There might be grammatical mistakes and errors so feel free to correct us.

☆

“I know but it's not like Ms. Govind and I are going to get married…” My rage had the best of me as my words got caught in my throat. “Today or something.” I completed my sentence. 

“That implies, you do have an intention to marry her in the future?” He asked in an authoritative voice. “Can someone please tell me what's going on in here?” Amma interrupted us.

“Don't ask me, ask your son.” His voice lowered a little as he held my mother's hand and gestured his hand towards me. “He has lost his senses I suppose.” He added.

“What is the fuss all about, Akshit?” She asked, taking a step towards me. “Nothing maa! Don't you know how dominating your husband is? He has always tried to create unwanted problems in my life with his unnecessary opinions-” my yell was silenced by a slap. A slap from my mother.

“Is that how one talks to their father? Where is you manner, Akshit!?” She questioned with fuming rage and teary eyes. I explained everything to her in a go, expecting her to take a stand for me but the silence said otherwise.

My father almost gave me a victorious look as I wiped off a single tear that was on the verge of shedding down. “Again! The history is repeating itself Mr. Sandeep Choudhary.” I stated as now both my parents looked at me with blank faces.

“Even on the day when Arjun bhaiya left the house, badi maa couldn't stop him because of bade papa, as mentioned by maa. And today, my mother is willingly silent even when she knows that there must be a solution for this situation.” I added.

“Akshit, quiet down and go to your room.” She replied. I looked at her with a silent plea but it got rejected quickly. It was my cue to leave. So instead of going to my room, I dashed out of the house.

“Yeh ladka kabhi meri sunta kyun nahi!?” I could still hear my father's voice so I paced my step while my mind was totally consumed with his words. 

(Why doesn't he never listen to me!?)

I went to the park near our society and as it was evening time, the area was more crowded than expected. So I found a shed where less people were present and let nature heal my worries. The slow rustling of leaves created a symphony with the breezy wind.

20 mintues had passed by, when I saw a bunch of kids running towards my direction. “Akshit bhaiya, aap humare saath kheloge?” One of them asked. “Nahi bachhon, tum sab khelo. Mera mann nahi hai.” I replied.

(Akshit bhaiya, will you play with us?

No kiddos, you play. I don't wanna play.)

“Bhaiya please na, maza aayega.” They started to force me which ultimately led me to accept their offer. So I went with them to play hide & seek. They had made me the seeker so I counted till 50 while they hid.

(Bhaiya please, it will be fun.)

‘Life is seriously so unpredictable. I was arguing like a mad man inside, a while ago and here I am playing like a kid with these munchkins.’ I thought as I yelled 50! out loud. “Ready or not, here I come!” I again exclaimed. 

“Krish, I can see you!” I said when I saw a figure in a yellow shirt trying to camouflage himself behind an orange slide. As he pouted in defeat I heard a small chuckle from the slide beside him.

“Hi Arya.” I said peeking from the opposite side as she covered her eyes thinking that I might not be able to see her. “Oh, where did Arya go?” I called out with playful curiosity. Then I tagged her once she uncovered her eyes and said “Yahan!”

Before I could find other kids she rushed to their hiding spots and said, “Bhaiya has already found us. Come out.” All the other kids started to lecture her by saying she cheated and what not. 

“He had only found you and Krish, not us.” Om remarked. “Yes, Om bhaiya is right, Aaru. You exposed our locations to him. It's not fair.” Khushi accused Arya. “But Khushi, bhaiya had actually found you guys, before me. Hai na bhaiya?” She asked with a puppy face.

“Oh, yes, yes, she is absolutely right! I already knew where you guys were hiding and I only told Aaru to tag you on my behalf.” I lied in order to save her. The nickname reminded me of Ms. Govind, as called by her friends. While a gentle smile played on my lips.

Even though the kids were denying to agree, they eventually understood and let go of the youngest's goofiness. The kids and their innocence are just too cute.

Upon checking my watch I realized it has been almost an hour now so with a deep sigh I led my way towards my house. I rang the bell as my mother opened the door. 

“Manav said he wanted to tell you something. He was trying to say but due to network issues the call got disconnected.” She said while handing me my phone which I had forgotten to take with me.

“Thank you.” I replied simply and went to my room, closing it behind. I rang his number but it didn't get connected. So I left a message to him while checking my phone for any other updates or missed calls.

‘2 missed call from Yukti bhabhi as well? What's the matter!?’ I thought to myself while dialing her number. The same response came from her side as well. So I rang Ms. Govind's number next to know what was going on.

“Hi Ms. Govind-” “Bhaiya, woh didi…” I heard Ayushi's voice and her words sent a pang straight to my heart. “Which hospital?” I asked quickly while taking my wallet and heading out of my room. I cut the call as she sent me the location through text.

“Akshit, where are you going now?” Mumma asked. “Hospital. I'll tell you later. See you.” I said hurriedly while taking the keys and helmet with me and headed downstairs.

Throughout the ride, I felt as if someone was crushing my heart from inside. And the nervousness that was piercing it didn't help either. Between the hospital mentioned by Ayushi and my home were 2 traffic posts. So each time I had to wait for like 15 mins or even more. 

