Adultery The Facilitator

[Arul Pragasam]

Why kunal is in the dark without knowing anything happening around him. Is he that fool?

Kunal is a big fool because, he has not noticed

- the love bites in his wife body
- Change in her behavior
- Late arrivals 
- the smell of scent of Aniket
- new dresses that he did not buy for her
- her mood of lost thoughts often
- no interest in the mating
- too much of time in phone
- secret chats with aniket
- uncaring attitude towards child
- her structure change mating with Aniket
- ignoring him most of time

[Harry Jordan]

Kunal is a big fool because, he has not noticed

- the love bites in his wife body
- Change in her behavior
- Late arrivals 
- the smell of scent of Aniket
- new dresses that he did not buy for her
- her mood of lost thoughts often
- no interest in the mating
- too much of time in phone
- secret chats with aniket
- uncaring attitude towards child
- her structure change mating with Aniket
- ignoring him most of time

The answer to all this is very simple , Kunal is a very poorly written character. 

To be honest , that is the real truth because there isn't much importance to the character. The story treats him like a token character , there is no exploration of him , no building to his character dynamic. Hell , we are way past halfway of this entire story and we still don't know what exactly is Kunal's profession. At some point Kunal is shown like he is just a common man who risked everything to buy his dream house for his family selling majority of his shares , but at the same time he often frequents places like USA regarding his "job"so there is no way he is just a "common man".

Only thing we know so far about Kunal is that he is a simple man who believes in simple concepts , isn't that much interested in sex but more in family time.  Not that good looking , has the mid life married man physical features including a pot belly and a bland look. He loves his son and he never has an aspiring dream for his life. And conveniently , he is still trapped in his marriage living the same boring life while his wife is "liberated"

And judging by the story , there is no importance to his character anyways. He is being conveniently written to the story to fill a slot of a loser , we are not supposed to care for him , he is meant to loose. Because if he was important to the story he would've had a big role to play , but there isn't. For the last few chapters he was completely absent from the story , and now he is being brought back to do the usual role of a "cuckold loser" in the story. He is the ideal poster boy of the  "cliche cuckold" that you see in every cuckold story , the person meant for humiliation , someone meant to be unconditionally love his wife despite of her cheating on him to the point that she will now be raising a child concieved from her lover. 

My interest was in peak to this story until chapter R and then chapter S came and I realized what the author mean't not everyone will like this story. Because I can see how this story will go , and I can see how Kunal's character will be written in the future. But still I have some faith in ClearLover and I would love it if he brings some great surprises to the story. 

The reason I have lost interest in this story since chapter S is because I saw some great potential in Kunal's character. Now after chapter S , I honestly don't care what happens to him. I am just looking forward to how this story ends and thats it. Unless there is some amazing twist , this story might end up in the long list of cliche cuckold story that this site already has. However , I still applaud the writer's literary style and would like to see him explore other themes other than "looser cuckold" stories.

[Chitrarassu]

Very nice updates

[killthecheats]

Esha body structure should have changed with her hips, boobs and ass getting bigger due to fuck with Aniket for more than a month repeatedly. This is easy for any husband to see. Kunal should have noticed this on his on his return from US. How once slim and beautiful wife has changed like an aunty.

[Sarran Raj]

Never thought Esha would turn strong woman like this.
Is that because her husband is a weak man and easy to change to cuck ?
The backstory of priya is not at all interesting as the power of revenge failed pathetically.

[jiivajothii]

Ever since the first betrayal, kunal seems to be bit off and his love for Esha as not as before. He distanced himself and never tried to make any video calls to talk to his wife and son while he was in states. Looks like he knows everything yet keeping his mouth shut as he is in deep shit. Now the time to take a decision has come.

[a2011]

Yes, we dont know much about Kunal except that he is easily gaslighted, a complete dumbo, and a pseudo cuck...

[Saradagaa]

How about an accidental miscarriage and associated psychological trauma leading to new phase in lives unfolding?

[Saradagaa]

host image

[Harry Jordan]

host image

Ironically the woman who is the wife in this article is a FAR BETTER AND MORE RESPECTFUL wife than Esha could ever be in the story. I've read this report  so for context to other readers. 

In the above article , a wife had an affair and she ended up getting pregnant and she did the most rational thing in the situation and seeked divorce from her husband , the husband agreed after all he was cheated. The woman then had trouble enrolling the child because municipality cannot take the woman's word for the child's parentage. Turns out the real biological father denied it was his child and tried to run away from his responsibilities so the wife went to court and seeked renumeration and child support from the real biological father. But the courts out of the blue made the decision that since the child was concieved during her marriage with her husband , legally her husband then will be the legal father of the child and he has to pay the child support. Surprisingly the wife came in support of her now ex husband and she seeks childs support from the real biological father.

So yeah , this woman in the article is a much better person than Esha in the story could ever be because she atleast is honest and willing to protect her ex from any more problems.

[clearlover]

Hi, the next part can be uncomfortable for some folks. Since story is a figment of imagination, I would suggest to read just for entertainment. Still, I would caution "Readers's discretion" .

[clearlover]

