Shakhi SS Marriage Of Convenience 

Chapter Nine

Shaan walked inside the Sabherwal mansion while humming a song, a smile lingering on his lips. Devi, who was waiting for Shaan, stopped him on his way.

'Shaan!" Shaan stopped on his track "Where were you all this time? I kept calling you from morning!"

"Kyun? Kya hua Bhabhi? Kuch bath hai?" Shaan asked even though he knew what happened and what she would say. (Why? What happened Bhabhi? What's the matter?)

"Tujhe andhaza bhi hai ki aaj kya hua!" Devi roared "Shaurya... mere beta ne ghar chod ke chala gaya" (Do you have any idea what happened! Shaurya... My son has left our house)

"Haan, mujhe patha hai. Is mein badi bath kya hai, Bhabhi?" (Yeah, I know. What's the big deal, bhabhi?)

Shaan acted cool. He didn't want to spill to Devi that Shaurya knows the truth. Shaurya should be the one to confront Devi, not him or Astha.

"Kya? Tujhe patha tha Shaan?" She looked at him with accusing eyes "Is mein badi bath kya hai? Shaurya ne ghar chod ke chala gaya! Tum ithni composed kyun react kar rahe ho! Mein-" (What? You knew Shaan? What's the big deal? Shaurya has left our house. How can you act so composed? I-)

"Shaurya apni biwi ke sath move out kiya hai. Koi bacha nahi hai voh. Professor hai, mature hai, shadhi shudha hai. If he felt he needed space, gaya hoga. Ismein badi bath kya hai? He took Bhai saab's permission and went right. Toh problem hi kya hai Bhabhi?" (Shaurya has moved out with his wife. He's not a kid. He's a professor, matured person and he's married. If he felt he needed space, he went. What's the big deal? He took brother's permission and went right? So what's the problem, bhabhi?)

"Mere Shaurya aesa kabhi nahi kartha! Zaroor us Anokhi ne kuch kaha hoga!" She thought for a second and looked at him "Kahi yeh toh nahi ki Astha ne ku-" (My Shaurya would never do something like this. It must be Anokhi who would have said something. What if it's Astha-)

"Aap bath bath pe mere Astha ko beech mein math laayiyeh" Shaan snapped. (You don't drag Astha's name into every issue)

"Mujhe us ke bare mein bath bhi nahi karni hai! Mujhe bas Shaurya wapas yahan chahiyeh Shaan!" Devi stood her ground "Bath karo usse, wapas aane ke liye kaho" (I don't want to. I just want my Shaurya back Shaan. Talk to him, bring him back)

"Mein? Kya bolun mein usse? Voh kabhi mere bath suna hai? Aap ne uss layak toh mere aur mere bete ke beech nahi chod di Bhabhi ki gvoh mera bath sunega" Shaan tried not to lose his cool "Yahi bath Shaurya ki, usne jo decision liya, soch samaj ke liya hoga. Us mein na mein ya aap kuch keh sakthe hai. So, please usse jo karna hai, karney dijiyeh Bhabhi. Let him do what he wants. I'm very tired. I'm going to my room" (Me? What should I say? Has he ever listened to me? You didn't let such a bond to exist between us both. As for Shaurya, that's his decision. He must have taken it for a sensible reason. No one has a say in it. So please, let him do what he wants Bhabhi. I'm very tired. I'm going to my room)

Before Devi could say anything, Shaan climbed the stairs to his room. Devi was worried. Every night she would wait for Shaurya and only after making sure that he's safely home she goes to sleep. Now he is not even in the Sabherwal mansion. That made her restless.

Devi still couldn't place a finger of why Shaurya left the Sabherwal mansion. On the Karvachaudh night too it felt as if he ignored her. The fear of loosing Shaurya ate her up. Dejected, Devi sat on the couch and let her tears out. This is going to be such a long night.

~ * ~

Anokhi was having her morning tea while preparing breakfast when Shaurya sat up on the couch in the living room, his bed hair pointing that he just woke from his sleep. His tired eyes searched for Anokhi.

"Good morning" She chirped cheerfully, coming in front of him.

