"Leadership demands sacrifices, but family is the foundation of it all. Five years ago, I made a choice to protect what matters most. Today, it's time to reveal the two most important people in my life who've shaped my life in ways unseenâmy wife and daughter."
The internet was on fire as soon as Shaurya tweeted this. People got crazy knowing Shaurya is married and has a daughter. Especially his female fans and followers are highly disappointed, but also curious to know who is this young and dynamic chief minister's wife and daughter.
Many political analysts started drawing analysis from his statement. His subtle yet mysterious statement gave away a lot without being specific. What did he mean by sacrifices? Did he sacrifice time with his wife and daughter to be the chief minister people deserved and needed?
what did he mean by chose to protect? were they in danger? Is that why Shaurya hid them all this while?
In a span of few hours, the internet was flooded with hundreds of theories and some actually got it right, though they didn't and couldn't guess the main villian being Virendar Shekhawat that tried to kill Akansha, they definitely pointed fingers at his family who might be against Shaurya's wife.
Some even blamed Dev and his close aids for trying to harm Akansha, Shaurya picked those articles and sent to Dev irritating him to the core.
"Abbe sala(you a**h*le), here I tried to protect your rude, arrogant and devil of a wife, took care of her for months and you are enjoying these articles that are bashing me, ungrateful ba**a*d", Dev said calling Shaurya.
"Come on, read people's creativity, appreciate it.... Moreover they are fun", Shaurya said, sounding happy making Dev smile too. It's been years Shaurya sounded like this.
"Yeah... Yeah... Wait until my people's response to this", Dev said searching for his followers who responded to this crazy story.
"Yup, got it... Have this, you a**", Dev said sending a screen shot of his fans bashing Shaurya's fans and him as well.
Shaurya and Dev fought with these screenshots and laughed on people's creativity as well.
They felt bad for laughing together when people are fighting for them, sometimes they thought of dropping this facade, of being rivals, to stop this fewd between their followers but again, if not Dev, then someone else will raise, democracy can't run without opposition and Shaurya-Dev preferred an opposition that worked for the welfare of people, and not for corruption, so they preferred it.
Also the number of violent acts and riot incidents reported have significantly reduced in the past 5 years. The major one was after a few weeks of Shaurya coming into power, that too because at that time, opposition party president was a senior leader who instigated this violence to kick Shaurya out of the office.
After the situation cooled down, Dev with help from Shaurya in the backend, proved the senior leader's involvement in creating uunrest in the state. The party immediately suspended him though unwillingly and made Dev the party president, as he was the most popular leader in their party, also they thought he would give a tough competition to Shaurya. From that day, Shaurya and Dev worked to reduce these violent clashes and they got successful.
Even today, their followers bicker in social media but never drop to violent ways to show their superiority.
After their bickering, both of them discussed about the much needed topic, i.e the evening press meet. Shaurya formed the story but he had to get approval from Akansha. He would utter only those words that she approves of, since it's about her and their daughter, it's her right to decide about it.
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Akansha and Siya went to the school as usual and everyone in the staff room had only one thing to say.
Who is the Chief Minister's wife, and he had a daughter too?
Akansha is evaluating the student's papers and their nonsense talks are disturbing her but she can't even snap, teachers only get some time during their free lectures and staff room is the only place they get to have a relaxed chat. It's not their fault that she isn't interested in gossip, well for a change, she is the topic of hot gossip now.
"I still can't digest the CM is married and has a kid too...", Rashi whispered. "I couldn't forget the moment I saw him in real, from so nearby, he is much more handsome in person, damn that height, his physique, his thick black hair, his eyes and f**k that glowing skin... How can he be already taken", Rashi said making Akansha hold her pen stiffly.
For some strange reason, she didn't like Rashi's tone with which she was describing Shaurya. She didn't have anything to do with him but still he is her husband and it's a natural reaction for any wife. Akansha chided herself before continuing her work.
"Rashi ma'am, I still don't understand how a shy girl like you gets so bold when it's about our beloved Chief Minister", Shipra, another teacher in the school teased.
"Only a handsome, rich and powerful man can bring that boldness in Rashi ma'am, otherwise she wouldn't spare a glance at normal people like us", Deepak, one of their colleagues flirted...
