Tangled: Hearts And Truths 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞

6 years later.

“Great job, Akshara! You were amazing in your first operation,” remarked Dr. Mehta, one of our senior doctors. I couldn’t help but smile widely before thanking him.

“Congratulations, Akshara! It was your first surgery, and we nailed it!” exclaimed Dr. Mishra, my fellow, as she hugged me tightly. I returned the hug, overflowing with excitement and happiness. In that moment, I would even hug my worst enemy.

“Akshara!” Dr. Vidhi, my closest friend here, entered the room and gestured for me to come closer. I excused myself from the conversation and hurried over to her.

She leaned in close to my ear and whispered, “Someone is waiting for you in the—” I didn’t catch the rest of her sentence because I immediately sprinted out of the discussion area and headed towards the nearby room.

I told him not to bother but does he have to listen to me?

But right now I wasn’t worrying about that and was running there excitedly to let him know I did it.

After waiting for this opportunity for so long, when I finally received my first opportunity to perform surgery, I was all set to deny because I couldn’t have enough faith in myself.

It was also him who started gently and when I still denied, then turned it into a long hour scolding after which I finally agreed to it. 

I pushed open the door, running inside excitedly and even before I felt a pair of strong arms enveloped my waist, lifting me off the ground.

“Congratulations Doctor.” He whispered gently pecking me over  over my forehead.

“You didn’t even ask how it went..” I murmured wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Your speed and smile tells it or more like I already knew.” He said again pecking over my lips and I giggled digging my face in his neck.

“Wait.” I said moving my head from his neck and looking at him. “Why didn’t you bring A—” my voice was interrupted by a soft voice.

“Papa, my pretty hands will start paining if I keep longer. Can I open my eyes at least now if you both are done?”

I gasped looking down beside him to find our daughter standing with her little hand hardly managing to hide her both eyes while her other arm was at her back, trying to hide the bouquet which was bigger than her in size.

“You again annoyed her, put me down!” I said lightly hitting his shoulder and he gently put me down.

I turned to Anvi, our daughter and knelt down to her with a smile, watching her lips in a pout.

“Wasn’t it you to tell me not to kiss you in front of her?” He shrugged and I only noticed the slightest twitch at the corner of her lips as she always blushes at the name of kiss.

I did tell him, but that was when I kissed him expecting it to be a quick peck but he wouldn’t let me go with his both hands holding me tightly by the waist while Anvi was literally late for her school and he had to drop her.

“Open your eyes baby, ignore your papa sometimes.” She slowly moved her hand from her blue eyes and soon her small lips formed into a smile as she brought her other hand forward and handed me the flower.

“Congratulations mumma.” She said softly before jumping into my embrace excitedly. I wrapped my hands around her back, standing up with my 5 year old in my arms.

“Thank you baccha” I said handing the bouquet in my hand to Arhaan.

“Go get changed, we have to leave soon.” Arhaan said reminding me and I nodded looking at my ot wear.

“Don’t bother mumma Anvi, come here.” Arhaan said forwarding his both arms to her but she moved her head aside, denying to go to him.

“What did I do now?” Arhaan gasped and a smirk formed over my lips which he didn’t missed.

“Anvi’s tiny hands are in pain. So bad Arhaan, you shouldn’t have made her use her hands to close her eyes.” He sighed gesturing me to walk step out first.

I had taken a half day today after the operation and told Arhaan to stay home and make sure of our packing till I don’t come back but he still didn’t listened to me.

I placed Anvi down as we walked towards the parking lot and she stopped, staring at me.

“Walk yourself.” I told her while the distance between her and our car was hardly 20 steps and she pouted.

“But aren’t my legs paining?” She complained and I gasped leaning down to her. “The pain was in your hands as far as I think.” I reminded knowing that was a lie too.

“Really? I don’t think so..” She muttered and let out a dramatic wince after taking a step forward at what Arhaan chuckled before scooping her in his arms.

“Arhaan put her down and let her walk. Bigaad rahe ho tum ise!” I said following them without missing Anvi’s victorious grin as she was laying her head against Arhaan’s shoulder.

(You’re spoiling her!)

“Why would I walk when I have my Papa?” She said and Arhaan’s head jerked to me.

“Pakka mai bigaad raha hun?” Arhaan chuckled and I sighed.

(You sure I’m the one spoiling?)

…

After the flight, our cab was almost there and I could already notice Anvi’s excitement over her face.

“What’s inside that?” I asked pointing at her little bag that has been held by me since we left from house.

