After lunch, Akansha got up quickly.
"Can I use your guest room? I have some work", Akansha asked him.
"You don't have to ask... This place is yours as much as mine", Shaurya replied almost instantly earning a glare from her...
"Why? Have you purchased this house taking loan from me?", Akansha snapped.
"Calm down...", Shaurya said softly
"Don't expect me to calm down when you utter nonsense", She told, rubbing her forehead to hold her temper.
"Okay! I'm sorry, I haven't given you a straight answer... Yes you can use the room beside our... I mean my bedroom... If you want you can use the library upstairs as well", Shaurya replied politely.
Akansha nodded and walked to the guest room after checking on her daughter. Shaurya followed her but he stayed back with his daughter in his room while Akansha worked in the room beside just a wall separating them. Shaurya sat beside his daughter, with his pending files, working on them and simultaneously staring at his daughter, holding his urge to caress her hair, knowing she is a light sleeper just like him. His daughter is a replica of him, he must be a fool to not recognize her earlier, thought he.
An hour passed but there's no sight of Akansha, while he had a lot to talk. Most importantly he wanted to know when is Akansha planning to tell their daughter about him? What was her plan of action? With all the questions wandering in his head, he shut his file and walked to the room beside.
He waited patiently seeing her in call.
"Yes Dr. Khan... Please correct the format from next time... CM Sir has specifically asked for all the reports to be in the same format. If you have any queries, we'll discuss it tomorrow...", Akansha said
...............
"Yeah sure... That would work, you can give me the data and I'll make the report for you", Akansha promised. Shaurya frowned at her promise. That's not her job. Why is she increasing her workload?
As soon as she hung up, he walked in, dragging the bean bag to sit just in front of her, who is occupying the bed.
"What ?", she asked, still buried in her stat papers.
"What's the need to promise Dr. Khan? He could do it on his own... No?", Shaurya gently asked, he couldn't dare to upset her.
"Why are you here, Shaurya?", she asked ignoring his question, and he understood she didn't want to discuss her work with him. Without any words, she made it loud and clear 'that's none of his business'. But he just can't keep himself out of her business, he wanted to push everything that causes inconvenience to her away from her, well that 'everything' doesn't exclude him. Even if he wanted he couldn't keep himself away from her.
Akansha knew Dr. Khan can never make the report in Shaurya's preferred format, it needed a lot of precision. So, she offered to help. She knew Mrs. Arora will send her to take Shaurya's approval most of the time Or you can say, every time, so it's her job to make sure everything is in the format Shaurya preferred. Honestly it wasn't too much to ask, being the chief minister of the state, he had many things at hand to tackle and hundreds of files to check, so he would need the details in a certain format which could be easily interpreted without wasting much of his time.
"Give the format to Dr. Khan, ask him to do his work by himself, you can explain him but can't keep doing his work, that's not why you were hired...", Shaurya said in a stricter tone, as he knew she would listen only if he talks as her boss but she proved him wrong.
"You are not my boss here, Shaurya... So keep that attitude to yourself, I am not here to discuss professional work", Akansha snapped
"Okay, so what am I here?", he asked nearing her, slightly crossing her personal space. She frowned at the teasing glint on his face.
"Siya's father... Only Siya's father", Akansha said sternly, his eyes held ache but quickly replaced by mischievous glint the next minute.
"I am happy that you at least called me her father...", Shaurya said with a small smile but it was quickly wiped out hearing her next words.
"You are her 'Sperm donor' Shaurya... I cannot deny this fact and according to the societal terms, you are called her father", Akansha replied curtly working in her laptop. She knew her reply would sting him badly and she didn't want to see the pain in his face that would soften her resolve.
"Akansha... Please don't hurt me with taunts related to Siya's birth at least", he requested
"Why not? Maybe those words you spoke to your mother were just to save me, but those words weren't the only things that prompted me to leave, that was the last resolve, but the first step for it was your betrayal, you broke my trust Shaurya, because of which I trusted your venomous words over my knowledge on how much you adore kids. While you were spending your nights selecting interiors for this mansion, I was busy working to build a roof over my head, create a safe home for my daughter, so don't think these little efforts or attempts, or the love you shower on Siya now would make you her father", Akansha spat bitterly...
Shaurya froze hearing her. What all she might have faced? He stood up and walked towards her, she was startled by his sudden movement. He dropped to his knees, in front of her, on the floor and took her palm in his. The amount of pain and regret in his eyes stopped her from jerking his palm.