"Rashi ma'am, we are common people, we have to search our partners among commoners only, so stop concentrating on your crush who doesn't even know aabout your existence and concentrate on people around you... Otherwise you wouldn't find a suitable match in this life", he added
"Men like you think women have crushes on handsome faces and filled pockets, not your problem Deepak sir, that's your mentality. But let me tell you, women crush on a Real man which the chief minister of this state is. I have never seen a chief minister as courageous as him, the reforms he did for the empowerment of women are unbelievable. The development of the state happened at 10X speed, GDP of our state literally increased by 4 times, no CM has achieved that feat, crime against women reduced by a record percentage. Employment percentages tripled in the past 4.5 years, literacy rate increased, our state used to be in the bottom 10 in literacy, now it reached among top 10. We are one of the fastest growing states in terms of development, education, sports and entrepreneurship as well", Rashi said
"Not to forget digitalization and modern techniques opted for agriculture, construction, roads, & increase of connectivity. Despite being a regional party, Shaurya Shekhawat managed to get 7 new airports sanctioned for the state, 3 of them are already in use now, and 2 are ready for inauguration... He had worked for the welfare of every sector in the state, you name it, he has done it...", Shipra praised Shaurya's incredible work.
"Yeah... I agree, and how can we forget our education sector, he is also the state education minister, the number of premium universities doubled in the last 4 years, quality education is no more a luxury, he has now started monitoring the fee structure as well, maybe we can expect a crack down in the private schools who are charging more than necessary fees in the next 5 years if he returns to power... What do you say Akansha ma'am?", Bharti suddenly asked Akansha leaving all their colleagues surprised.
Bharti always envied Akansha and picked fights with her, Akansha never backed down, she gave answers like slap on the face. Both the ladies are not on talking terms most of the time, they ignore each other's presence, so it's shocking how Bharti asked Akansha, also they all knew how Akansha didn't like Shaurya, they all thought she was in support of the opposition party.
"I don't have an opinion", Akansha dismissed Bharti.
"How is that even possible? You must have known him so well by now, no?", Bharti asked confusing everyone, Akansha's face paled for a second, did she know about her being Shaurya's wife...
"Now that she works closely with the education minister who is also the chief minister of our state, Shaurya Singh Shekhawat", Bharti said and Akansha understood Bharti got to know she is a part of CR committee.
"She is a part of the Curriculum Revisal committee chaired by prominent educationalist Mrs. Somya Arora, and which is personally looked after by Shaurya himself", Bharti finished.
Akansha frowned at how Bharti addressed Shaurya as 'Shaurya' without any prefix or suffix but soon she understood that's how people usually addressed celebrities and politicians, with their names.
"What? But it's Bharti ma'am that was sent from our school and she wasn't selected, then how...", Shipra asked and Akansha sighed shaking her head at Bharti's pettiness.
"I have a Ph. D in psychology", Akansha gave a crisp answer shocking them with her educational qualifications.
"Oh wow! You are a Ph. D, that's so great, why didn't you tell us till now... So you are Dr. Akansha Dixit... But how were you a part of such a big committee when the school didn't send you? Also what work do you do there?", Deepak asked and Akansha understood they are not going to leave without getting proper answers, also she didn't want any rumors after they get to know who she is that she got the role because she was CM's wife so she decided to clear them.
"I was handling the child Psycologist role in the committee, I was called by the committee for this role and all the panelists took my interview before hiring me", Akansha said
"All the panelists, that included Mr. Khanna, Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Arora too?", this time it was Bharti who asked.
Akansha nodded, Bharti was surprised because only after clearing the initial interviews, the head panelists will take the interview.
"Woah... They are some big people, Mr. Khanna and Mrs. Arora are major educationalists, and Mr. Samuel is a big name in the industry", Bharti said while the others looked on as they only knew Mr. Khanna, he owned many schools and educational institutions in the state.
"Hm...", Akansha hummed continuing with her work. She was happy that they didn't ask anything further but her happiness was short lived.
"Akansha ma'am, You didn't tell how you got there in the first place", Rashi asked
"CM recommend my name to the panel and I was called for the interview", Akansha said shocking them.
"CM as in Chief Minister, Shaurya?", Rashi asked and Akansha nodded. She could read numerous questions on their faces.
"He was once an MLA of my home town, and I met him there, he was the chief guest for a function of the college I was working in as Assistant professor, and I proposed my idea regarding the curriculum revision and he liked it, he promised to take it to the then educational minister's view but that couldn't happen, years later, I received a call from Mrs. Arora for the project I once proposed, I gave the interview and got selected", Akansha said.
