SS Marriage Of Convenience 

Chapter Eight

Shaurya brought Anokhi to a penthouse apartment. Shaurya bought the apartment for him to hang out with his friends during his project years. After that the apartment remained closed. He got the apartment refurnished two weeks ago, with the thought of putting it up for rent.

At first Shaurya thought of taking Anokhi to Agasthya Gardens but what will they two do in such a big property? So, he took Anokhi to this apartment. Malkan helped with bringing their things up and left soon after. Shaurya asked Anokhi to unpack. He then placed an order on Swiggy for breakfast and went out to buy necessities.

Anokhi let out a tired sigh as she sat down on the bed and looked around. She was tired of the day's events. For the past month she has been working for the cultural program. After the recent events, she was completely exhausted, both physically and mentally.

Something broke into Anokhi as she saw Shaurya in his vulnerable state. He literally held on to her, baring his pain in front of her. At one side she is happy that he chose to be vulnerable around her but on the other, she saw that how broken the truth has left him.

She suddenly remembered that she hasn't conveyed any of that to Astha. She even took Astha's letters without her permission! Astha must be so worried! She quickly made a call to Astha. As she expected Astha was talking about the missing letters. Anokhi quickly intervened and confessed that she's the one who took those letters.

Anokhi also filled up Astha with the recent events. Astha was extremely happy that Shaurya has found out the truth. She wanted to meet Shaurya right away. But Anokhi explained about Shaurya's condition. He still hasn't come to deal with any of this and what he needs the most right now is space and time. So, Anokhi has managed to convince Astha to stay away for time being. Astha agreed. She waited for 25 years. She can wait a little more. Astha hang up the call, saying she needs to convey this to Shaan.

After the call, Anokhi looked around the room. They were dusty as they were not used. She tied her hair in a bun, looking around the apartment. The door bell rang. The food delivery guy delivered the food. She thanked him, closed the door and placed the food on the coffee table and started to clean.

By the time Shaurya came home, Anokhi was done with half of her works. Shaurya placed the stuffs he brought on the living room table and moved to the bedroom. Anokhi was immersed in arranging the room.

"Anokhi, aao mere sath. Breakfast karthey hain" (Anokhi, come with me. Let's have breakfast)

Anokhi looked at Shaurya in between unpacking her bag. The bed is scattered with her things.

"Sir, you have breakfast. I'll finish these works in a go and then have breakfast"

"Aese kaise? Look at the time. Its almost ten thirty now. You can finish your work later. Now come, lets have breakfast" Shaurya insisted.

Anokhi looked at the unpacked bags and pouted. If she can finish all her works before today evening then she can rest and can concentrate on her studies from the next day. She looked up at Shaurya.

"Sir, give me half an hour. I'll finish arranging these bags and come" Anokhi gave puppy eyes to Shaurya who cave in.

Shaurya thought of having it later but thought of something better. He exited the room, took the food out and shifted it to plate. He then came inside the room and stood in front of Anokhi who looked up at him, confused. He tore the roti, dipped it in gravy and extended it in front of her mouth.

"Open your mouth"

Anokhi was surprised seeing this gesture of Shaurya. She can see care and concern for her in his gestures. Lately Shaurya has made her feel so secure and valued. He always puts her needs into consideration. Sometimes he put her needs before his.

Even if Devi used to scold her, he would do something to change the topic and save her. He encouraged her to study, not allowed. He supported her in everything she does, unlike her father. How can she not like him? Shaurya looked at Anokhi who's lost in her thoughts. He cleared his voice and she looked up at him. He eyed Anokhi to eat.

"Sir, you have your breakfast first. I'll have it later" She declined. Shaurya let out a tired sigh.

"Anokhi, why can't we do two works at the same time?" Shaurya asked while Anokhi looked puzzled by his words.

"Matlab?" (Means?)

"What I mean is that you can continue with your unpacking work. I'll feed you. In that way you get to do your work and eat" He explained "Now open your mouth"

On hearing his words, a smile escaped Anokhi's lips. She opened her mouth and he fed her.

