MY FOREVER WITH YOU

By QuirkyNikitha

353K 17.1K 1.1K

"Meera"- A decent girl, in final year of her graduation is trying hard to cope up with her insecurities, stu... More

Author's Note
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER-1
CHAPTER-2
CHAPTER-3
CHAPTER-4
CHAPTER-5
CHAPTER-6
CHAPTER-7
CHAPTER-8
CHAPTER-9
CHAPTER-10
CHAPTER-11
CHAPTER-12
CHAPTER-13
CHAPTER-15
CHAPTER-16
CHAPTER-17
CHAPTER-18
CHAPTER-19
CHAPTER-20
CHAPTER-21
CHAPTER-22
CHAPTER-23
CHAPTER-24
CHAPTER-25
CHAPTER-26
CHAPTER-27
CHAPTER-28
CHAPTER-29
CHAPTER-30
CHAPTER-31
CHAPTER-32
CHAPTER-33
CHAPTER-34
Author's Note

CHAPTER-14

8.2K 466 14
By QuirkyNikitha


"You cannot control the behavior of others, but you can always choose how you respond to it."

Arjun

Having a family meal should be enjoyable with free exchange of any thoughts or their routine aspects. Well that stands for 'normal families' and Rajvansh family was anything but normal. Here, the clatter of ceramic plates, the other cutlery was its unique way of presenting the family was joined for a proper meal in one dinning.

My grandmother according to documents, Mrs. Maya Rajvansh was giving me stink eye because my elbows were on table and posture was sluggish in chair. I know this. If she thought this was disturbing oh, there was still whole breakfast time. Her husband Mr. Avinash Rajvansh was doing a better job than her by completing ignoring my presence.

They expressed their opinions clearly that I was outsider and Vivaan was their only grandson. The rightful heir of this family. I was not interested in their single penny also I accepted fact that Blood is thicker than water. So I was indifferent to their hostility.

I hope they survive my presence around because I plan to enjoy all my meals. Mom was cooking, I'd be bitten by ten dogs at a time to skip the delicacies due to some sour people. That woman is best cook in this whole universe, I don't give a fuck if it's a bias opinion. 

Anyways, eating a molded bread or only one meal for days, I always feel grateful while having every proper meal each day. I don't complain or spare anything served in my plate.

The sound of footsteps wrenched me through my thoughts, Dad stood near my chair. Automatically I stood up, bending down and touching his feet for blessings. He held my shoulder mid-way through, even at five six height his broad, strong physique oozed with confidence and power that could make any stranger quack their feet. His word holds finality in my life even in this family.

Reasons were different though, others feared him, I respected my dad.

The light brown eyes similar to vivan would never miss to shine with happiness whenever he'd see me. He was about to say something when the elders thought the spotlight was not on them.

"Inder, Please take your seat so we could start our breakfast. It's 8:01, already."

I internally gagged at the formality tone being used by his own mother. All the meals should be on time and only on dining table. Dad pursed his lips respectfully nodding at her.

"Meet me in my office after breakfast." He informs, tapping my shoulder once.

Once seated, I was getting impatient as one by one house help was arranging the table but my eyes were searching for mom. I was sure she was definitely bringing my most favorite dish by herself. Shortly, dad's younger sister Shivani and her husband Mahender joined the table.

"Oho! Arjun had finally decided to make a comeback. And the fact, his absence wasn't involved to bring any new disgraceful gossip to this family's name. What a pleasant surprise." She taunts.

Her husband tries to object, giving me an apologetic look. I wonder how this simple man could put up with this sleazy woman or his in laws. Well I won't. Dad doesn't interfere because he knows I have mastered to handle such foul comments without getting worked up. He personally taught me.

"Buaji, I start with a sweet smile, "It surely takes a true talent to attach new gossips to this family. Which reminds me, it must have been tedious task and cost a fortune to cover up the 'fancy deeds' of Janvi. You all deserve a round of applause for pulling yet another act so cleverly."

Her family lives in this mansion obviously it was difficult to struggle a middle class life once you get taste of this lifestyle. Their daughter Janvi was married last year. It was a brazen story because one day it was revealed she was knocked up and none of them were aware of her dating life. But the blow up was dissipated quickly as her boyfriend belonged to their high society.

It was short gun marriage within few weeks and was a cover story for months minus the pregnancy part. Seriously this family had immense skills to hide skeletons in their closet. I didn't attend the wedding or any events in this family. Mom and dad never force me in such ostentatious shit.

They know all elders were disdainful with my involvement. It was better as I don't have to sweet talk or have a fake conversation with unnecessary people. Also I can't tolerate too many people poking their nose in my life.

