Chapter 29

Sidharth wrapped his arms tightly around Shehnaaz, holding her close, not wanting to let go of the warmth she brought into his life. She sat curled up in his lap, snuggling into him like she belonged there—because she did. He pressed a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead, cherishing this quiet moment with her.

“Achha… suno… I have something important to tell you…” he said gently, his voice a little hesitant.

Without letting her go, he slowly laid down on the bed, pulling her into his arms like she was the most precious thing he owned. She rested her head on his chest as he tugged the soft duvet over them, shielding her from the chill in the air. She let out a little shiver, and he instantly tightened his hold on her, offering the warmth of his body.

“Important..? Kya huva..” she asked softly, her brows furrowing as she adjusted herself more comfortably against him.

He took a deep breath before breaking the news.

“I’m going out of town for 2 days…”

His words hit her like a cold breeze. She immediately raised her head, staring at him in surprise and confusion. “2 din… kyu… Kahan ja rahe hai aap…” she asked, her voice slightly trembling with disappointment. Her lips formed a pout, and her nose flared in mild anger. “Aur main aapki secretary hoon… mujhe kaise nahi pata iske baare mein…”

Her innocent anger made her look even more adorable to him. That tiny pout on her lips, the way her eyes narrowed—it only made him want to pull her even closer.

Groaning inwardly, he let his hand slip under the fabric of her kurti and gently gripped her waist, making her shiver again, this time for a different reason. A wave of emotion and frustration passed through him, and he lowered his lips to the soft skin near her collarbone. He kissed her there, pouring all his frustration into that one touch, leaving a reddish mark behind as she trembled in his arms.

“Ravan ho aap sachhiii…” she mumbled breathlessly, her heart racing like a drum in her chest.

He smirked at her words, clearly pleased, and lifted her face to look into her eyes, cupping her cheeks with both hands. “Ms. Secretary… aapka dhyan nahi hai aaj kal kaam mein… lagta hai new secretary…”

Before he could finish teasing her, she clutched onto his vest tightly, as if anchoring herself to him, her face flushed and eyes determined. “Ab yahi secretary aap ko zindagi bhar jhelni hai samjhe aap…” she declared with pride and a hint of possessiveness.

His heart swelled at her words. He loved this side of her—the soft, stubborn, possessive version who made him feel like he belonged to her and no one else.

“You are my cutest teddy bear in the world… only mine,” he whispered, pulling her closer.

Shehnaaz let out a soft giggle at his words, a sparkle in her eyes. “Batayiye na, kahan ja rahe hai aap..?” she asked again, hoping for an answer this time.

But Sidharth only shook his head. “Don’t ask me that question… just trust me,” he said softly, running his fingers lovingly through her hair, watching as she yawned, her energy slowly fading.

“Mujhe aapki yaad ayegi toh main kya karungi…” she mumbled sleepily, her head resting on his arm, eyes fluttering shut like a child finding peace in the arms of someone she trusted with her soul.

Sidharth smiled, his eyes soft with affection. He kissed the top of her head as she nuzzled closer to his neck. “Bas 2 din ka baat hai mera bachha… and if you miss me… come here and sleep in our bedroom…”

“Hmmm…” she murmured, already half-asleep.

He chuckled quietly, unsure if she even heard him. But her presence next to him brought him peace. He closed his eyes, holding his whole world in his arms.

The next morning, Sidharth left early for his trip. When Shehnaaz woke up, she found herself alone in the bed, but still wrapped tightly in the duvet, as if he had tried to leave behind as much of his warmth as he could.

Smiling faintly, she sat up and noticed a piece of paper fluttering on the table nearby. Its corner was held down with a paperweight. She immediately got up, grabbed the note, and unfolded it.

Her eyes scanned his handwriting, reading it with a tender smile:

> “Baby, I’m leaving… I will be back in 2 days…”

Her smile faltered slightly. Her heart sank.

