Akash's security guard arrived with my medications, and I took them, including the one for my headache.
The relief was instant.
Then Akash came over and sat down beside me, but when I turned to him, he remained silent.
After a few minutes, he broke the silence, mentioning that he was hungry.
I suggested he order something for himself, but he insisted that I would have to eat too.
When I declined, he offered to buy food for everyone present.
The food arrived, and the others were so happy.
I was too, grateful that they could witness his generosity.
"Won't you eat?" he asked, noticing my unopened pack.
He sipped his coffee—an important night essential for him.
I exhaled, then asked, "Tell me the truth about my test results." I enquired because the numerous medications I was prescribed hinted that something was wrong.
His expression sputtered, and he tried to cover it up, but I saw through it.
"Like I said, you're okay," he replied.
"Please, Akash, tell me the truth. It's my health on the line. Am I really okay?" I begged,
He set his coffee aside, his gaze sealing at mine, and held my hands, his eyes piercing through mine.
"Promise me you won't overthink it," he said, his voice filled with concern.
I nodded hastily, eager for him to reveal what was bothering me.
"Not like that," he clarified, his tone serious.
"Promise me you won't overthink it." He repeated, his eyes searching mine.
I took a deep breath, closed my eyes briefly, and released a slow sigh before meeting his gaze again. "I won't," I whispered, trying to sound convincing despite the growing fear that was gripping my heart.
I was terrified of hearing some devastating news, but I didn't want to show it.
"You may face challenges reproducing, and even if you do get pregnant in the future, there's a high risk of miscarriage," he said, his voice extremely gentle.
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.
"You had bacterial vaginosis, which went untreated for far too long," he continued.
I stared at him, my breathing suspended, while tears streamed down my face.
"But don't worry, the infection can be cured," he reassured me, his tone softening again.
"I did this to myself," I whispered, my voice breaking as tears continued to fall.
"It was your only option," he whispered gently, cupping my face and wiping away each tear.
"Using polythene was a necessity, so it wasn't your fault. Your father is the one at fault for closing his doors on you simply because you were divorced. You had every right to return and live there," he continued, but changed the subject midway. "You will be fine, I promise."
I nodded, still trying to process the news. "I don't accept the report," I said, my voice shaking. "God sees everything. He won't punish me for something that wasn't my mistake."
He nodded in agreement. "Indeed, he won't. Now, have your dinner, and don't forget to continue taking all the medication as prescribed."
I exhaled a deep sigh, nodded, and opened my food packet, though my heart was still heavy with the news.
He asked, "May I feed you? If you're comfortable, of course."
I nodded sceptically.
He fed me with his hand instead of the spoon provided, his touch sending a warm sensation through my body.
Our eyes matched as I hesitantly accepted the morsel, my gaze trying to read the emotions in them.
"Please don't quit the restaurant," he spoke out, his gaze turning intense. "The others will be unhappy with your decision. They all see you as a sister, and the restaurant relies completely on your recipes."
I interrupted him, my voice cracking, "There are many people in India who can create better recipes than I, Akash."
He paused for a while, then replied, "But none of them are you."
I stopped chewing, my mind sprinting to understand his words.
I mean, I know it is wrong to leave without a reason, and I shouldn't let anyone's opinion get to my head. Indeed. And his words are also making me rethink.
"Please release Rajiv's grandmother," I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper.
He released a long sigh, his expression softening. "Will you be happy if I do?" he asked, his eyes scouring mine.
I shrugged, having a mix of emotions. "I guess."
He nodded and fed me another morsel. "She will be released first thing tomorrow morning."
I munched slowly, contemplating whether to ask the next question, and I did. "Will you be happy if I continue partnering with them?" I asked.
His eyes lit up immediately. "Very!" he exclaimed, his face radiating joy.
I nodded, my voice barely reaching a whisper, "Then I will continue."
His face lit up with a warm smile, and he said, "Believe me, it's the best decision. One you'll never regret."
I clarified, "I'm doing this only for your happiness, Akash."
He nodded, his eyes still shining with understanding. "You still won't regret it."
