Shaurya was about to speak something, but Akansha's buzzing phone stops him. It's Richa's mother calling and she had to pick it up. She just hoped Siya isn't troubling them much.
"Excuse me...", Akansha said, picking up the call and about to walk away but Shaurya held her wrist stopping her, earning a glare from her, he quickly left her hand.
"Hello... Yes aunty...", Akansha asked
"Hehe... Aunty? Mamabear... It's Siya bear", her daughter's giggles greeted Akansha.
"Siya... Mumma is at work baby... You shouldn't be disturbing me, anyway tell me Why did you call?", Akansha asked softly, hearing Siya, Shaurya got alerted and leaned in to listen to his daughter, Akansha who saw this felt bad, his antics were so cute, at that moment he completely forgot that he was a state's chief minister and he is expected to behave in a certain way which definitely didn't involve eavesdropping someone's conversation.
Akansha put the phone in speaker so he could hear his daughter.
"Mama bear... Chorry (sorry) but I want to eat ichecream (ice cream), but nani is saying No...", Siya complained.
"And she is right, you just got fine... Do you want to fall sick again?", Akansha asked
"I want to eat ice cream again", Siya countered making Shaurya chuckle at his daughter's smartness amd witty replies for her age. Akansha glared at him, signing him to stay calm. He nodded and literally put finger on his lips softening her eyes.
"You ate in the morning?", Akansha asked, quickly catching her daughter's words, Siya bit her tongue.
"I gave her in the morning, Akansha... The one you prepared and put in the freezer, but she is asking again", Richa's mother spoke into the phone.
"How much did you give, aunty?", Akansha asked worried.
"Litttle... Just 3 spoons", Siya responded instead.
"Siya...", Akansha warned which silenced her daughter.
"She is right though, I gave her very little", Richa's mother confirmed.
"Okay then, give her the same quantity again, not a spoon more aunty... Please", Akansha said
"Yay yay...", Akansha and Shaurya could hear Siya's loud and excited screams.
"Okay now, give the phone to Nani(maternal grandmom)", Akansha said and Richa's mother understood that Akansha wanted her to turn off the speaker which she did. Akansha too turned off the speaker.
"Yes Akansha...", Richa's mom spoke.
"Aunty please finish the ice cream, give some to uncle as well... Or else shift it to another vessel and show the empty box to Siya so that she knew it's over", Akansha said and Richa's mom nodded before hanging up.
"Why did you agree to her? You could have refused giving ice cream to her which you so wanted to", Shaurya asked her... Hearing his daughter's tone brightened up his mood despite the heartbreaking conversation they had just before.
"Then she would take it from the refrigerator herself with the help of a chair, last time I locked the fridge door and she was searching for the key and when she couldn't find it, she was trying to open it with her barbie hairpin", Akansha narrated her daughter's antics leaving Shaurya shocked... "Ji haan(yes)... Your daughter is actually capable of doing it and last time she fell off the chair hunting for ice cream, hurting herself, that's why I give into her demands, at the same time limiting her intake", Akansha said...
"H... Hurting herself? You... You should buy heavy furniture which she couldn't move by herself... Did she hurt herself badly?", Shaurya asked, dread clearly visible on his face.
"Kids get hurt when they are growing up, that's inevitable... If you prevent one way, they'll find another... And no, she isn't hurt much, just a minor scratch on her knee", Akansha said
"SCRATCH?", Shaurya screamed startling Akansha...
"Stop it Shaurya... Stop reacting like that... You are a father now, make your heart strong, if your daughter is hurt, you should be giving strength, not the other way around", Akansha said literally imagining Shaurya crying seeing Siya hurt, and her mature daughter consoling him saying it's fine.
"How many times did she get hurt till now and I wasn't there for her?", Shaurya said, his eyes welling up, his vulnerable eyes in display for her... Before she could empathise with him, a flash of memory hit her where her daughter suffered majorly and no one was there for her... What if Akash didn't spot her then? What would have happened to Siya?
"Send then after signing, I have to go," Akansha said, dashing out of his cabin. Those memories were too much for her. Only she knew how much she wished for Shaurya's presence with her, with them during those testing times. His absence created more bitterness in her.
