*I know, I am super late for the update and I am really sorry for that but October month was little harsh for me in terms of my personal life and on top of that it was festival season also so, couldn't write on that time.

Here I have included a flashback where Akhil arranged a meeting of his parents with Anika and what happened in that meeting and after that convo, you guys will get to know. I would say, from this chapter, the real story has started.

I wanted to write about Akhil's pov in this chapter as I know how much you guys are missing him and his pov but it was becoming lengthy so now will write about him in next chapter.

Please do votes and leave your comments for motivating your author..

Who is not following my insta account , I request please do as I will put the spoiler edit reels there before the chapter

Now enjoy reading.*

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Dream Interiors:

Anika was sitting in her cabin when she heard a knock on the door. She gave permission and clicked the button to open the door. She focused entirely on her laptop, so she didn't look up, and that person came inside.

"Hello, Anika.." Akshit greeted her with his nervous smile.

Anika raised her face and looked at him with unexpected expressions. He again spoke, sensing her, "I am sorry. I came here without any appointment, and your shocking face is totally justified to me."

Anika blinked and said while composing herself, "Akshit, uh, yeah...sorry... please come and sit..."

Akshit nodded and sat in front of her. She closed her work and looked at him then asked, "Would you like to have something, tea or coffee?"

"No, no, I am fine, thanks.." he politely declined.

Anika nodded and for a while, silence erupted in the room. No one said a single word and they were just looking at each other in the middle nervously. Anika knew why he was here as he wanted to know the truth which she hid from him but what could have she told him that for the person, whom she was crazy, he left in the altar and for what reason even, she didn't know.

After a while when no one said a word, Akshit cleared his throat and asked, "Hope, I am not disturbing you in your work?"

Anika looked at him and then said with a small smile, "No, It's fine. Moreover, lunchtime is almost here so, not a big deal.."

He nodded and was about to say when she interrupted and said, "Look Akshit, I know why you are here and I even know, I owe you an explanation."

Akshit looked at her and said, "That's a relief to know that you know.."

Anika didn't say anything and he said, "Well now when you know then you should start speaking, I guess..."

She looked at him and said in a low voice, "It's not easy, Akshit.."

He chuckled with a scoff and said, "Expected.."

Anika looked at him and that scoffing too didn't go unnoticed by him and she said with a frown, "What should I tell you, Akshit, when I too don't know the reason for his leaving..."

Akshit became a little angry over it but still, he composed and took a breath before saying, "Are you mad or what?"

Anika didn't say anything and he said, "I mean, after suffering this much and facing the humiliation that too from the person whom you still love, and on top of that you still want him back into your life. But the real question is, what did he want, when he left you and what does he want now, it's both the same, or has his perception too changed for you?" Does he want you in his life as much as you want?"

"I know, he does.." Anika replied in her low tone.

Akshit gave him an unbelievable look and asked, "And how are you so sure about that?"

"Because I know him.." she replied with a frown as she was getting a little angry from his questions.

Akshit scoffed while rolling his eyes at her and said, "Yeah, you know him, that means at that time too, you knew him when he left you in the middle of your wedding..."

"He must have a reason for that..." Anika said in defense.

"And what is that, to choose a girl that his parents like over you..." Akshit spoke in anger while shaking his head.

"AKSHIT..." Anika spoke a little loud after hearing his words.

Akshit sighed calmly and said, "I am sorry for my words..." he knew, he said more which he shouldn’t.

"You should be..." she said and looked down.

Her eyes were brimming with tears but she controlled and sniffled. He noticed her sniffled voice and went to her then after putting a hand on her shoulder, he said, "Look Anika, I don't know after facing this much heartbreak, why do you still want him in your life?"

"Because I love him and I can't move on from him..." she said while looking at a blank space.

Akshit again sighed and asked, "And what about him? Do you think he does?"

She blinked and said, "I don't know that's why, I want to meet him and I know, if he says, he will not love me then there must be a reason for that."

"Why do you have this much belief in him after seeing that he left you?" Akshit asked after hearing her reply as he couldn't believe why she still wanted him.

