Bhul chuk maaf karna guys, enjoy reading!

☆

Although a warm morning greeted the pure soul with a faint ray of sunlight, all Aarohi dreaded was her bed. “Aarohi! Uthi ya nahi!?” Her mother called out, as she jolted out of her bed and replied an attentive yes.

It has been a month of ArHit dating and it still felt like a dream to Aarohi as she was trying to digest the fact that her crush of more than a year is now her boyfriend.

After bowing my head before the idols in the puja room, I entered the living room but suddenly my head started spinning, causing me to fall on the floor while my hand hit something. “Ahh!” I winced in pain as my skin came in contact with the shattered glass pieces. 

Soon after, Ayushi came running into the room followed by mumma. “Didi aap thik ho?” “Rohi, uth uth. Zyada chott toh nahi lagi tujhe?” Both the ladies inquired looking at my blood oozing arm.

(Didi, are you okay?

Rohi, stand up stand up. Are you alright?)

I replied in a quick nod as they carefully helped me to settle on the sofa. While choti went to bring a first aid kit, mumma cleaned the pieces of the broken vase; not before getting a glass of water for me. 

“I'm sorry maa, it was your favorite vase and I-” I apologized yearning a, “Aur meri beti ka kya? Usko bhi toh chott pohonchi. Pehle uske liye sorry bol.” from mumma.

“Sorry, I somehow felt nauseous and lost my balance.” I explained. As mumma muttered a small ‘it's alright’ in response. Choti then treated my wound by cleaning it and then applying a piece of gauge over the wounded area. “Ayu, dad will be so proud of you.” I mimicked in an animated voice.

Meanwhile, mumma brought our breakfast and made both of us eat while schooling me for not eating my dinner last night which might be the reason I felt nauseous earlier. After completing our meal, we hopped into the car as today our mother will be dropping us at school. 

Throughout the drive both my mother and my sister lectured me to take care of myself while also maintaining my diet properly. And for the first time I wished to reach school early because I was too bored of their scolding.

At school.

“Suno! Be careful with your hand and yes please don't skip your meals, okay?” Ayushi strictly affirmed as we parted our ways towards our respective building after entering the school gate. ‘Main iski didi hoon ya yeh meri?’ I was walking up the stairs when I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder.

“Hi.” He passed on a gentle smile and for a moment I forgot about the pain that was caused by every movement of my arm. “Hey!” I exclaimed rather too excitedly as he blinked but then his eyes drifted towards my arms.

“Ms. Govind, what is this? Are you alright? When did this happen? Aapne kuch bataya kyun nahi?” He bombarded questions as his worried glance examined my left arm briefly.

“Calm down, calm down.” I replied as we took the steps together while I explained everything to him on the way.

“Kabhi toh badon jaisa behave kariye mohatarma!” He nagged as he took out a chocolate bar from his bag. “Yeh aapke liye, get well soon.” He handed it to me and just walked away. We then parted ways from the main hallway as our class was situated in the opposite direction.

‘Chocolate? Unhe sapna aya tha kya ki mujhe chot lagne wali hai?’ I was walking slowly, inspecting the chocolate in my hand when I noticed a sticky note attached to the back of it that read, “Happy 1 month of togetherness, Mohatarma ♡ Loads of love from yours and only yours, Akshit.” My lips automatically got curled into a shy smile after reading it.

“Ahem ahem, kya baat hai! Aaj meri phool gobi, tamatar kyun bani hai?” I heard Yukti say as I neared my classroom. But the teasing mood turned into a serious one almost immediately after she noticed the gauge covering my arm. 

(Ahem ahem, why is my cauliflower, looking red like a tomato?)

“You have vowed to just never obey my words, haven't you?” She remarked as I mentioned today's event. After a good rebuke we took our respective seats when the teacher finally arrived and started the lesson.

After 2 continuous classes of being bothered by Ritu ma'am we finally got a break of 15 minutes before our next class starts. So in the meanwhile Yukti signed me to go to the washroom with her.

[You can listen to 'Jugrafiyan' for this part.]

“Yuku, if you're done admiring yourself in the mirror, shall we go now?” I called Yukti, who stood beside me after wiping her wet hand on my uniform.

“Oo madam, mana humari school uniform purane poche jaisi dikhti hai par this behavior is not justified.” I sassed while she laughed and walked out.

(Oo madam, I know our school uniform looks no less than an old mop cloth, but this behavior is not justified.)

“Students, please take out our maps and pencils. We will learn the minerals and mark its abundance on the areas simultaneously.” Our geography teacher mentioned it upon entering the class.

‘Man, this geography isn't geographying.’ I thought to myself as I was in no mood to study at the moment because I was hungry and the low grumble of my stomach wasn't helping either. ‘What must he be doing right now? Padh he rahe honge, topper ji.’ A smile just creeped on my lips upon the mere thought of him.