> “Don’t make that face now\… I don’t want you going anywhere alone. Be with Anu and Maa. No need to go to the office till I’m back, as I already know Maa won’t let you. Usually, their shopping lasts 2 to 3 days minimum…”
> *(She rolled her eyes with a chuckle.)*
> “Alright, I’m not saying anything… Kuch bhi lage… call me immediately. I will miss you too mera bachha. If you call me, my phone might be on flight mode. Take care baby please.
> Yours, Exclusive Ravan.”

She folded the note neatly and kissed it softly, holding it close to her heart. “I love you, Ravan…” she whispered with a loving smile.

Later that day, Shehnaaz walked into a fancy boutique with Anu, Rita ji, and Cotton. As soon as she stepped in, her feet froze. The shop was grand, filled with elegant designs and shimmering lights. For a moment, she felt out of place, unsure if she belonged here.

Rita ji noticed her hesitation immediately and placed a comforting hand around her shoulders. “Relax beta… ghar ka function hai na…” she said with a reassuring smile.

Shehnaaz gave a slight nod but her nervousness remained.

Cotton, scared of the flashing lights, buried her little face in Anu’s neck, making Anu giggle.

A staff member came over and guided them to the second floor as Rita ji explained about their appointment. The engagement was only four days away, and Anu, along with Aryan, had taken care of most of the preparations with love and excitement.

Upstairs, they waited until a graceful woman with a warm smile approached them. Rita ji shook hands with her, followed by Anu and then Shehnaaz. The woman, Namrata Raj, was introduced as the boutique owner.

When Rita ji introduced Shehnaaz as Sidharth’s would-be wife, Shehnaaz’s cheeks flushed with a soft blush.

Namrata then led them to a special section, already prepared for a surprise theme. She opened a large cover and revealed a stunning pink ghagra choli designed especially for Shehnaaz.

Shehnaaz gasped softly. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she looked at the delicate embroidery and pastel pink color. It was beautiful—elegant, yet dreamy. She imagined how Sidharth might react seeing her in it, and her fingers instinctively brushed over the fabric with awe.

“Pasand aaya beta..? Main ye confirm kar lu tumhare liye..?” Rita ji asked gently, watching Shehnaaz’s expression.

Snapping out of her trance, Shehnaaz stepped back slightly. “Nahi… main bas yunhi dekh rahi thi… mujhe itna mehenga nahi chahiye maa…”

Anu rolled her eyes playfully as she browsed other options.

“Paise ki baat chhodo… humne ye specially tumhare liye banwaya hai,” Rita ji said, her voice full of love.

Shehnaaz stared at her in awe.

“Agar ye nahi pasand, toh hum dusra banwa lenge…”

“Nahi maa… bahot pyara hai… lekin kya zarurat hai… sagai meri thodi hai…?” Shehnaaz said softly.

Namrata and Anu exchanged a glance while Rita ji smiled proudly.

“Hamari Sana sabse sundar hai… toh uski dress bhi waise hi honi chahiye na function ke liye,” Rita ji said.

They later visited the men’s section where Sidharth’s sherwani was waiting. It was majestic, yet graceful. And to Shehnaaz’s surprise, it matched her lehenga perfectly.

Was it just a coincidence? Or did Rita ji plan it?

Rita ji noticed Shehnaaz’s joy and asked teasingly, “Aapko lagta hai ye Sidharth ko pasand aayega..?”

“Bahot maa… unpe kitna suit karega…” Shehnaaz said, her eyes lighting up.

“Bas toh phir… done,” Rita ji said with a happy nod.

Once the engagement shopping was done, they moved to the casual section. Anu had returned with Cotton, who was surprisingly enjoying the shopping too.

Rita ji and Anu picked several clothes for Shehnaaz—salwar-kurtis, dresses, one-pieces, jeans, skirts, tops, and more. Shehnaaz assumed it was for Anu until she realized all of it was for her.

She immediately protested, “Nahi maa… mujhe nahi chahiye…”

But Rita ji chuckled and said, “Ye Sidharth ki order hai… tujhe jo bolna hai usse bol…”

Shehnaaz turned so red that she hid her face in Anu’s shoulder. Cotton also wriggled into Shehnaaz’s arms for a hug.