I smiled, "Shall we get going?" I asked, and he replied,
"Let's wait until morning."
I shrugged, and we sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Then, curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, "What language did you speak earlier?"
He laughed, and his eyes sparkled with amusement. "Italian. Can you speak it?" I shook my head, feeling a little envious.
"No, how did you learn it?"
"I enrolled in a two-year program in Italy," he shared, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia.
"I lived with a host family and immediately learnt their language because I had friends there who couldn't understand English."
I muttered a soft "Oh".
We spent the rest of the night chatting and getting to know each other better, sharing stories and laughter.
However, when his phone rang, his expression turned serious. "It's my mother. Why is she calling so early?" he said, and answered the call.
"What news?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern.
I watched him intently as he spoke to her, my curiosity rising each second.
The phone call lasted less than a minute, and then he played a video that made my heart skip a beat.
It was about us, particularly me!
•••••
We returned home.
None of us mentioned the video, but the tension between us was also evident.
After bathing and getting ready, we met again in the hall, where the aroma of the breakfast he had ordered filled the atmosphere.
I confronted him, blocking his path to the dining table.
"Won't you say anything about the news?" I whispered.
He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Your father is behind it, isn't he?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with understanding.
I nodded slightly.
"Well, I'm far too busy to respond to such baseless claims, but I trust you'll do the needful." He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, and I nodded slowly.
"What should I do?" I asked, seeking guidance.
"Anything you feel is right," he replied, his voice filled with trust and confidence. With that, he moved towards the breakfast table, leaving me to ponder my next move.
****
We arrived at the restaurant.
I was warmly welcomed back by the others, their beaming smiles and enthusiastic greetings making me smile too.
We continued discussing the menu and rehashing our incomplete meeting from the day before.
Akash also cancelled his work for the day to join us.
The others too were on the same page as his decision about the news, refusing to reply to my father and leaving the decision entirely up to me.
We brainstormed names for the restaurant, tossing around ideas until we landed on "The City Life Restaurant"—a name that perfectly captured the essence of their vision because the restaurant's location was in the heart of the city, and also the soulful atmosphere they aimed to create.
Just as we were celebrating that milestone, Rajiv walked back in, and I couldn't believe my eyes!
I had thought he was done with the project for good, and Akash's friends seemed just as surprised as I was.
Regardless, I shared what I thought was the best decision with my dad with him.
I know he doesn't want me to work and instead wants me to return to a life of submission under Rajiv's control.
Well, I won't do that.
I'm determined to save my mother and siblings from his grasp too.
However, Rajiv threatened to involve the village people, but I still won't back down.
I'll fight and resist, but never give in.
He's already lost me, and after calling me 'darkness', I'll never be the 'light' he's looking for.
"We will open the restaurant a week from now with a banging party!" Akash's friends exclaimed after Rajiv left.
I smiled in excitement.
"We're really looking forward to it," Akash added, and my smile grew even wider.
Honestly, I'm doing all of this for his happiness.
There's something about seeing him happy that fills me with joy.
I'm not sure if it's because he's my best friend or if it's something more.
I know it's wrong according to my values, but I can't help but wonder if I've developed feelings for him.
*****
A week has flown by, and the day of the restaurant's grand opening has finally arrived!
I was busy getting ready in my room when Akash knocked on the door. "Anita, are you ready?" he called out, his voice quelled by the closed door.
"Don't dress up for the party tonight now."
I hastily combed my hair, trying to finish getting ready in time. "What's the difference if I get ready all together now or later?" I replied, my voice slightly muffled as I rushed to finish my hair.
"I'll be too busy to change later, so I might as well get ready just now!" I added.
"No, you'll find the time. Please, tonight is special. Your clothes will squeeze before..." he paused as I opened the door, and his jaw dropped in awe.
He gazed at me from head to toe, his eyes wide with admiration, taking in the vibrant yellow saree I had worn.
"Wait, I need a picture of you, framed and huge, one that I can put up in my bedroom," he finally spoke out, his voice filled with wonder.
