... I have never seen you lose your calm like that? You slapped Richa?", Akash questioned his sister.
Akansha sat on the chair staring at her daughter who is sleeping peacefully unknown to the storm in her parents heart regarding her. One is worried about her future while one is worried about the past few years he missed with his daughter and what all she might have faced without him.
Tears made through Akansha's eyes and she sobbed cupping her mouth not to make any sound... She was scared for her daughter, what if Shaurya tried to get his daughter's custody legally? He has the power, money and people's support too... He can do anything, on the other hand she has nothing. She knew it would sure affect Shaurya's political career and opposition can throw dirt on him but Shaurya isn't a stupid, he knew how to dodge all this and above all, Dev Bisht being the opposition leader gives Shaurya leverage. Dev wouldn't let dirt on his best friend's character but what about her? Will they think about her now? If it was a day before, she could have strongly claimed Shaurya and Dev would do anything to protect her respect, dignity and image in the society, but now she is not sure anymore. With Siya's truth out in light, Shaurya must be devastated and Dev might be agitated looking at his friend in that state. What would be her future and her daughter's?
She didn't regret slapping Richa, she broke her trust in the worst possible way. Richa is the only person she trusted Siya with, even more than Akash and she did that to her? Because of her best friend, now she had to consider leaving this city where she worked so hard to give a better life to her daughter. Now she had to start from scratch in a new city and adapt to the changes. There is a slight ache in her heart whenever she thought of moving away because she somewhere knew about Shaurya's suffering if she again takes away her daughter but she had no choice, to protect Siya and herself from dragging into a political mess which is not less than any filth, she had to do it.
"What to do now Akash? Because he won't sit silently neither would Dev", Akansha said, she never liked taking Shaurya's name... She always addressed him as 'he'...
"I don't think Sir would have told anyone about this", Akash expressed
"Dev doesn't come under 'anyone' for him Akash... I am sure he might have told Dev about Siya by now and I know Dev too and his love for Shaurya, he could do anything for him...", Akansha expressed her worry. "We have to leave as soon as possible, help me Akash...", Akansha startes getting paranoid
"Di... Calm down and listen to me... I have planned everything... Give me sometime to find a secured city and a place to stay for you and Siya, then I'll help you shift...", Akash started but Akansha interrupted him
"We don't have so much time Akash, why are you not getting it?", Akansha asked her brother with fear
"According to him, I am hiding this from you, you are unaware of his knowledge about Siya, that's what he thinks... So, you will continue with your work like nothing happened until I figure out things...", Akash said, explaining how he tricked Shaurya but only if he knew though Shaurya believed him, he has his own plans...
"I still don't think this is right, Akash, we should leave immediately, giving time to Shaurya is like setting fire to our house ourselves...", Akansha said
"Where will you go, don't forget we live in a society where animals feel safer than humans... You both are girls and I can't let you people alone... Neither can't I stay with you all the time, so I had to get you in a safe place... Please di... One week is all I ask", Akash begged and Akansha nodded. She knew how difficult it is for a single woman to survive, she has faced it and is unwilling to face it again, especially with her daughter now. Now that her brother is with her, she wants him to help her live in a safe place.
"Okay, 1 week it is then...", Akansha said and Akash hugged his sister...
"Thanks di, I promise you, I won't disappoint you... I'll keep you and Siyu safe, you both are my life... You both are my family... Just you two and Papa...", Akash said and Akansha's spine stiffened for a second hearing about her father but she composed herself...
"What about Ma and Suman?", Akansha asked holding his brother's palm...
"Ma is my responsibility and Suman di... she is nothing to me... Okay! let's not talk about them... You go to sleep, I have some work, be right back...", Akash said and left the room, Akansha lay beside her daughter but sleep was far away, Anxiety filled her head, and deep inside her heart ached for Shaurya, he must be in great pain now, knowing about his daughter's existence after 5 years... it might be very tough for him. For a second, she was immersed in deep guilt for doing this to him, that night she should have attempted to tell him about her pregnancy before running away instead of chickening out, but in her defense, what if he didn't want the child like he claimed? What if he hated her child because it had her blood? What if... No... She doesn't even want to think about those days.
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The whole night, Akansha didn't sleep, and when the first rays of the sun hit her, she got up and started with her morning chores. And then left for the secretariat, she requested Richa's parents to stay with Siya which they agreed gladly as they loved spending time with Siya. Akansha didn't talk about the fight between her and Richa, she is sure Richa wouldn't have mentioned it either. Akansha had to prepare herself mentally to attend to work, she couldn't face Shaurya, she just hoped he wouldn't come to meet them but she couldn't avoid the review meeting. She cursed herself again & again for accepting the job offer.
