"FOREVER APART: A TALES OF FORBIDDEN LOVE"

CHAPTER LXIX

PLOT STORY:

The story revolves around Aashutosh and Surya, two lovers who are forced apart by societal expectations and family obligations. Aashutosh is sent to England, leaving Surya behind, who is trapped in a loveless marriage with Jenna.

*Key Plot Points:*

1. Aashutosh and Surya's love is exposed, leading to a confrontation with Jenna.

2. Aashutosh is forced to leave for England, leaving Surya behind.

3. Surya is trapped in a loveless marriage with Jenna, who refuses to accept that Surya's heart belongs to Aashutosh.

4. Aashutosh and Surya share a bittersweet goodbye, knowing they may never see each other again.

5. The story ends with a cliffhanger, leaving the reader wondering what the future holds for Aashutosh and Surya.

*Themes:*

1. Forbidden love: The story explores the theme of forbidden love, highlighting the challenges and consequences of loving someone who is not socially accepted.

2. Sacrifice: Aashutosh and Surya are forced to sacrifice their love for each other due to family obligations and societal expectations.

3. Longing and separation: The story showcases the pain and longing that comes with separation, as Aashutosh and Surya are forced apart.

*Character Arcs:*

1. Aashutosh: Aashutosh is forced to confront the reality of his love for Surya and the sacrifices he must make for their love.

2. Surya: Surya is trapped in a loveless marriage and must navigate the complexities of his feelings for Aashutosh.

3. Jenna: Jenna's character serves as a catalyst for the conflict, highlighting the societal expectations and family obligations that force Aashutosh and Surya apart.

*Future Directions:*

1. Aashutosh's journey in England: The story could explore Aashutosh's experiences in England, his struggles to move on from Surya, and his eventual growth as a character.

2. Surya's marriage to Jenna: The story could delve deeper into Surya's marriage to Jenna, exploring the complexities of their relationship and the consequences of their loveless marriage.

3. The fate of Aashutosh and Surya's love: The story could ultimately lead to a reunion between Aashutosh and Surya, or it could explore the bittersweet nature of their love, leaving the reader with a sense of longing and melancholy.

MAIN STORY:

As Jenna confronted Surya, her voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt. "What were you doing with Aashutosh? You've been gone for a week, and now you're standing here, holding hands with him?" Surya's expression remained impassive, but his eyes betrayed a hint of guilt. "It's none of your business," he replied curtly.

Jenna's eyes flashed with indignation. "None of my business? I'm your wife, Surya! You married me, didn't you?" Surya's gaze dropped, and he muttered, "I was forced to marry you, Jenna. I didn't recite a single mantra. You're not my wife in my eyes." His words cut deep, and Jenna's face contorted in pain.

Aashutosh, sensing the tension, intervened, his voice calm but firm. "Perhaps you both should take this conversation to your room? It's not wise to air your differences in public." Jenna's anger boiled over, and she spat, "You have no right to interfere! You're just a stranger to me!" Surya's eyes blazed with anger, and he snarled, "How dare you speak to Aashutosh like that? He's the only one who truly understands me!"

The argument escalated, with Jenna and Surya exchanging bitter words. Aashutosh watched, his heart heavy with sorrow. He knew that Surya's marriage to Jenna was a sham, a desperate attempt by Rana Pratap to salvage his reputation. But Jenna refused to see reason, blinded by her own ego and pride.

As the confrontation reached a boiling point, Jenna sneered, "I'll never speak to Aashutosh again! He's nothing but a stranger to me!" Surya's eyes flashed with defiance, and he declared, "Aashutosh is the love of my life, Jenna! You may have married me, but my heart belongs to him, and always will!" The words hung in the air like a challenge, and Jenna's face twisted with rage.

In a fit of temper, she hurled a flower pot at Aashutosh, but Surya was too quick. He intercepted the pot, and it shattered against his chest. Aashutosh's eyes widened in horror as Surya stumbled back, his face pale with pain. "Surya, why did you do that?" Aashutosh cried, rushing to his side.

As Jenna watched, her anger turned to shock, and then to despair. She realized, too late, that she had lost Surya forever. In a desperate bid to reclaim him, she attempted to kiss him, but Surya was having none of it. With a fierce cry, he turned to Aashutosh and kissed him passionately, right in front of Jenna.

The gesture was a declaration of war, a defiant rejection of Jenna's claims on Surya's heart. Jenna's world crumbled around her as she stumbled backward, her eyes streaming with tears. She knew, in that moment, that she had lost the battle for Surya's love.

