The Intern

Part 11

This is a mature story. Only read if you are comfortable.

5 years later...

Akshara Goenka:

Akshu left the clinic and ran to take the train. She got caught up with a patient and now she was running late. He will be angry. Akshu knew how he hated waiting but there was nothing she could do about it now. She had promised to pick him up that day. "Please KanhaJi! Just don't make me be the last one there." She said a silent prayer as she got off the train and ran toward her destination.  She finally reached the big building and noticed other people waiting. She breathed in relief. After a minute, the bell rang and she saw the children coming out of the building. Her eyes searched for him and she finally saw him walking slowly chatting away with one of his classmates. She watched him walk toward the gate not noticing her there. It gave her a few moments to study him. The dark tousled hair, the brown almond shaped eyes, that dimple on his cheek...he looked so much like....she got out of her thoughts. She won't go there.

He finally looked up and saw her and a big grin appeared on his face. He ran toward her and gave her a hug. "Hi baby! Did you have a good day in school?"
"Ya!! I thought only Papa will come to pick me up." Akshu took the backpack from him and held his tiny hand as they walked away from the school.
"Papa has a meeting today and I promised you na that I'll come pick you up. How about we go get some ice cream?" The little boy's eyes got wide and he started to jump in excitement. "Aarav! Careful!" Akshu laughed. "But it's our secret. We won't tell anyone at home."
"Not even Papa or Mumma?" Aarav asked.
"No, not even Papa or Mumma!"
"Okay, Bua!"  Akshu and Aarav walked to an ice cream parlour and ordered ice cream. Aarav sat on Akshu's lap and happily ate his ice cream telling her all about his day. Akshu kissed his head, holding on to him tightly.  She barely got alone time with Aarav and when she did, she held on to those moments. She had to beg her brother to let her pick up Aarav that day and even then, he told her to not take too long to bring him back home. Akshu looked at the time. "Okay baby! Time to go home. Everyone is waiting for you."
"Everyone is waiting for you too, Bua!" Aarav said innocently. Akshu gave him a sad smile.

__________

"Aarav!" Anisha ran toward him as soon as Akshu and Aarav got home. "Akshu! What took you so long? I was so worried."
"Sorry Bhabi. Traffic was bad."  Akshu apologized.
"Traffic is only bad when you go to pick up Aarav." Anisha pulled Aarav's hand from Akshu's and took him to her room. Akshu felt a lump in her throat watching him go but controlled herself.
"Akshu? Come here!" Her great-grandmother called her. Akshu went inside and gave her a hug.
"Hello, Mimi."
"How was your day at work?" Mimi said holding her hand. "Did you have a good time with Aarav?" She whispered so Anisha wouldn't hear. Akshu smiled and nodded. "Don't worry. Next week, I'll talk to Kairav and try to arrange for you to pick him up again. Don't be sad, beta." Akshu hugged Mimi crying silently.
"Good that you are here, Akshu." Akshu's grandmother came and sat next to her. "Your Bade Papa is bringing over some guests to see you. Please be ready by 5."
"Badi Maa, not again!" Akshu got up. "I've told you many times I don't want to get married."
"So she wants to be in front of us for the rest of our remaining lives reminding us everyday of what a big shame she is to us?" Akshu's grandfather said angrily standing by the door.
"Bade Papa, please. Can you not forgive me and let the past go?" Akshu cried.
"Swarna! How many times have I told you to tell this girl to not talk to me? How many times do I need remind her that I'm not her Bade Papa?" Bade Papa left the room and Akshu sat down crying.
"Akshu, listen. Why do you want to live here and hear the taunts from everyone? It's better if you get married and move away. Maybe your Bade Papa will forgive you." Swarna said to her softly while hugging her.
"I can stand the taunts. I can live with them but I can't live without..." Akshu cried.
"Something that's not yours. Get married and have your own kids, beta." Mimi told her. "Your Badi Maa is right. This is the only way to have Manish forgive you."
Akshu hugged Swarna and cried harder. How can she marry anyone else? She only loved one man in her life. How can she gave that place to anyone else? She knew he never loved her but her love for him was true.

Wow you guys give me 50 likes so fast. I can't write this fast! So next chapter after 75 likes