04-07-2025, 11:20 PM
(CHAPTER CONTD)
The yatch soon arrived at the port as many of the guests deboarded. Meghna saw Tamanna and Sandeep leaving separately hinting at an ugly spat between them. Meghna wished her goodbye to Disha who had brought her scooty here. She had an urge to go in that scooty with her but she had brought her car and she wanted to talk to Sonarika while drive her to her place.
As Disha rode away in her scooty. Meghna messaged Sonarika the word clear signalling that the people she's been worrying about are gone. When Meghna returned to the yatch , Sonarika and Vikram were telling their goodbyes to Rachika. Rachika sent both of them invites to the wedding that is happening soon.
An hour later they deboarded the yatch and Sonarika felt like a big weight being lifted off of her. Her suffocation ended once she was out of that environment. Vikram said his ride is on the way as Meghna obliged to drive her home. Vikram and Sonarika separated after a hug and kiss on the cheek as they walked away separate. Sonarika and Meghna were the first to leave as they watched Vikram waving bye standing at the port. As they gained some distance , Meghna started their conversation.
"Are you sure you are alright Sonarika?"
"Don't take it seriously Meghna , Vicky was a little too pushy and I stopped him and punished him accordingly"
"Punished him by what?"
"Slapping him obviously. And since then he was a good boy"
"Very good , because I don't want him repeating that bullshit again!"
"He won't"
"BTW , how was the night"
"Like always , but I am curious about yours"
"Oh , it was magical!"
Both of them giggled.
"So where did you meet Disha" Sonarika enquired.
"At a restaurant , it was a casual meet at first , but then I learned she worked in Quadron and eventually I learned she was the hot assistant you told me about."
"Uhuh"
"And I genuinely liked her company , sometimes annoyed me with the Hemant fangirl thing"
"Oh she is definitely that"
"Yeah and she also made me realize that I haven't seen Hemant in person for quiet a while. And the way she described him , I feel I have missed out on some major changed in my most disliked man"
"I think its best you should never see him"
"Why?"
"I am not going to sugar coat it , but I am afraid even a woman like you will fall for my man right now"
"Really? Your husband really just transformed from a burger to kabbab that quick"
"Sometimes , even I am stunned. I will admit , lately I've been enamored by his charm"
"And yet you spend nights with your boyfriend?"
"When the fun is double , there is a thrill in hustle"
Both of them giggled at Sonarika's wordplay.
"Yeah but seriously , even Disha was speaking so high about his new appearance lately"
"Yeah , maybe you'll get your chance to see him on my birthday party"
"Sure , btw , I trolled Sandeep in front of his date"
"Tamanna?"
"Yeah , judging from her reaction , she was unaware about the incident of Sandeep harassing Hemant"
"Was she angry"
"Angry is an understatement , she was probably more pissed than you"
"To be honest , I don't blame her , even I would be pissed if the man I had a huge crush on got harassed by the man I slept with"
"Wait , Tamanna had a crush on Hemant?"
"In their college days yes , but it was a one way love. She had the hots for him and Hemant was dating Sanjana"
"Sanjana? Who is Sanjana?"
"Sanjana Ranawat , Deputy Commissioner , Head of SDCAW!"
"OKAY WHAT THE HELL! Why are all these women drooling over a fat , slow , bland man like your husband"
"Like I said Meghna , see for yourself at the birthday party. You might have a similar feeling"
"Now I am curious!"
Eventually they reached at Sonarika's place as Sonarika exited the vehicle as Meghna drove off.
As Sonarika was walking to the apartment building , the weight of her guilt was building , even though nothing happened , she understood she had no control last night. If it wasn't for Vikram and his presence of mind , she would've been back on the pit again. As she stood on the elevator , her mind played flashes of the nightmare she saw last night. Hemant , lying in a pool of blood , his words , they were accusations , and those accusations seemed right. And as she was sitting there holding onto him hoping for help to come , she never felt more vulnerable.
She walked to the apartment door and she realized the house might be empty. Its past 11.00 in the morning , Hemant might be gone to the factory , Anjali had some extra classes , and Karan will be in his institute. Sonarika used the spare key with her to open the door.
When she walked in , she was greated by the empty house that seemed like abandoned. It was like an epilogue to her future, a reminder to her the danger of her games. That if she doesn't survive , this is the future that awaits her. No Hemant , no Karan , no Anjali. The family that she build gone , a big house with nothing. This place was supposed to be her calm , but right now it only judged her. Judged her actions , her inability to stay true to her stance. The harrowing realization that she lost her control last night was still a painful judgement on her sanity. As she sat there she was being engulfed by her guilt , transforming the room into a dark ceiling and water filling up on the floor. She was slowly getting submerged in the water , slowly sinking with pain rising in her mind and body. As she was almost sinking into it with just her neck and head left , she suddenly heard it.