‘Abb toh Maths ki class bhi bore lagne lagi hai.’ I sighed quietly as our teacher was solving the math problem in the lengthiest method possible.

“Akshit, Akshit!” I heard a whisper shout coming from my side. ‘Wait- am I daydreaming?’ I was baffled as it was not anyone, but Ms. Govind. ‘What is she doing here!?’

“What are you doing here Ms. Govind??” I replied in the same tone. I then checked if anyone else noticed but thankfully everyone was engrossed in their works except Manav. “Kya hua?” He asked with a confused look, seated to my right.

“Yeh, teri bhabhi-” I halted midway as I looked to my left once again to find no one beside me. “Mhmm, bhabhi ki yaad aa rahi hai?” He teased me but stopped once we heard sir's loud cough and a penancing glare, ordering us to quiet down.

(Mhmm, are you missing bhabhi?)

‘Sapno se bahar nikal, Akshit!’ I made a mental note and got back to what I was doing earlier. ‘Daydreaming about your Ms. Govind?’ My subconscious brain mocked while a light chuckle left my mouth.

“What's so funny, Akshit? Please, let us know so that we all can laugh together.” Sir said in a sarcasm filled voice, as I mumbled a low yet audible “Sorry sir”. 

In the canteen.

“You won't believe, he even got a monologue from Amit sir.” Manav added yearning fits of laughs from the girls. “Sorry but mujhe nahi pata tha koi mujhe itna pasand karta hai!” She said with a mischievous grin.

“Pasand? Bilkul nahi! Ms. Govind, aapki wajah se daant padi hai aaj mujhe.” I replied in a fake upset tone. “Wahh ji wahh, khayalon mein aap khoye thee, aur galti meri?” She replied, resting her chin over her palm as she rested her hand on the table.

(Wow, you were lost in your thoughts and you're blaming me?)

“Absolutely! It's your fault, that-” “Han han kahiye na, ab kya hua? Koi bahana nahi soojh raha aapko?” She sassed while sipping on her juice.

(Yes yes please say, what happened now? Not able to find a proper excuse?)

“Ji baat kuch aisi hai ki, aapke khayal humare dilon-dimaag se utarne ka naam he nahi lete. Kyunki, aap hain he itni khaas. Abb banda kare v toh kya?” I replied, adding a wink as her eyes widened while a hue of pink covered her cheeks.

(Well the thing is, your thoughts don't leave my heart or brain. Because you are very special. Now what can I do?)

“Oyee hoyee! Yeh toh Manav Gupta approved line keh di tuney bhai, issi baat pe cheers!” Manav said while raising his glass of juice and joined it with mine. “Tum dono kabhi nahi sudhroge na?” Yukti bhabhi asked while comforting a shy Ms. Govind.

“Ji nahi!” Manav replied with a wink while bhabhi managed to hit his arm and I smiled sheepishly in reply. “Waise, how long have you planned to refer to Rohi as Ms. Govind?” She added.

“Umm, I don't know. It just sounds right. But if she has any problem then-” “No no, it's fine! Aur waise bhi, I like hearing Ms. Govind from you.” She replied with a contagious smile that made me smile as well. “Fir toh hume Akshit ka bhi naam karan karna chahiye!” Manav suggested.

I replied in agreement while the 3 of them were discussing seriously about what nickname they are going to have for me. ‘What are they, 4?’ I shook my head, finishing my food.

“Ak 47!” Manav said, receiving a collective ‘Nah’. “Aksh!?” Yukti bhabhi suggested, “Too simple!” I replied. “Choudhary ji?” Ms. Govind said, and I was ready to accept it but the duo disapproved. “Don't worry, I loved it.” I replied, making her smile yet once again. 

[Akshit: Ayo authors, I accept that I'm a simp. -cries while admiring Aarohi's smile-

Sushi: We already know! ;)]

“Baby kaisa rahega!?” I whispered, nudging her shoulder, receiving a death glare from her. ‘Yeh gusse mein bhi kitni pyari lagti hai.’ I chuckled, that drew the couple's attention towards me. 

“Did anything happen?” Yukti asked but got confused soon upon receiving a contrasting reply from us. “Naam mein kya rakha hai! Pyaar se jo bhi bulalo chalega mujhe.” I replied as all of them nodded.

(What is in a name! Whatever you call me lovingly will do.)

“Oh guys! I forgot to tell you about Randeep bhaiya, my cousin and Kirti bhabhi's engagement, next month.” Manav said. “Aree wahh congratulations to both of them.” Ms. Govind cheered. 

“Do you guys know, they have been dating for like 7 years now? We have literally seen them help each other grow and support in every way possible.” His happiness and excitement could be understood from his words. And it also gave us a gentle reminder that relationships don't always end in heartbreak.