I giggled at his joke, but he was dead serious.
"I'm serious, we're going to the studio right now to take pictures of you. You're a combination of heaven and hell, a beauty so rare. There's no one else like you on earth, no replica."
I blushed profusely, my cheeks burning with a warm glow, as I giggled uncontrollably.
He seized the moment, clicking an unexpected picture of me with his phone. "I'm making this my wallpaper right now," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
I laughed even harder, and I also surprised him by snapping an unexpected but remarkably clear and handsome picture of him with my phone.
He gave it back to me a week ago.
And also, he is the first person whose picture I have ever taken on the phone. "I'm also making you my wallpaper," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
I glanced at him, and our eyes met, where I saw the wide smile on his lips, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"That being done, let me protect you from every evil eye," he said, his voice filled with tender possessiveness.
"May no one gaze at you more than I will," he added, his eyes burning with intensity.
I laughed out loud at his dramatic gesture as he pretended to touch an imaginary kohl in his eyes and then gently dabbed the imaginary dot behind my ear.
His touch sent chills down my spine.
"Shall we head to the photo studio now?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"We'll be quick, won't we?" I asked, my voice carrying nervousness.
He nodded reassuringly. "We will," he said, his smile calming my nerves.
*****
We had the photos taken, and the photographer promised to deliver them to Akash's residence.
We were now in the restaurant's kitchen, checking and tasting each dish to ensure everything was perfect for the grand opening at 10.
I savoured the flavourful biryani and absentmindedly held onto the spoon.
Akash took it from me, his eyes sparkling with joy, and tasted the biryani as well.
He then returned the spoon to the counter, his actions mirroring mine. He was following me, mimicking my every move since we arrived. Whenever I complimented the food, he would repeat my opinions, his voice filled with even more enthusiasm than mine. "Yes, it's good!" he'd say with his infectious smile. Even when I demonstrated how to wash the plates, he repeated after me, "Yes, this is how they should be washed!"
"Akash," I said, turning to him.
"Yes, Anita?" he responded, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Can you please sit in one place?" I asked, my tone playful but slightly frustrated.
"I don't want to leave you alone," he replied.
I shrugged, not having the time or energy to argue with him, and he grinned triumphantly, his eyes never leaving mine.
•••••
From the camera room, I stared out at the bustling restaurant, my heart overflowing with joy and happiness.
Families and customers filled every floor, their faces shining with happiness as they shared meals and laughter together.
We hadn't anticipated such a large turnout on our first day, but our team was also rising to the challenge, ensuring everything ran like clockwork.
My father's broadcast had unexpectedly boosted our visibility, drawing in even more customers.
As I watched the chaos below, Akash leaned in close, his gentle breath on my skin making me shiver.
He placed his head on my shoulder, and I flinched, startled by the sudden closeness, though he had been standing beside me all along.
"Look, it's your success," he whispered, his voice filled with admiration.
"Every table is full. People are enjoying every bite of your recipes."
My eyes welled up with tears as I continued to stare at the happy scene again. "They're my mother's recipes," I replied, my voice trembling slightly.
••••
"Excuse me!" A firm hand on my arm made me turn, and my eyes widened in surprise as I came face to face with a familiar figure from my past.
It was the lady whose daughter I had saved after desperately needing a job to do, the same woman who had harshly rejected my begging for the job.
Her words still stung in my memory: "Do I look like someone who hires people like you? Why would I want to bring you into my home, someone who would only bring dirt and filth into my life?"
"Yes?" I replied, my tone neutral.
"You own this place too, right? You're Anita Deshmukh?" she asked, her voice carrying false sweetness.
"Anita. Only Anita," I replied curtly, my guard up.
"Of course, well, I love befriending people with vision, people just like you," she gushed, her eyes gleaming with insincerity.
"What do you say? I am Astha! I'd love to be your friend, honestly." She stretched out her hand, expecting me to shake it, but I just stared at it, my mind racing back to the painful memory of her hurtful words. "Filth and dirt," she had called me, and now she wanted to be friends?