They all gathered in the conference room and were waiting for Shaurya, Akansha thought he wouldn't want to see her after the revelation so he avoided the meeting, she thanked god but soon Shaurya made his way there making her curse her fate. But unlike every other time, he didn't give time for the team to adjust, he didn't even look at her and she expected it.
"Let's start", Shaurya said coldly... Mrs. Arora who is supposed to start the presentation fumbled with the cable she has to connect to their laptop experiencing his cold tone. "Can't you people look into these before? What do you think? My job and time are a joke to you?", Shaurya fired at them getting up from his chair... Akansha and Dr. Khan quickly got up and helped Mrs. Arora with it.
They all were shocked seeing his temper, he never lost cool like that... He was called Mr. Coolest CM as he always stayed composed even in the toughest of tough situations. Shaurya closed his eyes for losing his calm, but looking at Akansha in front of him brought back the bittersweet truth. And looking at her red eyes and tired self, he doubted if she already knew the truth but if she did, she would have run away with his daughter AGAIN and that reminder rose hus temper again... 'Do.Not.Lose.Calm' he kept chanting.
Mrs. Arora started with the presentation, and after her part, Dr. Khan took over followed by Mr. Khanna and then came Akansha's part.
"Starting with the details we discussed in the last...", She started but Shaurya got up suddenly...
"I'm done here, mail the presentation...", he said shocking the whole team, and started walking towards the door...
He couldn't control his temper in her presence and he was scared he would hurt her by saying something mean, his extreme love for her was at one side, but today she hurt the father in him, Akansha did wrong to both him and his daughter, and he was deeply tormented by it. He couldn't get himself to forgive her, she knowingly or unknowingly added hundreds of regrets more into his already full bucket. Akansha looked at his back in disbelief... Did he just insult her? He wouldn't dare to do that... He just wouldn't...
He stopped at the door remembering something.
"Everyone who has children to take care of at home, can leave by 5 PM from today", Saying this he walked away from there shocking Akansha.
"Sir had a word with the IT department, they are preparing a secured channel, you guys will get VPN access to connect with our secured systems and can work from home after 5 PM here on", Shweta told them. "I'll forward the mail with all the instructions, you will have to attend the demo session in 3 days, will let you know the details after things get finalized", she added before leaving from there...
Akansha closed her eyes to gulp her emotions, what he just did is the sweetest thing he could do, she knew how much he hated using his power and position for personal benefits, but for her, he had given this leverage, she knew he might have done it so that it would be helpful for others as well, but his primary thought was his daughter, he knew Siya needed her mother at this time and his move was as a father. It's not been even a day he got to know about his daughter and he already become a good and responsible father, he even broke the strict rules he formed around him for his daughter, was she wrong about him? Should she have let him know about her pregnancy? Akansha closed her eyes in guilt before shaking her thoughts away. No, he didn't deserve it, the truth wouldn't change no matter his actions now. She reminded herself.
Shaurya dropped himself on his chair and asked Shweta not to let anyone enter for the next half hour. Shweta just nodded, she was seeing her boss in so much distress for the first time. It's like he is fighting within himself, he looks in bad shape no matter how hard he tries to cover up. Shaurya was a master in covering up his emotions and remaining pleasant always because he knew his job demanded patience and composture but now it was next to impossible for him, his heart was at fire with all that was running in his head.
He recollected his wife's features now, and compared them with her 5 years ago, so the little weight she gained because of the pregnancy, it was baby fat, and her shortened hair, did she suffer from hair fall? Was that the reason she shortened her hair? What other changes she might have experienced? and how difficult was it to handle herself...
"Why Akansha? Why didn't you tell me? I would have been with you every second if you had told me... Nothing was more important than you and my baby...", Shaurya muttered looking at her picture in his phone...
He tried to compose himself as he had work to do... lots of it... due to his campaigning, his work took a back seat which he hated, but campaigning was important as it helped him connect with people and remind them who worked for them and why they needed to elect his party again. Already Dev and his party which is the main opposition of the state intensified their campaigning and with his responsibilities, he couldn't match their efforts but he needed to do the bare minimum though he had people's support.