Part T

Kunal stepped into their home, expecting the familiar warmth and comfort, but was instead met with a palpable tension that seemed to cling to the very air he breathed. Esha was in the kitchen, her movements stiff and robotic, her smile strained, threatening to crack at any moment. Observing her, Kunal felt a growing sense of unease, like the ominous stillness before a violent storm, an eerie calm that hinted at impending chaos. Even the familiar, comforting aromas of home-cooked meals seemed tainted by an underlying current of dread.
They attempted to maintain a facade of normalcy at dinner, Kunal launching into a detailed account of his workday, suggesting a weekend getaway with Aditya, his voice striving to recapture the joy and lightness they once shared so effortlessly. But Esha's responses were distant and detached, her laughter forced and brittle, like thin ice on the verge of shattering under the weight of unspoken truths. Each attempt at conversation felt like a precarious dance on a razor's edge, Kunal's anecdotes falling flat, his weekend plans met with Esha's lukewarm, half-hearted nods. The air crackled with unspoken words, the dinner table transformed into a stage for a play neither was ready to perform.
With the house enveloped in silence after putting Aditya to bed, the quiet became almost unbearable, each tick of the clock amplified in the heavy stillness. Kunal, acutely aware of the unusual distance in Esha's demeanor, reached out to her in the living room, his voice soft and gentle, laced with a concern that mirrored the deep love he still held for her. "What's wrong, Esha?" he asked, his hand reaching for hers, hoping to close the chasm that had inexplicably opened between them. His touch was intended to soothe and comfort, a silent plea for her to share the weight she was clearly carrying.
Esha's hand was icy cold, her fingers trembling slightly as they met his, a physical manifestation of the turmoil raging within her. Her eyes, usually so full of life and warmth, were now clouded with guilt and fear, darting away from his gaze as if she could somehow conceal her inner turmoil from him. The room seemed to contract around them, the walls closing in with the weight of her secret, each passing second stretching into an eternity of agonizing anticipation. Kunal's heart pounded in his chest, his mind frantically cycling through a series of scenarios, each one more ominous than the last. A knot tightened in his stomach, an instinctive dread that whatever was about to be revealed would shatter the foundation of their life together.
"I... I need to tell you something, Kunal," Esha began, her voice barely above a whisper, each word heavy with the dread of the impending confession. Her throat constricted, the words she desperately needed to utter caught behind a lump of fear and guilt. The room seemed to hold its breath, the silence hanging heavy with the anticipation of the revelation that threatened to shatter the fragile facade of their shared life.
Esha's mind was a battlefield of conflicting emotions and agonizing dilemmas. Should she confess? The potential repercussions could demolish everything they had built together - their marriage, their family, the life they had so lovingly constructed. She vividly imagined Kunal's reaction, the searing pain, the sense of betrayal, the potential implosion of their life together. Every fiber of her being screamed at her to bury the secret, to desperately cling to the fragile peace they currently held, but holding onto the truth felt like trying to contain water in her cupped hands; it was slipping away, eroding her from the inside out. She knew that remaining silent would only lead her deeper into the treacherous mire of deceit.
She thought about the baby growing within her, the tiny life she had already instinctively decided to nurture. The decision to keep the child wasn't born out of defiance or rebellion, but from a deep, profound love for this new life blossoming inside her, a love that transcended the chaos and turmoil of her current situation. This baby, this symbol of a new beginning, was hers, a part of her love for Aniket, but also a validation to her capacity to love beyond her mistakes, to find hope and redemption in the midst of her own failings. But how could she reconcile this burgeoning love with the love she had for Kunal, for Aditya, for the family she was about to shatter?
Her silence had initially been a shield, a desperate attempt to protect her family from the painful truth, but now it felt like a suffocating prison, and the truth, though terrifying, was her only means of escape. She knew she couldn't keep hiding; the weight of the secret was crushing her, and the baby deserved to be acknowledged, to be given a chance at life, regardless of how complicated the circumstances were.
The moment stretched on, the silence between them growing heavier with each passing second until Esha could no longer bear the suffocating tension. "Kunal, I'm pregnant," she confessed, her voice trembling, tears welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. The room seemed to hold its breath, the silence deafening, as Kunal absorbed her words, his face a canvas of emotions, confusion quickly giving way to a fleeting glimmer of hope.
"Is it...?" Kunal's question hung in the air, his heart momentarily seizing with the possibility that this unexpected news might signify a new chapter in their lives, a chance to deepen their bond and strengthen their family.
But Esha's next words extinguished that flicker of hope like a gust of wind snuffing out a candle flame. "No, Kunal, it's not yours. It's Aniket's," she admitted, her voice thick with guilt, her eyes unable to meet his. She hesitated, the words coming out in a halting, reluctant stutter, "After you went to the US, things... they didn't go as planned. I fell back into old habits with Aniket." She paused, the weight of her confession heavy in the air, her reluctance to divulge further details stemming from her role as a hesitant, remorseful wife. "We spent time together, I... I'm so sorry." Her apology was a mere whisper, laden with regret, but she refrained from delving into the specifics, the shared moments, the intimacy that had now transformed into a harsh reality they both had to confront.
The gravity of her confession filled the room, the silence that followed deafening. Kunal's expression was a mask of raw pain, betrayal, and utter confusion, his world tilting precariously on its axis. In a moment of uncharacteristic, visceral anger, his hand rose as if to slap her, the motion driven by the overwhelming surge of emotions he couldn't control. But he abruptly stopped, his hand hovering in the air, his entire body trembling with shock and the immense effort of restraint. Never in his life had he raised a hand to Esha in anger, and now, faced with this devastating betrayal, he found himself teetering on the brink of violence, only to be pulled back by his own deeply ingrained principles.
He stared at Esha, his eyes wide with disbelief, struggling to comprehend the words she had just spoken. The hand that had moments before threatened violence now fell heavily to his side, limp with the crushing weight of his emotions. His silence was more eloquent than any words could have been; it was a silence filled with the deafening cacophony of his shattered world, his thoughts a whirlwind of betrayal, love, and the realization that the life they had known was now irrevocably changed.
…………….
Kunal felt the walls of their home closing in on him, suffocating him with the crushing weight of Esha's confession. In a desperate bid for escape, he abruptly lurched towards the door, his movements those of a man whose world had just imploded. Esha, witnessing his distress, tried to stop him, her voice filled with worry, "Kunal, where are you going?" But her words fell on deaf ears as he ignored her pleas, his heart too heavy to formulate a response.
He stumbled out of the apartment, his footsteps echoing hollowly down the hallway, each one a ratification to his inner turmoil. He found himself in the open area of the apartment complex's ground floor, where the cool night air offered a slight respite from the oppressive atmosphere inside, the quiet hum of the night a wild gulf to the storm raging within him. From the balcony, Esha watched him, her heart breaking at the sight of him weeping, his figure moving like a ghost, lost in a sea of grief.
Kunal walked aimlessly, his mind a maelstrom of memories and agonizing realizations. He thought back to the first time he saw Esha, at her college event—an event he'd only attended at the insistence of a close friend—her laughter like music to his ears, her eyes sparkling with life and joy. He remembered the first time they spoke, how effortlessly they connected, how her presence felt like coming home after a long journey. Their courtship was a tapestry woven with countless such moments, each one a building block of what he believed to be an unbreakable bond.
Their wedding had been a vibrant, joyous ceremony, a celebration of their love under the soft glow of the moon, with the sacred fire as their witness, surrounded by friends and family who wholeheartedly believed in their eternal bond. He vividly remembered the saat phere they took around the fire, the sacred vows of love, fidelity, and unwavering support they exchanged, vows that now echoed mockingly in his ears, hollow words in the face of this devastating betrayal.
The overwhelming joy at Aditya's birth was perhaps one of his most cherished memories. The moment the doctor placed their newborn son in Esha's arms, Kunal felt a sense of completeness he had never known before. Their family felt like a perfect circle, their love expanding to encompass this new life, their laughter and tears of joy mingling in the sterile environment of that hospital room.
Now, as he walked, each step felt like a journey through the wreckage of their shared history, each memory tainted by the bitter knowledge of Esha's repeated infidelity. He had been aware of her past transgressions, had seen the subtle signs, but he had chosen to believe in redemption, in the power of their love to heal the wounds of the past. He had poured his heart and soul into rejuvenating their marriage, striving to fill it with the passion he thought was missing, believing that was all it took to keep Esha from straying again. But now, with her pregnant by Aniket, all those efforts seemed futile, a cruel joke played by fate, or perhaps by Esha herself.
He felt the ghost of his past self, the man who had so readily forgiven Esha's first transgression, now mocking him for his naivety and misplaced trust. The love they shared, the life they meticulously built together, the infectious joy of Aditya's laughter—all of it felt like sand slipping through his fingers, impossible to grasp. His heart was torn between the enduring love he still felt for Esha and the undeniable, gut-wrenching betrayal that had once again shattered their life. The open area of the apartment complex became his solitary stage, where he walked, wept, and grappled with the agonizing reality of his choices and the uncertain, painful future that lay ahead.
Kunal continued his aimless walk, the night's silence punctuated only by his own ragged breathing and the distant, muffled sounds of the city. He circled the open area, each lap around the small park a torturous loop through his own swirling thoughts and memories. He remembered countless evenings spent with Esha in this very space, watching Aditya play, their laughter echoing through the night, now a chalk and cheese to his current despair.
He thought of the times he had caught fleeting glimpses of Esha's unhappiness, her distant looks that he had naively attributed to work stress or the mundane challenges of everyday life. He had desperately tried to bridge those gaps with love, with understanding, with the unwavering hope that they could overcome any obstacle together. But now, he saw those efforts through a new, harsher lens—as missed opportunities, as signs he had either overlooked or deliberately chosen to ignore.
The betrayal wasn't just about the affair itself; it was about the elaborate lie they had been living, the carefully constructed facade of their marriage that he had unwittingly helped maintain by forgiving too easily, by desperately clinging to the belief in their love. He vividly remembered the first time he confronted her about Aniket, the tears, the heartfelt apologies, the fervent promises of change. He had held her close, wanting to believe in their love, in their future together. But now, that moment felt like a mere prelude to this inevitable, heartbreaking end.
The physical pain in his chest was a sharp, insistent cue of the emotional turmoil raging within him. He paused near a bench where they had once sat together, sharing dreams of the future, planning for more children, envisioning growing old together. The cruel irony of this spot, where their dreams had taken flight, now serving as the backdrop for his heartbreak, was not lost on him.
He looked up towards their balcony, hoping to catch a glimpse of Esha, perhaps to find some solace in her gaze, but he knew deep down that there was no comfort to be found there. He saw her silhouette, her figure small and distant, a poignant reflection of the chasm that had grown between them. He wondered if she truly grasped the weight of her choices, if she understood the depth of the wound she had reopened.
His thoughts then drifted to Aditya, their innocent son caught in the crossfire of this emotional storm. He felt a surge of protective love for his child, a fierce determination to shield him from this pain, to provide the stability and security he deserved. This thought fortified him, giving him a sense of direction amidst the overwhelming despair. He knew he had to make difficult decisions, not just for himself, but for Aditya's sake.
The night air was cold, biting at his skin, but it was nothing compared to the icy chill that had settled within him. He carefully considered his options, the life they had built together now a fragile puzzle he had to dismantle and perhaps attempt to rebuild, this time alone. The idea of leaving, of taking Aditya away from this toxic environment, crossed his mind, but so did the fear of what that would mean for his son, for the remnants of their family.
As he stood there lost in thought, dawn began to break, the first light of day casting long, dancing shadows across the ground, a poignant symbol of his life at this crossroads—part of it still shrouded in darkness, part of it tentatively emerging into the light, the beginning of a new reality where he would have to find a way to live with this devastating betrayal, to heal, or at the very least, to find the strength to move forward. With each heavy step he took back towards his apartment, the weight of the situation settled upon him; he knew that nothing would ever be the same, but he also knew he had to face this new day, this new life, with whatever strength he could muster for his son, for himself.
Kunal returned to find Esha huddled in the corner of the couch, her body curled into a fetal position, her muffled sobs a demonstration to her own night of sorrow and regret. The sight of her vulnerability ignited a fresh wave of rage within him.
"I gave everything to this marriage, Esha!" he bellowed, his voice thick with anguish. "I cooked, I planned, I did everything to keep our love alive!"

He towered over her, his voice cracking with betrayal. "You didn't care about me, about Aditya, about the sanctity of our families!" His words were laced with pain. "You... you..." The word 'slut' hovered on his lips but crumbled away, swallowed by his own hurt.

"You must abort this," he demanded, his voice a raw mix of desperation and command, each word laced with the pain of her betrayal.
Esha, her face streaked with tears, looked up at him, her voice a fragile whisper, "Kunal, please, think about the baby inside me... its well-being, its right to life. This child isn't just mine or Aniket's; it's a life, Kunal."
Kunal felt his chest tighten at her words, her refusal evident. "No, Esha, you can't do this to us!" he shouted, the agony in his voice palpable. "You've chosen him over us! Over our family!"
Esha's voice was barely audible, her words a desperate plea, "I didn't choose, Kunal. I fell into this, but I can't... I can't end a life. It's not just about us anymore. It's about this innocent life growing inside me."
Realizing her unwavering stance, his heart sank further. "Then I'll take Aditya away," he said, his voice now a mix of determination and sorrow. "Far from here, from you."

