Chapter 23: Chapter 23

*Shrishti Pov*

“You seem to be really busy these days. Are there any problems with work?” I asked when he finally picked the call after I tried to call him two times.

We weren’t able to meet last week as he had some conference to attend to meet investors and so it’s been nearly a month since we meet each other.

“Kind of! What happened?” he asked clearing his throat.

He must be still trying to overcome the problems at work. I thought it will be fine when his Dad stops threatening him with the investment.

He told me that they need to get more investments but it could be a problem. Should I invest some in his company that could reduce the burden?

“Shrishti?” I came back from these thoughts hearing his voice.

“By when will you reach tomorrow?” I leaned back enquiring about it so that I can adjust my work tomorrow to meet him up early.

“Tomorrow?” he asked and I heard a few voices in the background talking about some trip.

“Is something wrong?” I asked frowning and he didn’t say anything for a few seconds.

“Shrishti! I forgot about this weekend and my friends already planned a trip.” He mumbled and I sighed closing my eyes.

“Then it’s fine, Nitish. I got worried thinking the work is too heavy right now for you to take some break. Have fun! Let’s meet next weekend.” I said feeling relieved.

“You don’t mind? Or I could talk to them.” I immediately stopped him saying, “Your friend just returned from the states right? Just spend some time with your friends which will get you to relax.”

“Okay! Let’s talk later.” I added cutting the call when my assistant knocked on the cabin door.

She placed the files of the clients we met recently before asking, “Are you fine, Maam?”

“It’s just a cold. Don’t worry about it but thank you for the cough tablets.” I replied smiling but she shook my head.

“Your voice is getting worse, Maam. It is better to take a rest for two days. Anyways, tomorrow is Friday and you will have two days to rest and it is better to rest tomorrow also.” I stared at her for a second.

“Is my voice really hoarse?” I asked and she nodded while I frowned for a second.

“Thank you! I will take some rest if I need to.” She nodded before leaving the cabin while I stared at the phone in silence.

Why wasn’t he able to tell from my voice that I got cold? In the past, he used to even get the hint of any problem with my mood. I guess he is really that busy with work and it is better to not disturb him.

I leaned back again closing my eyes feeling tired and wish to just go somewhere and sleep with someone bringing me food and everything.

But I don’t want to stay at the hotel for sure and I really want to stay at home. Well, I have a home, don’t I?

After passing the work to my assistant I packed my things and also bought the things I would need if I fall sick and immediately started for Villa.

I greeted the present helpers and they realized I couldn’t talk properly which caused the beginning of their actions to give me so many things to soothe my throat.

I just tried a few things before reaching our room and laid down to take some rest while asking them to leave in the evening like every day and need not worry about me.

Yes! This is really a home to me and somehow it feels better to be here than at the hotel. I wish this was a bit closer to the city so that I can just live here.

****

“Hmm…” I frowned feeling warmth pressing to my back and turned to find him staring at me.

“What… what are you doing here?” I asked clearing my throat but the words were not sounding like a proper one.

“After you cut the call, I realized you were not sounding good. I hesitated thinking I was overthinking it but couldn’t stop myself and finally called you after some time but you didn’t pick it up and then called your company. Your assistant informed me about your cold. Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked pressing his hand over my forehead.

“It was just cold and how can I disturb you with such a small thing.” I replied while feeling guilty that I was a bit sad that he didn’t suspect the change in my voice.

“And now you have a fever. I will get a washcloth. You had something?” he asked leaving the bed while I just stared at him.

“What about your trip?” I asked sitting up remembering our earlier conversation.

“I postponed it and asked them to go by themselves.” He replied shrugging and I felt more guilt but also can’t stop myself from feeling happy.

I am selfish I guess but I shrugged it off and finally enjoyed his care without stopping him at all.

Under his care for the next three days, I got better. I actually got better after two days itself but he made sure I rest more.

Tomorrow we both need to return to our work and I wish we can stay a bit longer with each other. After thinking for a bit I finally expressed my worry regarding his work.

“Did your work increased? Do you want any help?” I asked staring at him while he got ready to bed.