Rita ji, enjoying her flustered state, said with a mischievous smile, “Pata nahi, honeymoon ki shopping mein kya karenge aapke hone wale pati…”

Shehnaaz felt like she might burst from embarrassment. Her cheeks were on fire.

Far away, Sidharth got down from the flight, his expression serious. His car was already waiting.

He sat inside as the driver placed his small bag in the trunk and began to drive.

Sidharth leaned his head back against the seat, his mind clouded with thoughts and decisions.

“Mujhe maaf karna baby… but jo maine decide kiya hai, woh zaroor hoga…
Sidharth Shergill ne agar ek baat thaan li, toh woh pichhe nahi hatata…”

His jaw clenched slightly, his heart heavy but determined.

Once the ladies were almost done with the shopping, Rita ji paid the bill and instructed the staff to have all the shopping bags transferred to their house by the evening.

Shehnaaz, though silently walking beside the others, knew this was too much. She didn’t even wear the kind of clothes they had picked for her. Everything was overwhelming, and she had no clue what was running through the mind of her would-be husband. Why was this all happening so suddenly?

After they were done with the clothes shopping, Rita ji led the girls to a jewelry showroom. As they entered, the shop manager immediately recognized them and guided them straight to the owner’s cabin. The Shergills were clearly known and respected clients.

Rita ji, with her usual elegance, asked to see some jewelry designs suitable for an engagement function and requested a special ring collection to be brought in.

The service staff nodded and got to work promptly.

Shehnaaz had never experienced anything like this in her life. Her heart thudded in her chest as she sat on the plush velvet couch, the glittering lights of the jewelry showroom making her dizzy. She was sweating in nervousness, and the consciousness of being treated so royally made her uncomfortable. Rita ji, noticing her pale face and stiff posture, gently patted her back with affection and whispered,
“Relax karo vera, meri mother-in-law bhi yahin se shopping karti thi, pata hai?” The owner gave a knowing smile and nodded in acknowledgment, clearly aware of the legacy.

Rita ji requested Shehnaaz to try out various jewelry pieces – dazzling neckpieces, shimmering bangles, elegant mang tikkas, traditional nose rings, delicate earrings, charming anklets, and much more. The sheer volume of it all made Shehnaaz blink in surprise.

Still unsure, Shehnaaz hesitated and softly protested,
“Maa please, mujhe sach mein nahi chahiye… kya zarurat hai…”

The jewelry store owner, overhearing her, looked at the innocent girl with amusement. He had rarely seen a bride so modest — usually, they were the most enthusiastic during shopping.

Rita ji rolled her eyes at Sana, clearly amused by her words,
“Kaisi baatein kar rahi beta… tum Shergills ki bahu ho… yeh sab ab tumhara, Sidharth ka, Anu ka aur Aryan ka hi toh hai… ab enjoy nahi karogi toh kya mere jaisi buddhi hone pe karogi?”

She giggled heartily, while Sana made a face at her words,
“Maa aap aise kyun bol rahi hai…”

Anu, watching the two banter, pulled them into a warm hug and kissed Sana’s forehead with sisterly affection.
“Please mana mat kar… function mein hum dono ko sabko flat karna hai…”
She winked mischievously, making Rita ji’s eyes widen in mock reprimand.

“Flat??” she echoed, half-shocked and half-laughing.

Meanwhile, little Cotton was comfortably seated on a special chair nearby, drinking her milk like a princess, her little eyes watching the glittering world around her.

Eventually, Shehnaaz, still hesitant, selected a few pieces of jewelry under the gentle pressure of the others. But then came the main part – the engagement rings.

The owner gestured to the manager, who went to bring out the specially designed rings.

Shehnaaz furrowed her brows, confused.
“Maa… rings kyun?”

Rita ji already had a well-rehearsed answer, the same one she had used to convince Sidharth.
“Beta, humein sachha ke yahaan aane hi wale hai toh rings bhi bana lete hain… teri aur Sidharth ki sagai bhi toh jaldi karni hai na…”

Sana blushed furiously and lowered her eyes, her heart fluttering at the mere thought of being engaged to Sidharth. The idea made her stomach flip, but in a good way.

