Chapter 24: chapter 24

For weeks, Sanyogita had gone through an emotional fortress, shutting Prithvi out. Their office encounters were brief, devoid of warmth."San­yo, Main kab se tumhe pukar raha tha? Dhyan kahan hai tumhara?" Prithvi's soft voice shattered the silence, his tone filled with worry.He moved beside her, his eyes scanning for a flicker of the bond they had once shared. Sanyogita's profile remained firm, her jaw clenched.Prithvi's hand extended, faltering before brushing against hers. The contact gave her goosebumps."Sanyo, what is wrong?" he asked, his tone gentle. "Why this silence?"She turned to leave , her tone dull. "Nothing."Prithvi's eyes narrowed, his brow knitted in distress. "Sanyo, what went wrong? Did I do something wrong?"Sanyogita's eyes flashed aside, ignoring his presence . "No, nahi."Prithvi's hold on her arm stopped her from leaving. "If I've done nothing wrong, then why are you keeping your distance?" His tone was tinged with desperation.Sanyogita's excuse came quickly. "I have a lot of work to do. I need to go."Prithvi's fingers tightened around her arm, pulling her closer. "Sanyo, don't change the topic ," he urged, his eyes burning with intensity.His voice grew softer "Kya baat hai, Jaan? Tum mujhe ish tarah ignore kyu kar rahi ho?" Sanyogita's eyelids fluttered closed, her pulse racing as Prithvi's proximity ignited feelings she desperately tried to extinguish."Prithvi, please release my hand," she implored, her voice laced with urgency, still avoiding his gaze.His grip tightened. "Nahi, first tell me, why are you behaving like this?" His tone held a mix of frustration and longing.Sanyogita's eyes snapped open, her gaze darting around the office, anxious about potential onlookers. "Prithvi, this is the office. If someone sees us, there will be a scene.""I don't care," Prithvi declared, his voice unwavering. "Tum samajhti kya ho apne aap ko? What do you think of yourself?" His words poured out, a mixture of pain and confusion."For so many days, I've noticed you ignoring my calls, my messages, even avoiding me in the office. I waited for you, but you conjured up work issues." Prithvi's fingers wrapped tighter around her hand.The more Sanyogita struggled to pull back her hand, Prithvi's grasp grew firm ."Prithvi, leave me! I told you I'm busy!" Her voice turned icy.Prithvi's eyes blazed with intensity, his voice cracking with emotion. "Busy? From me? From us?" She felt her heart being wrenched from her chest, but she stifled her emotions, refusing to show weakness. Her mask of composure remained intact.Prithvi's grip tightened, pulling her closer. "You're so busy you have time for Rohit, sharing coffee in the evening, but no time for me?" His tone dripped with mocking sarcasm.His realised his ear became warm and suddenly  little heat arose within his tone . There was a tinge of hurt in his eyes.  However, Sanyogita detected the genuine hurt lurking beneath. His ears flushed, and his voice trembled slightly.She closed her eyes, gulping down her emotions. The anguish in Prithvi's voice cracked her resolve."Prithvi, don't..." she whispered.Her eyes opened, locking onto his. For an instant, they shared a raw, honest connection.“Jaan, Kya baat hai, why are you ignoring me ?” Prithvi's voice cracked, his words laced with desperation. He held  her face  towards him by keeping his hand on her cheek. Sanyogita's face slowly turned towards him, her cheek nestling into his palm. A single tear glistened on her left cheek, and Prithvi's heart skipped a beat.His anger dissolved, replaced by concern. "Sanyo, kya hua? Kya kisi ne tumhe kuch kaha?" He asked, his voice trembling with worry.Sanyogita's watery eyes sparkled like diamonds, her lashes fluttering as she fought back tears. Prithvi's grip on her hand tightened."Kyon tum mujhse door ho rahi ho?" he whispered, his breath dancing across her skin.Despite his gentle probing, Sanyogita remained silent.Prithvi's anger bubbled over. "If you don't tell me anything, then how would I come to know everything?" He yelled out, his voice ringing in the office corridor.His chest raged, pounding heart inside the ribcage. "You know that I cannot tolerate it if you shed tears in your eyes, I cannot see you crying."Sanyogita's determination broke, and she wept uncontrollably, burying her face in Prithvi's chest. "Prithvi, ab mujhe ye nahi hoga?" Her voice shook with uncontrollable sobs.Prithvi's arms went around her, holding her tight as she clung to his blazer. "Kya nahi hoga, please tell me," he begged, his face a picture of confusion.His hands comfortingly patted her head and back, trying to soothe the tempest raging inside her.She turned to walk away, but Prithvi's hand clamped around her right wrist, drawing her back. He took her near, his left arm around her waist, and his right hand bringing her chin up. They gazed at each other, and Sanyogita's eyes wavered, her resistance breaking down."Kya hua, Sanyo? Mujhe batao," Prithvi whispered against her skin, his breath rustling her cheek."Prithvi, go away!" Sanyogita's voice tried to sound stiff, but it hardly