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Chapter 38- My son

Flash back continuous

Agam's Pov

(The next day)

I was standing in front of the mirror, examining my reflection in the off-white and golden sherwani that Dadi and Maa had bought for me.

Just then, my phone started ringing, and I glanced at the side table where it was kept. It flashed Abhigyan's name.

I picked up the call and said, "Where are you?"

"Teri barbaadi ke liye taiyaar ho rha hu" he replied, his voice laced with laughter.

(Getting ready for your destruction)

I replied with silence, taking a deep breath. "Kya hua?" he asked.

(What happened?)

"Raaste mein bataunga. Kab tak aa rha hai tu?" I said, and he informed me that he would be at my place in about 10 minutes

(Will tell you on the way. When are you coming?)

I ended the call and set the phone aside. With one last glance at myself, I left the room and headed downstairs where everyone was waiting for me.

Dadi looked at me and smiled, while Maa was on a video call with Aashna. It had been almost a year since she left, and I wished she could be here with me today. Unfortunately, her college didn't allow her to take leave on such short notice.

"Bhaiya, you look so handsome!" Aashna exclaimed in excitement as Maa shifted the phone towards me.

"How are you?" I asked her.

"Not good, bhai. I couldn't even come to my own brother's wedding. And you, why the rush to get married?" She said in one breath.

Hearing her words, my expression changed, which Maa clearly noticed, and she took the phone from my hands.

If any of this was in my hands, I wouldn't be getting married right now. But clearly, I can't do anything about it. A person can't outrun their destiny.

As the ladies and the pandit started the rituals for the baraat, I noticed Abhigyan entering with Drishti Aunty. He paused and laughed when he saw me, but his laughter halted abruptly when Drishti Aunty gave him a stern look.

"Where's Akshit?" I asked him

"Um, that's a good question," he replied cryptically

I shook my head and once every ritual was done, we all settled into our cars. I sat in my white Maybach, which was covered with red roses. Moments later, Abhigyan joined me as well.

"Akshit will meet us directly at the venue," he informed me, and I nodded.

"What's wrong? tell me" he asked.

Once the driver started the car, I began telling him everything that had happened to me until now.

After hearing the whole story, Abhigyan's face twisted in a mix of disbelief and concern. His brows furrowed, and his eyes widened as I told the events that had happened

"You're kidding, right?" he interjected at one point unable to process everything

I shook my head, my own heart heavy with the weight of what had happened. "I wish I was" I replied, my voice tinged with pain

"Then why are you doing all of this Agam?" He asked

"Because I can't ruin that innocent girl's life who is waiting for me" I replied

Abhigyan's shock gradually turned into a somber understanding.

"I have no words" he murmured, his tone reflective

"Relax! it's all in the past now" I said to him with a smile plastered on my face. We had reached the venue and got out of the car

As we stepped out of the car and into the bustling atmosphere of the wedding venue, I couldn't shake off the weight of the conversation we had just shared. Despite my attempts to appear composed, the gravity of my decision lingered in the back of my mind.

Abhigyan remained by my side, his expression a mixture of admiration and concern. "I admire you, Agam," he remarked, his voice tinged with respect. "Not many would make such sacrifices for the sake of others."

I offered him a small nod of acknowledgment "Let's focus on the present" I said, mustering a smile to mask the turmoil within. "Today is about my wedding after all."

As we arrived at the entrance, the Raichands warmly welcomed us exchanging greetings with our family members, and started some of the rituals

We stood on the stage, waiting for the arrival of the bride, my bride. Although I had never met Savi before, I had seen her picture once. My knowledge of her was limited to what I had heard from others.

I knew that she was 21 and in the last year of her college. She had faced tragedy at a young age, losing her parents in a car accident. Since then she has been under the care of her Chachu, Vikram Raichand, and his family.

Our marriage had been arranged as part of a business deal. It was a transaction orchestrated by my bua, driven by her desire to acquire land near the outskirts of a village for her resort project.

The only way to secure access to that land was through political connections, and Vikram Raichand held sway in that area.

When he proposed the marriage alliance, my bua seized the opportunity to further her ambitions, and thus our marriage.

Still, I wasn't against the idea, I just needed some time to process everything. I wanted the chance to get to know Savi, to understand her hopes and dreams, because ultimately, it would be the two of us together.

There was a nagging uncertainty in my mind, a concern about whether this marriage was something Savi truly desired or if she was too being pushed into it against her will.

But now, none of that matters because everything is unfolding exactly as they orchestrated it.

I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard whispers around me, and all eyes turned toward the door.