Rita ji continued matter-of-factly,
“Sidharth ne toh apna size aur manpasand design bhi already bhej diya hai inhe.”

Just then, the manager returned, carrying a delicate tray with the rings placed neatly over velvet cushions.

The moment Shehnaaz’s eyes fell on them, she froze.

Her breath hitched. Her fingers trembled slightly as they hovered over the rings. The shimmer, the elegance, the perfect pairing — it was surreal.

Beautiful…
That was the only word her mind could form as her fingers gently grazed over one of the rings. She stared, captivated and lost in that little symbol of promise.

Rita ji and Anu, watching her reaction, shared a soft smile.

Shehnaaz didn’t even realise when the words left her lips,
“Kitni khubsurat hai maa…”

Rita ji smiled with pride,
“Sidharth ki pasand hai… try karke dekh, size theek hai ya nahi…”

Shehnaaz, still dazed, looked from the ring to Rita ji and back again. Slowly, reverently, she picked up the ring and slid it onto her finger.

It fit perfectly.

Her brows drew together in surprise.
“Yeh toh perfectly meri size hai… kaise…?”

The owner smiled and nodded at the manager, who stepped forward and handed her another ring box. She opened it — and gasped softly. It was her ring.

Anu burst into giggles from behind,
“Sorry yaar, tere drawer se le li thi maine… taaki tujhe yeh surprise mil sake…”

Shehnaaz turned around to look at her in disbelief and awe, blinking rapidly.

Rita ji, watching the happiness lighting up her face, asked gently,
“Pasand aayi beta?”

Shehnaaz softly removed the ring and placed it back beside its pair, her voice emotional,
“Bahut pyaari hai maa…”

Rita ji nodded, satisfied. She turned to the owner,
“Bhai sahab, hum saari jewelry abhi leke jaa rahe hain. Please prepare the bill.”

The owner, already used to such grand gestures, smiled,
“Ji zaroor… aur Sidharth ne bill office mein submit karne ke liye bola hai. Don’t worry about it.”

Rita ji just shook her head with a smile as they prepared to leave, her heart light with contentment.

After dinner, Shehnaaz kept tossing and turning on her bed. Sleep was nowhere close. She had pretended to be fine in front of everyone, but deep inside, she missed Sidharth terribly. She had tried to reach him multiple times, but her calls didn’t go through.

Had he eaten lunch or dinner?
Where was he?
Why hadn’t he called her even once?

The questions tugged at her heart, making it heavier. But then she tried to convince herself that he must be busy with work—otherwise, he would have definitely called her. He wouldn’t avoid her like that. She was sure.

Unable to hold back anymore, she quietly stepped out of her room and tiptoed her way to his bedroom—their bedroom. She made sure no one noticed her.

The moment she entered, a soft smile spread across her face. The familiar warmth, the scent, the energy of their shared space—it hit her in the best way. Here, she could just be herself. She didn’t need to pretend. She didn’t need to hide her feelings.

Shaking her head gently, she walked toward the wall that had a few photo frames. One frame had Sidharth and Anu hugging their father. Sidharth looked so genuinely happy in that picture. Another frame had the whole family. Rita ji looked so different with sindoor and mangalsutra—a true glow on her face. A soft smile played on Shehnaaz’s lips.

Then she saw a picture of Sidharth, Anu, and Aryan jumping on a bed—carefree, full of laughter. And another one—Sidharth as a teenager. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes that made her heart ache. He must have needed his father terribly then…

She walked toward his closet. Everything was so neatly arranged, just like him. Letting out a small sigh, she lay down on the bed and pulled his pillow close. It still smelled like him—his natural cologne that she adored. Hugging the pillow tightly, she whispered with a tear rolling down her cheek, “Wapas aa jao na Sidharth… Aapki Shehnaaz nahi reh sakti aap ke bina…”

Just then, her phone rang. She wiped her tear quickly and looked at the screen. A soft smile bloomed on her face. She picked up the call instantly.

