Page 55 of Substitute Bride
NEW BEGINNING
Jhankar is running quickly toward the water, and Vikrant is chasing after her.
Ever since they arrived here, they’ve been trying to spend quality time together for the past ten days.
Neither Sharda nor Jhankar’s family called them even once, as they also wanted to give them space—and that space has truly worked wonders.
The two have grown much closer, understanding each other deeply, and have started expressing their thoughts openly.
Jhankar looks back and runs faster, while Vikrant increases his speed to scare her.
She screams loudly and runs toward the water because today, she is determined to get Vikrant wet.
In the past, he always managed to escape, but today she is determined not to let him get away.
Vikrant understands all of her intentions, but he tries to eliminate anything unnecessary in their relationship, including his insecurities and other issues.
He is already starting to enjoy his life with her, her mischief, her ways to annoy him, and her banter.
Listen to her—everything related to her is now important to him.
Vikrant has dedicated a significant portion of his life to the tasks assigned to him.
He has never lived his life for himself, which is why now he wants to live only and only for himself.
In this phase, he is feeling Jhankar's companionship very deeply and positively.
At the same time, he is also very well aware that, for the first time in his life, he is feeling this much happiness, and he would rather not let this happiness slip away from him under any circumstances.
She knows Vikrant has OCD, but under a doctor’s guidance, she has been carefully following all the instructions given to her.
She is gradually working through every aspect of Vikrant’s situation—his disorder and many other issues—by deeply discussing everything with the doctor while also carefully keeping in mind all the information provided by Sharda.
She is working on every detail with full awareness.
She wants to completely dedicate herself to this relationship under all circumstances and welcome a beautiful life for both herself and Vikrant.
For that, she wants to make every possible effort from her side because she knows that she and Vikrant can no longer be separated from each other.
She knows every single detail of his liking or disliking.
Still, Vikrant tends to get overly cautious about everything.
She’s been helping him break out of that mindset, especially when it comes to nature.
Technically, the water from a natural body isn't harmful, but Vikrant still prefers to avoid it because, to him, it’s dirty.
Jhankar wants to free his mind from that notion and bring him closer to nature.
Even if, despite all her efforts, Vikrant does not like any of it at all, she has no problem with that.
However, she still wants to make every possible effort from her side in every way.
As soon as Jhankar approaches the water's edge, Vikrant stops, fully aware that she will attempt to splash water on him.
Pointing a finger at her and backing away like a scared child, he says,
"Jhankar, please don’t do this."
"I’ve been wanting to do this for so long. Today, I really want to drench you and see what exactly bothers you so much about it."
Jhankar quickly scoops water in both hands and throws it at him, hitting his shirt.
Vikrant grimaces and begins to unbutton his shirt, but Jhankar doesn’t stop—she keeps splashing water at him until he is quite wet.
Despite Vikrant's distaste for the water splashing, he refuses to interfere with Jhankar's enjoyment.
So he tries to calm his thoughts and lets her enjoy the moment.
Jhankar understands that while Vikrant is trying to let go of these things, someday he will genuinely enjoy them, but not every time she forces him.
She can clearly see that he is not enjoying it at all, so she immediately stops herself and walks over to him, holding her ears in apology.
But Vikrant instantly grabs her hands, shakes his head, and smiles.
Jhankar, who knows very well that Vikrant is feeling uncomfortable because his shirt is wet, looks straight into his eyes and begins unbuttoning it, then quickly turns to look ahead.
Some men who were with them immediately step forward, holding a fresh shirt for Vikrant.
Vikrant looks at Jhankar and begins to smile, and without any delay, he quickly changes into the new shirt.
Vikrant knows that Jhankar is trying to free him from every kind of restraint, but he also knows that some things are difficult, and some things simply take time.
As long as they continue to strive together, he has faith that their efforts will eventually yield results.
Smiling, he instantly pulls her into a warm hug.