"Sona?"
A voice so familiar in her life as her mind started to unravel. The water started to lower as it slowly vanished below and the room transformed again. She was back in her hoom , at the empty space of the hall , but it was not empty anymore.
"Sona? Is that you?"
She heard the voice of her husband calling her , as if like he was here rescuing her from her own turmoil. She realized the voice was coming from the open balcony. She got up and walked to the balcony , to her astonishment and to her great reprieve , she saw Hemant sitting in the balcony doing something on some papers. Just seeing him here , made all her turmoil melt away , making her realize he was truly her sun. The ball of light that shows her the path.
"Hey honey , you look tired!"
Sonarika panicked a little but then replied with the best cover.
"Yeah the party was a bit dull , and the accomodation sucked , it spoiled my dress too"
"Awww poor thing , you need some coffee?"
"No , I am home , just need some time to reload."
"Great , good thing you're here then. I was working on something interesting"
"What is this?"
"Oh this is the floor plan for our future house we planned together? I did some remodelling"
Right at that moment , she was healed from her worries and troubles as she looked at him with atmost love. To see him work on their future , Sonarika refused to feel guilty but rather found strength in fighting her doubts. She looked at him with a smile.
"So I remodelled the whole setup , unfortunately Karan will have his room in the ground floor"
"Uhoh , you will have a hard time convincing him to take that"
"I have a new idea , his room will have a mini game zone for his own entertainment and occasionally for mine"
"Careful Hemant , you might end up spoiling his academics"
"Relax , I'll have it covered , special parental locks and timetables for that thing"
"If you say so"
"Then we can build a spacious galleria in the top giving a wonderful view of our location"
"Any plans for that location yet?"
"Not yet , but the preferences haven't changed"
"Let me guess , a water body?"
"Obviously , something , maybe a lake , but I would definitely prefer a river"
"God , the land value around Mumbai and this whole Maharashtra state has skyrocketed for riverside areas Hemant?"
"Who said to settle here?"
"Anywhere else , maybe we can move to USA , live a life in the cold"
"Sometimes you just have some outrageous thoughts Hemant."
"Well , we can turn it into a reality now judging by how my business is growing and how you are climbing the corporate ladder. Hell one day you might end up becoming Ms.Tanishq , the name and face of your company"
"Slow down husband , you can dream till the clouds , don't aim for the heavens!"
Sonarika joked.
"Not joking , maybe Ms.Tanishq might not be possible , but you reaching the top of the mountain might"
"I don't care where I reach Hemant , as long as I have you by my side"
"Always"
Sonarika hugged Hemant , feeling a great sense of reprieve and resolve. The suffocation and the pain no longer exists here , in her place of calm. But at that moment , she also remembered one thing , she was weakened last night. She won't be weakened like that again.
Sonarika placed her head on his shoulders and caressed his chest as both of them sighed and enjoyed each other's embrace.
"Its a shame you can't come for the summer vacation. We could've had so much fun"
Sonarika confessed
"I know Sona , but work , I've taken a big leap in this business that things are moving quiet fast. Plus the work with the armed forces , there is no margin for error. Once all of this is done , I will finally have my peace , and my moments dedicated for us. And you know the most important part I am looking forward to?"
Sonarika giggled as she responded.
"Let me guess. The sex?"
Hemant laughed in a low tone but caressed her face. And then Hemant confessed.
"As awesome as that is Sona. That is not the only thing. I wanna hold your hand , I wanna have you close to me as we enjoy the first rain of the year together. I wanna listen to our synchronized heart beats and cherish that we are in this together. I want us to cook food together , and spend a common thing we enjoy doing together. I wanna sit in the gallery overnight with you on my lap as we look at the stars and get attacked by mosquitoes"
Sonarika laughed a little in those last comic words as her eyes were already watery.
"All I want in life is Sona , I want us to grow old together. And make our dream home a reality one day."
Tears fell from Sonarika's eyes as she hugged Hemant.
"Oh Hemant , I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!"
She kissed him repeatedly as they looked at each other for some time. Then Sonarika caressed his face.
"I'll go and make lunch for us"
"Don't worry , I already made it!"
Sonarika sighed again as she kissed Hemant harder this time.
"You mister , how will I ever live without you"
"You won't , you're stuck with me in this life beautiful!"
"I'll go shower!"
Saying that Sonarika walked away with a smile to her bedroom. As Sonarika walked away , Hemant's mobile rang. He picked it up to check the caller to be Raquel. His whole demeanor changed.
"Raquel?"
"Bhaijaan , Kamya and Vaibhav have completed their tasks , the devices are set"
Hemant took a deep breath and responded.
"Good , arrange a meeting next week in my base. Bring all the resources , I will reveal the plan to all of you. Everything"
Hemant ended the call as he looked ahead. His hand was rolling something beneath his shirt , something hidden past the shirt , something sinister.