The staff room went pin drop silence, and Akansha mentally sighed in frustration, if this is the reaction knowing she knew their beloved CM for years, what would happen when they get to know he was her husband, heck he is still her husband on papers.
"Wow... Even after all these years, he remembered your talent... So whatever I heard about him is true... CM sir handpicks talent for crucial projects, so that things aren't neglected. God! We are so lucky to have such a chief minister", Shipra said
Akansha was so fed up of hearing Shaurya's praises... Well! Deep inside she is proud but she didn't want to encourage that part of her heart.
"Then why do you hate him so much?", Rashi asked Akansha startling her.
"Sorry? When did I say I hate him?", Akansha replied
"Well, it's clear through your actions", Bharti said
"I don't hate him, I just like to keep myself away from any news related to him", Akansha said, not completely a lie.
"Why so?", Deepak asked but Akansha ignored, she already gave away a lot, now she didn't have anymore energy to respond to their questions.
"How did you get to know about this? I asked Mr. Joshi to keep this low?", Akansha asked Bharti.
"I saw your leave application in Mr. Joshi's cabin, where you mentioned the reason very clearly. What did you think? No one would get to know how you are so into snatching other's positions?", Bharti said
"Sorry? What? Other's position? FYI... Mr. Joshi asked me to attend for the interview on behalf of our school, he called me soon after he received the mail from Mrs. Arora, but I rejected it, only after that, the opportunity was given to you, Bharti ma'am, which you failed to utilize. First work on your skills and then talk about competing with me", Akansha said and got into her work, Bharti scoffed at Akansha and stormed towards the washroom.
They held their chuckle not to offend Bharti but they always enjoyed the savage answers Akansha gave to Bharti.
"We are so proud to have one of our colleagues take part in such a big committee and work closely with the Chief Minister, by the way, how often do you meet CM sir?", Rashi asked
"Not very often, but we do have reviews with him every now and then, and he personally clears the documents after complerion of every phase, so we have to attend meetings with him for that as well", Akansha said
"You must be reporting to Mrs. Arora right? I heard she is a very strict boss", Deepak said
"You heard?", Akansha questioned. She didn't think public knew what kind of a boss Mrs. Arora was...
"Actually during the inauguration, CM commented about her being a strict boss right? That clip was shown in the news and I happened to watch it", Deepak said and Akansha nodded in realization. Yes Shaurya's speech was shot and a clip was given to TV channels to spread awareness about the CR committee, though the committee member details weren't revealed completely.
"Oh! Yes she is strict but I report to the education minister", Akansha said and that's enough to get them excited.
"You report to CM? Tell me what kind of a boss he is...", Rashi started and the next 5 minutes went with Akansha answering their questions in monosyllables, she didn't snap at them as their excitement and curiosity to know what it is to be a part of CR committee is genuine and she wanted to answer them patiently.
After some time, her patience ended and she excused herself to resume her paper evaluation while the rest of them continued talking about Shaurya and his mysterious wife.
"By the way, do you know, for the father's Day function in our school, Dev Bisht will be here", Rashi announced and Akansha's concentration shifted to their conversation.
"Opposition leader Dev Bisht?", Deepak asked and Rashi nodded
"Yes, his son Ishaan is studying in our school, Akansha ma'am, you met him that day, you remember?", Rashi asked and Akansha nodded.
"That boy is so cute, he always roams around Siya", Rashi said
"Akansha ma'am, be careful, looks like Siya will soon introduce her boy friend", Shipra joked
"She is just a kid Shipra ma'am, what are you talking?", Deepak asked chuckling
"Just kidding Deepak sir... Chill", Shipra said looking at Akansha and apologizing with her eyes if at all she is offended but Akansha shook it off with a smile surprising Shipra as Akansha never gave a friendly smile like that at them.
"Well, I don't have much problem Shipra ma'am, but Siya's father would surely have a heart failure", Akansha said, they laughed at her statement, surprise seen on their faces and she knew the reason, in years she worked there, she barely took part in funny conversations like this, it's not that she never participated in conversations, she did but not so often and definitely not this friendly.
"Is he that possessive about his daughter?", Rashi asked with a chuckle
"Over protective, actually both are of each other... Siya too is very protective of her father, the other day she was asking her father if he had eaten his dinner and when he said he didn't, she was lecturing him, she also served him and fed him with her little hands", Akansha shared one of the cutest memories with them.
