05-04-2026, 10:27 PM
CHAPTER 33
The revelation about Hemant stayed with Sonarika the entire day like a quiet storm she couldn’t escape. It wasn’t his past that shook her. It was the fact that he had hidden it from her. A man she had loved so deeply… a man she had once believed she knew completely… had lived an entire life she was never allowed to see. That thought lingered. By evening, the family decided to step out to a nearby city garden. The air was lighter there—children playing, couples walking, the soft hum of a peaceful evening. For a while, Sonarika allowed herself to breathe. Karan ran ahead laughing, dragging Anjali along toward a small play area. Anjali followed, half-laughing, half-complaining as usual. Sonarika smiled watching them. For a brief moment, life felt simple again. Until a familiar voice broke that illusion.
"Hey"
She turned. And froze. Vikram stood there. Her heartbeat spiked instantly. What is he doing here? Her parents were right there. They didn’t know. They couldn’t know. Before she could react, Karan ran toward him.
"Dance Uncle!"
Vikram laughed warmly and bent slightly.
"Hey little handsome!" He ruffled Karan’s hair.
"You’ve gotten taller" Karan grinned.
Sonarika quickly stepped in, trying to steady the situation.
"Papa… this is Vikram"
Jagjeet Sharma looked at him carefully—and recognition flashed almost instantly.
"Vikram Bajaj?"
Sonarika’s breath caught. Jagjeet continued.
"CEO of BajajCorp?" Vikram nodded politely.
"I’m surprised you recognize me, sir" Jagjeet gave a small smile.
"I’ve had a dealership interaction through one of your associates here in Delhi"
Vikram played along smoothly.
"I’m glad we finally have a proper introduction then"
The conversation stayed formal, safe. But Sonarika could feel the tension beneath her skin. After a few minutes, she managed to step aside with him.
"What are you doing here?" Her voice dropped instantly.
"I needed to talk to you" Vikram said calmly.
"Not here..Are you crazy?" she snapped softly.
He raised his hands slightly.
"Okay. Then meet me at the same restaurant as last time"
She hesitated. This was dangerous. But refusing would only create more questions.
"Fine, now leave" she said quietly.
Vikram nodded. He turned back to the group, made a polite excuse, and walked away. By night, the city lights reflected softly across the restaurant windows. Vikram was already there when Sonarika arrived. This time, she wasn’t dressed in traditional wear. A simple t-shirt and jeans. Effortless. Real. Vikram noticed immediately.
"You look different" he said.
"It just means I’m reconnecting with myself" She sat down across him.
"I like it" He smiled faintly.
She didn’t respond to that.
"Why did you call me here?"
Vikram leaned back slightly.
"My parents… what they said earlier about you visiting our ancestral mansion—don’t take it seriously"
Sonarika frowned.
"Do they know anything about me?"
He shook his head.
"They don’t know about your marriage"
A pause.
"They don’t know about Karan either"
That hit harder than expected.
"You hid that?" she asked.
"I did" Vikram didn’t deny it.
"Why?"
He looked at her honestly.
"Because at one point… I wanted you in my life. And I knew the truth would complicate that"
Sonarika stared at him.
"And now?"
Vikram’s voice softened.
"Now… you’ve changed"
He paused.
"And I don’t want to repeat the same mistake"
She didn’t fully understand.
"I want to know you, not chase you. Not manipulate situations" he clarified.
"That realization came from watching you rebuild yourself"
Sonarika leaned back slightly, absorbing that.
"At least you admit there were flaws" she said.
He smiled faintly.
"Because there were"
She studied him.
"You still have feelings for me"
"I do" Vikram didn’t look away.
Silence.
"But I won’t act on them, Not like before" he added.
Her thoughts drifted again. Hemant. His lies. His hidden life. And now Vikram… choosing restraint. Before she could say anything, Vikram spoke again.
"You don’t look okay"
"I’m fine" She stiffened slightly.
"No, You’re not " he said gently.
"Something’s bothering you" He leaned forward.