managed more than a whisper.Prithvi's fingers still grasped her chin, his gaze sweeping over her worried face. "What do you hide from me, Sanyo? You must tell me today.”His warm breath danced across her skin, sending tremors down her back. Her heart raced, thudding in her chest.Sanyogita tried to struggle free, but Prithvi's hold was only clamped tighter. "Prithvi, spare me!" she begged, her knees buckling.He drew her closer, their bodies intertwining, her curves against his chest. "Then you'll tell me the answers!" His eyes fell to her quivering lips before jerking back to her eyes.Sanyogita's struggles to break free were in vain; Prithvi's fingers circled her wrists, keeping her secure. “Leave me!" she said once more.Prithvi's forehead rested against hers, his breathing coming faster in tandem with her anxiety. "No, first you'll respond to me," he commanded.Their breaths mingled, the air charged with expectation. "No, first you must respond to me," Prithvi breathed, his voice rough.Sanyogita's heart beat faster as Prithvi's warm lips brushed against her nose bridge, tracing a soft path downwards. Her eyelids fluttered shut, her lashes brushing against her cheeks.Prithvi's breathing grew faster, his chest rising and falling against hers. Sanyogita's tension was matched by his, their heartbeats in sync.His lips danced! around her mouth contours, ready to claim her. The heat of his breath sent shivers down her spine.As their lips were on the verge of meeting, the sudden appearance of Arjun disrupted the moment.Prithvi's eyes opened wide, freeing Sanyogita from his hold. She quickly moved back, her cheeks flushed, her lips puffed up.Arjun's face became knowing as he reached Prithvi. "I know, Sir. That's why Mam is acting strangely."Prithvi's forehead creased, a look of puzzle dance across his face. "What tum jante ho, matlab? You're saying you know, but I don't understand anything."Arjun's tone lowered to a whisper, his gaze fixed on Prithvi's. "I'm telling you everything, Sir.”Prithvi's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "Kya hai, Arjun? What's going on? What do you know about Sanyogita's behavior?"Arjun's gaze darted around the room before focusing on Prithvi. "Sir, it's about her past. There's something she's hiding."Prithvi's grip on Arjun's shoulder tightened. "What is it, Arjun? Tell me."Arjun's voice trembled slightly. "Sir, I overheard her conversation with ...FlashbackOn that day I went on a date with Maya [My girlfriend] ,a few tables apart in the same restaurant Maya saw Sanyogita Madam talking with Risha Madam by sitting opposite to each other. Here is the Video In the video.Risha's eyes locked onto Sanyogita, her voice low and urgent. "I'll get straight to the point. I want Prithvi."Sanyogita's expression turned icy, her eyes squinting slightly. "Prithvi isn't some commodity you can buy, Risha. He's not a luxury item to be purchased."Risha's jaw clenched, her words dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, spare me the lecture, Miss Sharma. I didn't come here for moral lessons."Sanyogita's smile twisted, her voice laced with disdain. "You think everything can be bought, don't you? That your wealth makes you invincible?"Risha's eyes flashed with annoyance. "I'm willing to offer three crores. If that's not enough, I'll give more. But I want Prithvi, no matter the cost."Sanyogita's grin widened, her eyes glinting with amusement. "You rich people are pathetic. You think money solves everything. But it doesn't. You're useless without it."The air was charged with tension as the two women exchanged looks, their words hanging like a challenge.Risha's eyes burned with fury, her eyes trying to dare Sanyogita's defiant posture. But Sanyogita did not flinch."Anyway, you want to buy my love?" Sanyogita's tone was firm , her words were sharp  "Then let me clarify you,  Miss Risha Sisodia, even if you gave me your whole property, you still wouldn't be able to afford my love. Because, for me, love is priceless."Sanyogita's lips twisted into a sneering smile, her eyes flashing with contempt. "But some wealthy people like you can't comprehend that, can you? You believe everything has a price, even people's feelings."Risha's face burned with shame, as if her biting words slapped on her ruthless demeanour . The pain lingered, causing her eyes to prickle with unshed tears. Her pride hurt, Rishabh's rage overflowed."How could you!" Risha's voice shook, her words filled with outrage. "You believe you're so much better than us simply because you won't betray us?"Sanyogita's face did not waver, her voice firm."I'm not selling out to anyone, Miss Sisodia. Least of all to someone who thinks love can be bought."Risha's face burned with shame, as though Sanyogita's acid words had scored her flesh. She stood still, her eyes smoldering with unshed tears.Sanyogita stood up from her chair, her movements liquid and controlled. She turned to exit, but Risha's venomous words stopped her."You filthy bitch," Risha snarled, her words heavy with hatred.Sanyogita spun on her heel, her gaze glinting at Risha. "Cheek your