"I want to know how you spent every minute of yours, from the moment you stepped away from me... I may not feel the actual pain you faced in reality, but trust me, your struggles would kill me Akansha... Hearing my pregnant wife suffering for basic necessities is squeezing from within, if you really hate me, and want me to suffer badly, tell me everything Akansha", He pleaded
She jerked his hand and looked away. Her eyes welled up reminiscing her struggling days.
"You don't deserve to know", she said... "If at all you want to correct your doings, then give a safe and secured life to Siya... Be a good father to her. That's all I wish", Akansha said quietly wiping the corner of her eyes.
They sat for a while without exchanging a word after that. When she saw he is still seated on the floor, she asked him to take his previous position and understanding her discomfort, he quickly moved away.
"What do you want to talk about?", Akansha asked after he settled on the beanbag again.
"When are you planning to tell Siya about me?", Shaurya asked, Akansha froze for a second. Even the thought of revealing the biggest truth of her life to Siya is scary. Her daughter is a happy child, as much as she knew, Siya wouldn't react adversely, she would only get happy to have a father, that too Shaurya as her father but again anything can happen with kids, she was afraid of how things would proceed.
"What's the hurry? Let's take one step at a time", Akansha replied recovering from the initial shock.
"I think we shouldn't delay more, Siya would feel more detached and cheated if we do so, it will be easy for her to adapt to this truth if she knows this earlier", Shaurya said
"You don't know anything about my daughter, stop talking like you know her", Akansha snapped.
"But I know myself Jaan... Siya is just like me, and that's why I am...", Shaurya started but Akansha's brain stopped at that 'jaan'...
"Shut up... Dare you call me that and I would take your life and I am serious", Akansha screamed at him sharply cutting him...
"I'm sorry, calm down Akansha... It was a slip of tongue", Shaurya quickly apologized in his soft tone... Whenever she used to shout at him, he made her understand softly using endearments, showing love decreased her temper always, so it came out of habit now, but as soon as he saw her anger turning into rage because of the same endearments he understood nothing is same as before and he had no one but him to blame.
"I'll cut your tongue if this slip happens again", she warned again, he nodded... Only she could command him like that... Only she could... Well maybe his daughter could too... He wouldn't say a thing to his daughter if she chooses to talk to him that way, his princess can do anything she wanted, but he knew Akansha would never allow their daughter to be rude to either of her parents, he saw a glimpse of it just a few hours ago.
"Now coming back... Tell me what are you afraid of?", he asked softly
"Huh?", Akansha looked at him contemplating whether to tell him or not.
"I know you are afraid of something, if it's Siya's reaction then don't worry, she is too young to get affected too much, she would be a bit angry or upset but she would come around, I know you will handle her... But if you are worried if Siya would blame you, then don't be, she wouldn't know that you didn't let me know about her... So it will be only me she would be upset with...", Shaurya said shocking Akansha, yes she is worried about it too...
"Look! You don't have to sacrifice for me, I can handle my daughter", Akansha dismissed rudely.
"I am not sacrificing anything, I am doing it for my daughter, she should have at least one parent who she could trust and rely on and that should be you always... So, it's better to let her think that I was the only one to blame for the absence of a father in her life all these years, her father is busy with his political life to have a glimpse at her... This is what how it should look like, at least until Siya is old enough to understand why you had to hide it from me...", Shaurya finished, Akansha looked at him, she knew why he is doing and she knew it's the right thing for now. Siya should have at least one parent that she wouldn't blame for her miseries.
"Siya would be upset with you...", Akansha said, she should tell him that but looks like he already knew it...
"I know", Shaurya said, already imagining his daughter's upset face.
"It would be difficult to persuade her if she gets really upset over something, Shaurya... Think about it again", Akansha cautioned him
"There's nothing to think Akansha... This is for the best... I would prefer to have Siya angry with me rather with you...", Shaurya said, and the sincerity in his tone warmed her heart. "So... When are you telling her?", he asked, this time trying to hide his excitement but she knew him too well. But how could she tell him her actual problem. Shaurya frowned looking at her apprehension.
"Y.. You didn't want to tell her?", Shaurya asked slowly, did she hate him too much that the idea of telling their daughter about him was so unattractive to her?
"I didn't... But that's not why I am hesitating", Akansha said angrily
"Then what is it?", he asked, clearly impatient...