The weather has been beautiful since morning, with rumbling clouds overhead. As she looks up, her smile widens. Vikrant, seeing her smile, also glances toward the sky and softly says,
"Why would you even listen to me? You love Jhankar so much that it's only natural for you to agree to everything she says."
Jhankar bursts into laughter at his mock complaint. She’s been waiting for the rain, and seeing Vikrant look up and complain to God is hilarious to her—especially since she knows he doesn’t even believe in God.
A light drizzle begins. Vikrant runs toward her, grabs her hand, and tries to pull her away.
Jhankar, however, holds his hand tightly and tries to stop him.
Vikrant knows how much Jhankar loves the rain and that she almost always ends up catching a cold afterward.
That’s why he wants to avoid this. But he also knows that she won’t let him pull her away so easily.
Jhankar breaks free from his grip, spreads her arms, and twirls with a big smile, welcoming the rain.
Vikrant watches her with a soft smile, not caring at all that he’s getting drenched.
Jhankar continues to dance in the rain, as if she won't move from there as long as it’s pouring.
Vikrant knows her too well—she's not going to leave on her own. But he also knows that he won’t let her stay out for too long.
After nearly half an hour of nonstop rain, Vikrant wraps her in his arms and says,
"If you fall sick, we’ll both be in trouble. No matter what happens, I won’t be able to stay away from you. But if you catch a cold, I won’t be able to come near you either. So, we need to go now."
"I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to enjoy the rain right here."
"Jhankar, please."
The moment Vikrant says “please,” she laughs loudly.
Vikrant lifts her in his arms and starts walking slowly.
Sometimes he spins around with her, enjoying the rain the way she does.
Other times, he pauses, tilts his face up, and savors the moment just like her.
Jhankar is truly enjoying this side of him.
Once they reach the cottage, Vikrant leaves her in the washroom, looks into her eyes lovingly, and says,
"I’ve kept your clothes outside. I’m going to the other room. Take your time and change. I won’t come in unless you call me in."
He leaves immediately, and Jhankar can’t stop smiling as she recalls his words.
She can see his love in everything he says and does.
She wants to tell him that she loves him too—that she, just like him, doesn’t want to be apart.
She’s not just giving this relationship a chance; she’s already sure about it.
But she’s taking her time because she wants to express her feelings in a meaningful way.
She wants to tell him in a way that feels like a beautiful surprise.
A little while later, when Jhankar comes out after her shower in the hall, Vikrant is already sitting there with coffee.
His hair still wet, as soon as she sees him, she walks over, starts drying it gently, and asks.
“Did you go somewhere last night? Was it something really important?”
Vikrant nods and, handing her the coffee mug, says:
“Actually, after a 15-day tour, Dad is coming back tomorrow. So there was some important work I needed to finish before that. I thought I should quickly take care of it so that he doesn’t face any issues in the next board meeting.
I was managing things from here comfortably, but you know how seriously I take anything related to Dhanraj Industries.
That’s why I had to personally go and double-check.
I didn’t want to go during the day because I wanted to spend time with you.
And once you fell asleep, I knew even if you woke up, you’d fall asleep again quickly because you never compromise on your sleep. So I quietly went out at night.”
Jhankar smiles softly, sips her coffee, and says:
“Uncle is coming tomorrow, so let’s leave from here too. Look, I really want to go see my parents first. I haven’t met them in days, and there are some things I need to talk to them about a lot.”
“Alright, tomorrow we’ll go to your parents’ place first. The board meeting is the day after tomorrow, so Dad will handle that.
And the day after that, I’ll come pick you up from your parents’ home.
Till then, stay with them and relax. But I’m telling you clearly—if you miss even one of my messages, I’ll break into your house exactly like I did the first time. ”
“Yup, I know you’re the Mafia…”
Jhankar pretends to be scared as she says this, and Vikrant bursts out laughing. Jhankar watches his face closely and then says softly,
“You didn’t choose the Mafia life; it was passed down to you. But can’t you leave it behind, Vikrant? I don’t want to live in fear. These things really scare me.”