[Harry Jordan]

                                                                                                                                                                                     (CHAPTER CONTD)

BACK IN MUMBAI

The sea breeze swept gently across the open rooftop restaurant near Marine Drive, mingling with the soft jazz playing in the background and the laughter of old friends reuniting. Hemant stepped in, his cream-colored shirt clinging softly to his broad frame, the denim jeans carrying the casual ease of a man who had nothing to prove anymore. Yet, his presence—calm, grounded, yet powerfully self-assured—still turned heads, just as it did during his college days when he was the unbeaten sports icon of Xavier’s College. Now, an accomplished industrialist heading the steadily rising YOD Industries, Hemant wasn’t just remembered; he was respected. Dheeraj, his loyal college mate and companion for the morning, greeted him with a hearty clap on the back, ushering him into the warm embrace of shared nostalgia.


Laughter rippled around as glasses clinked and stories from another lifetime spilled across the wooden tables. Dheeraj, ever the spirited host, made the rounds with Hemant, reintroducing him to familiar faces—some aged gracefully, others lost to time but instantly recognizable in their voices and smiles. The warmth grew more intimate when Hemant was approached by Anuj, a close friend from their Xavier's days who had missed the not so long ago college's reunion function. Anuj, now sporting a neat beard and a quiet charm, was accompanied by his fiancée, a gentle presence who fit easily into the folds of their stories. The morning deepened with anecdotes, teasing banter, and the easy rhythm of memories unforgotten. Hemant found himself more relaxed than he had been in months, allowing the open air to pull him gently back into a simpler version of himself.


As the sunlight got denser, Mumbai woke up to its usual loud and crowded self—proportionate yet alive. Hemant leaned against the railing for a moment, letting the rush of the city below and the voices around him settle into his heart. He watched Dheeraj animatedly narrate a college prank to Anuj’s fiancée, while Anuj laughed with the same old, reckless joy. Somewhere between the breeze and the banter, Hemant felt the divide between past and present blur. He was still that boy in the sports jersey, still the friend laughing over butter chicken at the canteen, still that smitten young lad as he stepped into something serious with Sanjana. But now also a man shaped by responsibilities, family, and ambition. Then there was that overloading chaos and the motivations that was leading him to yet another dangerous path. And yet, in this morning, as the tide lapped gently against the rocks below and friendship wrapped around him like a familiar song, Hemant felt whole—seen, remembered, and content. A calm from the storm of his life.


BACK IN JABALPUR


Sonarika stood at the edge of the ancient Madan Mahal Fort, wind playing with her hair, the stone beneath her feet warm with the summer sun. Beside her stood Vikram, whose eyes held a fire that had not dimmed ever since last night. Their magnetism was impossible to deny.


Vikram stepped closer to Sonarika, whispering something against her ear that made her eyes close. She didn’t resist when his lips found her neck, nor when his hands traced the outline of her dress. Her breath hitched as he led her to a hidden corner within the fort’s aged walls—away from the prying eyes of the world, into a cocoon of shared sin and secrecy.


Vikram led Sonarika into the infamous pleasure chamber of the fort. It was a secluded spot , and just like the name the place is known for the section of the fort meant for private surroundings of the rulers. Their mouths collided, hands roaming, past transgressions bleeding into the present. She hated herself for needing this. She loved herself for feeling desired. In the quiet ruin of stone and sunlight, their bodies met again, ancient and new all at once.


He scooped her up into his arms, sandwiching her body tightly between himself and the stone wall while his tongue slithered into her mouth. The intensity of their moment thrilled Sonarika, who let out a passionate moan as her hands ran through Vikram's medium-length hair. Arousal stirred through her body as she felt the shoulder straps of her dress being pulled down in the darkness.


As Vikram continued to pull Sonarika's dress lower, exposing her strapless black bra, she felt the bulge in his jeans press against her. His hands quickly grasped the bra, yanking it down hard and freeing her perfect, melony breasts. The cool, refreshing  breeze in the dark confines of the fort blew across her nipples, bringing them to hardened attention, which Vikram spotted instantly. He broke the kiss and placed his lips around the hardened nub, suckling it with intense might before switching to the other.

Sonarika's hand left Vikram's hair and went down the back of his shirt, feeling his smooth skin across her fingertips as she moaned. Her nipples stiffened with excitement as his tongue traced circles around them. Her moans and purrs increased in volume, no worries about attracting attention as the place had less visitors for the day. Plus the place they are right now is secluded. Making them bold enough to pirsue this daring and thrilling encounter in this hidden chamber.

"This is more thrilling than what we did in that Bali Morning!"  Sonarika moaned while tugging his shirt up, wanting it gone.

Vikram broke away from her chest to plant another kiss on her before letting her bare feet touch the ground once more. Sonarika unhooked her bra and cast it aside. Vikram started to unbutton his shirt, taking care to keep his eyes fixated on her. When the last button popped open, he removed the shirt and let it fall to the ground atop the discarded underwear.

Sonarika peeled her dress down the rest of her body, until she was fully nude. She gathered the clothing from the ground and placed them under the carved pillar, giving Vikram an eyeful of her curvy backside as she bent down. Sonarika giggled as she stood straight up and turned towards him. He quickly pulled his pants down until he was only in the tight pair of black briefs that housed his thick dick.

Sonarika leaned in closer to Vikram, looking around to make sure they were the only individuals in that place. Her gentle hand gripped the bulge in his underwear, causing his erection to quickly swell to its hardest. They resumed kissing while Sonarika gripped harder. It did not take long until she was ready to free his cock from its cloth chamber. Her fingers danced their way in, past his waistband until she grabbed onto his hot meat.

The woman swiftly pulled the underwear down with her other hand, tossing it onto the pile behind her. He gave her breast a hard squeeze, causing her to yelp in excitement. After a few more strokes of his cock, Sonarika took a step back and bent down until the pre-cum coated cockhead was hovering near her hungry mouth. Vikram rested a hand on her lower back while the other lightly grabbed a handful of hair. He gently pushed her closer until the wetness on his member slid across her moist lips.

Vikram watched on as Sonarika engulfed his cock, her lips stretched tightly around the head. She began to move her head slowly, savoring the feeling of his skin on her tongue. Vikram released the grip on her soft, silky hair as the woman was taking control. Sonarika's pace increased, and her suction intensified, sending vibrations through his shaft, echoing down into his balls.

As Vikram received the start of yet an amazing blowjob for the day, his eyes drifted down her body. He loved the way her milfy hips wiggled rhythmically with her head movements. He licked his palm, hooked it under her and pressed it to her scorching hot sex. She jumped at his first touch, pulling his cock out of her mouth. She looked up at him with a cute smile before pressing her lips at the bottom of his shaft, slowly and softly kissing her way up, moaning as he slipped his middle finger inside her.

Sonarika's moans grew louder as Vikram's middle finger was joined by his index finger. She continued to cutely kiss up his shaft, around his head and down the other side, making sure to taste his pre-cum every time, occasionally stopping to give him a rough, rapid series of strokes. These strokes fueled Vikram to increase the pace of the probing in his lover's pussy. The two fingers started as gentle and loving, slowly growing in speed and intensity.

The feeling in her loins was driving Sonarika wild. Once Vikram's pace stabilized, the woman let go of his cock and bent down until her wet hands hit the ground.

Vikram stepped behind Sonarika, getting a better look at the hot hole he was lovingly violating, aided by the sunlight from the upper opening from that chamber. He knelt down while she spread as wide as she could without falling over. He grabbed hold of his throbbing cock and pointed it at the entrance of her love tunnel.

"Vicky , are you sure about this! Someone will see us!" Sonarika panted, her head now turned so her cheek rested in the damp surface of the fort.

"This moment belongs to us Soni!!!"  Vikram growled as the full length of his cock slid in with no resistance.

Thanks to this hidden section of the fort and the isolation that surrounded it, the only sounds that Vikram could hear were a rhythmic symphony of heavenly moans and squishy sloshing that echoed through this place's walls. Sonarika's body was in such a relaxed state that she was unable to do anything but push sexy sounds out of her throat while Vikram jackhammered his meat into her.

Vikram threw his head back and glared at the carvings in the pleasure chamber above before glancing back at Sonarika. What little strength she had left gripped her fingers into the ground. The soft sounds she made brought a smile to Vikram's focused face. Seeing the woman he knew for months sexually paralyzed in intense lust made him the happiest he had ever been ever since last night. Add that to the reality that he was fucking her in a fort's pleasure chamber where royal kings have mated with their wives , concubines and whores for their pleasure and here he was doing the same finding pleasure and completeness with the woman that is engulfed in his brain now!

Sonarika hummed as she felt his cock exit her, only to slap her soaked slit loud enough for her to hear. Vikram pressed the head against her swollen clit and gave it repeated flicks, causing her hips to buck like a tired horse. He continued to do this, occasionally stopping to tease her hole, only to resume the clitoral stimulation again.

Panting heavily once again, Sonarika pushed herself up off the ground, running her hand through her tangled hair to clear it from her face.

"Vicky" she whispered, her voice thick with desire. 

"Get under me."

He quickly complied, rolling onto his back and positioning his cock underneath her cunt. With a fierce, yet tired, determination, Sonarika straddled Vikram, positioning his erection at her messy entry. Without hesitation, she lowered herself down, impaling herself fully on his stiff dick.

Vikram pressed his hands against her warm breasts, holding her up while she began to ride him. Her tongue hung out of her mouth, lazily slapping against her chin as drool dripped down onto the man's neck. Despite her exhaustion, something within her slowly brought her back to life, fueling the power of her thrusting to rise. Soon, her energy was fully restored and she was riding his meaty cock with all of her might.

With Vikram's hands on her chest, she placed a hand on his, weakly twisting his nipple, eliciting a grunt from him. He stared up at her, watching her still having to peel hair off of her messy forehead. Her hair was so wet, she looked like she had just stepped out of the shower, making Sonarika look even sexier than she naturally is, something Vikram did not think was possible.

As Sonarika lost herself in the moment, all thought left her mind except for one thing: bringing Vikram to a climax with equal intensity and pleasure as her own. Straightening her back, she rode him hands-free as he rested his hands on her soft thighs. A seductive smile came to her face as she teased him with inadvertent eye rolls. The sight caused Vikram to start rhythmically matching her thrusts. For the first time, the couple were fucking each other instead of one taking charge.

Vikram desperately wished to savor this moment forever, knowing that his body would not be able to hold out much longer. Grasping Sonarika tightly around the waist, he guided the last few thrusts of her wild ride before pulling her off of him. Leaning up on his elbows, he watched as Sonarika wrapped both of her hands around his solid shaft and ferociously stroked him.

"Go ahead , paint me like your woman!" 

Sonarika tiredly panted, sticking out her tongue and closing her heavy eyelids.

"AHHH!" he said with a deep, throaty groan.

Vikram threw his head back as shot after shot of his thick, steamy load painted the face of his worn out lover. His orgasm shook his entire body, similar to Sonarika's as they lived their powerful orgasms together. His eyes opened in time to see one last shot land on her hanging tongue. The dark-haired vixen milf laughed as she swallowed the shot before beginning to lick his cock clean of its sweet, salty cream.

"you are my perfect woman now!!!" 

Vikram moaned through exhaustion, his head falling back gently onto the ground.

Vikram lay there, feeling every taste bud on Sonarika's tongue trace across his beat-red cockhead. His cock never went fully flaccid, keeping the woman licking him for nearly a minute. Eventually, her tired tongue could swirl no more. After spitting his member out and giving the head a quick kiss, she crawled back on top of him, planting her ass on his stomach and caressing his cheeks.

"Do I have anything on my face?" she asked, a mask of white glaze coating her entire face.

"Just a bit" he panted, making her laugh.

They embraced in their sweaty mess as the pleasure chamber of the Madan Mahal Fort bared witness to another passionate bond formed beneath its wall after centuries!

BACK IN MUMBAI


Back at the Alumni Party.Dheeraj nudged Hemant playfully. 

"Come on, Hemant. Everyone’s waiting. Sing something, will you?" 

Hemant chuckled, brushing his salt-peppered hair back, hiding the weight of nostalgia behind his smile.

"Dheeraj , I haven't singed for quiet a decade now"

"Come on. Old habbits die hard. I know you got this!"

A guitar was passed to him—aged, worn, its wooden body bearing scratches like battle scars. He hadn’t touched one in years. The strings were stiff, foreign under his fingers, but slowly, like a long-lost friend remembered, his hands found the chords. The crowd around him softened their voices, leaning closer. Even Anuj and his fiancée paused mid-conversation, sensing something more than performance was about to unfold.