For a moment, she almost told him the truth. About Hemant. About the Garud Forces. About the lies. But Suresh’s warning echoed in her mind.
'This cannot leave the room'
So she made a decision. If Hemant could live behind a cover…So could she.
"He lied to me" she said quietly.
Vikram frowned.
"About what?"
She took a breath.
"He was never in the army"
The lie left her lips, and it felt heavier than she expected.
"He has a… questionable past"
Vikram went silent. Sonarika watched him carefully. She expected it now. Expected him to seize this. To twist it. To turn Hemant into the villain. To pull her closer. But he didn’t. Instead, he spoke slowly.
"Then he probably had a reason"
Sonarika blinked.
"What?"
Vikram shrugged lightly.
"I’ve been studying his company growth" He continued thoughtfully.
"YOD Industries didn’t rise overnight by accident"
"That kind of scale… that kind of execution… it comes from experience"
He looked at her.
"If he hid something, it wasn’t random"
Sonarika stared at him, surprised.
"You’re not going to say anything against him?"
Vikram shook his head.
"I understand him"
That answer unsettled her in a completely different way.
"Whatever his past is, he had his reasons to keep it hidden" Vikram added.
Sonarika looked down, processing that. Maybe…Maybe the truth wasn’t as simple as betrayal. Maybe it never was. She stood up slowly.
"Not everything stays hidden forever"
"True" Vikram nodded.
They exchanged a quiet goodbye. And as Sonarika walked away into the night, her thoughts felt heavier—but clearer. For the first time, she wasn’t just questioning Hemant’s lies. She was questioning why they existed.
And somewhere deep inside—She wasn’t ready to believe the worst about him. Not yet.
The next morning, the garden no longer felt like a place of peace for Sonarika. She still worked the soil, still adjusted the saplings, still watered each plant with care—but her mind wasn’t present anymore. Every thought circled back to one thing.
Hemant.
Not his strength. Not his love. But his silence. Her phone buzzed, breaking the loop. A message from Sreelekha Naik’s office. Her boss would be arriving in Delhi for the weekend—along with a colleague—to attend the Arijit Singh Concert. For a moment, Sonarika smiled. This should have excited her. A new job. New people. A new beginning. But the feeling faded quickly. Because one question refused to leave her—Was there really a part of life that a husband should hide from his wife… forever? Later that morning, she and Ragini headed to a nearby shopping center. Bright lights. Loud music. Rows of clothes. A normal day. Or at least, it looked like one. They walked through racks of dresses, occasionally holding one up, commenting, rejecting—but the conversation inevitably drifted. Back to him.
"I admire him more now" Ragini said, casually flipping through a rack.
Sonarika stopped.
"Admire?" she asked.
Ragini nodded.
"After everything we heard yesterday… he’s not just a good man. He’s… extraordinary"
Sonarika’s expression hardened slightly.
"I’m not impressed"
Ragini looked at her.
"I’m upset that he hid an entire life from me" Sonarika clarified.
“He had reasons,” Ragini replied gently.
Sonarika let out a quiet, almost bitter breath.
"That’s exactly what Vikram said"
Ragini froze. Slowly, she turned toward her.
"You met him… last night?"
Sonarika didn’t avoid it.
"Yes"
Ragini studied her carefully.
"Are you… having second thoughts about him?"
The question was direct. Sonarika shook her head immediately.
"No"
Her voice was firm.
"There’s no second opinion here"
She paused, her eyes dropping slightly.
"What happened with Vikram… should never have happened"
There was no defensiveness in her tone now. Only honesty.
"I gave in too easily, without even fighting it" she continued.
Ragini stayed silent.
"That wasn’t me" Sonarika added softly.
Her voice grew heavier.
"I can’t fully blame him either. I didn’t just ruin my marriage… I ruined his life too"
She exhaled slowly.
"That guilt… it doesn’t leave"
Ragini’s expression softened.
"You’re healing" she said.
Sonarika shook her head faintly.
