Randhir came out from the room closing the door behind him and directly went to the terrace. He started marching there restlessly. He ran his fingers through his hair and closed his eyes.

"How could I? Aarghhh…it's wrong." He cursed himself.

Randhir just had flashes of Sanyukta's face, her blood stained lips, her bruised skin, most of it her lifeless features. He hated himself at that moment.

"I can't do this to her. Yes, she was at fault also but I just crossed all my limits tonight. Main ek janwar ki tarah uski upor… I-I am sorry Sanyukta." He mumbled slowly.

He was too guilty to face himself when the other side, Sanyukta was bursted out under the shower.

"I hate you Randhir, nafrat karti hu main tumse. Iss duniya mein agar main kisi se sabse jyada nafrat karti hu toh sirf aur sirf tumse. Zindagi barbaad kar di tumne meri, main tumhari zindagi jahannum bana dungi!" She cried her heart out, the cold water can't soothed her even.

After half an hour the door of the washroom got open and a totally drenched Sanyukta came out. She stood up in front of the mirror and her eyes fell on her plump lips and tainted neck. She touched her bruised and winched in pain but instead of applying cream on it she dragged herself to the cupboard and pulled out a nighty. She quickly changed her dress and laid on the bed. She closed her eyes and had flashes of that incident and tears rolled down from her eyes but her exhausted body was unable to wipe them.

On the other hand Randhir was cursing his every cell for his brutal behavior with Sanyukta. Never in his life he has felt this ashamed of himself. He had hallucinations of Sanyukta's swollen face, her bruises, her painful moans, her tear stained face and last but not the least her lifeless body. He was too ashamed to face Sanyukta now but he knew he had to someday. So he decided to return back to their room and apologize to her. He prepared himself mentally and came back to their room. He opened the door slowly and saw her sleeping.

He was disappointed but relieved also but as soon as his eyes fell on her swollen lips and those bruises a lone tear escaped from his eyes. He hesitated once and then touched her bruises skin slowly when she stirred in sleep. He quickly went to the dressing table and brought her cream. He gently apply that on her bruises and lips then went back to his side.

"I am sorry Sanyukta. Galti ho gayi mujhse, nahi karna chahiye tha aaisa. I am sorry." He mumbled slowly then pulled the duvet and covered their frame and switched off the light after taking a last glance at her.

                              ***************

Randhir opened his eyes with the first ray of the sun. He blinked his eyes and his eyes fell on Sanyukta. Last night's encounter flashed in his mind and he lowered his lashes in shame. He slowly got up from the bed without disturbing her sleep and dashed inside the washroom. He came out after freshening up and saw her sleeping soundly, some confused lines appeared on his face.

"Sanyukta never sleeps till this late." He thought and came near her. He touched her forehead to check her temperature.

"Fever toh nahi hai." He murmured under his breath. Just then Sanyukta opened her eyes and saw Randhir there. She jerked his hand away and sat up on the bed with a jolt.

"Next time, if you dare to come near me or try to touch me again, Randhir, I swear I'll kill you." She gritted her teeth.

"I just came to check." He replied slowly, not meeting their gaze.

"Kya check karne aaye thay, ke kal raat ki tumhari assault ke baad main zinda hu ke marr gayi?" She hissed in anger when Randhir lowered his lashes in guilt.

"I-I am sorry, Sanyukta." He stammered as he knew that she would never believe him.

"Don't Randhir, try bhi mat karna. Apna ye fake sorry unke liye bacha kar rakho jisne tumhara real face nahi dekha ho, mujh par inn sabka koi asar nahi hoga!" She hissed in anger.

"Sanyukta I am sorry, really I am, please forgive me." He caught her hand suddenly when she pushed him hard.

"Don't you dare touch me Randhir and I'll never forgive you." She showed him her finger and got up from the bed. She took her clothes from the cupboard and dashed to the washroom when Randhir left the room slowly.

Sanyukta stood in front of the mirror and her eyes fell on her bruised skin and her eyes got moist, remembering last night's encounter.

"Monster!" She said slowly when turned on the shower and her sobs hide under the cool water again.

Sanyukta came out after taking a bath and sat in front of the mirror. She combed her hair and when she applied vermilion a hot drop rolled down from her eyes and she closed them. Sanyukta hide her bruised skin with a stole and came down, Randhir who was sitting on the couch was looking at her when she ignored him totally.

"Aare Sanyukta, itna late?" Anjali asked curiously.

"Sorry bhabhi, late ho gayi." Sanyukta said slowly.

"What happened, is everything fine?" Anjali asked looking at her pale face when she nodded positively. All were having their breakfast when Harsh came down.

"Sanyukta get ready, I'll drop you at your college." Harsh said thus she nodded.