As Sonarika reached the bedroom she stripped herself and got into the shower. As the cold shower washed away the tiredness and the champagne and alcohol essence , Sonarika truly evaulated the events of last night. Nothing about that sail was about the Voyage Of Love , it was more like a sail of lust. And that is what gave Sonarika a more deepened clarity. It wasn't love that tempted her to seek Vikram , it was how they had sex. Whatever they used to do , it was carnal , it was deep, it was captivating and more over it was hypnotic.
This explained the situation last night, the lustful surroundings of couples making out, the loud music, the sensual ambience, it made her loose control seeing Vikram not because of missing him as a person. She didn't desire the good man in him , she desired the carnal love maker. Someone who doesn't hold back , sex with him was something primal , something unnatural.
She remembers how she reminisced their tryst together in Galaxy Apartments when she visited him there. It was never love with him , love is mean't to be peaceful but with him , it was never peace , it was the lust for the chasm of chaos. And she has tasted him so much to the point he has become an addiction.
She arrived in the bedroom , her eyes getting more watery. She didn't move but simply stood. That was when Sonarika's attention went to the desk and noticed that their marriage photo was missing. She looked around trying to find it , probably thought might've misplaced it. But she remembered nobody has touched it for many years. It has always stayed there. Eventually Sonarika bend down to check the floor. That was when she saw something glowing beneath the bed as she reached for it with her hand. She picked it in her hand and was relieved to find the marriage photo. It was the part of her jewellery that glowed in the photo. Sonarika picked it and cleaned it with a part of her dress as she placed it back where it sat before.
Sonarika realized that the voyage of love was indeed important for her , in her mind she believed her time in the yatch was a warning , a warning to her to show her how dangerous things are in her life right now , it also made her see some clarity in her life. She realized the situation she was in , she understood the reality that she had an unhealthy attraction towards Vikram. And its not attached to feelings , but rather physical. And that attraction is now dangerously close to ruining her marriage. Her reaction of passion towards Vikram while not even thinking about Hemant for once was a big point of judgement in her heart. And she didn't like it , she doesn't want to be addicted to him forever.
With tears in her eyes Sonarika whispered.
"I am sorry Hemant. I am sorry that I lost myself. Vicky , he was like a drug that kept on crawling in my nerves. His intimacy clouded my mind , made me forget reality and send me to a cresendo of ultimate pleasure. But his involvement in my life also shown me now that he is a very dangerous addiction. An addiction which will ruin me , but even in this hard times , you have once became my beacon to show me the path"
Sonarika wiped her tears as she caressed Hemant's image in their marriage photo.
"No matter how much orgasms he gives me , no matter how many times he takes me to cloud nine. He can never take your place in my heart. My love for you is way above my attraction towards him. And now , I finally know what I must do"
Sonarika sat on the bed straight and whispered to herself. A motivation for herself.
"He is a terrible addiction in my life , but it won't be there for long. I will overcome him Hemant , I will get over Vikram and his sexual drug and recover from this terrible illness. I will return to be your wife , to be Karan's mother. Both of you will forever be a part of me. No Vikram , No Meghna will destroy it. I won't let it , I will not let them tear me and my family apart"
Sonarika held onto the photo with a firm grip as she whispered for the final time.
"I will fight. Fight for me , fight for us , our family. I will not let this addiction be the end of me. I will fight for my sanity. No matter how many times he calls me Soni , I will forever be Sona , your Sona. I LOVE YOU HEMANT. I WILL FOREVER LOVE YOU!"
Sonarika with a little teary eyed from the reality of her life as she holds the photo to her chest in a firm vice grip. A promise lingering with fire in her heart and mind , that no matter what happens , nothing is taking him away from her. He will be her life, and he will be her death!
Sonarika returned to the ambience of her home and to the duties of the day with a new optimism and determination in her heart which made her prepare herself for the fight of her life.
SOMEWHERE IN MUMBAI.
Meghna's apartment building was buzzing with the chaos from the heavy traffic nearby and the sounds of Mumbai's nightlife. But there in the ground floor at the parking lot , Disha's scooty was safely parked signifying her presence here.
In Meghna's apartment , Disha was lying on her bed completely nude with her back on display. Meghna was standing on the doorway watching her , seeing the sweat formed on her body after the rigorous sex they had moments ago. Disha was tired and exhausted as Meghna smiled at her handiwork wearing just a shirt.
She lit up a cigarette , walked her way out closing the bedroom door shut as she walked towards her study room. The place where that photo board existed, a maze of revenge she has planned for. She picked up her phone and dialled a number. Waiting for the other side to pick it.
"Hello , Mr.Raisinghani , I called to ask the details regarding my request. Yes regarding the Divorce Petition"
Her mind was focused as she looked towards the photo board near her workspace. An edited image of Sonarika and Vikram being pinned in the middle of the board.