"Aap bhi khaayiyeh na" She said while taking her clothes in hand and walked to the wardrobe to keep her things inside. (You also eat)

"Pehle tum" (You first)

He followed behind her and fed her. Anokhi couldn't hide her smile any longer. She gave a big smile to Shaurya who smiled back at her and fed her. Anokhi kept moving between the bed and wardrobe arranging her clothes while Shaurya walked along and fed her.

"Bas bas" Anokhi said "I'm full sir. You have your breakfast" (enough)

"You still have to complete all this" He showed the plate to her.

"But I'm already full sir" She pouted.

"Aese nahi kehthe. You need energy to study. Your end of semester exams is approaching soon. Now that we are here, we need to maintain this place on our own Anokhi. At least until we appoint a maid. So, open your mouth" (Don't say like that)

Anokhi gave in and Shaurya fed her the rest of food. He went out and came back with a glass of water. He then had his breakfast and helped Anokhi in unpacking. Once they were done with unpacking, Anokhi sorted the groceries which Shaurya brought while Shaurya fixed the study room which both Shaurya and Anokhi can use.

It was almost nine when they were done with all the works. After dinner, Shaurya sat on the couch, watching a repeat telecast of a cricket match. He looked at Anokhi who came out after a bath with a small pillow. She placed it on the sofa chair adjacent to him and collapsed on the sofa chair.

"Tired?" He looked at her with concern.

"I'm okay, sir" She said and looked at the TV "Aap ko cricket pasandh hai?" (You like cricket?)

"Hmmm" He replied "I like watching and I used to play cricket when I was at college"

"For our college team?" She sat facing him.

"Yes! We used to have lot of fun" Shaurya smiled, remembering the old days.

"Wow. Who is your favorite Indian cricketer sir?" She asked him enthusiastically.

"M S Dhoni"

"Mine too" She squealed in excitement "Well pehle Raina aur phir Dhoni. Both are my favorite" And then she pouted "Both have retired now so I stopped watching cricket" (Well first Raina and then Dhoni)

Shaurya looked at the changing expression on Anokhi's face. She was excited one second, sad the another. He smiled on seeing her face and continued the conversation.

They chatted for some good half an hour, getting to know each other. Shaurya talked about his college days. Anokhi was amused to hear the pranks he played on his friends. She shared her own stories. They had a hearty laugh. In the end, the topic shifted back to cricket.

"You'll have to take me to Chennai for a CSK match, sir" She demanded.

"As you wish, mam" He bowed at her while she laughed out.

"Its late. Let's hit the bed. Kal college hai na" Shaurya said standing up. (We have college tomorrow)

Anokhi nodded and went to room. Shaurya switched off the Tv and all the lightings around. He went to bath while she picked her outfit for tomorrow. Once she is done, she hit the bed. She thought of staying awake until Shaurya comes but exhaustion took over her body and she slept.

When Shaurya came out, he saw Anokhi sleeping soundly. He tried not to make any sound and lied down on the bed next to her. He switched off the light and closed his eyes. All the thoughts he kept at bay throughout the day rushed to his mind, making him open his eyes. In the Sabherwal mansion, he felt suffocated. The apartment was a good change to him. Here he didn't feel indebted to anyone. He didn't feel suffocated. He didn't feel he's being manipulated. He could breathe in peace in the apartment.

But even this change couldn't help him at night. A lump formed in his throat as tears escaped his brown orbs. He stayed in that position for a long time. When it became too unbearable, he got of the bed, opened his wardrobe, took out the box with diary and letters and went out of the room.

With hesitation Shaurya opened the box. He contemplated whether to read those letters or not. He wasn't sure if he's ready to read them. Understanding the truth and accepting it would be tough if you knew you have lived a life full of lies and manipulation.

Shaurya took one letter in hand but couldn't bring himself to open it at the last moment. He boxed the letter in frustration and placed it aside. He grabbed his car keys and exited the apartment, his mind and heart waging a war against one another. All he need now is a long drive to clear his mind.

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Hey guys, hope you have enjoyed reading the chapter. Please do watch SAAKK on TV. Suggest SAAKK to your family and friends. Let's do our bit to save the show from going off air. Do let me know what you think of the chapter and story so far.

Thank you.

Nan ~