tongue, Risha Sisodia. Unless…Risha's lips curled into a sneer. "Unless what …! Risha laughed a sarcastic smile and continued “ You think you're good enough for Prithvi? You're nothing but a maid, a servant. A prince like him deserves a princess, not some ... some ..." She let the word hang, but Sanyogita knew the implication.Sanyogita's eyes blazed with fury, but her voice was steady. "And you'll always be a shallow, entitled rich girl, Risha. Purchasing love and respect won't fill the emptiness within you."Risha stood up, her eyes blazing with furry "You know what, Sanyogita? Prithvi is only playing around with you. When he's finished, he'll use you like a tissue and throw you away."Sanyogita's restraint snapped. "Miss Risha, I don't require a character certificate for Prithvi from the likes of you." Her voice dripped with contempt.She took a pause, her breast rising and falling with emotion. "You don't know even one percent of what I know about him. Not even one percent." Her words pierced sharply, mocking Risha's effort at superiority.Risha's face became beet red, her eyes protruding in rage. "Sanyogita, listen carefully. If you don't see things my way now, don't say I didn't warn you later." Her voice lowered to a menacing whisper.Sanyogita's endurance reached beyond her control. "Miss Risha, I don't need a character certificate for Prithvi from someone like you." Her voice dripped with disdain.She paused, her chest heaving with emotion. "You don't know even a fraction of what I know about him. Not even one percent." Her words cut deep, mocking Risha's attempt to claim superiority.Risha's face turned beet red, her eyes bulging with fury. "Sanyogita, listen carefully. If you don't agree with me now, don't blame me later." Her voice dropped to a menacing whisper."I can destroy everything. Prithvi's company has a massive contract with Malhotra's. If I complain about your products, Prithvi will have to pay a hefty compensation. Your foolish persistence will ruin Malhotra's."Sanyogita's eyes widened, her mind racing. She felt trapped, her heart rebelling against her brain. The weight of Risha's threat settled heavy in her stomach."Are you blackmailing me?" Sanyogita's voice trembled, her words barely audible.Risha's smile twisted. "Call it whatever you want. But you know I can do it. I have the power, Sanyogita. And I won't hesitate to use it."The air hung thick with tension, Sanyogita's silence her only response.End of the flashbackPrithvi did not wait for a single word to be heard .Prithvi slammed the car door shut and strode into the hotel lobby, his long strides devouring the distance. The manager, caught off guard, hastened to intercept him."Sir, please wait, Madam Risha is in a meeting—"Prithvi didn't break stride. He pushed open the door to Risha's suite, his eyes blazing with fury.Risha's eyes snapped up from the papers scattered across the conference table, her clients' faces a blur as she took in Prithvi's thunderous expression."What the—?" she began, rising from her seat.Prithvi tossed the contract papers onto the table, the pages fluttering wildly. "You think you can control my life, Risha? Interfere with my relationships?"His voice boiled with anger, each word punctuated by a sharp gesture."Who gave you the right to command my girl ? She's not your puppet, and neither am I."Risha's face paled, her eyes darting to her clients, who scrambled to exit the room."Prithvi, please—""Don't," he cut her off, his tone icy. "We're done. The contract is null and void. We no longer need your services."Risha's lips parted in shock, the words written across her face."And let this be understood," Prithvi's voice fell to a menacing whisper, "if you ever try to trouble my girl again, I'll make you wish you hadn't. You'll pay the price, and I won't think twice about bringing you down."The room went silent, the tension choking.Risha's eyes blazed with anger, but Prithvi's uncompromising stare left her tongue-tied.Prithvi didn't give Risha a chance to utter a word. He turned on his heel, his long strides devouring the distance to the door. The sound of the door slamming shut behind him echoed through the room, leaving Risha stunned and embarrassed.Her colleagues, who had been witness to the explosive confrontation, exchanged uneasy glances. Their faces reflected a mix of shock and discomfort.Risha's face burned with humiliation, her eyes flashing with anger and embarrassment. She felt her professional reputation tarnished, her authority challenged."How dare he!" she muttered, her voice barely audible.The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Risha's colleagues hesitated, unsure how to react.One of them, attempting to diffuse the awkwardness, cleared his throat. "Risha, perhaps we should—"But Risha cut him off, her voice icy. "Leave. Now."The room emptied quickly, her colleagues beating a hasty retreat.Risha stood alone, her eyes fixed on the door Prithvi had stormed out of. Her mind raced with thoughts of revenge and retaliation.They were sitting near the beach embracing each other in arms“Prithvi, Why have you done that?” she asked with concern“I know Sanyo, what you wanted to say, but don't worry Jaan I have already told you before .You don't need to be afraid of her [Risha, he didn't want to utter her name]actually I had to deal with their company upon the insistence of my father as MR. Sisodia was a good friend of my Dad.Moreover I wanted to help you ,because I was certain about the fact that you would not take my help so I had to agree with him.”