“Sidharth…”

“Haan mera bachha…” came the voice she had been dying to hear.

She tried to compose herself, taking a deep breath so he wouldn’t hear her cry. But she failed.

“Are you crying, Shehnaaz?” His voice was filled with worry. She could feel his restlessness. “Hello… baby… talk to me…”

He sounded desperate, and she could imagine him running a hand through his hair, frustrated at not getting a response.

“Main theek hoon…” she finally mumbled in her cracked voice. “Aapne dinner kiya…?”

He clutched the anklet she had once given him, holding it close to his heart. “I’m missing you too, bachha. Ro kyun rahi ho tum…?”

She sniffled and tried to smile through her tears. “Bas… yuhi…”

“Please baby, aise mat ro… I can’t stay without you even for a second like this. Just say the word and I swear, I’ll be there right now…” he groaned softly, the helplessness in his voice breaking her heart.

She smiled faintly, wanting to lighten the mood. “No baba… sachhi main theek hoon. Aur pata hai? Aaj humne engagement rings li… hayy rabba, kitni pyari hai…”

That worked like magic. His smile returned. “Can I give you a video call? I want to see you…”

She blushed, excitedly ending the call and dialing again on video.

Her breath hitched as the screen lit up. He was lying on the bed—shirtless. His toned chest, defined muscles… She felt suddenly shy, her eyes not meeting his.

He smirked seeing her reaction and let out a low groan. “Tumhara hi hoon baby…”

Her cheeks turned crimson as she bit her lower lip, making him groan again. “Don’t do that…”

His voice sent shivers down her spine. “Sidhaaaarth…” she whispered.

“Haan baby…” he replied huskily, eyes locked on her, completely lost in her blushes and the magic she unknowingly created.

“Main… yahaan… woh…” she hesitated, wanting to tell him that she was in their bedroom, wondering if he had already guessed.

With a mischievous smile, he whispered, “You’re in our bedroom… on our bed… inside our duvet… yahi na…?”

Her heart raced at his words. She nodded slowly, eyes downcast, cheeks glowing.

He longed to reach through the screen and touch her. His voice turned softer. “Mere bina man nahi lag raha…”

“Aapke bina kuch bhi achha nahi lag raha…” she confessed with a sigh.

“Meri bahon mein sona hai…” he whispered again, watching her face flush even deeper. “aap mujhe jaan bujhke sata rahe ho…”

She hid her face in her palms, unable to take the intensity of his gaze. He chuckled softly. “Nahi mera bachha… tum toh meri jaan ho…”

Her heart fluttered at the word ‘jaan’ said so sweetly.

She clutched his pillow tighter, and he watched her with longing. That pillow should’ve been him.

“Aap wapas kab aoge…?” she asked softly, eyes shimmering with emotion.

“Kal raat ko. I’ll be back to my baby,” he promised, trying to lift her spirits.

She smiled through her emotions. “Aap so jayiye ab… subah itni jaldi chale gaye the…”

He gave her a tired smile and closed his eyes. “Disconnect mat karna… I just want to hear your heartbeats…”

Both of them held their phones close to their hearts and drifted into a peaceful sleep, feeling each other’s love even across the distance.

The next morning…

Rita ji had finished her breakfast earlier than usual. Dressed in a crisp cotton saree, her hair neatly tied into a bun, she picked up her handbag from the side table. Today, she had decided to visit the children’s foundation — a place close to her heart where she often donated and spent time with underprivileged children. But as she stepped down the staircase, a soft chatter from the dining area caught her attention.

Shehnaaz, Aryan, and Anu were still at the breakfast table, casually chatting and laughing over something light. Plates half-filled, juice glasses placed carelessly — it was a typical relaxed morning scene. Rita ji couldn’t help but smile for a second, seeing them so carefree, but she quickly masked it with her usual firmness.

“Aryan, beta… please office jaldi jaana,” she said, a slight edge in her voice as she adjusted the pallu of her saree. “Bhai bhi nahi hai office mein, Anu aur Sana ka bhi off hai… aur tujhe toh pata hai na uska… Sid gussa karega.”

