Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh

Chapter 74: A Step Forward

Manvi glanced at her divorce papers, the weight of the past bearing down on her. Memories of her marriage with Dhruv flooded back his abusive behavior that led to two miscarriages, leaving her unable to become a mother again. She shuddered at the recollection of being forced into intimacy and the subsequent abuse when she resisted. Tears slipped down her cheeks as a mix of sorrow and relief washed over her. At last, she was free from a relationship devoid of love and respect.

Her phone rang, breaking the heavy silence. A smile appeared on her face when she saw Khushi's name flashing on the screen.

She picked up and smiled, "Haan, Khushi."

"Dost, congratulations! Finally, you got rid of that man," Khushi said cheerfully, her voice a burst of sunshine in Manvi's dark room.

Manvi replied, "Thank you... yeh sab hua—"

Before she could complete her sentence, Khushi interrupted with her characteristic enthusiasm, "Mere Dadda ki wajah se. Unhe thank you kehna hai toh aaj shaam ghar aa jao dinner ke liye."

Manvi thought for a minute, her hesitation palpable. The Malhotra mansion held too many painful memories, and Aarav's presence complicated matters further. "Khushi, main kaise?" she said hesitantly, her voice trailing off.

Khushi understood her worry; Manvi still hadn't forgotten her insult by her father. She said, her tone turning soft and reassuring, "Main jaanti hun aapne kaha tha aap kabhi Malhotra mansion mein kadam nahi rakhogi, par ab haalat kuch aur hai, dost. Mere Dadda ne khud kaha hai."

Manvi took a deep breath, weighing Khushi's words. "Khushi, main nahi aa sakti," she replied, her voice heavy with reluctance and unresolved emotions.

Just then, she heard Aarav's voice on the other end of the call, his tone sincere and filled with regret. "Manvi, main jaanta hun uss din maine tumhe bahut kaha tha, tumhe kuch kehne ka mauka bhi nahi diya maine. Main dil se chahta hun tum aaj dinner pe aao, sirf Khushi ki nahi, meri dost ki haisiyat se bhi"

Manvi's heart clenched, and she felt a surge of emotion hearing Aarav's heartfelt apology. She hesitated, her mind a whirl of conflicting thoughts, and then, without another word, she disconnected the call, unable to voice a response.

Aarav handed the phone back to Khushi, his expression a mix of regret and hope. Khushi made a face, her brow furrowing in mild frustration. "Dost bhi na, ziddi hai," she murmured, shaking her head slightly.

Aarav smiled faintly, a glimmer of optimism in his eyes. "Woh nahi aayegi, toh tum unse milne chali jaana," he suggested gently, his eyes conveying the depth of his understanding and hope.

Khushi nodded, understanding the deeper meaning behind his words. She knew Aarav still harbored hope that Manvi would change her mind and join them for dinner. The night ahead was filled with uncertainty, but also with the possibility of mending old wounds and rekindling friendships. 

As the evening approached, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink, Khushi's determination to bring her friend back into the fold strengthened, embodying the spirit of new beginnings and the promise of healing.

Khushi remembered something and quickly picked up a cloth, tying it around Aarav's eyes.

He touched it, confused. "Kya kar rhi ho, Khushi?"

"Dadda, surprise for you," she said with a mischievous grin.

She grabbed his hand and carefully guided him downstairs to the hall. She brought him to the bar corner, which was now converted into an area of memories. With a flourish, she removed the cloth, and Aarav opened his eyes.