Anu-Raj [Estd. 1993]

14 - Fire And Ice : A Team

Vanraj got off the witness box as Kedar happily opened his handcuffs.
Anupamaa couldn't stop giggling happily as she spoke to Devika and Ronnie.

He stared at her, unbothered. Almost drawn into the moment.
The world had numbed around him. He took a step towards Anupamaa, eyes full of gratefulness.

Leela and Hasmukh rushed down to him.
Leela hugged him tightly, sobbing.

"Baa.. I'm fine.", He whispered as he hugged her back.
Hasmukh wiped his tears, gulping.
"Why? Why did you have to get into all this?", Leela asked sobbing.
"I had promised someone Baa..", He said as Leela released him, looking at him with pretentious anger.
He smiled, as wiped off her tears.
"And you only taught that promises are supposed to be kept.", He said.

"But..", Leela sighed as she took a step away.
Hasmukh took a step towards Vanraj, they shared a glance of affection as Vanraj smiled.

"We-we have to go, beta.", Hasmukh said.
"Go?", Vanraj asked taken aback.
"Your Dadaji.. he.. ", Leela said softly.

"He will not take me back.", Vanraj said looking down, feeling a little more hollow.
"But.. we care for you beta.", Hasmukh said immediately.
"It's okay Bapuji.", Vanraj looked up with a forced smile.
"You leave that girl na..", Leela said immediately.

Vanraj inhaled deeply.
"I can't Baa. My destiny is entwined with her.", He said softly.

Leela edged away, inhaling deeply.
She had heard of the saas-bahu drama, but she saw the reason today.

•

After Baa Bapuji strode out, annoyed with their own fate, Anupamaa found her way down to her husband.

Vanraj looked at her, and drew in a deep breath.
Her hand was still in the sling.
"You are okay?", He asked in a soft whisper.
Anu said nothing. She simply wrapped her free arm around him , pulling him close to herself.
He stood still for moments before pulling her closer.

"I couldn't sleep while you were in there.. they hurt you so much..", She whisperered looking up, teary eyed.

Oh Mahadev, does she love me?

The question had struck him several times, who had assumed this to be just another arranged marriage alliance. She probably liked him, but love? Yet, he saw the love of worlds in her dark brown eyes.

Her eyes a shade darker than his.

She slowly placed her finger on the bruise marks on his face.
"Look at the way they have marred your handsome face..", She whisperered, "They'll never get peace in hell also."

He smiled, feeling her touch.
Letting it sooth him.

Kanta walked down to him, as he immediately edged away from Anupamaa.
She said nothing as she hugged him tightly. He froze, looking at Anupamaa, perplexed.
Anupamaa just smiled back softly.

Kanta released him, lovingly caressing his unkempt hair.
"You did it Bhavesh, didn't you?", She asked softly.
Vanraj looked down awkwardly.

These kids can't keep one secret.

"Thank you.. thank you so much.", Kanta said gratefully.
"If it was Dolly, I'd do the same Kanta Maa.", He said softly, "He's a kid.. his life would get spoilt."
"Aacha enough of emotional drama now. Let's go home please.", Anupamaa said impatiently.

"Yes, yes.", Kanta said immediately wiping her tears.
She took a step ahead of them. Devika and Ronnie gave Vanraj a nod of courtesy as he smiled back.
Anupamaa immediately clutched Vanraj's hand tightly, with the proud he's only mine smile plastered on her face.