Shaurya looked on, he didn't understand why she suddenly dashed out. What did he say that she left like that? Did his words trigger something? Was it related to Siya? His brain wheels started running but only she could offer an explanation for it but he knew this wasn't the right time to ask. He needs to give her some time to cool off. He quickly read the contents and signed the file sending it to Akansha, he also digitally signed the copy she sent.
The reason he refused her to visit him the next day was he resumed his campaigning, he wanted to return before two weeks, he just hoped the time he will be away will give some time to Akansha to think. He wanted her to tell the truth to Siya as soon as possible, he wanted to see his daughter's reaction, he can't wait for her to recognize him as her father.
Shaurya quickly finished his 6:30 PM meeting and left for governor's residence for the official dinner.
He shared a great relationship with the constitutional head of the state, Mr. Ananth Swaminathan, 70 year old veteran in Indian politics, the governor of the state. The old man always liked Shaurya's dedication and commitment towards the state, and the way he did everything bounding to the judicial system made his job easy. Honestly, when Shaurya was elected as the chief minister and he was appointed as the governor by the central government, he expected Shaurya's inexperience to cause numerous issues to the state. Belonging to the young confused generation, Shaurya seemed to take impulsive and unproductive decisions, well that's what Mr. Swaminathan expected from Shaurya, he was disinterested to babysit this confused man, he thought Shaurya's win was pure luck, people's aversion towards the then ruling party boosted his win but when he started working with Shaurya, it didn't take much time to grasp his capabilities, he realized Shaurya was a rare gem who had the power to change the power and political dynamics of the state forever.
He liked Shaurya's zeal, sharp predictions, his spontaneous measures and preparedness at the time of disasters, his controlled yet powerful aura that kept the best of the cunning masters and political game changers in check. The old man often referred Shaurya as the 'Chankya'. His tactics always impressed him, he always awaited his time with young and dynamic leader. The first Lady of the state, that is Governor's wife, Mrs. Padma Swaminathan too carried the same opinion and liking toward Shaurya, but unlike her husband who is strictly professional with Shaurya despite his genuine liking for him, she openly expressed her affection for him but of course, maintaining the boundaries the Constitution expected from them.
Shaurya too respected the couple a lot, Mr. Swaminathan always helped him with his knowledge and experience, his words were always encrypted, he never suggested or advised in straight words but he made sure to help him whenever he was stuck or was in a dilemma while taking a crucial decision. The man was ready to help always but the other person needs to be extremely smart to catch his words, even his wife wouldn't understand if he decided to make it hard to decode. But Shaurya always succeeded in deciphering the hidden words behind his simple language that seemed casual to everyone else listening. Both of them enjoyed this game too much, this way neither of them crossed the boundaries set between the constitutional head of the state and executive head of the state.
Despite the lack of experience, being a Chief Minister, Shaurya held the power to advise the governor regarding a number of things and Shaurya's knowledge and strong hold on everything forced him to implement Shaurya's suggestions without any hesitation or doubt and not just because he is the de facto leader of the state.
That doesn't mean they are always on the same side, there are times when both locked their heads against each other, their strong hold of their positions and loud clash was tried to take advantage by the opposition and some of Shaurya's own tried to outsmart him, but the strong value system these both men carried made all of their plans fail. Their relationship was similar to that of Dev - Shaurya's... They might not be on the same side always but their intentions are always the same, welfare of the people and ending the games of those who jeopardize it.
Swaminathan couple warmly welcomed Shaurya. He and the governor walked to the latter's study to discuss some important decisions, Since Shaurya was going on campaigning, there are some crucial portfolios he wanted His excellency to keep an eye on. A few of the ministers in cabinet we're unsure of securing a second term in Shaurya's cabinet, and they wanted to make best use of their remaining term to fill their pockets which Shaurya wanted to stop badly. But he cannot trust anyone other than Mr. Swaminathan for the job, foremost reason being none would expect it, another reason being the powerful position Mr. Swaminathan held, he had the right and responsibility to know what's happening in the state, so no one would suspect Shaurya.
After the dinner was arranged, they resumed their discussion on the dining table before Mrs. Padma chimed in with her casual yet productive inputs in state affairs.
"I wanted to appreciate your wonderful work regarding the 'SHe City' Madam, I heard you helped promoting the MSME - DIs(Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises - Development Institutes) in the global city, your strong presence and support encouraged many women to come forward the stage their businesses... The thoughtful initiatives you took are commendable", Shaurya praised, expressing his delight.
