Chapter 12
1162 Words
Ishita's POV
The festival of lights was only a few days away.
Normally, this was Ishita's favorite time of the year.
Every Diwali, the Malhotra Mansion would glow with thousands of fairy lights. The servants would decorate every corner with flowers, expensive candles, and colorful rangoli. Her father always bought her new designer outfits, while her mother made sure everyone admired how beautiful she looked.
She had always been the center of attention.
But this year...
She sat alone in a tiny rented apartment with cracked walls and broken furniture.
The curtains were faded.
The kitchen shelves were almost empty.
A few unpaid bills lay on the table.
Ishita hugged her knees and sighed.
"It has only been a few months..."
"Why does it feel like I've been here forever?"
She missed everything.
The luxurious bedroom.
The servants who attended to her every need.
Her father's affection.
The respect people gave her because she was Rajesh Malhotra's daughter.
Now...
She was simply Baru's wife.
There were no maids.
No expensive clothes.
No luxury.
Only endless worries.
Just then, the front door burst open.
"Ishita!"
Baru hurried inside, breathing heavily.
His shirt was drenched in sweat.
In one hand, he clutched a large black travel bag.
He quickly shut the door and locked it.
"What happened?" Ishita asked, startled.
Baru grabbed both her shoulders.
"Listen carefully."
"If anyone asks about me..."
"You haven't seen me."
"What do you mean?"
Before she could ask another question, Baru rushed into their bedroom.
A few seconds later...
Loud knocks echoed through the apartment.
"Police! Open the door!"
Ishita's heart skipped a beat.
She slowly opened the door.
Two police officers stood outside.
"Good afternoon, Madam."
"We're looking for a man who ran into this building."
"Has anyone entered your house?"
Ishita tried to remain calm.
"What happened?"
"He's suspected of stealing five million cedis."
Five million...
Her eyes widened.
Then she remembered the heavy black bag Baru had carried inside.
Her heart began pounding.
"So..."
"The money is in this house."
For a brief moment, she hesitated.
Then another thought crossed her mind.
This is my chance.
I can finally leave this miserable life.
She looked back at the officers.
"Yes."
"My husband is inside."
"But..."
"He wasn't carrying any money."
"I think he may have hidden it somewhere before coming home."
"Which room?"
She silently pointed toward the bedroom.
The officers immediately rushed inside.
Moments later, shouting filled the apartment.
"Police!"
"Don't move!"
Baru was dragged out in handcuffs.
His face twisted with rage when he saw Ishita standing beside the officers.
"You..."
"You betrayed me!"
"I trusted you!"
"I swear..."
"I'll come back for you!"
"You'll regret this!"
The officers pushed him toward the waiting police vehicle.
Within moments...
They were gone.
The apartment became silent once more.
Ishita quickly shut the door.
She stood still until the sound of the police car disappeared.
Then...
She smiled.
Without wasting another second, she hurried into the bedroom.
Standing on a chair, she reached inside the false ceiling.
Her fingers touched the black travel bag.
She pulled it down.
The zipper opened.
Bundles of cash filled the bag.
The sight made her eyes sparkle.
She laughed softly.
"So you really stole it."
She hugged the bag tightly.
"Thank you, Baru."
"With this..."
"I'll finally get my old life back."
---
Preeta's POV
The Kapoor Mansion buzzed with excitement.
Diwali preparations had already begun.
Fresh flowers decorated every corner of the house while servants busily cleaned the chandeliers and polished the marble floors.
In the elegant living room, Neha Kapoor sat with three of her close friends, discussing the upcoming celebration.
Preeta entered quietly.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Kapoor."
She greeted respectfully before folding her hands toward the guests.
"Good afternoon, Aunties."
One of the ladies smiled politely.
Neha looked at Preeta.
"The Diwali celebration is only a few days away."
"I want you to take charge of the decorations and festival preparations."
Preeta's eyes widened.
"Me?"
"Yes."
"Can you handle the responsibility?"
A smile spread across Preeta's face.
"Of course."
"I'll do my very best."
Neha nodded.
"Good."
"Now prepare some tea for us."
"Yes, Mrs. Kapoor."
A few minutes later, Preeta returned carrying a silver tray.
She carefully served each guest.
One of the ladies took a sip before frowning.
"This tea isn't sweet enough."
Preeta smiled politely.
"I reduced the sugar a little."
"Too much sugar isn't healthy."
The woman raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"So now you're calling me old?"
Preeta's smile vanished.
"No, Aunty."
"I would never do that."
Before the conversation could continue, Ranbir walked into the living room.
He had returned home earlier than usual.
"You're home already?" Neha asked.
"There wasn't much work today."
"Ayush handled everything."
"Good afternoon, Aunties."
He greeted politely before taking a seat.
Preeta looked toward him.
"Would you like some tea?"
"No."
"Water will do."
She nodded and turned toward the kitchen.
As she walked past Neha's friend...
The woman deliberately stretched out her foot.
Preeta stumbled forward.
Before she could hit the floor
A strong hand caught her wrist.
Another arm wrapped around her waist.
She looked up.
Ranbir.
For a brief moment...
Time seemed to stop.
A loose strand of hair had fallen across her face.
Without thinking...
Ranbir gently brushed it behind her ear.
Their eyes met.
For the first time...
He didn't see a liar.
He saw a frightened young woman who had done nothing except try to make everyone happy.
His expression hardened as he turned toward his mother's friend.
"What was that, Aunty?"
The woman looked away.
"It was an accident."
"No."
"I saw you."
"You stretched your leg."
Preeta immediately shook her head.
"Ranbir..."
"It wasn't intentional."
He ignored her.
"You're old enough to be our mother."
"You shouldn't behave like this."
The woman stood abruptly.
"Did you just call me old?"
Ranbir remained calm.
"You misunderstood what Preeta said the other day."
"But that doesn't give you the right to insult my wife."
The words slipped out before he realized it.
My wife.
Preeta's eyes widened.
A small smile appeared on her face.
It was the first time he had acknowledged her that way.
Neha immediately stood.
"Ranbir!"
"How dare you disrespect my friend?"
The woman picked up her handbag angrily.
"No, Neha."
"Your son has changed."
"Now his wife controls him."
"I won't stay where I'm insulted."
She stormed out.
Neha glared at Preeta.
"Look what you've done."
Ranbir immediately spoke.
"It wasn't her fault."
"Aunty started everything."
"You know what, Ranbir?"
"If you're going to defend her every time..."
"Do as you please."
Neha walked away in frustration.
The room fell silent.
Preeta looked at Ranbir.
"Thank you..."
She whispered.
"For believing me."
She gently touched his hand.
Ranbir looked down at their hands.
Without saying a word...
He slowly pulled his hand away.
Then he quietly walked upstairs.
But for the first time since their marriage...
His heart was no longer completely closed to her.
- Writer