They all laughed and adored their bomd, they all can imagine the cute Siya doing all this...
"So... When are we meeting your cutest daughter's adorable dad?", Shipra asked and Akansha didn't say anything, just gave a smile and got back to her work. She felt good talking to her colleagues this freely.
She didn't know what let her loosen up a bit but she felt as if her muscles are loosening up, a huge burden is slowly being lifted off. Maybe all this time, there's this fear inside her that what if they get to know about Shaurya? Or Siya being his daughter. And how the revelation happens will have a huge impact on how she and Siya would be treated. What if they think Siya is born out of wedlock or something of that sort... How many people will she shut up?
But now it was getting revealed in a very respectful manner and she is sure no one will point their fingers at her or Siya. She is definitely nervous regarding the upcoming father's Day event, but she is also excited. Finally! Her daughter would also have a father to participate in all this like all other friends.
"God! I am so excited to see Dev Bisht, that man is so handsome, though not as much as Shaurya Shekhawat though...", Rashi said
"Oh shut up lady, he is also a married man and you are his son's teacher, have some shame...", Shipra teased.
"What did I say to be shameful? I am just excited to see him, also we are conducting a lot of fun activities for the kids and their fathers... It would be fun seeing him participate", Rashi said and turned to Akansha. She remembered the heated discussion she had with Akansha regarding Siya's father attending it...
"So Akansha ma'am, are you sure Siya's father won't be attending the function?", Rashi asked
"He is a busy man, but probably he will make it, I can't be sure until he is here, if something urgent comes up at work, he won't attend", Akansha said
"Woah... So there are chances he could be here... Finally, we will see whom your cutipie daughter took after", Rashi said and Akansha gave a look to her...
"I mean Siya doesn't look much like you, so thought she took after her father", Rashi said with a 'sorry' face and Akansha gave a small smile.
"Yeah, she is actually a lot like her father", she said and just then her phone rang with Shaurya's name, she excused herself and went to a side. This is the longest she has spoken to her colleagues about her family and this is the longest she has spoken about Shaurya with anyone after they met again.
-----------------------
Shaurya called Akansha through the secured line as he suspected many could try tapping his phone to know who must be his wife and daughter.
"Hello", Akansha said picking up his call.
"Just called to check, is everything alright? Are you okay?", He asked
"Yes, absolutely, if you realize, except us no one knew who you were referring to as wife and daughter, so obviously I am fine, there's no impact on me, you tell me, how are you? How are people taking it? I'm sure you and Dev are monitoring people's response from time to time", Akansha asked
"Yeah, it was good, public are surprised, but the reaction wasn't negative, thanks to our social media and media giants, also thanks to you, it would have been chaos if you haven't intervened and changed my tweet", he said
"Chaos? The state would be on fire by now", she said and he chuckled.
Shaurya was surprised at how she conversed for 2 minutes straight without expressing her hatred for him or chiding him. Her tone was calm and soft, his heart swelled in happiness, he was scared too that he will be pushed to reality soon. He prayed whatever is making her behave like this with him to stay forever.
"Right! By the way, I wanted to ask you one more thing... I have decided something for the evening press meet, thought to discuss with you before proceeding", Shaurya said
"Hm... Go ahead", she said and he started narratimg the story, she listened carefully before making a few changes to it and after getting her approval, he finalized the script.
Well it wasn't a script totally, there are facts involved, they just tweaked a little to make it less controversial and more believable without much complexities involved.
----------------------------
Shaurya addressed the gathering of labor unions with his ministers and detailed them about the refinement of a few laws and how they will be useful to them.
The media started with their questions but Shaurya politely asked them to concentrate on laws they have rebuilt, before jumping to his personal life and media respected his wish.
Post that, they bombarded with their questions but Shaurya asked them to go one by one and they obliged.
Why didn't you disclose your marital status till now? Was it a political stunt to gain women votes knowing your female following?
Shaurya chuckled hearing the question before answering. He looked at the media channel name on the Mike and smirked. It was Richa Upadhyay's team, though the channel belonged to Dev, the harshness of the question indicated who was behind this.
"I don't know about female following of mine but it definitely wasn't a political stunt, because there's no use of hiding my marital status, especially when you people keep questioning my bachelor life tagging me as an irresponsible man, you out of all should know this", Shaurya gave a quirky answer shutting up the journalist, everyone there understood that he was taunting the media channel for always highlighting Dev's family man image to demean Shaurya's lack of it.