"Siya is just 4 years old Shaurya, she doesn't know the boundaries... If I tell you are her father, you are her father everywhere, not just at home... Or only in front of specific people... Unfortunately my daughter is too young to train her or prepare her for this act, she would tell everyone about her father, if she sees you in her school next time, she would rush to you addressing you as her father no matter the crowd, what would happen then?", Akansha laced her worries bare.
"I don't know what would happen to the crowd but I would be damn happy, consequences be damned", he said and she stared at him as if he lost it.
"You are the chief minister, Shaurya... I don't know what would happen to your career or how you would tackle it, but mine and my daughter's life would be wrecked", she said
"Do you think I would let any inconvenience your way?", he asked and she rolled her eyes at his confidence.
"You are a public figure Shaurya... Any little info into your personal life would blow up... That too people are assuming you are a bachelor, many girls in the state, may be in the country think you are available and are dreaming about being your life partner... Do you think they all would buy your rational explanation?", she blasted on him. He was surprised that she knew about his female following but he wouldn't dare to raise that point, especially between a serious discussion.
"None of them could deny the truth that we were married years ago. Siya is my daughter and they had to accept it, I know how to make people do it", Shaurya said
"You don't understand, Shaurya... People would call our daughter illegitimate which...", Akansha started but Shaurya cut her off sternly...
"Siya is legitimate, she is my daughter, my blood... I would drag everyone that utters otherwise to court if needed... I wouldn't think a second before destroying them...", Shaurya claimed, conviction clear in his eyes...
"But it's not the right way for Siya to claim you as her father publicly, not until you find a way... But if she knows the truth, I can't stop her... And I understand you are occupied with your election campaigning, that's why I have decided to tell her after elections", Akansha said
"After elections? No way... That's too long, I can't wait for that long, also who told you I am occupied? Yes election campaigning is going on but I can manage both... I can't keep my daughter waiting till I sort my political career... That's not how I take it, and Siya is my priority always, if I had to choose one between the two, I will always choose Siya, so there's no point in waiting till elections... But yes, you were right, it won't be good for Siya to claim me as her father before I decide to disclose it publicly, if that happens they would think, just because of this mishap, I am being forced to accept Siya publicly which isn't the case... The opposition and their paid media would stoop to any low to defame me, but I wouldn't let them drag you both in it, don't worry. Anyway one relief is Richa is your best friend, so she wouldn't defame you or Siya, a big tension gone as she was one of the biggest threats in opposition media that relentlessly worked to defame my party and government", Shaurya spoke, chuckling at the end remembering all the things Richa Upadhyay did to tarnish his party's image.
"How are you gonna stop Siya then?", Akansha asked ignoring Richa's topic, though she badly wanted to comment on it. Yes, Richa actually did all that but she wasn't showing anything false, she just exposed the corrupted ministers in his cabinet whom he was protecting for party's reputation.
"We won't be running into each other outside... Moreover Siya doesn't have to wait that long, I'll find a solution before elections...", Shaurya said
"Before elections? I don't know much about politics but I feel this could drastically alter the results", Akansha said trying to hide her concern. He was a fool if he was thinking to jeopardize his whole political career. He could also reveal it after elections, then why is he rushing? Is he so desperate to get addressed as 'Papa' by his daughter that he was ready to go to this extent?
"I'll try to minimize the damage, but yes there will be some impact... Especially with the way I am choosing to twist the truth", Shaurya said
"What do you mean?", Akansha asked with a frown
"Nothing you should worry about... I know you completely lost trust in me, but please trust me for this once, I won't let any harm touch you or Siya, I'll do everything to protect you both", Shaurya promised
"What about you? You would be saving yourself too right?", Akansha asked curiously
"Why? Do you care for me?", he purposely asked so that she would drop the topic and she did.
"Like the hell I do", she snorted and he stifled his smile... He knew her too well like she does, but sadly she doesn't believe that knowledge she has of him anymore.
Seeing the smile he was trying to stifle, she understood he did it on purpose making her fume in anger.
"What about Meera Pathak? How would she take this news?", she asked and his playful face disappeared, guilt and regret taking it's place. "I don't want your crazy exes or jealous lady admirers to trouble me Or my daughter...", she added so that he wouldn't take her words as jealousy.
He could read the pain in her eyes, no matter his circumstances, he gave his wife innumerable pain by not giving her the deserved identity she then desired, now she doesn't want anything to do with him though.
