Our Forbidden Love

Chapter 13

Manisha woke up in the afternoon, feeling disoriented as she realized she had overslept. Panic started to set in when she noticed Abhishek casually sweeping the floor. "Abhishek ji, aap aaj dhabe par kyun nahi gaye?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency.

Abhishek turned towards her, a calm smile playing on his lips. "Aaj Sahab ne mujhe chutti di hai," he replied, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

Manisha couldn't believe her luck. She jumped out of bed, excitement radiating from every pore. Today, she would have Abhishek ji all to herself. The thought made her heart soar with joy.

As she started to express her happiness, a ringing phone interrupted the blissful moment. Manisha hesitated, not wanting to answer the call. It was her father, the one person who seemed to always find fault in her. She reluctantly picked up the phone, bracing herself for another round of scolding.

Her father's words hit her like a tidal wave, each one more hurtful than the previous. He called her names, belittled her achievements, and made her feel worthless.

A single tear escaped from the corner of Manisha's eye, tracing a path down her cheek.

Abhishek, ever observant, quickly moved closer to her. With gentle hands, he wiped away her tear, trying to offer comfort in the midst of her pain. "Ek kaam karte hai Manisha ji kyun na hum gao ka mela chale? ," he suggested, a glimmer of hope in his voice.

Manisha's lips curved into a smile, appreciating Abhishek's effort to brighten her day. She placed a hand on his cheek, her eyes locked on his face. In that moment, she realized just how much she cherished him.

Caught off guard by her intense gaze, Abhishek raised an eyebrow in confusion, silently questioning her deep thoughts. Manisha, embarrassed by her own vulnerability, quickly averted her gaze, fixing it on the plain broken wall.

As they sat silently side by side, staring at the blank canvas of the wall, their shyness mingled with a gentle tenderness. In the stillness of the room, their unspoken connection spoke volumes.

After some time, when the sun had set and it was finally evening, Abhishek got ready for the occasion. He wore his plain striped shirt and brown pants, which were slightly torn at the end, but he didn't mind. 

He wanted to make a good impression. As he was about to call Manisha, he noticed her in the distance, standing by the mirror. She was tying her long black hair into a beautiful braid, and she wore a simple yet elegant plain saree. A small bindi adorned her forehead, and she had put a touch of red food coloring as sindoor.

Abhishek couldn't help but stare at her in awe. She looked absolutely stunning, like a vision in the soft glow of the evening. Manisha turned around and caught him in the act. A mischievous smile played on her lips as she approached him.

"Abhishek ji chale rahe ho ki nahi?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Abhishek, still lost in her beauty, stumbled over his words. "h-haan, Manisha ji, chaliye," he managed to say, snapping out of his daze.

They walked hand in hand, their fingers intertwined, as they made their way towards the village fair. The cool evening breeze carried the scent of roses and laughter filled the air. Abhishek couldn't help but steal glances at Manisha, who seemed to radiate happiness.

Manisha, unable to contain her bubbling anticipation, grabbed Abhishek's hand and exclaimed, "Chalo na Abhishek ji udhar chalte hai!"

Abhishek, slightly taken aback by her sudden enthusiasm, felt a smile forming on his lips as he willingly followed her lead. They made their way to the towering ferris wheel and settled into one of the empty seats. As the ride began its ascent, Manisha's eyes sparkled with joy, and Abhishek couldn't help but be captivated by her infectious energy.

As they reached the highest point of the ferris wheel's rotation, their gazes locked. In that moment, time ceased to exist, and it felt as if their souls were communicating without words. In this unspoken exchange, they could sense each other's doubts and insecurities.

Talab Talab Talab bas teri hai mujhe
Nason mein tu nasha banke ghulna yunhi
Meri mohabbat ka karna tu haq ye ada
Meri hoke humesha hi rehna
Kabhi na kehna alvida

Manisha knew, without a doubt, that she had fallen deeply in love with Abhishek. She couldn't imagine a future without him. He was her reason for living, and she feared losing him.

Abhishek, too, gazed into Manisha's eyes, recognizing her immeasurable worth. She was a diamond, shining brilliantly in a world of coal. Her privileged background as the daughter of a wealthy businessman contrasted sharply with his humble origins as a poor man. 

He believed he could never provide her with the luxuries she deserved, and in that regard, they seemed to be mismatched. Yet, Manisha's kindness and genuine care for him had brought immense happiness into his life. He couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to bridge the gap between their worlds.

Unbeknownst to them, the ferris wheel had come to a stop, jolting them out of their shared reverie. As they stepped off the ride, their feet gently guiding them forward, Manisha's distracted mind led her to collide with an unsuspecting rock.

A searing pain shot through her foot, and a small cry of anguish escaped her lips. Blood trickled from the wound on her ankle, staining the ground beneath her.

Sensing Manisha's distress, Abhishek's heart sank, and he quickly sprang into action. He tenderly lifted Manisha's injured leg onto his lap, reaching into his pocket to retrieve his handkerchief. As he carefully cleaned her wound and gently bandaged her ankle, the proximity between them intensified. Abhishek cherished this moment, silently hoping that it could last forever.

With tender care, he gently lifted her up and carried her in his arms, determined to take her home.

With Manisha cradled in his arms, Abhishek and Manisha couldn't help but ask themselves, Can this moment last forever?The question echoed in both their minds.