Esha, her voice rising with desperation, countered, "Please, Kunal, don't do this to Aditya. He needs both of us. This baby doesn't have to tear us apart; we can find a way..."

Kunal's response was laced with bitterness and disbelief, "What do you think of me, Esha? Some wimp, a character in your dirty games? I won't play along anymore!" His declaration was heavy, laden with the weight of their shattered life together, the end of their shared dreams now palpable in the air between them.

Esha sat in stunned silence, her tears flowing freely, the harsh reality of Kunal's ultimatum sinking in. She couldn't believe he would actually consider taking Aditya away from her, yet she had no arguments to justify her pregnancy, no words to magically mend what she had broken. Her cries were profuse, a torrent of sorrow echoing in the quiet of their home. Kunal, unable to bear the sight of her anguish any longer, retreated to their bedroom, closing the door behind him, where Aditya lay peacefully sleeping, oblivious to the storm that had just ravaged his parents' lives.
As the morning light began to seep through the curtains, Esha remained awake, her mind a relentless whirlpool of regret, fear, and a desperate, aching love for her family. The hours seemed to stretch into an eternity, each second punctuated by the sound of her own sobs. Finally, after what felt like an interminable age, the bedroom door creaked open. There stood Kunal, Aditya nestled in his lap, his small body still warm from sleep. Kunal held the car keys in his other hand, his decision evident.
Aditya, his voice innocent and curious, asked, "Where are we going, Papa?" He was blissfully unaware of the drama unfolding around him. His eyes then caught sight of his mother, her face red and swollen from crying. "Why is Mumma crying?" he asked, his young voice tinged with concern.
Esha, her heart shattering into a million pieces, tried to stop Kunal, her words choked by gut-wrenching sobs. "Kunal, please, don't do this," she pleaded, but her voice was weak, her body exhausted from the night's emotional toll.
Aditya, sensing the tension and fear in his parents' voices, began to cry, his small frame trembling. Kunal, with a gentleness that belied his firm resolve, consoled his son. "We're going to Dadu and Dadi's house, Adi. Just for a little while," he explained, his voice soft but unwavering.
Kunal, his heart heavy with sorrow but his resolve unwavering, looked at Esha, his eyes reflecting not just the sting of personal betrayal but a fierce commitment to do what he believed was right for his son. "I need time to think, to heal, and he needs stability," he stated, his voice firm but laced with sadness. "You've made your choice, Esha. Now, I have to make mine."
With that, Kunal walked out, carrying Aditya, leaving Esha alone in the silent apartment. The door closed with a chilling finality that echoed through the empty rooms. Esha was left standing there, her cries now silent, her body slumped on the couch where she had spent the agonizing night. Her mind was a blank canvas, her thoughts a chaotic void. She had no idea how to stop Kunal, how to bring Aditya back, how to even begin to piece together the shattered fragments of her life. All she could feel was the overwhelming sense of loss, the suffocating silence of the apartment a severe relic of what she had lost, of the devastating decisions that had led her to this moment of profound solitude.
…………………
Kunal struggled to explain to Aditya why Esha wasn't coming with them. As they drove towards Pune, Aditya, with the intuitive innocence of a child, kept asking, "Why isn't Mumma coming with us, Papa? Is she sad?" Each question was a tiny dagger to Kunal's heart, his excuses sounding hollow and unconvincing even to his own ears. "Mumma needs some time to herself," he attempted, or "She's not feeling well." But Aditya persisted, his little face scrunching up in confusion and concern.
After several attempts at placating him, Aditya's tantrums subsided, but not his longing for his mother. "Can I talk to Mumma, please?" he asked repeatedly, his voice small but filled with hope. Kunal, feeling the crushing weight of his decision, promised, "Soon, Adi. We'll call her soon," though he wasn't sure how he would handle that conversation, how he would explain the situation to his innocent son.
Upon arriving in Pune, Kunal faced his parents, who were visibly shocked and dismayed at the unexpected turn of events. Just months ago, Esha had seemed like the perfect daughter-in-law, her warmth and kindness radiating through their home whenever she visited. She had mingled with them effortlessly, cooked their favorite dishes, and even seemed to find solace in their company during those times when she appeared lost in thought. This news was a bombshell, shattering the image they held of her. They looked at their son with deep sympathy, their hearts heavy with sorrow for his plight.
Kunal explained the situation, his voice thick with pain and the sting of betrayal. His parents listened intently, their expressions shifting from initial surprise to profound sorrow for their son's predicament. They tried their best to comfort him, offering words of solace and support, but there was an underlying current of disbelief and bewilderment; how could this have happened, how could Esha have betrayed their son so completely?
Aditya, meanwhile, was inconsolable in the unfamiliar environment. Every few hours, he would throw tantrums, his cries echoing through the house, "I want to talk to Mumma!" Kunal's parents did their best to soothe him, offering distractions, stories, and treats, but Aditya's heart was set on speaking to his mother. His grandparents, normally experienced in the art of calming children, found themselves at a loss, their efforts met with fresh tears and the repeated, heart-wrenching plea to speak with Esha.
Kunal, witnessing his son's distress, felt a sharp sting of guilt mixed with his unwavering resolve. He had made a difficult decision to protect Aditya from the chaos and hurt, but now, seeing his son's pain, he questioned if he had made the right choice. He promised Aditya they would call Esha soon, buying himself some time to figure out how to navigate this new, painful reality while his parents watched with heavy hearts, understanding the complex interplay of love, betrayal, and the innocence of a child caught in the middle.
…………………..
Alone in the empty apartment, a wave of suffocating loneliness washed over Esha. Each room seemed to echo with the absence of her family, the silence amplifying the emptiness.. The silence was deafening, missing the usual laughter and chatter that had once filled these spaces. With Aditya and Kunal gone, the home felt like a hollow shell of what it once was, the emptiness a physical manifestation of the gaping void in her heart. Her phone buzzed repeatedly with calls from Aniket, each vibration a dissonant mark of the tangled web she had woven around her life, but she ignored them, desperately needing solitude to process the devastation of her life unraveling before her eyes. She couldn't face him, not now, not when the crushing weight of her choices was suffocating her.
She sat on the couch, clutching Aditya's photo, his infectious smile in the picture a sharp, nostalgic pain that pierced through her like a blade. His eyes, so full of innocence and unconditional love, now seemed to silently question her from the photograph, "Why, Mumma?" Her heart ached with a yearning so intense it was almost physical; she longed to hold him, to soothe him, to explain, to apologize. The urge was overwhelming, a primal maternal instinct screaming through her wave of sorrow.
The silence of the apartment was broken only by her own ragged breaths and the occasional, heart-wrenching sound of her tears hitting the floor. Every corner held precious memories - the kitchen where she had lovingly prepared countless meals for her family, the living room where they had built fantastical forts out of blankets and pillows, the balcony where Aditya, her precious son, had uttered his first, stumbling words. Each memory was now a poignant, painful token of what she had lost, of the love and the life she had so carelessly taken for granted.
Esha's overwhelming grief manifested itself in physical sickness; the nausea from her pregnancy was intensified tenfold by her emotional turmoil. She felt utterly isolated, the loneliness wrapping around her like a suffocating cloak. She stumbled to the bathroom, the cold tiles offering little comfort as she knelt by the toilet, her body heaving with nausea, a physical echo of the emotional upheaval raging within her. The sickness wasn't just a symptom of her pregnancy; it was a manifestation of the heartbreak of realizing that her family was now fragmented, possibly beyond repair.
Back in the living room, she curled up on the couch, Aditya's photo still clutched tightly in her hand, his image blurring through her tears. She whispered apologies to the empty room, to the son she couldn't hold, to the husband she had betrayed, to the life they had dreamt of together. Each word was a tiny drop in the vast ocean of her regret. Her phone continued to buzz insistently, Aniket's name flashing on the screen, but each call was a unharmonious note of her complicity in this disaster, and she resolutely ignored them, determined to figure out her next steps on her own strength.
Her parents were in Nagpur, her father a retired man whose heart condition was as fragile as the peace she had shattered. The thought of revealing her situation to them filled her with dread; she knew his health could not withstand such distressing news. If she were to tell them, she would have to prepare herself for the worst, not just fearing for his physical well-being but also dreading the heartbreak that would inevitably etch itself into their lives. She imagined her mother's face, the lines of worry deepening, the love in her eyes clouding with confusion and pain.
Esha had pleaded with them so many times to leave Nagpur and come live with her, to share in the joy of her family, to be a part of her daily life. But their self-respect, their fierce pride in maintaining their independence, had always been a barrier, an unyielding wall between the comfort she yearned for and the agonizing solitude she now faced. They cherished their autonomy, their familiar home, their comfortable routine, not wanting to burden their daughter or to feel like a weight on her young family.
Now, in this moment of acute need, the sting of their absence was like a physical ache. She longed for her mother's soothing words, her father's quiet strength, the simple comfort of their presence that she had always taken for granted. But the thought of them knowing her secret, of them suffering because of her choices, was unbearable. She couldn't seek the solace she desperately needed from them, not at the cost of their health or their peace of mind. The love for her parents was now a source of both comfort and immense sorrow, as she sat alone, grappling with the devastating consequences of her life unraveling, without the one safe haven she had always known she could retreat to.
Reaching out to her brother in the UK was equally out of the question. He had his own family, his own busy life, and she knew that in this situation, she would be the one held responsible, the one to blame. The shame of her circumstances left her options severely limited; she couldn't turn to her parents or her brother without facing judgment or causing them further distress.
Her in-laws were an even more daunting prospect. They had always seen her as the perfect daughter-in-law, the ideal wife for their son, and now, the truth of her betrayal would only solidify their allegiance with Kunal. She knew they would never understand her situation, their loyalty to Kunal unwavering, their potential scorn or disappointment a formidable fortress she couldn't breach.
In this crushing moment of despair, Esha felt the full, agonizing weight of her isolation. She had no one to turn to, no one to help her navigate this devastating crisis. The love she had for her family, for Kunal, for Aditya, and even for the life growing inside her, was now a tangled, painful web of sorrow and regret. She knew she had to find a way to move forward, to reclaim her son, to heal what could be healed, but for now, all she could do was sit in the suffocating silence of her own making, grappling with the consequences of her choices, her heart a battleground of love, loss, and the relentless, primal need to be whole again.
In her isolation, the only person Esha could think of reaching out to was Priya. Priya had been her closest friend, at least before Aniket entered her life, irrevocably changing the dynamics of their friendship. Esha remembered how Priya had subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, maneuvered to bring her and Aniket closer. But even with these lingering doubts, Esha knew she was no longer a child; she would have to shoulder this responsibility on her own.
Priya had always treated the institution of marriage with a certain flippancy, her views on feminism bordering on the extreme, even from their college days. Her arguments had often been too radical, too unconventional, even for the progressive girls in their circle, leading many to simply ignore her. Yet, despite their differing perspectives, there was an undeniable bond between Esha and Priya; she had always been there for Esha, standing by her side through thick and thin.
However, the incident with the contraceptive pills cast a long, unsettling shadow over their friendship. Esha couldn't shake off the nagging doubt – why had the pregnancy occurred despite diligently taking the pills Priya had given her? Priya's casual dismissal of any wrongdoing didn't sit well with Esha, now more than ever. She replayed the events in her mind, the laughter, the advice, the shared secrets, all now tainted with a bitter tinge of suspicion.
Sitting alone in her apartment, surrounded by the echoes of her past life, Esha wished with all her heart that Aniket had never crossed her path. She longed for the simplicity of her life before, when her biggest worries were mundane compared to the emotional turmoil she now faced. She wondered if reaching out to Priya would bring solace or just more complications, her heart torn between the desperate need for a friend and the lingering fear of further manipulation. The regret over her involvement with Aniket was profound, a desperate wish to turn back time, to change the choices she had made, to reclaim the life she had with Kunal and Aditya, now shattered by the very decisions she had once embraced with such passion.
But now, the forbidding reality of her situation was inescapable; she was carrying Aniket's baby, the father of the life growing inside her, the man she currently loved. He had made her feel like a complete woman, understanding her physical needs both in the intimate confines of their relationship and in the broader aspects of life. Aniket had reignited a passion within her that she had never known before, a love that consumed her, where she could lose herself in the moment, in the fantasies they shared, even the playful ones about making a baby. Those moments were filled with a raw, unfiltered connection, where her desires were not just acknowledged but celebrated.
This love, this all-consuming passion, had given her a sense of freedom and fulfillment that she had been missing in her marriage, a total divergence to the life she had with Kunal, where she felt the weight of her responsibilities overshadowing her personal desires. Aniket's touch, his deep understanding of her needs, had brought a vibrancy and vividness to her life that she now couldn't deny, even as it led her to this precarious precipice.
The joy of their connection, the thrill of their forbidden love, was now a double-edged sword. It had given her a taste of what she craved, but it had also led to this agonizing moment of solitude and regret. She felt a profound love for this unborn child, a love that was as undeniable as her love for Aniket, but it was also the source of her current isolation, the reason for her family's fracture. The reality of her situation was a tangled, intricate web of love, desire, responsibility, and consequences, each strand pulling her in different directions, leaving her to navigate this new, complex chapter of her life alone.
Esha tried calling Kunal again and again, each attempt met with the abrupt end of the line, the silence following each dropped call an illustration to his resolve to keep her at bay. After countless tries, the sting of realization hit her with full force; her number had been blocked.
Exhaustion finally claimed her, and she dozed off into a short, restless nap. When she awoke, her phone was lit up with a barrage of notifications, over a hundred missed calls from Aniket. With a heavy heart, she answered the next incoming call, her voice thick with tears.
"Esha, why didn't you pick up?" Aniket's voice was filled with worry, the concern palpable even through the phone.
Esha remained silent at first, her sobs the only response, the weight of her world collapsing around her too heavy to put into words. Aniket's repeated gentle inquiries finally broke through her silence. She recounted everything, her voice breaking with each word, the story of her confrontation with Kunal, the harsh ultimatum, Aditya's departure, and the unbearable loneliness that followed.
"I'm coming over," Aniket declared, his voice firm with the intent to support her, to be there in her time of need.
But Esha, her voice laced with pain, exhaustion, and a hint of breathlessness, pleaded, "No, Aniket, please. I need some time to myself. If you truly love me, give me this space. It's not a good time for us to meet."
Aniket's breath caught, his concern for her health, for her fragile emotional state, clashing with his respect for her need for solitude. "I'm worried about you, Esha," he admitted, his voice softening, "and... and about our baby."
Esha, with a voice that carried the weight of her love and her profound sorrow, responded, "I'll take care of the baby. It's your precious gift to me." Her words were a promise, a commitment to the life they had created together, even amidst this chaos.
After a moment of heavy silence, Aniket, with a reluctance that was evident in his stutter, agreed. "Okay... but promise me, Esha, if you need anything, if anything changes, you'll call me immediately."
"I promise," she whispered back, her voice a mix of gratitude and utter exhaustion. They ended the call, leaving Esha in her solitude, with Aniket's concern lingering in the air, a silent endorsement to their complicated love, now bound by more than just passion but by the life they had inadvertently brought into existence.
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[clearlover]