"Good morning, Anokhi" His voice was deep. He checked his mobile "It's almost 7:30. Tum ne mujhe utaya kyun nahi?" (You didn't wake me up?)

"I tried waking you up, Sir. But you were in deep sleep. So, I thought to let you sleep a little longer" She said, placing her tea cup on the table "By the way, aap couch mein kyun so rahe the?" (Why were you sleeping in the couch?)

Shaurya came to the apartment around 1 in the night from his long drive. He put the box with letters in his wardrobe and came back to the living room. He was lost in thoughts that he slept in the couch itself.

He didn't want to explain his situation and ruin her morning. That's his baggage to carry. So, he decided to cover it up and get ready for the day.

"I woke up in the middle of night and must have sleep here" Shaurya said, standing up from the couch "Anyway, we're getting late. I'll hit the shower"

"Hareey" Anokhi said watching Shaurya walk away "Inhe kya ho gaya?" (What happened to him?)

She shrugged and hurried with the breakfast. She made Aloo ka paratha and kept everything ready on the dining table. She checked her bag and placed it on the couch.

By the time she was finished with her works, Shaurya came out, looking dapper as ever. He saw Anokhi waiting for him on the breakfast table. He joined her.

"Kya special hai aaj?" Shaurya said while Anokhi opened the dishes, revealing Aloo ke paratha. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. (What's special today?)

"Aloo ke parantha, that's my favorite, Anokhi. I'm impressed" He said, placing the paratha on his plate while she smiled at his compliment "I thought I'll get some plain bread"

"Harey bread kyun? I know how to cook very well. I make the best Aloo ka paratha, Sir" She said, proud of herself "Khake dekhiyeh toh sahi" (Taste it first)

"Accha?" (Oh really?)

He tore a piece of Aloo ke paratha and had it with achaar. She looked at him with anticipation. Shaurya chewed the food while making faces. Anokhi was anxious by now and then Shaurya's face broke into a smile which made her smile.

"Accha hai na, sir?" Anokhi asked with a huge smile. (It's good, right sir?)

"Too good" He said which made her smile wider "Tum bhi khao. (You too eat) We're getting late"

"Haan"

They had their breakfast, talking about the upcoming exams. Anokhi would be completing her final semester with the upcoming end of semester examination which is nearly three months away. (A/N: In my story, they get married when Anokhi was in her 3rd year, fifth semester) There would be tests and internal assessments. So, it would be hectic for them.

Once done with their breakfast, Anokhi stood up to leave.

"Sir, I will leave now"

"Ab tum kaha ja rahi ho?" Shaurya looked at her in question. (Now where are you going?)

"College?" Anokhi took her college bag in her hand.

"Toh mere sath chalo na" (Come with me) Shaurya said, getting up from the chair "We can go together in our car"

Shaurya offered while Anokhi looked at him surprised. To this date, he and she would leave in separate cars from Sabherwal mansion to college. They did this to avoid further talks in the college and there was no shortage of cars in the Sabherwal mansion.

"Lekin Sir... hum kaise..." (But sir... How can we..)

Shaurya noticed her hesitation.

"Anokhi, we are in new area. You don't know the way from here to college. We only have one car with us now. Yehan cab bhi easily nahi miltha. Mujhe tumhare sath jaane mein koyi problem nahi hai, Anokhi if that's what you are worried about. Tum he problem hai kya?" He asked with an eye brow raised. (You won't get cab easily here. I don't have any problem to go with you, Anokhi if that what you are worried about. Do you have any problem?)

"I don't have any problem" She blurted out.

Before she could realize her words, Shaurya nodded at her, took her bag from her hand and moved out of the apartment. She looked around and then followed him after locking the apartment.

The ride to college was pleasant with soft music playing in the car. Anokhi was looking out of the window, memorizing the route while Shaurya hummed to the song. Soon they reached SIAC. Shaurya dropped Anokhi at the front and went to park the car in the parking.

Anokhi rushed to the classroom. She knows its Shaurya's lecture and she can relax a bit in her walk to classroom as she still had few minutes to spare but she wanted to catch up on yesterday's portions. So, she hurried.