Hemant reached into his wallet. Nestled in a quiet corner of his heart was a photograph—Sonarika. Her gentle smile stared back at him from behind the plastic film. He pressed his lips to it without thought, as natural as breathing, before slipping it back. 

Hemant chose the one song that has been close to his heart for a long time. Only this time , a different woman was on his mind. He imagined Sonarika's warm smile, her giggles, her glittering eyes as he started the song "Kitni Narmi Se" from the movie Dil Jo Bhi Kahey.


The moment his guitar strings started to move and emanated a simple tune. One by one each guest present there start to get silent. But then Hemant hummed the initial vocals of the song and the moment his voice came , the entire restaurant was captivated. Hemant was able to match the intensity and emotion that Sonu Nigam created with that song.

Soon the lyrics started flowing with Hemant's voice.


Kitni Narmi Se , Kitne Dheere Se,

Kitni Narmi Se , Kitne Dheere Se,

Dil Mein Aati Hain,

Dil Mein Aati Hain Dabe Paon Mohabbat Aur Phir,

Dhadkanon Mein Yeh Chupke Bolti Hain,

Rang Sa Zindagi Mein Gholti Hain,

Aakhon Aakhon Mein Jaise Bolti Hain,

Aakhon Aakhon Mein Jaise Bolti Hain,

Haule Se...........Dheere Se,

Kitni Narmi Se , Kitne Dheere Se.


Anuj's fiance leaned her head to his shoulder feeling the romantic ambience Hemant was creating with the song. Hemant felt serene singing the song while his mind pictured Sonarika in their home sitting listening to him sing. Hemant stringed his guitar imagining Karan and Sonarika listening to him sing. His heart fluttered with the memories of his family.


MEANWHILE IN JABALPUR


Back in Jabalpur, the walls of the fort could no longer hold them. Sonarika and Vikram drove in silence, their hands brushing on the gear shift. Their desire roared louder than words.

At Hotel Golden Dream, they barely made it to the suite. The door shut behind them, and clothes followed suit. She laughed once—nervous, breathless—before Vikram lifted her and carried her into the shower.

Water ran. Steam rose. And so did their heat.


Sonarika wrapped her arms around him and started kissing him passionately. The shower turned into a theatre of hunger. Vikram’s lips trailed down Sonarika’s wet skin, her gasps echoing off the tiles. She clung to him—not just out of lust, but out of confusion, desire, longing. The past dissolved between droplets of water and desperate kisses.

He whispered her name, again and again.

And she didn’t resist. Vikram soon turned Sonarika around and had her hold the pole. She bent over in front of him. The water fell down onto her back, rolling down over her ass. Vikram's wet body moved up close and he entered her. He began to fuck her slowly but it wasn't long before he was pounding his cock into her.

She gripped the pole and began screaming his name 

"Ahhh!! Vicky! Don't Stop!!"

Their bodies together looked even more erotic with water cascading over them. The water was beating down on their lusting bodies. Last night, they were making love, now they were fucking. Vikram grabbed her hips, he was really giving it to her now. His ass clenched as he slid back and forth into her hot pussy.

Quickly, he slid out of her, and took one hand to force her down to her knees. He grabbed his cock and began stroking. She opened her mouth willingly. Vikram began to shoot his cum into her mouth and on her face. Sonarika had it all over her face and chin. Vikram smiled at her. A sight he loved cherishing in his memory , seeing her drenched in his fluids.



BACK IN MUMBAI



Tamanna arrived late, slightly flustered, her hair tousled from the commute. She paused just inside the restaurant. And there he was.

Hemant. Singing.

Phool Par Aur Jaise Girthi Hain,

Lehar Saahil Se Jaise Milti Hain,

His voice—soft, rich, heartbreakingly tender—pierced through the chatter in her mind. Her steps slowed. She sat at the edge of the gathering, folding her hands in her lap, tears already welling from places long buried. She imagined him beside her, singing to her.

Khushbu Jaise Fiza Mein Chaati Hain,

Dil Mein Aise Mohabbat Aati Hain,


Hemant sang with closed eyes, his voice echoing Sonu Nigam’s tone but carrying a weight entirely his own. Every word was chosen for her. Every note rang with love, ache, and a hidden fear. But in each of his vocals , he cherished his family. His lovely boy Karan playing in the garden of his dream house. While at the same time , his wife , his love , his Sonarika. Looking at him as he is singing his song.


People watched in reverence. Dheeraj had stopped joking. Anuj squeezed his fiancée’s hand. And Tamanna sat completely still, letting her imagination take her backward in time. While Hemant imagined the future that in his eyes were perfect , the dream house they always wanted. Karan holding onto Hemant and Sonarika's hands as they explore the lush green lawn. The morning sunlight highlighting the dews in the grass. Everything about it was perfect as tears formed in his eyes as the lyrics of the song continued.


Dhadkanon Mein Yeh Chupke Bolti Hain,

Rang Sa Zindagi Mein Gholti Hain,

Aakhon Aakhon Mein Jaise Bolti Hain,

Aakhon Aakhon Mein Jaise Bolti Hain,

Haule Se...........Dheere Se,

Kitni Narmi Se , Kitne Dheere Se.


BACK IN JABALPUR


Sonarika and Vikram tumbled onto the suite’s bed, the sheets soon a tangled mess of desire and water. It wasn’t just physical—it was emotional, intoxicating, damning.


She opened her legs for him as he got on top. She grabbed his cock and guided it into her, and it was beautiful. They looked at each other, then he finally put it in. Vikram was now inside Sonarika again. They have no idea how many times they did it today.

"Ahhhh!" she gasped as she stared into his eyes, slightly painful but mostly horny.

"You feel so fucking good, baby..." he said while she wrapped her legs around his body.

"AHH! AHH! MHMM!!" she moaned.

He thrusted his cock inside her hard, all while keeping it sensual and romantic. Then, he stepped it up a notch. He got both of her legs with one hand, then leaned down over her, folding her like a lawn chair.

"Vicky....you're killing me!!!!" she moaned.

Vikram was in complete dominance of Sonarika. He then turned her body around; again, she didn't hesitate to follow along at all. He continued to thrust his cock inside her with such power, while she was caught in a complete trance. The freshly showered water was replaced by newly created sweats in their bodies.
He then turned her body to get into a spooning position for a while, with one of her legs up in the air with her toes pointed in a stiff vertical position. He kept kissing her neck, ears, and cheeks from behind her. Her eyes were shut and her mouth wide open, almost drooling of pleasure. Then, he rubbed her clit slowly and softly. As he did, he worked his hands up to her nipples, while kissing her neck all at once. That's was the final nail on the coffin.

"AHHH!!!!! AHHHHH!!!! VICKY!!!!!!! AHHH!!!!!" 

Sonarika yelled, rolling her eyes back as she reached her orgasm. Her body shook violently. She trembled as she tried to hold on to him, then the bedsheets. There were chills all over her body as she slowly starting moving her hand towards her pussy to feel the wetness.
She fell to the bed. She was defeated. As she gathered strength for a few minutes, he cuddled around and made-out with her in their beautiful afterglow.

"My god Vicky.....you are really going to put my pills to the test for the day!!!!" 

Sonarika said, cutely giggling as she looked into his eyes in between kisses. She cuddled into him and lay her head on his chest and caressed it. She was slowly feeling weak from all the workout her body had for the day as she was drifting to sleep on his chest, but there was something still pending with Vikram; he was still hard as a rock.
He lightly kissed her neck, breasts, and caressed her legs with his rough hands.

"Mmm..." moaned Sonarika, half-asleep.

"I want more, babe," he said.

"Mmm...of course you do..." said Sonarika, still asleep.

He snuck in between her legs, missionary style, got his hard cock and glided it into Sonarika who was still dripping wet from their earlier round.

"Ahhhh!! MY GOD VICKY!!" moaned Sonarika. 

She was still half-asleep. However, she wasn't saying 'no' to Vikram having her for the nth time for the day.
Vikram sensually fucked Sonarika, again, kissing and nibbling on her neck as he did. Vikram gradually started thrusting harder and harder as he put his fingers in Sonarika's mouth, to which she proceeded to suck on while she moaned uncontrollably. He had enough of the "love-making" and was now fucking her.

"Ah! Fuck!" he moaned loudly.

"AHHH!!! VICKY YOU'RE KILLING ME!!" she moaned, until the real magic finally happened.

Vikram came inside Sonarika. He didn't pull out. He didn't even try to. He left the cock in until he emptied it inside her body. All this while they embraced in another deep, beautiful kiss. It wasn't long before the cum ran out of Sonarika's body and onto the bed sheets.

She kept kissing and could not seem to get enough of him. He finally unlocked something in her that had been laid buried for a long time, and she seemed to enjoy it more than ever in her life. Vikram was very similar to Rocky right now , only difference is unlike Rocky , Vikram actually cares for her.

"Where have you been all of my life?" 

Sonarika whispered to Vikram with her eyes closed and letting out more cute giggles in between their sensual kisses.

She caressed his hair, his face and looked into his eyes. Vikram traced his fingers along Sonarika’s spine as she lay half-asleep in his arms. She murmured something unintelligible, and he kissed her temple. Their affair, once reckless, now felt hauntingly tender. The storm had passed, but its scent lingered—on her skin, in his breath, in the way she didn’t pull away.

                                                                                                                                                                                               (CHAPTER TO BE CONTD)

[Harry Jordan]

                                                                                                                                                                                 (CHAPTER CONTD)

THAT EVENING



The sounds of dhol and DJ beats filled the air as guests mingled and laughed in the brightly lit lawn of the reception venue in Jabalpur. Fairy lights twinkled above like stars in a clear sky, casting a soft glow on the guests below. Amidst the vibrant crowd, Sonarika made a graceful entrance, her blue lehengaa swaying with every elegant step. Beside her, Vikram walked with quiet confidence, his brown blazer complementing the richness of her outfit. Though many eyes were drawn to the glamorous couple, it was only each other that Sonarika and Vikram could see. A rekindled fire crackled silently between their glances, ignited by recent passion and old, unspoken emotions.

They found a quiet corner under a tree wrapped in golden lights, where their fingers subtly intertwined. Sonarika looked around, smiling at familiar faces, but her gaze kept falling back to Vikram. 

"You clean up rather well, Mr. Millionaire" 

Sonarika said teasingly, her voice honeyed with affection. Vikram gave her a smirk, leaning slightly closer. 

"And you, Soniye are the storm that walked into this reception. Do you know how many jaws dropped when you entered?” 

Her laughter was soft but carried the weight of months missed and moments regained.


As the bride Rachika and groom Jayesh basked in the spotlight, the married couple’s voice rang out. 

"Let’s get some of our friends to the dance floor! Sonarika and Vikram, you’re up!" 

Cheers erupted. Sonarika raised an eyebrow at Vikram, who offered her his hand with a grin. 

"Shall we electrify the evening?" 

"Try to keep up" 

Sonarika replied, taking his hand as the first beats of Dum Dum Mast Hain from Baand Baaja Baaraat blared from the DJ booth.


Their performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. The rhythm, their coordination, the way his hand caught hers at the perfect moment — it was a dance of chemistry, not just choreography. Her blue lehengaa twirled like a wave in moonlight, while Vikram’s crisp moves drew applause. They weren’t just dancing; they were seducing each other in full view of the world, their smiles betraying the heat between them. By the time the song ended, the crowd erupted in whistles and claps, but they only had eyes for each other, breathless and alight with shared thrill.


Back at their table, Vikram leaned in close, his fingers tracing gentle circles on Sonarika’s bare back. 

"I’ve got something for you tonight. In the suite" 

Vikram whispered, his voice thick with promise. Sonarika turned her head slowly, her lips curling into a devilish smirk. 

"A surprise?" she asked, her voice laced with mischief. 

"Vicky didn’t you already exhaust yourself by now? Between the intense night and the morning today? Not to mention the thrilling stuff  at Madan Mahal’s forbidden chamber today…...and the return sexcapades in the suite in the shower twice and in the bed...you're literally putting my pills at risk"


Vikram chuckled, clearly pleased with the memories she invoked. 

"That was just... warm-up" he murmured, brushing his lips lightly against the curve of her ear. 

"This is different. It means something to me. I think it will to you too" 

Sonarika blinked slowly, the amusement in her eyes giving way to curiosity. 

"Now you’ve got me intrigued" she whispered. 

"I thought all your tricks were meant to blow my mind. But this sounds... intimate"


He pulled back, enough to look into her eyes. 

