The Territory of Rajput's

Chapter-51

Akriti's room was a tranquil oasis, but her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one tumbling over the other in a relentless cascade. She paced back and forth, her footsteps the only sound breaking the silence.

The soft creaking of the floorboards beneath her feet seemed to echo her inner turmoil. Her eyes were lost in thought, her gaze drifting aimlessly as she replayed snippets of conversations past, wondering if she had said too much.

The stillness of the room only served to heighten her introspection, the absence of Virat and Jai's increase her anxiety. As she turned to walk towards the door, her gaze fell upon a figure standing hesitantly on the threshold of her room.

"Naina?"

She spoke as Naina's eyes, brimming with unshed tears, met Akriti's, and her expression softened in response.

Naina's steps were tentative as she entered the room, her eyes fixed on Akriti's face, searching for... something. Forgiveness, perhaps, or understanding.

Akriti's eyebrows furrowed, inviting Naina to explain the anguish that seemed to grip her so tightly. Naina took a deep breath, the words tumbling out in a rush, like a dam breaking.

"I'm sorry, bhabhi...jo kuch bhi hua sab meri wajah se hua, meri hi galti se hua...please mujhe maaf kar dijiye"

The words hung in the air, heavy with emotion, as Akriti's face filled with compassion. She reached out, taking Naina's hands in hers, offering a gentle, reassuring touch.

"Aisa kuch bhi nahi hai, Naina"

Akriti said, her voice a soothing balm.

"Isme aapki koi galti nahi hai...kisi se pyaar karna galat nahi hai, woh toh kisi se bhi ho jata hai, phir chahe wo dost ho ya dushman.....aur inn sab ke liye humne aapko kabhi bhi doshi nahi mana.."

Naina's eyes, red-rimmed from unshed tears, searched Akriti's face, seeking absolution, seeking peace. Akriti's expression remained gentle, a beacon of calm in the stormy sea of Naina's emotions.

With a soft gesture Akriti wrapped her arms around her, into a warm embrace causing Naina to also wrap her arms around her while sobbing.

Meanwhile:

Ritika pulled Advik through the corridor, her grip firm on his arm. Advik walked alongside her, calmly munching on an apple, seemingly unfazed by Ritika's urgency. His calm face and steady pace contrasted with Ritika's tense expression and quickened steps.

As they walked, Advik asked.

"Kaha le ja rahi hai bhabhi~"

His voice neutral, still chewing his apple. Ritika's face remained tense as she replied.

"Shhh! Di ke kamre mein jaa rahe hai...bas agar wo kuch phek ke maare toh aap kha lijiyega"

She quickened her pace, her eyes fixed on the door ahead.

Advik whined.

"Par hume khana khana pasand hai bhabhi~~~na ki joote"

He pouted, his expression playful, as he emphasized the last sentence. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and his hand, still holding the apple, moved slightly as he spoke.

As they approached Akriti's room, Ritika started to say.

"Di-"

But stopped abruptly upon seeing Naina inside. Naina broke her hug with Akriti and turned to face them, her eyes red from crying. Advik rolled his eyes, his expression unimpressed, as he took in the scene before him.