Author's POV
As Nandini and Tripti gracefully departed from the scene, Shivaay found himself amidst a growing tempest. Unyielding to Nandini's audacious threats, Akriti redirected her attention towards Shivaay.
"You need to control your family, Shivaay. I won't tolerate such behavior," Akriti asserted, her tone blending frustration with entitlement.
Attempting to keep his composure, Shivaay replied, "Akriti, this isn't the time or place for such discussions. Let's handle this calmly. And who gave you the right to question her about her family matters? Stay away from Nandini and Annahita, or else it won't be good for you."
Akriti, dismissive of his advice, continued, "I can't believe Nandini is so insolent. We need to sort this out now. She slapped me for a girl who has no background and is an orphan. How dare she?"
"How dare she? No, how dare you? How dare you say anything about my family and, most importantly, about Nandini? She is only talking about destroying your political career, but I'll genuinely destroy your whole life," Shivaay retorted angrily to Akriti.
Seeing the situation escalate, Mrs. Randhawa intervened, saying, "Beta, she is just worried about you. No need to get so angry. I'll teach her," and she promptly dragged Akriti away.
Shivaay, seeking a quieter corner of the party venue, pulled out his phone and dialed Nandini.
"Nandini, what was that back there? You can't just make bold statements like that," Shivaay expressed his concern.
Nandini, on the other end, chuckled and replied, "Shivaay, no, I mean Mr. Thakur. Are you angry with me for slapping your beloved, or are you upset about me destroying her career?"
"Bachhi, stop this nonsense. Her career is important for me too. She is crucial for me to achieve the position of Chief Minister," said Shivaay sternly.
This time, Nandini couldn't control her laughter and said, "Mujhe fark nahi padta ki vo aapke liye zaruri hai ya nahi. Aapko dikhta nahi mujhe takleef hoti hai? Aapko dikhta nahi ki aapko kisi or ke saath dekh ke mera marne ka dil karta hai? Please, jaan please, rok dijiye ye sab"
("I don't care if she is important for you or not. Can't you see it hurts me? Can't you see watching you with someone else makes me want to die? Please, jaan, please stop this.") Tears welled up in Nandini's eyes this time.
Shivaay didn't say anything for a few minutes but then composed himself and said, "Nandini, bachhi, please stop. You shouldn't do this to yourself. You're precious to me, but I don't see you as a lover."
"Okay, then I'll stop. But what I said about her resignation is going to happen no matter what. She has to resign from her position. I agreed with your demand of bringing Anna to the mansion despite everyone's disapproval. So now you should not interfere in my matters," said Nandini and cut the call.
Shivaay took a deep breath, and a look of gloom lingered in his eyes. He snapped out of his thoughts when Rustam called him to inform about Tripti and Nandini's departure with Kaali.
"Baba shouldn't get wind of today's drama that unfolded here. Set up a meeting with Mr. Randhawa tomorrow morning," said Shivaay to Rustam.
"Wait, where is Baba? I haven't seen him at the party," said Shivaay.
"He is not here. He went to visit someone after he got a call," explained Rustam.
"Okay. I'm going home. Come back tomorrow and make sure Nandini's decision doesn't impact her in any way," said Shivaay as he walked away from there.
"What happened to him?" Akshita asked, coming and standing beside Rustam.
Rustam sighed and hugged her. "He has gone mad. He is ruining himself and Nandini just for someone else's revenge," explained Rustam.
"You shouldn't interfere in his matters. He doesn't like it," advised Akshita.
"Now, let's go; I'm hungry," said Akshita. Rustam chuckled and pulled her towards the dining area.
In the morning
Annahita paced around her room, anxiously awaiting her results.
"Durga Maa, let me pass with good numbers just this time. I announced to Adhiraj that I'm confident I'll pass, but if I don't, I'll be so embarrassed. Please, Maa, let me pass with good grades," muttered Annahita while joining her hands in prayer.
As the notification pinged, her heartbeat increased. Annahita was about to click the enter button to check her results when she stopped, closed her eyes, and, with her finger hovering over the enter key, said, "Durga Maa, at least you should listen to me and let me pass, or I'll cry." She then clicked the enter button.