"It is. And I want you to be ready for it. No games, no teasing — just you and me, with nothing in between but truth" 

For a moment, the laughter around them faded. Sonarika felt her heart shift gears. She searched his eyes, reading something deeper, something sacred in his promise. 

"You’re not going to propose, are you?" she joked nervously, trying to lighten the moment. 

"Because that will make things complicated"

Vikram laughed, brushing her hair back from her cheek. 

"No. But maybe... someday" 

That silenced her. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder as the DJ switched to a slow romantic number. 

"This better be worth it" she whispered. 

She tilted her face up, her lips brushing his chin. 

"Cannot wait for tonight" 

He smiled, their fingers tightening as the world danced around them — but for them, time had paused.


The elevator ride up to the top floor of Golden Dream was quiet, but electric with anticipation. Vikram stood behind Sonarika, one hand gently resting on the small of her back, the other buried in his pocket, his thumb fidgeting nervously. Throughout Rachika’s reception, he’d teased her with sly smiles and vague hints. 

"I've got something for you tonight!"  He whispered, brushing a strand of her hair aside while they danced. 

Now, as the elevator dinged open to the luxurious suite floor, Sonarika felt her heart begin to race. As Vikram unlocked the door and stepped aside, allowing her in first, she froze. The suite was transformed. Rose petals littered the floor, and fragrant jasmine garlands hung like soft curtains around the grand king-sized bed in his bedroom. Candlelight flickered from every corner, casting golden shadows on the walls. For a moment, Sonarika forgot to breathe.

“Vicky?” she whispered, her voice trembling. 

"What is this?" 

Her eyes scanned the room, heart hammering now not from excitement, but unease. 

"This is... this looks like—"

"A wedding night suite?"  Vikram finished for her with a smile, stepping in and gently closing the door behind him. 

"Yes. It is"

She turned to him, stepping back slightly. 

"This is too much" she said softly, shaking her head. 

"I’m married. This... this feels wrong. Like you’re trying to replace something that belongs to someone else"

Vikram’s smile faded into something more tender. He stepped forward, slowly, holding her gaze. 

"No, Soni. I’m not trying to replace anything. This isn’t about Hemant. It’s about you"

He guided her gently toward the guest bedroom and pushed open the door. Inside, dbangd across the bed, was a red and gold bridal saree—opulent, shimmering in the candlelight—and next to it, a spread of dazzling jewelry: bangles, necklaces, earrings, anklets. Sonarika gasped. 

"What is all this?" she asked, her fingers brushing the fabric as though it might burn her.

"You once told me" Vikram began, voice soft. 

"That your wedding night with Hemant was a blur of fatigue, rituals, and disappointment. You never got that magical first night. I wanted to gift it to you—not as Hemant, not as your husband. But as the man who sees you, wants you, and wants to give you what you missed"

She stared at him, a hundred emotions warring inside her. It was romantic, yes—but also dangerously intimate. Was he doing the same mistake again? Trying to outdo Hemant and compare with him? Or was he simply loving her the way no one else had dared? 

"You’ll be in your bedroom?" she asked quietly.

"Our bedroom.....waiting for my bride" Vikram nodded.

The door shut behind her, and Vikram returned to the main bedroom. The air smelled of sandalwood and rose, the bed freshly made with silken sheets, the water glass on the bedside table. He waited. And waited. Thirty minutes passed, and his heart began to sink. Maybe he’d misjudged. Maybe she couldn’t bring herself to go through with it.

That was the moment when the door to the bedroom was opened and Vikram turned towards it in baited breaths. Sonarika walked in slowly. Sonarika was dressed like a bride, as if she was walking into her wedding ceremony. She looked absolutely stunning in it. She walked a few steps toward him and paused a moment to acknowledge his surrender. Vikram was lost in her beauty. 

The saree was a stunning combination of red with shades of gold in small checked designs all over it. The soothing  shade of the saree was complemented by the elegant gold and red paisley border. The blouse was complete red with gold patterns in the edge and matched the designs of the saree. Sonarika had made conscious efforts to look presentable. Starting from the nude matte red lipstick and a gold jewellery to cover her throat and also matching it are some big gold jhumka earrings and her signature hair wrapped in a bun covered with a flower bundle and then there was a big waist jewellery that covered her stomach from above her saree. 

She looked like a bride who was stepping into her wedding hall , her complete showcase was enough to make the whole look scream rich and grandeur. She slowly walked to him, and stood with a pregnant smile that showed she was enjoying the undivided attention from him. Her transformation from a milfy beauty in her lehenga to almost a stunning bride had suddenly elevated the mood of the night into something else. 

Vikram stared, utterly spellbound.

"You look... divine" he breathed. 

"Like a dream I never knew I had"

Sonarika looked away, biting her lip. 

"This feels... strange. Like I’ve stepped into someone else’s fantasy"

He stepped closer, cupping her face. 

"No. You’ve stepped into your own. Let me give you what your wedding night should have been"

He leaned in, his lips brushing hers, tentative at first, until she responded. The kiss deepened, heat blooming between them. His fingers found the clasp of her necklace and gently unhooked it. One by one, he undressed her, removing each piece of jewelry with reverence—her bangles clinking as they slid off, anklets jingling before falling silent on the carpet.

They were kissing, their hands were busy exploring each other as their mouths moved slowly together. But then the kiss deepened, lips parting, tongues engaging as they sought to devour each other. She twisted around, moving into him, her arms coiling around his neck as she urgently pressed herself tighter to his body, revelling in the hard musculature of his chest against her large breasts.


Vikram moved his hands to her breasts. He fondled them lovingly for a minute or so eliciting soft mewling sounds of delight from Sonarika. His hands brushed repeatedly across her nipples from over her blouse which were already hard and erect.


Sonarika was overcome in her desire and arousal. She could feel the wetness between her legs, and the longing despite a day worth of fucking. She kissed him harder, forcing her tongue between his lips, finding and engaging with his. He returned her kiss forcefully, his lips locked with hers as the kiss intensified.



And as they kissed, Vikram unhooked the straps of her blouse lowering the blouse arms from her shoulders. He was cherishing every single moment of her undressing as he kept on kissing her exposed skin. He moved his lips down and rubbed his face on her cleavage. Sonarika moaned as she placed her hands on his head as he bit her boob from over her blouse. His mouth travelled down and explored her belly taking his time sucking every part of it!


He took his sweet time on her stomach, kept on sucking her skin. It ended up being a great ministration for Sonarika as she was getting more and more excited as her hands played with his hair. Soon he turned her around and sucked and smooched her buttcheeks from over her petticoat. Sonarika kept on moaning on his ministrations as he savored every part of her. Eventually his hands travelled inside her petticoat and just like that he removed her black panty and put it in his pant pocket. He soon got up and kissed her passionately


Vikram lean in and sucked her lips again. Sonarika couldn't help herself as she responded with moans.


Her head was spinning as Vikram pulled her closer, one hand holding her head to his, the other wandering down to fondle her breast before eventually dropping lower to squeeze her lovely ass cheeks.


She moaned into his mouth and as their kissing intensified Vikram took hold of her ass with both hands and pulled her firmly into his bulging crotch. He was beside himself as he grounded himself against her mound. He could feel her respond as she kissed him back a little harder. But eventually he stopped when he led her to the bed. Vikram pushed her shoulders lower as he began to kneel on his knees. He started lifting up her saree bottoms and her petticoat as he sucked and kissed her thighs. Eventually she was nude from the waist down as her leaking pussy came into view. Vikram cherished the view as he stopped wasting any more time looking at it. 


Vikram jumped right in with his tongue. Licking and slurping up all of the juices that had already accumulated. She tasted wonderful and he could not get enough of her. He pushed as much of his tongue as he could into her dripping cunt and fucked her with it slowly. Going back and forth, sliding between her folds. Sonarika loved every second of it. She was moaning and playing with her own nipples. She eventually worked on her blouse and soon her bra followed and just like that she was almost nude with some of her saree and petticoat bunched up at her waist.


Her clit was sticking out and he thought it also deserved some attention. Vikram guided his tongue towards it, licking through her pussy before he could get to it. 

"Ohhhh" She moaned loudly as he finally made contact. 

Once Vikram did he would not release it. He continued running his tongue on the little bud making her buck her hips against his face. Vikram pushed a finger into her and finger fucked her as he sucked at her clit mercilessly. 


"Mhmmm...Ohhh..." 


Sonarika was now going crazy pumping her hips against his face. Her make-up and her glow was gone and she was now covered in sweat getting her pleasure buds ravaged by her lover. She was so close to cumming her pussy was basically raining juices into his mouth. His throat was doing a swallowing motion. He added a second finger in her cunt and fucked her faster. 


"Just like that!! ohhhhhh." 

More of her juices were deposited onto his tongue as his throat was swallowing gulp after gulp. She wouldn't stop cumming and continued to buck against his face as her body continued to convulse in the bed.



"Stop! Please stop Vicky!" She begged him pushing his head away from her pulsating cunt.


Her pussy lips were vibrating as more juices secreted while the skin had turned red. She was basically crying from the powerful orgasm Vikram just gave her. A teary smile came from her face. It was the face of satisfaction , something she had once in the past. But today she was giving to someone else who gave her a memorable orgasm.



"I love your taste baby!" Vikram said licking his lips while standing up and removing his pants.


"You sucked the soul out of me Vicky.......I don't think I'll be able to return the favor even if I tried "


"I don't need that babe......not today......wanna make us feel good.......lets make ourselves whole again....."


He striped nude revealing his monster hard on standing like a hammer as he pushed Sonarika to the bed. He quickly got ontop of her and started to kiss her with passion and vigor. Sonarika happily obliged as their lips slurping filled their first night decorated bedroom. 


Eventually his mouth started travelling down as he sucked on her skin,  on her neck and eventually reached her enormous globes. Vikram squeezed her breasts together, his fingers flicking against her perfectly sized and formed nipples. He was amazed at how lovely her breasts were. They looked more like the breasts of a super-model not a working wife.


"Vicky......ohhhh..........you...ooohhh..." 


Sonarika closed her eyes and sighed deeply, her mouth wide open. Vikram was sucking on her nipples. He couldn't resist them, they had looked so succulent. She could already feel they were hard and erect. Her back stretched to the back of the bed as she ran her hands through Vikram's hair.


"Oooohhhh...mmmmm...that feels...so good..." She moaned as her body began to move.


"Oohh!" She gasped as she felt Vikram push a finger inside her pussy, swiftly followed by another. 

His thumb was grinding against her clit as he rubbed it round in a circular motion.


"Oh my...ohhhh..ohhhhhh...Vicky.......Vicky.......oohhhh......" 


Sonarika groaned loudly as her passion grew once more. Vikram eventually stopped rubbing her which made Sonarika break out of her trance. She looked miff but the moment she looked down she started to breath heavily. Vikram was getting ready with his cock as he jerked it a few times and then got on top of her. He grabbed his swollen member and pushed the head of his cock against her wet entrance. Sonarika was biting her lip as he eased the head of his cock just inside of her, her lips wet with anticipation. Vikram eased himself down onto her. He held his cock at her entrance as he maintained his weight on top of her. There was a beat where the only sound in the room was the heavy breathing of the two lovers.



Vikram slowly and deliberately pushed the entire length of his cock into Sonarika. Sonarika's hands gripped his shoulders, her face contorting in pleasure. Her legs spread further apart, opening herself up, allowing Vikram unrestricted access to her most prized possession.


"Ahh, Vicky!!" Sonarika moaned as she felt Vikram's thick cock slide into her. 


"Ah, Ah, Mhmmmm, oh, ahhh"


It seems like she is now more accustomed to him. But Sonarika noticed one thing , instead of his insane animalistic fucking. Vikram was doing it slow and tender. His thrusts somewhat mimicking Hemants. For a few seconds , her mind pictured the roof of the house boat where she had her honeymoon with Hemant. Even now as she looks at the flowers and garlands arranged , she could not help but remember that night with Hemant in that house boat. How those flowers ended up covering them once they were done. And tonight , she feels it will happen again , only this time it will not be Hemant with her. Remembering him at that moment brought a twinge of hurt and pain in her mind. But soon her mind was captured by Vikram's calm and slow ministrations.   


Vikram grunted, and he started a series of slow, long thrusts into her. Sonarika start to feel alive with her breathing breaking and feeling of the cock within her. There was no desperation tonight like last night , Vikram was taking his time , enjoying his moment with Sonarika. Vikram sunk his full length into Sonarika , and her body convulsed once and then again. Sonarika's meaty, thick legs extended and wrapped around Vikram's waist, pulling him closer to her.