"I want to know the full details. Everything , including the possibility of alimony and child support. I want to know every loophole we can use. Mail me in complete detail when its done"
Meghna ended the call as she went and consumed a peg of her whiskey. She came close to the photoboard and looked at the 'perfect couple' in her eyes.
"Oh Sonarika , not so long ago , you were a vessel for my revenge. The scapegoat meant to suffer so that a certain someone is hurt. But emotions , sometimes your helplessness brings out the sister in me to help you , save you from the harm that comes. Don't think of this as any sort of compassion for you Sonarika. I intend to break you but on my terms!"
Meghna once again looks at the photo of Sonarika's father Jagjeet posing with a mysterious woman.
"You lived a life mean't for me Sonarika. But now , you will have to suffer to understand the level of pain I endured all my life. Your undoing will be my ultimate revenge. I am going to dismantle your life and cripple your identity. And the best part is , there is not a damn thing you can do to stop it"
Meghna soon picked up a photo of Hemant that is torn.
"And you , I've known men that are unlucky Hemant, but yours is the worst one there is. In just one night , I fucked your cute fangirl assistant , Sandeep fucked your college crush , and Vikram nailed your sweet loving wife. In one night , the women around you spend their best times with someone else. But I have to say , I am interested to see this new change in you Hemant. But sadly , I am afraid it will not change what I plan to do with you anyways"
Meghna smiled as she sipped another drink as she grabbed Hemant's photo and set fire to it.
"Sorry Hemant , unfortunately , you're the sad victim in all this. But you remind me of him , and he destroyed my life"
Meghna looked at the board to see a small scarred photo of Javed pinned to it. Her face full of rage as she looked down at the burning image of Hemant
"You're just like him Hemant. And for that , you must burn!!"
Meghna walked away as Hemant's photo burned to a crisp in that floor.
SOMEWHERE ELSE IN MUMBAI
It was past 8.00 in the night. Hemant stepped into the dimly lit interior private parking lot of a shopping complex in the heart of the city, his polished shoes echoing on the concrete as he moved toward his waiting SUV. A gentle breeze rustled his crisp suit, and he paused briefly to adjust his cufflinks — the perfect image of a small scale industrialist. For anyone watching, he was just another upcoming and successful businessman wrapping up a late-night meeting in Mumbai’s elite circles. His eyes were calm, almost tired, betraying no hint of the danger lurking in the shadows. As he reached for the handle of his SUV, the stillness shattered; two figures emerged from behind a nearby pillar, blades gleaming under the harsh fluorescent lights.
The WuTang brothers, infamous assassins working for the Sun-OnYee Triads, lunged forward with silent precision, their machetes poised for a swift, fatal strike. Just as the blade was about to kiss the back of Hemant’s neck, he twisted with preternatural speed, slipping sideways into the vehicle's open door. The assassins stumbled forward, momentarily thrown off balance.
Before they could react, Hemant emerged again — but now in his hands gleamed an enormous sword, its long, straight blade ending in a hilt shaped like a regal crown.
THE INQUISITOR.
In that moment, Hemant’s calm demeanor shattered like glass, revealing something ancient and lethal beneath.
With a low, almost guttural breath, Hemant advanced. One brother slashed downward, but Hemant sidestepped effortlessly, his movements honed beyond human comprehension. Steel met steel in a clash of sparks as he parried and pivoted, his blade sweeping in deadly arcs. In a blur of motion, he carved a deep gash across one brother’s ribs, sending blood spraying into the parking lot floor.
The second brother roared and charged, but Hemant flowed around the attack as though he were liquid, slicing the man’s arm clean off before driving the Inquisitor straight through his chest. The first brother staggered to his feet, wild with pain and rage, only to have his head severed in a final, merciless stroke.
As the last echo of the sword faded into the night, the two assassins collapsed, their blood pooling around Hemant’s polished shoes. He stood motionless for a heartbeat, his breath steady, his gaze cold and distant. Slowly, he lowered the Inquisitor sword, letting its tip rest on the ground.
Then, as if called by an ancient force, his hand moved to his chest, revealing a simple thread necklace hidden beneath his shirt. Revealing the strange sinister object he was touching during the phone call in the morning.
Hanging at its end was a mysterious ring, engraved with the image of Archangel Michael — God’s Knight, the slayer of demons.
Hemant’s eyes flickered with something far older and darker than revenge; it was a primal, divine wrath restrained only by the thinnest veil of civility.
In that final moment, it became clear that Hemant was neither a common man , a family man , nor a simple industrialist at that moment. Beneath the tailored suits and paperworks in his factory office lay a man sculpted by blood and shadows, a warrior bound by secrets too terrible to name. The gentle mask of a simple family man had cracked open to reveal a storm of violence and justice, a past soaked in battles long forgotten by the world. Standing over the fallen WuTang brothers, Hemant looked less like a man and more like a harbinger, an echo of a time when angels and demons in human forms clashed in celestial wars that appeared man made and part of history.