"Healing doesn’t erase consequences"
She looked ahead, almost distant.
"Even if I move forward… I’ll still be someone who broke two people who loved her"
That truth sat heavily between them. After a moment, Ragini asked quietly—
"Are you thinking of a future without Hemant?"
Sonarika didn’t answer immediately. When she did, her voice was softer than before.
"It wasn’t what I wanted"
A pause.
"But things have changed"
She swallowed slightly.
"I don’t see that same family anymore"
Ragini didn’t interrupt.
“I’m scared,” Sonarika admitted.
"Of being alone… for the rest of my life"
That was the real fear. Not guilt. Not judgment. Loneliness.
"But maybe I deserve that" she added quietly.
Ragini frowned.
"Don’t say that"
But Sonarika continued.
"My desires have changed"
She picked up a dress absentmindedly, then put it back.
"I don’t want a ‘perfect man’ anymore"
A faint, almost ironic smile appeared.
"That idea… it ruined everything"
By evening, Sonarika found herself standing outside Reshma’s house again. This time, not as a visitor. But as someone seeking answers. Reshma welcomed her with warmth, as always.
"Sonarika, come in" she smiled.
But Sonarika didn’t waste time.
"I need your help"
Reshma sensed the seriousness immediately.
"And Suresh’s" Sonarika added.
Reshma’s expression shifted slightly.
"What kind of help?"
Sonarika hesitated—but only for a moment.
"I want to know everything about Hemant"
Her voice was steady now.
"His complete history"
"And I need it… discreetly"
She swallowed.
"I’ll pay for it"
That was the moment Reshma’s expression changed. Not anger. But something close to hurt. Sonarika realized it instantly.
"I’m sorry" she said quickly.
"I didn’t mean it like that"
And then—She broke. The truth she had been carrying finally came out. Reshma went still. The silence deepened.
"I cheated on him. With Vikram. Our marriage is falling apart" Sonarika continued.
Her voice trembled now, but she didn’t stop.
"I blamed myself for everything… and I still do"
She took a breath.
"But now I find out… he hid his life from me too"
Tears welled in her eyes.
"I don’t even know what my reality was anymore"
Reshma moved closer and gently held her hands.
"Listen to me" she said softly.
"The moment a person accepts their mistakes… truly accepts them…that’s the first step toward becoming human again, you’re already on that path"
She smiled gently. Sonarika looked at her. Her voice was calm, reassuring.
"You deserve redemption. And you deserve the truth you’re searching for"
Sonarika’s eyes filled, but this time there was a hint of relief. Reshma continued.
"There’s someone you should meet"
She mentioned a name. Dhananjay Shankar.
"He’s a former soldier who was once part of Hemant's squad" she explained.
"He now works as a guest lecturer at a military institute in Karol Bagh"
Sonarika listened carefully.
"If you want to understand Hemant" Reshma said.
"You should hear his story from someone who saw that life firsthand"
Sonarika nodded slowly.
"Thank you"
As she turned to leave, Reshma added one last thing.
"Whatever happened between us in the past…"
A small, knowing smile.
"I still believe you deserve peace"
Sonarika paused for a second, then nodded. And as she stepped out into the evening, her mind felt clearer than it had in days. Not lighter.But clearer. For the first time, she wasn’t just reacting to revelations. She was choosing her next step. Tomorrow—She would go to Karol Bagh. And meet the man who might finally help her understand—Who Hemant really was.
The cab crawled through the restless arteries of Delhi, past the crowded lanes of Karol Bagh where honking horns and impatient drivers formed a language of their own. Sonarika sat still in the backseat, her fingers intertwined, her eyes unfocused as the city blurred past her window. The further they moved from the chaos, the quieter everything seemed to become, as though the world itself was preparing her for something she wasn’t ready to face. When the cab finally turned toward the National Defence College, a strange stillness settled inside her chest.