Why did you hide it all these years sir?
"Due to multiple security reasons I haven't disclosed about them, but now the concerns are reduced, so thought of introducing them to the world", he answered
Were you trying to place yourself as a 'Family man'? Is this why you have announced it just a few months before elections?
The question was from the same channel Shaurya's favorite one, note the sarcasm.
"No... My only reason to announce now is my daughter, it's Father's Day in a few days, everytime she had to celebrate it alone in her school because of all the security concerns, now that they weren't an issue, I want to give her the experience of having her father stand with her in her school just like her every classmate's dads and if this announcement builds my family man image, it's a bonus, I am happy", Shaurya answered humorously making the crowd laugh... His fans and followers clapped and hooted.
When will you introduce your wife and daughter to the world?
"They like to keep a low profile, and I like it that way too... My public life shouldn't be a hindrance to my daughter in any way, she is like all other kids and that normal childhood can be experienced only if she stays away from limelight", Shaurya answered
What about your wife? Who is she and how did you marry her? Was it a love marriage or arranged?
Shaurya's heart hammered thinking about their marriage, but he masked it.
"It was love + arranged, and like I told she doesn't like much attention, so she would continue staying away from public eye", Shaurya answered.
But as a chief minister's wife, there are some expectations from her, will she be there to fulfill those?
"It's completely her choice, there won't be any obligation, people elected me, it's my responsibility to look after their welfare, my wife didn't occupy any official positions or would want to have a say in the party matters or official matters, so in no way is she obliged to fulfill anyone's expectations, but yes, she is a responsible citizen and would never do something that could make me disappointed. She abides by the rules and laws of this country like any other citizen", Shaurya said
His this answer didn't go well with most of them but he couldn't lie just to please people, expecting Akansha to fulfill the duties of being a chief minister's wife, when she doesn't even want to be in the same house as him is unjust to her. Also, there are no written rules for a CM's wife to be obligated to certain things like there are for a governor's wife or president's wife. In India, the wife of a Chief Minister does not have any official responsibilities or constitutional role. So, Akansha is not bound to do it, but yes many CM spouses engage in multiple charity works, represent their spouse in many events when the chief minister was unable to attend but he knew Akansha wouldn't like doing anything representing him.
Why did you have to hide your marriage? Have you declared your marital status correctly while filing your nomination?
"Yes I did, this is the copy of the nomination I filed, you can check it",Shaurya said showing the copy, camera men took pictures of it. "Due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to keep my marriage news low, there was a threat to her life, multiple attempts were made to harm her, so after careful consideration we decided to stay apart, the decision was painful, she being pregnant during that time made it more painful, she needed me the most at that time, but I couldn't be there with her, she suffered alone but not for once did she complain, instead she asked me to concentrate on my responsibilities towards people while she handled the responsibility of our daughter. It was the hardest decision to stay apart from her at that time but keeping them alive was more important, there are times I think about leaving all this, and go, live with my wife and daughter but then people who entrusted me to better their lives, stopped me, reminding my responsibilities", he said, there are some facts in the story he told and Akansha who was watching it could see through it perfectly.
Who was it that threatened your wife's life? Was it your political rivals?
"Could be... It could also be someone belonging to the gangs I have taken action on, when I was an MLA, but whoever it was, now I have the capability, ability, strength and power to keep my wife and daughter safe", Shaurya said glaring at the camera, his tone turning cold, as if he is warning that someone to stay away from his family, well that someone is his father and Virendar Shekhawat who was watching this, did get afraid seeing his son's determination.
Do you suspect Dev Bisht's involvement in this?
"Sorry what? No, absolutely not", Shaurya denied without a pause
Why not sir? Mr. Bisht has every reason to do so... How can you so strongly deny it? You two are the youngest among the state leaders yet you lead two biggest parties of the state, could you please explain your relationship with Mr. Bisht?
"Mr. Bisht is my political rival but he is also a very respectable citizen, he would never stoop so low to gain political power. He is a man of values, and though we fight from the opposite sides in the assembly, we fight for the people, and as a fellow public representative, I do respect his views, if you see our assembly sessions, we do fight, argue, scream at each other but it's all for the people, and we take and give constructive criticism, we never crossed a line or used disrespectful terms to each other, such is our relationship, bound by respect and dignity, I'm glad to have such a man who holds high moral values as the leader of opposition, we disagree to things but that doesn't mean we are rivals in personal life as well, our differences are limited only to professional front, if we meet outside work, we greet each other in a friendly manner", Shaurya said, his phone suddenly pinged with Dev's text.