I am sorry", he said, his tone croaked
"For ?", she asked in a neutral tone. That one word punched the air out of his lungs... Yes... He had made unlimited mistakes, tons of them and it's genuinely difficult to even name all his faults and apologize to her for all of them but he would do it. Once, twice, a million times till she forgives him.
"For whatever happened when Meera visited my ancestral home years ago. For silently watching my father call you a caretaker", he said, his tone ashamed and aching, he knew he had remained silent to protect her but still it doesn't justify the pain she has gone through.
He should have at least justified his actions but he knew she wouldn't believe him so he let her think that he let his father humiliate because he hated her.
"Don't be, I am glad I wasn't known to the world as your wife, it made my life easier after I left you", Akansha dismissed very casually and he felt as if someone pinched his heart badly, her nonchalance and coldness has made him go numb every time. He was desperately searching for his wife, the woman he fell in love with, the fierce, lively, prankster, outspoken, bold and most importantly a woman who displayed love for him without any reservation, even after marriage, despite knowing the truth about his betrayal she tried to make their marriage work because she knew he genuinely loved her. But now all he met was a stoic person with no displayed emotions or maybe no emotions left for him in her heart to display.
He took a deep breath to combat the destructive ache developing in his heart.
"You were right... I didn't deserve your forgiveness at all", Shaurya said, trying to keep his breath normal. No matter what, he would never let her know his sufferings all these years. The near death experiences he had, his nightmares, his trauma, the fear and uncertainty about her safety had given tough nights to him... Being a Chief Minister and people's representative, he couldn't even take medical help as if the news gets leaked, he wouldn't be spared, so he dealt all his health complications alone, he didn't even let Mrs. Sudha know about them.
That's the reason he didn't let Dev stay over at his place ever all these years. He didn't want to let his best friend know about his sufferings, if he did, he wouldn't leave him for a second but when Dev came to meet him a few months ago and he had to stay for the night, Shaurya mentally prepared himself a lot and to his luck, his attempts worked and he didn't have any nightmare or any other issues he had been facing frequently since Akansha's departure.
His sufferings weren't such that they could affect his physical health, they are supposed to, but Shaurya maintained his physical fitness and to an extent that helped him combat his mental issues, thanks to his strong mind, he handled his issues very well and took measures to let them not escalate further but that didn't end his suffering.
Akansha stared at Shaurya for a second, he didn't look fine to her, but before her heart could show some concern, her brain warned her to look the other side ignoring him and she took the rational part's advice and looked away and Shaurya composed himself during the gap.
"I think we should discuss Siya", Akansha said and Shaurya nodded.
"Yeah... Sorry... I kind of deviated... So, I think you should prepare yourself to tell this to Siya... I'll make sure she doesn't talk about me to anyone before I chose a way out... That doesn't mean Siya doesn't have to hide that now she has her father too in her life, she would just hide who he is, not for long though... I wouldn't keep my daughter waiting anymore... And regarding public appearances, we can cordinate about our schedules and we'll make sure Siya isn't anywhere near to where I was when in public, then there won't be any mishaps of the kind you mentioned", Shaurya finished...
"Hm... Okay... But I need to prepare myself mentally before telling her... I don't want to stress my child...", Akansha said, worried...
'Our child' he wanted to correct but didn't, for he didn't want to upset her.
"I'll give you my next one month schedule, I think that should help", Shaurya said
"Let me first decide, when to tell her...", Akansha said and Shaurya nodded.
Both of them discussed other things before walking towards Shaurya's room to check on Siya who is still asleep hugging the unicorn stuffed toy Shaurya got her.
"Siya... Wake up baby...", Akansha called slowly, walking towards her daughter.
"Maybe she could use some more sleep", Shaurya said, though he wanted to spend some time with his daughter and wanted badly that she wakes up, he didn't has the heart to disturb her peaceful sleep.
"You will meet her after 2 weeks Shaurya... So it's only better that both of you spend as much time as possible together. Also your deep bond will only help Siya accept the truth faster and easier... Moreover, she wouldn't sleep at night if her afternoon nap extends to more than 3 hours", Akansha gave insights about his daughter and he listened carefully, her initial words did warm his heart. Despite everything she cared for his feelings as a father but she didn't want him to acknowledge that fact so she quickly changed the topic, he got the hint and abode by it.