She gritted her teeth while rest were silently fuming, that's all they could do. They glanced at dad, he was rather interested in his phone than their theatrics. Still feeling their expectant stare, he looked with eyes saying 'ask me to interfere and you won't like it.' 

 They wordlessly resumed their breakfast.

That was the fun part, everyone has to keep their hatred to themselves as the sole command was owned by most beautiful parents that being mom and dad. They won't miss a beat to counter any sort of harsh words spoken to me. 

They protected, loved, and bared all my baggage before even signing the official adoption documents. This is the reason my entire life is at their grace, they have every right to do whatever they want with me.

I grabbed the glass of water to chug down the sudden knot of emotions in my throat.

"Stop drinking too much water before food, Arjun," Mom enters with a steaming bowl on a tray.

The mouthwatering smell of Badam halwa* wafted my nose, I grinned despite her scolding.

My gaze was glued to the tray until it was set, everyone was being served by the maids. But only my plate was filled by mom personally, as she arranged three parathas and unsweetened curd. Just like the way I preferred, Dad shook his head probably feeling little jealous for being ignored by his wife.

He narrowed his eyes when I smirked clearly enjoying her attention. Often we both would playfully banter over it. I missed those moments.

I frowned not finding a big bowl of halwa in my plate. Guessing my question already, mom whispered her reply. "You'd only get it once you have finished the entire breakfast."

She gave me her pointed look dismissing my objections further. Dramatically sighing,  I ditched the spoon and got down to complete it like a good obedient child. I was aware of the grimaced expressions from other group as I was not using fork or spoon and making appreciative noises with every bite.

Of course the food was delicious, I was just exaggerating it. 

In less than five minutes, I was almost done when the monster of this family walked in. Few days he'd join the family meals the other days he'd spend fasting in name of God. I shook my head at his pretense, I'm sure Gods by now have turned a deaf ears at him.

Day by day his downfall was making its appearance whether being in his business or whatever he performs few social acts. Still his useless pride doesn't waver.

His lips curl in disgust noticing my presence, "It honestly baffles me everyone else could digest their food in this awful ambience. So I was thinking spending few days in ashram* and offer ablations requesting God to cleanse such menace from our family." Saying this he kept glancing at dad.

Obviously expecting some sort of assuring response like he was the elder brother or he is most rightful, caring person in family. Maybe also stop him. I mentally clicked my tongue, despite being own brothers he hardly knew anything about dad.

"Whatever you wish Bhai sahib*. I will see the arrangements are made quickly for your safe departure."

Hearing dad's nonchalant response made everyone shock while I was busy to swallow my laughter. Mom met my gaze gesturing with her eyes to keep quite. I knew she'd have joined me if not for the practiced solemn expression. One could never guess her true reactions.

He didn't wait to drag the conversation and left the dining table giving a quick charismatic smile to mom. The one meant only for her, others would get a stoic nod.

'What a family time'

*****

I practiced few times deep breathing before gently rapping my knuckles on door. A muffled command of come in was heard, I pushed the door and steeped in. Dad gestured in my direction to take the seat while his left hand kept typing on keyboard.

"Just give me two minutes, I have to send this mail." He said still concentrating on the screen.

I was more than fine as it'd give me few extra seconds to prepare myself. It was not like I was scared or something in fact I looked forward to spend time with him. To learn from him. He is my role model so I try my best not to make disappoint him. 

And the fact I was hiding such grave secrets would always make me nervous to look directly in his eyes and not falter.

It was most difficult moments where I have to openly lie or hide from mom and dad. How I wished to never upset them yet was going to be the greatest reason of their misery once truths would unravel. I'm not great believer of God but if there is one thing I could beg in front of him it would be- I don't ever want to see hatred in their eyes for me. I can't survive that.

Is it even logical to hold such outrageous hope when I'm going to be the reason to destroy their family?  sure Vikram may be involved in unforgivable crime, but he is still part of their family unlike myself. They may hate me for convicting vikram.

They might want to trust him not an outsider.

"...Arjun," the squeeze on my shoulder jolted me from my thoughts.

Dad was standing next to my chair looking worried. I guess he was calling me and I clearly zoned out. I apologized, he gently squeezed the back of my neck, it was his way of reassuring whenever I'd blank out. I couldn't remember the times we were in this position, he'd not force me to talk about it rather silently hold me. 

It was often I'd be in daze as certain glimpses of my memories would resurface or I'd be in extreme stress condition during therapy sessions.

Dad was always there in every step, he was and is my rock. I squeezed my eyes shut not to pathetically have a breakdown in front of him then all the stored truths would be spilled from my mouth. I'm not ready to phase its adversity.

