Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh

Chapter 43: His Breakdown

Aarav walked barefoot on the road, his determined steps echoing his urgency to reach Manvi. Sharda followed him, her concern evident in her hurried pace. As they arrived at the apartment building, Aarav wasted no time and inquired about Manvi from the security guard.

"Excuse me, does Manvi live here?" he asked urgently.

The security guard nodded in affirmation, "Yes, she's in flat 405."

Aarav wasted no time, his urgency driving him to the lift, ascending to the fourth floor with a sense of purpose. Meanwhile, inside her apartment, Manvi meticulously packed her belongings, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Dhruv's looming presence.

"Yeh Dhruv waha bhi pahuch jayega, mujhe pareshan karne," she thought to herself, determined to find a way to rid herself of him.

As the doorbell chimed, Manvi assumed it was the van driver and opened the door without a second glance, already focused on her task. "Acha hua aap aa gaye, yeh sab samaan jayega," she uttered absentmindedly, expecting the usual acknowledgment.

But there was no response, and an eerie silence lingered in the air. Suddenly, a familiar presence enveloped the room, causing Manvi's heart to race. Slowly turning around, her eyes widened in shock as she beheld Aarav standing before her.

Her surprise deepened as she took in his appearance, once that of a powerful business tycoon, now resembling a mere shell of his former self. A pang of sadness washed over her as she surveyed his disheveled state.

"Aarav?" she uttered, her voice barely above a whisper, disbelief evident in her tone.

But Aarav remained silent, his eyes conveying a turmoil of emotions. Manvi felt a wave of dejection wash over her as she gazed upon him, her heart heavy with a mixture of empathy and sorrow.

He took hesitant steps towards her, his eyes darting around in desperation, searching for his daughter. His movements were shaky, and as his leg caught on a stool, he stumbled, nearly falling, but Manvi swiftly reached out and caught him, her grip firm yet gentle.

"Aarav ji, aap thik hai?" she questioned, her voice laced with concern as she steadied him.

Memories flooded Aarav's mind, particularly the regrettable moment he had lashed out at her in front of everyone. With a heavy heart, he freed himself from her grasp and folded his hands in front of her, his voice quivering with remorse. "I am sorry, maine tumpar haath uthaya, tum mujhe chahe jitne thappad marlo, par meri beti mujhe lauta do," he pleaded, his voice choked with emotion.

Manvi was left speechless, her mind struggling to process his words. "Aap kya kah rahe hai? Khushi lauta dun matlab?" she questioned, confusion evident in her tone.

But Aarav's desperation to find his daughter consumed him, his frantic search continuing unabated. "Khushi... Khushi," he called out, his voice trembling with anguish, yet receiving no response.

Manvi gently took his hand, trying to calm him with her touch. "Aarav ji, Khushi yahan nahi hai," she said softly, her words meant to offer reassurance.

"Jhooth! Tumhare liye usne apne baap se rishta tod liya, yahan nahi aayi toh kahan gayi haan?" he questioned, his voice filled with agony.

Manvi could see the pain of separation etched in his eyes. "Tumhe jo chahiye wo lelo... Mera ghar, office sabkuch, par meri beti mujhe wapas do... Please," he pleaded desperately.

"Aarav ji, aap please jayie, aapki Khushi mere paas nahi hai," Manvi said, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Toh kaha hai? Maya ke paas?" he said, his anxiety escalating. "Nahi... Nahi Maya ke paas nahi jaa sakti," Manvi replied firmly.