01-11-2025, 11:44 PM
(This post was last modified: 01-11-2025, 11:57 PM by Harry Jordan. Edited 1 time in total. Edited 1 time in total.)
(CHAPTER CONTD)
FEW DAYS LATER AT THE APARTMENT
It was a quiet Monday morning at the apartment. The city outside was waking up with the morning’s traffic, and inside, Sonarika was sorting through files before heading to her office. The apartment smelled faintly of brewed coffee and sandalwood. She had just tied her hair into a neat bun when the doorbell rang.
She opened the door, half expecting the delivery boy.
But standing there was a young woman with a suitcase. She had a calm face, hair loosely tied, wearing a crisp white shirt and faded jeans. There was a hint of nervousness in her eyes but also something quietly self-assured.
"Um… yes?" Sonarika asked, tilting her head.
The girl blinked, then spoke softly.
"I’m sorry, ma’am. This is the residence of Mr. Hemant Kumar, right?"
Sonarika frowned.
"Yes. And you are?"
The girl hesitated.
"I—uh—I’m Tara. I’m here for my… service and work"
"Work?" Sonarika echoed, her tone sharpening slightly.
"I think you’ve come to the wrong address"
Before Tara could stammer a reply, a deep voice came from down the hallway.
"It’s alright, Sonarika. She’s here for me"
Hemant appeared from the study, sleeves rolled up, hair still damp from his morning shower. His presence filled the room, as it always did.
"Come in, Tara" he said.
"We were expecting you"
Sonarika stepped aside, confusion flickering in her eyes as Tara wheeled her suitcase into the living room. A few minutes later, the family gathered near the sofa. Karan was at the table, his institutebag still open, and Anjali leaned casually against the wall, sipping tea.
Hemant gestured toward the young woman.
"This is Tara" he said.
"She’ll be staying with us for a while. She’s going to help manage the house, and she’ll also be tutoring Karan in his studies"
Tara offered a polite smile and joined her hands.
"Namaste"
Karan looked up from his phone, curious.
"You’re going to teach me?"
Tara chuckled softly.
"Only if you promise not to run away when I give you homework"
That made Anjali laugh.
"Good luck with that" she said.
"He’s a master of excuses"
The small moment of warmth settled awkwardly between them, light but hesitant. Sonarika watched quietly, the polite smile on her face not reaching her eyes. As Karan showed Tara around the living room, Sonarika touched Hemant’s arm.
"A word?"
They stepped aside to the hallway. Her tone, once polite, hardened into restraint.
"Since when do we need a househelp, Hemant? You could’ve at least discussed this with me"
Hemant met her gaze steadily.
"Sonarika, once the villa is ready and you leave for your assignment, I’ll need someone to manage things. You know I’m rarely home. Tara will help keep the place running"
"So this is about the villa?" she said, arms folding across her chest.
"And you didn’t even think to tell me you’ve already hired someone?"
"I didn’t think I needed to" Hemant said quietly.
"You made it clear you’re moving on with your life. I’m just learning to do the same"
The words hit her harder than she expected. For years, Hemant had always shared decisions—every house repair, every new hire, every little thing that involved their family. This time, he hadn’t.
She took a slow breath.
"Who exactly is she?"
Hemant’s tone remained professional.
"Tara was recommended through YOD’s welfare network. She’s a trained medical practitioner. Once we shift to the villa, she’ll set up a small clinic in the corner annex. It’ll help the local workers and nearby families. Until then, she’ll stay here—in the guest room"
Sonarika looked toward the living room again, where Tara now knelt beside Karan, showing him something from a workbook. Her posture was confident, her tone gentle. Tara looked young—early twenties, maybe. Her energy was fresh, unfiltered, a kind of quiet boldness that came naturally. There was no makeup, no jewelry, just that effortless ease that comes with youth.
Something inside Sonarika tightened.
It wasn’t anger. Not quite. It was the quiet sting of realizing another woman would soon share space with the man she once called her own—the man she was still legally married to.
"So she’s living here now" Sonarika said slowly.
"For now" Hemant replied.
"She knows about the villa, and she is on board regarding the house surprise for Karan and Anjali as I wanted"
Sonarika nodded mechanically, her thoughts already spinning.
"Surprise" she repeated under her breath.
"You’re full of surprises lately, Hemant"
He didn’t answer. He simply adjusted his sleeve and mocked back.
"That is really ironic coming from you. Because none of my surprises can match what you've surprised me with!"
She stared at him for a second longer, trying to find the trace of the man who once told her everything, who once needed her in every decision. But now—there was a distance. Not anger, not coldness, just… detachment.
When she finally left, she glanced back once more.