“What help?” he asked not taking my words seriously.

“Er… financial help! I can invest some and don’t take it in a wrong way.” I replied while waiting for his reaction.

What if he gets hurt or his mood goes bad after hearing my words? However, he turned around with a smile before getting on the bed.

“How much?” he asked pulling me into his arms.

“You are fine with it?” I got surprised hearing his words.

“You are worried about me and that’s why suggested it. Why wouldn’t I be fine with it? However, I was not busy these days mainly because of work. I don’t know why but my friends suddenly rebelled and without working properly, they are hell-bent on having get-togethers every other day. I am tired from those and also the friend who returned is also coming to the company and you can understand the work progress with all this.” He explained calmly and I nodded understanding the reason behind his busy schedule.

“But who is this friend of yours that is making my fiancé go through this hard work. Do I know that person?” I asked caressing my fingers over his chest in a consoling manner.

“Is this how you want to console me?” he asked back ignoring my question with a smirk covering his face.

“Any problem?” I whispered leaning over to kiss and he pulled me closer without letting me move away after a small kiss and deepened it.

****

That weekend passed too fast and we went back to our routine where he is still busy with work.

He tried to talk to me in between but because of work and also his friends the time we spent talking reduced too much.

He apologized but I scolded him to not say such things as I know he is not doing this wantedly. Anyway, I will return to the city within a few months and by that time even he will finish his work and this friend could even return to the states or maybe the touring will reduce over time.

However, when we couldn’t meet for a whole month again, I decided to meet him this time so that it will be a surprise.

After reaching my home, I got freshened up while messaging him, ‘What are you doing?’

‘I am just at home.’ He replied and I smiled before checking his previous messages where he sent his home address.

After finding it, I called for a cab and tried to chat normally without letting out any clues so that the surprise will not get spoiled.

As the watchman already met me when I came here during the engagement shopping time a few times, he let me in.

I found the helper who opened the door for me and asked her where is Nitish and she gestured the garden in the back.

Thanking her I slowly reached the garden and found him standing near the backdoor while typing on the phone which is for me as we didn’t stop chatting.

“Surprise!” I shouted reaching his side and he really got startled and nearly dropped his phone.

“Shrishti?” he asked smiling and I smirked at him to show even I can surprise him and not just receive it.

“What are you doing here?” he asked hugging me.

“I just missed you.” I whispered hugging him back tightly.

However, we both separated hearing someone clearing their throat and turned to find his Mom there in the garden who is frowning at us.

“Sorry!” I mumbled clearing my throat feeling awkward.

“You are getting late, Nitish. Don’t you have plans today?” She asked him while I stilled.

“I didn’t know that you had plans.” I whispered looking at him.

“Don’t worry! I will just inform them that I will not go with them today. You sit down while I ask someone to bring snacks and tea for you.” He shrugged off my words smiling before gesturing to the chair near his Mom.

I smiled at him but hesitatingly reached the chair to sit down while saying, “Good Evening, Aunty! How are you?”

“Do you know that this is the second time he canceled his plans because of you? Last time he left everything behind to travel and see you because of your nagging and now again you interrupted his plans. Don’t you have some discipline where you need to see whether the other party is busy or has something to do before ordering your wishes? Is this how a businesswoman should behave towards schedules?” from beginning to the end of her words I couldn’t utter a single word.

I can’t say I was shocked but more than that. It was freezing as if I don’t even know how to talk anymore.

What is she saying? When did I do all those things? Discipline? I am confused, shocked and so many things were happening at the same time.

By the time I finally gathered my thoughts to let her know that she was thinking in the wrong way, she already stood up and walked back into the house.

“Where is Mom?” I finally snapped hearing his voice and I glanced at him with a blank stare.

“What happened? I took more time to return thinking you both will chat a bit and get closer but she already left?” he mumbled sitting beside me.

“Nitish! Why does Aunty think that you canceled your plans last time because of my nagging? And why did she scold me for making you cancel your plan twice?” I asked frowning and he gave a confused look.