Stepping out, she was immediately struck by the sharp contrast. Order replaced chaos. Precision replaced noise. Men and women in uniform moved with purpose, their presence almost intimidating in its perfection. Sonarika adjusted her dupatta unconsciously, feeling like an outsider in a world built on discipline and secrets. Reshma’s voice echoed in her mind—“You need to meet him. He’s the only one who’ll tell you the truth.”
Dhananjay Shankar.
The name alone had been enough to disturb her sleep the night before. It had unraveled everything she thought she knew about Hemant. The man she had lived with—the quiet, patient, almost fragile man who avoided confrontation—had once been something entirely different. A Garud Force commando. Not just that, but a commander of covert operations. The story he had told her—the trembling confession about fear, about watching a fellow soldier die—now felt like a carefully crafted lie. And she had believed it without question.
Inside, she was guided into a modest staff room. The representative informed her politely that “Shankar sir” was taking a class and would arrive shortly. Ten minutes, he said. Sonarika nodded and sat down, her eyes wandering across the walls lined with framed photographs and commendations. Each image told a story of bravery, sacrifice, and a life lived on the edge of danger.
Her gaze stopped.
It was a simple photograph, almost easy to miss among the rest. A group of soldiers stood together, their expressions firm, their postures unyielding. And there—slightly to the right, not even at the center—stood Hemant. But it wasn’t the Hemant she knew. This version of him looked sharper, harder, his eyes carrying a weight she had never seen. Yet strangely, he also resembled the man he had become recently—the man who had rebuilt himself while running YOD Industries. The resemblance was uncanny, unsettling.
Her thoughts spiraled until a sudden, sharp sound broke her trance—a faint screech of wheels against the polished floor.
She turned.
A man approached her in a wheelchair, moving with controlled effort. His upper body was strong, almost imposing, but one leg was missing. Despite it, there was nothing diminished about his presence. His eyes were sharp, observant. He stopped in front of her and studied her face for a moment before speaking.
"You must be Sonarika Kumar"
His voice was calm, certain.
"And you are Mr. Dhananjay?" She blinked, slightly caught off guard, then nodded.
"Just call me Dan" He smiled faintly.
There was something disarming about his tone, though it didn’t quite put her at ease.
"Hemant might’ve told you about me" she said cautiously.
Dan shook his head.
"I was invited to your wedding. Couldn’t make it. Medical commitments"
He tapped lightly on the arm of his wheelchair, as if that explained everything. Then his expression shifted.
"How is Hemant?"
"He’s… probably doing better for himself. He’s running his company now" Sonarika hesitated.
"Probably?" Dan’s eyes narrowed slightly.
The word hung between them, heavier than she had intended. Sonarika exhaled.
"We’ve filed for a divorce"
For a brief moment, something like disappointment flickered across Dan’s face. Then, unexpectedly, he smirked.
"Hemant’s luck with love has always been in the sewers"
The remark stung more than she expected.
"What do you mean by that?"
Dan leaned back slightly, his gaze steady.
"You’re not the first woman things he has failed with"
Sonarika straightened instantly.
"He didn’t fail....I did" Her voice was firm now.
"The divorce is because of me. I… committed adultery"
The words felt heavy, even now. Dan’s expression changed completely. The smirk vanished, replaced by something more somber. He let out a slow breath, as though absorbing the weight of her confession.
"I’m not here to explain myself" she continued quickly.
"I came because I need to know who Hemant really is. Or was"
Dan studied her for a long moment, as if measuring her resolve.
"That’s not a story I can tell in ten minutes. Not here"
"I can come again" she said immediately.
"Not here"
He shook his head. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small piece of paper and scribbled something on it before handing it to her.
"This is a military quarters in New Delhi. Come there on Monday"
"I’ll be there" Sonarika took the paper, her fingers brushing against his.
"Thank you" She stood up, gathering herself, ready to leave.
As she turned, Dan’s voice stopped her.
"Did Hemant ever mention you about me"
"No. Never"
She frowned slightly. For the first time, Dan looked genuinely surprised. A faint, almost nostalgic smile touched his lips.