Sonarika smiled at Vikram as he thrusted into her with power and passion, causing her breasts to jiggle and her face to register her ecstasy as her mouth formed an 'O' when she felt his length push deeper into her. Vikram's smooth fingers grabbed Sonarika by the chin, and turned her head to face him , feeling each other's breaths.



"How's that feel?" 


Vikram grunted as he continued his slow assault on Sonarika's married pussy, punctuating his question with a hard push. Sonarika closed her eyes and gritted her teeth, focusing on the feeling of Vikram's cock sliding in and out of her. She'd become used to his thrusts as her body started adapting since Vikram's last night pounding.


"Goo--" Sonarika's breath caught in her throat at Vikram's thrust. 


"Good. So good. Ohhhh AHHH"


Vikram's hand began to play with Sonarika's breasts. Kneading the flesh, stoking the flames of her excitement. Sonarika locked her ankles and tighten around Vikram's shapely ass. She ran her hands up his stomach, exploring the sweat formed in his abs until they came to rest on his broad chest. She couldn't take her eyes of her lover's beautiful face as her mouth was open seeing him , feeling his thrusts and his breaths , enjoying every single stroke of his meaty cock. 


"Mhmmmmmmmm" the moan escaped her lips.



He knew just how to touch her. He stroked her, stroked her sides and breasts with his thumbs, his hand was on her throat as he pinned her to the bed. He kissed her ear and neck gently, teasing, he tongued her ears. He held himself inside her, pressed balls deep as far as he could possibly get in her. Vikram fucked her with shallow strokes, brushing her clit and g spot. He played her body like a master, wringing pleasure from her over and over,  cooing encouragement in her ear. 

"You belong to me Soni.....your mind....your body.....its mine to cherish..."

"Ahhh....Ahhhh....Vicky.....Ahh...."

"Look at us.......we are such a perfect fit......we are made for each other.....rgghh.....I love you Soni!"

"Mhmmm.....Vicky....mmmm"

"Keep calling my name Soni.....I love to hear my name from you...."

"Oh Vicky....ahhhh......this.....feels.....Ahhh.....so good..."

"Yessss.....Soni....I feel complete with you......this is our destiny....rgghhh....mgghhh.....we are perfect for each other..."

The garlands overhead shook gently with their rhythm. The petals scattered over the sheets clung to their glistening skin. Sonarika moaned as Vikram took her slowly, every movement tender yet possessive. The water glass on the table trembled with the motion, nearly tipping with each powerful thrust.

Their breathing turned ragged, moans swallowed by kisses, fingers tangled in hair and sheets. The world outside the room ceased to exist—no guilt, no rings on fingers, no unfinished vows. Just a man and a woman, lost in each other, burning in a moment carved out of forbidden fire.

"Soni....I am getting close.....I am going to fill you again!!!"

"Ahhh....Ahhh.....You're killing me....I can't take this any more.....I am loosing it...Ahhh"

"Just a bit more Soni......we'll be there together....perfectly in sync....."

"Ahhh....Vicky....Ahhhh!!!!"

Faster and faster he moved, his hips almost a blur as he plundered her pussy. Sonarika was crying out now, screaming her pain and pleasure as she felt the feeling growing within.

"YES... YES... YEEESSS... YEEEEESSSS... AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" 

Sonarika screamed, as with one final thrust from Vikram, she came to her climax. She felt her whole body shake as her orgasm ripped through her body, the intensity causing her to momentarily lose focus as her head swam and her eyes rolled back into their sockets.

She grabbed Vikram's head, squashing his face into her large boobs. She could scarcely breathe as she gasped for air. And as she was riding her orgasm , he came, buried deep inside her. Vikram flooded Sonarika's pussy with his seed as he spilled his pleasure in her body. Growling, pounding into her once... twice... three times... and then a primal yell as his whole body tensed and he pulsed again and again and again... long, full, powerful pulses... filling her.

At last, as the final wave consumed them both, Vikram collapsed into her warmth, their bodies soaked in sweat and scented with jasmine. She clung to him, heart racing, and for the first time in years, Sonarika felt whole. 

"You kept your promise" she whispered.

“I always will" Vikram murmured against her ear as he finally said. 

"Tonight, you were truly mine"

Their kisses slowed, growing tender. Vikram brushed her lower lip with his thumb, his forehead resting against hers. 

"I missed this" he whispered. 

Sonarika’s eyes fluttered open, filled with the same torment and desire. 

"I tried to forget you" she breathed. 

"But I remembered every time I touched silence" The ache in her voice made his chest tighten.


Both of them were exhausted from the excessive sexual sessions they had for the whole day as their bodies gave up and both drifted off to sleep. The bedroom became silent as the two lovers went into deep slumber covered in flowers and sweat.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                     (CHAPTER TO BE CONTD)

[Harry Jordan]

                                                                                                                                                                             (CHAPTER CONTD)

The morning sun cast a golden hue across the marble patio, warming Sonarika’s bare shoulders as a gentle breeze whispered through the trees below. She stood there in a flowing pink gown that glowed under the morning light, its soft fabric fluttering around her ankles. Before her stretched the lush green outskirts of Jabalpur, a painter’s dream of serenity and bloom. The memory of the previous night still lingered sweetly on her skin—the scent of roses, the touch of silk sheets, the fire of Vikram’s lips.


Lost in the view, she closed her eyes and tilted her head back, feeling the sun kiss her face. Then she felt him—Vikram—slip his arms around her waist, his warmth pressing gently against her back. He kissed her cheek with reverence, like she was a goddess he had just rediscovered. She sighed, resting her hands over his. The moment shimmered, suspended in time like a photograph bathed in gold.

"I love you" he whispered, the words brushing against her skin like velvet. 

Sonarika turned slowly, her eyes searching his. Something in her chest tightened and then melted. She didn’t speak. She only kissed him—deeply, with the hunger of all the lonely years and all the longing that had built since Manali. Their embrace was fire and silk, past and future collapsing into one perfect second.

But then, the wind grew cold. The colors dulled. The patio faded like wet paint running down glass. She blinked—and in the next instant, she was standing barefoot in a dim, cold hallway. The marble was gone, replaced by grey floor tiles. The scent of roses vanished, replaced by incense and despair. Her pink gown was now a plain white salwaar kameez. No jewellery adorned her; she was stripped, bare, exposed.

People were gathered, murmuring, some sobbing softly. Neighbours, distant relatives, family friends—all dressed in the color of mourning. Sonarika’s breath caught in her throat. She recognized the hallway—it was her apartment building in Mumbai. Her feet moved of their own accord, drawn forward into the home she once filled with laughter, now consumed by stillness.

Inside, Meghna held her hand and looked at her with pitying eyes. Disha sat beside her, trying to suppress her sobs. The atmosphere inside was suffocating. Mouni and Kunal stood quietly near the hallway, along with Sagar, all dbangd in ghostly white, their faces carved with sorrow. The house felt like a mausoleum, time frozen in a single moment of grief.

She walked into the living room, her heart pounding like a war drum. Anjali was there—her eyes red, her voice hoarse as she cried openly. The sound was a jagged blade against Sonarika’s ears. But what shattered her soul was what she saw near the balcony: her son Karan, sitting on the floor, unmoving. His face pale, his eyes vacant. The boy who once made her laugh with his silly impressions now looked like a hollow vessel.

And then she saw him. In the center of the room, shrouded in white sheets, his form eerily still. A divine lamp burned above his head. Cotton in his nose. Hemant. Her Hemant. Gone. The breath in her lungs vanished as if snatched by a cruel hand. She screamed—a raw, unfiltered cry of agony that ripped through the dream and tore her from its grasp.

Sonarika bolted upright, drenched in sweat, her chest heaving. Her eyes darted around in panic until she recognized the opulent suite, the soft rustling of curtains, and the bed scattered with flower petals. Vikram lay beside her, fast asleep, his features calm, untouched by the storm inside her. Her own body was tangled in garlands and remnants of passion. She was not home. She was in his world.

Trembling, she pulled what she could from her discarded saree—her blouse and petticoat—and covered herself. Her hands fumbled for the jug of water near the window. She gulped greedily, as if the water could wash away the nightmare, could cleanse her of the vision of Hemant's still face. But nothing could drown that image—it clung to her like guilt.

She sank into a chair in the corner of the room, burying her face in her hands, muffling the sobs that broke free from her. As she looked at Vikram, peacefully dreaming, a thousand thoughts raced through her mind. He had awakened something fierce and alive in her—but tonight, her conscience had clawed its way back to the surface.

Her thoughts drifted back to her life with Hemant. How he’d brought her breakfast in bed on weekends, how he danced awkwardly with Karan in the living room just to make them laugh. Their lazy Sunday brunches, the trips to the beach, the monsoon evenings on the balcony—all of it, vivid as sunlight on still water.

And then—Vikram. The charming client at her Tanishq office. The one who asked about antique gold patterns and ended up asking about her favorite books. The man with poetry in his voice and electricity in his eyes. Their business meetings turned party calls, party calls turned long trips, and one day in Manali—beneath that tree on that rainy day—turned into a kiss that changed everything.

That kiss led to a wildfire. The inauguration night of the Golden Dream marked the beginning of an affair too powerful to contain. Their encounters became more frequent, more reckless. His flat at Galaxy Apartments was their hidden world. But eventually, she had pulled away. She had chosen Hemant—out of guilt, out of anger, out of love.

But now, she was back in the flames. This hotel—the very birthplace of their sins—had seen their rebirth. Only this time, it felt different. Vikram wasn’t just a forbidden thrill anymore. He was becoming an addiction, a mirror to her true self. With him, she felt bold, alive—yet simultaneously, deeply ashamed.

Her conscience struck hard now. Hemant, who never once questioned her late meetings. Hemant, who stood up for her when she doubted herself. Hemant, who pieced together a shattered Sonarika from that painful breakup with Rocky , who moulded and motivated her to rise up and become better. Hemant, who loved her without conditions, without suspicion. And she? She had turned his trust into ashes. The nightmare was not just a dream—it was a warning, a glimpse of what her choices could lead to.

As Vikram still lay asleep, Sonarika made a quiet vow. She was going to do something sane. Hemant , his pure heart , he doesn't deserve a mess like her. She was no longer worthy to be his love. She accepted her sin and now she was willing to burn herself. But she doesn't want Hemant to burn with it. She must end this before everything goes out of her hand.


As the morning sunlight emanated into the suite. Vikram slowly got up , he was exhausted , he felt his energy was drained as he plucked out flower petals that have sticked into his body. A smile crossed his face as he remembered the things he did last night. He moved his hand to the amazing woman probably beside him to caress her but was shocked to find that part of the bed empty. Vikram panicked and startled and got up to see Sonarika not being present in the bedroom. 


He thought she must be in distress if she was thinking about him and her mistakes again. Vikram put on his boxers and pants and went out of the bedroom. When he reached the main hall of the suite , he saw Sonarika sitting in the couch. She was dressed up wearing a blue salwaar kameez. Gone was that shining and smiling Sonarika. She sat there contemplating about something. Vikram also noticed the bird pendant was gone. She has worn back her mangalsutra and also had vermillion on her forehead. She was no longer the woman he slept with last night , she was sitting there as a wife.

"I just wanna say thank you Vicky. This week , the time spent here , you've shown me something I missed.And more than that , you brought clarity to my mind. To finally see sanity in my vision"

"It wasn’t just sex" Vikram finally said.

She froze. He turned to her, face unmasked. 

"This week. The things we did yesterday night , the whole day , last night, whatever we had—it wasn’t just that"

"I know" she whispered.

"I respected your choice to end it" he said, voice rough. 

"But don’t think I ever stopped wanting you" Vikram said with a sigh.

She looked up at him, a hundred emotions coiling in her chest. 

"You think I did? I separated us because you disrespected him. But now in these few days , I feel like I am sinking lower and lower , loosing myself and my sanity"

"We kissed. We made love. We remembered. That’s not drowning" Vikram clarified

"You think this is love?" Sonarika questioned

"It never stopped being for me" Vikram poured his heart out

She turns to him, fierce and soft all at once.

"I have a husband. A child. A life that I fought to keep" Sonarika said reminding him her reality.

"And yet you came to me. Without a fight" Vikram responded pointing out her decisions.

"Because I’m weak around you" Sonarika finally admitted.

"No. Because you’re honest around me" Vikram claimed.

"You confuse me" She blinks away a tear.

"No. I bring you back to yourself. You just don’t like what you see"

His words struck a chord in her heart strings. She remembered Hemant's face. She understood that she was doing the worst kind of betrayal to him , and it wasn't his fault.

