Our World Our Way! - An AnuPre Tale

Part 5

It was lush green everywhere, the sudden downpour was unexpected but seemed much needed. Everything around, from the trees to the roads looked washed and renewed. Though it was not raining heavily anymore, it still drizzled. Anurag, having parked his car on a lone highway on his way back from jail, couldn’t see any beauty in the scenic view in front of him. For him, everything looked gloomy and felt as though the sky was crying with him. 

He was late! He couldn’t save Prerna from going through this rough patch in life. Yes, only a rough patch because he knew he would take her out of it come what may. Fresh tears made its way down his already tear-stained face as he thought about the pain she would have gone through while sitting with Bajaj in the mandap when she knew he was waiting for her in another mandap with the promise of a life that was their dream. How selflessly can someone love!

He had to meet her. He had to talk to her. He had to make sure she was alright. He had to tell her that he understood. He hurried towards his car and reached Basu Bari. He ran into the house but slowed down when he saw her serving lunch to masi and Tanvi. He didn’t make his presence known and just observed her from a distance. She smiled to something masi told her tucking her hair behind her ears. The smile didn’t reach her eyes like it usually would rather it felt very mechanical. She seemed lost in herself. She was enduring the company of strangers and putting up with the act of being someone’s wife because she loved him so much. She loved him to the extent of sacrificing her dreams, her desires, her love just so Anurag could be alive! As he closed his eyes a lone tear escaped. He ran to his room without getting noticed when the pain of seeing her lifeless in front of his eyes became unbearable. 

It was not until night that Anurag came out of his room. His room was a mess with their photographs, her dupatta, Basu Publication's and other documents scattered all over the place. He had cried his eyes out but finally decided that he would take control of the situation and not fall weak - for her, for them!

He was going to the kitchen to fill his water bottle before hitting the bed. It was going to be a long day tomorrow, he thought to himself. He was conscious not to run into any of his family members. As the hall looked empty he walked past to reach the kitchen and the person who was constantly on his mind stood in front of him. She was boiling milk, probably for Kuki or he didn’t know. She stood frozen in her tracks the minute she realized his presence. He went towards the fridge not wanting to make her uncomfortable. There was so much tension in the air, both wanted to talk to each other but were fighting their emotions. In this distraction she didn’t realize when she hit her finger in the hot saucepan. She hissed. He ran to her in no time. 

“Prerna.. kya hua, dikhao”

“Nahi.. vo..” she hesitated.

“Humesha aise hi karti ho! Khud ko takleef pahunchati ho.” he said holding her hand looking straight into her eyes. Before she could understand the intensity in his eyes, he took her to the sink and washed her finger with cold water and applied haldi. She was drinking her tears back seeing him nurse her wound. She released her hand as soon as he was done and turned to leave. She had just taken a couple of steps when she heard him call her. His voice didn’t hold the hatred or anger that he nowadays seemed to have. She turned to look at him and found him already looking at her intensely. 

“Haan? Bolo..”

He wanted to say so much to her but words failed him. All he could muster was “Dhyan rakhna..”. I will get you out of this, very soon. He promised her silently.

The next morning Anurag was entering his house after jogging when he heard laughter from the living area. He looked towards the source and found his friend Sid and Anupam excitedly having a conversation. His lips automatically curled up in a smile. He didn't make a lot of friends but the ones he made were dear to him and Sid was definitely his best buddy! 

"Heyyy Sid!" Beamed Anurag.

"Lo dono ke aane ki timing bhi ek jaisi h" Sid said referring to Anurag and Prerna's entry at the same time. 

Anurag hugged Sid fondly and smiled to the fullest. He didn't realise but he had missed him. 

"Ab yaad ayi saale meri?" Anurag asked playfully.

Prerna was also happy to meet Sid after such a long time, afterall they were college friends and moments like these reminded her that she was still alive. 

"Bol toh aise raha h jaise mujhe miss kiya ho! Apni Prerna ke aage kuch dikhta h tumko? By the way Prerna, main ab se tumko kya bulaun.. Prerna.. ya Prerna bhabhi!!!!!"

Anurag's eyes popped out. Sid's teasing made him realise that he wasn't aware of what had happened in their lives as he had moved to London and hadn't been much in contact. But he didn't want to tell about the reality in front of everyone. 

He tried to pull Sid by his shoulder and take him inside. "Chal na.. tumse bahut saari baatein karni h". 

"Ab kya mujhe Prerna se baat bhi nahi karne dega? Pure time toh tere hi sath rehti h. Dekho Prerna iski na-insaafi!" Anurag rolled his eyes at his dramatic friend. 

Before he could attempt again to get him inside, Nivi came with Debu da carrying Tea and refreshments but left immediately as she was running late for a meeting. Prerna helped pour a cup for Sid which meant Anurag had to wait till he was fed.

"Chai achi bani h.." Sid thanked Prerna and continued in a mischievous tone "chai se yaad aaya.. Anurag tu abhi bhi Prerna ke ghar ke samne vale chai ki dukaan me chai peeta h kya? Tumko kaafi pasand thi na"

While Prerna and Anupam looked confused at the piece of information, Anurag went all red with embarrassment. Those were days when he was falling for her and he would find any stupid reason to get a glimpse of her. Sid happened to be his company then and he was using it to tease Anurag now. 

"Konsi dukaan.. konsi chai" he stuttered. He had consciously hidden it from Prerna least she thought he was stalking her! But this guy was bent on spoiling his image! 

"Mere ghar ke saamne??" Prerna sounded curious.

"Kuch nahi Prerna.. Sid toh kuch bhi bakwas karta rehta h", he put a hand on Sid's shoulder and gave it a tight squeeze to shut him up. Sid jerked it playfully and continued. It looked like Sid wasn't done taking his case. 

"What? Tumko Anurag ne kuch nahi bataya humare stalking mission ke bare me?" Sid was having the time of his life teasing his dear friend which he rarely got.

Anurag face palmed himself in embarrassment. Wait, what did he say? Stalking mission? "Don't exaggerate!! Bas chai ki dukaan pe and college me thoda bahut.. usko stalking nahi bolte ok! Don't make me look like a roadside Romeo!" He sounded indignant. 

All three burst out laughing at the sight of Anurag at that moment. While Sid and Anupam were rolling on the floor laughing (well not literally), he could see a hint of blush on Prerna's face. He couldn't help but smile himself. These rounds of teasing and laughter would have been a constant part of their life had things not taken such a turn. He would get them back together. He would.

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Hello my dear readers, first of all, am sorry for not updating earlier that too on a week where the show was a disaster. 

I know the story hadn't progressed much since the last update but I didn't want to rush into it.. plus I was craving for some AnuPre :(

Do let me know how you guys liked this update and stay tuned for more :) 

P.S: Thank you so so so much for all the comments and votes. :))