Through the half-open door, she saw Tara laughing lightly as Karan teased her about math homework. Anjali was smiling too, showing her the layout of the flat. And in the corner, Hemant stood by the window, arms crossed, silent but watching, that old protective calm about him.
The sight twisted something in Sonarika’s chest.
It was a quiet Monday morning at the apartment. The city outside was waking up with the morning’s traffic, and inside, Sonarika was sorting through files before heading to her office. The apartment smelled faintly of brewed coffee and sandalwood. She had just tied her hair into a neat bun when the doorbell rang.
She opened the door, half expecting the delivery boy.
But standing there was a young woman with a suitcase. She had a calm face, hair loosely tied, wearing a crisp white shirt and faded jeans. There was a hint of nervousness in her eyes but also something quietly self-assured.
"Um… yes?" Sonarika asked, tilting her head.
The girl blinked, then spoke softly.
"I’m sorry, ma’am. This is the residence of Mr. Hemant Kumar, right?"
Sonarika frowned.
"Yes. And you are?"
The girl hesitated.
"I—uh—I’m Tara. I’m here for my… service and work"
"Work?" Sonarika echoed, her tone sharpening slightly.
"I think you’ve come to the wrong address"
Before Tara could stammer a reply, a deep voice came from down the hallway.
"It’s alright, Sonarika. She’s here for me"
Hemant appeared from the study, sleeves rolled up, hair still damp from his morning shower. His presence filled the room, as it always did.
"Come in, Tara" he said.
"We were expecting you"
Sonarika stepped aside, confusion flickering in her eyes as Tara wheeled her suitcase into the living room. A few minutes later, the family gathered near the sofa. Karan was at the table, his institutebag still open, and Anjali leaned casually against the wall, sipping tea.
Hemant gestured toward the young woman.
"This is Tara" he said.
"She’ll be staying with us for a while. She’s going to help manage the house, and she’ll also be tutoring Karan in his studies"
Tara offered a polite smile and joined her hands.
"Namaste"
Karan looked up from his phone, curious.
"You’re going to teach me?"
Tara chuckled softly.
"Only if you promise not to run away when I give you homework"
That made Anjali laugh.
"Good luck with that" she said.
"He’s a master of excuses"
The small moment of warmth settled awkwardly between them, light but hesitant. Sonarika watched quietly, the polite smile on her face not reaching her eyes. As Karan showed Tara around the living room, Sonarika touched Hemant’s arm.
"A word?"
They stepped aside to the hallway. Her tone, once polite, hardened into restraint.
"Since when do we need a househelp, Hemant? You could’ve at least discussed this with me"
Hemant met her gaze steadily.
"Sonarika, once the villa is ready and you leave for your assignment, I’ll need someone to manage things. You know I’m rarely home. Tara will help keep the place running"
"So this is about the villa?" she said, arms folding across her chest.
"And you didn’t even think to tell me you’ve already hired someone?"
"I didn’t think I needed to" Hemant said quietly.
"You made it clear you’re moving on with your life. I’m just learning to do the same"
The words hit her harder than she expected. For years, Hemant had always shared decisions—every house repair, every new hire, every little thing that involved their family. This time, he hadn’t.
She took a slow breath.
"Who exactly is she?"
Hemant’s tone remained professional.
"Tara was recommended through YOD’s welfare network. She’s a trained medical practitioner. Once we shift to the villa, she’ll set up a small clinic in the corner annex. It’ll help the local workers and nearby families. Until then, she’ll stay here—in the guest room"
Sonarika looked toward the living room again, where Tara now knelt beside Karan, showing him something from a workbook. Her posture was confident, her tone gentle. Tara looked young—early twenties, maybe. Her energy was fresh, unfiltered, a kind of quiet boldness that came naturally. There was no makeup, no jewelry, just that effortless ease that comes with youth.
Something inside Sonarika tightened.
It wasn’t anger. Not quite. It was the quiet sting of realizing another woman would soon share space with the man she once called her own—the man she was still legally married to.
"So she’s living here now" Sonarika said slowly.
"For now" Hemant replied.
"She knows about the villa, and she is on board regarding the house surprise for Karan and Anjali as I wanted"
Sonarika nodded mechanically, her thoughts already spinning.
"Surprise" she repeated under her breath.
"You’re full of surprises lately, Hemant"
He didn’t answer. He simply adjusted his sleeve and mocked back.
"That is really ironic coming from you. Because none of my surprises can match what you've surprised me with!"
She stared at him for a second longer, trying to find the trace of the man who once told her everything, who once needed her in every decision. But now—there was a distance. Not anger, not coldness, just… detachment.
When she finally left, she glanced back once more.
Through the half-open door, she saw Tara laughing lightly as Karan teased her about math homework. Anjali was smiling too, showing her the layout of the flat. And in the corner, Hemant stood by the window, arms crossed, silent but watching, that old protective calm about him.