Aryan turned toward her and stood up with a teasing smile. He walked over and gave her a quick sideways hug. “Bas, Badi maa… paanch minute mein nikal raha hoon. Tension mat lo, please.”

Rita ji shook her head, half amused, half exasperated, and turned toward the door. But just as she was about to step out, her eyes fell on something that made her freeze mid-step.

Manish and Kajal were standing at the main door, both hesitant, both looking unusually quiet. The same Manish whose presence once caused storms in their home now stood there like a man who had aged overnight. Kajal, normally poised and defensive, looked equally unsure.

Rita ji stood rooted in her spot, her face losing color for a moment. Aryan noticed her stillness and followed her gaze. His expression darkened as soon as he saw them. Without thinking, he stepped in front of her protectively, placing himself between her and the couple. It wasn’t just instinct — it was the years of hurt, betrayal, and pain bubbling inside him.

Manish and Kajal noticed his posture. Manish’s lips parted as if to say something, but nothing came. Kajal’s eyes welled up, but she quickly blinked them away.

Anu, who had been casually sipping her tea, stood up abruptly. Her nostrils flared in sheer anger as she walked forward, her fists clenched. Shehnaaz, confused and concerned, followed behind her, placing a hand on Anu’s shoulder to calm her.

But all attention was now on Manish, who finally gathered the courage to speak.

“Bhabhi… mujhe aap se baat karni hai,” he said, voice low and hesitant.

Aryan immediately responded, cold and unrelenting. “Ab kya baat reh gayi hai, Dad? Chale jaiye aap dono yahaan se.” His voice didn’t crack, but the pain was evident in his eyes — he wasn’t a son speaking to his father anymore, he was a wounded heart protecting what was left of his family.

Rita ji gently held Aryan’s wrist and turned him to face her. Her eyes, stern but sad, bore into his. “Apne dad se baat karne ka yeh kya tareeka hai, Aryan?”

Aryan looked away, jaw tight.

Before anyone else could react, Kajal stepped forward and suddenly wrapped Aryan in a tight, motherly hug. Aryan stood still, his arms refusing to move. He didn’t hug her back, but his eyes betrayed him — a storm of pain and longing swirled within.

Rita ji looked at Manish now, her voice soft but heavy. “Bolo. Kya baat hai?”

Manish shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the others. “Bhabhi… akele mein…”

“No ways,” Anu interjected immediately, her voice sharp like a blade. “Not happening.” She took another step forward, ready to fight if she had to.

Shehnaaz tried to stop her, whispering gently, “Anu… bas karo…”

But Rita ji raised her hand slightly, calming both of them. Without another word, she nodded to Manish and walked upstairs, leading him to the upstairs balcony. The others watched them go, tension thick in the air.

Once they were alone on the balcony, the morning breeze brushing past gently, Rita ji stood silently, her eyes unfocused, staring into the distance.

“Ab bolo, Manish,” she said softly. “Kya baat karni hai?”

Manish looked at the floor for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Then, with a deep sigh, he began, “Jab aap bhabhi bankar humare ghar aayi… aapne sabko apna bana liya. Mujhe aap mein maa dikhne lagi thi. Itna pyaar diya aapne mujhe… aur Aryan…” He paused, his voice thickening. “Bachpan se uski har zarurat ka aapne dhyan rakha…”

Rita ji slowly turned to face him, her expression unreadable. This was not the Manish she knew — not the arrogant, selfish brother-in-law who tore their family apart. For the first time in years, she couldn’t read what he truly wanted.

But Manish continued. “Main khud nahi jaanta, yeh nafrat mere andar kab aur kaise bhar gayi. Shayad tab, jab papa ne jaane se pehle ownership bhaiyya ke naam kar di. Tab se… kuch andar toot gaya. Kajal ne us aag ko bujhaya nahi, usme ghee daala. Main andha ho gaya bhaiyya ke rutbe, paison aur pyaar se jal kar. Bhaiyya ka saara pyaar bhool gaya…”

His words cracked something inside her. Rita ji sat slowly on a nearby chair, the weight of the years suddenly settling on her shoulders. She looked tired — not physically, but soul-deep. A woman who had carried too many burdens, without complaint, was finally letting them show.