After chatting up a bit more we got to know that it was going to be a grand wedding around October, in a palace, at Jaipur. “Akhir hum bhi aadhe rajput hain.” Manav said with a proud look.

“Uncle aunty had a love marriage, Akshit. And aunty belonged to Rathore family so…samjhe?” Yukti clarified, looking at my confused state.

“Ooo han! Now I remember, when we were in class 4th you had mentioned how your nana ji had promised to teach you to ride a horse.” I recalled the fond memories that I shared with Manav, which have gone a little blurry.

Thinking about childhood, a certain person always comes to my mind apart from my grandparents; Arjun bhaiya.

Later that day.

“Maa, pakka call karun na?” I asked her once again before dialing a certain number that had been ignored by me for a long time. “Karle baat but dhyaan rahe ki tere tauji ya papa ko na pata chale! Okay?” She advised, walking out and closing the door to my room.

(Just do it but make sure your father and uncle shouldn't find out about this! Okay?)

I took a deep breath before pressing the dial button. He didn't pick up the first time so I dialed once again. And the call got connected. 

“Hi bhaiya.” My voice somewhat wavered, marking my nervous state. “Hi babu! Finally after 2 long years you decided to call me.” He replied while mocking me. “Sorry bhaiya, how are you?” I asked in an awkward way. 

“Well, I won't lie by saying ‘I'm fine’ but yes I'm better than the last time we met.” I could sense his pain through his words. “And how's Meera?” I asked, getting curious about my 5 year old niece.

“Tu khud puchle.” He said after calling out Meera’s name. A few minutes later, a soft voice spoke on the phone. “Hi chachu.”

“Hi Meeru, kaisi hai meri chutki.” I tried to mimic the tone. “Guccha hun.” She huffed in the end. “May I ask why?” I acted confused but I knew the reason very well. “It's been sooooo long since you last visited me.” She stretched over a few words that made me chuckle but I didn't.

“Aur aur aur, choti dadi che bhi guccha hun. Unhone bhi baat nahi ki mujhche.” She complained but I couldn't hold myself anymore and giggled at her cute way of talking. 

(And and and, I'm angwy from grandmother as well. Even she hadn't talked with me.)

“Chutki woh gussa hota hai guchha nahi au mujhse na ki mujhche.” I corrected, knowing she would again complain about it but little did she know, I loved hearing her cute scolding. 

(Kiddo, that's angry not angwy.)

“Offo! Guchha ho ya gussa, aapko samajh aa gaya na!? Aap milne kab aa rahe ho yeh batao.” She stated, being totally frustrated with me. “Ok ma'am, I can't promise but I'll try my best to visit you in a few months.” I replied.

(Offo! May it be angwy or angry, you understood it right!? Then tell me when are you coming to meet me.)

“Months? Papa, yeh months weeks se zyada hota hai na?” She asked her father and upon hearing a yes from him, she again schooled me. After making a deal that I must visit her in a month or 2, she handed the phone to Bhaiya, saying she is a business woman now with a deal to handle.

(Months? Papa, months are more than weeks right?)

“Deal with a 5 year old? Great, Choudhary ji!” Arjun bhaiya asserted that made me remind of Ms. Govind as she also refers me as ‘Choudhary ji’ sometimes. “So, observed any changes lately?” I asked while a paused a little.

“Everything. After she passed away, there's nothing like before. Though I'm thankful to Madhav, for giving me Meera or else I would've still been lost and broken.” He mentioned. “Sorry bhaiya.” I said feeling guilty.

“Don't be, don't be. We were never destined to be together and thus, that happened.” His words hold pure regret. “Though, it's fine. I am living my life happily with this cutie pie by my side and of course with her fond memories. Aur kya chaheye?” He added.

We continued the conversation a little longer when he got another call from his company so he hung up, saying it was urgent but he would call back once he is free. 

I then told maa about my conversation with bhaiya and Meera as she rejoiced and shed a few happy tears. In the meanwhile, I received another call from an unknown number.

“Hello?” I spoke after a while, receiving no response from the other side. “Chachu, pehchano kon?” A sweet voice spoke. “Hmm, maa who has such a sweet voice in our family?” I asked, putting my phone on speaker.

“Offo chachu, main hun, aapki Meeru.” She replied as I acted shocked. “Ohh, meri Meeru hai! And who's phone are you calling me from?” I asked again. “Papa gave me this phone and your number so that I can talk with you whenever I want.” She explained.

“Achha, yeh lo aapki choti dadi baat karengi aapse.” I passed the phone to maa, who was as excited as Meera to have a conversation.

(Okay, here, your grandmother wants to talk with you.)

I then went back to my room, with the memories flooding back to my mind. It created a certain type of discomfort and nervousness so I tried to distract myself.