"Because a person who can take a stand for me in front of his parents, a person who can fight with his parents just to be with me, a person who can, at last, leave his own parents and promise me to hold my hand in every thick or thin, that person can never betray me and if he did then he must have a reason for all those things which he never wanted to do" Anika spoke with determination the things which truly had happened with her but as he left him in middle so, she knew he had a reason for that.

Akshit heard her and he became shocked and baffled at the same time then said, "What..."

Anika wiped her tears and stood up from her chair then said, "Yes, you heard me right, he chose me over his parents.."

Akshit again looked at her with confusion and asked, "How?"

Anika turned to his side once then again turned to another side and started speaking, "As I told you before his parents were shocked and not happy with his open proposal and Jiju gave him the advice that after his and Ruhani's wedding, he should arrange a meeting of his parents and me so that they can meet me and know me better then we will resolve the things in a better way. Akhil agreed and after their wedding, when Jiju and Ruhu both went for their honeymoon, he arranged a small meeting for us."

Flashback:

Akhil picked Anika up from her home and was taking her to his home to meet with his parents.

"Akki, I am getting nervous.." she said with anxiety.

Akhil was driving and in between, he held her hand and said, "You don't have to love, they are my parents, not any horror movie characters that will scare you with anything.."

Akhil chuckled at last and she tch in response then said, "Don't joke around, Akki, I am seriously not getting good vibes."

Akhil stopped the car at the side road and held her hand tightly then said, "Look Anu, don't let this negativity overpower your mind, ok? I am here na with you so, don't get nervous."

"What if your parents won't like me and what if I am not the type of girl they want for you then? What will I do? I will surely die.." 

She was saying but hearing the word die, he didn't let her complete the sentence and slammed his lips with her. His aggression was clearly showing in that kiss as he was kissing her hard and didn't let her match his pace. She was breathing heavily and tried to push him but he was strong and after making her all breathless, he finally left her lips.

He cupped her face and after joining their forehead, he said while huffing, "I am sorry..."

Her heart melted and he spoke, "But never ever say those words in front of me, I hate it.."

She nodded and slowly got some calm breath. 

For a while, they remained like this then later, he said while caressing her cheeks, "And about your doubts so, let me clear this, first, I don't care if my parents like you or not because as long as I do, nothing else matters to me. Second, I don't care if they say, you are not my type but only I know, there is no one in this fucking world who love me the way you do and it's me who is gonna marry so, so the end decision and choice will be mine only. So now, don't stress yourself and be a confident one like you are. Just be yourself and you will be fine, ok."

She again nodded and he pulled back. They straightened themselves and she looked into the front mirror then said, "You ruined my lipstick.."

"Thanks to God, I only ruined your lipstick otherwise if we hadn't gone to meet my parents then I would have loved to ruin your suit because your Indian look is really driving me crazy and It's actually getting hard for me not to love you and show you the heaven..." he spoke shamelessly while starting the car.

She gasped hearing his words and a tint of red appeared on her face. To hide her blush, she started hitting him on his arms while saying, "You, cheesy monkey, came to your cheesiness huh and that too shamelessly..."

He started laughing seeing her act and shook his head as he could see her blush, but didn't want to tease her more because for now, he was satisfied that he at least succeeded in lightening her tension and made her blush with his words.

Arora Mansion:

Aruna was sitting in the living room when Akhil came inside while holding Anika's hand. They stood up in front of her and Anika took some breaths to calm herself.

"Mom..." Akhil called Aruna and got her attention.

Aruna looked at them and then their joined hands. Anika pulled her hand back and joined in front of her while saying, "Namaste, Aunty.."

Aruna stood up from her place and then greeted her with a forced smile. Akhil looked at both of them and said, "Mom, she is Anika..."

He then looked at her side again and interlinked his fingers with her while saying, "The love of my life..."

Anika jerked her head towards him and then looked at his smiling face. He blinked his eyes and assured her, he was there with her and she too nodded with her smiling face.Aruna cleared her throat to gain their attention and they looked at her. She nodded her head and offered to sit there. 

They both sat there and Aruna spoke, "So you work with Ruhani in her company..."

