𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒
𝐽𝑎𝑖 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝐾𝑟𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑛𝑎

(I hope you can please atleast vote and comment. To a budding writer like myself. Your support means a lot. Please don't be a silent reader. Feel free to drop your opinion.)

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Flashback continued…

Advik's POV

Everyone rushed to Kashvi. I pushed past people to see Kashvi lying in with blood around her scalp. 

“Don't close your eyes Kashvi. Stay awake.” I said, gathering her in my arms. I settled her in the backseat with my mother who had her handkerchief pressed against Kashvi's head. Sahil settled on the passenger seat as we drove to the nearest hospital. 

She was hustled to the urgent care room. We waited for almost two hours before she was shifted to a private room. The nurse handed over all of Kashvi's accessories and jewellery. It was Kashvi's engagement ring, Nuptial chain (Mangalsutra) and a few more things. I kept staring at the black beaded chain. She never took it off. 

After around 30 minutes we were allowed into her room. They had changed her into a hospital gown. 

Flashback ends

“Advik! Advik!” His mother shook him out of his trance. 

“What happened back at the party?” His mother asked again. He couldn't answer her. His mother didn't know about Shanaya and his relationship with her.

“Bhai has been cheating on Bhabi since the day they got married. And today Bhabi finally caught both the cheats in the act. Bhai never acknowledged Bhabi.” Sahil spoke as his upper lip curled into disdain. Sahil was disgusted by his brother. Their mother gasped.

“That's no way you talk about your brother. I know him, he would never do something like this.” Their mother said hopefully looking at Advik who was sitting with his head bowed down. 

“Then you don't know Bhai well. Ask him if he wasn't in a relationship with Shanaya even after marrying Bhabi.” Sahil scoffed. 

“Advik? Is it true?” Their mother let out almost in a shocking state.

Advik didn't answer. His lack of response was enough for his mother to realise that Sahil was actually telling the truth. Without giving it a second thought her palm connected to Advik's face. His mother kept slapping him until Sahil stopped her.

“Why did you do this, Advik? Why did you ruin this girl's life? Her father trusted us. She has no one in this world. Didn't I ask you if you were seeing someone before the marriage? Why didn't you speak about this girlfriend of yours then?” His mother asked, dejected. Her breathing started to become shallow before she finally lost balance. Advik and Sahil assisted her to the couch. 

“Maa, I am sorry. Please forgive me. I have come to terms with my feelings. I have fallen for Kashvi. I love her.” Advik said kneeling in front of his mother but his mother refused to look at him. Advik's heart sank. The atmosphere of the room was tense. 

“It's past 12, we can allow only one family member to stay the night.” The nurse announced. 

“I will stay with Kashvi.” Advik declared before anyone could say anything. 

“This is Kashvi bhabi, Bhai. Not Shanaya. As far as I remember, you wanted to do nothing with Kashvi Bhabi.” Sahil recalled in a mock tone. Advik's face marred with shame. He had lost the respect of his family. 

“Maa, please. Let me stay with Kashvi.” he let out. His mother sighed, “Look after her.” And walked out with Sahil. 

Advik dejectedly sat on the couch. He had disappointed his mother and brother. His wife was pregnant. He was going to be a father. He still couldn't believe that after 8 months a little human would join their family. His gaze landed on Kashvi. He smiled as he recalled the first time they met.

Flashback

7 months ago

Advik's POV

“Adi, do you remember Agarwal Ji, your father's friend?” My mother asked. We were having breakfast.

“Yeah, he used to live in the next block, right?” I asked to which she nodded.

“What about him? Didn't he, along with his daughter, move to the United States 4 years ago?” I said. Sahil was glued to his tablet. Kids these days.

“They are moving back here. Kashvi, his daughter completed her bachelor's. They are arriving tomorrow. Could you pick them up tomorrow from the airport?” Maa asked.

“Sure.”

The next morning, I went to pick them up from the airport. I instantly recognised Agarwal uncle. He looked weak. I touched his feet. Trailing behind him was a gorgeous girl struggling with four suitcases and two shoulder bags. I instantly recognised the girl. It was Kashvi. Gone were the two pony tails and cute princess frocks. Growing up ,Kashvi was an adorable but reserved kid though I never talked to her much given we had an age gap of 8 years between us.

“That's Kashvi, she wouldn't let me carry any of the luggage.” Uncle said as he shook his head. I smiled, she was cute. And the fact she refused to give up was even more pleasing.

“Need help, little missy.” I moved forward to help her with the bags.

“No, I am enough.” She said sassily. I raised an eyebrow at her.

“I know you are enough, no doubt in there. But come on, my mom raised a gentleman.” I said, taking the bags from her. I loaded the luggage in the trunk and set off for my home. Kashvi was sitting in the backseat while uncle was in the passenger seat. Half an hour into the drive and I knew that the little missy was a chatterbox.

“Papa, do you know? This cute baby boy was sitting beside me on the flight. I clicked so many pictures with him. And at last, he slept on my lap. I miss him already, Papa.” She whined.

“Okay, Okay, I bet he misses you too.” He said.

“Hope so.” She said as a pout appeared on her face. I was all the way noticing her through the rear mirror. ‘Drama Queen’ uncle mouthed to me to which I chuckled.

“Wait, did you just call me, Drama Queen?” She glared at her father. She tried hard to look intimidating but failed.

“Of course, I didn't,” Uncle said, defensively. She narrowed her eyes. The whole ride home was pure entertainment. Kashvi was a bubbly girl.

Maa was waiting for us at the entrance. Kashvi touched Maa's feet. While having lunch, the most surprising thing happened. My very introverted brother was happily conversing with Kashvi.

“We went to the same high school. Attended the same college, and built a house in the same neighbourhood.” Uncle said as he stared at the photo of my father. I could see tears gathering in his eyes. It's been almost 5 years since we lost dad but the pain was still gut-wrenching.

“How was life in the States?” My mother asked for a change of topic.

“It was good. I invested in a few budding firms. They are working out well.” He answered.

“And Kashvi, what do you want to do next?” Maa asked.

“I am planning to pursue an MBA. And I have a few start-ups in mind. Once dad is completely fine and stable, we will start with the production. Let's see how things turn out.” She answered. Her fathers fell and sadness swam in his eyes.

Kashvi's father had suffered three minor cardiac arrests in the last two years. The last one was the most fatal.

They stayed a few more hours before finally leaving for their home. It was just a 10-minute walk from our house. They owned a three-storey Villa with lots of plants around. All these years a housekeeper was looking after the maintenance of the Villa.

Flashback Ends

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