"Tell them about you visiting my farm house for Rachna's birthday", Dev texted and Shaurya immediately understood why he is saying so. Last night when Dev visited Akansha, Richa must be there too, and she might have got to know about them being best friends but he knew Dev very well, he might have threatened her but Richa is Richa, though she wouldn't choose to expose their friendship openly, she sure would leave subtle hints here and there, and one such weapon she has with her are the pictures where Shaurya visited Dev's farmhouse for Rachna's birthday. If Shaurya disclosed this openly, Richa couldn't use this fact against them anymore.
"In fact, I even visited Dev ji at his farmhouse for lunch on his wife's birthday, we had a productive discussion over the societal issues and our generic interests, we even bonded over our common interests like cricket", Shaurya stated and the crowd cheered hearing it.
"So yes, I don't think Mr. Bisht would ever so something like this", Shaurya concluded.
After few more rounds of questions, some personal ones like asking for details about Akansha Or Siya which he obviously dodged. The press meet ended and Shaurya returned home and dropped himself on the couch as if all his energy is drained but there's some peace in his heart that he finally announced about his wife and daughter to the world, at the same time, his heart is burning at the amount of lies he spat.
It wasn't mutual decision, it was Akansha's decision to leave unable to bear his cruel self, she suffered so much, he brutally broke her heart not once but multiple times leaving no choice for her and that's why she left. After the press meet, he felt so cheap. The heart wrenching pain is back again, if this is how he felt while uttering those lies what might be Akansha feeling?
He quickly dialed her and she picked up in the first ring as she knew what he must be feeling.
"Shaurya... This is the decision we took together, the story is not just yours, it's mine as well, and we didn't do it for your career but our daughter Siya, so there's no need to feel guilty. Also, I would have hated if you have confessed the truth there, I didn't want anyone to know about what Or how my life was after marriage, I don't want unnecessary sympathies. So, yes, this is for the best and I am not hurt or upset, so stop wasting time by thinking about all that. Instead concentrate on Father's Day event", Akansha said bringing a smile on his face. She knew, she just knew what exactly he is feeling without him uttering a single word. Well, his guilt wouldn't disappear with her assuring words because he knew the reality, he knew how much he had hurt her. His guilt is there to stay but with her words he at least got to know that she is fine and that's enough for him for now.
"What about it?", Shaurya asked
"You have to color code your outfit with your daughter's...", she said
"What? But you know I have limited color shirts", Shaurya said
"I thought you would have got it ready, Didn't you see the Event invite?", Akansha asked him
"I didn't get any invite, Akansha", Shaurya said, his tone a bit low, as he was reminded of the fact that his name wasn't added to the school contact as Siya's father...
"Oh sorry... I thought Dev might have forwarded you, no problem I'll forward it to you right now... I'll also send Siya's dress color once I buy her dress, get the same shade of red", Akansha said and he was taken aback.
"Akansha, Red? You know I don't wear red", he said, for some reason, he didn't like wearing red, he just wore it for an hour when she gifted him a shirt not knowing his dislike for the color, but changed immediately, Akansha herself asked him to as she could see his discomfort.
"I can't help Shaurya... You have to do it for your daughter, You are gonna be introduced as Siya's dad for the first time, it won't look good if you don't follow the dress code", Akansha said, stifling her laughter. She is having lots of fun teasing him.
"I could have worn it for her, but the function stretches for the whole day, and I don't know what activities they have planned. You know how conscious I get wearing red... I don't like it on me... and I have never worn bright colors let alone red after I took the office", he said and she laughed at his problem...
"Akansha... You were teasing me all this while?", Shaurya sighed in relief as he didn't have to wear red but his relief was short-lived.
"No, I wasn't teasing you. The theme is red, as you can see in the invite as well. I was laughing because of your whining, Shaurya," Akansha said.
"Your daughter is not like me. I understood your hate for Red and didn't force you to wear, but she won't sit calmly if you embarrass her by not wearing red," Akansha said, and Shaurya opened his mouth wide.