“But Prithvi, we have lost so many tenders during the past ”“Jaan, this is business and there will be lots of ups and down in it, You know na, your Prithvi” looking at her waiting for her answerShe nodded her head positively and looked at him and again hugged him tightening her grip around him as if she wanted to reveal whatever may happen she wouldn't abandon himPrithvi smiled at her innocence “Aab Chahe kuch bhi ho jaye , hume aab koi bhi alag nahi kar sakta”he assured her Sanyogita glared at him“But You have to promise me,Chahe kitni bhi mushkile aaye tum mujhe kabhi bhi chodh kar nahi jaogi,humesha mere saath rahogi”Sanyogita stared at him ,remaining silent ,she simply nodded her head “Promise”[softly],tears dropped from her eyes .Prithvi wipe her eyes and  cheeks “Jaan,tum abhi bhi royogi ,Shaadi ke baat humare bache dekhenge toh kya sochenge ki Mami bacho ki tarha ansaon baha ti hai” He teased her“Kyaaa! “Sanyogita started to hit him on his chest with her soft fist “Arrey arrey tum pit kyu rahi ho”“Pitu nahi toh kya karu ,tum hamesha mujhe pareshan karte ho”“Kabhi nahi”He embraced her “I love you”He whispered“I Love you too”She repliedThey were enjoying the company of each other by looking at the waves shrouding above the sea over and over again. The Sun heading in the western direction,sky was painted with orange shades. A cool breeze touched them, Sanyogita shivered,she caught him tightly.Prithvi put his coat around her.She got up and said “Prithvi,now let’s go, hame chalna chahiye”Prithvi did not reply he was thinking something Sanyogita again called his name “Prithvi”this time by jerking his shoulder Prithvi came to reality “, “What happened?”She asked him by the gesture of her eyes“Sanyo”He whispered making a serious faceSanyogita was feeling worriedHe got up and said “Sanyo,..W...will you marry me?” he proposed by staring at herSanyogita was glaring at him,she could not believe her ears as it was happening in her dreams “Are you serious?”“Yes,..Will you marry me?? He asked bringing his face close to her while his eyes gazing at her romantically Sanyogita nodded her head “yes,yes...yes”“Prithvi,What are you doing?”He carries her in his arms,moving towards the water”I CARRY MY WIFE IN MY ARMS” he spoke so loud it seemed as if his pitch could travel beyond the sea and came back after hitting the sky on the groundSanyogita was amazed by this but moreover her heart was full as it filled up with love ,his love.“I love you”He confessed with grinning “I love you too”she replied playfully Prithvi:-I love you 3Sanyo:-I love you 4Prithvi:-I love you 5Sanyo:-I love you 6I love you 7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15…….and so onHe gently made her stand on the water ,keeping his hands around her waist by staring at her sparkling eyes.Both of them look at the eyes of each other unblinkingly .They kissed each other so deeply and passionately over and over again .Her fingers were running behind his head ,he pulled her closer and closer to himBoth of the families were very happy after hearing the news,they had started to arrange everything .Anushka,Prithvi’s DadiMa,Ariyan teased him .Sanyogita’s mother was also very much delighted from the core of her heart as a mother that she had always wanted to see her happiness in the eyes of her beloved daughter.Prithvi’s friends Dharam[His Best friend ], Kesab, Raghav all wanted a party from him and at the same time they all had also very happy as they were known everything about the love story of their friend from the beginning.Prithvi introduced Sanyogita to his friends' group after their patch-up. From that day they addressed her as “Bhabi”.Radhika was relaxed and greeted GOand D for helping her besties not only to get back her love moreover to settle down her life with her love of life and pray for the happiness of both Prithvi and Sanyogita for their upcoming life.As a celebrity, their relationship became viral on social media within a fraction of a second after Prithvi uploaded his picture with her beloved .They were so many people greeted them and praised them about their pair “they were looking so cute together”“Perfect match,our best wishes, and blessings will always be there with both of you Sir and Mam” and so on besides this, there were so many people who commented on abuses, some were mocking the relationship between Mr.CEO of Malhotra company with his Assistant “So, finally the bewitching beauty trapped the prince charming”“So, this is the procedure to get a promotion from him”“How to seduce the boys of rich people this is a perfect example”“Mr.CEO what have you seen in your assistant to abandon a beauty like Miss.Risha “