And in his stillness, as the ring glinted in the pale light, one could sense that this was just the beginning — that a hidden story, long buried, was about to awaken once more.
END OF CHAPTER 15
An hour later they deboarded the yatch and Sonarika felt like a big weight being lifted off of her. Her suffocation ended once she was out of that environment. Vikram said his ride is on the way as Meghna obliged to drive her home. Vikram and Sonarika separated after a hug and kiss on the cheek as they walked away separate. Sonarika and Meghna were the first to leave as they watched Vikram waving bye standing at the port. As they gained some distance , Meghna started their conversation.
"Are you sure you are alright Sonarika?"
"Don't take it seriously Meghna , Vicky was a little too pushy and I stopped him and punished him accordingly"
"Punished him by what?"
"Slapping him obviously. And since then he was a good boy"
"Very good , because I don't want him repeating that bullshit again!"
"He won't"
"BTW , how was the night"
"Like always , but I am curious about yours"
"Oh , it was magical!"
Both of them giggled.
"So where did you meet Disha" Sonarika enquired.
"At a restaurant , it was a casual meet at first , but then I learned she worked in Quadron and eventually I learned she was the hot assistant you told me about."
"Uhuh"
"And I genuinely liked her company , sometimes annoyed me with the Hemant fangirl thing"
"Oh she is definitely that"
"Yeah and she also made me realize that I haven't seen Hemant in person for quiet a while. And the way she described him , I feel I have missed out on some major changed in my most disliked man"
"I think its best you should never see him"
"Why?"
"I am not going to sugar coat it , but I am afraid even a woman like you will fall for my man right now"
"Really? Your husband really just transformed from a burger to kabbab that quick"
"Sometimes , even I am stunned. I will admit , lately I've been enamored by his charm"
"And yet you spend nights with your boyfriend?"
"When the fun is double , there is a thrill in hustle"
Both of them giggled at Sonarika's wordplay.
"Yeah but seriously , even Disha was speaking so high about his new appearance lately"
"Yeah , maybe you'll get your chance to see him on my birthday party"
"Sure , btw , I trolled Sandeep in front of his date"
"Tamanna?"
"Yeah , judging from her reaction , she was unaware about the incident of Sandeep harassing Hemant"
"Was she angry"
"Angry is an understatement , she was probably more pissed than you"
"To be honest , I don't blame her , even I would be pissed if the man I had a huge crush on got harassed by the man I slept with"
"Wait , Tamanna had a crush on Hemant?"
"In their college days yes , but it was a one way love. She had the hots for him and Hemant was dating Sanjana"
"Sanjana? Who is Sanjana?"
"Sanjana Ranawat , Deputy Commissioner , Head of SDCAW!"
"OKAY WHAT THE HELL! Why are all these women drooling over a fat , slow , bland man like your husband"
"Like I said Meghna , see for yourself at the birthday party. You might have a similar feeling"
"Now I am curious!"
Eventually they reached at Sonarika's place as Sonarika exited the vehicle as Meghna drove off.
As Sonarika was walking to the apartment building , the weight of her guilt was building , even though nothing happened , she understood she had no control last night. If it wasn't for Vikram and his presence of mind , she would've been back on the pit again. As she stood on the elevator , her mind played flashes of the nightmare she saw last night. Hemant , lying in a pool of blood , his words , they were accusations , and those accusations seemed right. And as she was sitting there holding onto him hoping for help to come , she never felt more vulnerable.
She walked to the apartment door and she realized the house might be empty. Its past 11.00 in the morning , Hemant might be gone to the factory , Anjali had some extra classes , and Karan will be in his institute. Sonarika used the spare key with her to open the door.
When she walked in , she was greated by the empty house that seemed like abandoned. It was like an epilogue to her future, a reminder to her the danger of her games. That if she doesn't survive , this is the future that awaits her. No Hemant , no Karan , no Anjali. The family that she build gone , a big house with nothing. This place was supposed to be her calm , but right now it only judged her. Judged her actions , her inability to stay true to her stance. The harrowing realization that she lost her control last night was still a painful judgement on her sanity. As she sat there she was being engulfed by her guilt , transforming the room into a dark ceiling and water filling up on the floor. She was slowly getting submerged in the water , slowly sinking with pain rising in her mind and body. As she was almost sinking into it with just her neck and head left , she suddenly heard it.
"Sona?"
A voice so familiar in her life as her mind started to unravel. The water started to lower as it slowly vanished below and the room transformed again. She was back in her hoom , at the empty space of the hall , but it was not empty anymore.
"Sona? Is that you?"