When she reached the classroom, everyone was looking at her weirdly save for her friends, Reema and Neha. Bebo and Kitty were throwing death glares towards Anokhi. She looked away, puzzled by their reactions.

Anokhi noticed that Kitty is sitting on her seat that is by Bebo. She noticed that Reema is sitting alone. So, she made her way towards Reema and sat next to her. Bebo and Kitty were sitting right in front of Anokhi's desk.

"Reema sab mujhe aese kyun dekh rahe hain?" (Reema why everyone's looking at me like this?)

"Anokhi, voh kal Shaurya sir nahi aaye aur tum bhi. Yeh log aese hi rahenge. You don't pay attention to them" (Anokhi, that you and Shaurya sir didn't come to college yesterday. These people will be like this. You don't pay attention to them)

"Mujhe attention dena bhi nahi" (I don't want to)

Anokhi shook her head in annoyance. What's up with everyone? She knows the situation she and Shaurya is in is not common and ideal. But that doesn't give others any rights to dissect her personal life. It's not her fault that she's married while studying and that too to her professor. Situations! Anokhi was pulled out of her trance by Bebo's voice.

"Yeh tune sahi nahi kiya Anokhi" Bebo turned behind and spat at Anokhi. (You didn't do good, Anokhi!)

"Kya?" Anokhi was puzzled with Bebo's words.

"Ha-"

Before Bebo could complete her sentence, Shaurya walked inside the classroom. Everyone stood up and greeted him. He greeted back. He was about to start his lecture after commenting on his assignment when one of the students interrupted him.

"Sir, you said you'll overlook our project development yesterday. But you didn't even come" One of the students said.

"Anokhi bhi nahi aayi" Few girls were saying this and giggling which caught both Shaurya and Anokhi's ears. Shaurya chose to ignore the comment while Anokhi glared at those girls. (Anokhi didn't come too)

'It was none of their business' She thought irritated, trying to keep her calm.

"I had some errands to complete" Shaurya kept it short.

He looked at Anokhi once and then started with his lecture. Once done with the lecture, he left the classroom after greeting everyone, not before stealing a glance at Anokhi who was immersed with her notes.

Anokhi was scanning images of Reema's notes. So, Reema and Neha waited for Anokhi to complete. Everyone else left. As the trio walked out of the classroom, Anokhi was attacked by Bebo and Kitty who dragged Anokhi by her arm. Reema and Neha followed behind them.

"Yeh kya bathameezi hai? Chod do mujhe" Anokhi wriggled her arm out of Bebo's grip. (What's this behaviour? Let me go)

"Humhe tumse bath karni hai Anokhi!" (We want to talk to you Anokhi)

"Yeh kya thareeka hai bath karne ke liye!' Anokhi looked at them, irritated by their actions "Kya bath karni hai?" (Is this a way to talk? What do you want to talk about?)

"Tum ne sahi nahi kiya hum sab ke sath Anokhi!" Kitty spat while Anokhi looked puzzled by her words. (You didn't do right with us Anokhi!)

"Mein ne?" (Me?)

"Haan! Tum ne Shaurya bhaiya ko humse alag kar diya! Tum aese kaise kar sakthi ho, Anokhi!" Kitty joined her. (Yeah. You have separated Shaurya bhaiya from us. How can you do this Anokhi?)

Now Anokhi understood what they were getting it. She took a deep breath and looked at them.

"Dekho tum dhono. Jo kuch bhi hua, voh Shaurya sir ke decision tha. Meri nahi" (See, whatever happened, it was Shaurya sir's decision, not mine)

"Shaurya bhaiya ka?" Bebo looked at her with accused glare "Why would all a sudden Shaurya bhaiya would want to move out of Sabherwal mansion with you?"

"Shaurya sir moved out of Sabherwal mansion?" This was news to Reema and Neha.

"And no one's happy with him moving out! We know that yeh sab tum ne hi kiya hai. Tum ne hi unhe force kiya hoga!" Kitty continued with her accuses. (We know that you did all this. You would have forced him to do so)

"Dekho tum log. I have already told you that yeh Shaurya sir ke decision hai. So, please don't bother talking about this with me"

Anokhi tried to go away but Bebo pulled Anokhi.

