ONCE IN A LIFETIME

13. SORTING THE HEART

"Why did you say that, Akki? You know how it felt when I heard those words from you. It chocked me. I loved you, Akki and still do. I would have understood if you asked me not to question you about anything. I would have happily quit the job for you. But, you told an outsider that you don't trust your wife, your love. What should have I made of it? That hurt me more than anything", she sobbed hard which felt like failure to him. Why cant he keep people happy?

"Your life was in danger, Ishu and if I didn't make the person who was tapping my conversation believe that you mean nothing to me, he would have harmed you. If the choice comes to choosing your life or me, I would choose you in the blink of an eye"

His honest confession stunned her. She always expected that something was wrong with Akki on that day, but her thoughts didn't go that far. She signed him to continue.

"My company started ascending the charts in India's best business list. I was earning high profits than earlier and with that came destruction. One of my business rivals reached you. He planted a guy in your office to keep an eye on you", he hid the entire truth and told her the only the gist.

He wanted to defame you professionally and personally so that I lose my backbone. The guy I beat up in your office, Ankit, was that one. After he was out of your office, I received a message from Fahad that the house is bugged and calls were being tapped. Hence, I had to act. I never thought of asking you to quit the company, but it seemed right at that moment.

I had faith that you would understand my concerns, but when you didn't come back to speak to me, I got depressed. I couldn't think straight and so, I didn't try to find out whats wrong with you. I was more concerned about protecting you. Moreover, you were safe if you stayed away from me.

I didn't mean a word of all that you heard, Ishu", he completed his side of the story and she banged into his chest with so much force that he stumbled back before holding her.
Slowly those words left her mouth which he wanted to hear since an year

"I'm sorry for not being your back bone. I missed you terribly and I love you too much"

*********************************

Ash stood at the door of the ICU, looking at AD from the glass on it. "He would be fine, Ash. He is a fighter and you know that better than all of us, isn't it?", he heard Meera's gentle voice. He turned around and hid himself in her embrace. He cried silently while Meera let him do so.

"Do you think my insecurity brought him here?", he asked still sobbing. She nodded her head horizontally and said "He's not here because of you, Ash. But, yeah, insecurity is a very bad emotion. Tell me why are you even insecure? I know your childhood was not so good. It's fine to admit it to yourself but don't let that put you down.

Ashwadh, every living person has problems and fears. It is not wrong or not considered weak to have those demons. You know what is wrong? To let them take control of you and your decisions.

Yes, people rejected you. Yes, they pushed you out from their lives. It doesn't mean you are at fault. They also might be. Just because 'you' are common doesn't mean 'you' are responsible. You are amazing as you are. We all love that innocent, shy Ash who was lost five years ago.

Even after five years, Ace 5 didn't give up on you. They held you close and treated you just like you had. You are an important part of their life, Ash. Don't ruin their efforts and love with petty insecurities, because the way they held on to you and dealt with you, nobody can.

People don't give a damn to nurture relationships these days, be it any. Just one fault, they find it easy to get rid of the relation. Mending is not on their list, though the blame is put on fast and busy lives. But you guys stayed away from each other for years and still you find it necessary to have each other back, even at the cost of your most prized possession. That's what makes you all different.

Ace 5 had and will always be there for you. You are not an option but an inseparable piece of Ace 5. Five of you can win the world, if you stand together. Rise above your fears. That's what AD wanted... Always", Meera kissed his forehead as he looked at her in awe.

"Don't ever go away from me, Meera. I get suffocated with my own self without you", his words were intense.

Meera smiled and nodded at him.

"I don't fear anything anymore, Meeru. The worst that could ever happen with me is done. AD there, on that bed, he said pointing at AD's room, is the biggest failure of my life which I would turn into success. He has to come back for us... And I'm sure he will. I believe him over everything", Ashwadh's voice was confident. He truly meant what he spoke.

Meera rested her head on his shoulder and he pulled her closer. He observed Meera's drooping eyes and patted her head.

" If I can see AD like this and survive, getting the truth of a national company into limelight isn't even a tough task. These people who I always thought would someday leave me gave enough tests to prove me wrong. It's my turn now, to show some people their right place before I get back to my family here", Ash thought.

He kissed a sleeping Meera's hair and whispered "I love you"

Time to kick some a**

Phew! I'm done!

This chapter was supposed to be longer, but I felt like I was ranting too much, so I edited it. Still it went on to be longer than I thought.

Hope you liked it.

So Akki-Isha patched up.

Ashwadh became a stronger person.

AD's presence has magic, isn't it?

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Till then,
Au revóir!