Shakhi SS Marriage Of Convenience

Chapter Forty Five

The whole Sabharwal House was decorated with fairy lights and flowers as the inmates of the house decided to throw a party for Shaurya and Anokhi's second wedding anniversary. Family members were all ready for the evening party.

As it was summer vacation, Shaurya didn't have class and finished his worked soon and joined everyone at the Sabharwal House to help with the decorations. Anokhi, on the other hand works as training teacher for competitive coaching institute.

So, Anokhi got ready at the institute itself after her work hours and came dressed in a red party wear saree gifted by Shaurya. A bright smile touched her lips when she saw the decoration as she got down from the car.

"Anokhi aa gayi!" Kitty squealed gathering everyone's attention.

Anokhi had a surprised bright smile on seeing the decorations on the living room. Every Sabharwal including the youngest Sabharwal Yuvansh, Yash and Kanchan's two-month-old son were dressed for the party.

The young folk wished Anokhi while she got blessings from the elders; her eyes searching around for Shaurya which was noticed by Kanchan.

"Anokhi, kis ko dhoond rahi ho?" Kanchan asked in a teasing tone drawing everyone's attention on Anokhi.

The men folk gave a smile and excused themselves to check on the party preparations.

"Nahi, voh mein bas decoration dekh rahi thi" Anokhi said with a sheepish smile when Kitty and Bebo gave a teasing wink and smile at her.

"Areey bas bas. Zyadha pareesan math karna apne Bhabhi ko" Devi said and turned to Anokhi with a smile, "Shaurya bas tayar ho raha hai, Anokhi. Ek gante mein party shuru hoga. Tab tak thodi aaram karo Shaurya ke sath. Hum guests ko receive karlenge"

"Nahi, Badi Maa, mein bhi hel-"

"Us ke liye hum haina, Anokhi. Tu jao, jaake rest karo" Astha ushered Anokhi to upstairs.

Shaurya and Anokhi still live at their apartment but they spend alternative Sunday at Sabharwal House. Shaurya talks with Tej, Devi and Astha but still there was this line between them and Shaurya that hasn't been erased yet. But they are doing much better than before.

Anokhi knocked the room door and on receiving no responses, she opened the door and walked in. She looked around but couldn't found Shaurya making her scrunch her eyebrows in confusion.

"Badi Maa ne kaha tha ki Shaurya room mein hai. Par yeh toh yehan nahi hai" Anokhi wondered aloud as she stood in front of the dressing table.

As Anokhi adjusted her saree, her eyes fell on the square jewel box on the dressing table. Her curiosity peaked when she found her name written on the top of the box. Puzzled, she took the box and opened it. There was a small note on its top.

"Happy Anniversary, Madam Sahiba

Yeh tumhare liye ek chota sa gift mere taraf se. Isse pehan ke upar terrace pe aa jao.

Tere intezaar mein jee raha hoon ;)

Tumhari Patidev <3"

Anokhi smiled as her fingers traced 'Tumhari Patidev' in the note. She saw a gold necklace in the jewel box. Shaking her head with a smile, she removed the jewel she was wearing before, took the necklace from the box and worn it around her neck.

After seeing her reflection on the mirror, pleased with her look, Anokhi air kissed at her reflection before walking out of the room. She wondered why Shaurya called her to terrace.

Kitty and Bebo stopped her in middle and conversed with her, teasing her. Of course, they knew Shaurya was upstairs waiting for Anokhi but they just wanted to tease the couple and so, they kept teasing her.

Anokhi somehow managed to escape from them and moved towards the terrace stairs silently. She heaved a sigh of relief and stepped inside the dark terrace.

"Yehan pe ithne andheera kyun hai?" Anokhi wondered aloud as she switched on the flashlight in her mobile and kept walking.

Just as Anokhi took couple of steps, she heard a sound and the whole terrace was lit up making her gasp in surprise, a half-surprised smile stayed on her lips. Her eyes took in the fairy lights on her front. There were balloons everywhere on the floor.

Anokhi paused and smiled widely when she heard guitar's sound. Grinning widely, she turned around and saw Shaurya standing with his guitar on a small stage set up decorated with their names, love symbol and decorated with lights.

