The thought of long journey to Delhi was a bit tiring but the image of dad and Sahil was enough for me to hurry but leaving Shivaye and his family which is more like my family behind is also sad. It was Shivaye who suggested for me to leave because he wanted me to talk to Dad as soon as possible.
It’s been two days since our confession night; still going back to it makes my cheeks a shade of pink. It was the most beautiful moment in my life and something that I want to go back and experience again. The whole thing was pure magic and complete love.
The whole family was squealing when we told them the news. I was quite nervous but Shivaye held my hand and said to them. All the elders blessed us while the youngsters demanded for a party. Om and Rudra almost killed him by jumping on him and tackling him on the ground. It was full of joy and the feeling of having a family is the best one.
When everything was over it was almost 3 in the morning but we both knew we need to talk. It was important since we both were in different places and the only thing is we were sure are we will never give up on each other. We lay near the pool area till the morning sunrise talking and nothing else. He wanted to accompany me to Delhi but there is no way that I’m letting him because he has a family and business to take care of behind. I am not that selfish and a pretty time with Dad and Sahil sounds great but I am going to miss Shivaye terribly.
While leaving it was a bit emotional for everyone and it felt like I was never going to come back but it is the God who have the plans for the future. Everyone shed tears and asked me to come back soon as their bhabhi, I knew I looked like a tomato for sure when I saw Shivaye’s cheeks became a shade of red and damn he is so cute when he blushes, something that I thought Shivaye Oberio Singh can never do.
The travel was comfortably peaceful with the silence and I recalled all the memories that I made in the Oberio mansion.
A grinning Sahil and Smiling dad greeted me from the door and it took me there to realize how much I missed them. I quickly pulled them to a teddy bear hug, my favorite and told all the stories in Mumbai. Sahil had progress in his studies and he won first prize in mono-act in school and I have never seen the little boy so happier and but how can I forget that he is the drama queen after all and he deserves the trophy truly.
“Anika didi, I’m going to be a film star like Sharukh Khan one day.” He beamed and said “If you insist maybe I can give you my autograph right now because in future I would be totally busy and you have to take appointment to see me and all….you know after all I am going to King of film industry.” The kid wouldn’t stop his mouth from boasting about himself and I tickled him to the ground. He ran away sticking his tongue out when he finally pulled away from me and then dad decided it was time for dinner.
“Go take a shower, beta first and then we will eat.” He said with a warm smile on his face. I knew when number of days he increases he is becoming more weak and older. He had lost a few weights now and he is walking slowly taking his each step carefully. My heart drops and I quickly rush to my room so that dad won’t see my tears. I know how much it hurt him to see me cry.
After composing myself, I take a good ten minutes shower and change into a black top with sweatpants. Pulling my long hair into a pony tail, I make my way to the dining room. Sahil and dad had already reached and are filling their plates. The food in Mumbai was amazing as well but nothing can beat the taste of hometown food.
The dinner went fine with a lot of talking and questions from Sahil’s side and answers from mine. I noticed that dad was silent throughout it other than some mono-syllabics words as reply.
He looks tired and in pain.
“Are you alright, dad?” I asked with concern and he just nodded his head walking towards his study and I quickly followed him.
“I’m holding up child. How are you? I see that there is something you want to talk to me about.” He raise an eyebrow and I smile realizing how much my dad knows me and from a single look he can tell what I am thinking or feeling. It’s like he could see right through me.
My head drops in my hands and I clearly don’t know how I am going to do this. This will break him and it isn’t good for his health but as a father he has every right to know and if I want to start ahead with Shivaye then he must know the whole story.
I feel a strong arm around my back and I realize it’s my dad’s. “What is it, princess?”
I take a deep breath and finally told him everything. It was like revisiting the part which I disliked and is a stain in my life again. I hate it and it makes back to the weak Anika again but Shivaye’s words that I am strong repeats in my ears and it helps to complete my words.
My dad sits where he was with expressionless face and there is no movement. I start to panic inside thinking I said it in the wrong time. I should have considered his health first and I should have kept it away from him. God! I am so stupid and I will never forgive myself if something happens to him.