"I am..." she was about to say but Akhil interrupted and spoke, "She doesn't work for Ruhani, she is her half-partner in business."

They both looked at him and Aruna said, "I get it, you are excited to show her achievements to us, Akhil but I guess she can speak for herself..."

Anika glared at him and he just passed his sheepish smile to them while saying, "I am sorry, I actually got excited..."

"Why don't you go and check the lunch preparation, Akhil? I am sure you would love to see, have we arranged everything according to her liking?" Aruna said to him as she knew if she would talk to her then her son would meddle in for sure.

Akhil looked at Anika and she blinked with assurance. He nodded and said, "Ok, I'll go and check" Then he left, leaving them alone for a while.

Aruna looked at Anika and said, "So, you are the owner."

Anika looked at her and said with politeness, "Half owner..."

Aruna nodded and asked another question, "So, what do your parents do?"

Anika looked at her and said with the same politeness, "My father is a cardiologist and my mother is a social worker."

"Oh, nice.." She said and asked with narrowed eyes, "And what about your sibling? Don't you have any brother or sister?"

Anika looked hesitant but nevertheless, she replied, "I have one brother. He lives in Mumbai with his wife."

"Oh, is he not on talking terms with you all?" Aruna asked another question.

Anika looked at her and started fidgeting with her dupatta then said, "Not too much..."

"Why?" She asked with raised brows.

"I request you, aunty. Please don't talk about my brother. I am not comfortable talking on this topic" Anika said, still feeling nervous.

Aruna didn't pursue the topic and said, "Sure, I was just asking because we too need to know na in which family we are going to bound, are they worthy of my son or not?"

Anika looked at her with confusion and Aruna said, "Don't mind me, beta but I guess, you too believe that weddings are not just meant for two persons, it's about accepting the whole family. So, I asked because I also want to know after your wedding, will my son get equal respect from your family or not?"

Anika smiled and said, "I understand your concern, Aunty but don't worry, me and my parents won't disappoint you. We will do our best and give the deserving hospitality to you all."

Aruna smiled and said, "I am sure.."

Meanwhile, Akhil came from the kitchen and said, "Everything looks good for lunch."

Aruna nodded and Akhil asked, "Where is Dad?"

"He went to the office for important work, he will be here soon. Why don't we go and start our lunch.." Aruna said and they both nodded.

They all went to the dining area and Akhil pulled a chair for her like a gentleman and she passed her charming smile to him while mouthing, "Thank you..."

He winked and settled beside her. Aruna was seeing everything with the corner of her eyes but she didn't say anything. One of the home staff came and started serving lunch to them. 

Meanwhile, Ashutosh came and went to the dining area. Everyone saw him and Anika was about to stand to greet him but he showed his hand while saying, "It's ok, have your lunch then we'll talk..."

She didn't say anything but she felt some rudeness in his behavior or maybe she thought much. She looked at Akhil who just blinked with assurance and held her hand then made her sit on her chair. She gave a small smile and settled again then they all started having their lunch in silence. 

After finishing the lunch, they all stood up and were about to go to the living room when Ashutosh said, “Thank you for joining us for lunch today. I guess you should leave now.”

“Pardon?” Anika asked, baffled.

“Dad, She is not just here to have lunch. I brought her here to meet with you both so that you guys can meet her and we’ll plan our upcoming wedding” Akhil clarified his point with seriousness to his father.

Ashutosh looked at them and asked with narrowed eyes, “Wedding, whose wedding are you talking about?”

“Mine and Anika’s wedding” He declared while holding her hand.

“Huh, if you have that much concern for us and our opinion that matters to you, Akhil then you would have never proposed to her the way you did and too without telling us anything…” Ashutosh scoffed and said his point in an angry tone.

Akhil looked at his father with an unbelievable look and said, “I agree, I should have told you about her before but the reason was, I thought you guys would have supported me because it's my life and it's my decision to whom I want to spend my life. You guys too had a love marriage so, I don’t think, if I also do one then there would be a problem for you both but from the past few days, you guys are acting like, I have done a crime by loving her and thought of her as my life partner.”