"Clear your schedule on Monday" he said quietly.
"It’s going to take a whole day to tell you who Hemant Kumar really is"
And as Sonarika walked out of that room, the paper clutched tightly in her hand, she realized something unsettling—she wasn’t just about to learn the truth about her husband. She was about to meet a stranger she had once called her own.
"Hey"
She turned. And froze. Vikram stood there. Her heartbeat spiked instantly. What is he doing here? Her parents were right there. They didn’t know. They couldn’t know. Before she could react, Karan ran toward him.
"Dance Uncle!"
Vikram laughed warmly and bent slightly.
"Hey little handsome!" He ruffled Karan’s hair.
"You’ve gotten taller" Karan grinned.
Sonarika quickly stepped in, trying to steady the situation.
"Papa… this is Vikram"
Jagjeet Sharma looked at him carefully—and recognition flashed almost instantly.
"Vikram Bajaj?"
Sonarika’s breath caught. Jagjeet continued.
"CEO of BajajCorp?" Vikram nodded politely.
"I’m surprised you recognize me, sir" Jagjeet gave a small smile.
"I’ve had a dealership interaction through one of your associates here in Delhi"
Vikram played along smoothly.
"I’m glad we finally have a proper introduction then"
The conversation stayed formal, safe. But Sonarika could feel the tension beneath her skin. After a few minutes, she managed to step aside with him.
"What are you doing here?" Her voice dropped instantly.
"I needed to talk to you" Vikram said calmly.
"Not here..Are you crazy?" she snapped softly.
He raised his hands slightly.
"Okay. Then meet me at the same restaurant as last time"
She hesitated. This was dangerous. But refusing would only create more questions.
"Fine, now leave" she said quietly.
Vikram nodded. He turned back to the group, made a polite excuse, and walked away. By night, the city lights reflected softly across the restaurant windows. Vikram was already there when Sonarika arrived. This time, she wasn’t dressed in traditional wear. A simple t-shirt and jeans. Effortless. Real. Vikram noticed immediately.
"You look different" he said.
"It just means I’m reconnecting with myself" She sat down across him.
"I like it" He smiled faintly.
She didn’t respond to that.
"Why did you call me here?"
Vikram leaned back slightly.
"My parents… what they said earlier about you visiting our ancestral mansion—don’t take it seriously"
Sonarika frowned.
"Do they know anything about me?"
He shook his head.
"They don’t know about your marriage"
A pause.
"They don’t know about Karan either"
That hit harder than expected.
"You hid that?" she asked.
"I did" Vikram didn’t deny it.
"Why?"
He looked at her honestly.
"Because at one point… I wanted you in my life. And I knew the truth would complicate that"
Sonarika stared at him.
"And now?"
Vikram’s voice softened.
"Now… you’ve changed"
He paused.
"And I don’t want to repeat the same mistake"
She didn’t fully understand.
"I want to know you, not chase you. Not manipulate situations" he clarified.
"That realization came from watching you rebuild yourself"
Sonarika leaned back slightly, absorbing that.
"At least you admit there were flaws" she said.
He smiled faintly.
"Because there were"
She studied him.
"You still have feelings for me"
"I do" Vikram didn’t look away.
Silence.
"But I won’t act on them, Not like before" he added.
Her thoughts drifted again. Hemant. His lies. His hidden life. And now Vikram… choosing restraint. Before she could say anything, Vikram spoke again.
"You don’t look okay"
"I’m fine" She stiffened slightly.
"No, You’re not " he said gently.
"Something’s bothering you" He leaned forward.
For a moment, she almost told him the truth. About Hemant. About the Garud Forces. About the lies. But Suresh’s warning echoed in her mind.
'This cannot leave the room'
So she made a decision. If Hemant could live behind a cover…So could she.
"He lied to me" she said quietly.
Vikram frowned.
"About what?"
She took a breath.
"He was never in the army"
The lie left her lips, and it felt heavier than she expected.