“She hasn’t told me either. I just saw her stuffing something inside quietly. Check it.” Arhaan said and I placed my hand over the zip with no intention to unzip but just watch her reaction.

“Noo…give it to me.” She said grabbing it from me and placing it over her lap, who’s sitting over Arhaan’s lap.

“Don’t move, princess, or it will get ruined.” He mumbled continuing braiding her long hair because they were annoying her by coming over her face.

The cab stopped signing we arrived and I glanced at him to find him done with her hair before I stepped out while they came out from the other side. 

She ran towards the door herself before suddenly turning around and running back to me for her bag before running back there again as I and Arhaan watched her from one place.

“Ishaan! I’m here!” She shouted knocking over the door and I chuckled before turning to Arhaan.

“Am I looking fine?” I asked, running a hand down my open hair feeling too tired from the travelling.

“Let me see” he said gesturing me to turn my head left, from his hand and so did I turned my head. Then again gestured me to turn to right and so did I before turning to him again.

“You done playing?” I asked. “You done checking around?” I crooked my brows confusingly before he suddenly pressed his lips on mine and I soon gently pushed him back, looking everywhere to find no-one.

“Papa! Not in front of my friend!” Anvi exclaimed embarrassingly.

“No worries, My father doesn’t listens either.” Ishaan sighed like a 80 year old as if was not talking about his father but his own son.

“I was just helping you with that dark lipstick which wasn’t so perfect.” Arhaan shrugged at my glare.

“Come here.” He said turning to Ishaan but went to him himself because Ishaan wouldn’t come to him for sure but run away.

“Papaaa” He was halfway done shouting and running inside before Arhaan catched him and carried him over his shoulders.

“Let’s throw him this time, Anvi.” Arhaan said walking towards the backyard with Anvi following him with an enjoying grin.

In short, there’s no kid whom he doesn’t annoys.

I sighed walking inside while ignoring Ishaan’s ‘Mummmy and Papaaaa’s.

“Reyansh? They are here!” Aaliya exclaimed from the sofa in the living room while the movie I suggested her over call yesterday was on play.

“Is she asleep?” I asked walking closer to her and looking down at her baby girl in her lap with a smile as her eyes were closed.

“You think she’d be?, while Ishaan has putten the entire house in chaos since I told him that you all are coming.” She gently sat the baby in her lap only for her to wake up and blink her eyes rapidly at me now.

“Bhabhi, I’d really take revenge from Arhaan for my son also if it wasn’t Anvi.” Reyansh informed walking in with a towel wrapped around his neck before moving the baby napkins, bottle and other stuffs from the seat beside Aaliya and signing me to sit.

“You can take your revenge with Anvi too. My daughter isn’t any weak either.” I said gently taking Reya from Aaliya’s lap and sitting over the sofa.

“Naah, No one can annoy my both girls.” He said glancing at Reya  before Turning back forward where came running Anvi inside before hugging his legs.

“Reyansh Uncle!” She exclaimed and he carried her up in his arm and her complaining session started soon about how I and Arhaan prohibited her from doing this and that.

“I’m sorry, I won’t do it again I told you.” The heard a pleading voice and looked at the door again to find Ishaan walking in with blown cheeks and crossed arms Followed by Arhaan.

“What happened?” I asked as he quietly walked and sat over the sofa before wrapping his arms around me.

“He wasn’t putting me down even though I told him again and again. He was even going to throw me up in the sky when I jumped down.” I glared at Arhaan as he knows that he always gets angry over it but still does it whenever they meet.

“Fine, I won’t do it again.” Arhaan sighed and I softened my eyes. “Good boy.” I smiled.

“Good boy, Uncle.” Ishaan teased with a grin but Arhaan didn’t paid him any attention but me.

I rose a brow at his stare and he blowed a kiss that was intentional and I turned beside to take a glance at Ishaan to find him placing a palm over his forehead in defeat.

Poor boy has tried alot to fix both him and Reyansh but none did.

“I’m here!” I heard another soft yet loud yell before another storm ran inside named, Rohaan Kapoor. He’s just 4 while Ishaan is even 3 months older than 5 year old Anvi.

Yeah.

Aaliya was quicker.

His footsteps stopped as he came inside and same did Anvi’s hands as she was playing with Reya by tickling her gently.

“Mommy!” They both exclaimed irritatingly while Neil and his wife, Isha entered inside.

“And who who missed me?!” Neil asked putting on his sunglasses from his head and there was a complete pin drop silence of 10 seconds while Isha sighed walking forward and sat beside me.