But suddenly or maybe thankfully the rain started to fall as the road started to clear down a bit while the 2 wheel riders took shelter under nearby shops. So I accelerated my speed, getting impatient with each second and each drop of rain pouring in.

The rain which I have been disliking throughout my life, helped me to reach near her, sooner. I thanked it internally and drove off.

I stopped once I saw the board of ‘City Hospital’. I parked my vehicle and placed the helmet before rushing inside. As I reached the 2nd floor, I saw Sarika aunty and Ayushi sitting in one of the benches while Yukti was consoling them.

“Akshit!” Manav exclaimed while handing a bag, maybe filled with medicines to a nurse. “Where were you bro? Do you have any idea how many times we tried to reach you!?” He asked in a go. “Silence, please.” A nurse remarked so he excused himself and asked me to follow him.

“But I want to see her.” I insisted. “The doctor is treating her, please come with me or else aunty might get suspicious of you.” He answered.

As we reached the waiting room which was vaguely empty, Manav simply asked me, “Did you have any conversation with Aarohi today?” My eyebrows scrunched in confusion. “Why?” I questioned back.

“Ayushi said when she found Aarohi unconscious in her room, she was mumbling, ‘Akshit lied to me. How could he?’” Manav explained everything to me, making me more confused.

“What!? I lied? When?” I tried to recall everything but I didn't quite catch it, when did I lie? And about what? “Jitna mujhe yaad hai, maine aisa kuch nahi kaha.” I replied and told him what all we talked about.

(Till what I recall, there's nothing that I can think of.)

“See, Akshit, I know you must not have done anything wrong but if it's really you because of whom my sister is lying on the hospital bed, I might not let this slip.” Manav looked at me with empathy filled eyes but his words said otherwise.

“Are you really doubting me right now, Manav?” I asked. “I'm not doubting you, I'm just trying to connect the dots. You, having a conversation with her, her getting unconscious and mumbling out saying you lied to her and her ending up in the hospital.” He paused and looked at me.

“What else will one conclude?” He asked. “I don't know. Okay, if you don't believe me, check my call recording. I'm sure tujhe bharosa ho jayega.” I said unlocking my phone and playing the recorded audio out loud to assure him.

(...I'm sure you will believe me.)

As the recording played, Yukti bhabhi came in search of Manav & I, while I also asked her to listen to it after explaining everything.

“See I told you guys it's nothing-” I was about to stop the recording when I heard the argument that I had with my father got recorded too. 

“I know but it's not like Ms. Govind and I are going to get married.” and the recording stopped there. Manav and Yukti gave me a look full of dismay and betrayal. “Didn't expect this from you Akshit.” Yukti bhabhi stated and left the room upon receiving a call from Ayushi.

“Bharosa? Abb bata kaise bharosa karu tujh par!?” He pushed me a little. “Manav, you're getting it all wrong.” I said as he pushed me once again, with a little more force this time. “Stop acting now, Akshit!” He exclaimed.

(Believe you? Now tell me how am I supposed to believe you!?)

“Ek baar sunn toh le.” I requested him as he calmed down for a while. “I hadn't completed the sentence when the call ended.” I started explaining everything to him but he was not buying one bit.

(Please listen to me once.)

“How should I believe-” “Tujhe nahi pata main kitna pyaar karta hun unse?” I was half heart broken and half upset because of the situation that I had unfortunately formed for myself. 

(Don't you know how much I love her?)

“Weren't you the one who did a whole questionnaire just to get the conclusion that I love Ms. Govind?” I asked him as his face finally showed a glimpse of trust. 

“How can you even think that I might have hurt the person who literally brought colors to my dull life?” I again asked him as a lone tear shed my eyes. Many more on the brink of falling down.

Before Manav could reply we saw Ayushi enter the room. “Didi has gained consciousness and wants to see you guys.” She informed us and went away. I gestured Manav while he nodded and we went to the ward where Ms. Govind was admitted in.

“Make sure she takes proper rest and Mrs. Govind, can you please come with me? I will provide a proper diet chart which she must follow while she recovers.” The doctor said while exiting the room with aunty.

“Thanks doctor.” I heard a feeble voice, almost inaudible. It was hers. “Rohi, tu apna dhyan rakhna kab sikhegi?” Manav gently scolded her as we entered.

(Rohi, when will you learn to take care of yourself?)

“Yahan toh matt daant usse.” Yukti bhabhi replied, while caressing Ms. Govind's head. “Daant nahi raha hun, bas keh raha hun apna dhyaan rakhe zara.” He said as she nodded weakly and replied, “Sorry, bhai.”

(Atleast don't scold her here.

I'm not scolding him, I'm just trying to tell her that she should take care of herself.)

“Ms. Govind, I-” “Please don't give any justification now.” Yukti bhabhi cut me off. “Let him, Yuku. Akhir main bhi toh sunu, mujhe dhoke mein rakhne ki kya khaas wajah thi inke pass.” She said while trying to sit upright, as Yukti bhabhi helped her.

(Let him, Yuku. Even I should know what was the special reason behind which he betrayed me and continued to keep me in darkness.)