The sight twisted something in Sonarika’s chest.
As the elevator doors closed, her reflection stared back at her—perfect makeup, elegant poise, and eyes clouded with something she didn’t want to name.
Jealousy.
Or maybe loss.
Either way, the arrival of Tara had shifted something in the quiet equilibrium of their lives.
And as the city roared awake below, Sonarika knew one thing for certain—Hemant was moving on. And for the first time, she realized how much that terrified her.
THAT NOON AT TANISHQ CORPORATE BUILDING CAFE
It was late afternoon at the Business Complex of TANISHQ, the glass towers reflecting the fading sunlight like mirrors of molten gold. Inside the bustling corridors, executives moved briskly, carrying their ambitions in leather folders and the faint smell of coffee. Sonarika walked out of her office at TANISHQ, exhaustion softening her usually sharp poise. The past few months had been relentless—balancing her work, therapy sessions , prep work for VATIKA Research Center, and the emotional weight of a divorce in progress. The cooling period was going through, but the ache still lingered.
As she stepped into the shared lounge on the 4th floor, she noticed a familiar face at one of the tables, scrolling through her phone with that same air of sly confidence.
Meghna looked up, her lips curving into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
"Well, look who finally decided to emerge from her corporate cave"
Sonarika managed a small smile.
"Meghna, I thought you never preferred this place"
"I like the coffee here" Meghna said, motioning toward the chair opposite hers.
"And the gossip’s always fresher when you’re around"
Sonarika sighed but sat down. It had been a while since they spoke properly , especially since her reveal of moving to Goa , Sonarika had doubts about her best friends , doubts that have started to question each moment she shared with her since childhood.
"So" Meghna said, resting her chin on her hand.
"You look... off. What’s bothering you this time? Therapy fatigue? Divorce drama? Or is it the Goa transfer Ragini keeps bragging about?"
Sonarika frowned.
"You’ve been talking to Ragini?"
"Of course I have. She’s practically your guardian angel these days"
Meghna said, voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Always hovering around you, preaching about healing and self-forgiveness. It’s adorable, really"
Sonarika exhaled quietly.
"Ragini’s been a good friend, Meghna. She showed me a path when everything darkened for me. She introduced me to Sreelekha Naik and helped me get the position at VATIKA Botanical Research Center. It’s a fresh start I… desperately need"
Meghna leaned back, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"And leaving Mumbai, leaving Hemant—just like that?"
Sonarika hesitated before replying.
"Hemant and I are done. We’re just… waiting out the period. There’s nothing left to fight for"
Meghna tilted her head, studying her.
"You sound calm. Too calm. That usually means something just rattled you"
Sonarika looked down at her cup.
"It’s nothing"
"Oh, come on" Meghna said, leaning closer.
"I’ve known you long enough to spot when something’s chewing your mind. Spill it"
After a pause, Sonarika muttered.
"Hemant’s brought someone new into the house"
"A someone?" Meghna’s eyes lit with curiosity.
"A woman" Sonarika said.
"Her name’s Tara. He said she’s a house assistant and tutor for Karan. But…"
"But?" Meghna’s smirk sharpened.
"She’s young" Sonarika admitted reluctantly.
"Beautiful, too. And she’s living in the apartment now"
Meghna chuckled, low and venomous.
"Oh, Sonarika. You really are naïve sometimes. The man’s not wasting any time, is he? Brings home a young woman just when you’re walking out the door. Classic"
"It’s not like that" Sonarika said quickly.
"Hemant isn’t—he’s not that kind of man"
"Not that kind of man?" Meghna echoed, feigning disbelief.
"Every man’s that kind once the marriage ends. You think he’s keeping her there just to fold laundry and tutor your son? Please"
"Stop it" Sonarika said sharply.
"You don’t know him"
"Oh, I know men" Meghna replied smoothly, crossing her legs.
"And I know what a lonely man with power and a bleeding ego looks for. Especially after being cheated on"
That last jab hit its mark. Sonarika’s throat tightened.
"I was the one who ruined it" Sonarika said quietly.
"Hemant didn’t deserve what I did. I was the one who sought Vikram. I was the one who broke us"
Meghna’s smirk faded, replaced with a mock-sympathetic tilt of her head.
"You keep saying that like some confessional mantra. But let’s be honest—you went to Vikram because Hemant couldn’t give you what you needed. Emotionally. Physically. Otherwise"
"You’re wrong" Sonarika said firmly.
"Hemant gave me everything. Stability. Kindness. But I… I was reckless. And foolish"
"Reckless?" Meghna’s tone dripped with amusement.
"That’s one way to describe passion"
Sonarika shook her head, eyes glistening faintly.