Anika held his forearm and started caressing it to calm his anger and he held her hand. Ashutosh looked at his son and said, “If you are talking about crime then yes, you have done a crime, Akhil but it's not related to her, it's about someone else.”

Akhil and Anika looked at him confused and Aruna too saw her husband who just negatively nodded her head. Akhil noticed both of them and asked, “What do you want to say, say clearly, dad. I am not getting your point.”

“Huh, of course how would you when you are so blinded in her love..” Ashutosh said while scoffing in anger and pointed his finger towards Anika.

Akhil came in between and said with the same frown, “Don’t talk to her like that, Dad. I won’t tolerate it and about love then yes, I am madly and blindly in love with her and no one can change this thing not even you…” he was stern. 

“Akhil..” Aruna spoke in the middle and continued, “Don’t forget, you are talking to your father.” 

“Then tell him also, don’t forget, he is talking about my love” Akhil said them with the same tone.

“Akki, please, let it be. I think this is not the right time to talk about anything. Please calm down” Anika said to him as she didn’t want to because of her, he fought with his family. 

Her eyes were becoming watery and throat was heavy. Akhil noticed and cupped her face then said, “I am sorry, Anu. If I knew, they still had some issues with the things then I would have never brought you here. I should have talked to them first regarding all those. I am really sorry, Anu.”

Anika put her hand above his and said with a small smile, “It's ok, not your fault.”

“Let me take you to your home” He said and she nodded.

He held her hand then turned to his parents and again said with the same stern expressions, “I guess, first we need to talk about the things then we’ll arrange a meeting for you with her.”

They both turned and were about to go when Ashutosh spoke from behind with a high pitched voice, “There is no need for any meeting, Akhil because I will never accept her as my daughter in law.”

Their steps halted in the middle and Anika tightly held Akhil’s hand with shock. They both turned and Akhil asked with narrowed eyes and a shocked face, “What did you just say?”

Ashutosh looked firm and said, “She will never become our daughter in law. We will never accept this relationship.”

Akhil chuckled with a scoff and said, “Ok, if this is your decision then listen to mine now, I will not leave her at any cost. If not with your blessings then I am ready to marry her without your blessings.”

His words shocked both Aruna and Ashutosh and he said, “You are doing wrong, Akhil.”

“And what you are doing, do you think that is right, Dad?” Akhil spoke and asked with the same aggression.

Anika was looking at them with different emotions as she wasn’t able to understand what was happening and why was this happening? Her eyes were brimming and her heart was beating but still, she was standing there by his side who was also taking stand for her and for their love.

Her chain of thoughts broke when Ashutosh spoke, “What I am doing, it's for everyone’s good, Akhil but for now, you will not understand this.”

Akhil left Anika’s hand and crossed it around his chest while saying, “Ok, You want to make me understand the things then tell me, I am all hearing.”

Ashutosh looked at Aruna who again shook her head in a negative way but Ashutosh was persistent this time. 

He looked at Akhil and said, “Ok, If you want to hear this then let it be…”

Anika and Akhil looked at each other and Ashutosh came to them and asked an out of the blue question from Akhil, “What did you say or promise to Aarusha?”

Akhil and Anika both knitted their brows in confusion but the reason was different for both of them. Anika looked in confusion because she didn’t know about whom Ashutosh was talking as she had never heard this name before whereas for Akhil, he was confused because he didn't know or remember what he said to her that was becoming the main topic of this talk. 

Ashutosh looked at Anika and asked, “I know, my son has promised you a lot of things but will he fulfill that, did you ask from him? Because as far as I know, he can't…”

He then looked Akhil and said with furrowed brows, “Kisi or se kiya gaya wada toh nibha nhi paya or nahi ise yaad hai toh tum bhi puch lo ise ki tumko diye promises nibha payega yeh…
(The promises, he had made to someone else, he couldn't fulfill that one neither he remembered it so, you should also ask him will he be able to fulfill your promises or not..)”

They both again looked at him and Akhil asked with frustration as he didn't like how his father was putting riddles instead of telling clearly, “Dad, will you please stop putting those riddles and come to the point. What and which promises are you talking about?”

Ashutosh looked at him with disbelief and said, “That promise which you gave to Aarusha..”

