Ekansh continued to work, trying to push aside his thoughts about Samyuktika. He focused on the task at hand, determined to be productive.
As the day went on, his concentration improved. Reports, spreadsheets, and meetings filled his schedule. Before he knew it, the clock struck 5 PM.
He packed his belongings and headed out of the office. The evening air was refreshing, a welcome change from the confines of his cubicle.
As he walked, Ekansh's thoughts drifted back to Samyuktika. Their awkward breakfast encounter still lingered in his mind.
Ekansh quickened his pace, eager to clear his mind. But little did he know, his life was about to take an unexpected turn.
Ekansh couldn't explain why, but he found himself longing to see Samyuktika again. It was as if an invisible thread connected them, pulling him toward her.
He tried to shake off the feeling, attributing it to the awkwardness of their breakfast encounter. But deep down, he knew it was more.
As he walked into his grand mansion, softly lit windows and meticulously manicured lawns welcomed him home.
His butler, Jenkins, greeted him with a nod. "Good evening, sir." "Good evening, Jenkins," Ekansh replied, his voice distracted.
His mind remained with Samyuktika. Why did he feel this sudden, intense connection?
Ekansh entered the living room, expecting solitude. Instead, he was met with a surprising scene.
His father, Mahindra, sat on the couch, alongside his stepmother, Nisha.
Saransh, his stepbrother, lounged in an armchair. And beside him, on the same couch, sat Samyuktika. The room fell silent.
Ekansh's eyes locked onto Samyuktika, his mind racing. Mahindra's expression was stern. Nisha's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Saransh's smirk hinted at mischief. Samyuktika's gaze met Ekansh's, her expression unreadable.
The air was thick with tension. Ekansh's presence hung suspended, like a question waiting to be answered.
Ekansh strode across the room, his eyes fixed on Samyuktika. He reached her side and grasped her hand tightly, his fingers intertwining with hers. With a gentle pull, he helped her stand.
"What are they doing here?" Ekansh asked, his voice low and urgent, his gaze never leaving hers.
Samyuktika's eyes fluttered to Mahindra and Nisha, then back to Ekansh. Her expression remained enigmatic.
Ekansh's grip on her hand tightened, his eyes burning with intensity. He awaited her response, his body tense with anticipation.
Nisha's voice cut through the tension, "What is this behavior of yours with bahu, Ekansh?"
Ekansh's gaze snapped to Nisha, his eyes narrowing. "Excuse me, Nisha ji. I wasn't speaking to you."
His tone was firm but polite, a subtle warning to not interrupt.
Nisha's eyebrows arched in surprise, but she pressed on, "I'm your stepmother, Ekansh. I have every right toâ"
Ekansh's voice rose, cutting her off. "I said, don't interrupt. Samyuktika and I were having a conversation."
Mahindra cleared his throat, intervening. "Nisha, let's not interfere. Ekansh has a right to know."
Saransh shifted uncomfortably in his seat, sensing the escalating tension.
Samyuktika's hand remained in Ekansh's grasp, her eyes locked on his, awaiting his next move.
Ekansh's gaze returned to Samyuktika, his voice softer but insistent. "What are they doing here?" he repeated, his eyes searching hers.
Samyuktika's expression transformed from calm to confusion. "Your parents?" she replied, her voice laced with puzzlement. "Why are you asking me that? They're your family, after all."
Ekansh's grip on her hand remained firm.
Samyuktika's eyes darted to Mahindra and Nisha, then back to Ekansh. "They came to visit me at the hospital," she explained. "I didn't invite them, they just showed up."
Mahindra added, "We were worried about Samyuktika's health. We had to ensure she was okay."
Samyuktika continued, "They were about to leave, but I asked them to stay for dinner."
Nisha smiled warmly. "We're glad we could spend some time with you, dear."
Ekansh's expression remained unreadable, his eyes locked on Samyuktika.
Ekansh's gaze returned to Samyuktika, his voice softer but insistent. "What are they doing here?" he repeated, his eyes searching hers.
Samyuktika's expression transformed from calm to confusion. "Your parents?" she replied, her voice laced with puzzlement. "Why are you asking me that?"
Ekansh's grip on her hand remained firm. "Just tell me," he urged.
Samyuktika's eyes darted to Mahindra and Nisha, then back to Ekansh. "They're your family," she said slowly. "I don't understand why you're asking me this."
Ekansh's face twisted in frustration. "That's not what I'm asking," he said, his voice low and urgent. "What are they doing here, with you?"
Mahindra's voice rose, his face stern. "Enough, Ekansh!"
He stood up, his eyes blazing with anger.
"Your behavior is unacceptable," Mahindra continued. "Because of you, Samyuktika was admitted to the hospital."
Ekansh's expression turned defensive.
Samyuktika's eyes widened, taken aback by Mahindra's outburst.
Mahindra's voice remained firm. "You've been neglecting your responsibilities, Ekansh. Your actions have consequences."
Saransh shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact.
Nisha watched, concern etched on her face. Mahindra's voice boomed. " You've put Samyuktika's health at risk."
The room fell silent, tension hanging heavy.
Ekansh's voice turned cold, his eyes flashing with anger.
"Stay quiet, Father," he warned, his tone dripping with venom. "This doesn't concern you."
Mahindra's expression faltered, taken aback by Ekansh's harsh words.
"From the day Mom died, you died for me too," Ekansh continued, his voice cracking with emotion.
Nisha's eyes welled up with tears, her face pale.
"You've been absent, Father," Ekansh accused. "You checked out, leaving me to fend for myself."
Mahindra's face fell, shame and regret etched on his features.
"I don't have a relationship with you," Ekansh declared, his voice flat. "You're just a stranger living in this house."
Saransh looked away, uncomfortable witnessing the raw emotion.
Mahindra's voice trembled. "Ekansh, son..."
Ekansh raised a hand, silencing him. "Don't. Just don't."
The room hung heavy with tension, the weight of Ekansh's words suffocating.
Ekansh stormed out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
Samyuktika rushed after him, her voice pleading. "Ekansh, wait! Please don't go!"
She grasped his arm, trying to stop him, but he shook her off.
"I need space," Ekansh growled, his eyes flashing with anger.
Samyuktika's eyes welled up with tears. "What's going on? Why are you so upset?"
Ekansh's expression softened slightly, but he remained resolute. "I'll talk to you later."
He shrugged off her grip and walked out the door.
Samyuktika watched, helpless, as Ekansh disappeared into the night.
Mahindra, Nisha, and Saransh filed out of the room, their faces etched with anger and sadness.
"We're leaving," Mahindra announced, his voice firm.
Nisha's eyes were red-rimmed, tears streaming down her face.
Saransh's jaw clenched, his eyes blazing with resentment.
As they walked out, Samyuktika called after them. "Wait! What's happening?"
But they didn't respond.
The door closed, leaving Samyuktika alone and bewildered.
She stood frozen, her mind reeling.
What had just transpired?
Ekansh's outburst.
Mahindra's anguish.
The tension.
The hurt.
Samyuktika's thoughts swirled.
Why did Ekansh push her away?
What did Mahindra's past have to do with anything?
Confusion and concern consumed her.