Then a lone tear escapes from the corner of his eyes and then he starts crying like a little child whining for a candy. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and mumble it’s alright to him and I am completely fine right now. He shakes his head and composes himself.
“I am so sorry princess. I didn’t know you…were going through a lot and oh my God what kind of a father am I? While my daughter is trapped in a bad man’s company, I couldn’t save you and not to forget who put their daughter to trouble? I did…I am the one who is responsible for this…I shouldn’t have never done that. I am sorry and I am sure…I am the worst dad.” He broke down and I take his hand in my hand.
“It isn’t you fault dad.” I pat his back but he isn’t convinced at all. “He cheated and betrayed us dad. It was none of your fault and you always wished the best for me. He took advantage of us and we weren’t careful but like everyone say past is past and dwelling on it never helps. So let’s put it behind. Promise me dad that you aren’t going to punish yourself for this?” I looked at with pleading eyes and he swallows hard before nodding his head. “Now leaving the darkness behind, I have some pretty bright news in my hands and I wish you will be as happy about it as I am.” I hopefully look at him.
“That’s what I want Anika. If you are happy then I am also happy.” He smiles and I know the words are genuine and from heart.
“You remember Shivaye right?” I ask him and he nods his head. “Well, we are together now.” I tell him being nervous and look to see his expression.
To my utter shock he is laughing like the old man he is and showing his dimples. I don’t know why he is laughing? ‘This isn’t funny’ I want to point out and act as annoyed but who can put an angry face when your dad is finally having a hearty laugh and all I wish is to see that every day. I grin and join him it’s like all the tension evaporated into air.
“I always knew there was something in between you people and I bet if you weren’t engaged to Rohit then I would have gone to him with a proposal and well I really like your choice. He is a smart boy and I am sure my princess is in safe hands” he manages to say and it’s like a farewell speech. I wipe my tears with back of my hand and he clears his throat.
“I don’t know whether I deserve it or not but can I at least see you both engaged before my departure.” He says with a sad smile on his face and this time I am the one who is breaking down.
“Don’t you ever say that…dad. You aren’t going anywhere and I am not going to let…you go. This isn’t funny you old man and please don’t that with me.” I mumble between my sobs and he strokes my hair gently.
“I am sorry.” He said with puppy eyes and I shoot him a glare and then again we are back to square one like nothing ever happened before and all is well.
“So, do I get to see that?” He asks me with a hint of hope in his eyes and I know I am going to fulfill his last wish no matter what. He is everything to me and I am sure Shivaye will understand.
“I prom you the engagement rings but I can’t give my word about marriage since his words are important too.” I reasoned.
“No, no. Don’t rush things like marriage and make it a mess now.” He said and I nodded my head.
Just then my phone Buzz in my pocket and I take it to check from whom the message is from and if it is some sim message I am going to kill them for sure for ruining my moment with Dad but I smile when I see it’s from Shivaye.
•••
Anika,
Hey is everything alright there? Did you talk to your dad? If it’s over please update I can’t stop pacing around.
Shivaye
•••
I chuckled knowing how much worried he is than me and I reply him back when I see dad has gone to refill his glass of water to kitchen and I have got plenty of time to tell the whole thing.
•••
Shivaye,
Yep, done with the talk. Want to know his reaction? He was pretty happy and you should have seen his face when he heard it. I told him about Rohit too and he really feels bad and is putting blame on himself. I think we are good now. Also, I want to tell you something important. It is that dad wants us to exchange rings in front of him and get engaged. I think it will help him to relax and the other about my dad’s wish, we will talk about it later. Love you.
Anika
•••
That was a long text I should have probably called him or something. I see my dad make his way to the room at the same time when my phone vibrates again.
•••
Anika,
Damn, open your door. I will explain later.
Shivaye
•••
What the hell is he is for serious?
——————————————————————————–
I am so sorry friends and I know its been really long and you must even forgot me and my story, I don’t know what happened and it was like I lost all the connection and I feel empty. I am very sorry and infinity times sorry to all my great readers and also to people i couldn’t reply my thanks. i owe you something and i am seriously sorry. I love you all. pretty please forgive me. Thank you so much.
Sana 🙂