"There’s no passion in betrayal. There’s only regret"
For a moment, Meghna’s expression hardened, the playful mask cracking ever so slightly. Something bitter flashed behind her eyes—an emotion older and deeper than mockery.
"So you’re running off to Goa to play the saint?" Meghna said finally.
"Pushing away a man who actually loves you—Vikram—while your husband plays house with a younger woman. That’s rich"
"Vikram deserves better" Sonarika replied.
"But he knew I was married. And he still chased me anyway. I can’t pretend that was love—it was escape. And now I see that"
Meghna leaned in, her voice soft but sharp.
"You’re punishing yourself for something you both wanted. You’re letting Ragini and her moral sermons brainwash you into becoming some self-sacrificing saint. You don’t owe anyone redemption, Sonarika"
Sonarika looked up at her, meeting her gaze with quiet resolve.
"Maybe not. But I owe it to myself to be better"
There was silence between them for a long moment.
Then Meghna smiled—cold and cutting.
"Well, I hope this new version of you enjoys her plants and peace in Goa. But before you go, you should know something"
Sonarika raised a brow.
"What?"
"Vikram’s coming to your send-off party"
Meghna said casually, stirring her coffee.
"Mirror News is co-hosting with TANISHQ this weekend. He’ll be there"
Sonarika’s tone was neutral.
"He’s welcome to come. As a friend"
Meghna’s smile twitched.
"A friend. Of course"
When Sonarika stood up to leave, Meghna’s gaze followed her, eyes darkening like storm clouds gathering over still water. As the glass doors of the lounge shut behind Sonarika, the journalist’s nails tapped rhythmically on the table—slow, deliberate.
"Always the righteous one now" she murmured under her breath.
"But we’ll see how long that halo lasts, little sister"
Her lips curled into a vengeful smirk.
Because in Meghna’s mind, Ragini had stolen her victory, Sonarika had stolen her peace, and her world—the one she planned to break—was still standing.
Not for long.
The quiet war in Sonarika’s life had only just begun.
The afternoon sunlight poured into the TANISHQ Corporate Headquarters through tall glass windows, scattering golden shards across the marble floor. The boardroom buzzed with quiet conversations as Sonarika stood near the projector screen, surrounded by familiar faces — colleagues, mentors, and her senior management team.
It was her final week at the company. Ten years of dedication, creativity, and leadership had earned her a reputation as one of TANISHQ’s most dependable strategists. Her seniors had gathered to discuss her farewell celebration.
"Sonarika" said Mr. Bhattacharya, the chairman, his smile warm but tinged with nostalgia.
"You’ve given this company your best years. We’re proud — not just of your work, but your grace through everything you’ve endured. So, we’re organizing something special. A farewell that matches the decade you’ve given us"
The others nodded in agreement, clapping lightly.
"We’ll make it memorable" said Aparna, her new immediate superior.
"Music, speeches, everything. And it would be extra special if your husband, the Hemant Kumar, joined us as our chief guest. It’s not every day we get to host one of the country’s fastest-rising industrialists"
Sonarika froze, the smile on her lips faltering for a split second.
"Hemant?"
"Yes!" Bhattacharya said cheerfully.
"It would be an honor if he could say a few words about your journey — as a colleague, a partner, a woman who stood beside him in his earlier days"
She hesitated.
"Sir, Hemant’s… a very busy man. I’m not sure he’d—"
"Oh, come now" Aparna interrupted gently.
"A woman of your stature deserves a proper send-off. And if your husband’s presence can make it grander, all the better. Please, Sonarika, at least try"
Their insistence was kind but firm. Sonarika eventually nodded.
"Alright. I’ll ask him"
Ever since the beginning , Sonarika had never seen where Hemant worked. Back when he was employed at Quadron, he was just a man with a humble salary, modest dreams, and fierce determination. But now, he ran YOD Industries, a defense powerhouse that had made headlines in the city.
Driving through the outer perimeter of vacant side of the Mumbai port, she followed the directions until the massive steel gates of YOD INDUSTRIES HQ came into view.
Her breath caught.
The entrance was lined with security checkpoints, surveillance drones, and guards in tactical gear. The gate itself bore the golden insignia of YOD Industries — Hemant’s mark of leadership.
As her car passed the checkpoint, the scanner lights flickered blue, and the gates slowly opened.
Inside, Sonarika was stunned.
The once-abandoned dockyard she remembered from Anjali’s old photos had transformed into a futuristic manufacturing complex — sleek steel structures, automated cranes, robotic arms assembling armored vehicles, and drones hovering along rails. Soldiers from the Indian Army were supervising the loading of weaponized ATVs into massive covered trucks.
For a brief moment, she forgot to breathe.
Her husband — the same man who once worked late hours fixing code bugs on a second-hand laptop — now commanded an empire.