"Embarrass? I will embarrass her? and what were you saying? Well, agree you didn't force me but I wore it for you, for one whole hour... and I changed only because you asked me to", Shaurya argued
"Yeah I asked you to change, What else would I do? Even I started hating that color seeing your face... Karela jaise muh banaye baithe the (You made the face of a bitter gourd)", Akansha said and Shaurya grinned at her taunts... She barely talked about their past and that too funny memories, and he enjoyed it, he marked this as one of the best days he had in the past five years.
"Okay, it was my fault. Sorry. Now please offer a solution for this. As I can see, your school has planned a lot of activities and games. I guess all these are competitions. I can't concentrate on the games wearing a red shirt, and I don't want my Siya to lose", Shaurya pleaded, and Akansha sighed.
"Okay... I'll get her an off-white frock with red prints or floral designs on it... or I think she has one dress with the same pattern, I'll get her ready in that, you can get a white shirt with red stripes or with minimal color pattern on the shirt", she said
"Yeah, sounds good, Please shop a shirt for me... actually my schedule is quite tight in the coming days, neither could I ask Mrs. Gupta or my staff to shop for me, it's very weird to explain the shirt I need, especially when I avoided bright colors all these years ", he said, well, he could request Shweta or Mr. Sharma or even a designer friend of his to get the shirt but he wanted to wear something Akansha gets for him for the most important event, the world is gonna know that she is his wife and Siya is his daughter. Though he would make sure that the pictures wouln't circulate everywhere, after that day, people would know a few details about his wife and child if not their names or pictures.
Shaurya didn't like wearing designer clothes, most of the politicians have their separate designers who design their clothes with the same patterns making a fixed style and pattern for them, even Dev has one but Shaurya didn't like it much, he loved wearing formal shirts and pants, he felt the most comfortable in them, he did wear kurtas promoting Indian culture as well during festivities, but on an everyday basis he wore crisp shirts and pants, little or no pattern and made of pure cotton mostly. He wore only Indian manufacturers. He didn't change much even when the opposition cornered him over his choice of dressing, calling him an 'angrez', mentioning how he is so different from the common people of the state. But Shaurya didn't take it personally, he identified himself with his work, with his thought process, not with his clothes. He wanted to develop a progressive mindset among his people, he encouraged local manufacturing industries and wore them often and his PR used this against the opposition.
"I can't do it Shaurya... Ask your designer to get or maybe your staff can get it for you", Akansha said
"Akansha... Please...", he started
"Instead you can wear your plain white shirt and maybe wear a red brooch or cufflinks", she suggested
"I don't have anything that's made of red", He said and she sighed
"You are such a child Shaurya... Now I not only have to shop accessories for your daughter but you as well, great... You are so useless, now I'm warning you, I'll get whatever I like, if you show tantrums or pass comments on it, I'll kill you", Akansha said, angrily.
"I throw tantrums?", he defended himself
"Who was throwing tantrums to wear red? me?", she asked sharply...
"That...", he started
"Shut up... and get back to work... I can't argue with you...", she spat and hung up making him smile at it. For the first time in years, they had a conversation where Akansha didn't display her hatred for him. He knew things are far from okay but still this seemed like a invisible first step.
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It's Father's Day and Shaurya wore the white shirt with minimal pattern of red on it that his wife got for him. Thanks to the rehearsal Akansha made him do a few days ago along with Siya, he was able to handle it.
They also discussed how they would proceed with the introduction. Both of them preferred a subtle approach, they also got their 4 year old prepared for the big day. Shaurya received an intelligence report stating that it's not recommend for Akansha and Siya to stay like common people anymore in the society. Shaurya spoke to Akansha and she agreed to shift temporarily to Shaurya's place. Though it was tough on her part she knew this would happen and prepared herself mentally, so it wasn't a big blow to her but they had to prepare Siya and Shaurya - Akansha decided to talk to their little one after they come back from the Father's Day celebrations.
Siya would be happy to live with her father but she wanted them to stay in her little cozy house, she liked her Father's big mansion but it didn't feel like home and both her parents knew it. So, Shaurya asked Akansha to decorate it accordingly, initially Akansha hesitated but knowing her daughter, she said she would do it if Siya had any problem there.
"First, we'll go to the secreteriat, I have a few files to sign and then we'll head to Siya's school", Shaurya told Suraj.
"Okay sir, security arrangements are done, have informed the school chairman about your visit and he cooperated with us, though he was unaware of the purpose of your visit. We also cautioned them to keep your visit low", Suraj detailed, Shaurya nodded.
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"Mamabear... When will dadda come?", Siya asked making Akansha sigh.