“Meee” Anvi hurried to him and he threw us a sarcastic look before carrying her up in his arm. “I didn’t lied when I said Anvi is the only smart here, with me.” He said giving her a high five and I looked down again to Find Rohaan in the same place with the same shocked face.

“Can I take this?” She asked pointing at the glasses bigger than her face. He walked near to the coffee table and stood her over it before tucking it over her ears.

“Anvi can take anything.” He said running a hand down her head.

Its a fact that all the three treat her no less than a princess, even Neil, who misses no chance to annoy his own son is sensitive in her matters.

“Why is she here?!” Rohaan finally spoke what wasn’t a new thing. They never get along no matter how hard we try.

“Actually why are you here?!” Anvi asked back jumping down from the table and placing her both hands over either sides of her hips.

“Rohaan, I told you to be sweet with her, didn’t I?” Isha spoke pulling him to him. “He himself is so sour, Aunty.”  Anvi replied showing him her tongue.

“Anvi!” I narrowed my eyes at her and she looked down innocently.

“And you are bitter!” Rohaan exclaimed and Anvi’s cheeks fumed with anger.

“Why are they flirting?” Neil chuckled and Ishaan entered the scene.

“Are you two really flating? Well, what is flating by the way?” He asked turning to us with curiosity. “That’s a way of friendshiping.” Aaliya answered.

“With him? Never.” Anvi muttered before her eyes widened and she ran to Arhaan.

“I’m tired and I’m going for rest. Bhabhis, take care of my wife till I’m not here.” Neil yawned before walking in the guest room with their luggage.

It’s the start of kids’s summer vacation and each year, we visit either’s house for at least a week. Last year was Neil’s and this year was supposed to be ours but Reyansh’s parents had went to their hometown so they insisted on us joining theirs.

“Here.” Anvi smiled coming back with her bag and pulling out 4 Chocolates to Ishaan and he smiled taking all.

Rohaan looked at me with a pout and I asked Anvi to share it with him also at what she shook her head.

“My teeth will get spoiled if I eat this lot, you can take two.” Ishaan said handing Rohaan 2 of his chocolates before Anvi stopped him by coming in between.

She sighed pulling out one more chocolate from her bag and handing it to Rohaan.

“It’s already too late, they need to sleep now I think.” I muttered slowly but found both Aaliya and Isha invested in them as if they’re watching a movie.

I looked down at Reya on my lap who had already dived into a deep sleep with her little brown curls shining in the light. She completed a year just 2 months ago and each time I take her in my lap reminds me of Anvi’s times.

“You gave him four, and only one to me?” He asked and she nodded proudly. “Because you’re bad.” She blurted walking to a chair and sitting over it before opening the wrapper of a chocolate in her hand and taking a bite of it.

“I think we should really leave now.” Isha said in horror and Aaliya was half her way asking why when we realised why.

The pitch Rohaan’s cry was at could beat any loud speaker. “Neil come and stop him, he doesn’t listens to me.” Isha shouted and we heard a faint shout because the door to the room was shut.

“Let him, This way his all charmness will wash off soon, and then no girl will even spare him a glance so he’ll always pay more attention to his studies.” The moment Neil was done shouting, Rohaan’s tears had already stopped.

“And listen to whatever my wife says or else I’ll leave you here with Anvi.” Isha winced as Rohaan again started crying and this time, he wasn’t alone, Reya was too supporting him.

He soon stopped and looked in her way who wouldn’t stop crying as I tried to calm her but she wouldn’t so I let Aaliya take her. He slowly walked to her.

“Is she crying because of me?” He asked innocently to Aaliya and she smiled shaking her head. “She cries according to her mood.” Aaliya kept patting her but she wouldn’t stop.

Rohaan looked at the chocolate in his hand before slowly holding Reya’s hand and handing it over to her.

She soon stopped  crying also, while staring at the chocolate in her hand with interest while Rohaan smiled widely and looked at us all proudly knowing he stopped her from crying.

“I just have this half remained…” Anvi walked to him, slowly forwarding her hand that was holding her half eaten chocolate while the rest was covering her mouth.

“You’re looking like a monster.” Rohaan chuckled in attempt to grab the chocolate she was offering before she pulled back her hand suddenly.

“Monsters don’t share.” She muttered turning around and walking away while eating the rest of her chocolate and I heard us all sigh in sync.

“Let’s play games, Rohaan. You can take my chocolates later.” Said Ishaan holding his hand and dragging him in another room with him.

“You both forgot mee…” Said anvi complained lightly. “Anvi I will be defeating Rohaan today, come fast!” Ishaan shouted from inside and it didn’t even take her a second to run inside with a grin.