Part T (Cont)

The moment Esha hung up, Aniket was seized by a frantic energy, a desperate need to act. His mind raced, thoughts colliding like a storm surge – Esha alone, vulnerable, heartbroken. And their baby... his baby. A wave of protectiveness washed over him, fierce and unfamiliar. He had to do something, anything, to shield them both. This wasn't just about love anymore; it was about responsibility, about fatherhood. His hand trembled as he fumbled for his phone, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He punched in Priya's number, his thumb hovering over the call button for a fleeting second before he pressed down, the tone piercing the silence like a siren.
"Priya," he choked out, his voice raw with anxiety, "it's Aniket. Esha... she's alone. Kunal – he took Aditya and left." The words tumbled out in a rush, each one a heavy weight on his chest.
Priya's expertly crafted gasp of shock was instant, a performance worthy of an Oscar. "Oh no!" she cried, her voice laced with feigned horror. "That's terrible! How is she holding up?" Her mind raced, a whirlwind of malicious glee masked by a veil of concern. Everything was going exactly according to plan.
"She's devastated, Priya," Aniket choked out, his voice cracking, the pain in his tone palpable. "She's... she's falling apart. She needs someone right now."
"I'll go see her right away," Priya declared, her voice a practiced blend of sympathy and an undercurrent of barely contained excitement.
A sigh of relief escaped Aniket, "Thank you, Priya. Please, just... take care of her. She needs it more than ever."
"I will," Priya promised, her eagerness barely concealed behind her carefully chosen words. "I'll keep you updated on how she's doing."
Aniket hung up, his heart heavy with concern but slightly lighter with the knowledge that Priya was on her way to be with Esha. Meanwhile, Priya was practically giddy with delight. Her plan, so carefully crafted and nurtured, was so close to fruition. She was eager to witness Esha's despair in person, to savor her downfall. She prepared to leave, each step towards Esha's apartment not just one of feigned concern but of quiet triumph. She was about to see the final act of her revenge unfold, her actions culminating in this moment where Esha was at her lowest, isolated, and vulnerable.
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Priya had decided to stay with Esha, taking up residence in the guest room, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions from the moment she stepped into the eerily silent apartment. The place felt like a mausoleum, the silence so thick it seemed to muffle the very air, devoid of the usual warmth and energy of family life. She knocked several times before Esha finally answered, her movements slow and heavy, as if each step was a battle against the crushing weight of despair.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Esha collapsed into Priya's arms, her body wracked with sobs that tore through the oppressive silence. "He took him, Priya, he took Aditya," Esha managed between cries, her voice a raw, pained whisper. The sound of her grief was like a physical blow to Priya, though her reaction was a carefully constructed mask of concern. The sorrow etched so deeply into Esha's features was almost palpable, a visible manifestation of her pain.
Esha's face was a landscape of raw pain; swollen and blotchy from relentless tears, her eyes a dark, aching pink, her hair a tangled mess, her clothes rumpled as if she had worn them through a night of sleepless torment. The Esha Priya had known, vibrant, confident, and full of life, was now a mere shadow of her former self, haunted by the absence of her son.
"Please, Priya, I need him back," Esha pleaded, her voice breaking with each word, her tears soaking into Priya's shoulder. "I can't live without Aditya... please, help me." Her desperation was a palpable force, her cries for her son echoing in Priya's ears, stirring something deep and uncomfortable within her. A flicker of guilt, quickly extinguished by the embers of her long-held resentment.
Priya, feeling a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach—a sensation she hadn't anticipated—held Esha tighter, her own heart unexpectedly heavy with the unintended consequences of her actions. "I know, Esha, I know," she whispered, her voice a strained mix of forced comfort and the creeping shadow of guilt. She hadn't foreseen this level of devastation, hadn't expected Kunal's reaction to be so absolute, so final.
Seeing Esha crumble before her eyes, Priya felt a sharp pang of regret for the first time. She had orchestrated this separation with a cold, calculating hand, but now, faced with the raw, palpable pain of a mother brutally torn from her child, she felt the unexpected sting of her own humanity. The room, once filled with the joyous sounds of laughter and love, now reeked of loss and despair, and Priya couldn't help but wonder if she had gone too far, if her thirst for revenge had inadvertently crossed into something darker, something that irrevocably damaged the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.
Priya hadn't expected Kunal to react with such swift decisiveness, to sever ties with such cold finality. She had thought she could control the narrative, manipulate the situation as she had done before, expecting Kunal to be slow to react, to hesitate, just as he had when he first learned of Esha's affair. But this time, there was no hesitation, no room for her manipulative games; he had acted with a clarity and resolve that caught her completely off guard.
She found herself ordering food, her hands trembling slightly as she dialed, because Esha was clearly in no condition to fend for herself. The apartment was oppressively silent except for Esha's occasional, heart-wrenching sobs, the air thick with the suffocating scent of loss and despair. Esha looked pale and sick, her body weakened by the overwhelming grief, her pregnancy making every tear, every refusal to eat, a potential threat to the fragile life she carried within her.
Priya watched Esha, her heart twisting with a conflicting mix of satisfaction and unexpected concern. She knelt beside Esha, who was curled up on the couch, and gently placed a plate of food in front of her. "Esha, please, you have to eat something," Priya urged, her voice softer than she intended, laced with a genuine worry she hadn't anticipated feeling.
Esha shook her head weakly, her voice barely a whisper. "I can't... I can't think of food... not without Aditya."
Priya's hand found Esha's, squeezing it gently, a gesture that felt foreign to her own manipulative nature. "Esha, think of the baby," she said, her voice a mix of gentle command and desperate plea. "You need to eat for both of you. This little one doesn't deserve to suffer because of this."
Esha's eyes, filled with pain and exhaustion, met Priya's, and for a fleeting moment, her resistance faltered. She took a small, hesitant bite, then another, the act almost mechanical, driven by the powerful indication of her responsibility to the life growing inside her. Priya watched, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions she hadn't anticipated. She had believed she could orchestrate this pain, could watch the fallout with a detached satisfaction, but now, witnessing the devastating human cost of her actions, a wave of unexpected guilt washed over her.
She had thought she could handle the fallout, could enjoy the chaos she had sown, but Kunal's decisive action had shifted the game, revealing vulnerabilities she hadn't accounted for - the innocent life in Esha's womb, the child already born, Aditya, whose life was now drastically upheaved by the adults' games. Priya felt a pang of something akin to regret, a dawning realization that her carefully plotted revenge might have claimed more than she had bargained for, touching lives that were pure, that didn't deserve to be entangled in her web of vengeance.
Lying in the guest room, the oppressive silence of the apartment pressing down on her, Priya felt the unexpected weight of her actions. She had come here anticipating savoring every moment of Esha's grief, expecting it to mirror the bitter pain she had felt when she lost her chance to submit her thesis, when her own academic dreams had crumbled under the weight of a carelessly spilled drink. But now, as she lay there, the satisfaction she had so eagerly anticipated was overshadowed by an unsettling sense of emptiness. Her carefully constructed justification for separating Esha and Kunal seemed hollow now, the echoes of her own venomous words ringing in her ears like a confession.
She still believed, in some twisted recess of her heart, that separating Esha and Kunal was justified, a necessary retribution for the pain and humiliation she had endured. But the sight of Esha, so utterly broken and lost, had sparked something unexpected within her, a belated realization of the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of her vendetta. Aditya, with his young life abruptly disrupted by this adult chaos, and the unborn child, an innocent bystander in her twisted game of revenge, forced her to question the morality of her actions.
If she could turn back the clock, she would not have given Esha those placebo pills, not because she regretted the act of revenge itself, but because she hadn't anticipated the devastating collateral damage to the children. The realization hit her like a tidal wave - she might have committed a grave sin, not just against Esha, but against the purity of childhood, against the sanctity of new life. For the first time, the sting of regret was sharp and piercing, a bitter taste in her mouth as she pondered the crushing weight of her decisions, now irrevocably affecting lives that were blameless in this bitter feud.
Her heart ached, not just with the fleeting satisfaction of her cold-hearted revenge but with a profound sorrow for the unintended consequences. She knew she had to do something, not to undo her actions entirely, but to mitigate the harm, especially for innocent little Aditya. She couldn't bear the thought of Esha's grief for her son festering into a lifelong wound. Perhaps there was a way to bridge the gap, to ensure Esha didn't miss Aditya so acutely, to find some semblance of peace and stability for the children caught in this maelstrom. In the quiet of the night, her thoughts were a tangled, confusing web of vengeance, regret, and a surprising, unfamiliar urge to rectify, at least in part, the damage she had wrought.

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Fifteen long days had crawled by since Kunal had taken Aditya away, leaving Esha in a world that felt unbearably hollow and silent. The sorrow of losing her husband, and more acutely, the constant presence of her son, clung to her like a heavy fog, a persistent ache in her soul. Yet, within the suffocating solitude of her empty apartment, Esha was slowly, tentatively, finding her footing. Her overwhelming grief for Aditya manifested in silent tears that flowed freely when the quiet became too much to bear, but even in the depths of her despair, she was gathering her strength, piecing together a clearer headspace to navigate her uncertain future. Her thoughts revolved around Aditya, her precious son, and how she might find a way to reconnect with him.
She had taken some initial days off from the bank, but now, with her pregnancy advancing, she had formally applied for maternity leave. Throughout this agonizing ordeal, Priya had remained a steadfast presence by her side, returning to Esha's apartment every evening after work, offering a semblance of support and companionship amidst the emotional wreckage. Priya had repeatedly suggested that Esha move in with Aniket, arguing that she would find both emotional support and a more stable environment for her unborn child in his care. However, Esha wasn't ready to take such a drastic step. She needed time and space to understand her own path, her own desires, before further entangling her life with Aniket's.
Despite her reluctance to move in with Aniket, Esha found solace in their frequent phone calls. They would talk for hours, Aniket patiently listening as Esha poured out her sorrow and anxieties, their conversations often drifting towards the baby they were about to bring into the world together. Aniket's voice was a source of comfort, a gentle reminder that not all was lost, that there was still love in her life, even if it was a complicated and messy kind of love. His words offered a lifeline, a glimmer of hope in the darkness that threatened to consume her.
But the yearning for Aditya, her precious son, was a constant ache in her heart. The desire to hear his voice, to see his infectious smile, grew stronger with each passing day, becoming an almost physical pain. She tried desperately to reach out to Kunal, clinging to the belief that even if reconciliation wasn't possible, he would at least allow her to see Aditya. But Kunal remained resolute, her calls blocked, and the thought of contacting her in-laws filled her with dread, their potential judgment and unwavering support for their son a formidable barrier.
Esha's days were now filled with a gnawing restlessness, a burning need to at least catch a glimpse of Aditya, to hold him close, to reassure him of her unwavering love. She would sit for hours, pouring her heart out in letters to him, letters she knew he might never read, but they were a way to connect with him, to keep that maternal bond alive. She desperately planned and strategized, searching for a solution. Perhaps she could find a way through mutual friends, or even resort to legal means, but the daunting prospect of facing Kunal in court, of turning this deeply personal matter into a public battle, filled her with anxiety.
In these agonizing moments of planning and heartache, Esha felt the crushing weight of her decisions, the immense love for her children—both the one she missed so desperately and the one growing within her—pulling her in different directions. She knew she had to find a way, legally or emotionally, to bridge this chasm, to see her son again, even if just for a fleeting moment. Her life was now a precarious balancing act, teetering between mourning what she had lost and preparing for what was to come, with Priya's constant presence a stark reminder of the complexities of human relationships and her own uncertain journey towards redemption, or perhaps, further entanglement.