"You know this morning. I remembered something. One time I had this terrible period problem. I didn't take the precaution I should've and I ended up messing my dress. I took an early leave and when I returned home , Hemant was there too. I was nervous whether Hemant will freak out on my situation. But then the opposite happened , when he learned that I had bleeding , he provided his help in anything I need. Once I was done cleaning and my pain started to shoot. Hemant arrived with a warm water bag. He simply knew when I was in pain and provided the necessary help without me asking it. Many days and nights like that and I always believed I did something good in my past life to get a man like him in this one"

Vikram knew where this was going. He knew the guilt in her was rising at the moment as she continued.

"I couldn't sleep last night Vicky. Because I saw something so haunting , that it wasn't just a nightmare , it was like the universe showing me the future if I continue my life like this. I cannot keep doing this to Hemant. His pure unconditional love towards me is simply not right anymore. I don't deserve it , I am no longer worthy of his love"

Vikram was now nervous as he didn't expect Sonarika to go this tense. He knew what she was going to say , and he feared it not because of him. But what that will do to her. With baited breaths Vikram stood as finally Sonarika revealed it.

"I am going to tell him Vicky. I am going to tell Hemant the truth!"

The air in the room was tight with how the situation developed. Vikram knew the consequences for an action like that will be much much drastic.

"You don’t owe him this. You don’t have to burn everything down"
 
Vikram tried to act like hypocrite , trying to tame Sonarika in not taking such a drastic step.

"No. I do. I have to tell him. Every detail. Not just about my infidelity — about me. About who I’ve become"

"Soni , think for a second. This will destroy everything. Hemant… Karan. Your family. Your sister. You’re not just breaking your heart — you’ll break theirs too"

"I know. And I hate it. But Vicky… I can’t look at Hemant’s face every day and keep lying. I’m not just cheating on him — I’m turning him into a fool. I cannot repay him for fixing my past trauma by betraying his trust , I am not going to do that. I am willing to pay for my sins , suffer the consequences. But I can't keep betraying my family after everything. I know they will hate me , Anju will no longer see me as an inspiration. Karan will be too innocent and young to understand anything and Hemant? I am honestly very terrified of his reaction. How he will react when he learns that I've been betraying him for his pure love. But honestly I have to do this , not just for me , for him"

Vikram was silent listening to her explaining her pain. He knew this is where it would end up , but he wasn't expecting Sonarika to jump the gun this soon , and in a way it makes sense.

"But why Soni? why now?"

Tears fell from her eyes as her lips quivered. She looked at him overwhelmed with emotions as she confessed.

"Because I love him Vicky. I always did. Sure I might be conflicted in my thoughts , but my love for him never faded. And even now I am doing this only because I love him , but I cannot be worthy to his love after all the things I've done to him. I need some sanity , some sort of closure for my actions. And I don't care if that ruins me , wrecks me to pieces. I want Hemant to see the truth of what I really am. And I don't want Hemant to burn with me in my ruin. I cannot live like this Vicky. I simply can't. Not anymore"

Vikram listened to each of her words. The emotions it carried as she confessed her true feelings , even though it hurt him knowing that despite the closeness they share , she is more involved in fixing her mistakes rather than create new ones made him aspire her. She knew she will be a ruin , but she was willing to go that route just so she can be honest with the man she married showed that despite all the flaws , she had some morality in her. Vikram went near her and consoled her.

"Alright Soni , you do what you want to do. Just remember, when you need me, I'll be there"

Sonarika caressed his face acknowledging his concern.

"I know Vicky. But I have to do this alone. I have to face him , show him the real me. And I have to face the consequences of my choices alone. Thank you for these wonderful days"

Sonarika embraced him , comforting them , thanking him for everything. But deep down , she was also sad that all of this was coming to an end for now.


Vikram helped Sonarika place her small suitcase in the boot of the car. The air between them was quiet, heavy not with regret, but with the kind of ache only lovers torn apart too soon could understand. The vibrant memories of the last few days clung to them like the humidity of the monsoon—passionate wet embraces in his bed, stolen hours between silk sheets, and that unforgettable bold and reckless passion at Madan Mahal, where centuries of silence had echoed their moans of forbidden bliss. Now, standing outside his hotel—the very place where they had rekindled everything—they stared at each other with the knowledge that this was both an ending and something dangerously close to a beginning.


Vikram didn’t say much during the drive. His fingers occasionally brushed hers over the gear shift, each touch sparking a pang of memory, of need, of something he dared not name. Sonarika sat with her body facing forward, but her eyes often drifted toward him, her lips still swollen from the night before, her soul carrying the weight of moments she never expected to live again. She had come for Rachika’s wedding and ended up unearthing the pieces of herself she thought were long buried—pieces that only Vikram could reach. With every mile that passed, the silence between them grew more loaded, as if the car was carrying not just her luggage, but their unspoken truths. Along with it , both of them unbeknownst to each other , shared the fear of the destructive future that awaits them after knowing what Sonarika is going to do.


At the terminal drop-off, Vikram parked and stepped out, walking around to open her door. She stepped out, slowly, as if her legs resented the motion. Their eyes met and lingered, each trying to memorize the other’s face, trying to etch it deep into the recesses where longing hides. 

"Thank you" she whispered, her voice cracking 

"Thank you Vicky for giving me something I never thought I’d feel again. For making me feel like I was yours—even if just for a few days"


Vikram stepped closer, cupping her cheek, his thumb brushing a tear she hadn’t noticed had fallen. 

"You were mine, Soni" he said gently. 

"And in some ways… you always will be. These few days weren’t just passion. I saw you—really saw you. Not as someone’s wife, not as a mother, not as a guest in my hotel. But as you. And I’m not going to pretend this didn’t mean something"

Their lips met one last time—not rushed, not desperate, but reverent. A kiss of closure, perhaps, or maybe a promise waiting in disguise. She pulled away slowly, reluctantly, and turned toward the departure gate. Vikram watched as she disappeared into the crowd, his heart thrumming not with despair, but with something gentler, more dangerous—hope. 


As Sonarika boarded her flight to Mumbai, her fingers trembled slightly, not from guilt, but from the fragile weight of knowing she had opened a door within herself she could never close again. As the plane took off and reached a cruising altitude. She looked through the window seeing the scenic view of Jabalpur. But as she looked ahead she saw in the distance , rain clouds with lightning sparking , shining like razors. It was like a terrible omen as she realized the plane was going to pass through it.


As Sonarika felt a twinge in her heart , she knew she will be doing something that will change her life forever. She just hopes the catastrophie that follows won't shatter everything. But she knew in her heart. 


                                                                                                                                                                                                          The Age Of Darkness Has Just Begun!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       END OF CHAPTER 18

[Harry Jordan]

Harry I dnt know y this chapter reminds me of facilitator a lot .....how many time  she hook up and feel guilty man.... Every time same old word guilty but she spreads her legs  Feel like vikram is the  victor her..... Let's start hemant arc man enough of (cuck) ...

Yeah I can understand the similarity. But honestly in my opinion , this arc was needed. That is the reason why this chapter had a lot of sex scenes. Because initially when I thought I should reveal the truth by other ways , it didn't feel intriguing enough. But to have Sonarika to go through a phase and then eventually make her understand that she is doing wrong and make her reveal it herself feels the right way because leading the story that way will help have the character have something to do.

Like I said , I initially concieved this story with the idea of Hemant and Sonarika being the lead characters. I developed this chapter in a way to make Sonarika finally see reason. Despite of days of adulterated sex with her so call "thrill" that is Vikram , she is still haunted by her nightmares of Hemant. But by this chapter's ending , she finally gets the clarity and she sees what she has to do. She finally confronts the cheater in her and her love triumps over it , which makes her do the definitive decision to reveal her truth to Hemant.

In the past she did hook and felt guilty. But this time , Vikram truly unlocked her. Made her see the betrayer within , she was no longer making excuses , she confronted her cheating self. Because now , her conflict is taking the "consequence" stage. She knows Hemant will be heartbroken , but still she wants to do it not to hurt him , but to free him from the mess she has become. This is Sonarika accepting her fate that she is fighting a loosing battle. She doesn't have the strength to hold on anymore , her sanity is not letting her cheat anymore. Which is why , Jabalpur special brings the resolve in Sonarika. She wants to burn in her consequence , but at the same time , she doesn't want Hemant to burn with her. Hence she is doing it for him , so that he can be free from the chaos in her life. Sonarika's arc right now is just a woman sacrificing herself to save her family.


This is the start of the consequence phase for Sonarika!

[Harry Jordan]

That not a sacrifice that accepting the mistake  I hope there 1on1 conversation that should make story explode

Yes but she is sacrificing her love here too. Knowing that she made a mistake , she is willing to let Hemant go , that I believe is a great development for the character. There is also a small aspect of her backstory which will be revealed in the next chapter that will make the plot a bit more interesting.

[Harry Jordan]

Sorry, I have written twice , it's just because I missed few points and was not able to edit it!!

Still I would appreciate if you would  read both comments,though both are almost same — still some lines which I missed or wrote wrong would give you my clear perception!!

Once again I apologise ?

Best Regards
Rocky ❤️

 I get your point Rocky , I am in the same boat as you regarding this site. But you don't need to worry on whether the cheater gets rewarded here. Because I am not writing this story with that purpose.

As for Sonarika , like I said , she will have to pay for her sins. The Next Chapter will mark the beginning of the consequence phase of her character , and there is two factors I am doing it this way. One , to take Sonarika's character in a different territory of exploration , because her consequences will also shatter her , she is going to loose everything , not just Hemant , but even respect in Anjali's eyes and most importantly separation from her son Karan which is always traumatising for her mother. And unlike other stories where women often tends to hang on the mother-son emotion , Sonarika will be willing to let go Karan simply for the acceptance of her mistakes , from this point on , Sonarika's character growth will be kickstarted , her consequences will mould her , change her , for better or for worse. Her actual war is only about to begin. And Two , another major factor for this story dynamic is to make the conflict between Sonarik and Meghna to heighten. Meghna will be pissed when Sonarika reveals the truth about her , thus spoiling her plans to destroy her life. This will make Meghna to go to drastic steps to make Sonarika suffer. This approach will help Sonarika and Meghna's war go to a different stage because Sonarika will end up spoiling Meghna's plans to enslave Hemant. 

And the most important aspect is Hemant , the reason for this approach is for the TRANSFORMATION of Hemant , like Harper his best friend said. He has to mould the best parts of his past and present together. And Sonarika breaking his heart will pave the way for Michael King to influence Hemant yet again , and thus the Transformation will begin. This will also change Hemant's approach to things , moulding the best parts of Hemant and King together forging a force that will be a terrifying individual. And like I said in the past , Hemant is not the kind of character to be the "forgiving" type. We will see his true ruthless form now.

Most importantly , Sonarika will basically break Hemant's arc , killing the man she loves. And Michael King will take over his psyche and body , turning him into her nightmare she wished she never had!!  D:)

[Harry Jordan]

if this is going to be like this then add me on i am the regular to the club and harry i know you are a good author no doubt to it but please lease not disclose the pattern it remove the kick of imagination i know we don't no the way how it will unfold unfolding the episodes are hooking but the lost the charm 

regards
EP

I've only disclosed just a small fraction of the pattern. Believe me , I think you will like how that Transformation happens since it will be a Cinematic Spectacle!

[Harry Jordan]

Please don’t misunderstand my thoughts.


Regards 

Rocky ❤️

I am welcome to all kinds of criticism  Rocky. Even if you do , I won't mind. At the end of the day , its a piece of art , and art can be subjective. And don't worry , I am not changing the story based on fan comments , I already have completed the rough sketch of the entire part 1 of the story. Even now I am brainstorming ideas for Part 2 and find the tentative title for it. I already know how part 2 is going to end , and I definitely plan to end it with sorting many things while at the same type create a major cliffhangar. Because when part 1 ends everyone should feel like what will happen next? Where do we go from here? 


To me that is the driving force for this story. And I have planned up some quiet interesting things that will bring exciting new things in the future. So keep reading and continue being a critique for the story. I consider critique to be a learning lesson , to understand what the reader desires and what he loves , this way I can improve better in future.

[Harry Jordan]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply! I really appreciate your open-minded attitude towards feedback and how you see every critique as a chance to grow as a writer. It's honestly exciting to hear about all the planning and creative energy you’re pouring into the next parts—I can already tell how much work goes into every twist and character arc. I’m genuinely looking forward to what happens next, especially with those big cliffhangers and surprises. Your passion inspires me as a reader, and I’ll happily keep sharing my thoughts and cheering you on. Keep going strong—you truly have a fan in me! 