Her words daggered my heart with each second passing by. At that point, I couldn't decipher what hurted me more, the state in which she is right now or the fact that she had accepted me as a liar, who has cheated with her.

“Ms. Govind, you are getting it all wrong. Whatever you heard was an incomplete sentence.” I started and gestured Manav to give us some space as Ms. Govind agreed to it too. Now it was just me and her in the room.

“Ms. Govind, first of all, I'm sorry for being the reason behind your condition that you are in right now.” I said while she sighed and replied, “It's not because of you, I've been diagnosed with anemia.” I went silent. 

“That's not the point of discussion right now, I am eager to hear your justification.” She added in a low voice, catching her breath. “Ms. Govind!” I quickly held her hand and placed another on her shoulder firmly.

“I'm fine.” She said, closing her eyes. I pulled the metal stool nearby and set it beside her bed, still holding her hand. “Please, lay down.” I said in a firm voice but it was more of a request. 

She gently laid back and tried to free her hand from my hold to which I replied, “Iss janam mein toh bhul he jayiye.” and continued to hold her hand.

(Forget about it in this life.)

“Ms. Govind, as you already know, there is a tradition in my family where the age of the wife is a big matter. I got to know about it when my cousin, Arjun bhaiya and her fiancé faced an accident.” I explained with all honesty, not wanting to hide even a single detail of my life from her. 

“He also warned me that my parents will also have a conversation on this topic one day but I have to be firm in my beliefs and not get affected by these superstitions even when my parents will force it onto me. Today, his predictions actually proved right.” I concluded.

I could see the tears forming in her eyes while she tried to blink it away. Though she couldn't hold back longer and let it cascade down her cheeks. I reached out my hand and gently wiped it off. 

“This is my life story, Ms. Govind. My reality. But don't you worry! I'm ready to fight with all the odds in order to protect this.” I said while raising our joined hands lightly. She nodded but maybe something was not totally right.

“You don't wanna say anything?” I asked, getting curious. She shook her head, denying. “Not even, ‘Aww, Choudhary ji, do you really love me that much?’” I asked again with hopeful eyes, this time in a teasing manner.

And finally she smiled. She smiled after a long wait of what seemed like an eternity to me. “You do love me a lot, right?” She questioned. “You still have a doubt?” I replied, with a fake offended tone. 

“But what about uncle and aunty? They must be really upset about it.” She voiced her worry. “Mohatarma, right now your health is my priority so please let me take care of that first.” I replied as she got quiet.

After a while Manav, Yukti and Ayushi joined us and looking at our smiling faces they let out a sigh of relief. Thanking the Almighty, for making things alright.

Aunty too joined us with a diet chart in her hand. She also informed us that Ms. Govind will get discharged by tomorrow. “Great then! I'll stay with you all night.” Yukti said, embracing Ms. Govind. 

“Ji nahi! You are going back to your home to pack your things because you have a train to catch in the morning for your competition.” She replied, making Yukti bhabhi a bit sad. “But you're not well. How can I leave you like this?” She asked.

But Ms. Govind didn't budge from her decision. “Okay fine! But promise me that you will take care of yourself and in case of any inconvenience you will inform aunty and uncle.” 

She made a promise regarding her health but to me it sounded like a warning. A warning to not hurt her best friend, or cause any sort of inconvenience.

We then made our way out as the visiting hour was over. Aunty thanked us for our presence and asked us to go back home safely and call once we reached. The rain had stopped pouring by now so I bid goodbye to the couple and left.

While nearing the parking area, I thought to ring Ms. Govind once. So I did, it was again Ayushi who picked the call. I asked her if she could somehow make me talk with her sister and she replied in affirmation. 

“Hello?” I heard her sweet voice. “Ji woh yeh batana tha ki abb chahe mere ghar wale maane na maane! Maine aapko meri dharam patni aur mere ghar ki Laxmi banane ka soch liya hai. Abb marzi aapki hai, meri madat karna chahti hain toh jaldi thik ho jayiye. Aur han, main subah dobara aaunga aapki khabar puchne.” I said as she just chuckled in reply.

(Well I wanted to let you know whether my family agrees or not! I've decided to make you my wife and goddess Laxmi of our house. Now, the decision is yours, if you want to help me then get well soon. And yes, I will again come in the morning to check your whereabouts.)

“See you tomorrow.” I said while she replied with ‘You too.’ and ended the call. ‘Chal Akshit, fir se dil jeetne ki taiyaari mai lagg jaa.’ I thought to myself and ignited the engine.

(C'mon Akshit, you have to win her heart again.)

Strange, how a call created such a mess today. But it also gave a lesson to overcome the hurdle of misunderstanding by making a bridge of communication. 

‘I'm glad that she is so understanding that she actively listens when I depict my point of view.’ With this thought I left for my house.

♡

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

150k+ reads ki khushi mein aaj ka chapter aap sabke naam ♡

Aur bhai, misunderstanding clear hui? Lagg toh raha hai, par itni jldi?
-mischievous smirk-

Chapter kaisa laga batana zaroor.
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《Radhe Radhe》