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On the other hand, life hadn't been a walk in the park for Kunal either. As the days crawled by, Aditya's cheerful demeanor began to fade. He would push his food around his plate, his appetite waning, his little brow furrowed with worry, and the question that echoed constantly through the house was, "When is Mumma coming back?" Kunal tried everything to distract him, taking him to amusement parks and zoos, buying him the latest toys, spending countless hours in the park, playing with him tirelessly, all while desperately trying to mask his own deep-seated grief and simmering anger over Esha's betrayal. His parents, too, exhausted their repertoire of games and distractions, but Aditya, now at an age where his bond with his mother was deeply ingrained, refused to be consoled.
He wasn't a helpless infant who could be soothed by any caregiver's affection; he was old enough to sense the heavy cloud of sadness hanging over the household, to remember his mother's tear-stained face as Kunal drove him away to Pune. Yet, he wasn't mature enough to grasp the complexities of the situation, the tangled web of adult emotions that had led to this separation.
There were moments when Kunal, overwhelmed by a volatile mix of irritation and his own profound sorrow, would snap at Aditya, only to be consumed by waves of guilt moments later. He would then pull Aditya into his arms, his own tears mingling with his son's, whispering apologies and showering him with fierce, desperate love, while his heart ached with the unbearable weight of their fractured family.
Kunal found himself silently cursing Esha, blaming her for the turmoil she had inflicted upon their family, for putting him in this impossible position where he had to navigate his son's overwhelming grief while battling his own. He felt deeply betrayed, his life completely uprooted, and now, he was trapped in the delicate, exhausting balancing act of being both father and mother to Aditya, desperately trying to fill the gaping void Esha's absence had created. His nights were filled with agonizing sleeplessness, his mind relentlessly replaying the events that led to their separation, pondering over how to explain to his innocent son what he himself could barely comprehend.
The dynamic in his parents' home was one of strained, forced cheerfulness during the day, with Kunal and his parents putting on a brave face, desperately attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy for Aditya's sake. But behind closed doors, the emotional strain was palpable, a heavy weight hanging over the household. Kunal's heart was torn between the unwavering love for his son and the simmering anger, the raw pain, the gnawing sense of being deeply wronged by Esha. Each day was a grueling struggle to keep his turbulent emotions in check, to be the strong, unwavering rock Aditya needed, while inside, he felt himself slowly crumbling under the unbearable weight of his shattered family.