The next whole week, Shaurya avoided seeing or meeting Akansha, yet her thoughts evaded his sleep every night, the only thing keeping him from going to his wife's place and getting her and his daughter with him was his little conversations with his daughter. Now that he couldn't reach Richa as her phone is switched off, Shaurya wanted to use Akash to talk to Siya but he refused saying his sister wouldn't let him near Siya if she got to know, but luckily, Siya called him from Richa's mother's phone and they talked for so long. Shaurya chuckled at himself at how his number was now passed on to so many people but he didn't mind, until he got to talk to his daughter, he didn't mind if his personal number is distributed to the whole state, he laughed at himself for thinking so considering he was a very private person, he remembered how he got upset with his mother because she passed his personal number to his mausi(maternal aunt), as a result, he didn't give his number to his mother for 2 years, not that he had anything to talk to that woman anyways.
"So? What else? From when are you joining your school?", Shaurya asked Siya signing some documents, adjusting his Bluetooth.
"Kool?(school?) Mamabear said I don't have to go for a few days...", Siya said
"Don't you want to go to school? Meet your friends and play with them?", Shaurya asked
"I want to... I told mumma... But Mumma said... Mumma is not going to kool(school) na, she is going to wolk(work) at opich(Office)", Siya said
"Then what did you say?", Shaurya asked his daughter... He wanted to know if she argued with his mother or just accepted her decision like him. He feared Akansha, there's no question about it, he didn't argue on things, he just accepted most of the things she said.
"I said okay", Siya said and Shaurya laughed hard knowing his daughter is afraid of Akansha just like he is but her next words snatched his laugh pushing him into deep guilt. "Siyabear won't go to kool(School) without Mamabear, This izzz(is) lool(rule)", She added and Shaurya isn't a fool to not guess why Akansha made such a rule, she doesn't want Siya to be bullied or troubled for not having a father in her absenceand she won't be there to handle her...
"Siya bache... I love you so much, I will not go anywhere... I promise... I'm so sorry that I wasn't there for you all these years... Pa... Sholya is very sorry", Shaurya said, his vice creaked, no matter how many times he apologized to his daughter, it wouldn't lessen the burden he felt. He was an utter failure, both as a husband and a father.
"Sholya? Why chorry? You did bad to me?", Siya asked him... 'Yes... Very bad bache' he wanted to answer but didn't...
"Siya bacha... Have your lunch now, it's very late, I'll call you tomorrow... Okay?", Shaurya cut the discussion there as they weren't ready to tell the truth to Siya yet. He doesn't know if his wife/ex-wife would ever get ready to tell Siya about him... Then Shaurya remembered how Siya told those few things her mother told her about her father and now that he thought of it, Akansha told Siya only good things about him. He knew she didn't want to put any negativity in the little mind but still talking good about the man who gave so much pain might have been really tough for her.
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"Di... We are leaving now, tonight, I have made all the arrangements, You and Siya leave in the cab, I'll make sure to send all your luggage later bit by bit, for now take only immediate essentials and some clothes", Akash said shocking Akansha...
"Now? Akash...", She started but Akash cut her off...
"We don't have much time di, I suspect Mr. Bisht is keeping an eye on our moments, I'm not sure but it's better to be safe than sorry", Akash said, Akansha nodded and started packing her bags, Siya has fallen asleep, she quickly changed her daughter and patted her to sleep, luckily she took cough syrup which is helping the ever lite sleeper to have a peaceful sleep.
Akansha's eyes welled up thinking about leaving the place she called home for the past few years, she had put her soul into creating this place. The fact that now she or her daughter or her best friend won't be living there broke her heart. She didn't feel right leaving without meeting Richa, but she didn't have a choice.
"After a few months, please bring Richa to meet us... I can't leave her... I'm sure upset with her but she is my best friend and I love her, I know she loves me and Siya...", Akansha said picking up the picture of Richa, Siya, and Akansha on Siya's 4th birthday. Akash nodded at his sister, he understood her connection with her best friend who was more of a family to her and Siya than her actual family. After she was done with the packing, Akash took the bag from her, while Akansha took Siya in her arms, Akash locked the house and helped his sister and niece settle in the cab he hired. Akansha patted her daughter to sleep when she murmured something in her sleep, despite the strong cough syrup, those moments woke her up, Akansha cursed Shaurya's genes in her daughter which she often did these days...
"Di, he is Anil, one of my trusted man, he will take you to Kasauli... I have arranged your stay there... I know moving to a different state is a huge thing but...", Akash trailed
"No Akash... I'm okay... I just want to go away from here...", Akansha said with determination in her eyes... Akash nodded and kissed her forehead...
