𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐆𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 : The Aditi And kartik Saga

Storm of Emotions

_flashback_

Me- "We met at a work event. He is… well, he's not exactly known for his good manners. I need to learn more about him."

Shikha- "You are right about that. He is a real handful."

Me- "Aisa lag raha hai ki tum uske baare mein sab kuchh jaanti ho ?"

Shikha- "I.... I do... But, main tumhe kuchh nahi bata sakti.... It is not my place to talk about him." She said hesitately.

Me- "I understand.... But main sach mein fasi hum... I need to know what makes him tick."

Shikha- "Look.... You should know that Akhilesh..... Woh Aisa nahi hai jaisa use log samajhte hai. There is a lot more to him that meets the eye.... And... Well, let us just say ki uski family ko kuchh bhi nahi pata...." She sighed.

Me- "What do you mean ?" I was intrigued.

Shikha- "You see, I... I am his.... I am his wife.... But, it is a secret. Kisi ko bhi nahi pata, not even his father." She said lowering his voice.

Me- "His wife ? But... Why ?"

I gasped on whatever shit she said like... Why would a decent girl... Well, not decent who works at a club like this place... But nevermind.... Par aise kaise woh shaadi kar sakta hai without his father knowing about it ? I saw her eyes were welling up.

Shikha- "A long, complicated story.... Par muze pata hai ki you are looking for information on Akhilesh.... Main tumhe batane ke liye ready hun... But tumhe promise karna hoga ki you won't tell anyone...."

Me- "I promise... Tell me everything."

Shikha- "Okay.... Let me start from the beginning."

She took a deep breath. The conversation continued as Shikha revealed the details of Akhilesh's life, including his secret marriage and the reasons behind it to me.

Me- "He is not the best person for you, Shikha."

Shikha- "I know.... He is just... Ashamed of me, I guess."

Me "Ashamed of you ? Girl, you should be ashamed of him not him on you." I said sympathetically.

Shikha- "It has been like this for a year. He has never treated me with respect. He.... He is never been a good husband."

Tears were welling up in her eyes. I reached out and placed a comforting hand on her arm.

Me- "I am sorry."

She looked at me, her voice was filled with desperate hopes.

Shikha- "Do you think.... Do you think you could help me ? I need someone to talk to, someone who understands."

Me- "I can do that."

Shikha- "Muze bas.... Muze bas bahar jaana hai... I want to be free." Her voice was breaking.

Me- "I know you do. But you need a plan." I said gently and wiped her tears.

Shikha- "Muze nahi pata hai ki kya karna hai... I am afraid of him. He is... He is dangerous."

Me- "You don't have to be afraid. Main promise Karti hu ... I will help you."

We two women spend the rest of the time talking. Shikha confides in me, revealing the extent of Akhilesh's cruelty and the desperate loneliness of her secret existence. I listened with a mix of sympathy and determination.