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Priya, sensing the raw intensity of Esha's longing to see Aditya, leaned closer, her voice a soothing balm laced with a subtle hint of excitement that Esha, lost in the depths of her despair, failed to notice. "Esha," she began softly, her eyes searching Esha's for any flicker of hope, "I think I can help you see Aditya."
Esha's head shot up, her eyes widening with a desperate mix of hope and wary skepticism. "How, Priya?" she choked out, her voice thick with unshed tears. "Kunal has blocked me; I can't even reach him."
Priya paused, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. "Do you know if Aditya has any favorite places where he goes regularly when he's with your in-laws?" she asked, her voice a carefully crafted blend of casual curiosity and a hint of something more calculating that Esha, in her distress, failed to register.
Esha, still unsure of Priya's true intentions but clinging to any glimmer of hope, any chance to see her son, answered hesitantly, "When Kunal was in the US, Aditya used to go to the park outside their building every evening. He loves it there."
A spark ignited in Priya's eyes, a plan rapidly taking shape in her mind. "Is the park visible from the road?" she pressed, her voice edged with anticipation.
"Yes, it is," Esha confirmed, her voice catching with the sudden, unexpected possibility of what Priya was suggesting. A flicker of hope ignited in her eyes, chasing away the shadows of despair.
Esha's eyes then sparked with realization, understanding dawning on her like the first rays of sunrise. "You mean, I could just... go there, see him?" Her voice trembled with a mix of overwhelming joy and the lingering fear of disappointment, the very thought of seeing Aditya reigniting a fire within her, a fierce surge of maternal love.
Priya nodded, her tone reassuring yet laced with an almost imperceptible edge of mischief. "The security guards know you well, Esha. They won't stop you. You're still Kunal's wife, their daughter-in-law. They wouldn't suspect a thing."
Esha's heart raced at the thrilling prospect, her eyes shining with unshed tears of gratitude and anticipation. "Priya," she breathed, her voice thick with emotion, "if I can just see him, even from a distance... thank you." The simple act of seeing her son, of being near him, suddenly seemed within reach, a lifeline in the vast sea of her despair.
Priya offered a small, knowing smile, her own heart a turbulent sea of conflicting emotions—a surge of satisfaction at the success of her carefully laid plan, battling with an unexpected, unsettling sense of guilt. "We'll have to be careful, Esha," she reassured, her voice steady despite the turmoil within, "but we'll make it happen. You'll see your son again."
The drive from Mumbai to Pune felt interminable to Esha, each mile stretching out before her like an eternity, each one amplifying her nervous anticipation. She sat in Priya's car, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, knuckles white with tension, silently praying, her heart whispering desperate pleas to the universe that she would see Aditya, even if just for a fleeting moment. Priya, acutely aware of Esha's escalating anxiety, reached over to gently squeeze her hand, offering a silent reassurance. "We'll see him, Esha," she soothed, her voice a calming balm to Esha's frayed nerves. "Just hold on a little longer."
They arrived at the familiar gates of the society in Pune around noon, the sun beating down with an unforgiving intensity that mirrored the turmoil in Esha's heart. Her pulse quickened as they approached the guardhouse, a wave of fear and excitement washing over her. The security guard, instantly recognizing Esha despite her long absence, smiled warmly and waved them through without a moment's hesitation. "Welcome, Madam," he greeted cheerfully, his voice carrying the comforting familiarity of times past, blissfully unaware of the storm raging within Esha, the tumultuous emotions threatening to consume her.
Inside the township, they parked near Esha's in-laws' tower, where the park lay just outside, a small, bustling cafeteria facing it. Esha nervously wrapped a scarf around her head, not just as a shield against the harsh afternoon sun but to conceal her identity from any prying eyes of neighbors who might recognize her. Her heart hammered against her ribs, each breath a suffocating mix of hope and dread.
Time seemed to crawl by as they waited, the afternoon sun casting long, dancing shadows that stretched and shrank with each agonizingly slow passing hour. Esha's eyes were glued to the park, her gaze unwavering, her entire being focused on willing Aditya to appear. Every rustle of leaves, every child's laugh, sent a jolt of anticipation through her, only to be followed by a wave of disappointment when it wasn't him.
As the late evening painted the sky with breathtaking hues of orange and pink, Esha's heart nearly stopped when she finally saw him. Aditya emerged from the building with the maid, his small frame seeming to carry the weight of the world on his young shoulders, his eyes devoid of the joy and sparkle they once held. He stood at the edge of the park, watching the other children play with a palpable sadness that tugged at Esha's heartstrings, a painful echo of her own grief. He didn't venture to join them, his usual boundless enthusiasm replaced by a quiet, heartbreaking melancholy. Esha, hidden behind her scarf, felt her own sadness mirroring her son's, the sight of his loneliness cutting through her like a sharp blade. She longed to run to him, to scoop him into her arms, to shower him with the love that was overflowing within her, but all she could do was watch, her heart shattering into a million pieces at the distance that now felt like an insurmountable chasm between them.
Witnessing Esha frozen in place, paralyzed by a mixture of fear and uncertainty, Priya gave her a gentle nudge, her voice firm yet laced with encouragement. "Go to him, Esha," she urged, her eyes locking with Esha's. "He needs you. Now more than ever."
Esha hesitated, her gaze filled with a silent plea for reassurance. Priya nodded, her expression softening with an unexpected empathy. "Go," she whispered, a single word that carried the weight of understanding and a subtle push towards reconciliation.
With a deep, shuddering breath, Esha finally stepped forward, her heart pounding with a mixture of trepidation and overwhelming love with every step closer to her son. "Aditya!" she called out, her voice a raw mix of joy and sorrow, a melody of pure maternal love that cut through the air.
Aditya and the maid turned towards the familiar voice, their heads snapping up in unison. The sadness that had clouded Aditya's face instantly melted away, replaced by an expression of pure, unadulterated elation. "Mumma!" he shrieked, and with a burst of energy, he ran towards Esha, his little legs pumping furiously, as if there was no tomorrow. He leaped into her arms, and Esha, mindful of her pregnancy but unable to resist, held him close, her body trembling with a torrent of emotions. She showered him with kisses, her tears mingling with joyous laughter, her heart swelling with an overwhelming surge of love.
The maid, recognizing Esha and understanding the unspoken plea in her eyes, wisely chose discretion over confrontation. She had witnessed enough of the family's drama to grasp the delicate situation, even with her limited knowledge of the turmoil within their home. Esha's eyes met hers, a silent plea for this precious moment to be theirs, just for a little while, a stolen reunion away from the judging eyes and wagging tongues of the society. She pressed a finger to her lips, signaling for silence, and gestured for the maid to follow. "Come with me, please," Esha whispered, her voice thick with emotion, as she carried Aditya into the nearby cafeteria, seeking a temporary haven from the prying eyes of the world.
Inside the bustling cafe, Aditya, his young voice filled with both innocent joy and a hint of worry, looked up at his mother with wide, questioning eyes. "Mumma, where were you? I missed you so much!" His eyes, so much like hers, were filled with a desperate longing, the unwavering hope of her permanent return shining through.
Esha, her heart aching with a mixture of love and guilt, managed a shaky smile through her tears. "I wasn't well, baby," she murmured, stroking his hair softly. "But I'll meet you soon, I promise." Her words were meant to soothe and reassure, but they sounded hollow and unconvincing even to her own ears.
Aditya, his small face set in a mask of determination, shook his head stubbornly, his voice filled with a child's adamant refusal. "No, Mumma, I won't let you go. I want to go with you!" His plea was desperate, his little arms tightening around her neck, unwilling to release her back into the uncertainty that had kept them apart for far too long.
Just as a fragile smile touched Esha's lips, her face suddenly drained of color, her expression morphing into one of sheer dread and shame. Her eyes widened in horror as she spotted her mother-in-law approaching the cafe, her gaze scanning the crowd for Aditya and the maid, her steps quickening with concern. As her eyes landed on Esha, her expression transformed in an instant, sadness and tears giving way to a flash of burning anger. "Esha? What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the cheerful cafe atmosphere like a sharp knife.
Esha's mouth opened and closed wordlessly, her voice trapped by the suffocating weight of guilt and fear, escaping only as a muffled whisper.
Her mother-in-law, fueled by a mixture of grief and indignation, continued her tirade, her words flowing like a relentless torrent. "Kunal, your father-in-law, everyone in this family loved you, gave you everything, and this is how you repay us? By betraying our son, by tearing our family apart? Not just Kunal, but all of us!" Her voice cracked with the raw pain of betrayal, her eyes filled with accusation and disappointment.
When she moved to take Aditya from Esha's arms, Aditya began to cry out, his small voice breaking with panic and the fierce intensity of a child's love. "No, Dadi, don't take Mumma away! I want to stay with Mumma!" His small hands clung to Esha with all his might, his tears mingling with hers, creating a heartbreaking scene that tore at Priya's heart.
Esha, her own tears streaming down her face, remained silent, her heart shattering into a million pieces with each accusing word her mother-in-law uttered. Her mother-in-law, with a steely resolve and unwavering loyalty to her son, commanded Aditya to come to her. "Come here, Aditya," she said, her voice firm but laced with sorrow. "She needs to leave." Her tone was harsh with suppressed anger, her movements firm and unyielding as she gently but resolutely tried to pull Aditya away from Esha's embrace.
Priya, witnessing this emotional maelstrom, felt her feminist principles flare up, a surge of indignation rising within her. "Don't talk to her like that!" she interjected, her voice rising in Esha's defense, her eyes burning with righteous anger.
But Esha, with a voice barely above a whisper, silenced her. "Priya, please, be silent," she pleaded, her eyes never leaving her son, her heart torn as she watched him being pulled away by her mother-in-law, despite his own silent protests. "This is my family, my mess to handle." Her words were heavy with resignation and a quiet dignity.
Aditya's cries echoed through the cafeteria as he was forcibly taken away, his small voice calling out for his mother fading into the distance, leaving behind a silence that was almost deafening. Esha slumped onto a nearby chair, her body heavy with defeat, feeling the crushing weight of isolation closing in around her. Tears flowed freely now, as if they could wash away the unbearable pain, but they only served to magnify it, blurring the world around her into an indistinguishable kaleidoscope of sorrow.