"I wanted to do a lot more Shaurya, but time wouldn't favor me, I wish you were married, your wife would have helped me with all these things... You young people would have more ideas than us... Considering how smart you are, I am sure you will choose an incredible woman as your partner whose thoughts and goals align with yours", Mrs. Padma said, hearing about his marriage, he froze at first, but hearing about the lady's latter words, a small smile formed on his lips, it's true, he actually found an incredible woman for himself but unfortunately he lost her with his foolishness. But now that she is back in his life, he would do anything and everything to make her stay.
"Hm... Looking at the smile, seems you already found her?", Mrs. Swaminathan added. Shaurya gave a gentle smile to the lady but didn't say a thing, there are lots of things they need to settle before thinking about that step. Akansha needs to know a lot of things and why he did certain things, while he had to know all the things that took place in the past 5 years in his wife's and daughter's life. No matter how much he tried to justify Akansha's act, his heart couldn't accept she is innocent regarding how she hid his daughter's existence. That was too cruel, especially after what they shared. Yes, he committed many mistakes, lost her trust but he never failed to protect her, he hurt her heart but always protected her dignity, he always kept her well-being above his. Of all the people, she should know better that he would protect her and his child, no matter what but she thought the opposite just because of a few venomous words he spoke with his mother? Hearing those, she tossed all her knowledge of him and left him forever, when she was carrying his child? How could she?
Shaurya pushed all his thoughts when he felt Mr. Swaminathan's palm on his shoulder.
"Are you okay?", He asked, his face etched in concern, Shaurya cursed himself for losing himself in thoughts.
"Yes Sir, absolutely fine...", Shaurya said, giving his infamous pleasant smile that always hid his inner turmoil under the mask of confidence and peace.
After the dinner and some major discussions, Shaurya left to his residence, after freshening up, he discussed plans for the following day with his security team and after discussing a few more urgent matters with Mr. Sharma, signing a few documents that needed his immediate attention, he slipped into a restless sleep for a couple of hours before starting his day.
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Akansha got to know about Shaurya's campaigning after a couple of days when she saw him in news. Many top channels are covering his campaigning and the reactions he was getting were mostly positive, increasing his party's chance at a second term. Shaurya's popularity is unmatched in the state, but Dev has drastically improved in the past 5 years, though his chances of snatching the CM seat from Shaurya are little, he was definitely prepared to give some tough competition in some constituencies. The news of corruption charges against a couple of the ministers in Shaurya's existing cabinet was seriously promoted and used by the opposition party as well the media channel associated with them.
With these thoughts, Akansha's head shifted to Richa. It's been more than a week she talked to Richa, leave talking to her, she hasn't even asked her parents about her. She still felt the blow of betrayal but now she accepted the fate, and came to terms with the fact that Shaurya now knew about his daughter's existence. Earlier even the thought of it used to terrify her but since she accepted the reality, her mind is calm though there are numerous uncertainties that loomed her head, foremost being Siya's reaction to the truth and when should she say it?
It's been over a week Shaurya left for campaigning but he didn't text her even once, he knew she needed space and though it was the hardest task for him now was to keep his distance from his daughter, he did, for the sake of his wife, even the thought of giving any more pain than she already faced seemed like sin to him. She already faced a lot, he wouldn't let her suffer anymore. That day, the disgust and repulse he saw on her face before she stormed out of his cabin was imprinted on his head. He realized she needed space from him, lots of it and he decided to give her that.
Akansha knew why she didn't receive a single text from him all these days. She appreciated his thoughtfulness, yes she really needed space from him as she is emotionally drained. She was used to his absence in the past 5 years, suddenly he appears one day, and from that day, he kept overwhelming her with his presence, just a glimpse of him and all their past rushed into her head like a reel, above that, everytime she saw him, the guilt of not letting him know about his daughter ate her, then one day he got to know about Siya, and she flew away only to be brought back by him, then the truth about his cruel words which she took out to be his real feelings came out to be an act he pulled to protect her... This revelation only intensified her guilt, despite his numerous mistakes, he didn't deserve it, she did right based on her circumstances but if she saw it from his perspective and from Siya's perspective as well, she felt bad. Amidst all these emotional burden, their interactions and Shaurya's over whelming presence only intensified her struggle. Meeting Meera Pathak, reminiscing those heart wrecking memories and that discussion with Shaurya which triggered the memories of her daughter's condition a few years back took her to a point of uncontrollable fury and pain in her. She is glad Shaurya saw that extreme repulse in her face and chose to give her time, otherwise it would have been more difficult for her.