With a wide surprise smile, Anokhi's eyes took in everything before settling on Shaurya who was dressed in a black suit with his guitar in his hand. The whole decoration made Anokhi go awestruck. They both are not into grand gestures but this felt awesome.

"Happy Anniversary, meri jaan" Shaurya said with a smile and wink.

"Happy Anniversary, Pati dev" Anokhi grinned and was about to step forward but,

"Nah, nah, nah. Wahi pe rahiyeh, Madam ji. Aap ko mere gift bhi dena hai na" Shaurya said making Anokhi look at him puzzled. He continued, "I see you have worn what I got you. Looks beautiful on you, meri jaan"

Shaurya air kissed at Anokhi making her laugh.

"Accha kya gift hai?" Anokhi asked and then something struck her, "Wait a second, aap ghana ghane wale ho?"

Shaurya laughed and then nodded at Anokhi. She squealed in excitement.

"Wait, mein sab ko leke-"

"Hareey budhu, yeh sirf tumhare liye hai. Agar sab ke saamne karna hai toh terrace ko ithne saja kyun raka hoon mein" Shaurya said and Anokhi pouted at him, "Accha teek hai, shuru karun?"

"Haan!" Anokhi exclaimed in excitement.

"Okay, so I have been practicing ever since you handed me that guitar. I didn't know I had it in me to start playing again with my mind at different places. But the excitement in your eyes when I held guitar in hand broke everything that held me back from playing again. You have been my guiding light, my strength, my weakness, my life, my home, everything. So, I'm dedicating this song for you, Mrs. Sabharwal. Happy Anniversary"

Anokhi looked at Shaurya with love and admiration. His words made her heart flutter and her form tingling with excitement. The constant smile on her lips turned into a surprised gasp when Shaurya started singing,

"Aashiyaana mera saath tere hai na"

(My abode is with you)

Shaurya smiled at Anokhi who stared at him surprised.

"Dhoondte teri gali mujhko ghar mila"

(Looking for your lane, I found my house)

Anokhi's eyes went wide as she fisted her pallu and stared at Shaurya whose eyes were fixed at her.

"Aab-o-daana mera haath tere hai na

Dhoondte tera Khuda mujhko Rab mila

Tu jo mila lo ho gaya main qaabil

Tu jo mila to ho gaya sab haasil haan!

Mushqil sahi aasaan hui manzil

Kyunki Tu.. Dhad.kan.. Main Dil..."

(My water and food is in your hands

Looking for your god, I found my god

Since I met you, I become capable

Since I met you, I achieved it all

Even with problems the goal is now easy

Because you are the beat of my heart)

Tear stinged Anokhi's eyes as she saw Shaurya, his voice overwhelming her sense.

"Rooth jaana tera

Maan jaana mera

Dhoondhte teri hansi

Mill gayi khushi

Raah hoon main teri

Rooh hai tu meri

Dhoondhte tere nishaan

Mill gayi khudi

Tu jo mila lo ho gaya main qaabil

Tu jo mila to ho gaya sab haasil haan!

Mushqil sahi aasaan hui manzil

Kyunki Tu.. Dhadkan.. Main Dil...

O..."

(You getting upset

Me persuading you

Looking for your smile, I found joy

I'm your path

Your my soul

Looking for your marks, I found myself

Since I've met you, I've become capable

Since I've met you, I've achieved it all

Even with problems the goal is now easy

Because you're the beat of my heart)

Every moment they went through flashed before her eyes. Anokhi saw things from her side, felt from her side. She knows he loves her but to hear Shaurya felt the same, him pouring his feelings through the song overwhelmed her.

"Tu jo mila lo ho gaya main qaabil

Tu jo mila to ho gaya sab haasil.. haan!

Tu jo mila aasaan hui mushqil

Kyunki Tu Dhadkan.. Main Dil..."

(Since I've met you, I've become capable

Since I've met you, I've achieved it all

Since I've met you, problems are solved

Because you're the beat of my heart)

Shaurya was singing his heart out as his fingers played on the guitar string, his eyes closed. By the time he was done, Anokhi rushed to him. He opened his eyes to meet with hers as he removed the guitar and the next second, she hugged him tightly. He hugged her back.