"Siya bear... Wake up? Mama bear is ready with Siya bear's juice", Akansha said... Shaurya frowned at why is Akansha lying, when the juice isn't ready, but he understood Akansha's trick in a while.
Akansha gave a forehead kiss and left the room only to be back in the next 10 minutes with a small glass of juice. At that very moment, Siya woke up slowly, rubbing her eyes. That's when Shaurya realized how well his wife knew their daughter's schedule, he got to know one more thing about his daughter, she would take 10 minutes to wake up.
Siya hugged Akansha as soon as she woke up properly, rubbing off the sleep from her eyes. Akansha quickly cleaned her baby's face with the baby tissues and then fed her the juice. Then she took Siya to the washroom, washed her face, changed her into another pair of comfortable shirt and shorts. Then Siya rushed out of the room and hugged Shaurya.
"Okay... You noticed Shaurya now hm?", he teased... Now knowing it would take about 20-30 minutes after waking up for his daughter to recognize any other beings except for her mother.
Siya giggled hugging him more tightly. He tickled her and Shaurya's smile widened as his daughter's cute giggles filled his room...
"Sholya... This is Siya and Sholya... Yayyy", Siya got excited seeing her pictures framed in his room... She didn't notice it before.
"Yes... This is Siya and her Sholya", Shaurya said and Siya smiled widely, she loved having so many pictures of hers with everyone.
"Okay now, let's play something else? I have planned so many games for you...", Shaurya told and Siya nodded excitedly. She loved every minute spent with him, he is so fun and all the exciting games he played with her made her more attached to Shaurya.
Shaurya believed Children will be more attached to people who they feel are closer to their activities, and he cracked the code perfectly, he blended with his daughter, thinking and acting just like her, perfectly compatible with her, that made his company enjoyable and entertaining to his little one.
Mothers have that instinct connect with their kids, and fathers who have spent their time with their kids from day 1 would also build it easily but in Shaurya's case he had to develop it. Though the blood has done it's magic by making him feel the instant pull towards his little one even though he was unaware of the truth then, he had to develop the bond gradually and he is ready to put any kind of efforts for it.
"Can we let mumma join us?", Siya asked like a good friend... Shaurya laughed at her innocence...
"Of course... Mumma can join us always", Shaurya said and Siya smiled widely, this time ignoring how he addressed Akansha as 'mumma' leaving her mother surprised.
"No thank you... You people carry on, I have some work to do", Akansha said
"Mama bear... Pwe... Please", Siya asked with her puppy eyes...
"No Siya... Mumma left her work to play with you in the morning right? Now you should allow mumma to work, will you?", Akansha asked softly and Siya after thinking for sometime on her mother's logic, agreed disappointing her father who is eagerly waiting for his wife to join them. Akansha noticed his pale face.
"You should be happy that you are getting alone time with your daughter, without me to share her attention... Spend more time with her, create lots of memories both of you...", Akansha whispered so only he could hear. She was being genuine... He liked how she thought about the father in him, though it was mostly for their daughter to have it easy when they decide to tell her the truth, it warmed his heart.
"I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I would prefer a few memories with you included rather lots of memories without you... Moreover Siya's happiness wouldn't have any meaning in your absence... It would just be mere entertainment", he whispered back... Akansha stepped back and quickly left from there fearing the intensity in his eyes and the truthfulness in his words would affect her too much than she could handle...
Shaurya Singh Shekhawat loved her truly, no doubt about it, but the way he had hurt her would never be forgotten or forgiven, thought she. No matter his reasons, he was wrong and the message was loud and clear. They can never go back to what they were. By now she understood he wanted a perfect life with her but he was 5 years too late.
Akansha finished her work after a few hours and left to Shaurya's room to check on her daughter but the sight that met her widened her eyes. The whole room looked as if someone fought a war there, by the looks of it, the father-daughter really fought a war, a pillow war. She saw the pillows and cushions everywhere in the room, the toys were spread in his vast room without leaving a pin of space. That's when Akansha realized how many toys Shaurya actually bought for his daughter, that meant he only showed quarter of all he got fearing her. She walked in, picking up the things ahead to make a way. On the centre of the room, the culprits lied on the king sized bed seemingly tired by all the hardwork they put into bring havoc in the room. What surprised her is their positions, Siya sat with crossed legs, indian style, while Shaurya was laying with his head in her lap, by the look of it, he was trying hard not to put his whole head weight on her lap...
"Sholya... Your hair used to be soft... What happened now?", Siya asked now touching his hair with a dissatisfied look on her face at the hardness of his hair.