But she knew it might have taken his everything to keep himself from asking about his daughter or knowing about her. That day, she promised him he can talk to Siya after 2 days but before that, 'Meera' episode took place and the next day he left for his campaigning. If he wanted he could have called her and demanded to talk to his daughter as she had promised him but he didn't. She knew he was missing Siya terribly so she thought of making her daughter talk to him. She wasn't doing it because her heart softened for him, no it didn't, she knew it would never, all she felt was a little empathy, he was understanding all this time and he deserved the same in return, that's all, Akansha told herself and believed too.
Without much thought, she called him, Suraj handed over Shaurya's personal mobile phone to him quickly noticing the caller Id. Shaurya's eyes brightened as soon as he saw the contact. He picked up the phone but Akansha could clearly hear lots of background noise and it didn't take much time for her to realize that he was amidst people campaigning for the upcoming elections. She cursed herself for not considering this probability.
"Hello... Hello... Can you hear me... I am so sorry for the disturbance, give me a minute I am moving away", he said quickly, Suraj was pleading to Shaurya to stop as moving among the people is okay but they need to be sure that they are harmless. And Akansha heard Suraj's pleads.
"Shaurya... Stay where you are", She commanded into the phone, the thought of him getting hurt thudded her heart with fear, all her hate and detest forgotten for the time being.
"I am sorry, I didn't realize you might be campaigning... Call me when you get free", she said and about to hang up...
"Is si...", he started but she cut him off, she knew what he was about to ask.
"Siya is absolutely fine, I called you so that you could talk to her... It's been a while and I know you must be missing her terribly", she spoke softly fluttering his heart. For a moment, he felt as if everything is fine between them and she called him as his wife, knowing he would be missing their daughter, for only it wasn't the truth.
Akansha hung up realizing her soft tone, moreover she still couldn't waste his time Or interrupt his campaigning.
As soon as Shaurya retreated for lunch into his van that he generally used for campaigning, he dialed Akansha.
"Hello...", Akansha's tone devoid of emotions greeted him, the softness it held a few hours ago was nowhere to be seen. He took a deep sigh at her resignation.
"How are you and Siya?", he asked softly, his tone filled with longing.
"Siya is fine, she was asking for you, so I called, are you free to talk?", Akansha asked in her usual cold tone.
"Yes...", he said, he wanted to ask her again about her well-being but when she didn't answer the first time her silent message got into his head. 'He didn't deserve to know about her, anything about her'
"Siya... come here baby...", Akansha called for her daughter who was playing with her toys in the hall while Akansha was working in their bedroom.
"Was she somewhere else? what is she doing? If you don't mind, can I video call her?", Shaurya asked hesitantly
"Yes, but please make sure you use earphones and no one is present in the room except for who already knew about Siya", Akansha mentioned clearly... She didn't want anyone to learn about Siya at least not until Shaurya devised a plan to perfectly announce her existence without anyone raising fingers at her daughter.
"Of course Akansha... I'm alone here, and Airpods are already plugged in", Shaurya answered calmly...
"hm... Siya bear... Come here...", Akansha called for her daughter again...
"You come here Mama Bear... I'm busy", Siya screamed back... Shaurya chuckled at his daughter's laziness.
"Why are you laughing? At your daughter's laziness?", Akansha taunted him angrily.
"No, imagining my wife's pissed-off face", he answered.
"Shaurya...", she warned him, for calling her his wife.
"Sorry", he apologized to calm her...
"Siya... It's Shaurya... but I'll tell him you are busy", Akansha knew how to trick her daughter. Within a second, Siya ran into the room and snatched Akansha's phone...
"Sholya...", Siya screamed into the phone...
"Yes my doll... How are you?", Shaurya asked
"I'm good... I want to chee(see) you", Siya expressed her wish.