"He has a… questionable past"
Vikram went silent. Sonarika watched him carefully. She expected it now. Expected him to seize this. To twist it. To turn Hemant into the villain. To pull her closer. But he didn’t. Instead, he spoke slowly.
"Then he probably had a reason"
Sonarika blinked.
"What?"
Vikram shrugged lightly.
"I’ve been studying his company growth" He continued thoughtfully.
"YOD Industries didn’t rise overnight by accident"
"That kind of scale… that kind of execution… it comes from experience"
He looked at her.
"If he hid something, it wasn’t random"
Sonarika stared at him, surprised.
"You’re not going to say anything against him?"
Vikram shook his head.
"I understand him"
That answer unsettled her in a completely different way.
"Whatever his past is, he had his reasons to keep it hidden" Vikram added.
Sonarika looked down, processing that. Maybe…Maybe the truth wasn’t as simple as betrayal. Maybe it never was. She stood up slowly.
"Not everything stays hidden forever"
"True" Vikram nodded.
They exchanged a quiet goodbye. And as Sonarika walked away into the night, her thoughts felt heavier—but clearer. For the first time, she wasn’t just questioning Hemant’s lies. She was questioning why they existed.
And somewhere deep inside—She wasn’t ready to believe the worst about him. Not yet.
The next morning, the garden no longer felt like a place of peace for Sonarika. She still worked the soil, still adjusted the saplings, still watered each plant with care—but her mind wasn’t present anymore. Every thought circled back to one thing.
Hemant.
Not his strength. Not his love. But his silence. Her phone buzzed, breaking the loop. A message from Sreelekha Naik’s office. Her boss would be arriving in Delhi for the weekend—along with a colleague—to attend the Arijit Singh Concert. For a moment, Sonarika smiled. This should have excited her. A new job. New people. A new beginning. But the feeling faded quickly. Because one question refused to leave her—Was there really a part of life that a husband should hide from his wife… forever? Later that morning, she and Ragini headed to a nearby shopping center. Bright lights. Loud music. Rows of clothes. A normal day. Or at least, it looked like one. They walked through racks of dresses, occasionally holding one up, commenting, rejecting—but the conversation inevitably drifted. Back to him.
"I admire him more now" Ragini said, casually flipping through a rack.
Sonarika stopped.
"Admire?" she asked.
Ragini nodded.
"After everything we heard yesterday… he’s not just a good man. He’s… extraordinary"
Sonarika’s expression hardened slightly.
"I’m not impressed"
Ragini looked at her.
"I’m upset that he hid an entire life from me" Sonarika clarified.
“He had reasons,” Ragini replied gently.
Sonarika let out a quiet, almost bitter breath.
"That’s exactly what Vikram said"
Ragini froze. Slowly, she turned toward her.
"You met him… last night?"
Sonarika didn’t avoid it.
"Yes"
Ragini studied her carefully.
"Are you… having second thoughts about him?"
The question was direct. Sonarika shook her head immediately.
"No"
Her voice was firm.
"There’s no second opinion here"
She paused, her eyes dropping slightly.
"What happened with Vikram… should never have happened"
There was no defensiveness in her tone now. Only honesty.
"I gave in too easily, without even fighting it" she continued.
Ragini stayed silent.
"That wasn’t me" Sonarika added softly.
Her voice grew heavier.
"I can’t fully blame him either. I didn’t just ruin my marriage… I ruined his life too"
She exhaled slowly.
"That guilt… it doesn’t leave"
Ragini’s expression softened.
"You’re healing" she said.
Sonarika shook her head faintly.
"Healing doesn’t erase consequences"
She looked ahead, almost distant.
"Even if I move forward… I’ll still be someone who broke two people who loved her"
That truth sat heavily between them. After a moment, Ragini asked quietly—
"Are you thinking of a future without Hemant?"
Sonarika didn’t answer immediately. When she did, her voice was softer than before.
"It wasn’t what I wanted"
A pause.
"But things have changed"
She swallowed slightly.
