Shadowed Desires

Chapter 21

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10:00 PM

Abhinav made a call to his P.A. and said, "Kal mujhe 2 crore rupees cash chahiye humare ghar mein aur ye baat kisi ko pata na lagne paye."
("I want 2 crore rupees in cash delivered to our home tomorrow, and no one should find out about it.")
His P.A. nodded in agreement.

On the other hand, Atharv entered their room and noticed Kritika sitting on the bed.
“You had your medicines?” he asked.
Kritika just nodded nonchalantly.

Atharv said, “I need a little time from you today. Will you accompany me?”
Kritika was a little confused but nodded, knowing how little time she had left in this house.

They both sat in the car. Kritika asked curiously, “Waise hum jaa kaha rahe hai?”
("By the way, where are we going?")
Atharv replied, “Sabr kijiye madam, abhi aap.”
("Have patience, madam. You’ll know soon.")

After a 20-minute drive, they reached a destination. Before she could recognise it, he blindfolded her gently.

He guided her step-by-step to the spot, and once they reached, he slowly removed the blindfold.

A sparkle appeared in Kritika’s eyes as she recognized the place—it was the same park where she had brought Atharv barely two weeks ago. Now, it was beautifully decorated with fairy lights. Amid the old trees, she saw small new plants, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

She looked around, visibly moved, and asked, “But ye jagah to yaha se hatne wali thi na?”
("But wasn’t this place going to be demolished?")

Atharv handed her a file. As she flipped through the pages, her eyes widened in disbelief.
“Why did you purchase this land and transfer it in my name?” she asked.

Atharv replied, “You said you didn’t want to save this place, but I wanted to preserve the place that brings peace and happiness to my wife.”

Kritika said, “You didn’t have to do all this. It was just a small park where I used to visit. I was prepared to let it go.”

Atharv said, “It’s not just a piece of land. It holds a special place in your heart because it was your mother's. I know I can’t bring her back, but I can at least make sure you don’t have to let go of her memories. Because I know—that’s all you’re left with.”

Kritika softly said, “But…”

Atharv cut in, “I know we’ve lived different lives despite being from the same social class. You had a rough childhood, lacking family love. I, on the other hand, was showered with affection. I want to change that now. I want to be your family. I want you to be happy with my family. I want to give you the love your own family couldn’t. I can’t heal your pain entirely, but I can give you reasons to move on from your scars. I don’t care about your family’s past or what went wrong between your parents. I just want to support you. Will you let me?”

Kritika replied with disappointment, “It’s not as easy as you think. What if you have to distance yourself from your loving family because of my past? I don’t want to ruin your life. Please don’t get involved in all this.”

Atharv smiled, “Okay. But for now, can we just be in this moment? We’ll deal with the future when it comes.”

They sat on one of the benches in the calm surroundings.

Kritika smiled and said, “I’m happy you didn’t change anything about this place.”
Atharv said, “Yaadon ko thodi renovate karte hai, wo to jitni purani ho utna acha lagta hai.”
("You don’t renovate memories; the older they are, the more beautiful they feel.")