"Ji papa."

"Randhir you too."

"But dad, why? I'll go by myself!" Randhir asked confusingly.

"Ab kya mujhe tumhe har baat ki clarification deni padegi?" Harsh asked in a firm voice, thus Randhir looked down.

"No dad, I don't mean it." He mumbled slowly.

"Do what I just said." Harsh said thus he nodded.

"Kya baat hai?" Renuka asked curiously.

"Kuch nahi, isse pehle ke mere rivals iss matter ko ek issue bana kar mere against use kare usse pehle hi main sabka muh bandh kar dunga!" Harsh said sternly.

                               ***************

After breakfast Sanyukta went to their room for change. Randhir was there also but she didn't look at him once.

"Sanyukta..." He was about to say something when she dashed inside the washroom. Randhir took a sigh and came down.

Sanyukta also came down after getting ready. Randhir stood there already, Sanyukta came and their gaze met for a second which tore down by her. Harsh came after sometimes and the driver started the car. The journey was silent, soon they reached the college and both came out from the car.

"Randhir college khatam hote hi Sanyukta ko lekar ghar chale jana, use akela mat chhodna." Harsh said firmly.

"Okay dad." Randhir replied thus Harsh left and next moment Sanyukta also.

"Sanyukta, please listen to me once." Randhir said holding her hand which she jerked immediately.

"Look Randhir, ye public place hai so don't create a scene here!" She said sternly.

"But I want to talk with you." Randhir said helplessly.

"But I won't." She said coldly and left the place when he stood there numb.

Sanyukta went to the washroom and splashing water on her face when Randhir was looking for her.

"Mujhe Sanyukta se kaise bhi baat karni hai." He said while searching for her.

He was looking for her everywhere then went to the locker room but didn't see her there. He felt disappointed and about to go when Laila came there.

"Randhir you here, looking for me?" She asked excitedly.

"No, I was looking for Sanyukta." He replied

"Come on Randhir, don't lie. I know you hate her, aur aise bhi ghar mein toh tum har waqt uski boring face dekhte rahte ho." She said caught his forearm.

"Tell me, kya uncle ne bahut daata tumhe? I am so sorry, sab kuch uss Sanyukta ke wajah se, despo kahi ki!" She said bitterly. Just then Sanyukta came there.

"Lo problem ka naam liya aur problem khud chal kar aa gayi!" Laila murmured under her breath. Sanyukta looked at them once then opened her locker after ignoring them totally.

"Hi Sanyukta, wo Randhir just came here to meet me. I hope you don't mind." Laila said with a honey coated voice.

"I don't mind but maybe other girls do mind, so why don't you guys go somewhere else!" Sanyukta said with a smile.

"Sanyukta I know you felt insecure to see us together, that's why you are saying this dear. I feel pity for you babes but you can't change the truth. Why don't you consult with a psychiatrist, that's good for you!" Laila said in a teasing way.

"Ohh that's so sweet of you Laila, but you know what I don't need your pityness, you save it for yourself cause you should need it in future." Sanyukta mocked her.

"Ohh Sanyukta, why can't you admit that you are jealous of me. Randhir is still with me and you are nothing but just a trophy wife for him." Laila said in a sarcastic way.

"Jealous of you! Please Laila, don't give so much importance to yourself! I am not jealous of you but you must be jealous of me, cause Mrs. Randhir Singh Shekhawat ka tag mere naam ke saath juda hua hai, tumhare nahi! You must regret your plan, sweetheart!" Sanyukta smirked at her.

"Shut up you bit***..." Laila bad mouthed and next moment her cheek welcomed a tight slap. Both Randhir and Laila were shocked.

"Ye chata uss din mujhe dhoke se uss classroom mein lock karne ke liye hai. Sharam nahi aayi tumhe ek ladki hoke dusri ladki ke saath aisa chip harkat karte huye?" Sanyukta said bitterly when Randhir looked at her with wide open eyes.

"Aage se kisi bhi ladki ke saath aisa ghatiya harkat karne se pehle mujhe aur meri iss chate ko yaad kar lena." Sanyukta warned her and left from there when Randhir followed her.

"Sanyukta stop, Sanyukta please listen to me once." He said and held her hand when she jerked it again.

"What do you think Randhir, ke tumhari ye cheap harkate mujh par koi effect karegi? Do you really think Randhir that I get jealous to see you with other girls! Aare main toh khush hoti hu ke mere badle wo log tumhe jhel rahe hai." She hissed in anger.

"Sanyukta, I came here to meet you, not Laila." He said in a low voice.

"I don't care whom you want to meet. I warn you before that don't come near me, remember that otherwise I won't spare you next time." She gritted her teeth and left from there when Randhir stood there lowering his lashes.