"I'll divert his attention, he won't be able to stop you or know about you... Don't worry about anything, I'll come to meet you both soon, take care... You both won't be taking any public transport, and Anil will be with you till you reach Kasauli, he will settle you in the home and get you all the necessary things... be comfortable and tell him anything you want... Don't hesitate... Okay?", Akash told his sister pointing towards the driver who gave a stiff nod to Akash.
"Okay Akash, take care of yourself", Akansha said
"I will di, take care of yourself and my Siyu... Tell her, Mamu will miss her...", Akash said kissing Siya's head tightly which made her squirm in sleep... Akansha patted her to sleep... Akash and Akansha rolled her eyes at her habits.
Akash signaled his man to drive away and with one last final nod, Akash bid his sister and niece bye with a heavy heart, before getting back to work at hand, i.e divert his ex-brother-in-law and current boss.
Akansha started sobbing holding her daughter tightly, the guilt is killing her, she didn't know what she did was right or wrong but she did it anyways. Having Shaurya in Siya's life now was not right for Siya or herself, or even for Shaurya for that matter. It's better to go far away from him and live a better life. Her daughter is better off without him... Yes, she doesn't need him, she doesn't need her father... Akansha kept chanting this in her head but her guilt didn't lessen... it intensified instead.
"I'm so sorry I'm taking you far away from your father, but Mamabear don't have a choice... Will you forgive mumma Siya?", Akansha whispered to her daughter, hugging her tightly...
"Mumma...", Siya muttered, Akansha quickly wiped her tears, and patted her daughter to sleep again... Siya was in sleep so didn't get her mother's words.
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"LOCK DOWN THE BORDERS... Talk to neighboring states as well as all other states in the country...", Shaurya ordered his immediate staff. He was going berserk from the time Ashwini informed him about Akansha fleeing away with his daughter. His concerned staff got to work from then. Half an hour passed.
"Sir... Everything is ready... We can leave in an hour", Suraj said
"We're leaving now... RIGHT NOW", Shaurya said with conviction, Suraj nodded unable to say anything.
Shaurya's body bubbled in rage. How could she? He wouldn't let his wife flee with his daughter now. She has run enough, it's time to face the reality of her life, Shaurya Singh Shekhawat. She can punish him in any way she wants but not like this... Siya is his daughter and he no longer wishes to stay away from her. Shaurya's immediate staff were surprised, the officials who were involved were core loyalists to him, but even they were confused about why he was doing all this as he didn't say a word other than what they needed to know.
He wanted to send Akansha's picture for his efficient staff to stop the vehicle in which she was there but he didn't want to cause any speculation that could turn into a problem for her or his daughter, he had to deal with this with patience. That's when Dev told him he sent a gift to Siya through Richa's parents and Siya loved it so much, so there's a huge chance Siya must have carried it. But Akansha left at midnight, Siya must be asleep by then, Shaurya huffed as the chances were bleak, but luckily they could be able to track it and it showed a highway and in the way the vehicle was moving, Shaurya knew it was his wife and daughter for sure...
Akansha thought the doll was from Richa, she sent it through her parents as Akansha restricted her to see Siya, well, that's what Dev made her parents believe. Richa hadn't gone home for the past few days, she told that she was going on a work trip and her phone would be unreachable, and Dev knew this. So, he used her name to send this to Siya and Akansha packed the doll as Siya loved playing with the doll these days, she didn't leave it even for a second. Dev has the secured identification Richa uses for deliveries, since she was in political journalism, she received a few threats so she always accepts only secured deliveries and she taught her parents the same, so Dev was careful enough. He sent the doll which has tracking device to Siya taking all measures.
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"What happened?", Akansha asked, when she saw hundreds of cars, trucks, lorries, and other vehicles come to a standstill position at the state border. As she neared the border, her heartbeat rose, and she prayed to cross the state border without any problem.
"It's border checkpoint ma'am, I guess border inspection is going on... that might be the reason for this roadblock", Anil answered.
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"Sir... I have coordinated with Ashwini's staff, and according to them, this is the vehicle number ma'am is traveling in...", Suraj said walking to Shaurya who is having a little chat with the officers there. They were in another state, on the other side of the border giving access to Shaurya to the details of the vehicles going under inspection.
"Clear all other vehicles but not before checking them thoroughly... They can change the vehicle at any moment, don't take a chance, mix up our men in the security team and let them take care of the rest", Shaurya instructed
"It will take a few hours sir... there are hundreds of vehicles...", Suraj said
"Two hours is all I can give Suraj... Separate the vehicles which already passed through the security checks, let our other team check them before leaving them, if anyone creates a problem, let me know, I have already talked to the concerned state officials, and there shouldn't be any problem", Shaurya said and Suraj nodded and left from there.