"It's see... Say it now... 'see'", Shaurya trained and after a few missed attempts, Siya managed to correctly pronounce it. He saw Akansha training Siya to speak words perfectly despite Siya's failed attempts and he too started it and their patient attempts started showing results.
"Very good... Now, accept my video call", he said, he knew his daughter knew how to pick up calls and also make calls including video calls.
Siya picked up the video call, but before Shaurya could see Akansha, she changed her direction and when Siya started shouting in excitement, and Shaurya matched her excitement and energy, it was a sight to behold, but despite the happiness bubbling in her heart looking at them liked that, she asked Siya to go and talk in the hall as she is getting disturbed there.
Siya pouted but obeyed her mother, disappointing Shaurya, he just wanted to get a glimpse of his wife, but looks like that wasn't possible till the coming Sunday when she would bring Siya to his residence as per their discussion. He was very excited about it. After talking to Siya for some more time, he asked Siya to sleep noticing her droopy eyes, still she was actively talking to him, hating the idea of hanging up the call with her best friend but Shaurya convinced her and hung up.
Siya entered the room, handed the phone to her mother, and dropped her little self on the bed, Akansha knowing her daughter wanted to take her mandatory afternoon nap, pulled her to her lap and slowly helped her sleep covering her with the duvet.
Akansha sighed deeply looking at her daughter's sleeping form. though she asked Siya to go to the hall, she strained her ears to hear the father-daughter conversation, that was one of the most wonderful moments she ever witnessed, Shaurya and Siya shared many things in common, not just their physical features but also many of their habits, including their health sensitivities and allergies. Even their energies matched and Akansha thoroughly enjoyed witnessing them together. She imagined how they both used to team up against her, if they were like a normal family, but now that wasn't possible, Siya, due to her attachment to her can never team up with Shaurya against her, even for something silly or for fun. Akansha wasn't insecure of her daughter, in fact, if Siya wanted to give Shaurya equal importance to her, she is okay with it, but she wanted her daughter to be considered if Shaurya was really worth it.
After learning the truth behind his words, the efforts he is putting in now, and the love he holds for Siya, Akansha knows he deserves Siya's love but to what extent is solely depended on Siya and how she takes this truth. Akansha brushed these thoughts for the time being and concentrated on her work.
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The next few days passed with difficulty for Shaurya as he was eagerly waiting for Sunday. Nonetheless now he doesn't have to hold himself from talking to his daughter. Everyday after coming back from school, Siya called Shaurya and both of them talked for a while, Shaurya made himself available irrespective of the important works he had. Akansha was used to this schedule, and she used it in her favor, she told Siya that she would allow the call only if Siya finished her fruits and snacks which the little girl did. Akansha secretly loved the attachment between the two but she had her inhibitions about disclosing to her daughter about her father. How would Siya take it? Will she accept Shaurya Or get upset with him for not meeting her till now. What if Siya asked why did she not tell Shaurya about her existence. Akansha knew her daughter is too little to think so much but these questions would arise in her mind one or the other time and knowing how smart her daughter is, it would be sooner than later.
Sunday finally arrived and Akansha got herself and Siya ready. Suraj personally came to pick her up as per Shaurya's orders, though Suraj said he would have one of hid best men to pick Akansha and Siya, Shaurya insisted he goes as he cannot trust anyone other than Suraj. Sure, the other team members are competent but Suraj is exceptional. He is experienced and clever tricks deal with things if at all something goes South, his senses are at high alert all the time, he would know immediately if someone is following them or spying on them, so Shaurya trusted Suraj's expertise with Akansha and Siya's safety. He doesn't want anyone to know about them before he choses to reveal in a less chaotic way.
Akansha and Siya arrived at Shaurya's residence. After scrutinizing the surroundings, Suraj opened the door for them. Akansha thanked him politely, she is embarrassed, this man, an NSE commando deserved great respect and she didn't like him opening door for her, though he was following orders, it made her feel shameful as if she disrespected him.
"This way ma'am", Suraj guided her, though the car just stopped in the driveway just in front of the entrance, they need to walk a little to enter the mansion.
"Sir, you can call me Akansha...", Akansha politely asked.