“What promise..” Akhil again said getting frustrated with the situation.

“That you will take care of her and you will marry her…” Ashutosh said with a loud voice after hearing his frustrated one.

They both become shocked and Anika becomes totally numb after hearing Ashutosh. She left Akhil’s hand in shock and he looked at her whose mouth was hung open and eyes were becoming big which were brimming with water and silent tears started rolling down on her cheeks.

He held her from her shoulders and said, “Anu, calm down. This is not true. I have never said anything like this to anyone except you, Anu. There is some misunderstanding, please trust me, Anu.”

Akhil was saying his words but Ashutosh interrupted and said, “I can show you that video where you said that..”

They again looked at Ashutosh and he took his phone then after opening his phone gallery, he showed them the video.

An eleven year old boy and a girl, almost around 8, were playing together. She was twirling while giggling and he was video shooting her in a handy camera. Suddenly that girl fell down and the boy ran then checked her leg where she got some scratch and blood was coming out. She started crying and he took his handkerchief then started wiping the blood and tied it around her knee. He wiped her tears then made her stand on her feet and after taking that camera, he started walking home with her.

“You will be fine soon, ..” he said to the little girl.

Her one arm was around his shoulder and she said, “You took care of me na now I will be fine soon, I know.”

They came inside the house and he made her sit on the couch but noticed her face was looking dull and sad so he asked, “What happened, Yusha, is it still hurting?”

That girl look at him and said, “No, I am fine”

“Then why are you looking sad?” He asked, baffled.

That girl looked at him and she said, “This time you were there to take care of me but when you go to India then no one takes care of me like you do. You know my parents, I know they love me but they are always busy with their work even though I don't have a sibling.”

He sat near her and held her hand then said, “You know India is my real home. I love my badi mom more than anyone and my best buddy also lives there. So, I can’t leave them.”

“Then take me with you as well, I will also live with you and them” she said with innocence.

He chuckled and said while pinching her small nose, “You can’t go with me and live with me without a marriage, buddhu(Stupid)”

“Who told you this?” She quizzed with confusion.

“I know this, I am a bigger guy than you and you are innocent” he said and shrugged.

She again became sad and asked, “Then now?”

He thought for a while and seeing that sadness on her face, he said to pursue her or to make her smile, “No problem, it's just a matter of a few years then I will marry you and we will live together. After that, I will always take care of you.”

She beamed with happiness and asked, “Promise?” then showed her hand to him.

He looked at her face and after putting his hand on her, he said, “Promise…”

“Yaay…” She became happy and he looked at her then shook his head as he could make her feel better.

His eyes landed on the table where her video shoot camera was placed. He took it and without looking at anything turned off the camera whereas she still was zealing.

Everyone saw the video and Anika was flabbergasted to see it. Akhil was looking at everything with disbelief and said, “Oh god dad, I was a kid at that time, I don't even remember when I said this to her.”

He turned to Anika who was just numb and he said while shaking her, “Anu, this is nothing to me. It's all absurd. I was just 11 and it's not like I was in love with her. It's just, she needed that care because her parents were not there with her as they were always busy in the work so, I cared for her and with that talk of flow, I told her all that but that doesn’t mean, it has to be fulfilled.”

Anika didn’t say anything and Ashutosh spoke, “May be for you, this was nothing, Akhil but for her, your this one statement is her everything and she has been relying on your words for those 17 years. She is waiting for you, Akhil. You have to choose, if you want to be with this girl then you can but then consider us nothing in your life. We will break our ties with you and you will not be our son then.”

“Ashu..” Aruna spoke from behind with utmost shock after hearing her husband who was quiet till now.

Ashutosh stopped her for showing his palm and with sternness again looked at Akhil then said, “And about the second option, you know it. Our choice and everything will remain the same except this girl, you have to leave her.”

They all looked at him. Akhil still was looking at his father in an implausible way as he didn't believe his father would have put the choice in front of him. Anika once looked at Akhil and thought, no, she couldn’t do this. Just because of her happiness, she couldn’t be a selfish person and separated him from his own parents. She wanted love and peace and if she would become selfish she might get the love but not the peace. 