"We are not done yet, Anokhi!"

"But I'm" Anokhi wriggled her hand out of Bebo's grip and glared at the Sabherwal sisters.

"Tum-"

"Kya ho raha hai yehan pe?" Shaan said, witnessing Bebo's act with Anokhi. (What's happening here?)

"Kuch nahi Tauji. Hum bas Anokhi ko bye keh rahe the" Bebo said and dragged Kitty with her and walked away. Reema and Neha excused themselves while Anokhi walked towards Shaan. (Nothing, uncle. We were just saying bye to Anokhi)

"Papaji"

"Un dhono kya kar rahe the tere sath, Anokhi?" Shaan asked concerned. (What were they doing with you Anokhi?)

"Chod diye na, I missed you" Anokhi side hugged Shaan with a brightest smile. (Leave that, I missed you)

"Anokhi" Her contagious smile brought a smile on his face too "I missed you too. Thank you so much beta"

"Thank you?" Anokhi broke the hug and looked at him "Kis bath pe, Papa ji?" (For what, dad?)

"Jo kuch tum ne kiya us ke liye, Astha and I are forever indebted to you" (Whatever you did for Astha and me, for that we are forever indebted to you)

"Hareey aap aese bath kyun kar rahe ho?" (Why are you talking like this?)

The father-in-law and daughter-in-law duo started talking about the past events by sitting on the stone bench by garden side. Shaan asked Anokhi to fill everything in detail and she did.

After a heartfelt conversation Anokhi left to her next class while Shaan went to check up on Shaurya. He saw that Shaurya behaved with him normally. He figured that Anokhi hasn't revealed to Shaurya that he and Astha knows about the whole thing so he decided to continue with that. He just hoped everything sort out soon and all four could live under one roof soon.

~ * ~

After finishing her dinner, Anokhi sat down to study. Shaurya has informed her before that he's going out with his friends and won't be home for dinner. He asked Malkan to drop her home. She came home around 6 and rested for a while. She winded up her work, had dinner and settled down to study on the bed.

Anokhi has already started with her final year project. After working on her project, she started writing her missed notes. She studied till 10 and didn't know when she fell asleep.

When Shaurya came home, he saw Anokhi curled up on the bed while her books scattered on the bed. A smile escaped his lips on seeing her sleeping. He was careful to not make any sound.

Shaurya came out after a shower. He gathered her stuffs from the bed and kept it on the study table. When he was carrying her economics book, something caught his eye.

Shaurya was amused to find a small bitter guard sketch in coat suit with a nerd glass like him in Anokhi's textbook. He was even more amused to find that she has crossed the picture and drew a sketch of a handsome guy in coat suit with nerd glass like him near the bitter guard one. The word 'Karela Sabherwal' was written in bold letters below the bitter guard sketch while a small heart emoji was drawn under the handsome guy sketch.

Shaurya looked at Anokhi and back at the sketch, smiling at her art work. He took out his mobile and took a pic of the sketches.

"Khud toh jaise rasgulla" He said sarcastically while looking at sleeping Anokhi. (As if she's rasgulla)

He quickly winds up his works and slipped next to Anokhi. He had to face his uncles and father at the college. Surprisingly Tej and Alok behaved normally with Shaurya which was a relief to him.

Shaurya was surprised of Shaan's reaction. He was extremely cool with Shaurya's decision of moving out from the Sabherwal mansion. Thinking that Anokhi must have told his dad, he was thankful that the day went without any issues.

Shaurya looked at Anokhi. He covered the duvet over her and pulled his duvet over him. He had to complete his pending works of the before day. So, it was a busy day at college. The day's exhaustion caught up with Shaurya and he finally gave into sleep after two painful nights.

~ * ~

Hey guys, hope you all are doing good. I hope you enjoyed reading the chapter. Do let me know what you think of the chapter. Do watch SAAKK on Star Plus at 7 pm. Let's do our bit in saving the show.

Stay home. Stay safe.

Thank you.

Nan ~