She parked her car and entered the HQ’s main building. Engineers in black uniforms moved briskly, monitors displayed blueprints of advanced defense tech, and the air hummed with industry.
A young woman in a YOD lanyard approached her with a surprised smile.
"Mrs. Kumar?"
Sonarika turned. The woman was Kamya, one of Hemant’s software engineers.
"I’m here to meet Hemant"
"Oh! He’s at the Trial Bay right now. We’re testing the new rotary cannon prototype"
Kamya said enthusiastically.
"Come with me — I’ll take you there"
Sonarika followed her through long glass corridors until they reached a reinforced observation cabin overlooking the test range.
"Please wait inside, ma’am" Kamya said.
"It’ll be loud out there"
Through the glass, Sonarika saw him.
Hemant stood beside army officials and engineers — earplugs in, his expression focused. The cannon before them was massive, the Raptor-8 Gatling Gun, its barrels gleaming in the sunlight.
The test began.
When the trigger was pulled, the weapon unleashed a roar that shook even the soundproof cabin. The barrels spun in fury, discharging a torrent of thunder. The cabin’s glass quivered with the shockwave.
Yet Hemant stood unmoved, giving instructions amid the chaos — confident, commanding, magnetic.
When the trial ended, the engineers applauded. Hemant removed his earplugs, shared a few notes with his team, and then — as if sensing her — looked up toward the cabin.
Their eyes met.
His surprise was unmistakable.
Moments later, he walked in, his presence still charged from the field.
"Sonarika?" he said evenly.
"What are you doing here?"
"I needed to talk" she replied softly.
He gestured for her to follow. On the way, Raghav, one of his engineers, approached him.
"Sir, BTR’s first test run was a success"
"Good" Hemant said briskly.
"We’ll schedule the full-range test next week"
As they walked through the upper deck, Sonarika was mesmerized by the technological marvel around her — robotic assembly lines, 3D printers shaping alloy armor, workers and machines moving in perfect rhythm.
Then Kamya returned, carrying a tablet.
"Sir, the payment from the last two alignment knot buyers has cleared. Profit margins just went up by eight percent"
"Finalize the digital schematics for the BTR" Hemant said.
"We’ll integrate them before the next phase"
"Yes, sir"
Finally, they entered his cabin.
It was spacious but severe — black steel furniture, holographic projectors, and a panoramic window overlooking the factory and the lobby outskirts. On the walls hung certificates and awards of YOD’s achievements.
But what caught Sonarika’s eye was the glass case holding Hemant’s old military uniform, perfectly preserved. Next to it, family photos — Anjali, Karan, even one from their old Pondicherry trip.
Only, in that picture, she had been cropped out.
A quiet ache settled in her chest.
Hemant broke the silence first.
"So, you’ve finally come to see my world"
She smiled faintly.
"It’s… incredible. You’ve built something extraordinary, Hemant. I’m proud of you"
He gave a low chuckle — but it carried an edge.
"Took you long enough to notice. Maybe if I’d worked this hard on the bed instead of in factories, you’d have noticed sooner"
Sonarika flinched slightly but didn’t respond. She understood the bitterness behind his words — the kind that grows only from heartbreak.
"I came because my company’s hosting a send-off party" she said calmly.
"They want you to attend — as a special guest. To say a few words"
He raised a brow.
"Because I’m your husband?"
"Because you’re a rising industrial sensation" she replied.
His lips curled faintly.
"Will Vikram be there?"
"Yes" she said firmly.
"Along with Meghna, Mouni, and Ragini"
He gave a short, cynical laugh.
"Ah. Maybe another dance performance? Like the one where it all started?"
Her jaw tightened.
"It started much later, Hemant. You know that"
"Maybe" he said coldly.
"But the seeds were there"
Silence filled the space between them, heavy with memories neither could bear to voice.
After a moment, he sighed.
Jealousy.
Or maybe loss.
Either way, the arrival of Tara had shifted something in the quiet equilibrium of their lives.
And as the city roared awake below, Sonarika knew one thing for certain—Hemant was moving on. And for the first time, she realized how much that terrified her.
THAT NOON AT TANISHQ CORPORATE BUILDING CAFE
It was late afternoon at the Business Complex of TANISHQ, the glass towers reflecting the fading sunlight like mirrors of molten gold. Inside the bustling corridors, executives moved briskly, carrying their ambitions in leather folders and the faint smell of coffee. Sonarika walked out of her office at TANISHQ, exhaustion softening her usually sharp poise. The past few months had been relentless—balancing her work, therapy sessions , prep work for VATIKA Research Center, and the emotional weight of a divorce in progress. The cooling period was going through, but the ache still lingered.
As she stepped into the shared lounge on the 4th floor, she noticed a familiar face at one of the tables, scrolling through her phone with that same air of sly confidence.