“She said that? But I didn’t tell her that you nagged as you didn’t even ask me to. Maybe she thought like that. Don’t worry! I will talk to her and clear it. And regarding plans, it is because of my Dad. He always cancels his plans and so she is particular about following the plans we make. Don’t take it to heart as it is not directed towards you.” He smiled caressing my cheek to assure me.

However, I am not at all assured. Why is his Dad behind all of her actions towards me? Before I thought after we spend some time, she will get to know me and it will be fine but today it feels not at all possible.

Her words don’t seem like attacking someone else instead of me but actually feels like she just doesn’t like me and doesn’t even want to like me.

“Don’t think too much about it. With some time, you both will get closer.” He continued while I didn’t say anything still not coming out of the shock.

“Where shall we go? Want to go to my room and see whether you like it or want to change anything?” he asked smiling and smiled ignoring the previous issue before nodding.

After that, I spent the evening with him and we even went out but still, I couldn’t enjoy it completely and continued to think about Aunty’s words and attitude from the beginning.

“Let’s meet tomorrow? There is a new movie and I wanted to watch it.” Nitish commented when we reached my home.

“You don’t have any plans for tomorrow?” I asked looking outside.

“Still thinking about Mom’s words? Don’t think too much and just remember that it is not because of you.” He mumbled stopping the car.

“Shrishti!” he called my name when I didn’t say anything and turned my face to make me stare at him.

“Just give her some time for my sake.” I nodded hearing his words.

“So movie for tomorrow?” he asked taking out his phone.

“Book it for the afternoon as I need to visit some people.” I replied and he nodded following my words.

“This was really a surprise for me. I felt guilty for not coming to meet you this month but you cleared all of it with your visit. Thank you!” he whispered hugging me and I hugged him back.

At least the reason I came is satisfied and that just made me clear my doubts whether I did the right thing by coming here this weekend.

I didn’t come here to make his Mom accept me but because of him. So, I need not feel bad that I planned this surprise.

I hugged him back nodding and walked into my house after sending him off. Even though I let go of the doubts regarding the surprise, I couldn’t stop thinking about Aunty’s words.

I want to at least get a clear idea of what to do next. I frowned but cleared my thoughts when I found Dad waiting for me.

“From when were you waiting, Dad?” I asked reaching his side.

“Just some time ago! I didn’t know you were coming today otherwise I would have returned early.” I smiled shaking my head and pointed out that I came back late and even if had returned early, he would have to wait.

“You were with Nitish? You are happy, right? You can talk to me if you want to discuss something.” He mumbled while I nodded smiling.

“Don’t think that just because this is related to business, you have some pressure over you. You are important than the business.” I smiled nodding.

“I like him, Dad. He cares for me and even takes care of me.” I assured him and he sighed in relief before talking about what is happening at GH.

I sat there with him for the next hour talking with him and letting go of everything else. So what she doesn’t like me now? Anything can happen in the future.

Even Leela Aunty (Prathap’s Mom) didn’t like Anny previously but now she likes her. Wait! I can talk to Aunty and understand her mindset at that time when she didn’t like Anny and get some information, right?

Why didn’t I think of that earlier? I felt recharged after thinking about it and even had a good sleep.

*Nitish Pov*

“Mom! Can I talk to you?” I asked when I reached home after dropping Shrishti and found her sitting in the living room.

“What is it?” she asked smiling.

“I just want to tell you that Shrishti never pressured me to visit her and she didn’t even know last time. And when I left I took care of my work before leaving. All I couldn’t make it up is spend the time with my friends and that’s all.” I explained and her smile dropped.

“She already complained about me?” she shook her head.

“No Mom! She was confused as she didn’t understand why you said that.” I explained and she didn’t say anything hearing those words.

“She came today as I was feeling guilty for not visiting her this month. It was my mistake too as I am still accommodating to my friends requests to spend time with them and didn’t planned properly where I could have gone to meet her.” I added.

“Lisa just returned and her parents are not here right now. It is our responsibility to take care of her. Why are you letting her stay at the hotel? I told you to invite her to stay at our place. When I invited her, she turned it down saying Shrishti may feel uncomfortable.” She mumbled I frowned as I didn’t know Mom already talked to Lisa about it and was just talking to me all this time regarding that.