She heard the voice of her husband calling her , as if like he was here rescuing her from her own turmoil. She realized the voice was coming from the open balcony. She got up and walked to the balcony , to her astonishment and to her great reprieve , she saw Hemant sitting in the balcony doing something on some papers. Just seeing him here , made all her turmoil melt away , making her realize he was truly her sun. The ball of light that shows her the path.
"Hey honey , you look tired!"
Sonarika panicked a little but then replied with the best cover.
"Yeah the party was a bit dull , and the accomodation sucked , it spoiled my dress too"
"Awww poor thing , you need some coffee?"
"No , I am home , just need some time to reload."
"Great , good thing you're here then. I was working on something interesting"
"What is this?"
"Oh this is the floor plan for our future house we planned together? I did some remodelling"
Right at that moment , she was healed from her worries and troubles as she looked at him with atmost love. To see him work on their future , Sonarika refused to feel guilty but rather found strength in fighting her doubts. She looked at him with a smile.
"So I remodelled the whole setup , unfortunately Karan will have his room in the ground floor"
"Uhoh , you will have a hard time convincing him to take that"
"I have a new idea , his room will have a mini game zone for his own entertainment and occasionally for mine"
"Careful Hemant , you might end up spoiling his academics"
"Relax , I'll have it covered , special parental locks and timetables for that thing"
"If you say so"
"Then we can build a spacious galleria in the top giving a wonderful view of our location"
"Any plans for that location yet?"
"Not yet , but the preferences haven't changed"
"Let me guess , a water body?"
"Obviously , something , maybe a lake , but I would definitely prefer a river"
"God , the land value around Mumbai and this whole Maharashtra state has skyrocketed for riverside areas Hemant?"
"Who said to settle here?"
"Anywhere else , maybe we can move to USA , live a life in the cold"
"Sometimes you just have some outrageous thoughts Hemant."
"Well , we can turn it into a reality now judging by how my business is growing and how you are climbing the corporate ladder. Hell one day you might end up becoming Ms.Tanishq , the name and face of your company"
"Slow down husband , you can dream till the clouds , don't aim for the heavens!"
Sonarika joked.
"Not joking , maybe Ms.Tanishq might not be possible , but you reaching the top of the mountain might"
"I don't care where I reach Hemant , as long as I have you by my side"
"Always"
Sonarika hugged Hemant , feeling a great sense of reprieve and resolve. The suffocation and the pain no longer exists here , in her place of calm. But at that moment , she also remembered one thing , she was weakened last night. She won't be weakened like that again.
Sonarika placed her head on his shoulders and caressed his chest as both of them sighed and enjoyed each other's embrace.
"Its a shame you can't come for the summer vacation. We could've had so much fun"
Sonarika confessed
"I know Sona , but work , I've taken a big leap in this business that things are moving quiet fast. Plus the work with the armed forces , there is no margin for error. Once all of this is done , I will finally have my peace , and my moments dedicated for us. And you know the most important part I am looking forward to?"
Sonarika giggled as she responded.
"Let me guess. The sex?"
Hemant laughed in a low tone but caressed her face. And then Hemant confessed.
"As awesome as that is Sona. That is not the only thing. I wanna hold your hand , I wanna have you close to me as we enjoy the first rain of the year together. I wanna listen to our synchronized heart beats and cherish that we are in this together. I want us to cook food together , and spend a common thing we enjoy doing together. I wanna sit in the gallery overnight with you on my lap as we look at the stars and get attacked by mosquitoes"
Sonarika laughed a little in those last comic words as her eyes were already watery.
"All I want in life is Sona , I want us to grow old together. And make our dream home a reality one day."
Tears fell from Sonarika's eyes as she hugged Hemant.
"Oh Hemant , I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!"
She kissed him repeatedly as they looked at each other for some time. Then Sonarika caressed his face.
"I'll go and make lunch for us"
"Don't worry , I already made it!"
Sonarika sighed again as she kissed Hemant harder this time.
"You mister , how will I ever live without you"
"You won't , you're stuck with me in this life beautiful!"
"I'll go shower!"
Saying that Sonarika walked away with a smile to her bedroom. As Sonarika walked away , Hemant's mobile rang. He picked it up to check the caller to be Raquel. His whole demeanor changed.
"Raquel?"
"Bhaijaan , Kamya and Vaibhav have completed their tasks , the devices are set"
Hemant took a deep breath and responded.
"Good , arrange a meeting next week in my base. Bring all the resources , I will reveal the plan to all of you. Everything"
Hemant ended the call as he looked ahead. His hand was rolling something beneath his shirt , something hidden past the shirt , something sinister.
As Sonarika reached the bedroom she stripped herself and got into the shower. As the cold shower washed away the tiredness and the champagne and alcohol essence , Sonarika truly evaulated the events of last night. Nothing about that sail was about the Voyage Of Love , it was more like a sail of lust. And that is what gave Sonarika a more deepened clarity. It wasn't love that tempted her to seek Vikram , it was how they had sex. Whatever they used to do , it was carnal , it was deep, it was captivating and more over it was hypnotic.
