ch-38

Ansh opened the door to his modest one-bedroom apartment with a practiced sigh, stepping inside with slumped shoulders and a weary expression. His wife, Kavya, looked up from the kitchen, her forehead creasing in concern as she saw his gloomy demeanor. Their seven-year-old son came running out of his room, clutching a toy car, and immediately skidded to a stop when he saw his father's downcast face.

"Papa, what happened?" his son asked, his voice small but filled with worry.

Kavya wiped her hands on her apron and came closer, peering at Ansh. "Ansh, did something go wrong? You look… defeated."

Ansh made a show of throwing his bag onto the sofa and slumping into a chair. "It's over, Kavya," he said, his voice thick with mock despair. "I didn't make it. They chose someone else for the role."

Kavya's face softened as she immediately sat beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Ansh, it's okay. Don't let this one setback crush you. You're talented, and one day, someone will see it. You just have to keep trying."

Her unwavering support made guilt twinge in Ansh's chest, but he maintained his act. "Kavya, I'm starting to think this dream is impossible. Maybe it's time I accept reality and look for a real job. I can't keep letting you carry this burden alone."

Kavya tightened her grip on his shoulder and shook her head firmly. "Don't you dare give up now. We've come this far, Ansh. I believe in you, even if the world doesn't."

Their son piped up, his small hands tugging on Ansh's sleeve. "Papa, you're my hero! Even if you don't get this role, you'll always be the best actor in the world to me."

Ansh felt his heart swell at his son's innocent words, but he fought to keep his face serious. "Thank you, champ," he said, ruffling the boy's hair.

He leaned back in the chair, pretending to be lost in thought, but his hand kept casually brushing against the chest pocket of his shirt, where the check Suraj had given him was tucked away. He waited, a sly smile threatening to break through as he noticed Kavya's sharp eyes darting to the bulge in his pocket.

"What's that?" Kavya finally asked, pointing to his chest.

Ansh shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing important."

Her brows furrowed as she leaned closer, her gaze narrowing. "Don't lie to me, Ansh Rathore. What's in your pocket?"

Unable to contain his excitement any longer, Ansh pulled out the check and placed it on the table, sliding it toward her. Kavya picked it up hesitantly, her eyes scanning the numbers. As the realization hit her, her hand flew to her mouth, and she stared at him in stunned silence.

"Twenty lakhs?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Ansh, what… how…?"

Ansh finally let his grin break free, his face lighting up with pride and joy. "Kavya, I got the role. Not just any role—the role. I'm going to play Ravan in Raw's Rampage. This is an advance payment for the project."

Kavya looked between him and the check, her emotions a whirlwind of disbelief and relief. "Fifteen to twenty crores for the series… and this is your advance?" She was shaking her head, trying to process the enormity of the moment. "Are you sure this isn't some kind of scam or shady deal?"

Ansh laughed, shaking his head like a bobblehead doll. "No shady deals, I promise! Suraj Rathore is a visionary, and he believes in me. He explained everything—the budget, the vision, the future. Kavya, this isn't just a series. If it succeeds, I'm signed for two more movies, and my pay will increase by 10% for each one."

Kavya's eyes filled with tears as she clutched the check to her chest. "Ansh… after all these years…"

Ansh placed his hands on hers, his voice thick with emotion. "You don't have to take on all the responsibilities alone anymore, Kavya. I can manage now. We're going to be okay. This isn't just a paycheck—it's the start of a new life for us."

Their son, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, tugged at Ansh's sleeve again. "Papa, does this mean we can buy more chicken wings now?"

Ansh let out a hearty laugh, scooping his son into his arms. "Yes, champ! We can buy all the chicken wings you want."

Kavya finally let herself smile, wiping her tears as she hugged Ansh tightly. "You deserve this, Ansh. After everything you've been through, you deserve all of this and more."

Over the next few days, the Rathore family was abuzz with activity. With their newfound financial stability, Ansh insisted on finding a better place for them to live. They scoured the city for a new house, finally settling on a spacious two-bedroom apartment in a better neighborhood.

On moving day, Kavya was practically glowing with happiness. She took every opportunity to chat with the neighbors, casually dropping hints about her husband's upcoming project. "My husband is playing the lead in a major series, you know," she said with pride, ignoring the stunned looks from those who had once mocked Ansh's dreams.

Word spread quickly through the colony, and the same people who had once ridiculed Kavya now congratulated her, their tones filled with envy and surprise.

Ansh, meanwhile, watched his wife's happiness with a full heart. He had dreamed of this moment for years—the moment he could give back to the woman who had sacrificed so much for him.

One evening, as they sat together in their new living room, Kavya turned to him with a soft smile. "You know, Ansh, for the first time in a long time, I feel like we're finally where we're meant to be."

Ansh took her hand in his, his voice steady with determination. "This is just the beginning, Kavya. I'll make sure you and our son never have to worry again. I'll make this series a success, not just for me, but for us."

As their son ran around the room, playing with his toy cars, Ansh and Kavya shared a look of quiet understanding. They had faced the storms together, and now, they were ready to bask in the sunshine of a brighter future.

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Author note:-

Thank for the immense support

And for almost completing the given task

As I promised I will release 5 chapters

Today with gap of 1 hour for each chapter