Chapter 7: he will never let me go

"Will you marry me?" Shivansh Mehra didn't find it inappropriate to ask such a question to her. She felt burnt inside to hear those from him. Didn't she give him enough signs that she is not interested in him? Ishu took a deep breath and smiled. She needs to be cool at times like this. These types of situations would come often to a single mother in this society.

"Mr Mehra. I don't know how I am unable to show you my disinterest in this marriage thing. But guess you are too naive to understand it. Here I go, I don't want to marry not only you but anyone in this world." Ishu smiled and took her register to get out of her cabin. She felt suffocated to even stand there.

"Why don't you take some time to think about it. Your son might have a greater future with me" Shivansh is adamant to convince her.

"Why do you think he won't have if I bring him up alone?" She asked back with raising eyebrows. Somehow Shivansh could see the fire in her words and the vibe he is getting is not a joke. If words didn't make him understand, she won't think twice to talk in that language which would embarrass both. Shivansh found it wise to leave the place first as Ishu slumped down in her chair with tears in her eyes.

"How can I imagine anyone in the place of you, Arjun?" She mumbled and buried her face in her palms. Deep inside she is just beyond repair thinking how Arjun can marry anyone? She wanted to grab his collar and slap him hard over his cheeks for such betrayal. But she knew that once she saw him, she won't be able to hurt him in any way.

*****

Taking her barbie doll, Pihu started combing it as if it's her baby.

"Darling, what are you doing?" Arjun sat beside her with a smiling face. He always loves to play with Pihu.

"I don't want to talk to you" Pihu turned to the left side and started doing her barbie's makeup.

"Okay, my princess is angry today." Arjun took a box full of chocolates and kept it in front of her.

"I won't get swayed away by your bribes" She replied not affected with any pampering

"May I know the reason at least?" Arjun pouted and kneeled in front of her holding his ears.

"My friends told me that fathers love mommy more than kids. Is it true? Ajju loves Sweetie more than a princess?" Pihu asked turning to his side while Shagun joined the conversation.

"Your dad can never love your mom more than you" Shagun replied picking up her daughter as she noticed how Arjun's face fell with her statement. She is sometimes too honest in expressing her sad part to him.

"Shagun, I " Arjun stuttered not able to say anything to her. She lovingly grabbed his arms.

"Have breakfast" She kept the plate and turned to leave the place. She doesn't want to talk to him about anything. Maybe she can live this fake life forever and be happy in those lies.

"I am one selfish person. I know that." Arjun mumbled stuffing the sandwich inside his mouth as Shagun looked at him with full pity.

"You are anything but selfish" she replied and sat beside him with a soft touch in his hands.

"I don't know what would have happened to me if you were not there for me in those days. If I am alive, it's only because of you Ajju" Shagun pressed his hands as tears rolled down her cheeks. She never wanted to bring that topic ever in her life but seeing Arjun guilty for nothing, she couldnt hold it.

"Anyways. Dont think too much. We shall go out for dinner" Arjun quickly changed the topic. He hates it whenever she cries for past things. He tries his best to keep her away from those memories and at least pretend to be a responsible husband for her.

"That sounds great," Shagun mumbled with a smile.

*****

Ishu enjoyed a lot organising the event and all the parents are very happy to be a part of this school. The games and dances went on and everyone found it relaxing to even stand there. The stress worries everything is just gone on vacation.

"I don't believe in first and last. All my students are precious and I would want them to be happy forever. So, a star award for all students with their names engraved on it" Ishu announced the last gift to the students and all get very excited to receive the award.

Thus, the function comes to an end with laughter and giggles of all. Shivansh stood there with his daughter but his eyes were on Ishu. He just couldnt accept the fact that someone rejected him. He is young hot as hell and he is the richest person in the country. Anyone would just feel blessed to have his eyes on the least. But Ishu has never paid attention either to his costly cars or his handsome face. This hurts his ego like hell.

****

Ishiita entered her home with a tired face. It's hell tiring day for her. Soon her eyes widened seeing the arrangements in her tiny apartment. Did she invite anyone? Did her maid do all these? Is it her birthday? Nothing popped up in her head.

"What's these all?" She mumbled throwing her handbag over the couch. The hall was decorated with blue and white balloons and there was a heart-shaped cake on the table.

"I just thought why don't I ask you properly and get rejected?" Shivansh came outside with a smile making her shiver with his presence. How dare he to come to her home. She knew that the landlord of her apartment must have given him the keys.

"Mr Mehra, you are crossing your limits." Ishu started swiftly taking away all arrangements. Sid must be coming here anytime with Neha.

"Before I insult you in front of all, just leave from here" Ishu took the cake and threw that in the dustbin without having any second thought. But Shivansh is not at all surprised with her acts but smiled back at her which scared her like hell.

"Relax Ishu," he tried to grab her for a small conversation but she shrugged away his hands immediately and pointed her forefinger at him.

"Miss.Kapoor" she warned him but he seemed unaffected with anything.

Soon flashlights covered the home and Ishu gasped loudly seeing media people in her home. She looked at Shivamsh who had a victory smile on his face. Her forehead started sweating on its own as she stumbled back a little. Shivansh caught her at the right timing so that he can give a proper pose for publishing. Everything happened so fast that Ishu couldn't react for some time.

"What's happening here?" Suraj asked coming inside the home with some gifts. Soon his eyes looked terrified seeing the state of Ishu. He ran to her and grabbed her from the clutches of Shivansh as she started panicking on her own.

"No no. My pictures can't be published. If he comes to know that I am here, he will never let me go. Arjun would find me. No no. It can't happen" Ishu started blabbering on her own but Suraj tried to calm down her but of no use. He made her sit over the couch and started yelling at all to leave the house immediately.

"Shiv, just leave before I forget our friendship" Suraj spoke with a calm and composed but threatening tone. Shivansh didn't expect Suraj to witness this. So he left the place without any option.

"Please Suraj. I won't ask you any more favour. But please use anything but stop these people to publish my face" Ishu grabbed Suraj and was shivering badly. She doesn't want to meet Arjun in her life. She doesn't dare to meet him. What if she breaks his family unknowingly? What if her beautiful small world shatters with his entry? What if Sid comes to know everything? Sid hates his father but loves Arjun Rathore. She wants him at least to love his father that way.

"Ishu, relax. You know me right? I can do anything for you. I will make sure those pictures were deleted within 5 minutes" Suraj caressed her cheeks and took his mobile phone.

Neha came with Sid and both are worried to see Ishu in that state.

"Everything is under control," Suraj announced and that's when Ishu takes a long breathe and looked at all. She doesn't know what she was doing till then. She smiled at Suraj and Neha

"Are you hiding from him?" Neha asked once Ishu was alone in the kitchen to prepare coffee.

"Who?" Ishu asked adding sugar to the coffee.

"Arjun," Neha asked as Ishu stoned in her position. She didn't react for some time.

"Why?" Neha asked again gaining her attention.

"If he comes to know about my existence, he will never let me go" Ishu mumbled as Neha widened her eyes realising that Ishu was right about her Arjun. He still loves her but she is the one adamant here.