Meghna looked up, her lips curving into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
"Well, look who finally decided to emerge from her corporate cave"
Sonarika managed a small smile.
"Meghna, I thought you never preferred this place"
"I like the coffee here" Meghna said, motioning toward the chair opposite hers.
"And the gossip’s always fresher when you’re around"
Sonarika sighed but sat down. It had been a while since they spoke properly , especially since her reveal of moving to Goa , Sonarika had doubts about her best friends , doubts that have started to question each moment she shared with her since childhood.
"So" Meghna said, resting her chin on her hand.
"You look... off. What’s bothering you this time? Therapy fatigue? Divorce drama? Or is it the Goa transfer Ragini keeps bragging about?"
Sonarika frowned.
"You’ve been talking to Ragini?"
"Of course I have. She’s practically your guardian angel these days"
Meghna said, voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Always hovering around you, preaching about healing and self-forgiveness. It’s adorable, really"
Sonarika exhaled quietly.
"Ragini’s been a good friend, Meghna. She showed me a path when everything darkened for me. She introduced me to Sreelekha Naik and helped me get the position at VATIKA Botanical Research Center. It’s a fresh start I… desperately need"
Meghna leaned back, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"And leaving Mumbai, leaving Hemant—just like that?"
Sonarika hesitated before replying.
"Hemant and I are done. We’re just… waiting out the period. There’s nothing left to fight for"
Meghna tilted her head, studying her.
"You sound calm. Too calm. That usually means something just rattled you"
Sonarika looked down at her cup.
"It’s nothing"
"Oh, come on" Meghna said, leaning closer.
"I’ve known you long enough to spot when something’s chewing your mind. Spill it"
After a pause, Sonarika muttered.
"Hemant’s brought someone new into the house"
"A someone?" Meghna’s eyes lit with curiosity.
"A woman" Sonarika said.
"Her name’s Tara. He said she’s a house assistant and tutor for Karan. But…"
"But?" Meghna’s smirk sharpened.
"She’s young" Sonarika admitted reluctantly.
"Beautiful, too. And she’s living in the apartment now"
Meghna chuckled, low and venomous.
"Oh, Sonarika. You really are naïve sometimes. The man’s not wasting any time, is he? Brings home a young woman just when you’re walking out the door. Classic"
"It’s not like that" Sonarika said quickly.
"Hemant isn’t—he’s not that kind of man"
"Not that kind of man?" Meghna echoed, feigning disbelief.
"Every man’s that kind once the marriage ends. You think he’s keeping her there just to fold laundry and tutor your son? Please"
"Stop it" Sonarika said sharply.
"You don’t know him"
"Oh, I know men" Meghna replied smoothly, crossing her legs.
"And I know what a lonely man with power and a bleeding ego looks for. Especially after being cheated on"
That last jab hit its mark. Sonarika’s throat tightened.
"I was the one who ruined it" Sonarika said quietly.
"Hemant didn’t deserve what I did. I was the one who sought Vikram. I was the one who broke us"
Meghna’s smirk faded, replaced with a mock-sympathetic tilt of her head.
"You keep saying that like some confessional mantra. But let’s be honest—you went to Vikram because Hemant couldn’t give you what you needed. Emotionally. Physically. Otherwise"
"You’re wrong" Sonarika said firmly.
"Hemant gave me everything. Stability. Kindness. But I… I was reckless. And foolish"
"Reckless?" Meghna’s tone dripped with amusement.
"That’s one way to describe passion"
Sonarika shook her head, eyes glistening faintly.
"There’s no passion in betrayal. There’s only regret"
For a moment, Meghna’s expression hardened, the playful mask cracking ever so slightly. Something bitter flashed behind her eyes—an emotion older and deeper than mockery.
"So you’re running off to Goa to play the saint?" Meghna said finally.
"Pushing away a man who actually loves you—Vikram—while your husband plays house with a younger woman. That’s rich"
"Vikram deserves better" Sonarika replied.
"But he knew I was married. And he still chased me anyway. I can’t pretend that was love—it was escape. And now I see that"
Meghna leaned in, her voice soft but sharp.
"You’re punishing yourself for something you both wanted. You’re letting Ragini and her moral sermons brainwash you into becoming some self-sacrificing saint. You don’t owe anyone redemption, Sonarika"
Sonarika looked up at her, meeting her gaze with quiet resolve.
"Maybe not. But I owe it to myself to be better"
There was silence between them for a long moment.
Then Meghna smiled—cold and cutting.
"Well, I hope this new version of you enjoys her plants and peace in Goa. But before you go, you should know something"
Sonarika raised a brow.
"What?"
"Vikram’s coming to your send-off party"
Meghna said casually, stirring her coffee.