Priya stood by, her face contorted with a mixture of anger and frustration, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. She wanted to intervene, to lash out, to say more, but she was bound by Esha's desperate plea to handle this within the confines of her family. The atmosphere in the cafe was thick with grief, the bitter sting of betrayal, and the raw, palpable love of a mother forcibly separated from her child, a scene neither of them could control.
The drive back to Mumbai was shrouded in a heavy, prolonged silence, the car's interior a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil raging within its occupants. Esha sat motionless, her eyes fixed on the road ahead, her body dbangd in the heavy cloak of sadness, her mind replaying the agonizing scene in the cafe over and over again. Beside her, Priya was lost in thought, the crushing reality of her role in this catastrophe finally dawning on her, stirring an unfamiliar and unwelcome sense of guilt deep within her.
Finally, Priya broke the silence, her words hesitant, as if she was carefully chewing on each one before letting them out. "This... this is what I've always said, Esha," she began, her voice laced with a bitter edge. "It's a chauvinistic society. The way your mother-in-law spoke to you... if I were in your shoes, I'd have snatched Aditya away from them." Her voice was sharp with indignation, yet there was an undeniable undercurrent of regret, a subtle acknowledgment of her own part in this devastating family drama.
Esha, her voice soft but firm, her gaze steady, responded, "The mistake is mine, Priya. I own that. I don't want to sound like a thief, breaking into their lives to take what's rightfully mine. It's not just about me anymore."
Priya scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You're a woman, Esha. If you decide to take your son, all the courts in India would support you. How can your in-laws or Kunal stop you from seeing your child, especially when Aditya is so clearly attached to you?"
Esha sighed, her eyes reflecting the crushing weight of her decisions. "There are many lives involved, Priya. I don't want to hurt anyone, not even Kunal. He loves Aditya deeply, and I still love him... in a way. I still hope that one day, I'll get to meet Aditya without these restrictions, without causing more pain."
Priya fell silent, contemplating Esha's words, her own motives feeling more conflicted than ever. The image of Esha's tear-stained face, the echo of Aditya's desperate cries, tugged at her conscience, a feeling she wasn't accustomed to. After a moment, she spoke, her voice softer, less confrontational. "Yes, I will ensure you get to see your son again soon, Esha. You deserve that much." Her promise was a tangled mix of her manipulative nature and a genuine, if complicated, desire to right some of the wrongs she had helped create.
The car continued its journey back to Mumbai, the silence now filled with the unspoken complexities of their friendship, the heavy weight of betrayal, and the faint, hopeful whispers of reconciliation, or at the very least, understanding.
————————————
A month had passed since Esha discovered she was pregnant. Each morning dawned with a confusing mix of excitement and fear about what lay ahead. Today was the day for her first ultrasound, a visit her doctor had stressed was important.
"I have that appointment at the clinic today," Esha announced to Priya during a quiet breakfast, trying to sound casual but unable to completely mask the tremor of nervous anticipation in her voice.
Priya glanced up from her plate. "Shouldn't you call Aniket? He deserves to see his baby for the first time, too."
Esha paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. Priya had a point. With a resolute nod, she reached for her phone. Her fingers trembled slightly as she dialed his number. Aniket answered, and after hearing the news, readily agreed to meet her at the clinic.
The ultrasound room was a haven of peace, decorated with posters of happy babies that seemed to promise joy amidst the turmoil of Esha's life.
Aniket stood close beside Esha, his hand firmly holding hers, a wordless offering of comfort and strength. The doctor squeezed cool gel onto Esha's belly, then moved the ultrasound wand across her skin, bringing the screen to life.
"There, you can see your baby," the doctor said softly, pointing to the flickering image where a tiny heart pulsed with life.
Aniket's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat as he absorbed the sight. "Esha, look!" he whispered, awe and wonder coloring his voice, his gaze fixed on the monitor. "It's... it's incredible."
Esha, her heart heavy with the thought of Aditya yet overflowing with love for the life growing within her, squeezed Aniket's hand. A small, knowing smile touched her lips as she murmured, "See? Your dream came true." Her words, a subtle reference to their intimate moments, were both a reassurance and a provocation, a private acknowledgment of the connection they shared in this extraordinary situation.
Aniket's eyes remained glued to the screen, his hand tightening around hers. "I'll be there for you, for our child," he vowed, his voice filled with conviction. "No matter what happens."
The image of their baby, so tiny yet so full of life, was a beacon of hope in the midst of their complicated lives. The steady beat of the tiny heart echoed in the room, a rhythmic pulse of life, love, and the new bond forming between them—a bond that transcended their personal struggles, uniting them in this shared moment of creation and anticipation.
As they were about to leave the clinic, the doctor gave them some parting advice. "It's important to avoid sexual intercourse for the next month or two," she said, her voice professional yet kind. "Until you're well into your second trimester. It's crucial for the baby's health."
Esha and Aniket exchanged a look, a wave of unexpected embarrassment flooding them. It had been over a week before Esha discovered her pregnancy since they had been intimate. With the chaos that followed with Kunal and Aditya, the thought of sex hadn't even crossed their minds. It was already close to six weeks of abstinence. The doctor's words were a sudden reminder of a world that seemed far away, a time when their connection wasn't just emotional but physical as well.
Esha's gaze fell to the floor, her cheeks burning at the unexpected reminder, while Aniket, mirroring her shy reaction, offered a small, awkward smile. The reminder of their physical intimacy, now on hold, felt like a strange note in the symphony of their current lives, where love, betrayal, and new beginnings clashed in a discordant melody.
The clinic's third basement parking level was eerily deserted, the emptiness amplifying the soft hum of the fluorescent lights overhead. Aniket, with a gentle but insistent tone, asked Esha to join him in the backseat of his car to talk. Esha, her eyes scanning the deserted space, was taken aback by his request but agreed, her curiosity piqued.
"What's this about, Aniket?" she asked, her voice a mixture of surprise and caution, as she settled in beside him.
"It's been weeks, Esha," Aniket began, his voice filled with a longing that had been growing with the distance she'd maintained. "Weeks since we've just talked, face to face. You haven't been ready to come to my apartment, and I... I just want to spend some time with you."
Esha glanced around, the solitude of the parking lot offering an unexpected sense of privacy. She nodded, accepting this brief escape from the chaos of their lives. They talked about her health, how the ordeal had left her looking worse for wear. Aniket's eyes were filled with concern, his hands longing to comfort her.
Wanting to lighten the mood, Esha's lips curved into a playful smile. "You know," she said, "I've actually started to see a little bump." She guided his hand to her belly, where the fabric of her dress subtly hinted at the new life within. Aniket's touch was gentle, his fingers tracing the faint curve with a reverence that spoke volumes about his love for both her and their child.
Their eyes met, and the space between them seemed to dissolve. Aniket leaned in, his lips finding hers in a kiss that was slow, deep, and filled with all the unspoken words that hung between them. Their mouths moved together in a familiar rhythm, the taste of each other a sweet reminder of their connection. The kiss was a soothing balm on their frayed nerves, a stolen moment where time seemed to stop, and they could simply exist together.
When they finally pulled away, breathless, Esha's voice was a low murmur, a reminder of the reality of their situation. "Remember what the doctor said," she said, her tone a mix of teasing and seriousness. "You should probably drop me somewhere safe."
Aniket nodded, his desire to hold onto this moment battling with the need to respect her health and privacy. He drove them to a quiet spot a few blocks from her apartment, a place where they wouldn't be seen together. As they pulled up, he asked, his voice thick with emotion, "When can I see you again?"
Esha sighed, her heart torn between the joy of their brief intimacy and the complexities of their lives. "I don't know, Aniket," she admitted, her words heavy with the weight of their uncertain future. Her hand lingered in his for a moment longer before she finally stepped out into the quiet street, leaving behind the warmth of their shared moment.
—————————
A few days later, the soft morning light filtered through the curtains, illuminating the living room where Esha sat, her eyes fixed on the television in a vain attempt to distract herself from the turmoil within. Priya, ready to leave for work, was gathering her things when the sharp, unexpected ring of the doorbell shattered the quiet.
"I'll get it," Esha said, her voice lacking its usual energy as she rose and moved towards the door, her steps heavy with the weight of her thoughts.
Moments later, Priya heard a disturbing sound – the unmistakable, heart-wrenching sobs of someone in deep distress. Alarmed, she rushed out to find Esha, not at the door, but collapsed on the single-seater sofa in the living room. Her body trembled, her hands visibly shaking as they clutched a piece of paper. The air was thick with the sound of her sobs.
Priya rushed to Esha's side, her heart pounding with worry. "Esha, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice sharp with concern.
Esha, her face stained with tears, thrust a crumpled piece of paper into Priya's hand. Priya's fingers tightened around it, a knot of dread forming in her stomach. Her eyes scanned the page, and the words exploded in her mind like a thunderclap: a legal notice of divorce from Kunal.
The paper, crisp and official, suddenly felt like a lead weight in her hand. The vibrant colors of the living room seemed to dim, as if a shadow had fallen over them. Priya's breath caught in her throat as she read, each word a nail hammered into the coffin of Esha's marriage. She looked up at Esha, whose face was a mirror of devastation, disbelief etched into the lines around her eyes, her mouth twisted in anguish.
"I... I didn't expect this," Esha choked out, her voice raw with pain. "I thought... maybe there was still a chance... for us, for Aditya." Each sob tore through her, shaking her body with its force.
Priya felt a wave of conflicting emotions wash over her. A surge of triumph at the success of her manipulations warred with a pang of guilt, a lingering echo of the friendship they once shared. She sank onto the sofa beside Esha, the divorce notice a stark white rectangle between them. She placed a hand on Esha's shoulder, the warmth of her touch a meager comfort against the icy reality of the situation. Words seemed inadequate, meaningless against the tidal wave of grief that had crashed over them.

