KHWAB : A Distant Dream

Chapter 15

People get gifts in their birthdays but I am giving you all a gift on mine- an early update, cause I am feeling happy and couldn't resist.

Enjoy 😉
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Once bhaiya was done, he closed the box and wiped his hand before turning his gaze back towards me. "I am going to say this only once, so you better clear up your delusional mind and listen carefully." He said sternly. "I am not delusional..." I mumbled under my breath but unfortunately he heard and the next second he whacked me on my head, while glaring at me.I wanted to glare back but my mind refused to cooperate at that time and I meekly nodded and kept my fingers on my lips, indicating that I would keep my mouth shut.

POV ENDS

Rudra looked at the girl and wanted to laugh at her antics but refrained as he knew he had to make her understand a few things. She readily assumed things, was certainly delusional and could test the patience of a Saint and he was nowhere near that.

"Firstly, I was not touching your feet, I was examining it. There's a difference and yes I get your point and respect that, but I would not hesitate doing it again should need arise in the future. Secondly, you should never ever be ashamed of your scars, they may be a reminder of your past, but in truth they are the proof of your struggle and your strength. They show that you have fought a battle and survived. And that's more important." He said while slowly tracing the scars on her feet. He could tell they were caused due to something sharp piercing her and were there on both her feet.

He could see that she was struggling to believe his words, but had not broken eye contact. He was also aware that everyone was listening to him with rapt attention. "Anika, your scars do not disgust me, and neither do I hate you for them." He said softly looking into her eyes letting her see the sincerity in him. And that was it. He saw her calm facade break, slightly but it did crack.

Gayatri, who was sitting just beside her, put her hand on Anika's head and caressed softly. "None of us here are disgusted, beta. Those scars do not define you. And how can we hate you for something that you didn't do.? We love you bacha, irrespective of your past" She told her gently. Gayatri didn't care about the past, she only knew one thing that the girl in front of her was scared, hurt and alone, and was hiding a lot of pain. She just wanted her to be happy and live like a normal teenager, and she vowed that she would make that happen.

Rudra's words had already wreaked havoc in her mind and Gayatri's words overwhelmed her. Gayatri's gestures and embrace always reminded her of her mother and it just grew with each passing day. She was trying hard to believe that it was a reality and not just a dream. Her mind and heart were at war, but nothing could falsify the sincerity in her Bhaiya's eyes or her Badi ma's love.

Aru and Avi slowly moved towards her and took her hands in theirs. "Bhaiya is right Anika. You are a fighter remember.? And good one at that. And someone who has the calibre to beat me can never be weak." Avi said in a confident manner. Aru nodded to Avi's statement. "And do not call my sister useless, you have no idea how smart, strong and beautiful she is. Even the moon had flaws buddy, but it shines the brightest." He said with a soft smile, trying to cheer her up. Both of them had grown attached to her and did not like seeing her sad or in pain. Anika finally cracked a small smile listening to the twins, although her eyes had become moist.

Maan was sitting quietly the whole time. He had been thinking and connecting dots of everything that he knew or had observed about his sister. Anika slowly looked at Maan who was looking at her with a different sort of clarity and she understood that he had connected the dots and knew that she had lied to him the day she went out. She knew the cat was out of the bag, but still pleaded Maan to stay silent.

Maan's doubts were confirmed when he saw his sister pleading him to remain silent. He wanted to tell but couldn't ignore the innocent eyes looking at him and gave in with a slight nod. Everyone appeared oblivious to the silent exchange that took place.