She wiped her tears and separated her hand from Akhil. He looked at their hands then her with narrowed eyes as he couldn’t think properly what was happening.

She came in front of his father and after joining her hands, she said, “You don’t have to put Akhil in any tough situation, Uncle. Akhil will not choose anything.”

They all were looking at her and she continued, “I don't want that because of me you will get separated from your own son because I know that pain. I have seen my parents who don’t say anything but the separation devastated them sometimes and I don't want you all to face something like this. You both are his parents so, before me you have all the right on him and his life that's why, I am backing off. I will leave your son.”

Hearing her words, Akhil’s eyes widened and he became totally speechless. He couldn’t believe how she could give up so easily. Didn’t she believe in him and his love? Wouldn’t she give him a chance to fight?

Ashutosh heard Anika and said, “Good for you then, you are a wise girl, I must say…”

She didn’t say anything and turned to leave. She stopped near Akhil and with a heavy heart after looking at him one more time, she was crossing him when he held her wrist and stopped her.

Their eyes were brimming with water and it was rolling down on their cheeks. She didn’t turn to his side as she knew, if she did then it must be hard for her to leave him. 

Akhil sniffled and turned then after looking at her back, he said with trembling voice, “Apna faisla toh suna diya tumne ab mera sunke nahi jayogi, kya?”
(You have said your words now won’t you listen to mine?)

She closed her eyes and some more tears came down. He came to her side and looked at her , who was just looking down while silently crying. Her hand was still in his and he without saying anything took her inside and stood in front of his father.

“Wow, Dad, how easily you have said those words and told me to choose, without even asking me, what I want, you just gave me options” he spoke with hurt in front of his father while holding her hand.

Ashutosh was listening to his words and he continued, “I thought being your only son, my happiness would matter to you but No. I thought, you had chosen your life partner so, you would also give me that right to choose one for myself but No. I thought, you married the love of your life so, you would give me this right too but No. I thought you guys did love marriage so, you would support me and love but No. A BIG NO TO ALL OF THOSE…” he shouted at the end.

“Akhil, behave, he is your father” Aruna said with a frown.

“Akhil scoffed and said, “Father, huh… this father, who doesn’t even care what I want or where my happiness lies, this father,  who knows that I love this girl but is still giving me the choice to leave either her or you both..”

“We do care for you, beta and this what your father has said, it's just because of your own good and happiness. Moreover, don’t forget you promised Aarusha, at least think about her. What would she think or what would be her condition after knowing that you are rejecting her now, she will totally break, Akhil…” Aruna said with calmness as she too knew his son was hurt right now.

“And what about my condition, mom? What about my happiness? You guys think, whatever you are doing, it's because of my good and happiness but let me clear you more, my good and happiness is here only and it's with my love…” He circled his arms around her shoulder and declared.

Anika looked at him and he just blinked with assurance then turned to his parents and said with sternness, “You can’t control my life, dad. I am an adult and a grown up man, so I have all the rights to make my own decision. You can’t force me…” 

Ashutosh looked at him with shock and said with a little loud voice, “So now, you will leave your parents just because of this girl, huh…”

Akhil calmed himself and said, “No dad, it's not me, it's actually you, who is leaving your son just because I am not accepting your decision.”

Ashutosh still gave a shocked look to him and he said, “You will always be my mom and dad. I am not breaking any ties or relation with you both. It's just, I am standing and supporting my love here which is not wrong at all as I know if you would have been in my situation then you too would have done the same for mom because you too love her and couldn’t have left her in the middle, right dad.”

They both didn’t say anything and Akhil joined his hands in front of his parents then said, “I love you both very much. You guys have always been my inspiration for love and now when I get one after seeing you both then please let me get it.”

“Akhil, what about Aarusha, beta?” Aruna asked with her teary eyes.

Akhil looked at his mother and said, “She is a mature girl, mom. I know, I unintentionally hurt her feelings but I will apologize to her and I am sure she will understand this.”

“You will not talk to her from now on. If you want to go with this girl then you have to leave everything behind. Aarusha is like a daughter to us so, we will take care of her and now you will not meddle in between” Ashutosh said with anger.