“She is right, Mom! And I know she is alone here and that’s why I am accepting her requests to take her to places along with other friends.” I pointed it out.

She sighed rubbing her forehead and glanced at the clock mumbling, “Why is your Dad late even on weekends? Will he return in a drunken state?”

I couldn’t help but feel bad for her even after all these years as she has to bear my Dad. I wish he was a better husband to her and she could have lived her life happily and that is what makes me understand her actions as she thinks I am forcing myself to be with Shrishti and thinking I am lying to her that I like Shrishti.

“Why don’t you go and sleep, Mom? I will wait for him.” I smiled and she smiled but shook her head.

“You must be tired. Go and take rest.” She waved me off and switched on the television.

After reaching my room I found missed calls from Rohan and called him up after freshening up asking, “What is it?”

“What is it?! Why are you canceling ur plans like this, Nitish? Lisa rejected to come anywhere without you and now all of us had to stay back home even after planning the whole weekend.” He complained.

I rubbed my forehead just like my Mom saying, “My fiancé is here and I want to spend time with her. And we are not in college to go out every weekend. I see you are not even doing your work completely from the moment Lisa came back. I am not saying anything but why are you still nagging me?”

“Your fiancé sure knows how to disrupt the plans.” He mumbled and I immediately shouted at him not liking his tone.

“Don’t forget that she is my fiancé and she has every right to ask me to spend time with her. I am not ignoring you guys and it’s not like I am spending 24/7 with her. She just came for the weekend and needs to go back within two days. How can I leave her alone?” I shouted feeling frustrated with everyone.

Damn it! I want to spend 24/7 with her but still, I am stopping myself, right? I want to spend time with my friends too like in the past but now I am not that keen. I am already missing the time to spend with her because of these guys but still, he is complaining for just one weekend.

“Fine! I shouldn’t have said that. Why don’t you invite her too? We all can go together, right?” he pointed it out.

I stilled because that thought came to my mind but somehow I am not comfortable with Lisa meeting her.

Lisa doesn’t know what to say and what not to say most of the time and if she talks about past things then… I shook my head. It is better if they don’t meet at least until Lisa settles a bit with her excitement and calms down to not always talk about the past.

Every time we meet she is talking about the past continuously and I can understand that she was thinking about the memories but Shrishti will feel uncomfortable hearing those things just like how I wouldn’t want to hear Shrishti talking about her one-sided love with Vikranth right now.

In the past, it’s fine as we were just friends but now I will not bear to listen to them. When I know I can’t bear it then how can I let her bear it?

“No! I will be with her this weekend and let’s meet on Monday.” Saying that I cut the call before falling on the bed tired with so many thoughts in my mind.

How good it would be if Mom just accepts Shrishti and we both get married soon and everything just gets set in place. I sighed closing my eyes and drifted off into sleep still thinking about those wishes.

*Rohan Pov*

“Why does it feel like he doesn’t want me to meet his fiancé?” Lisa commented frowning when I cut the call.

“Even you felt that?” I asked and she nodded.

“I can’t believe that Shrishti is this demanding of his time. He was excited to go on this trip as we went there after our graduation and it was his favorite place but now he canceled it.” She mumbled shaking her head.

“You are right! Even last time she demanded him to leave everything and come and even called him so many times.” I sighed leaning back.

“At least we expressed to Aunty what is going on. She will be clear on Shrishti and will help Nitish.” I added and she nodded smiling.

“Anyway, we can’t do anything right now but I think it will be better to meet this Shrishti soon. Maybe she will be understanding and will back off on her own.” She shrugged.

“I don’t know! This is an arranged one based on business. I don’t know whether Nitish and Shrishti’s wishes will be allowed.” I pointed out.

“We just need to try. Let’s plan the same trip for next weekend and continue to make him reminisce about the past he spent with me and he will also be strong to go against this arranged marriage.” Lisa commented and I nodded before messaging the group that the trip is postponed to next weekend.