"Ma'am, you can call me Suraj and I am sorry but I cannot address you with anything except for 'ma'am' ", Suraj replied in his monotonous tone. If it's anyone else he wouldn't have bothered to reply but this woman is the chief minister's wife. He wasn't aware of the differences between the couple neither is he interested in knowing, his duty is to respect her and he would do it.
"Mumma... Where is Sholya?", Siya asked impatiently.
"We are walking inside, Siya. He will be in front of you in a minute, have some patience bacha", Akansha said softly, lifting her daughter in her arms and walked in.
They walked in with Shaurya pacing to and fro.
"SHOLYA...", He heard Siya's scream, Akansha left her on the floor, Siya ran and jumped into Shaurya's arms who lifted her in his arms and circled around, Siya's infectious laughter caused her parents to smile widely.
"I missed you so much", the father & daughter said at a time making each other laugh.
Shaurya kissed his daughter's hair and turned to Akansha who is staring at them with a smile, noticing his stare, her smile disappeared reminding him of the hard feelings she carried for him.
"Take a seat", he told Akansha softly, he hated treating her as a guest but she preferred it. "Thanks Suraj", Shaurya told his CSO who gave a polite nod and left from there.
Mrs. Sudha walked out with coffee for Akansha and milkshake for Siya. Shaurya collected it from Mrs. Sudha and helped Siya drink it, who he carried still in his arms.
"She can have it, put her down", Akansha said when Shaurya roamed around with Siya in his arms. Siya loved if someone carried her in their arms, since she was a toddler she was used to it, she threw a lot of tantrums if they didn't lift her in her arms or left her on the ground or in her cradle or floor. Akansha with so much difficulty got Siya free from that habit but now Shaurya was again making it a habit for her.
"I know she can, but I want to do it", Shaurya said softly. Akansha didn't protest, she let him do his way for now, deciding to talk to him later when Siya takes her afternoon nap.
"Breakfast is ready, let me serve it", Mrs. Sudha said, but Akansha stopped her.
"I already had it, thank you Aunty", Akansha said taking her coffee sip. Shaurya frowned at her. He made Siya sit on the sofa beside.
"Siya... I have got your favorite toys to play, they have unicorns too in them, wanna see?", Shaurya asked her.
"Yayyy Yesss", Siya jumped in happiness, before she could spill the milkshake, Akansha quickly took the glass from her glaring at Father-daughter.
"Easy, little girl...", Shaurya softly said.
"Finish your shake, till then mumma and I will bring you your toys", Shaurya said, earning a glare from Akansha.
She gave him a look of 'Why me?'
"Um... Actually there are a lot of toys, so I need your help", he said, he could have used his servant's help, she wanted to say but didn't, knowing he wanted to talk to her, that's why he is making excuse of toys, otherwise he could also take Siya to the room and show her but no...
Akansha got up and walked to him after instructing Siya to finish it without spilling which the little girl did. Shaurya was astonished at how nicely Akansha had brought her up with good manners.
Akansha followed him and as soon as they reached his room, he shut the door making her frown.
"What's with you? Why did you not come for breakfast? I know you hate me but this is too much", Shaurya asked and she sighed.
"Look! This has nothing to do with you...", she said as she didn't want to tell him the actual reason.
"Akansha... You don't have to hide, I know you hate me too much to even have meals with me Or at my place but...", he started softly but she interrupted him harshly.
"Shut up... If that's the case, I wouldn't be having coffee but I had, didn't I? You act like you are the cleverest when it's about the state, but in things like this, you are so stupid", she cut him off rudely but he didn't mind, he was used to her tone.
"I...", he opened his mouth but she cut him off
"Don't say a word, I had my breakfast because it can't be delayed, I have to take my medicine after eating everyday, so I had to", she finally said
"Medicine?", his eyes widened, that too daily?
"What happened to you? Why the medicine?", He asked cupping her face, he was scared and worried for her... The dread was visible on his face, he started sweating profusely imagining all the bad things that could happen.
All these years, he faced frequent nightmares of something bad happening to her, every minute he kept worrying about her safety. That's why when he saw her in the police station for the first time after years, his heart thudded with fear, all the years of fear took over his head, he didn't care if people know about his relationship with her, that didn't even crossed his head. All he felt was her pain and the fear of her suffering.