"I was on roads for the past few weeks, working, so my hair became like this... I didn't have time to take care of it...", he said as a matter of fact...
"Oh! I will oil your hair... Mumma says oiling will make your hair soft", Siya said, excited at the idea of oiling his hair.
"That's not needed my doll... I'll take care of it", he said, not knowing his daughter wanted to do it badly...
"No I will do it... I will...", Siya said and Shaurya understood his daughter's wish.
"Okay", he said, picking up the oil bottle from the side table shelf and gave it to his daughter.
Akansha rushed towards the bed to take the bottle from Siya as she knew her daughter's next step but she was a second late... Siya had already poured the oil on Shaurya's head instead of taking some in her palms and applying it.
"Siya...", Akansha's slightly raised tone startled Shaurya and soon he felt the oil poured on his hair... Siya giggled looking at the oil dropping from Shaurya's hair and falling on the bed. Shaurya slowly got up to sit and while doing so, the oil dropped to his neck and to his shirt and Siya's giggles increased. Shaurya's initial shock turned into astonishment and then he chuckled at his mischievous daughter...
Looking at the duo, Akansha huffed with a small smile on her face.
"You little monster...", Shaurya acted like he is catching Siya who ran towards her mother giggling loudly... "Wait until I catch you...", he said running towards Siya but the oil on his head spilt on the floor and he was about to slip, but Akansha held his biceps steadying him...
"Careful Shaurya", she screamed, her concern was visible in her anger, and her heavy breaths as if she was afraid of him falling and hurting himself.
"Sorry... and thanks... I'll ask Mrs. Sudha to send someone to clean this and change the bedsheet, take Siya to the other room, she might get hurt", he said indicating the oil spilt on the floor and on the bed.
"Go and freshen up, I'll tell her", she said and he nodded, this time careful enough to not spill any more oil on the floor. Siya peeked at Shaurya's retreating figure from standing behind her mother still giggling.
"Siya..", Akansha started softly, to make her daughter understand that what she did was wrong, and Shaurya could have gotten hurt because of her little mischief and little Siya felt guilty when her mother told about how Shaurya could have gotten hurt... She loved Shaurya so much that the thought of him getting hurt didn't sit well with her.
Akansha made Siya sit in the guest room and handed her the coloring book and Siya got indulged in it while she went to ask Mrs. Sudha to arrange for someone to clean the floor and bedsheet. When Shaurya said he would call a maid, she wanted to say she would do it, but soon recovered herself, she chided for even thinking so, it was a reflex action and her brain responded as if she was Shaurya's wife and felt that instinct to quickly clean the mess as if she would do it in her own home, but thankfully her senses were back before she would utter something stupid. She is a guest there and she would behave like one. Akansha didn't like helping with chores in other's houses. If they asked for help, she would do it, but she wouldn't offer it by herself as she didn't like taking that liberty in someone else's property, some people might find it rude or not so courteous, very few people actually understood that it's her choice and there's nothing wrong in that.
Shaurya walked to the guest room, after freshening up and drying his hair properly.
"Sholya... Sorry", Siya hugged him as soon as he came into her view.
"It's okay my little princess...", Shaurya said, flicking her nose, he laughed looking at her pout before kissing her nose.
"touch it", he said sitting on his knees in front of her...
"Wow... Soft soft...", Siya said excitedly playing with his now-dried hair... "Mumma see... Sholya has so soft hair", Siya said still playing with his hair as it's so smooth and soft, why won't it be, Shaurya in a long time cared for his hair, to make them feel soft, just for his daughter and he is happy with her reaction but his smile soon turned into shock with his wife's response.
"I know", Akansha muttered in a daze, Damn! his aftershave still held that effect on her. The way he used to hold her by waist and kiss her senseless while her fingers fisted his soft hair which she loved to play with. Her trance was broken when she noticed his eyes and that stupid grin he was trying to hide. She understood he heard her. Damn her mouth...
"Siya... Show what you have made for Shaurya", Akansha said and Siya nodded, rushed to the bed and returned to Shaurya with a small and cute sorry card which made Shaurya so emotional. This was the first card by his daughter, but he was a little upset that it was a sorry but soon his feelings changed when he saw 'I love you' along with 'Sorry' on the card. He hugged his little girl trying to hide his welled up eyes but Akansha already saw it. His heart clenched at how many precious moments like this had he missed. He quickly shook his thoughts and concentrated on spending every second with his daughter spreading joy.