“But I owe an apology to her…” Akhil was saying but Ashutosh interrupted and said, “I hope, I am clear to you, you will not talk to her from now on, you are free to do whatever you want to do in your life but leave ours now.”

Akhil didn’t say anything and sighed then went to his mother. Aruna looked at her son with tears in her eyes and he hugged his mother then said, “I always love you, mom. You are the best mom.”

“Please don’t go, Akhil. Is it that easy for you to leave your own mother?” She said and asked while sobbing.

Akhil’s eyes too were brimming but he sniffled then said, “No mom, I am not going anywhere. Just think, till now, like you are staying in London and I am here, it's the same way. We can talk with each other anytime, Mom, but only if Dad will want but I will always be your son.”

Aruna again sobbed and they broke the hug. He then touched her feet and took the blessings. 

Later, he went to his father and joined his hands in front of him while saying, “I am sorry, if I hurt you anyway, dad but only you had taught me that always do the things which make you happy so now, I am just following your advice and doing this only.”

Ashutosh didn’t say anything and Akhil bent down to touch his feet. He didn’t put his hand on his head for blessings which broke Akhil’s heart but he controlled and stepped back.

He held Anika’s hand and one more time looked at his parents then said, “I will send you my wedding invitation, if you guys feel like coming then do come.” 

With that, he turned still holding her hand whereas she was blankly seeing him then they both came out from the house. 

“Akhil…Akhil…” Aruna was calling him from behind while crying but he didn’t turn.

She went to her husband and said, “Ashu, please stop him, our son is going, Ashu…”
 
She then put her head on his chest while crying and Ashutosh embraced his wife then started caressing her back while looking at their retreating figures.

Meanwhile, They both reached near the car and he left her hand then stood in front of her. She looked at his face and while looking down, she said, “I am sorry, Akki, I…” 

Her head hung low and he interrupted her words then asked with a frown, “Don’t you believe in me and my love, Anu?”

She jerked her head towards him hearing her question. He looked at her face and his eyes softened. He then took some calm breath and asked with a heavy voice while fitting her face in his palm, 

“Itni jaldi haar maan gayi tum, itna kamzor to nahi hain humara pyaar ki khud ke liye lad na sake, Anu. At least agar tum nahi kar skti thi par mujhe toh ladne ka mauka diya hota, Anu. Apna faisla suna diya tumne or mera kya?
(You lose it so easily, Anu. Our love is not that weak that it couldn’t fight. If not you then at least, you should have given me a chance to fight, Anu. You said your decision but what about mine, huh?)”

She sobbed after hearing his words and put her head on his chest while saying, “Tumhe mushkil mein nhi dekh sakti thi, Akki. Main nahi chahti ki meri vajah se tumko apne parents se alag hona pade or vo ladki, jo tumhara 17 saalon se intezaar kar rahi hai uska kya, Akki, vo bhi toh umeed mein bethi hai na. Us time mujhe bas yahi laga ki agar hum sath rahe na, Akki toh sab barbaad ho jayega
(I couldn’t have seen you in trouble, Akki. I didn’t want that because of me, you had to separate with your parents and that girl, who has been waiting for you for the last 17 years, what about her, Akki, she too is living in expectations. At that time, I was just thinking that if we will live together, Akki then everything will be destroyed).”

He again held her face and made her look into his side then said, “Or main agar tumhare bina rha toh main barbaad ho jayuga, Anu..
(And if I live without you then I will get destroyed, Anu..)”

She looked at him with her red eyes and he asked, “You cared about that girl but you tell me, will you be able to live without your cheesy monkey?” 

She couldn't say a word and he again asked, “I know you were sacrificing your love but will you be able to move on without me or will you be able to marry another guy?”

She still couldn’t say anything and again sobbed. His heart was aching after seeing his love in that crying state and he wiped her tears and said, “I know, you will not be able to do anything, Anu neither me then just for the sake of others why do we sacrifice our love and life.” 

She still was crying and he again wiped her tears then said, “I just love you, Anu, rest nothing matters to me. If you will stay by my side then I will fight anything. Just trust me, ok. Now tell me, will you?” 