"Mirror News is co-hosting with TANISHQ this weekend. He’ll be there"
Sonarika’s tone was neutral.
"He’s welcome to come. As a friend"
Meghna’s smile twitched.
"A friend. Of course"
When Sonarika stood up to leave, Meghna’s gaze followed her, eyes darkening like storm clouds gathering over still water. As the glass doors of the lounge shut behind Sonarika, the journalist’s nails tapped rhythmically on the table—slow, deliberate.
"Always the righteous one now" she murmured under her breath.
"But we’ll see how long that halo lasts, little sister"
Her lips curled into a vengeful smirk.
Because in Meghna’s mind, Ragini had stolen her victory, Sonarika had stolen her peace, and her world—the one she planned to break—was still standing.
Not for long.
The quiet war in Sonarika’s life had only just begun.
The afternoon sunlight poured into the TANISHQ Corporate Headquarters through tall glass windows, scattering golden shards across the marble floor. The boardroom buzzed with quiet conversations as Sonarika stood near the projector screen, surrounded by familiar faces — colleagues, mentors, and her senior management team.
It was her final week at the company. Ten years of dedication, creativity, and leadership had earned her a reputation as one of TANISHQ’s most dependable strategists. Her seniors had gathered to discuss her farewell celebration.
"Sonarika" said Mr. Bhattacharya, the chairman, his smile warm but tinged with nostalgia.
"You’ve given this company your best years. We’re proud — not just of your work, but your grace through everything you’ve endured. So, we’re organizing something special. A farewell that matches the decade you’ve given us"
The others nodded in agreement, clapping lightly.
"We’ll make it memorable" said Aparna, her new immediate superior.
"Music, speeches, everything. And it would be extra special if your husband, the Hemant Kumar, joined us as our chief guest. It’s not every day we get to host one of the country’s fastest-rising industrialists"
Sonarika froze, the smile on her lips faltering for a split second.
"Hemant?"
"Yes!" Bhattacharya said cheerfully.
"It would be an honor if he could say a few words about your journey — as a colleague, a partner, a woman who stood beside him in his earlier days"
She hesitated.
"Sir, Hemant’s… a very busy man. I’m not sure he’d—"
"Oh, come now" Aparna interrupted gently.
"A woman of your stature deserves a proper send-off. And if your husband’s presence can make it grander, all the better. Please, Sonarika, at least try"
Their insistence was kind but firm. Sonarika eventually nodded.
"Alright. I’ll ask him"
Ever since the beginning , Sonarika had never seen where Hemant worked. Back when he was employed at Quadron, he was just a man with a humble salary, modest dreams, and fierce determination. But now, he ran YOD Industries, a defense powerhouse that had made headlines in the city.
Driving through the outer perimeter of vacant side of the Mumbai port, she followed the directions until the massive steel gates of YOD INDUSTRIES HQ came into view.
Her breath caught.
The entrance was lined with security checkpoints, surveillance drones, and guards in tactical gear. The gate itself bore the golden insignia of YOD Industries — Hemant’s mark of leadership.
As her car passed the checkpoint, the scanner lights flickered blue, and the gates slowly opened.
Inside, Sonarika was stunned.
The once-abandoned dockyard she remembered from Anjali’s old photos had transformed into a futuristic manufacturing complex — sleek steel structures, automated cranes, robotic arms assembling armored vehicles, and drones hovering along rails. Soldiers from the Indian Army were supervising the loading of weaponized ATVs into massive covered trucks.
For a brief moment, she forgot to breathe.
Her husband — the same man who once worked late hours fixing code bugs on a second-hand laptop — now commanded an empire.
She parked her car and entered the HQ’s main building. Engineers in black uniforms moved briskly, monitors displayed blueprints of advanced defense tech, and the air hummed with industry.
A young woman in a YOD lanyard approached her with a surprised smile.
"Mrs. Kumar?"
Sonarika turned. The woman was Kamya, one of Hemant’s software engineers.
"I’m here to meet Hemant"
"Oh! He’s at the Trial Bay right now. We’re testing the new rotary cannon prototype"
Kamya said enthusiastically.
"Come with me — I’ll take you there"
Sonarika followed her through long glass corridors until they reached a reinforced observation cabin overlooking the test range.
"Please wait inside, ma’am" Kamya said.
"It’ll be loud out there"
Through the glass, Sonarika saw him.
Hemant stood beside army officials and engineers — earplugs in, his expression focused. The cannon before them was massive, the Raptor-8 Gatling Gun, its barrels gleaming in the sunlight.
The test began.
When the trigger was pulled, the weapon unleashed a roar that shook even the soundproof cabin. The barrels spun in fury, discharging a torrent of thunder. The cabin’s glass quivered with the shockwave.