The day passed with beautiful moments and after dinner, Suraj went back to drop them, she got out of the car with sleeping Siya in her arms when she spotted Richa sitting outside her house gate. Her heart bled seeing her best friend who always owned the place, now waiting outside her place like an outsider...
Richa rushed to Akansha when she saw them, and quickly took Siya in her arms, kissing her cheeks... When Siya squirmed in sleep, Richa slowly patted her as if Siya woke up, she couldn't have the discussion she wanted to, with her best friend.
"Let's go inside, we need to talk", Richa said to Akansha...
"I need some more time Richa...", Akansha said, she still needed to come to terms with her best friend's betrayal and it would take some time to trust her again like before.
"I can't stay away from you or Siya anymore, we are talking now and sorting this", Richa said adamantly taking her stand.
"No Richa... Listen to me...", Akansha started sternly but Richa's next statement froze her...
"The cat's out of the bag", Richa said and Akansha isn't a fool to not understand what she meant by that.
Akansha moved towards her entrance and unlocked the door while Richa walked in, she made Siya sleep inside and covered her with her duvet, while Akansha locked the main door and sat on the sofa contemplating what to say now that Richa got to know who Siya's father is.
Richa walked to the kitchen, made two coffees and handed one to Akansha and sat in front of her, none spoke for a few minutes, then Richa slowly started.
"I'm sorry Ansha...", Richa started slowly... For the past few weeks, she was on a mission to find a connection between Shaurya and Akansha. But she never expected the truth would blow up her mind. The chief minister of the state, Shaurya Singh Shekhawat is her best friend's husband and Siya's father? So, that's the reason Akansha hated him, because he might have done terrible things in the past, and here she thought Akansha hated him just because of what happened at the time of Siya's birth... How foolish was she? Now, she understood why Akansha was so upset with her and the fact that she broke her friend's trust badly made Richa burn in regret. Yes, she was hurt that Akansha hid such a big news from her, but she kind of accepted it, Akansha never wanted to talk about Siya's father, Richa's professional differences with Shaurya now turned to hatred after knowing the probable damage he might have caused her best friend. She didn't know the entire truth but the fact that he had hurt her best friend and the struggles she faced during her pregnancy and after Siya was born is enough to hate that man for life.
"I can't forgive you, not now at least", Akansha said taking a sip of her coffee.
"I know, and I am not expecting your forgiveness this soon either... I don't deserve it, but please know that I truly regret betraying your trust", Richa said, her eyes tearful and soon she burst into tears melting Akansha's strong resolve, she got up and hugged Richa consoling her, she might take some time to forgive Richa but she loved her immensely even now and she couldn't bear to see her best friend breakdown.
"Sh... Stop crying...", Akansha consoled her best friend, and after a few minutes, Richa composed herself.
"Don't push me away from you and Siya... I love you both too much and these few weeks were hell for me", Richa said and Akansha felt guilty for keeping Richa away from them, despite knowing how much she loved them both and truly cared for them like her own. She was more of a family to Siya and her even more than Akash was, in the past 5 years, Richa was with them everyday, if she couldn't be present physically some days, she was present through calls. She checked on them every day especially Siya as if Siya wasn't Akansha's child but her own. Akansha too cared for Richa the same way, they were two inseparable people but this rift had brought the temporary distance between them.
"I'm sorry Richa, I shouldn't have slapped you that day... and I definitely shouldn't have pushed you away...", Akansha apologized but Richa dismissed it, she didn't mind it but the distance she put in between them had hurt her profoundly.
"You were going far away from me... shifting to Kasaul?", Richa asked, visibly hurt with the fact that Akansha didn't even considered informing her once.
"I was very angry and upset, I was hurt Richa but I told Akash to bring you to us after a few days... Did you think I would break my friendship and Siya's relation with you forever... Yes your betrayal has hurt me badly but I would never do that to you or to us... You were family Richa and you still are... I know you will always be...", Akansha said and Richa hugged Akansha tightly hearing her friend's words... That was a relief... She knew Akansha was still very hurt and upset with her but her reassurance that she wouldn't push her away from their life gave relief for now.
Precap - Akansha tells Siya about her father. Siya's reaction. Shaurya and Akansha and their professional clashes.
Note - Parts 28-34 are available in stck.me, links are available in my Instagram page or on my Wattpad message board.