"I don’t see that same family anymore"
Ragini didn’t interrupt.
“I’m scared,” Sonarika admitted.
"Of being alone… for the rest of my life"
That was the real fear. Not guilt. Not judgment. Loneliness.
"But maybe I deserve that" she added quietly.
Ragini frowned.
"Don’t say that"
But Sonarika continued.
"My desires have changed"
She picked up a dress absentmindedly, then put it back.
"I don’t want a ‘perfect man’ anymore"
A faint, almost ironic smile appeared.
"That idea… it ruined everything"
By evening, Sonarika found herself standing outside Reshma’s house again. This time, not as a visitor. But as someone seeking answers. Reshma welcomed her with warmth, as always.
"Sonarika, come in" she smiled.
But Sonarika didn’t waste time.
"I need your help"
Reshma sensed the seriousness immediately.
"And Suresh’s" Sonarika added.
Reshma’s expression shifted slightly.
"What kind of help?"
Sonarika hesitated—but only for a moment.
"I want to know everything about Hemant"
Her voice was steady now.
"His complete history"
"And I need it… discreetly"
She swallowed.
"I’ll pay for it"
That was the moment Reshma’s expression changed. Not anger. But something close to hurt. Sonarika realized it instantly.
"I’m sorry" she said quickly.
"I didn’t mean it like that"
And then—She broke. The truth she had been carrying finally came out. Reshma went still. The silence deepened.
"I cheated on him. With Vikram. Our marriage is falling apart" Sonarika continued.
Her voice trembled now, but she didn’t stop.
"I blamed myself for everything… and I still do"
She took a breath.
"But now I find out… he hid his life from me too"
Tears welled in her eyes.
"I don’t even know what my reality was anymore"
Reshma moved closer and gently held her hands.
"Listen to me" she said softly.
"The moment a person accepts their mistakes… truly accepts them…that’s the first step toward becoming human again, you’re already on that path"
She smiled gently. Sonarika looked at her. Her voice was calm, reassuring.
"You deserve redemption. And you deserve the truth you’re searching for"
Sonarika’s eyes filled, but this time there was a hint of relief. Reshma continued.
"There’s someone you should meet"
She mentioned a name. Dhananjay Shankar.
"He’s a former soldier who was once part of Hemant's squad" she explained.
"He now works as a guest lecturer at a military institute in Karol Bagh"
Sonarika listened carefully.
"If you want to understand Hemant" Reshma said.
"You should hear his story from someone who saw that life firsthand"
Sonarika nodded slowly.
"Thank you"
As she turned to leave, Reshma added one last thing.
"Whatever happened between us in the past…"
A small, knowing smile.
"I still believe you deserve peace"
Sonarika paused for a second, then nodded. And as she stepped out into the evening, her mind felt clearer than it had in days. Not lighter.But clearer. For the first time, she wasn’t just reacting to revelations. She was choosing her next step. Tomorrow—She would go to Karol Bagh. And meet the man who might finally help her understand—Who Hemant really was.
The cab crawled through the restless arteries of Delhi, past the crowded lanes of Karol Bagh where honking horns and impatient drivers formed a language of their own. Sonarika sat still in the backseat, her fingers intertwined, her eyes unfocused as the city blurred past her window. The further they moved from the chaos, the quieter everything seemed to become, as though the world itself was preparing her for something she wasn’t ready to face. When the cab finally turned toward the National Defence College, a strange stillness settled inside her chest.
Stepping out, she was immediately struck by the sharp contrast. Order replaced chaos. Precision replaced noise. Men and women in uniform moved with purpose, their presence almost intimidating in its perfection. Sonarika adjusted her dupatta unconsciously, feeling like an outsider in a world built on discipline and secrets. Reshma’s voice echoed in her mind—“You need to meet him. He’s the only one who’ll tell you the truth.”
Dhananjay Shankar.