How could she tell anyone that she was broken from within?

From the moment her husband was snatched away from her — not by illness or fate, but by betrayal — she had not truly lived. She missed him every moment. She missed feeding him from her hands, missed his laughter at the dinner table, missed the way he used to calm their children. Her soul ached every time she sat alone, pretending to be strong for the kids. She wanted to cry, scream, question — why was everything taken from her? What did they do to deserve this punishment?

Her thoughts shattered when Manish suddenly knelt down in front of her.

“Main sab kuch barbaad kar chuka hoon, bhabhi,” he said, brokenly. “Aapka vishwas… bhaiyya ka pyaar… Aryan ki khushiyan… maine apne gande haathon se apne bhai ko maar dala…”

He paused, bracing himself for a slap, a scream, a curse — anything. But it never came.

Instead, Rita ji wiped a tear quietly. She remembered it all — her husband’s final words. When he had taken her hand in his on his deathbed and whispered, “Apna aur bachhon ka khayal ab tumhe rakhna hai… tum meri strength ho… main humesha tumhare… apne bachhon ke aas paas rahunga… mere bachhon ko tumhari tarah banana… aur… Manish ko maaf kar dena… maaf kar dena use… main tumse bepanah mohabbat karta hoon Rita… aur hamesha karta rahunga…”

She could barely breathe, but somehow found the strength to lift her hand and pat Manish’s head softly, just like she used to in their younger days.

“Maine aur tumhare bhaiyya ne tumhe maaf kar diya,” she whispered.

Manish jerked away slightly, stunned. “Aap… aap jaante the…?”

The realization crashed into him — she had known all along, yet never gave him to the police, never humiliated him, never turned her back on him. She should’ve hated him, and yet she didn’t. She still cared. Still called him “tum” with affection. Still treated Aryan like her own son. That shattered him.

He broke down completely, sobbing uncontrollably. “Mujhse nafrat kijiye, bhabhi… haath uthaiye… mujhe maar dijiye… main mar raha hoon andar se… main itna bura kyun hoon, bhabhi maa? Kyun…?”

Rita ji looked at him through misty eyes. “Tumne mere Sidharth aur Anu ke sar se unke pita ka saya chhin liya. Tum chahte ho main wahi Aryan ke saath karu? Tumhare kiye ki saza main Aryan ko doon? Phir tum mein aur mujh mein kya farak reh jaayega, Manish?”

He hung his head low, broken.

“Ab main kya karun, bhabhi maa…? Bhaiyya ko kaise laun wapas… mujhe unse milna hai… unka samna karna hai…”

Rita ji’s voice cracked then. “Woh ab kabhi wapas nahi aayenge. Kabhi mere haathon se khana nahi khaayenge. Kabhi mere Sid ko… meri Anu ko pyar nahi de paayenge. Main aur mere bachhe apna sab kuch kho chuke hain…”

She paused, barely holding herself together. “Tumhare paas jo hai… uski kadar karo. Mujhe tumhe koi saza nahi deni.”

Manish broke down completely, falling to the floor and sobbing loudly, his guilt consuming him bit by bit.

Rita ji stood up slowly, gathering her composure. “Tum aur Kajal chaho toh yahaan reh sakte ho. Sid se main baat kar loongi. Aryan ko tum dono ki zarurat hai. Aaj Sidharth ki engagement hai… tum dono bhi ghar ka hissa ho.”

With that, she walked away, leaving Manish crying on the floor.

She returned to her room, locked the door behind her, and sank to the floor. Resting her back against the door, she finally let the tears fall — deep, painful sobs she had held back for years. The kind of cry only a mother, a widow, and a broken soul could understand. She had stayed strong for everyone else. But behind that door… she was just Rita — a woman who had lost everything.

Author’s Note