And don’t mind if I keep spamming your story with long comments—I just can’t help myself with such an addictive plot! 

Looking forward to more twists and sleepless nights waiting for your updates. 

So tell me, do you want us to be like Sonarika in your life to bring out the Michael in you?    

Keep rocking, Harry Bro!!—you’ve totally got me hooked!

Regards 
Rocky ❤️

Spam the way friend , I am just happy that my story found readers that see it engaging. Definitely this story has unlocked my hidden talent of story writing to be honest. The next chapter is coming beautifully up and hope to post soon , I think its safe to say that the story from now will take a more serious note. So expect the unexpected , as battlelines are drawn , relations collapse , a Storm is coming to Mumbai , and its gonna bring a lot of mayhem with it! 

[Harry Jordan]

Great update and as expected, Sonarika’s arc took dark turn…


Hope the character developments of Hemanth and Sonarika don’t deviate from their true natures else it will look fabricated.

Lovely observation and a small tease from me. If you think this was dark , then things about to get real dark in the coming chapters.


As for Sonarika's arc , yes to some extent your observation tracks. Yes , Sonarika is indeed developing feelings for Vikram because he is the perfect blend of her past lovers. He is carnal and intense like her first flame Rocky while he is also caring and nurturing like Hemant. Plus Vikram's romantic approach as he sees his own lost and past love Sarika in her makes it a union between lovers. But does that mean she doesn't love Hemant? I don't think so.

Also a quick reminder , Sonarika and Hemant did have their rekindled first night on the night she returned from Bali where she had anal sex with him. Only difference is Vikram got to actually do it like "thematically" as he did it with all the necessary arrangements and decorations while Sonarika and Hemant did it when they felt they were moving away from each other. 


As Sonarika said , Vikram makes her more like her past self , while Hemant evolves her into a more mature and rational self. She is now caught in the threshold of these two worlds. And her confession to Hemant , it will affect both her worlds. And thus , the consequences of her actions will overwhelm her eventually.


Also there is another interesting aspect regarding Sonarika that is yet to reveal which will be done in future chapters. Either way right now , I can clearly say the Villains in this story are Meghna , Dilawar , Rafique and now Lai Tong. There will be one more main villain introduced in the future chapters , but I am saving it for later as the villain will be directly connected to Hemant and his past.

For now the story is going to divulge into a more serious tone!

[Harry Jordan]

                                                                                                                                                                                             CHAPTER 19

FEW DAYS BACK IN MUMBAI


The night air was thick with the stench of cheap booze, stale sweat, and the toxic laughter of Ranga and Sarang as they stumbled down the dark lanes of Kala Chowk. Their songs were off-key, loud, and obscene — fitting accompaniments to the filth that poured from their mouths. They catcalled passing women, threatened a homeless man for daring to stare at them, and laughed about how the city now bent to Dilawar’s will.

Sarang, barely able to walk straight, started slurring about Dilawar’s "divine lust" for Sonarika — the married woman who’d dominated his senses. Ranga laughed, adding that her sister Anjali was already deep in Rafique’s lustful attention and radar, that wicked pervert. Sarang, emboldened by the liquor and his growing obsession, confessed he'd been tailing Anjali for weeks. 

"She don’t even know I watch her walk showing that cute butt in that jeans every evening" He whispered, chuckling.

"Careful, idiot" Ranga snapped. 

"You think Dilawar and Rafique will let you touch either of them before they do?"  But then he grinned coldly. 

"Maybe once they’re done... we get the leftovers. Sloppy seconds, huh?"

That’s when Sarang brought it up—the incident at the garden where they tried to attack Karan. 

"Hemant jumped in front of that brat" he spat. 

"The kid should’ve been dead. So close. Just a few more seconds and his neck would've made contact with my blade until his loser father came in between" 

He laughed, but Ranga stopped in his tracks, anger flaring in his bloodshot eyes.

"Hemant" Ranga snarled. 

"That bastard had the balls to defy us. And he walked away like nothing happened. No scars, no lesson" Sarang leaned in, whispering. 

"We’ll get another shot. Next time, we maul them both. Leave the kid in pieces for his mother to find"

Just then, the bright beam of headlights cut through the dark. A Thar SUV roared toward them with precision, not panic. The vehicle skidded and screeched. The brothers tried to move, but their drunken reflexes failed them. They were flung through the doors of an abandoned meat shop, crashing into rusted hooks and stained tiles.

Dazed, they stumbled to their feet, bloodied but standing. A shadow emerged from the Thar’s door, slow and deliberate. As he stepped into the flickering shop light, the brothers froze. It was Hemant. But something in his eyes was off — not anger, not vengeance, but surgical calm. A predator’s focus.

"He came alone" Sarang muttered. 

"He’s an idiot" 

They charged, fists flying, knives drawn. But Hemant didn’t flinch. He ducked under Sarang’s punch, elbowed Ranga’s throat, twisted the knife out of Sarang’s grip and drove it into Ranga’s shoulder. Every move was precise, deadly. Not a flailing civilian — a trained killer.

Ranga staggered as Hemant hammered a kick into his gut, lifting him off the floor. Sarang screamed and lunged again but was thrown across the shop, smashing into a blood-splattered meat table. Hemant grabbed Ranga, tied him to a concrete pillar using metal chains once used for cattle. Ranga cursed, spat, but couldn’t break free.

Sarang scrambled up, but Hemant was already on him. What followed wasn’t a fight — it was a calculated dismantling. Hemant grabbed a butcher’s hook, shattered Sarang’s kneecap, then followed with a cleaver to his shoulder blade, disabling his right arm. The young thug screamed, cried, begged.

"You went after a child" Hemant growled, voice barely human. 

"You targeted my boy" 

Then, like a switch flipped, he grabbed a steel hammer from the wall and brought it down on Sarang’s shin. Crack. Again. Crack. 

"That was my son you tried to kill"

Ranga screamed from the pillar. 

"HE’S JUST A KID, HEMANT! PLEASE! PLEASE STOP!" 

But Hemant didn’t stop. The hammer dropped again and again, cracking bone, splitting muscle. Sarang’s face was a mask of blood and agony. With a cold stare, Hemant turned the hammer in his hand — and bashed it into Sarang’s skull.

A sickening crunch echoed as Sarang collapsed, twitching. Blood pooled beneath him. Ranga shrieked, tears streaming as his baby brother gurgled and stilled. 

"YOU MONSTER!!!! I’ll kill you! I’ll Butcher THAT BITCH SON OF YOURS FOR THIS!" he bellowed.

Hemant walked up to him, calmly. 

"Try" He untied Ranga. 

"Come on then. Let’s see what you’ve got" 

Ranga attacked, blind with rage. Hemant dodged effortlessly, countering with a brutal combo: palm strike to the jaw, knee to the groin, elbow to the temple. Then he grabbed Ranga’s arm and snapped it backward. One. Then the other. Then stomped his leg — a clean fracture.

Ranga writhed, barely conscious. Hemant crouched beside him. 

"Don't worry Ranga , I am sending you to your little brother........IN HELL........and very soon........I will send Dilawar and Rafique to join you there......... " 

Then he picked up a crowbar, thrust it through Ranga’s throat with one powerful jab, pinning him into the wall like a crucified animal. Ranga convulsed, his mouth gasping for air, blood spurting out in waves. Then… stillness.

Hemant stepped back, staring at the carnage. His hands trembled, soaked in red. His Garuda ring glinted beneath the blood. The scent of death filled the air. In that moment, the ghosts returned — Azerbaijan, the warehouse fire, the screams, the sword lodged in bone. A soldier’s sins reborn.

Some time later, Hemant reached YOD Industries. He wore an oversized trenchcoat to hide his blood stained clothes within. He said nothing to the guards, walked directly into his quarters. In silence, he shed his stained clothes, stepped into the shower and let the steaming water run. His reflection in the mirror looked back at him — old, tired, yet dangerous again.

In the backyard, he watched the flames consume his clothes. The chemical solution ensured no trace would remain. Around his neck, the Archangel ring swayed. He gripped it gently. 

"I hope your prayers are with me Anju" he whispered. 

"But I have a feeling.....something in me wants to come back" 

The shadows were thick again. And war… had begun.


CURRENT DAY


Sonarika stepped into the apartment in Mumbai, her wheeled suitcase thudding softly against the floor. The scent of sandalwood and fresh marigolds wrapped around her like an embrace. 

"Mumma!" cried Karan, flinging himself into her arms. 

She crouched, burying her face into his hair, inhaling his innocence, while her heart constricted painfully. Anjali came in next, warm and beaming, arms folded. 

"You're glowing, Didi. Jabalpur gave you a facelift?" she teased. 

Then came Hemant, walking from the kitchen, a soft smile on his face. 

"Finally home" he said, pulling her into a gentle hug. 

Sonarika closed her eyes. 'I don’t deserve this' her mind whispered.

The day unfolded like a delicate painting. Sonarika helped Anjali cook, exchanged stories about the past week, and sat curled on the couch watching Karan and Hemant play video games. They laughed so easily, the way families do when nothing feels broken. And yet, inside her, something cracked with every joyful moment. She stared too long at Hemant’s face, memorizing the kindness in his eyes, the way he looked at her without suspicion. She almost blurted it out right there, the truth that clawed at her throat. But she swallowed it, the moment slipping away like grains of sand through clenched fingers.

That evening, they walked to the beach, a Sunday ritual they hadn’t done in a while. The golden horizon painted the sky in streaks of crimson and rose. Hemant and Karan ran ahead, chasing waves, throwing wet sand at each other, while Anjali clicked pictures from her phone. Sonarika stood barefoot in the cool water, staring at the edge of the sea. 

"Are you okay?" Anjali asked, stepping beside her. Sonarika smiled faintly. 

"Just tired" she murmured. 

But in truth, her mind was spiraling. How do you tell the man who trusts you that you broke everything he ever believed in?

FEW DAYS LATER


Hemant and Sonarika's home was unusually quiet, basking in a warm afternoon haze filtering through the curtains. Sonarika had returned early from her work thanks to some relief in the workload. Her heart was weighing down because of a decision she knew would shatter her world. But when she opened the door and found Hemant lounging on the couch, surprise lighting up his face as he saw her, a fragile smile tugged at her lips. He had gotten the day off too, he said, his voice casual and warm. Their son was away at the institute for some extracurriculars, and Anjali had gone out with friends for some leisure time after their exams last week — it was just the two of them, like old times. A rare window of intimacy had opened, and though guilt clawed at her insides like rust on a mirror, she chose to hide it. She chose, for once, to just love him without reservation.

"So there is only........us in this apartment?" Sonarika said in a sexy tone.

"Yeah?" Hemant said feeling a little taken back by her voice.

"Great!" She grinned.

"Sona..." 

Hemant was barely able to finish saying her name, before she kissed him. He groaned into her mouth, feeling her perfect lips against his. Sonarika was such an incredible kisser, Hemant was reminded of the fact when her tongue snuck it's way into his mouth.

"There is no one in the house except for us hubby" She asked with the cutest pout imaginable. 

"So please Hemant" She continued now straddling his hips. 

"Lets make some wild love.....Give your wife a good time mister!!" 

She said before lowering her mouth to his once more. Hemant was in a trance at first , but the situation was all the more tempting , plus his wife wanted him to do it with her and she is everything he desires and loves so he wasn't gonna let this opportunity go to waste. Her lips and tongue were practically devouring him. Hemant's arms wrapped around her beautiful body pulling her closer into him and deepening the kiss.

Hemant moaned as Sonarika's hips began grinding into his thickening cock. He was so hot for her at this point, that he knew she could have her way with him. She pulled out of his lap and stood in front of him, holding her hand out. He grabbed her hand and allowed her to lead him into their bedroom. They were at the foot of the bed when Sonarika kissed Hemant again. Her soft lips brushing gently and effortlessly against his. She unbuckled his belt and pushed her soft hands into the confines of his boxers. He felt her grab his cock and groaned as she began toying with it. His arms enveloped themselves around her milfy and sexy waist. Hemant loved kissing Sonarika. There was really no other way of putting it. Her lips were practically magical. Her tongue was almost like a surgical instrument, knowing precisely which areas would illicit the most delicious of pleasures.

She slowly dropped to her knees, kissing his neck and chest as her hands pushed his pants lower down his legs. By the time Sonarika had come eye level with her husband's hard cock, his pants and boxers had been tossed aside. Sonarika looked up at Hemant, lust and desire plainly written into the irises of her eyes. She lifted the top of her salwaar over her head and tossed it aside, her black bra followed it, revealing the impossibly beautiful and heavy tits to his feasting eyes.

