Our Forbidden Love

Chapter 6

Manisha's heart sank as her father's harsh words echoed in her mind. The shattered glass on the floor was a stark reminder of his anger, and she couldn't help but wonder when things had gotten so out of control.

She had always dreamt of a close-knit family, where love and understanding thrived, but it seemed like a distant illusion.

Thankfully, her father's uncontrollable rage hadn't caused any physical harm this time.

Manisha knew deep down that his actions came from a place of frustration, but it didn't make it any easier to cope with. The pain of his words cut deep, leaving her feeling inadequate and misunderstood.

With a heavy heart, Manisha retreated to her room, seeking solace in the comforting silence.

She sat on the edge of the bed, wiping away the tear that had escaped her eye. She couldn't help but dwell on the fact that her father seemed oblivious to the dangers she faced daily.

It hurt her to think that he wasn't worried about the possibility of her being kidnapped or harmed outside their home. Did he truly believe she was ruining his reputation?

The weight of his expectations bore down on her shoulders, leaving her feeling suffocated and trapped.

Days turned into weeks, and Manisha found herself navigating her daily routine with a heavy heart. College, once a place of joy and laughter, had turned into a mundane existence. Her friends chattered animatedly about their boyfriends and crushes, but Manisha couldn't relate. The idea of love and romance seemed distant and unattainable.

As she daydreamed, lost in her own thoughts, a boy she barely knew, his name was Rahul approached her with a nervous smile.

His voice trembled as he recited a prepared speech, confessing his admiration and affection for her. He offered flowers and heartfelt cards, hoping to melt her heart with his grand gesture. 

But instead of melting, Manisha's heart hardened. She couldn't bring herself to believe in love, not after the way her own father had treated her and something about Rahut just didn't feel right. She threw the flowers and cards aside, feeling numb.

Yes, she didn't believe in love, but she didn't know why. Manisha had always been a practical person, grounded in logic and reason.
Love seemed like a frivolous concept, one that was prone to causing more harm than good.
Yet here she was, once again standing in front of Mulkand Dhaba, admiring Abhishek.

There was something about Abhishek that captivated her. Despite wearing dirty clothes and working in a humble dhaba, he possessed an undeniable charm.
His smile reached his eyes, and his passion for cooking could be seen in every dish he prepared.

As Manisha was about to leave, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulders.

She turned around and was surprised to see Abhishek standing there, a hint of nervousness playing on his face. He spoke, "Umm maam suniye, maine apko kabse dekha hai aaaap yaha chup chupkar kya karti hai?"

Startled by his question, Manisha stuttered, trying to find the right words. After regaining her composure, she replied, "W-woh mujhe kuch khana tha isliye aati hoon"

Abhishek's eyes lit up, a spark of excitement gleaming within them. "Sach mei? Maine kuch banaya hai ruko mei try karwata hoon," he said enthusiastically, extending his hand towards her.

Caught off guard, Manisha hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his.

Abhishek didn't seem to notice, his focus solely on leading her towards the freshly prepared dish.

Manisha couldn't help but blush at the touch of his hand, the warmth and gentleness that radiated from it.

As they walked towards the table, Abhishek suddenly realized that he was still holding Manisha's hand.

In a flustered panic, he quickly let go and grabbed a wet cloth to wipe any trace of their contact. "I'm so sorry, ma'am. Woh Maine notice nahi kiya. I am so sorry. Please sorry," he stammered, his cheeks flushing red.

Manisha, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and exhilaration, reassured him, "It's okay, Abhishek. Aap toh mujhe kabhi bhi chu sakte hai."
A small smile played on her lips as she blushed, feeling a connection that she couldn't deny.

Abhishek's eyes widened in surprise and a hint of disbelief. He looked down for a moment, trying to process her unexpected response. Manisha quickly realized her slip-up and tried to cover it up. "I mean," she stammered, "main ameer gareeb ka bhed bhao nahi karti."

Their conversation was interrupted by Manisha's phone ringing. She reluctantly answered the call, realizing that she needed to leave. But before she disconnected, she discreetly took a picture of Abhishek, hoping to cherish his memory.

As she turned to leave, Manisha whispered to herself, "Bye meri jaan." She blushed, realizing that she had inadvertently revealed her feelings, albeit silently.

With a quick wave, she ran away, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.