“You all can go take rest too, must be tired by the travelling. I’ll take them to bed after half an hour.” Reyansh said taking Reya from Aaliya’s lap.

“Good night.” Isha wished standing up and we both wished her back as she went inside. It’s been 5 years since their marriage and our bond has became great too.

I’ve even seen Neil’s that one caring side after her entry that’d be unbelievable before. Forget that, during her pregnancy, he’d call me and Aaliya both at least 20 times a day asking what what to do and what what to not and etc.

“I’m going too. Good night.” Aaliya wished too and I smiled before she walked inside too with Reyansh.

“And when will we rest?” I yawned putting a hand over my mouth as Arhaan stood in front of me.

“I don’t have plans for resting tonight, Akshara. So nor will you.” He muttered before wrapping his arms around my back and waist and carrying me.

“Arhaan you’re getting old now, you’ll hurt your back this way someda—” I tried to tease him wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Shhh…” he hissed opening the door to another guest room that has to be ours and this time, he didn’t forget to lock the door before putting me over the bed.

“Thanks for the lift, dear husband.” I showed him a thumbs up before grabbing the blanket and lying down instantly to avoid any tension.

I remained under the blanket for around 10 seconds and he didn’t moved it. I turned to another side and another 10 seconds passed but he didn’t tried protesting.

I turned forward again and finally moved the blanket from my face to find him staring at me from the corner of the bed with slightest uplifting in the corners of his lips.

“You lost the chance. Now it’s my turn.” He said stepping to me and leaning closer to my face.

“Is my wife tired?” He asked in his heavy voice and I gulped slightly nodding.

“Want me to ease the tiredness?”

Fuck. Isn’t he not supposed to sound so hot being a father of a 5 year old girl?

I had just nodded once before he pressed his lips on mine. And…it’s too unfair that I never get used to it. Him.

I held him by the collar of his shirt before pulling him over me without breaking the kiss, instead it only became more intense.

My hands made its way around his neck while I felt myself going out of breath but I won’t be pulling back first, he has to run out of breath sometimes too.

A sudden ring in his phone interrupted us before  I squished his shoulder slightly to pull away and answer it.

He groaned when I sat up with him and handed him his phone from the nearby table. He checked the caller ID before answering the phone and keeping it on speaker.

“Brother, your daughter is crying.” I panicked getting off from the bed before he stopped me by my hand.

“Why?” Arhaan asked calmly while in the other cases, he’s the one to run faster. “Because her parents locked her out. Open the door asshole!” Reyansh ordered from the call before ending the call. Arhaan handed me the phone and walked towards the door to open it.

I heard him unlocking the door but my eyes were locked onto his phone screen. Or actually the lockscreen.

It was me.

Our wedding.

Our happy wedding.

The picture was of the moment when I felt the vermillion falling over my nose and couldn’t help my wide smile with my eyes closed.

Even I myself would get bored of my own picture if kept it longer than a year and here he has the same for the last 6 years.

Here, I keep updating my lock screen almost every month. The current one is Anvi grinning behind Arhaan after she was done making a small pineapple tree of Arhaan’s hairs over His head.

“Yeah, ask her.” I was pulled out of my thoughts when I looked up to find him carrying Anvi and I could see the hint of tears around her cheeks.

“Why did you both lock me out of room?” I narrowed my eyes at Arhaan and he winked at me with a smile.

“Because you’re becoming stubborn nowadays, now come and sleep quickly.” I said taking her from his hold and gently lying her in the middle of the bed.

“Fine! Good night.” She sighed. “And Yeah. Anvi loves mommy and papa.” She reminded, like she always does when she’s too happy and tonight she is after playing with the boys.

“And papa loves Anvi and her mommy.” He grinned at me.

“Mommy loves Anvi too.” I kissed her cheek.

I ignored that loud sound of clearance of throat.

Again.

And, again.

“Akshara…”

“Hmm?”

“You missed someone.”

I dug my head in the pillow to hide the playful smirk over my lips. “I don’t think so.”

“You sure?”

“Maybe…”

“Fine. Anvi, you know what mommy was doing with the door locke—-“

“Fine, I love you too!”

______________________________________

Okay, they’re not going to stop annoying each other ever and we all know it.

Do comment and VOTE.

I’ll post the introduction of RAVELED: SOULS AND LIES tomorrow and will start later also so don’t miss it either.

Thank you everyone for the love you showed to this book. I’m really really grateful for each and every appreciation I ever recieved.

Thank you.