This explained the situation last night, the lustful surroundings of couples making out, the loud music, the sensual ambience, it made her loose control seeing Vikram not because of missing him as a person. She didn't desire the good man in him , she desired the carnal love maker. Someone who doesn't hold back , sex with him was something primal , something unnatural.
She remembers how she reminisced their tryst together in Galaxy Apartments when she visited him there. It was never love with him , love is mean't to be peaceful but with him , it was never peace , it was the lust for the chasm of chaos. And she has tasted him so much to the point he has become an addiction.
She arrived in the bedroom , her eyes getting more watery. She didn't move but simply stood. That was when Sonarika's attention went to the desk and noticed that their marriage photo was missing. She looked around trying to find it , probably thought might've misplaced it. But she remembered nobody has touched it for many years. It has always stayed there. Eventually Sonarika bend down to check the floor. That was when she saw something glowing beneath the bed as she reached for it with her hand. She picked it in her hand and was relieved to find the marriage photo. It was the part of her jewellery that glowed in the photo. Sonarika picked it and cleaned it with a part of her dress as she placed it back where it sat before.
Sonarika realized that the voyage of love was indeed important for her , in her mind she believed her time in the yatch was a warning , a warning to her to show her how dangerous things are in her life right now , it also made her see some clarity in her life. She realized the situation she was in , she understood the reality that she had an unhealthy attraction towards Vikram. And its not attached to feelings , but rather physical. And that attraction is now dangerously close to ruining her marriage. Her reaction of passion towards Vikram while not even thinking about Hemant for once was a big point of judgement in her heart. And she didn't like it , she doesn't want to be addicted to him forever.
With tears in her eyes Sonarika whispered.
"I am sorry Hemant. I am sorry that I lost myself. Vicky , he was like a drug that kept on crawling in my nerves. His intimacy clouded my mind , made me forget reality and send me to a cresendo of ultimate pleasure. But his involvement in my life also shown me now that he is a very dangerous addiction. An addiction which will ruin me , but even in this hard times , you have once became my beacon to show me the path"
Sonarika wiped her tears as she caressed Hemant's image in their marriage photo.
"No matter how much orgasms he gives me , no matter how many times he takes me to cloud nine. He can never take your place in my heart. My love for you is way above my attraction towards him. And now , I finally know what I must do"
Sonarika sat on the bed straight and whispered to herself. A motivation for herself.
"He is a terrible addiction in my life , but it won't be there for long. I will overcome him Hemant , I will get over Vikram and his sexual drug and recover from this terrible illness. I will return to be your wife , to be Karan's mother. Both of you will forever be a part of me. No Vikram , No Meghna will destroy it. I won't let it , I will not let them tear me and my family apart"
Sonarika held onto the photo with a firm grip as she whispered for the final time.
"I will fight. Fight for me , fight for us , our family. I will not let this addiction be the end of me. I will fight for my sanity. No matter how many times he calls me Soni , I will forever be Sona , your Sona. I LOVE YOU HEMANT. I WILL FOREVER LOVE YOU!"
Sonarika with a little teary eyed from the reality of her life as she holds the photo to her chest in a firm vice grip. A promise lingering with fire in her heart and mind , that no matter what happens , nothing is taking him away from her. He will be her life, and he will be her death!
Sonarika returned to the ambience of her home and to the duties of the day with a new optimism and determination in her heart which made her prepare herself for the fight of her life.
SOMEWHERE IN MUMBAI.
Meghna's apartment building was buzzing with the chaos from the heavy traffic nearby and the sounds of Mumbai's nightlife. But there in the ground floor at the parking lot , Disha's scooty was safely parked signifying her presence here.
In Meghna's apartment , Disha was lying on her bed completely nude with her back on display. Meghna was standing on the doorway watching her , seeing the sweat formed on her body after the rigorous sex they had moments ago. Disha was tired and exhausted as Meghna smiled at her handiwork wearing just a shirt.
She lit up a cigarette , walked her way out closing the bedroom door shut as she walked towards her study room. The place where that photo board existed, a maze of revenge she has planned for. She picked up her phone and dialled a number. Waiting for the other side to pick it.
"Hello , Mr.Raisinghani , I called to ask the details regarding my request. Yes regarding the Divorce Petition"
Her mind was focused as she looked towards the photo board near her workspace. An edited image of Sonarika and Vikram being pinned in the middle of the board.
"I want to know the full details. Everything , including the possibility of alimony and child support. I want to know every loophole we can use. Mail me in complete detail when its done"
Meghna ended the call as she went and consumed a peg of her whiskey. She came close to the photoboard and looked at the 'perfect couple' in her eyes.
