Ranjha

2.2 | Kishton Mein Chubte

Khaare Raaste

Chapter 2 - Kishton Mein Chubte
- Lovelorn Ache

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When Anupamaa walked down towards the Shah House, after almost three years, it felt different.
It was almost homecoming.

She had met her kids outside, she had spoken to them every now and then.
But she had never stepped back, in here.

The sense of nostalgia, hit her.
This place had been her home, her solace, her temple.

She dragged herself to the gate.
Just then she heard the sound of a car pulling itself to a break.
As odd as it was, she seemed to recognise the sound.
Almost involuntarily she turned to look at the car.

Her heart skipped a beat.

The red Audi was extremely known to her.
And also the man who stepped out of it.

Anuj got off the car, from the driver's seat.
Followed by Maaya, who had been sitting beside him.
Choti Anu, as they called her, got off from the back seat.

They look like a family. I feel like the other woman.
Anupamaa stood frozen at the gate, staring at them.
Anuj did not notice her, his gaze fixed to the road and then towards his foster daughter.

Vanraj finally walked out of his bedroom, checking on the arrangements. Today was a puja, post which the wedding celebrations shall start.
Kavya and he hadn't spoken in days.
Neither did he intent to change it.

Kavya stood in the corner watching the proceedings in silence.
She glanced at him but he didn't look at her.

His gaze fell to the open door of the house.
Anupamaa stood frozen at the gate, staring at something.
Or someone.

Today she wore a beautiful pink and white saree, with light make up and hair tied up neatly.
Over time, he had learnt to appreciate the beauty in simplicity. The make up and botox can never compete with the natural glow of a person with a good heart.

He wore a cream colour kurta with pink and blue handwork.
He walked past everyone to the door.

And then he noticed.

Anupamaa tore her gaze from the man and stepped aside to let them in.
He inhaled a cold breath.

Not my business.
He thought as he turned to go in.

Just then he heard from behind,
"Oh Anuj.. you're looking so handsome today.. we finally look perfect for each other."

Maaya, it was.
And the intention was extremely clear.

Vanraj turned to look at them.
The sheer audacity to come to his son's wedding and pass stupid taunts at his son's mother.

Anuj glanced at Anupamaa reluctantly.
Somehow, Anupamaa stared back at him, smitten, unaffected by the taunts.
They looked at each other like they were long lost lovers.

"Come on, Anuj. Let's go in.", Maaya said pulling Anuj by his arm.
Anuj tore his gaze off his abandoned wife and turned to look at the gate.