Randhir was looking at Sanyukta's retiring figure, he was too numb to react. He turned around to go and saw Laila standing there.

"That Sanyukta slapped me in front of you Randhir and you don't say anything to her!" Laila said coldly.

"It's you who started the fight and what I suppose to do in between the cat fight!" Randhir replied annoyingly.

"Why don't you tell her anything, that you came here to meet me only?" Laila cringed.

"No, you are wrong Laila. I told you that I came here to meet Sanyukta, not you. Phir bhi tumne wo scene create kiya, then what am I supposed to do?" He shrugged his shoulders.

"Ek toh wo Sanyukta humare bich mein aa gayi aur tum use hi support kar rahe ho?" Laila gritted her teeth.

"Just a second Laila, humare bich! Main aur tum kabhi 'Hum' nahi thay Laila aur na kabhi honge!" Randhir raised his brows.

"But baby we love each other." Came her reply.

"And who told you that?" Randhir asked surprisingly.

"Now you are denying me and that too for Sanyukta, that bloody girl!" Laila cursed Sanyukta.

"Just shut up Laila. I told you before that Sanyukta is my wife and you don't have any single right to say anything shit about her, mind it." Randhir said angrily and about to go but stopped in the middle and looked at her.

"Aur haan, psychiatrist ki jarurat Sanyukta ko nahi tumhe hai. You must consult with a specialist." He said coldly and left from there when Laila stood there dumbstruck.

"Sanyukta you bit***...! You snatched my Randhir from me, now you have to bear the consequences!" She clenched her jaw.

                              ***************

Sanyukta entered the classroom when everyone started clapping and welcomed her with a smile. Some girls were busy pretending to be her bestie. Sanyukta remembered that those were the same people who passed remarks about her character after that night and now they were behaving as if nothing happened in the past. She ignored them and went to Kaustuki, she hugged her tightly.

"I am so happy, Sanyu. I just lost all the hope but you made it. I am so proud of you." Kaustuki smiled brightly.

"Haan Kaustu, I have to. Ab main kisi aur ki kiye ka saza nahi bhugatne wali!" She broke the hug.

After college Sanyukta was waiting for the car when Randhir came there.

"Mom ne car bhej diya hai, bass aata hi hoga." He said slowly but Sanyukta didn't react, she stood there silently when Randhir stole glances of her.

"Now Sanyukta looks very angry. I don't think it's the right time to talk with her, I'll talk to her later." He said in his mind when the car came, but they were surprised to see Parth in the car.

"Hey, how is the surprise?" Parth came out quickly from the car and smiled at them.

"Parth, tu yahan kya kar raha hai?" Randhir asked surprisingly.

"Wo main bore ho raha tha toh socha ke tum dono ko pick karne aa jau, issi bahane college bhi dekh lunga." Parth shrugged his shoulders.

"Tujhe college dekhna hai, wo bhi iss waqt?" Randhir asked surprisingly.

"Tu itna shocked kyun ho raha hai bro, main tujhe thodi na bol raha hu!" Parth raised his brows then looked at Sanyukta. "Senorita, do you mind showing me your college?" He smiled at her.

"Me?" She asked confusingly.

"Yes you, lady." Parth smiled brightly.

"No I don't have any problem Parth, but I don't want to make anyone wait because of me!" She looked at Randhir once then again looked at Parth.

"Aare it's not a problem at all. Randhir ko wait karne ki koi jarurat nahi. Driver tum Randhir ko ghar chhod ke aao, tab tak hum college dekh lenge." Parth ordered the driver.

"Isski koi jarurat nahi hai Parth, tum dono jau, main yahi wait karta hu." Randhir replied.

"Are you sure dude, I mean hume time lag sakta hai?" Parth asked curiously.

"Yeah I am sure. Tum dono jau, I am waiting for you guys." Randhir smiled, thus Parth raised his brows.

"Okay Sanyukta let's go." Parth held her forearm and they left.

"I think Parth ke saath hogi toh she will feel better." Randhir murmured under his breath.

                             ***************

"This is the library, this is the laboratory, this is the common room, this is the rest room and this is the canteen." Sanyukta gets busy to show the college to Parth. Something she found which helped her to forget her miseries.

"And where is the girl's room?" Parth asked naughtily.

"Parth!" Sanyukta glared at him.

"Aare main toh iss liye puch raha tha ke, imaging main galti se girl's room mein chala jau aur waha mujhe koi sweet si, beautiful si girl mil jaye jise dekhte hi pehli nazar mein pyar ho jaye, toh kaisa rahega?" Parth played with his brows.