"Oh Sonarika , not so long ago , you were a vessel for my revenge. The scapegoat meant to suffer so that a certain someone is hurt. But emotions , sometimes your helplessness brings out the sister in me to help you , save you from the harm that comes. Don't think of this as any sort of compassion for you Sonarika. I intend to break you but on my terms!"
Meghna once again looks at the photo of Sonarika's father Jagjeet posing with a mysterious woman.
"You lived a life mean't for me Sonarika. But now , you will have to suffer to understand the level of pain I endured all my life. Your undoing will be my ultimate revenge. I am going to dismantle your life and cripple your identity. And the best part is , there is not a damn thing you can do to stop it"
Meghna soon picked up a photo of Hemant that is torn.
"And you , I've known men that are unlucky Hemant, but yours is the worst one there is. In just one night , I fucked your cute fangirl assistant , Sandeep fucked your college crush , and Vikram nailed your sweet loving wife. In one night , the women around you spend their best times with someone else. But I have to say , I am interested to see this new change in you Hemant. But sadly , I am afraid it will not change what I plan to do with you anyways"
Meghna smiled as she sipped another drink as she grabbed Hemant's photo and set fire to it.
"Sorry Hemant , unfortunately , you're the sad victim in all this. But you remind me of him , and he destroyed my life"
Meghna looked at the board to see a small scarred photo of Javed pinned to it. Her face full of rage as she looked down at the burning image of Hemant
"You're just like him Hemant. And for that , you must burn!!"
Meghna walked away as Hemant's photo burned to a crisp in that floor.
SOMEWHERE ELSE IN MUMBAI
It was past 8.00 in the night. Hemant stepped into the dimly lit interior private parking lot of a shopping complex in the heart of the city, his polished shoes echoing on the concrete as he moved toward his waiting SUV. A gentle breeze rustled his crisp suit, and he paused briefly to adjust his cufflinks — the perfect image of a small scale industrialist. For anyone watching, he was just another upcoming and successful businessman wrapping up a late-night meeting in Mumbai’s elite circles. His eyes were calm, almost tired, betraying no hint of the danger lurking in the shadows. As he reached for the handle of his SUV, the stillness shattered; two figures emerged from behind a nearby pillar, blades gleaming under the harsh fluorescent lights.
The WuTang brothers, infamous assassins working for the Sun-OnYee Triads, lunged forward with silent precision, their machetes poised for a swift, fatal strike. Just as the blade was about to kiss the back of Hemant’s neck, he twisted with preternatural speed, slipping sideways into the vehicle's open door. The assassins stumbled forward, momentarily thrown off balance.
Before they could react, Hemant emerged again — but now in his hands gleamed an enormous sword, its long, straight blade ending in a hilt shaped like a regal crown.
THE INQUISITOR.
In that moment, Hemant’s calm demeanor shattered like glass, revealing something ancient and lethal beneath.
With a low, almost guttural breath, Hemant advanced. One brother slashed downward, but Hemant sidestepped effortlessly, his movements honed beyond human comprehension. Steel met steel in a clash of sparks as he parried and pivoted, his blade sweeping in deadly arcs. In a blur of motion, he carved a deep gash across one brother’s ribs, sending blood spraying into the parking lot floor.
The second brother roared and charged, but Hemant flowed around the attack as though he were liquid, slicing the man’s arm clean off before driving the Inquisitor straight through his chest. The first brother staggered to his feet, wild with pain and rage, only to have his head severed in a final, merciless stroke.
As the last echo of the sword faded into the night, the two assassins collapsed, their blood pooling around Hemant’s polished shoes. He stood motionless for a heartbeat, his breath steady, his gaze cold and distant. Slowly, he lowered the Inquisitor sword, letting its tip rest on the ground.
Then, as if called by an ancient force, his hand moved to his chest, revealing a simple thread necklace hidden beneath his shirt. Revealing the strange sinister object he was touching during the phone call in the morning.
Hanging at its end was a mysterious ring, engraved with the image of Archangel Michael — God’s Knight, the slayer of demons.
Hemant’s eyes flickered with something far older and darker than revenge; it was a primal, divine wrath restrained only by the thinnest veil of civility.
In that final moment, it became clear that Hemant was neither a common man , a family man , nor a simple industrialist at that moment. Beneath the tailored suits and paperworks in his factory office lay a man sculpted by blood and shadows, a warrior bound by secrets too terrible to name. The gentle mask of a simple family man had cracked open to reveal a storm of violence and justice, a past soaked in battles long forgotten by the world. Standing over the fallen WuTang brothers, Hemant looked less like a man and more like a harbinger, an echo of a time when angels and demons in human forms clashed in celestial wars that appeared man made and part of history.
And in his stillness, as the ring glinted in the pale light, one could sense that this was just the beginning — that a hidden story, long buried, was about to awaken once more.
END OF CHAPTER 15
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