I feel myself being pulled from the chair, he walks with me to the couch area. Sitting down, it takes few minutes as I relax myself. Then he offers me freshly brewed coffee with a similar one in his hand. 

My brow raises eyeing his cup, he purposefully ignores it. Mama had restricted his superfluous intake to only one cup in morning which he already had.

"We're about to discuss few important topics, moreover I'm just giving you company. If Yamini wants to know that is."

His weak excuse made me chuckle, he hid his own smile behind the brim of cup. I wait for him to proceed the conversation while sipping coffee. I share stubbornness from mom, Dad and I have similar routine habits. Black coffee for example. Mom wrinkles her nose even to the smell of it.

It seems so strange that I share these similarities who are biologically unrelated to me. I guess our bond surpasses the normal norms of being called a family.

"Last week I heard from the interior designer team that the firm had reached its final stage of plan. Did you personally check with them?"

To have my own firm one day was my biggest dream, so the mention of it brought a smile. It was about time. The entire process was much difficult than I had expected. I personally took a loan, Dad and Mom were not happy as I was outsourcing for money instead of accepting their aid. 

I just couldn't bring myself to accept any sort of financial help more than they have spent on me.

I don't exactly know, if it was my self-reverence or to proof everyone that I had the potential to build my own future. At the end they have supported my decisions. Throughout my life I consciously put every effort not to be any kind of burden on them more than I was welcomed for. 

It was another bitter sweet argument we often had, my adoptive family would keep reminding me I had equal rights in Rajvansh asserts but I refused to agree.

I don't need anything except their love and blessings.

"Yes...sir."

I grimaced noticing dad pursing his lips, obviously disliking the way I address him. It took me years to accept them as parents still I couldn't call them mom and dad. There were many reasons and outwardly addressing them, overwhelmed me with flood of emotions. A flood I wasn't confident to withstand.

I was comfortable calling mom by her name because friendship was the first step we established in our relationship and she was the one insisted me. But Dad, impossible. Although he is friendly yet there is always a sort of strict barrier, I couldn't cross.

"Good, I talked to Mr.Agnihotri, few of his trusted colleagues will assist you in your initial years. Also I expect you to garner as much knowledge as possible, he had personally showed interest in your skills. This opportunity is commendable."

I firmly nod because I was dam serious and aware of such rarity. Mr. Agnihotri surely was one of the top reputed person in law field and fortunately agreed to guide me.

"Now that we have discussed professional topics, let's get down with personal ones. I heard of the recent rift you had with a junior. Any particular reason?" he settle down the empty cup on the coffee table giving me his sole attention.

Since teenage years, this was the best thing I liked about Dad he'd never miss to give me a chance to explain the reasoning behind my outburst instead of drawing his own conclusions. Any fight whether physical or not he'd patiently ask me about it.

But this time I hoped he wouldn't because I had never lied to him. And to mention about Meera, the thought itself made me fidgety inside.

"He was talking indecent about...someone." Shit I shouldn't have stammered.

His forefinger rubs his jaw scruff, a knowing grin making its appearance. His sharp gaze landing my fists that unconsciously were tightened remembering that arrogant bug around my, I mean...Meera. I released the tension of my fingers, clearing my throat unnecessarily. 

Can I be more obvious?

"Well, then he deserved a light warning. Anyways, let me advice you something if seeing that 'someone' in tears or distress would provoke you to take a world despite the consequences then they are 'the one' for you." He air quotes the words,  gazing on my tattoo.

I could practically hear the slamming of my heartbeat as if eager to come out and scream its approval-'Yes'.

He laughs shaking his head at my awkwardness.

"Delaying and denying would only complicate the matters." He advise me.

How right he was. I ducked my head, leave him to make me shy.

"Is there anything else you'd want to discuss or share with me?" he asks wiping previous whimsical expressions.

I knew where he was pointing but I couldn't. He knew I was hiding many things from him and Mom and he'd always repeat this question. Giving me a chance to be out and straightforward. Though my answer remains the same.

"Nothing, sir."

I see the melancholy in his eyes to the fact that his son was not trusting him, yet again. He solemnly nods walking back to his desk. I take it as my cue to leave. Before I push the door, his words stop me.

"A brave person never hesitate to speak the truth and I strongly believe both my sons to be brave in life no matter what."

I exactly couldn't point his words aiming to. Still, I meet his eyes confidently and answer.

"Always, Dad."


Glossary:

Badam Halwa: An almonds sweet dish.

Asharam: A spiritual hermitage.

Bhai sahab: Elder brother.








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