When they broke their hug, Shaurya wiped Anokhi's tears as he cupped her face between his palms. With his eyes melting into hers, he caressed her cheek with his thumb finger before saying,

"I love you, Anokhi"

Tears spilled out of Anokhi's eyes as she stared at Shaurya who teared up as well. She has seen love in his eyes. She saw his love in everything he does for her but she's hearing him saying those three magical words for the first time.

"I have always thought that I don't deserve your love, Anokhi. I couldn't gather courage to tell you what I feel about you. I wasn't capable of being myself; I wasn't sure if I was the Shaurya as whom I lived my whole life. I know I have been a disappointment lot of times. I have drove you mad. My hatred for my family, my self-hatred, my anger, my pain, my downs, you accepted it all"

Anokhi wiped Shaurya's tears as she cupped his face before he started,

"You deserve a love without any holding back, Anokhi. You deserve a whole heart and I couldn't give you that all these days. For that, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for making you wait. I'm sorry for making you suffer along with me. You loved me at that time where I couldn't even love myself, let alone look at my own reflection without hatred and pain. I...I love you, Anokhi"

Shaurya tightened his hold on Anokhi's and brought her face closer as he said,

"I didn't know when I started loving you. Was it the time you stood up against me at college or when we got married or when you bared your heart to me and confessed or your face when I wake up next to you every morning...I have no clue if I fell in love with you when you smiled at me for getting you food or when you held my hand when I broke down or when one midnight, I woke up from my nightmare in the fear of loosing you and then found you by my side. I don't know, I don't care but I love you, Anokhi"

They smiled through their tears. Shaurya continued,

"I always have but I never said because I know you don't deserve an imposter but a real Shaurya. Without you, I would have lived a false life, hating my mother forever. I wouldn't have a chance of a happy family with my parents. I would have lived my life blinded with anger and self-hate. You made me a better man, Anokhi. I love you so much, Anokhi. I love you"

Anokhi bit back her tears and caressed Shaurya's face softly with her fingers as she gestured him not to cry. He smiled through tears and brought their face closer. She pulled him down to her level and leaning above, she placed a kiss on his forehead as they both closed their eyes.

"I love you, Shaurya" Anokhi breathed against him as they hugged each other tightly. Nothing made sense to them except their pumping heartbeat and overwhelming presence of love.

They might have married each other to get over a scandal. But from a marriage of convenience to staying married because they like each other to living a life with each other with love, they came a long way ahead. From bumping each other in a college corridor to being in each other's arms as life partners, they sure have come a long way ahead.

Shaurya loved his family the most. He was living a delusional life, hating his mother. Anokhi grew up in a patriarchal household with a father who used to see her as burden. But now, they ended up with a loving family. They have forever to love, to grow old with each other.

Anokhi and Shaurya were worlds apart yet they met by chance. She healed his wounds, he stood by her as she flew towards her dreams. Together they worked on their relationship and created their very own happy ending.

THE END

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Author's note

Hey guys, hope you all are doing good.  "Marriage Of Convenience" 's journey has come to an end. Thank you so much for taking this journey along with me and Shakhi. This story is super special to me. Shakhi is the reason I started writing consistently after ages. They ignited life to the writer in me again. This whole story, its plot, its characterization, everything about it made me a much better writer than before for which I'm forever grateful.

Ever since I extended this TS into FF, I have decided how it should end and I have been saving this song "Tu Jo Mila" for them. Suits them perfectly, no?

I have been writing since 2013 but never have I ever completed a FF till date thanks to my writer's block, academic commitments and personal issues. I'm thankful to you readers for putting up with me, urging me to write and give justice to the story. Thank you for your responses and constant support.

I really hope you enjoyed reading the story. Unfortunately, there won't be any more Shakhi FFs from my side. I'm yet to decide if I want to take down Entwined TS as well but I'll continue posting Shakhi OS in its place if I take down the TS. Upcoming months are going to be crazy with college, the course I chose, writing works and final year projects. So, I'm not in a proper stage to promise anything. Let's see.

Thank you for reading,

Nan ~