Peeking at her results with one eye, she shot open the other when she saw the outcome. "Ahhh. Thank you, thank you Maa, thank you. I have passed," exclaimed Annahita, doing a small dance in excitement.
"Let me make something sweet for everyone," she said and went downstairs to the kitchen. Annahita started making gajar ka halwa for everyone with the help of a maid named Sukanya. "Sukanya, just grate the carrots for me. I'll make the halwa myself along with other things," instructed Annahita.
Sukanya nodded and started doing her work. While Annahita was making parathe, a sudden idea popped into her mind. "Nandu, you shouldn't have done a prank on me. Now just wait," she muttered and chuckled at her idea.
After some time, she finished preparing everything and set the table with the help of Sukanya. As Sukanya was going towards her quarter after finishing her work, Annahita stopped her, placed a bowl filled with gajar ka halwa in it, and said smilingly, "I passed in my exams. You should also have it." Sukanya smiled back, muttered a small thank you, and went away.
As everyone came and settled in their seats, Tripti saw all the dishes prepared and asked, "Is today something special?"
Annahita replied excitedly, "Yes, Maa. I got my results today, and I passed with good grades." Tripti got up and hugged her lightly. "Congratulations, bachhe," she said and went back to her seat. Digvijay also patted Annahita's head and congratulated her.
Adhiraj arrived and observed Annahita receiving congratulations. He asked, "Why are you congratulating her?" Then turning towards Annahita, he questioned, "Are your results out?"
"Yes, I passed," said Annahita with excitement. Adhiraj smiled at her, patted her cheeks, and said, "Congratulations, Anu. I love you" He then settled in his seat.
Annahita was dumbfounded at his actions in front of his parents and cursed him for his shamelessness.
Annahita was eagerly waiting for Nandini's arrival, tapping her foot anxiously. Tripti questioned, "What happened, Anna? Who are you waiting for? Let's eat."
"Maa, I'm waiting for Nandu. I'll have my breakfast with her," replied Annahita. As she continued tapping her foot, Nandini entered through the main door.
Annahita stood up, beaming with a smile. Nandini was dumbfounded by her actions and halted in her tracks. Annahita approached her with a bowl filled with gajar ka halwa, singing, "Meri pyari Nandu, meri sundar Nandu, meri bholi—nahi, nahi, bholi nahi, meri danger Nandu. Dekh, main tere liye aaj kya bana ke layi, meri Nandu darling."
(My dear Nandu,My beautiful Nandu,My innocent — No, no, not innocent,My dangerous Nandu.Look, today I've made something special for you,My Nandu darling)
Nandini nervously laughed at the playful song and said, "Anna, I don't know why you're angry with me, but I'm your only friend. You can't murder me."
Annahita chuckled at Nandini's response and playfully raised the spoon towards her. "What are you talking about, Nandu? Look, I made your favorite gajar ka halwa. Here, eat it!" She then shoved the spoon into Nandini's mouth.
Nandini gulped down the halwa, smiling at Annahita, but suddenly rushed towards the dining table and drank a full glass of water. "Oh, God, mirchi. Who puts this much chili in sweets?" she exclaimed with an almost crying face.
Annahita handed her a glass of cold milk, which Nandini gulped down in one go and returned to her seat. Nandini turned towards Annahita, saying, "Anna darling, sorry. I'll not prank you ever. You're dangerous, my girl."
Annahita glared at her but handed her a fresh bowl of gajar ka halwa. "Eat it. I made it for everyone. I passed in my exams."
Nandini squealed at her response, hugging Annahita, who reciprocated. Adhiraj cleared his throat and said, "If you guys are done, then let's eat."
Annahita sat upright, enjoying her breakfast, when suddenly Nandini announced, "I have something to share. I want to get engaged before the end of this month, so I've invited someone this evening."
So how's today's update?
Please comment and vote for the chapter.
I'm really requesting you guys.
And thank you for your response on the previous chapters.
Like Vote and Follow