Twist of Destiny

Chapter 5

After a year of living separately to focus on their studies, Shivam couldn't crack the civil service exam due to some points only, while Gauri was immersed in completing her masters. Amidst all the changes, one thing remained constant – their past. Neither of them could seem to let it go.

Gauri found herself in a desperate struggle to convince Asim to move on, but he remained stubbornly attached to their past.

"You forgot our love so easily, Gauri," Asim exclaimed angrily.

"I didn't... It's just that destiny is not with us," Gauri replied sadly.

"It is, Gauri... it is," Asim insisted vehemently. "But you're not ready. If you want, we can elope from here."

"No, Asim... that's not what I want. I am married now," Gauri responded firmly.

Asim stood up angrily. "Enough of this marriage drama... you... you know what? I'm going to kill myself."

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Meanwhile, Shivam sat comfortably in his room, engrossed in his studies. Just as he was about to turn the page of his book, his phone rang, startling him.

"Hello?" he answered.

"Hello... Hi..." came the hesitant reply from the other end.

"Yes?" Shivam responded, his curiosity piqued.

It was Priyanka, his ex-girlfriend.

"How are you?" Priyanka asked tentatively.

"I'm fine. Tum batao," Shivam replied.

Priyanka continued, "Me too. How is everything going on? I'm sorry for my past behavior."

"It's okay... I never felt bad about it," Shivam assured her.

Priyanka probed further, "So... how is everything going on between you two... I mean you and your wife?"

Shivam hesitated before answering, "Why are you asking? We're both focusing on our careers. She's living at her parents' house and is still trying to convince her boyfriend."

"Why are you both not conversing? Baatein karoge tabhi to ek doosre ko samajh paoge," Priyanka suggested.

Shivam sighed, "Usko uske hisse ka haq mil jayega."

Priyanka's tone turned reproachful, "You're still not out of your past. Whatever we had wasn't love... it was just infatuation. We were both broken at that time, and when we got together, we thought it was love, but it wasn't."

Shivam's voice softened, "No, whatever it was... it was heaven for me."

Priyanka's disgust was evident as she responded, "It could be, but the biggest blunder was to get physical. I still hate myself for that and disgust myself."

There was silence on the other end before Priyanka continued, "I'm just saying that your wife is your Parvati, and you are her Shiva. Accept the decision of god. You both are made for each other. Recognize it before it's too late."

Shivam felt a pang of guilt as he replied, "You know I could have stopped you by force, but I didn't, because I knew you wouldn't be happy with that."

Priyanka's anger and disgust were palpable, but she eventually said, "Whatever... come out of the past and move on. Okay, how is everything going on?"

Shivam shared details about his studies and exams with her.

"Hmm... you will crack the exam. We'll surely meet, but you will bring your wife as well. I'm excited to meet her," Priyanka declared before abruptly ending the call.

Taking a deep breath, Shivam looked up at the sky, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within him.

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Meanwhile, after a great deal of effort, Gauri finally managed to calm Asim down. They were standing outside her college, Asim visibly frustrated.

"Look, Asim, we should part ways. I know I'm the biggest coward here, but we have no other option," Gauri pleaded.

"You are right. You are a coward, the biggest one. Jab pyaar nibhane ki himmat nahi hoti to karte kyu ho," Asim retorted angrily.

In tears, Gauri whispered, "I'm sorry, but I can't do anything."

"Fine, let's part ways," Asim agreed, storming off and leaving Gauri crying alone