Even after trying for so long, I couldn't just shake off the feeling of that night when Bade papa received a call from the police who asked him to come to City Hospital as soon as possible. 

Not just me but the whole family was shocked. I clearly remember the night and the tense situation that flooded over the Choudhary Mansion.

Flashback~

“Did anybody find my son yet?” Badi maa asked, wailing continuously while mom was trying to console her, “Didi matt royiye, Arjun mil jayega.” 

(Please don't cry didi, they will find Arjun soon.)

While me and Diksha didi were also trying to calm her even after being scared and worried from within. “Sandeep, we have to go to the City Hospital quickly.” Bade papa and my father rushed there without informing us.

Maa and badi maa called them again and again but they didn't answer. After half an hour my father picked up the call and he said something that we all wished to be a lie. 

“Arjun has got multiple fractures and is in a state of coma right now. And that girl, Truptii, passed away on the spot.” The news shook us to the core.

Last morning after having an argument with bade papa he left home in anger. He wanted to get married to Trupti didi, her colleague at an IT firm. But due to the age difference, as didi was 3 years older than him, Bade papa completely disregarded the mere thought of their marriage. 

“What is the issue papa? Her being older than me or your concern about your image in the society?” That was bhaiya's last word before Bade papa shut him with a slap. The next thing we encountered was him dashing out of the house as we all tried to make him stop him but it didn't work one bit.

And later on when he didn't come back, my father informed the police to search for him. Skip to 2 months, he finally gained consciousness and the first thing he asked the nurse was, “Is Trupti safe?”

The 12 years old Akshit, who didn't understand the meaning of love, was stunned to see his brother getting miserable for a woman who he knew for a year or so.

But on the eve of Diwali, when the whole family was gathered bhaiya was missing from the event. Before I could set in search for him, a Pandit ji came for the puja and badi maa asked me to stay and seek blessings first.

There, I got a long-lasting nightmare in the form of a warning as the Pandit ji mentioned that, “Choudhary pariwar mein bahuyen beto se umra mein badi huyi toh iss khandan ki niyati palat jaeygi.” He then added, “Tum sab chahe mano na mano, par humari kahi baat kabhi jhooth sabit nahi hoti.”

“Hum iss baat ko humesha yaad karke rakhenge Pandit ji.” I saw Dada ji (Father of my father's cousin) reply to him as he was the head of the whole Choudhary family after the demise of Dadu. 

"Yaad rahe Arjun, yeh galti dubara nahi hoti chaheye warna anjaam tum khud dekh chuke ho!" The man warned again as he saw Arjun bhaiya descend from the stairs, who had an empty expression on his face. 

Bhaiya skipped the gathering and went to the terrace to have some fresh air as I followed him behind. “Bhaiya, why are you crying?” I asked upon observing his red eyes and streams of dried tears on his cheeks.

“Akshit! No- nothing- come sit.” He said, wiping his tears, while he made some space for me to sit. “Stop lying bhaiya, I know you are crying because of Pandit ji's words.” I replied as he smiled bitterly.

“Bohot bada ho gaya hai tu, sab samajhne bhi laga hai bas ek baat hai jo tu nahi samajh paya.” He stated. “Kya?” I asked. 

“Don't ever get fooled by these people's words. Even our family members won't understand this but there is a thin line between understanding and blindly believing something. And you know very well, on what side our family members are at the moment.” He replied.

“And- and what about Trupti didi? What happened that day?” My curiosity couldn't hold it. “We planned to run away and get married but when we were on our way to the temple a truck suddenly collided with our car and she- she-” He broke out.

I tried comforting him, and as a 12 year old I could only hug to console him. “She was my everything Akshit. Between those 1 and half years, I shared fond memories with her. She was even eager to have a conversation with papa to convince him but she never got a chance.” He said, crying and describing his pain.

“To them it was just a random attraction but to me she was my true love. And there is no particular time phase to fall in love with someone; it just happens.” His face softened as he spoke about her. Though it changed totally as he said, “But maybe even God favored my father's ideology.” He was infuriated.

Skip to 2 years, maa informed me that Arjun bhaiya has moved out of the house and is now living with his adopted child, Meera.

Flashback ends.

Even after so many years, I still try to figure out the meaning of bhaiya's words and maybe I have understood a part of it but there is still a lot to figure out.

I wiped the tears that had ascended unknowingly, as I prayed to the one above all. ‘Please take care of Arjun bhaiya and Meeru, Krishna ji.’

♡

Sushi's note: Hey readers, hope you liked and enjoyed this chapter!

Finally a long chapter and also an important one because many of you were confused regarding the character of Arjun.

We hope this chapter concluded your doubts. Also, take care of yourself please stand strong. By the end of the day, we are on our own.

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With love
《Radhe Radhe》