"It was just blood pressure, I developed it after delivering Siya, postpartum complications again", Akansha said, she wouldn't have bothered to answer him if not for his state, he looked as if he would faint if she didn't calm him now. He was so near to her and she could actually feel his heavy breathing and fast heartbeat.
"BP? Y.. You developed BP? Was it difficult? The pregnancy?", he fumbled... He felt like he was getting crushed under mountains, that's the amount of guilt and regret he carried on his shoulders and hearing about her each suffering, it only multiplied.
"Let's take the toys down", Akansha diverted...
"Can't you answer me, please... It's about my daughter's birth, I deserve to know", he tried, he thought she would tell him about her pregnancy and how she managed, if he played the card of Siya's father but he was proven wrong.
"You don't have to know about my pregnancy days for that... I'll tell you from the day Siya was born, but when Siya accepts you as her father and you prove yourself deserving to be called as her father", she replied curtly before moving towards the toys. His heart stung at her dismissal, she would tell him about his daughter's days from the day she was born but what about her? How would he know about her?
"For that, you have to tell her the truth... Have you decided on when to tell her?", he asked but she ignored her question and is about to carry a few toys but he stopped her.
"Will bring Siya here, I have got the tracks arranged in balcony for her train toys...", he said and she glared at him understanding he solely called her here to talk. She stormed out.
Mrs. Sudha made South Indian for breakfast and Akansha fed Siya idly, though she fed her daughter some cereal at home ignoring her questions about why they haven't brought her toys down. But, Shaurya answered her instead which calmed the little one.
After breakfast, Shaurya took Siya to his room and Akansha followed. Shaurya and Siya settled in the balcony sorting the toys. Siya got do excited to see all the toys, Akansha didn't mind as she knew no matter the number of toys, her daughter won't be spoiled, even if she did, she knew how to bring her child back in line. Shaurya as a father deserved to spoil his children, especially, her daughter deserved all this pampering.
"Mumma, come hele... Join us", Siya said
"Here", Shaurya and Akansha corrected at the same time making their child giggle.
"Hele...", she repeated
"Siya, you guys carry on, mumma has some work, I'll go", Akansha said
"Going where?", Shaurya panicked, is she leaving for her place already. But Siya was supposed to be with him till night and he assumed she would also stay with her but here she is...
"To the other room, I have brought my laptop, need to work", Akansha cleared his doubts calming him...
"Mumma pwease(please)", Siya asked with her puppy eyes.
"Say Please properly first, then I will stay", Akansha challenged her daughter.
"Of course she will", Shaurya assured... Siya pronounced correctly a very few times but it took a lot of patience and practice. He didn't think his impatient wife would give that time to him and his daughter to achieve the high target she set.
"P'- Le-Se, Please", Shaurya broke the syllables and to his luck, Siya got it right just after 10 attempts making them win. Akansha sighed but stayed as she promised her daughter.
Shaurya and Siya sat at one side of the train track, and Akansha sat at the opposite side. Siya has many stuffed toys in her lap and around her which she didn't want to part with, so she held them close even when she is playing with the train.
Shaurya helped Siya connect the rail bogies and Akansha helped with the dummy coal blocks, parcels to fill the bogies. Siya placed little human toys in the train. Akansha laughed at her daughter's innocent attempt. Shaurya stared at his wife's beautiful laughter which he was witnessing after years.
"Siya... You have boarded people in goods train? Very nice", she teased her daughter, the little girl didn't get her sarcasm and giggled seeing her mother's smile but Shaurya got offended.
"She is just 4 years, stop teasing and help her", Shaurya said, Akansha stifled her laugh which was unstoppable looking at the offensive look on his face as if she just insulted his scholar daughter.
"Siya... Meri jaan... People don't board in goods train... This is only for sending goods from one place to another", Shaurya explained his daughter, his tone filled with extreme tenderness and his 'Meri Jaan' made her heart race. He addressed her 'jaan' many times but never 'Meri Jaan'. Was she getting jealous of her daughter? No absolutely not, her brain refuted the question instantly but her heart still raced.
"But why can't people sit here? There is so much space", Siya said with her mispronunciations, but her parents thankfully ignored her for the time being.
"Because there is no place to sit here? Um... Have you travelled in train before?", he asked so that he could explain her better.
"Yes", she screamed excitedly remembering the time when she and her mother along with Richa went for a trip.