I felt a bitter taste in my mouth as I remembered her rejection.
"Please, enjoy," I said coolly.
I turned and walked away, leaving her hand hanging in mid-air.
••••
Akash had been pulling me along, his hand wrapped around mine, and we finally arrived at the relaxation room.
"What?" I asked, my eyes scanning the empty room in confusion.
"It's almost time for the party, but you're not ready yet," he spoke.
My gaze landed on the stunning black dress laid out on the bed, paired with a black heel.
"I swear you're so insistent,"
"Please, get ready," he exhorted, his eyes sparkling with seriousness.
A thrill ran through me as I gazed at the dress again, knowing that he had thoughtfully chosen it for me.
••••
I returned into the restaurant.
I was struck by its transformation. The space was now a vibrant party venue, complete with a dance floor, enhanced opulence, and dazzling lighting that seemed to pulsate with energy.
The air was electric, filled with the rapture of celebration and the smooth sounds of live jazz music that had been playing on all floors since.
My eyes scanned the room, taking in the joyous setting.
Akash's friends had arrived too, all dressed in stylish casuals, and were dancing and laughing together with uncontainable joy, as if they'd won a lottery.
Akash was among them, beaming with happiness.
After I approached, each of them shook my hand enthusiastically, their faces radiating joy.
I laughed along with them, feeling my own excitement elevating.
"Security has been tightened because we'll be having all the influential people in India at this party, including Akash's parents," Mukesh informed me, his voice low and serious.
I nodded, my heart sprinting with excitement.
I am thrilled that I will finally meet the people who brought such a wonderful man into this world.
My eyes met Akash's gaze, and we exchanged soft smiles.
He glided towards me, his hands reaching for mine, and I felt a spark of electricity as our palms touched.
"I have a big surprise for you," he whispered, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"What more could you possibly give me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Everything available in the world," he replied, his words parroting with sincerity.
My cheeks flushed, and my gaze dropped, shyly avoiding his.
But then he asked, "Will you grant me the honour of dancing with you?" and extended his hand.
I placed mine in his, and he led me to the dance floor, the music and lights swirling around us like magic.
The soulful melody of "Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington Jr. enclosed us, and my heart skipped a beat as his hands gently touched my waist.
I placed mine on his shoulder, and we both surrendered to the music, our eyes sealed in a loving stare.
The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, lost in the rhythm and each other's eyes.
Time stood still as we swayed to the song, our bodies moving in perfect symmetry.
But then, a voice broke our trance, and we both blinked away from each other's sight, our eyes adjusting to the sudden interruption.
That's when I saw them—the two people who had been in the photograph in his room, his parents, standing before us with bright smiles.
They looked younger than in the picture, their eyes shining with youthful energy.
Akash spoke, "Mother, Father!" and we walked with him, including his friends, to meet them.
I bent down to touch their feet as a sign of respect, but they both stopped me with a gentle gesture.
"Did you not tell her we forbade the touching of feet?" his mother asked.
Instead, she opened her arms and enveloped me in a warm hug.
I smiled while I pulled back.
I was about to introduce myself when she said, "Anita. Akash has already told us everything about you."
I looked at him, wondering what he had shared. But before I could ask, his father's voice pulled my attention to him.
"May the restaurant be blessed, and may you enjoy its fruit."
I smiled in gratitude and began to respond with a respectful "Thank you, Uncle..." but he politely corrected me.
"Father."
****
I looked out from the balcony.
Almost everyone has arrived, and the security has been enormously tightened.
The entire building was surrounded by a formidable presence of police vehicles, with officers wielding huge guns.
When I went to the ground floor to keep the list of ingredients for tomorrow in the kitchen, I also met so many bodyguards that filled the restaurant.
They were everywhere, their eyes continuously scanning the area.
While they were courteous and nice, their presence made me feel a bit scared.
The middle floor was similarly fortified, with bodyguards stationed at every corner, each carrying guns that seemed to be at the ready.
The lights suddenly went out, plunging the room into darkness, and I shivered, getting scared.
