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Annahita and Nandini met Akshita and Rustam at the theatre. Despite Rustam's stoic expression, they all enjoyed the outing. Nandini teased Rustam about not being able to say no to his wife.
During dinner at the restaurant, Annahita asked about Akshita and Rustam's love story. Akshita began, "It's a long story, but I'll tell you in short." Annahita nodded, encouraging her to continue.
"I got engaged to Adhiraj in a very private function involving just our family members," Akshita explained. "He wasn't interested in this marriage, so he used to ignore me a lot, although he respected me but didn't love me." Rustam maintained his stoic expression as Akshita continued, "I was trying to make Adhiraj show interest in me, so I used to invite him on dates or pester him for gifts. But he never showed any interest and used to send Kaali with gifts. I got frustrated, drank a lot one day, and met Rustam. It's embarrassing to say, but I cried a lot while hugging him, even though I didn't know him. He was so shocked by my sudden hug that he couldn't move."
Days passed, but Akshita couldn't forget Rustam. She saw him again with Shivaay on a rally and decided to approach him for friendship. Although he initially denied it, he later agreed. "Months passed, and I developed feelings for him, but he couldn't betray his Sarkaar and Hukum, so he used to stay away from me," Akriti continued. "At last, I approached Adhiraj and told him about my love for Rustam. That was the first time I saw Adhiraj genuinely happy. He helped me confess my feelings for Rustam."
Akshita held Rustam's hands, intertwining her fingers with his. "Of course, my father wasn't happy with this arrangement, and he didn't want Rustam as my husband. He tried to break us apart when Shivaay threatened to leave the party and resign from his position if he didn't approve of Rustam. The most difficult task was to make Rustam agree to his love for me. But the day he confessed was the day he married me. He couldn't wait any longer" Akshita chuckled. Rustam smiled at her and pecked her hands.
Annahita was captivated by their story and felt their love in their eyes. They didn't talk much but could convey everything through their gaze. Their conversation paused as the waiter arrived with their food, and they all dug in.
After some time, they headed back to their mansion, even though the ladies were reluctant to leave early. Rustam insisted, citing the late hour, and they all returned home.
On the other part of the city
Adhiraj sat with Shivaay, who appeared visibly intoxicated but continued to consume more alcohol. Shivaay, with a troubled expression, shared his concerns.
"It's all messing with my mind, Adi. Randhawa is pressuring me to marry his daughter as soon as possible. The elections are near, and this drama is giving me a headache. Bachhi made that girl resign from her post, and now Randhawa is angry. I don't know what to do," Shivaay said, followed by another gulp of wine.