I followed their gaze and saw Savi entering the hall in a stunning pink lehenga, accompanied by her cousin's sister, who wore an even more elaborate outfit than the bride, her smile appearing forced and insincere.

I had never been fond of the Raichands. They always seemed to put on a facade of kindness, but I had a gut feeling that their true nature was far from what they projected

As Savi approached the stage, I extended my hand to assist her in climbing up. For a brief moment, our eyes met and I sensed a hollowness in hers that mirrored my own. Her face remained blank and devoid of emotion. However, her sister's nudge prompted a swift change in her expression, transforming it into a forced smile.

Soon, the wedding rituals started and I noticed that Savi remained silent throughout. Whenever I asked her something she responded with a simple nod, keeping her gaze lowered. Her silence created an air of mystery around her.

With every ritual done the wedding was completed. During vidai, the raichands were crying but all those tears seemed so fake with Savi not crying at all

We all arrived home, and everyone welcomed the new bride with warmth and excitement. As we settled in, another round of rituals was set to commence, but I couldn't ignore the exhaustion etched on Savi's face.

"Maa, can't we postpone all of this until tomorrow?" I intervened.

"But beta, this is..." she began, but I interjected firmly.

"We've complied with everything you asked for. This is the least you can do for us. Savi looks tired, and I think we should give her some rest" I insisted, gesturing towards Savi.

"I'm fine" Savi murmured, her voice barely audible.

"No, you're not" I countered.

"Alright, go rest beta" Dadi said, signaling for everyone to retire to their rooms.

As soon as we entered the room, I noticed tears welling up in Savi's eyes.

"Are you okay?" I inquired, concern lacing my voice.

She nodded, but her expression contradicted her response.

"What's wrong?" I pressed gently, sensing her distress.

Her tears finally broke free, rolling down her cheeks in an unstoppable torrent. "I... I am sorry," she managed to choke out between sobs.

I reached out to comfort her, urging her to calm down. "Savi, what's wrong? Why are you apologizing?" But her tears continued as if she had been holding them back for far too long.

"Now you are scaring me. Let me call Maa if you're not comfortable sharing it with me" I suggested, reaching for my phone, but she hastily grabbed my arm, pleading "No, no, no, Agam, please don't call anyone. I'll stop crying, but please don't call anyone else, please."

Reluctantly, I set the phone aside, realizing her distress. "Then stop crying and tell me what's going on," I urged gently.

"Promise me you won't tell anyone," she said, wiping her tears though they continued to trickle down her cheeks.

"I won't, Savi, but just calm down and tell me," I reassured her, guiding her to settle on the bed.

She sat down, her voice trembling as she began, "When... when they fixed the wedding... I told them I-I love someone... someone else," her words interspersed with sobs.

Her revelation wasn't entirely unexpected, yet it hit me with a wave of guilt for not looking into her side of the story deeper, for not trying to understand her situation.

"Don't cry like this. Where's your boyfriend? Give me his number, and we'll do something about this," I suggested, my heart racing with a mix of anger and helplessness.

But her next words shattered me. "I... I told them I had a boyfriend and I was pregnant, so they killed him. They killed my Nick," she confessed, her voice breaking.

The room seemed to spin as her words sank in. My mind struggled to comprehend the brutality of the situation.

"They even showed me the video of brutally murdering him and said... Said that if I tell anything to anyone they... they will kill me and my baby," she continued, her voice choked with fear and remorse.

I felt a surge of rage coursing through me, but it was quickly drowned by a deep sense of despair.

Savi was a broken soul, burdened by unimaginable trauma and forced into a nightmare she couldn't escape.

"I am sorry, Agam. I am sorry. Please forgive me," she pleaded, tears streaming down her face

She is pregnant and was forced into this marriage, as these thoughts settled upon me, I felt torn between conflicting emotions.

Anger boiled within me demanding justice for the injustice inflicted upon her and her unborn child. Yet I was also burdened by a profound sense of helplessness, knowing that any rash action could endanger her safety even further.

With each heartbeat echoing loudly in my ears, the walls of the room seemed to close in around me, suffocating me. I couldn't bear to stay confined within those suffocating walls any longer.

Rushing outside, I felt a desperate need for space, for air to breathe. As I closed the door behind me, and locked eyes with Savi, I saw the agony etched on her face, mirroring my own emotions.

Her tear-filled eyes held a silent plea, a plea for understanding, for compassion, for protection.

At that moment among all the chaos of emotions swirling within me, one thing became crystal clear—I couldn't abandon Savi. Despite the odds stacked against us, I knew I had to stand by her side, shield her from further harm, to fight for her and her child's safety.