[a2011]

Great update, was very realistic...

[Speedy21]

Wow nice update final kunal had something to say about adultery commited by esha emotional chapter i admire your storytelling skills top notch update

[3sivaram]

very very easy,

k*ll the kunal...
k*ll the Aditya...

'njoy with Aniket and then with others. And happily manipulate them. And give birth to few more bitches and son of bitches into this world.

easy easy...

[Harry Jordan]

Alright ClearLover , I was curious on how this story goes and you have officially "SURPRISED" me. And Thank you , thank you for not taking the "cuckold" route with Kunal.


Your portrayal of Kunal's reaction and pain is clearly showcased really well in this story. His dynamic , the emotional turmoil he went through was showcased absolutely beautifully. You won't believe it but I actually cried reading Kunal's struggle with Aditya , the sudden realization for a father burdened with the duties of a single parent in the equation and Aditya's strong connection to Esha. It was such a wonderful nerve wrecking segments showcasing both Esha and Kunal's suffering. I would humbly request you to keep working on Kunal as a character and stop treating him as a token one , because in many ways there is a lot of dynamics and potential that you can explore with that character. Now that this change has happened , let this start a transformational stage for Kunal. Let this be the starting point for a new environment and setting for Kunal where he can become someone different and unique. Where in the process of improvement , he finds his identity of a better man. Seek new successes and new opportunities , change in lifestyle , tastes and way of living. Maybe that will make the bond between Aditya and Kunal grow. Let this start a single parent adventure for Kunal , where he becomes a responsible father and a dutiful parent while at the same time work on himself to become someone better. Its time for Kunal's evolution.


Another part I also liked about this chapter is how the pain and suffering of Kunal is directly correlating to a glimmer of happiness happening between Esha and Aniket and their growing romance. They are both going through the stages of early parentage. And not only these segments are signifance to Esha and Aniket's growing romance , it also gives the necessary weight to Kunal's suffering. While Esha did loose her family right now , she has a good future in front of her which she believes , and that is with Aniket and this new child. Kunal doesn't have that , for him his life turned out to be a big lie. He is suffering in silence from all the heartbreak and betrayal along with the problems developed by Aditya. I won't be surprised if Kunal one day decides to sacrifice Aditya and handover him to Esha so that he can completely isolate himself , but I also am aware that Aditya loves his father much as well.


Plus this also shows the turmoil of Esha , from her talks and her explanation it is clear that there is love for only Aniket in her life. Because in her mind she sees Aniket as the perfect partner she wanted. She believes that he is blessing in this turmoil of anguish she has created. But at the end she also confesses that she does love Kunal but in a way. Now that only leaves a glimmer of hope for Kunal and Esha to eventually reconcile but in my eyes I don't think it is possible unless Esha learns that she was manipulated into this "love" for Aniket. In that way Esha can understand that her love towards Aniket was not at all natural but was a plot from Priya's part to ruin her life. And in my opinion , I believe it should be Kunal that should expose the truth of Priya to Esha. Priya believes she has control over everything but today Kunal became the odd player and the trump card and turned the tables of manipulation and control over from Priya. And I believe in my mind that Kunal should be the unsung hero in this story and eventually reveal the truth to Esha.


Once again , I applaud you , your way of describing emotions and feelings are truely remarkable. This part , part T , is my favorite part of this whole story until now because you did a remarkable job in portraying emotions , heartbreak , betrayal , loss , turmoil , sadness , love all of these aspects wonderfully. I am now definitely looking forward for the future and I once again congratulate for an amazing update. Keep this story going and I know you're probably almost done with the whole story but please consider exploring Kunal further. He is a goldmine of a character that you can take places and really build a strong character with him.


Once again thanking you for my new favorite and incredible Part T of the story.

Harry Jordan.

[Saradagaa]

As you said Harry, Kunal's character could eventually expose Priya to Esha.

Author in concluding 2 paragraphs of part R, left us a hint.
I quote

"It wasn't until he was leaving the hospital, making his way through the bustling market nearby with thoughts of errands and evening plans, that his mind circled back to the peculiar interaction. He remembered hearing Priya call the woman 'Ma'. Confusion clouded his thoughts for a moment. Esha had once shared the tragic story of Priya's mother being murdered for not bearing a son. Who was this woman then?

He scratched his head, the puzzle momentarily consuming him, but the demands of the day, other tasks, and the whirl of city life soon overtook his curiosity. Kunal's thoughts drifted away from the mystery, forgotten."

[RCF]

Seems like Esha will eventually get Aditya and Kunal will live alone. Aditya will not survive separation from his mother, seems he shares a bond with his mother that can scar his life for ever if separated. Kunal will be forced to give him back to Esha for his son's good. Why not make Kunal die, end of story,that would be biggest punishment for Esha, will haunt her for life.

There is no logic behind one woman while loves her husband can love another with sincerity , that never happens. Only when one love dies some where will give life to love elsewhere. Despite everything being well written this logic negates the efforts being put in this story for me.

~RCF

[jiivajothii]

Good update.

Sad that esha never thought of kunal in these days of separation. Her thought only on Aditya. It is clear that she is not in love with kunal. Priya faciliated to join Esha with Aniket. Now next stage of her facilititation is to start. Priya aim is only to seperate kunal and Esha. she has nothing to do with Aditya. If she does, she will have the guilt of separating the mother and child for life. As per law, mother has more rights over the child and kunal has to forget also his son soon.