Yet Hemant stood unmoved, giving instructions amid the chaos — confident, commanding, magnetic.
When the trial ended, the engineers applauded. Hemant removed his earplugs, shared a few notes with his team, and then — as if sensing her — looked up toward the cabin.
Their eyes met.
His surprise was unmistakable.
Moments later, he walked in, his presence still charged from the field.
"Sonarika?" he said evenly.
"What are you doing here?"
"I needed to talk" she replied softly.
He gestured for her to follow. On the way, Raghav, one of his engineers, approached him.
"Sir, BTR’s first test run was a success"
"Good" Hemant said briskly.
"We’ll schedule the full-range test next week"
As they walked through the upper deck, Sonarika was mesmerized by the technological marvel around her — robotic assembly lines, 3D printers shaping alloy armor, workers and machines moving in perfect rhythm.
Then Kamya returned, carrying a tablet.
"Sir, the payment from the last two alignment knot buyers has cleared. Profit margins just went up by eight percent"
"Finalize the digital schematics for the BTR" Hemant said.
"We’ll integrate them before the next phase"
"Yes, sir"
Finally, they entered his cabin.
It was spacious but severe — black steel furniture, holographic projectors, and a panoramic window overlooking the factory and the lobby outskirts. On the walls hung certificates and awards of YOD’s achievements.
But what caught Sonarika’s eye was the glass case holding Hemant’s old military uniform, perfectly preserved. Next to it, family photos — Anjali, Karan, even one from their old Pondicherry trip.
Only, in that picture, she had been cropped out.
A quiet ache settled in her chest.
Hemant broke the silence first.
"So, you’ve finally come to see my world"
She smiled faintly.
"It’s… incredible. You’ve built something extraordinary, Hemant. I’m proud of you"
He gave a low chuckle — but it carried an edge.
"Took you long enough to notice. Maybe if I’d worked this hard on the bed instead of in factories, you’d have noticed sooner"
Sonarika flinched slightly but didn’t respond. She understood the bitterness behind his words — the kind that grows only from heartbreak.
"I came because my company’s hosting a send-off party" she said calmly.
"They want you to attend — as a special guest. To say a few words"
He raised a brow.
"Because I’m your husband?"
"Because you’re a rising industrial sensation" she replied.
His lips curled faintly.
"Will Vikram be there?"
"Yes" she said firmly.
"Along with Meghna, Mouni, and Ragini"
He gave a short, cynical laugh.
"Ah. Maybe another dance performance? Like the one where it all started?"
Her jaw tightened.
"It started much later, Hemant. You know that"
"Maybe" he said coldly.
"But the seeds were there"
Silence filled the space between them, heavy with memories neither could bear to voice.
After a moment, he sighed.
"I’m not sure I can come. I have work — deadlines, meetings—"
"I understand" she interrupted gently.
"You don’t owe me that. I just thought… it would mean something to them. And a lot more to me"
"I understand" she interrupted gently.
"You don’t owe me that. I just thought… it would mean something to them. And a lot more to me"
She turned to leave.
"Sonarika" he called after her.
She paused.
He looked at her — tired, guarded, yet not entirely without warmth.
She smiled faintly.
"I was late in seeing what you’ve become, Hemant. But I see it now. You’ve built something far greater than any of us imagined. I wish I could’ve seen this version of you… when we still had a chance"
And with that, she walked out.
Hemant watched her go — the soft click of her heels fading into the hum of his empire.
For a long while, he sat in silence, eyes lingering on the cropped Pondicherry photograph. His jaw clenched, the old ache in his chest rising once again.
Somewhere deep inside, beneath the armor of success and rage, a part of him still whispered — She’s leaving. For good this time.
And yet, as Sonarika walked down the steel corridor outside, her own heart trembled with a bittersweet calm
She had seen the best of him — too late — but at least now, she knew he would be alright.
Even if they could never be again.
(TO BE CONTD)
"Sonarika" he called after her.
She paused.
He looked at her — tired, guarded, yet not entirely without warmth.
She smiled faintly.
"I was late in seeing what you’ve become, Hemant. But I see it now. You’ve built something far greater than any of us imagined. I wish I could’ve seen this version of you… when we still had a chance"
And with that, she walked out.
Hemant watched her go — the soft click of her heels fading into the hum of his empire.
For a long while, he sat in silence, eyes lingering on the cropped Pondicherry photograph. His jaw clenched, the old ache in his chest rising once again.
Somewhere deep inside, beneath the armor of success and rage, a part of him still whispered — She’s leaving. For good this time.
And yet, as Sonarika walked down the steel corridor outside, her own heart trembled with a bittersweet calm
She had seen the best of him — too late — but at least now, she knew he would be alright.
Even if they could never be again.
(TO BE CONTD)
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