As I stepped into the garden, the cool night air embraced me, offering solace. Gazing up at the vast expanse of the sky, a solitary tear escaped my eye, a silent testament to the weight of guilt and regret burdening my soul.

Every twist and turn of fate seemed to point back to my own decisions, and my shortcomings. If only I had stood firm against the pressure of my family's expectations, if only I had fought harder for what was right, perhaps none of this would have come to pass.

If this was the path destiny had decreed for me, then so be it. kehte hai insaan apni kismat se aage nhi bhaag sakta agar yhi meri kismat me likha hai to mujhe koi shikwa nhi

(They say that one cannot outrun their fate; if this was indeed my destiny, then I had no choice but to accept it without complaint)

Returning to the room, I found Savi still seated on the bed, her tears still flowing. With a gentle gesture, I offered her a glass of water, a small gesture of comfort.

"Here" I murmured softly, extending the glass towards her. She hesitated at first, but then accepted it, allowing the cool water to soothe her parched throat.

"I am sorry, Agam. I promise I will leave your house and your life once I complete college," Savi's voice quivered with emotion.

"Where will you go?" I inquired, concern lacing my words.

"I will find a job. I won't let myself and my child be a burden on you. But until then, please don't tell anyone, or else they will kill me," she pleaded, tears once again welling up in her eyes.

"Firstly, stop crying. Secondly, I won't tell anyone about this. Third, stop apologizing. None of this is your fault; it's mine. And fourth, I will protect you and your child, no matter what," I reassured her, determination firm in my tone.

Her tears flowed freely as she listened to my words. "Why are you crying now?" I asked, puzzled by her sudden emotional outburst.

"You are so kind, Agam," she whispered between sobs.

"Savi, please don't cry like this. It's not good," I said gently, offering what comfort I could as I rubbed her back.

"We will go to a doctor tomorrow. Just change and get some rest," I said, rising from the bed.

"Where are you going?" Savi's voice trembled with anxiety.

"I'll be sleeping in one of the guest rooms," I replied, my tone gentle but firm.

"I'll be back before anyone wakes up so no one will get to know about it, and you can sleep here comfortably," I assured her before leaving the room.

I couldn't sleep for more than an hour that night. My mind was consumed with thoughts of how to handle the difficult situations ahead.

With the break of dawn, I entered the room and found her sleeping peacefully, her face relaxed like that of a contented child. She had endured so much at such a young age, but I was determined to ensure her suffering ended here.

After freshening up and dressing, I gently woke her, and she roused with the same quiet grace. Together, we descended the stairs to join the others who awaited us downstairs.

I had already instructed the servants to pack her belongings. When my mother noticed the luggage, confusion flickered across her face.

I explained that we would be relocating to my penthouse, rather than staying with the family. This decision would afford us both more privacy and comfort, allowing her to have her own space.

No one in the family objected to the idea, and we soon made the move. I accompanied her to regular check-ups, ensuring her well-being remained a top priority.

As weeks turned into months, we eventually shared the news of her pregnancy with my family. They were overjoyed, assuming the child was mine, but I chose to keep the truth to myself.

Our days passed in contentment. She attended her college classes, while I focused on my work.

Evenings were spent together, sharing stories from our respective days over dinner. Our bond grew stronger, evolving into a deep friendship.

I made it my mission to provide her with comfort and security, ensuring she felt safe and protected in our new life together.

She devoted herself to her studies, striving for a better future for herself and her child. Despite all the challenges she faced, she remained remarkably calm and sweet, never making any demands

Flashback ends

"But then one day all of it came to an end when she got into that accident," I said more in a whisper

"And that was not an accident" Sarah murmured. Her response sent a shockwave through me.

"How did you...?" I began, my voice barely audible.

"Kay suspected it," she revealed quietly. Her words hit me like a thunderbolt.

"I should have stopped her," I confessed, tears streaming down my cheeks. "I should have insisted she stay, but she was determined to visit her family."

The memories flooded back, raw and painful. The call about her accident, the gut-wrenching realization of foul play orchestrated by the Raichands.

"I confronted them," I continued, my voice trembling with emotion. "The Raichnads but they threatened to take Yug from me, knowing he wasn't my biological child. It was all my fault. I shouldn't have let her go alone. She would still be alive, happy with her baby..."

My words trailed off into sobs, the weight of guilt and regret heavy on my shoulders.

"It's not your fault, Agam," she whispered, her voice trembling with empathy. "You did everything in your power for her. You made sacrifices that few are capable of making."

Her reassurance was like a lifeline in the storm, grounding me in the reality of her trust and love as she pulled me in for a hug

"She knew Yug would be safe with you," Sarah continued her words a soothing balm to my wounded soul. "She trusted you and that trust speaks volumes. Even if you are not biologically related, he is still your son. You've shown nothing but unwavering love and dedication. You're the best dad he could have."