But then, a soft, warm glow emerged, illuminating a beautiful cake with candles lit up, reading "Happy Birthday, Anita" in elegant script.
I gasped, my eyes welling up with tears as Akash's voice filled the quiet room. "I know you've forgotten about this special day of yours, Anita, but know that there are people now in this world who care about even the slightest detail about your life."
A lump formed in my throat, and tears of joy started to roll down my cheeks.
I had completely lost track of time, and it hadn't even occurred to me that it was already September 5th—my birthday.
"I am so grateful to have met you in my life, Anita," he continued.
"You are not just one of the best things that have happened to me; you are the best. Meeting you has opened my eyes to colours I never knew existed. Life is beautiful, simple, and full of love, and it's all because of you."
I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. They flowed freely.
After the lights flickered back on, the room erupted in a chorus of applause and cheers, with every single person—all the influential guests—singing "Happy Birthday, Anita" in unison.
I scanned the room, my eyes locking onto Akash's beaming smile, and my heart overflowed with joy.
I rushed to him, throwing my arms around his neck, and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you!" I mumbled, my voice trembling slightly.
"I am the one who should be thanking you for bringing light and love into my life," he replied.
"Let's cut the cake!" he added.
"I can't wait until you see my surprise." He pulled back, and I nodded.
I followed him to the cake, surrounded by everyone, who were all eager to celebrate the moment with us.
My hands trembled slightly as I held the knife, my nerves building up with excitement.
With a gentle push, I cut into the cake, and the room erupted in applause.
I fed the first bite to Akash, and he reciprocated, his eyes staring deeply into mine.
Then, his mother took a bite and fed me back, followed by his father, who did the same.
"My gift!" his father announced, pulling out a set of keys from his pocket.
My brows furrowed in curiosity, and he revealed, "The keys to a villa in New York, registered in your name."
My jaw dropped in stunned silence before I shook my head instinctively, overwhelmed with emotion.
"Your blessings are enough," I stammered, my voice cracking with gratitude. "I can never accept..."
But he interrupted me. "It is a gift from a father to his daughter. You have to."
I burst into tears, memories of my own father's neglect flooding my mind.
I had never received a gift from him, not even a drop of water.
Akash's father hugged me tightly, stroking my head gently, and there was this comfort his arms provided.
He handed me the keys, and I took them, still in disbelief.
"And my gift," his mother spoke.
"It is enough. I..." I began, still in shock, but she interrupted me, her voice endearing with playful teasing. "You accepted his gift. You have to accept mine too, or I will feel it is only him you love." She smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
I shook my head slowly, still trying to process the enormity of their generosity.
"I am offering the restaurant a contract to feed a hundred people daily for a year. Please send me the cost, and I'll send the money immediately," she said.
I nodded, still in awe, and she added, "And please, it is a business between a client and a producer. No discount; I want the real price."
I hugged her too, feeling grateful and overwhelmed while nodding.
I looked around, and everyone came and offered me gifts—some were contracts for the restaurant, others were properties, cars, and even a villa in Mumbai!
I am speechless!
"And finally," Akash finally spoke,
"My gift!" He took a deep breath, then called out, "Mother, please come in!"
I turned my gaze to where he was looking, wondering who his mother was, when his mother was already present with us.
But then the door opened, and my heart stopped.
My mother, my whole family, including my sisters, who were married off and whom I had never seen again, stood in the doorway.
More tears instantly welled up in my eyes, and I felt like I was going to collapse with joy.
They too started crying, and I wanted to run to them, especially my mother, to hug her tightly.
But before I could take a step, a hissing sound filled the air, like a snake spitting venom, as a tear gas canister crashed through the window, spewing a thick, white fog that spread like a toxic cloud.
The room erupted into chaos, with screams and cries filling the air as the gas seeped into our lungs, burning our eyes and throats.
I felt like I was drowning in a sea of fire, my lungs constricting and my eyes streaming with tears.
The sound of gunshots rang out too, like a deadly drumbeat, and another canister was thrown in, unleashing a fresh wave of affliction.
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