"Okay, there are seats for you to sit?", he asked and she nodded. "Exactly, they are called passenger trains and people can travel only in passenger trains because they can sit or sleep there, but see this... This has open space and no seats to sit, what if suddenly it starts raining? What would happen to the people you have gotten onboard?", Shaurya asked softly.
"Oh no... They will get wet...", Siya said, quickly taking the little human toys she place in the goods bogie earlier. Akansha admired the way he explained their daughter. That single moment made Akansha realize what's missing in Siya's life. She is not patient like Shaurya, neither the soft speaker, but she becomes that sweet person for her daughter, but she could have never explain Siya so patiently like Shaurya did. She did teach Siya a lot of things, that too patiently but she had to bring it artificially, she had to practice that but for Shaurya, it came naturally. It would have been great for Siya if she was brought up by both her parents but unfortunately now that's not possible but she will now make sure she gets to meet her father frequently and spend lots of time with him.
"Yes... Correct, okay have we filled all the goods in here mumma?", Shaurya asked, looking at Akansha bringing her out of her reverie. His words warmed her heart, it felt as if they were never separated, those words and the gentle smile on his face flew out so naturally as if everything was fine between them, but nothing was. That's the truth.
"She is my mumma", Siya said possessively, pushing Shaurya's face aside.
"Yes, I know, I am asking her on your behalf bache", Shaurya explained cooling his daughter who gets extremely possessive when it comes to her mother.
"I will ask her", Siya said angrily, he chuckled at his daughter, kissing her nose.
"Okay my jaan, you ask her", he said surrendering to his daughter.
"Mumma... Have you filled all the trains with go...", Siya struggled, so Shaurya stepped in
"Goods", Shaurya helped
"I will ask", Siya snapped at Shaurya as she is still angry with him...
"Siyakriti?", Akansha called, glaring at her daughter. Siya quickly understood that she has got her mumma mad, because Akansha called her by her complete name only when she is angry.
"Sorry mumma... Sorry Sholya", Siya said quickly.
"It's okay my Jaan", Shaurya said softly kissing her head. "Okay, you were supposed to ask your mumma something, right?", Shaurya tried to normalize the situation and thankfully Akansha calmed down.
"Mumma... Have you filled all the trains with goods?", Siya asked in a comparatively low tone, Akansha felt bad for scolding her so she thought to lift her mood.
"Trains? How many trains do you have here?", Akansha asked with a teasing smile. The innocent little girl she is started counting the bogies and Akansha laughed at her, her daughter is the cutest.
"8", Siya replied confidently making her mother pinch her cheeks, still chuckling.
Siya smiled as if she did something great.
"Siya bache... We have only one train here, these are called bogies", Shaurya explained making Siya sit in his lap.
Akansha chuckled earning glares from Shaurya.
"Done? Now can we start the engine?", Shaurya asked, Akansha nodded stifling her laughter.
"She is as smart as you", Akansha whisper mocked so that only Shaurya can hear. He glared at her, but he was bubbling in happiness internally. Though for his daughter, she spoke normally to him after so long. Akansha soon composed herself...
"Hm... Yes start the engine, as I have loaded all the goods", Akansha gave a go-ahead.
Siya got so excited and started the engine, she clapped her hands jumping up and down when the train started moving. Akansha captured the moments, Shaurya too started doing it but Akansha silently asked him to just enjoy the moment with his daughter, and she would send him the videos and pictures. Shaurya gave her a grateful smile.
In the next round, Shaurya and Siya paired the passenger bogies to the engine and now Siya successfully fit those little human toys in it, though there are already passengers sitting inside the bogies. Shaurya and Akansha laughed at their daughter's stubbornness to fit those people in the already congested coaches.
The trio enjoyed their time till lunch and when it's time for lunch, Akansha fed her daughter and soon Siya slept taking her afternoon nap after which Shaurya and Akansha finished their lunch in silence. Shaurya's heart is filled with contentment, though nothing between them has gotten right, this little moment of sitting together for lunch made him so happy, on the other hand, Akansha had mixed feelings, she hated the little happiness she felt in her heart, while the bigger part of her heart and her whole brain was filled with bitterness for the man.
Precap - Akansha - Shaurya's argument about telling Siya. Richa comes back questioning Akansha.