The name alone had been enough to disturb her sleep the night before. It had unraveled everything she thought she knew about Hemant. The man she had lived with—the quiet, patient, almost fragile man who avoided confrontation—had once been something entirely different. A Garud Force commando. Not just that, but a commander of covert operations. The story he had told her—the trembling confession about fear, about watching a fellow soldier die—now felt like a carefully crafted lie. And she had believed it without question.
Inside, she was guided into a modest staff room. The representative informed her politely that “Shankar sir” was taking a class and would arrive shortly. Ten minutes, he said. Sonarika nodded and sat down, her eyes wandering across the walls lined with framed photographs and commendations. Each image told a story of bravery, sacrifice, and a life lived on the edge of danger.
Her gaze stopped.
It was a simple photograph, almost easy to miss among the rest. A group of soldiers stood together, their expressions firm, their postures unyielding. And there—slightly to the right, not even at the center—stood Hemant. But it wasn’t the Hemant she knew. This version of him looked sharper, harder, his eyes carrying a weight she had never seen. Yet strangely, he also resembled the man he had become recently—the man who had rebuilt himself while running YOD Industries. The resemblance was uncanny, unsettling.
Her thoughts spiraled until a sudden, sharp sound broke her trance—a faint screech of wheels against the polished floor.
She turned.
A man approached her in a wheelchair, moving with controlled effort. His upper body was strong, almost imposing, but one leg was missing. Despite it, there was nothing diminished about his presence. His eyes were sharp, observant. He stopped in front of her and studied her face for a moment before speaking.
"You must be Sonarika Kumar"
His voice was calm, certain.
"And you are Mr. Dhananjay?" She blinked, slightly caught off guard, then nodded.
"Just call me Dan" He smiled faintly.
There was something disarming about his tone, though it didn’t quite put her at ease.
"Hemant might’ve told you about me" she said cautiously.
Dan shook his head.
"I was invited to your wedding. Couldn’t make it. Medical commitments"
He tapped lightly on the arm of his wheelchair, as if that explained everything. Then his expression shifted.
"How is Hemant?"
"He’s… probably doing better for himself. He’s running his company now" Sonarika hesitated.
"Probably?" Dan’s eyes narrowed slightly.
The word hung between them, heavier than she had intended. Sonarika exhaled.
"We’ve filed for a divorce"
For a brief moment, something like disappointment flickered across Dan’s face. Then, unexpectedly, he smirked.
"Hemant’s luck with love has always been in the sewers"
The remark stung more than she expected.
"What do you mean by that?"
Dan leaned back slightly, his gaze steady.
"You’re not the first woman things he has failed with"
Sonarika straightened instantly.
"He didn’t fail....I did" Her voice was firm now.
"The divorce is because of me. I… committed adultery"
The words felt heavy, even now. Dan’s expression changed completely. The smirk vanished, replaced by something more somber. He let out a slow breath, as though absorbing the weight of her confession.
"I’m not here to explain myself" she continued quickly.
"I came because I need to know who Hemant really is. Or was"
Dan studied her for a long moment, as if measuring her resolve.
"That’s not a story I can tell in ten minutes. Not here"
"I can come again" she said immediately.
"Not here"
He shook his head. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small piece of paper and scribbled something on it before handing it to her.
"This is a military quarters in New Delhi. Come there on Monday"
"I’ll be there" Sonarika took the paper, her fingers brushing against his.
"Thank you" She stood up, gathering herself, ready to leave.
As she turned, Dan’s voice stopped her.
"Did Hemant ever mention you about me"
"No. Never"
She frowned slightly. For the first time, Dan looked genuinely surprised. A faint, almost nostalgic smile touched his lips.
"Clear your schedule on Monday" he said quietly.
"It’s going to take a whole day to tell you who Hemant Kumar really is"
And as Sonarika walked out of that room, the paper clutched tightly in her hand, she realized something unsettling—she wasn’t just about to learn the truth about her husband. She was about to meet a stranger she had once called her own.
(TO BE CONTD)
![[+]](https://xossipy.com/themes/sharepoint/collapse_collapsed.png)