Shaurya's suspicion came true when Akansha and Siya shifted to another vehicle very swiftly but luckily Suraj spotted Akansha at the right time and separated the vehicle from other vehicles. Akansha got worried when she saw all other vehicles getting cleared except for the one she was in... As there weren't many vehicles given this was one of the less used routes, the vehicles were cleared easily except for hers and she got scared. Soon she couldn't spot any vehicles on her side, there were only 4 black SUVs on the other side of the border... Except for them, no one is around her.
"Ma'am... come out...", A man who looked like a high-ranking official said, tapping the window. Sweat beads formed on her face... The only thing that gave her confidence was the driver her brother sent with her, he was hiding behind the bushes, holding his gun, ready to shoot if someone tried to harm her. He went to hiding when he helped her change the vehicles. He already verified the details of the officers present there, and they were genuine so he didn't think they were posing any threat to Akansha, but then why did they stop the vehicle? was it because of her or the vehicle owner who generously agreed to give lift to them?
After Akansha got down clutching Siya in her arms tightly, the officer asked the car owner to drive away which he did, probably cursing Akansha, thinking her to be a criminal or something. He dropped her bag on his way and she shut her eyes and took a deep breath to compose herself. She thought this was a bad dream. She suspected Shaurya's hand in it, but Akash promised to divert him then how? Did her brother fail? Unfortunately yes, by the time Akash reached Shaurya's home to indulge him, he already left to get Akansha and Siya.
"I don't know why you stopped me, but I'm not doing anything illegal", Akansha said
"We never said you were, ma'am... With all due respect... We request your presence there...", the officer said showing a car, Akansha looked at him furiously, how the hell is she supposed to go and board a random vehicle, this must be a joke...
"Look Sir...", Akansha started but her words halted hearing his voice.
"Mr. Singh... I'll take it from here...", Shaurya's voice boomed in, indicating his furious self, he stepped out of his vehicle and walked towards her, crossing the border... How the hell did he reach the other state before her?
The officer nodded, and saluted him before stepping back, Akansha tightened her hold on Siya and Shaurya's eyes fell on his daughter and then at the blazing sun...
He kept his hand on hers to take Siya from her to take care but Akansha's hold tightened, eyes welled up...
"No... She is mine, She is my daughter... You can't take her away", Akansha said, Siya squirmed in her sleep but Akansha didn't care, her fear got the best of her and Shaurya's eyes softened, at that moment, nothing mattered to him, all his anger, the feeling of betrayal everything flew out of the window, the urge to comfort his wife remained, only his love for her remained.
"I'm not snatching her away from you Akansha... I will never do that, She is yours more than anything... It's hot and I'm just putting her in a better place so that she can sleep peacefully while her mother-father gets some things clear...", Shaurya said, her eyes widened, so did the officers' around him.
Shaurya took Siya in his arms, Akansha tried to protest but she knew she can't win this, so she let him hold her, but she quickly followed him...
"Suraj... Please collect the luggage", Shaurya commanded but before Suraj could, Akansha did it...
Suraj opened Shaurya's vehicle door, luckily there weren't common people present there except for high-ranking officials and very loyal officers to Shaurya. Shaurya kissed his daughter's forehead and gently placed her in the back seat, before covering her with his shawl which Siya instantly clutched accepting its warmth, Akansha's eyes flashed with surprise, Siya did that only with her saree or dupatta to date. Shaurya shut the door before turning to Akansha.
"So, you want to discuss it here or at my place?", Shaurya asked in his pure business tone that made Akansha gulp in fear, gone all the softness that appeared before... She knew not letting the father know about her pregnancy may not be wrong legally, but Shaurya could still hold her responsible under moral and ethical grounds, and hers wouldn't make a strong case. Whether he would choose to drag her to court or not is a different issue but this is definitely a problem and if she was proven wrong, he could even get Siya's custody, though Shaurya's earlier statement gave her enough confidence, she is still scared about losing her daughter.
"As much as I despise talking about this with you, I don't have a choice Mr. Shekhawat, so let's talk, but not here", she said, sounding confident and for a second he was staring at her, appreciating her strength and confidence, at that moment, he fell in love with her, again but his anger and fury is gonna stay. He would never forgive Akansha for doing this.
Precap - Shaurya- Akansha talk...