As Jenna stormed out of the room, Aashutosh's eyes welled up with tears. He took a deep breath, his voice cracking with emotion as he reached out to take Surya's hand. "Surya, I know you love me, but it doesn't change the fact that you're married to Jenna now. You have to accept this reality and make the best of it."

Surya's eyes dropped, his gaze falling on their entwined hands. He could feel Aashutosh's pain, his heart heavy with the weight of their impossible love. Surya's voice was barely above a whisper as he replied, "I know, Aashu. I know I have to go through the motions, but I'll never be able to accept Jenna as my wife. I'll give her everything she wants, but I'll never be able to love her."

Aashutosh's eyes searched Surya's face, his expression a mix of sadness and understanding. "But Jenna needs to understand that you're not in love with her. She knows you're in love with me, Surya. She has to accept that." Surya's grip on Aashutosh's hand tightened, his voice cracking with emotion. "I know, Aashu. But please, let's not talk about this anymore."

Aashutosh's eyes dropped, his voice barely audible as he whispered, "Okay, Surya. But can we at least be friends, then? Can we pretend that nothing has changed between us?" Surya's heart skipped a beat as he looked at Aashutosh, his eyes searching for any sign of hope. But he knew it was impossible. He knew that their love was doomed from the start.

With a heavy heart, Surya nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Aashu. We can be friends." The words felt like a lie, a cruel joke that they both knew was impossible to keep. But they had to try, for the sake of their love, for the sake of their sanity. As they stood there, hands entwined, eyes locked, they both knew that their love would never be the same again.

As Surya stepped out of Aashutosh's room, Pratap entered, a look of concern etched on his face. "Aashu, I don't know what's gotten into Father," he said, his voice laced with worry. "He's been treating me with kindness, and it's just not like him. I'm starting to wonder if he's found out about Radhika's pregnancy." Aashutosh's expression turned skeptical, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Elder brother, I don't think you should trust him. He's capable of putting on an act, just to get what he wants."

Pratap's face reflected his own doubts, his brow furrowed in concern. "I know, Aashu. I've been thinking the same thing. But at the same time, I want to believe that he's genuinely changed. That he's finally starting to see sense." Aashutosh's gaze softened, his voice taking on a gentle tone. "I understand, elder brother. We all want to believe in the best in people. But we can't let our guard down, not even for a moment. Not when it comes to Father."

The air was thick with tension, the weight of their concerns hanging heavy over them. Pratap's eyes locked onto Aashutosh's, a silent understanding passing between them. They both knew that they had to be vigilant, that they couldn't afford to let their father's sudden change of heart lull them into a false sense of security. The stakes were too high, the risks too great. They had to stay one step ahead, always on guard against their father's manipulations.

Three days passed in a blur, and now the moment of truth had finally arrived - Aashutosh's departure for England. Pratap carefully loaded Aashutosh's luggage into the car, his eyes misty with emotion. "Aashu, I wish I could accompany you, but with Radhika's pregnancy, it's not possible for us to travel right now. Once our baby arrives, Radhika and I will come visit you in England."

Aashutosh's face broke into a warm smile. "Don't worry, brother. I'll take care of myself. And I'll be eagerly waiting to meet your little one. I'll shower them with all the love and affection in the world." As Pratap finished loading the luggage, Nikolas approached Aashutosh, his eyes filled with a deep sense of loss. Aashutosh touched Nikolas's feet, seeking his blessings. Nikolas's voice was laced with emotion as he spoke, "Aashutosh, as you begin this new chapter in England, please leave all your worries and sorrows behind. Start anew, and make the most of this fresh start."

Aashutosh looked up at Nikolas, his eyes locked onto his, and nodded silently. His gaze then began to scan the surroundings, searching for one last glimpse of Surya. He knew that he might never return, and the thought filled him with a deep sense of longing. But Surya was nowhere to be found. With a heavy heart, Aashutosh slid into the car, his eyes fixed on the door, willing Surya to appear. Time was running out, and Pratap, Nikolas, Rajeev, and Radhika were all bidding him farewell. Aashutosh responded, his voice barely above a whisper.

As the car began to move, Aashutosh caught one final glimpse of Surya standing by the gate, his eyes locked onto Aashutosh's. Surya's face was a mask of sadness, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. Aashutosh's heart skipped a beat as he turned to wave at Surya, his eyes never leaving his face. Surya waved back, his eyes mirroring Aashutosh's, filled with a deep sense of longing and loss. As the car drove away, Aashutosh and Surya both knew that they were parting ways forever, their hearts heavy with the weight of their impossible love.

To be continue.....