"He said he would be here before the function starts, I'll call him again, don't worry, he will be here soon", Akansha said, Siya nodded and walked back to her friends, luckily the children and parents weren't sitting together, otherwise Siya would have cried by now for not having anyone to sit beside her as Akansha is helping other teachers in looking after the arrangements and Shaurya hasn't reached yet.
"What happened Akansha ma'am? Siya's father couldn't make it?", Rashi asked
"He is just stuck with work, he will be here soon...", Akansha said and Bharti scoffed
"What's so important than his daughter? Well maybe he is giving subtle hints about the importance you both have in his life, but you are too slow to catch it Akansha ma'am", Bharti said
Akansha just shook her head at the lady not caring to respond.
"By the way, I heard chairman sir talking to the principal, they were talking about CM sir, and they looked tensed", Rashi said and Bharti frowned but Akansha didn't care about the info as she knew what it is and they were tensed because his visit was sudden and they were asked not to make special arrangements to welcome him. It's not so odd for Shaurya to visit schools, being an educational minister, he did visit schools many times but at such a short notice made them worry.
Akansha received Shaurya's call. She picked up moving to a side.
"Where the hell are you? Siya is waiting for you... I'll not spare you if I see my daughter's tears because of you Shaurya... Take it as my warning", Akansha snapped
"I'm sorry... I got stuck in some important stuff, don't worry, I am on my way, will reach there soon... Did she cry?", He asked, his heart clenching.
"Not yet... But if you delay anymore, she will", she replied
"It's all your brother's fault, he got me delayed", Shaurya complained
"Really? But he reached here on time", she said taunting him.
"What? That cruel brother-in-law of mine, he indulged me in works and spending time with my daughter there", Shaurya got jealous.
"Your daughter was sitting with her other friends, family was made to sit separately, but yes Akash is having the time of his life sitting among the grandparents of the kids", she said with a chuckle, looking at her brother who sat extremely boring among the older people, especially the grandparents of the kids.
The school planned to celebrate Family Day along with Father's Day so even the grandparents came so Akansha called Akash and Richa as well but Richa couldn't make it due to some assignment. Parents are offered separate seats and extended family like grandparents etc are offered separately. So, poor Akash had to sit with older people who saw a prospective groom in him.
"Suits him for doing this to me", Shaurya said and Akansha chuckled
"Dev also reached here on time Shaurya, you are the only one late", Akansha said
"I can't believe he too betrayed me, when I asked him half an hour ago he said he hasn't yet started... okay bye, I'll be there soon", Shaurya said and hung up after hearing her Hm.
Akash had no choice but to get Shaurya's signatures and approvals. He finished his work and submitted it for Shaurya's approval and since the files needs to be processed at the earliest, Shaurya had to work. He could have ignored if it's anything else, but this was very important.
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Finally, Shaurya's convoy entered the school premises. Suraj reduced the vehicles as per Shaurya's instructions but still there were a quite a few that grabbed eyeballs, but luckily the school has blocked the road allowing only those who are coming to the school like school vans, teachers, parents or their grandparents vehicles to pass through it. So Shaurya's privacy is maintained a bit but the school's personal photographer and Videographer captured his convoy.
Shaurya got down as soon as the cars halted. Mr. Goyal, the school's chairman, his grandson Parth Goyal, Mr. Joshi, the school's principal, and others stood there to welcome him.
Shaurya collected the garlands and passed it to his staff, and with a polite Namaste, he walked in with his security following behind.
"Now I got what they are talking about", Rashi said, Akansha looked at her before walking towards Shaurya, making her colleagues frown, they thought she might be going to greet her boss.
"You don't have to guide me, I'm here as a normal parent attending my child's event, my daughter studies in your school, so please carry on with your works, my wife will guide me to the seaters, I'm sure she knew the seating arrangement", Shaurya said, for some time they didn't understand what he was saying until Akansha walked towards them and stood beside him.
"Akansha... My wife", Shaurya said with a smile, well he knew she would break his teeth after reaching home for saying that as she hated the introduction though that's the truth now. She could sense the shock and hint of betrayal in Mr. Joshi's eyes as she didn't tell him despite all the support he offered her.
Precap - Father's Day, Siya and Akansha shifting to Shaurya's place. Past continues and both of them start learning each other's sufferings.
Note - Parts 42-51 are available in stck.me. Links are in my message board and in my Instagram profile.