She rubbed his cock with both of her hands. He moaned as her hands did wonders to him. She looked up at him once more before aiming his cock at the entrance to her mouth. Hemant watched in awe as her mouth opened up and she fit his head in between her sexy lips. She bobbed slowly up and down the length of his cock. Taking in more and more of his cock on each and every downstroke. He stood still, enjoying the wonderful sensations of her mouth. She moved her mouth to the side of his cock and licked it from the bottom to the top, then switching to the other side. Her tongue applying just the perfect amount of pressure to his throbbing cock.

Sonarika sat on the bed spreading her legs so that Hemant would fit between them. His cock still inches from her face. She alternated between licking his cock and sucking on the head. Her eyes time and time again looking up to make sure he was enjoying every second of it. Sonarika's lips tightened around Hemant's cock as she began to quickly bob up and down. He ran his hand through her beautiful hair. She popped off his dick and used her tongue to lick all over the bottom. She wickedly lapped at his cockhead with the tip, driving him wild and making him want to just grab her and fuck her wonderful mouth.

"Mmm..mmmm......this is always fun with you Hemant!" 

She said to him before gulping down half of his cock in one stroke of her mouth. He couldn't believe how sexy she looked. Her breasts bobbing and weaving with every movement of her mouth along his cock. Sonarika pulled Hemant's cock out of her mouth and stood up. She spun him around until the back of his knees were against the bed. She pushed him back softly. Hemant now sat on the edge of the bed, as Sonarika dropped to her knees and resumed sucking his cock with new vigor. He watched in amazement as her mouth made it's way up and down his cock. Her tongue dancing across all of his veins.

Hemant was in heaven! There was no other word for it. In their mirror Hemant could see Sonarika's perfect milf form peaking from beneath her ass. She looked up at him and saw the direction his eyes were going. She smiled before rising and removing the rest of her clothes.

"You're beautiful" Hemant told her meaning every word. 

She smiled softly before dropping back to her knees and taking his cock between her lips. 

"Ohhhh SONA!!!!" Hemant groaned as he felt her tongue lap across his cockhead. 

Hemant kept an eye on her ass, as Sonarika's hand and mouth worked in unison to get him off. She pulled her mouth off of his cock so that she could catch her breath. Her hand continued to pump and slide. She licked and suckled on his cock head forcing him to grab onto the bedsheets with a death grip. Sonarika looked so damn sexy and sweet as she sucked on his dick as though it was the tastiest treat to exist. He took a beat to realize how lucky he was to have her in his life. He put those thoughts aside for now, as he returned his thoughts to this mind blowing blowjob his sexy milfy wife was giving him.


Sonarika moaned around Hemant's cock. He could see in the mirror that one of her hands had strayed and she was currently rubbing her aching pussy. Her other hand played with his balls as her mouth sped up. Her hair was flying everywhere, touching his belly and thighs. Hemant could tell the moment that Sonarika decided it was time for him to cum. She looked at him before setting her hands on his thighs, using them as leverage as she drove her head incredibly quickly on the top of his cock.

"Sona!! Honey!! I am close!!!" 

Hemant shouted to her as he felt the all too familiar sensation in his cock and balls. Sonarika didn't bother slowing down. On the contrary her mouth seemed to speed up faster. She was fully focused on his orgasm. Her eyes were closed, her lips were tight around his cock and her tongue was doing wonders to him. 

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH SONA, SONA, SONA!! MY SONAAA!!!!!!!!!" 

Hemant screamed as his cum shoot right out of him and into her mouth.

"Hmmmm!" 

Sonarika moaned as Hemant saw her eyes roll into the back of her head as his seed filled her mouth and throat. He watched in amazement as his loving wife sucked every last drop he had from his cock. Sonarika looked up at Hemant as she finished downing the last drop of her husband's seed. She stood up in all of her naked glory. He could do nothing but admire just how perfect she was. 

"My turn." She said in the sexiest way anyone could imagine.

"Hemant , can I sit in your face? Like back in the day?" Sonarika asked with baited breaths.

"There is no need to ask Sona. Let me repay you for this amazing work!" Hemant giggled.

He smiled before making himself comfortable on the bed. Hemant lay his head on his pillow and waited for Sonarika to settle onto him. His beautiful wife smiled as she made her way up his body. She set her amazing cunt right above his face. She slowly, painfully lowered herself down onto his tongue. Its been a long time since they've done this , but Hemant definitely missed this. Matter of fact Sonarika back in the day would never stop gushing about his tongue skills on her. They both groaned as Hemant had his first taste of his wife in a decade of marriage. Despite giving birth , she still felt and tasted the same , that same aroma , that sweet nectar. He was excited to drink that nectar after a long time again. He had forgotten just how delicious she was. Hemant grabbed her full ass cheeks, and pressed his tongue against the opening of her cunt. Sonarika leaned forward, giving him even better access to her cunt. She began grinding and twisting her pretty pussy against his face.

"AHH!!! Hemant how are you this good honey!" Sonarika moaned. 

She stood with her back straight, now he could see up into her lovely eyes. They looked at each other and smiled, as Sonarika continued to move her hips side to side, causing his tongue to brush against different parts of her cunt. He raised his hands and filled them with her perfect tits. He rubbed her hard nipples between his thumb and forefingers, causing an amazing moan from his sexy wife.

Hemant loved the look of pure pleasure on Sonarika's face as he licked her. She moaned and gasped whenever his tongue hit certain spots. Her hands met his on her tits. Together they groped and kneaded the soft flesh, as his lips wrapped themselves around her clit. 

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH" Sonarika screamed as Hemant hit her most tender spot. 

Sonarika leaned forward once more, using her hands on the mattress. She began bucking her pussy against him, practically fucking his face. Hemant returned his hands to her ass cheeks. Gripping tightly on the firm cheeks. 

"Ahh! Hemant! My Hemant!! Ahh!" Moaned Sonarika as she sped her hips.

Hemant slid his index finger into her glistening pussy, as his lips and tongue began a full out assault on her clit. 

"AHHH Hemant YES. I love the way you fuck me!!!" 

Sonarika screamed as her orgasm seemed to only get nearer. Hemant added another finger and was now fucking her steadily with two while his tongue was running all over her clit. 

"Yess....Yessssss.... AHHHH!" She moaned in her voice. 

He was so in heat from hearing and feeling her orgasm getting nearer that he was pumping my dick in the air. 

"I'm CUMMING! HEMANT MY BABY!!!! I AM CUMMING FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!" 

Sonarika screamed as Hemant felt jet after jet of her juices make their way into his waiting mouth. She tasted so sweet, he felt as though he was eating the rarest of fruits at it's peak. He missed eating her like this , and it felt great at that moment to finally do that to her after a very long time.

Sonarika came down from her orgasm and slid her body lower onto his. Before they knew it their mouths were locked in a passionate kiss. Sonarika readjusted her pussy so that it hovered right above his cockhead. Sonarika slowly lowered herself, taking his cockhead in between her tight pussy.

"Fuck me my wife.  Fuck your husband!!!! I'm all yours!!!!" Hemant told his beautiful wife. 

She smiled at him before beginning to rise and lower her hips onto him. 

"Ahhh Sona.....this is HEAVEN!!!" Hemant told her as her hands caressed his face and neck. 

Her hips undulated and drove him insane as she fucked him slowly and carefully. They were face to face. Their nose inches from each other. He ran his hand across her beautiful face. Marveling at the perfection before him. The goddess she was as she radiated his life with her light.

"Mhmm" 

She gasped and bit her lip as his hips pushed up into her, sending the entirety of his cock into her. 

"Ahhh Hemant!" She moaned as they began to fuck each other. 

Sonarika and Hemant had always gotten along and their sexual was always about intimacy and romance and at times deep passion. Sonarika never expected the rough fucking she craved from Vikram or Rocky , just him , even though she had her frustrations with him holding back , their intimacy and feelings they share with each other during their sexual sessions are the driving point. But today it felt different , Hemant was doing things he hasn't done in a long time , and even though Sonarika felt a little guilt in the beginning , she forgot it the moment their intimacy got higher. Their timing was always spot on, and right now they were thrusting into each other at a perfect rhythm. Sonarika leaned back, putting her hands behind her. She used the new leverage to fuck Hemant harder. She rose and lowered her body with so much grace. She was almost like an athlete. And that is what made her moments with Hemant so special , in the past , when she had her intense sex sessions with Rocky , her physical traits and health detoriated. She was erratic and rash as sex was the driving force of their relationship. In a way Sonarika accepted the reality that her relationship with Rocky was just a slave mentality where sex was just about the male pleasure and the female pleasure only mattered when the lover's spunk was shot in her. But the relationship with Hemant changed her perspective. How Hemant showed that sex is something both of genders should enjoy was a unique thing for her at that time. Fast forward to right now. Every movement of her hips was perfectly crafted to elicit the most incredible of sensations through his body.


Hemant watched as her juicy melons bounced with every movement she made, wanting nothing more than to taste them within his mouth. Sonarika must have read his mind. She can see his puppy dog eyes from a mile away. And she loved doing this to him. Because despite the ups and downs in their lives , physically and mentally. One thing has always stayed a constant , and that was Hemant's deep horniness to her naked breasts. She could feel him hardening a bit further seeing her boobs swaying in her movements. She always loved the way he would worship and savor her tits. As if it is some important treasure for him , hell all of her is a treasure for him but her boobs , they make him weak and horny and she loved seeing his face watching her tits. She leaned forward putting her breasts in his face. Hemant didn't waste a moment as he quickly sucked and licked away at the gorgeous and fleshy pair.

"Hmm....you and your hungriness for my tits.....its sometimes very corny!"

"Mmmm....I cannot help it Sona.....you have the most perfect breasts!!"
 
Sonarika moaned in response as she continued to pop her cunt on his cock. She rose off of him and turned around. Her luscious and meaty ass was now pointing in his direction. Sonarika looked over her shoulder with a sexy smile as she lowered her pussy on his cock once more. Hemant groaned as he saw the entire length of his cock disappear into her. When Hemant was fully imbedded in her, Sonarika swished her ass from side to side, causing him to moan even louder. She rose and lowered herself, using her hands as leverage. Her wet and tight cunt giving him so much pleasure he felt that he would faint from it. She fucked him in one smooth motion. He was impressed at how her body moved and the way she would squeezed his cock with her wonderful cunt muscles. She was made to fuck and be fucked. For life she was all his to enjoy he thought in his head again wishing the fate and the universe for bringing her to his life.

Hemant watched in amazement as the globes of her ass shook with the movements of their fucking. 

"AH, ah, ah!!" Sonarika moaned in immense pleasure. 

"FUCK me Hemant.. Fuck me!" Sonarika screamed. 

Begging and urging Hemant on. She took the entirety of his length inside and began just grinding her clit into his pelvis. 

"OHHHHHHHHH HEMANT!! AHHH! YOU'RE MY MAN!!!" She screamed at the ceiling.

"Cum for me, cum for me Sona. Please Cum." Hemant begged her, egging her on.

"YES! YES! YES!" Sonarika screamed as her orgasm ransacked through her body. 

Hemant tossed his head back as her cunt lips squeezed his cock in a bloody grip.

"OHHHHH YESSSS MY SOOONNNAAAA!!" Hemant screamed as his cock exploded into her. 

Hemant felt the cum shooting straight out of him and right into Sonarika. He couldn't stop cumming. More and more cream seemed to pour out of him and into her. The feeling was all the more incredible for Sonarika. She always loved the way Hemant used to cum , despite in his weak days , that was another part that stayed constant. Him cumming like a cannon , firing his spunk like big cannon spurts of babymaker into her hitting her sensitive and sweet walls inside with such velocity her nerves simply go off activating an automatic orgasm in her body. Hemant could feel her cumming again as more and more of his seed mingled with her pussy juices. It was that one aspect that made Hemant stand out ahead of both Rocky and Vikram is that Hemant can make her orgasm atleast once even if he is in his most weakest with his cumshots.

But lately , Hemant has indeed became an absolute stud in bed in Sonarika's eyes. Despite of their early days memories still fresh in her mind because of the memorable moments. Sonarika feels Hemant has deeply improved his sexual performance lately. What was once just a single orgasm for each session in his bad days has now evolved into multiple ones for each sessions. Even now she was shocked that Hemant did something he haven't done for like a decade and doing it like a pro.

When they were done and spent, Sonarika turned herself around and settled her head against Hemant's chest. They kissed while they recovered. Enjoying the post orgasmic glow of being together. He kissed her forehead, not caring that it was sleek with sweat.

"Wow....I really needed that" Hemant said.