She looked at his loved filled eyes and without saying anything, she hugged him and confessed while crying, “I love you so much, Akki. You said right. I won’t do anything without you. You are my life, Akki. I am sorry but I don’t want to be a selfish person. That's why, I said, I will leave you. I trust you, Akki and I am always with you.”

Akhil pulled her back then cleared her face where some hairs got stuck due to her continuous crying. Then after cupping her face, he said, “Don’t ever say that you leave me, Anu. Otherwise, I will tie you to my bed, then later, what will happen, you won’t even be able to complain about that.”

She gasped then started hitting him while saying, “Shameless monkey..”

He started laughing and she still was hitting him. He held her hands then with a jerk pulled her towards him then hugged her and said, “I love you so much, My sweet cherry..” then kissed her head.

She smiled genuinely and confessed, “I love you too..”

Later they both settled in the car and she asked, “Now what? I have to tell this to my parents as well..”

He held her hand then squeezed and said, “We will, love but first we will go and talk to badi mom.”

Anika looked at him and asked with a doubt, “Do you think badi mom will be on our side?”

He kissed her knuckles and said with a smile, “I am 100% sure. If this whole world stands against me na then I know only my badi mom and Gyaan are the one who will be on my side and fight. Moreover, you are badi mom’s first choice so, how can she say no to us…” 

Anika nodded and he put her hand on the steering wheel then after starting the car, they went directly to Saxena Mansion.

End.

“After that we straight went to meet badi maa and jiju then told them everything” Anika spoke while looking at some blank space.

Akshit didn’t say anything and she continued, “At first, badi maa and others were too shocked to say something as they couldn’t believe how his parents could have done that. Badi maa even tried to call Akhil’s parents but they didn’t give any response. Akhil was heartbroken but badi maa assured him and said, she was here for him and she would get us married. Akhil was delighted to hear that and so was I.

Akshit nodded and asked, “Didn’t you ask Akhil about the girl like why didn’t he tell you before about her?”

Anika looked at him and said, “I asked when we were going to meet badi maa then I did and he said she was just a family friend. He wouldn’t deny that when they were kids, he used to care for her as she was deprived of her parents' care and being a family friend, he didn’t want her to feel leftover so yes, they were very good friends.”

“And about that promise?” Akshit quizzed with narrowed eyes.

She sighed and said, “He said, might be on that time, he just wanted to comfort her or to soothe her as we saw in the video, she was crying so, that could be the reason, he said that but as he grew up, he spent most of the time in India and also his personality and behavior all changed from a teen to an adult. It's like, our life has changed in a span of time and for them it was 17 years, so, in those years, not just him but his whole personality had changed.” 

Akshit nodded while understanding her point and said, “Well, I agree with Akhil and I don’t understand, after belonging to an influential family and having the education, how his parents could have believed in that orthodox thinking. I mean, they should have talked to that girl first instead of pursuing Akhil.”

Anika nodded while sighing and Akshit asked, “I understood your point, Anika but I am still not understanding, if he loved you that deeply and took your stand then why had he left you and that too on your wedding day?”

Anika looked at Akshit who was looking at her with a questioning look. She knew, now, there was no going back and she had to tell him about the day which was needed to be an auspicious one but it turned out to be “Unpropitious” for her.

*******

Hello lovely readers..💞

Hope you all doing well and fine..😁

Here is the another chapter. Hope you all liked it?😊

Convo between Akshit and Anika..😐

A new flashback and whole new scenario...🙂

So, yes, that was the reason of his promise to that girl, he was 11 on that time but still, I feel, he should have more cautious with the words before promising but on the other hand, he didnt think, it would have been turned out this much serious in his future as we all know, how his nature is.🙂

The whole flashback and the convo between his parents and Anika- Akhil..😐

But he took a stand for his love and chose her..😍

Heartfelt convo between Anika and Akhil..❤

But still the main question is, why had he left her on their wedding day?🥲

As I said, I will write about his pov in next chapter and will try my best to upadate this Asap..☺

Stay safe and be happy..🤗

With lots of love..❤

Take care and bye..🙋‍♀️