Her words resonated deeply within me, offering a glimmer of peace amidst the turmoil of my emotions. With Sarah's support, I found the strength to carry on, honoring her memory and the friendship we shared

"Never think that this was your fault, Agam," she said, her voice filled with compassion. "You did your best, and I love you for being so strong for Yug, for Savi."

Her unwavering support touched my heart, reminding me that I was not alone in my grief.

"I am sorry for everything, bee," I confessed, my voice choked with emotion. "I never tried to find you because I had accepted my life the way it was, but in all these years, not once did you leave my mind."

As our eyes met, a flood of emotions surged between us, binding us together in shared pain and love.

She leaned forward, left a soft peck on my forehead, and wiped my tears

As she cupped my face in her hands, her gaze locked with mine, and her words resonated in the silence between us. "Even you also never left my mind," she confessed, her voice a tender whisper.

With a surge of longing, I leaned in, reciprocating her unspoken feelings. Our lips met in a kiss that transcended words, filled with love, understanding, and reassurance. It was a kiss of healing, a silent promise of unwavering support and companionship.

This kiss, unlike the one we shared in London, was softer, and more tender. It spoke volumes without uttering a single word, conveying a sense of peace and serenity that enveloped us both.

In that moment, amidst all the chaos we found solace in each other's embrace. It was a moment of sukoon (relief) I longed for in all these years

With a playful grin, I watched as she leaned back, breaking the kiss but not the connection between us. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she teased me, her words dancing on the air like a melody. "Look who's blushing," she said and giggled

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, a rare occurrence for someone who prided himself on composure. But in her presence, I felt like a schoolboy caught in the throes of his first crush, unable to hide the telltale signs of infatuation.

"Yeah, you," I said and she hit my arm lightly. We didn't even realize that the sun was up and we spent the whole night talking about this

"So, are you sure, Mrs. Sharma? Do you still want to be a part of my messed up, imperfect life?" I asked her, a hint of uncertainty lacing my words.

She met my gaze with a soft smile gracing her lips as she corrected me, "It's Mrs. Malhotra" Holding out her hand, she displayed the ring adorning her finger, a symbol of our commitment.

she continued, her voice filled with warmth "Anything that includes you is far from imperfect."

I took her hand in mine and gently placed a soft kiss on her ring finger.

"You need to rest, bee," I said as I rose from my seat, adjusting her blanket and pillows.

"You too, go home" she insisted.

"No, I'll stay here on the couch" I countered.

"No Agam, go home and get some proper rest. I'll be fine" she urged.

With a sigh, I left her room and went outside near my car. Driving home, the quiet streets bathed in early morning light, I felt a strange sense of peace wash over me. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted, leaving me feeling lighter and freer than I had in years.

As I arrived home and entered the hall, I saw Maa coming out from the pooja room.

"Aa gaye beta? Sarah kaisi hai abhi?" she inquired.

(Are you here, beta? How is Sarah now?)

"Theek hai maa. Yug kahan hai?" I asked.

(She is fine. Where is Yug?)

"Time dekha hai? So raha hai apne kamre mein," she replied.

(Have you checked the time? He is sleeping in his room)

I was about to head upstairs when she stopped me and mentioned, "Tumhare room mein usne kuch rakha hai, dekh lena. Kal raat se bol raha tha, dada ko bulao, maine unke liye kuch banaya hai," she said before resuming her tasks.

(He has kept something in your room, take a look. Since yesterday, he has been compelling to call you and show you what he made)

I hurried to my room and found a card placed neatly on the table. Approaching it eagerly, I read the inscription: "Draw your favorite superhero," a project assigned by his play school.

With anticipation, I opened the card and there was a drawing that mirrored the colors of my usual clothes.

In the center, a belt adorned with the letter 'A' caught my eye, a touching gesture from my little superhero.

I looked at the bottom of the page and as I read the sweet note, saying "My dad is my favorite and the best superhero" tears filled my eyes.

Even though we're not related by blood, he's still my son and I'm his dad and nothing can change that.

Feeling overwhelmed I quietly went to his room where he was sound asleep. I climbed on the bed beside him, hugging him close, grateful for the moments we shared as we slept peacefully together.

⋆。‧˚ʚɞ˚‧。⋆

Ambar Pe Mere Ek Hi Tara

Wo Ek Tara Ho Tum

Naa Koi Khuda Mera Tere Siva

Mera Jag Saara Ho Tum

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(P.S this was the first chapter in which we literally cried😭)

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Xoxo Luna<333

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