"Aur agar wo ladki tumhe sandal se pite toh tab kaisa rahega?" Sanyukta smirked at him.

"Kya Sanyu, bahut unromantic ho! Can't believe ke tumhari aur Randhir ki love marriage huyi hai!" Parth said thus Sanyukta's smirk vanished.

"Coffee?" She avoided Parth's question. Parth nodded positively and next his eyes fell on Randhir who was already present there.

"Aare wo dekho Randhir yahi hai, chalo." Parth said and pulled Sanyukta along with him.

"Are you guys done?" Randhir asked confusingly.

"No, it's break time bro." Parth said in a teasing way when Sanyukta maintained a straight face.

"Kaisa laga college?" Randhir asked, taking a glance at Sanyukta.

"Aare abhi toh aadha hi dekha." Parth replied casually.

"College ki history bhi jaan gaya hoga?" Randhir asked normally.

"Haan, but abhi toh main tum dono ki history janne mein jyada interested hu." Parth said playfully.

"Matlab?" Randhir asked confusingly.

"Means I want to know your love story guys, how you two fall in love with each other?" Parth asked excitedly when both Randhir and Sanyukta became shocked. They looked at each other once then looked away.

"Come on guys, saap sung gaya kya tum dono ko?" Parth asked surprisingly when Randhir and Sanyukta both were tongue tied.

"Randhir tu bol, tune Sanyukta ko first kaha dekha?" Parth asked, sipping his coffee.

"Umm Parth I have to go, tu Sanyukta ko leke aa jana, bye." Randhir made an excuse when Parth stopped him.

"What do you mean by bye! Abhi kuch der pehle toh bol raha tha ke I'll wait, uska kya?" Parth asked thus Randhir kept mum.

"Sanyukta tum batao, tum dono ne ek dusre ko kab dekha? Kya hua tha, kisne first step liya tha, everything. I want to know every single detail." Parth mentioned a serious face.

"Shit, Parth ko yahi sawal mila tha puchne ke liye!" Randhir said inwardly, stealing a glance of Sanyukta who seemed emotionless.

"Umm...Parth I have to go right now." Randhir said and left from there immediately.

"Ab iss ko kya hua, forget it. Sanyukta tum bolo." Parth said thus Sanyukta forced a smile.

"Umm...Parth tumne toh classrooms dekha hi nahi, chalo chalo let's go." She pulled his hand.

"Aare Sanyukta classroom mein kya rakha hai? Wo toh sirf padaku students aur serious teachers ke liye hai!" Parth made a face.

"Shut up, ye dekho ye mera class hai." Sanyukta smiled when Parth forced a smile.

"Wo wow...kya architecture hai, kya blueprint hai, kya engineering hai! I am in love with this room!" He made a dreamy face.

"Very funny!" Sanyukta made a face.

"So what do you expect, main khushi se dance karunga ye empty classroom dekh kar! Huhhh, let's go."

"Parth tum bahut insensitive ho!" Sanyukta said as they came out of the class.

"Achchha, uss bekar sa classroom ko achchha nahi bola iss liye?" He raised his brows when she looked away.

"Achchha achchha, chalo baki ke classrooms dikhao." Parth said.

"Koi jarurat nahi, chalo." Sanyukta said slowly.

"Aare dikhao." Parth said and pulled her into an empty classroom.

"Haan toh iss room ki kya history hai?" Parth asked casually when Sanyukta's face got pale to see the classroom again.

It's the same room where Randhir humiliated her. After that day she never came inside the room but today Parth pulled her without knowing anything. Parth was blubbering something when Sanyukta overheard him. The incident of that horrible night flashed in front of her eyes which made her life miserable. Last night's encounter also flashed in her mind. She held the wall as she felt dizzy.

"Sanyukta!" Parth saw her and rushed towards her.

"What happened, are you okay?" He asked worriedly.

"Haan, bass chakkar aa gaya tha." She said when Parth made her sit.

"Mujhe pehle kyun nahi bola, let's go." Parth said and held her. They came out when he helped her to walk. Randhir who was busy on his phone was shocked to see her like that.

"What happened?" He asked confusingly.

"Wo Sanyukta ko chakkar aa gaya tha." Parth replied.

"Let's go home." Randhir said and opened the back door for her. Soon they reached the mansion and entered the hall.

"Ye lijiye dono aa gaye." Renuka said to someone thus Sanyukta's gaze fell on them and she was shocked to see her parents sitting there.

*******************************************

So what do you think Sanyukta's parents say to her? Will they know the truth? Will Sanyukta be able to forgive Randhir for what he did with her? Do you think this incident will change the equation between the two?

Keep commenting, sharing your views, keep voting.

Thank you.

Words: 3329

#Bandita 🌹🌹