Our Forbidden Love

Chapter 15

Manisha's heart pounded in her chest as she was ushered into her father's presence. She was shivering with nerves, unable to find the right words to say. "P-papa," she stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Suddenly, her father's hand came crashing across her face, the force of the slap sending shockwaves through her body.

Manisha stumbled backward, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her father had scolded her in the past, but he had never laid a hand on her before. This unexpected act left her shaken to her core.

"Tu meri reputation barbad kar degi!" her father bellowed, his face contorted with anger. "Kya dikha uss  gareeb ladke mei terko? Aisa haazar gareeb ladke tere liye khade kar dunga"

Tears streamed down Manisha's face as her father's berating words pierced her heart.

She felt a deep sense of fear wash over her, but she mustered the courage to speak her truth.

"I love him, Papa," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Her father's eyes widened in disbelief, his face turning an angry shade of red.

He saw her sindoor, the mark of her marriage, and in a fit of rage, he grabbed a glass of water and threw it forcefully at her face, attempting to wipe away the symbol of her love. The water stung her eyes, blurring her vision, but she refused to let go of her conviction.

Undeterred, Manisha's father ripped the bangles from her wrists, uncaring about the pain it caused. Blood trickled down her hand, but she refused to cry out. Her eyes were red. She had made her decision, and no amount of suffering could change her mind.

"I will love Abhishek no matter what,Papa," gritting her teeth, she said firmly, her voice quivering but resolute.

With a final burst of rage, her father grabbed her by the arm, dragging her into a quiet and dark room. He locked the door behind her, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Manisha clutched a small plushie Abhishek had given her, hidden safely in the folds of her saree. As she hugged it tightly to her chest, tears streamed down her face, mingling with the pain and longing she felt for Abhishek.

In the darkness, Abhishek's face appeared in her mind, giving her strength and hope. Despite the torment and isolation, Manisha vowed to endure. She would wait for the day when she could be reunited with her love, no matter the obstacles in her path.

Abhishek sat in the corner of his room, the darkness enveloping him like a heavy blanket. His heart felt heavy, shattered into a thousand pieces. The love of his life had slipped away from his grasp, leaving him feeling utterly lost and broken.

For the past two days, Abhishek had secluded himself from the outside world, engulfed in a cocoon of despair. The room echoed with his silenced cries, and the walls seemed to absorb his sorrow. He didn't know what to do, how to move forward without the person who had meant everything to him.

Memories flooded his mind, each one stabbing him with a fresh wave of pain. They had shared so many beautiful moments together, moments filled with laughter, love, and dreams for the future.

Just as he was about to surrender to the darkness that threatened to engulf him, the door to his room creaked open. Abhishek's eyes lifted, and his gaze met that of an unexpected visitor.

Without a second thought, Abhishek leapt to his feet, rushing towards the newcomer. He engulfed the person in a tight embrace, tears streaming down his face. "Maine kho diya usse," he sobbed. "Maine usse kho diya."

The visitor, a tall figure with a kind face, gently patted Abhishek's back. "Merko pta hai," they whispered, their voice filled with empathy. "Merko pta chala kya chal raha hai jab main aa raha tha"

Abhishek sniffled, his reddened eyes filled with confusion and despair. "Ab main kya karu uske bina? Ab main kuch bhi nahi kar sakta" he choked out, his voice barely audible.

Suddenly, the person's demeanor changed. Their face hardened, and they gazed at Abhishek with a mix of disbelief and admonishment. With a swift movement, they delivered a resounding slap to Abhishek's cheek, snapping him out of his gloom.

"Tu pagal hai?" they exclaimed, their voice filled with urgency. "Tu itni jaldi haar maan raha hai? Woh ladki tere liye apne baap se lad li. Duniya se lad li woh tere liye. Ab teri baari hai. Lad Abhishek apne pyar ke liye. Mere pyara chotu kabhi haar maanta hai jo ab manega?"

Abhishek felt a spark of determination ignite within him. The words of his visitor resonated deeply, compelling him to rise from the depths of his despair. "Sahi kaha tune," he said, his voice filled with newfound resolve. "Bahut bahut shukriya Nischay."

A warm smile spread across the person's face. "Toh bhai isliye hi toh hote hai," they replied. "Chal ab uss bansal ko uski aukat dikhate hai. Usne mere bhai ko kaise chu liya. Ab hum bhi khel mei shaamil honge."