"Anytime for you hubby....but don't even think this is it" Sonarika said with a giggle.

"Damn....my wife is in the mood today"

"Well....its not every day you get the house for yourself"

"day?"

"I thought you knew? Anjali is going with her friends for a much needed break from studies and Karan has extra sports activities in his institution after his classes today....so both of them will return home only by evening which means..."

"Which means you and I will have some private times in this home after all..."

Both of them embraced as Hemant continued.

"I hope I did well right now"

"You did more than well Hemant.....I finally got to sit in your face....I was afraid I was going to choke you"

"Believe me Sona....if death comes that way...I will happily accept it"

"Don't say that"

"Just saying baby....I always love your flesh enveloping my face"

"To me it seems like you were more interested in my boobs"

"That I definitely was.....what can I say. They are.....hypnotic"

"I like that....I like it how you look at them like a hungry puppy"

"I cannot help it Sona....they are one of your highlights of your body"

"Really? Its that good?"

"Obviously.....your boobs are big and full of life.....sometimes I wish I could suck them all day"

"I know about that......don't think I've forgotten what you've done during my labor months"

Hemant blushed , Sonarika loved seeing him do that. It made him stand out from other men as she continued.

"The way you sucked my breast dry that time. I was worried for Karan as I thought you were going to continue drink me after his birth!"

"Stop it Sona , it was an embarassing thing to do then. I admit I went overboard , but I have learned to not risk it anymore"

"Nothing about that was risky Hemant , you loved drinking me , and I let it. Plus , I loved every moment of that"

"You did"

"Of course , its not every time your husband wanted to drink your milk for that matter"

"Stop it Sona , I am feeling embarassed"

Sonarika giggled in response as silence followed them for few minutes. They didn't anything as both of them looked at each other in the eyes. Hemant enjoyed the staring contest between them but after some time , he broke the silence.

"Are we going to keep staring for the rest of the day?"

"Why not , I can always lose myself into your eyes Hemant"

"Well its the opposite for me"

"How so?"

"Because in your eyes , I see the world. The world I am a part of"

Sonarika didn't say anything. She was overwhelmed by her husband's words. The love and guilt in her heart giving her pain and comfort at the same time. 

"Hemant....you are too good for me....sometimes I feel I don't deserve you"

"The feeling is mutual Sona.....in the early days....even sometimes now....I think of myself as the most fortunate one to have a woman like you.......the woman who brought so much light and energy to me in my life....."

Sonarika stopped his talk pressing her finger to his lips. She couldn't hear it anymore , she simply won't. Especially after the overwhelming guilt she has in her. She didn't want to think about Vikram and the broken future ahead , she wanted Hemant , right now at this moment. 

"Enough my love.....we don't have whole day....I need to feel you again..."

"Wel....I am definitely thankful that I have a wife who initiates to feel me"

"Stop talking mister......."

"Make me lady"

And Sonarika knew just how to shut him up. Her lips enveloped his like a wave convergence. It only took a few swirls from her tongue and Hemant's cock was waking up from its slumber again. Her hands immediately got hold of it and started its rough movements to really wake it up. And then witin no time Hemant was rock hard as Sonarika smirked.

"Looks like my husband wants some more of me!!"

She quickly pounced onto his lap and kissed him once more. She grabbed his dick in a vice grip and pointed it at the opening of her already filled up pussy. She was breathing hard.

"I will always want more of you Sona!!!" 

Hemant said as he felt her beginning to lower her pussy over the crown of his cock.

"I know....and I will always need.....this!"

Saying that  , Sonarika lowered her body, taking all of his cock deep into her cunt. 

"AHHHH!!" She screamed as he groaned loudly. 

Sonarika and Hemant looked at each other as the milfy wife's hip began gyrating on her husband's lap. She was so damn hot and wet , already filled with his spunk , she made it hard for him to keep his focus. He wrapped his hands around her and grabbed the globes of her ass, as he lifted his head to take one of her nipples in his mouth. 

"AHHH YES HEMANT KEEP SUCKING MY BOOBS!!! I LOVE IT WHEN YOU SUCK IT BABY AAHHH!!!" 

Sonarika moaned to the roof. Her hips were moving much faster. She was going up and down and then rocking her body side to side to continue to gain new sensations, create new friction and have her husband's cock enter her at different angles. His head was swimming with desire. Hemant began pushing his dick farther into her. He switched over and took her other nipple in his mouth. Her skin smelled of lavender and tasted like cherries just like her perfume fragrance in the morning despite of the sweat that covered her. Her pussy was warm and tight. Her ass was voluptuous and soft to the touch. For Hemant it was an equivalent to have had died and gone to heaven.

"Ahhh! Hemant you've already getting me close honey AHHH!!!" Sonarika announced. 

Hemant looked up at her and felt his dick harden as he saw the incredible look on her face as she fucked him for all he was worth. 

"AH, ah, ah, ah." Sonarika made the most wonderful sounds as the passion rose in her chest. 

Her body was covered in new sweat over the dried up ones and it just seemed to make her more desirable for Hemant. 

"AHHH! Hemant!!! BABY!!! I AM GETTING THERE HONEY!!! AHH!!!!!" 

Hemant could feel just how close she was. He licked both of her nipples one more time and sped his hips into her. 

"I'm cumming, i'm cumming!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

Hemant watched in awe as his gorgeous wife came hard all over again. Her entire body was wracked by spasms and her pussy tightened his cock in sweet, delicious pain. He continued to pump into her enjoying the feel of her cunt as it orgasmed hard. Before she had even fully recovered, he spun them around. Hemant laid her down on the bed and got on top of her. He quickly readjusted and drove his cock to the hilt. Hemant laid atop of her bountiful chest and returned his lips to kissing the sweetest tasting lips in his life. Hemant was now fucking her and from the way that Sonarika's nails were digging into his back, I could tell she enjoyed the reversal.

"Damn, Sona!" Hemant moaned as his hips sped into her pussy that was drenched.

"KEEP DOING ME HEMANT!!! AHHHH THIS FEELS SO GOOD HONEY!!!!! AHH!!" She told him again. 

Hemant smiled at her as his cock pushed harder and deeper into her. She locked her legs around his waist pulling him deeper into her. Their lips met again. Their tongues playing and rubbing each other. He could feel the heat radiating off of her skin and he loved every instant of it. Her arms were wrapped around his neck pulling him deeper into the kiss they were fervently sharing. 

"AHHH!" He loved her moans. 

Hemant pulled his cock out of her, loving the look of shocked outrage that played across her features. He turned her around so that her ass was now pointed at him. Sonarika lay her upper body on the bed as Hemant penetrated her from behind. 

"AHHHH!" They both moaned at the same time.

Hemant tightened his grip on her hips and started fucking her with a fervor he did not know he had until this point. 

"AHHH!!!  HEMANT YOU'RE TAKING ME THERE AGAIN BABY!!!! YESSS BABY DO ME HARD BABY!!!! AHH HEMANT DON'T STOP HONEY AHHH!!!!!" 

Sonarika shouted as Hemant fucked her passionately. His orgasm was nearing ever closer. Hemant wrapped his hand around Sonarika's body and found her clit protruding. He flicked the little nub with his fingers. 

"YESSS HEMANT YESS!!!! I AM CUMMING HONEY!!!!!" 

Sonarika shouted as she was hit by another orgasm. Feeling her tight, wet pussy get even tighter and wetter was all it took to send him over the edge. 

"AHHH SONA!!!!!!!" 

Hemant yelled out as the cum jumped from his cock and ran straight into Sonarika's pussy. He felt the cum leave him and his entire body jump at the feeling of joy and excitement as he filled his lovely wife with all of the cum again.

Hemant collapsed to the side of the bed still embracing her as they both recovered from their orgasmic bliss. Even though it was a wonderful moment of intimacy for them , but for Sonarika , she treated this as a fear it will be her last with Hemant. A one last ride of pleasure with her husband before everything burns to the ground.

The day unfolded like a forgotten melody, tender and familiar. They brewed coffee together in the kitchen, bumping hips playfully as steam rose between them. Hemant teased her about the way she still pronounced 'espresso' wrong, and she mock-punched his arm, laughing in a way she hadn’t in weeks. He took her hand then and twirled her around the living room, music playing softly from an old speaker. Hemant was never a dancer , one time he danced with Karan and Sonarika laughed until that night from the ridiculousness of it , but Hemant moved Sonarika as she enjoyed the moment with him. She melted into his arms, the scent of his cologne and the warmth of his skin both comforting and devastating. Her fingers lingered on his collarbone a little too long, memorizing it like one memorizes the fading pages of a book they love. Every kiss they shared felt heavier, deeper, as if she were pouring her soul into each one.

They made lunch together, feeding each other spoonfuls of spicy dal and rice, laughing when she over-salted the curry. He wiped the corner of her mouth with his thumb, looking at her like she was still the woman he fell in love with in the darkest corner of his life. They sat close on the balcony afterward, watching the Mumbai skyline shimmer through the humidity. She leaned on his shoulder, her fingers tracing circles on his palm, savoring the silence that needed no words. For a moment, her heart screamed for her to stop — to forget Jabalpur, to forget Vikram, to choose this life again. But it was too late for that. The truth had already taken root in her, and all she could do now was live these fleeting hours like a borrowed dream.

By late afternoon, their flirty banter turned tender, lips meeting more hungrily, bodies remembering a rhythm long neglected. They lay tangled in soft bedsheets, her head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat — the same beat that would soon crack beneath her truth. He stroked her hair absentmindedly, whispering things about old trips, silly moments from their early marriage, his dreams for their son. She held him tighter, hiding her tears in the crook of his neck, kissing him again and again, desperate to hold onto this feeling. In that moment, there was no affair, no betrayal — just the illusion of love unbroken.

As twilight painted the walls in soft orange, Sonarika watched Hemant from across the room, wearing a tank top, laughing while talking on his phone, the way he always did. Her chest ached. This was the man who had chosen her every single day for ten years, who loved her with a heart she no longer deserved. And still, she had given herself to another. Some time in the very near future, she would tell him. She would watch his world collapse and his eyes go dim with disbelief. But not today. Today, she had given him happiness — the kind of happiness he would remember when she will no longer be in his heart.

The calm of the evening was gently broken by the sound of the front door clicking open, followed by Anjali’s voice echoing through the apartment. 

"I hope you never recommend me movies Bhaiya....whatever we saw was terrible!” 

She called out teasingly, kicking off her sandals as she stepped inside. Karan came rushing in behind her, his backpack swinging wildly. 

"Mumma, I got first prize in ball throw!!" 

He shouted with glee, wrapping his arms around Sonarika’s waist. She smiled and hugged him tightly, her heart both swelling with pride and sinking with dread. Hemant joined them, ruffling Karan’s hair and trading playful jabs with Anjali, who was already teasing him about his poor movie choices. The house returned to its usual rhythm — loud, warm, chaotic — a family in full bloom, unaware of the storm silently forming within its walls.

After dinner, laughter still hung in the air as everyone retreated to their rooms. Sonarika helped Karan brush his teeth and tucked him in, placing a soft kiss on his forehead. Anjali waved a goodnight from her room, already lost in her phone. When she finally returned to the bedroom, Hemant was fast asleep, his body turned toward her, his face peaceful in the dim glow of the bedside lamp. She sat beside him quietly, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. The weight of her secret pressed harder now, heavier than ever. Her fingers brushed his hair back gently, as if committing his features to memory. The man lying next to her had done nothing but love her — deeply, selflessly, without question. And she would be the one to take it all away. Her eyes welled up, but no tears fell. Instead, she lay down beside him, curling into his warmth, silently whispering apologies into the dark, knowing that this moment — this calm, complete night — would be one of the last they ever shared like this.

                                                                                                                                                                                  (CHAPTER TO BE CONTD)

[Harry Jordan]

                                                                                                                                                                                                      (CHAPTER CONTD)

TWO WEEKS LATER

Hemant adjusted the cuffs of his steel-gray blazer as he stepped into the open patio of Emerald Palace, a breeze from the helipad gently ruffling his hair. The city skyline shimmered in the afternoon sun, but nothing glimmered more than the legacy of the Mehta family, whose empire stood tall behind him. The last time he’d come here, he was nothing more than a sharp but struggling employee, tagging along with Pranitha Mehta. Now, he was the founder of YOD Industries — the man behind the revolutionary Alignment Knots — and had just successfully completed a flawless deal with Simon Nadar, a shell holder of REGAL CORP. This time, he wasn’t here as a guest’s guest. He was here on Simon’s invitation, with a reputation of his own.

Hansraj Mehta, the patriarch of the empire, sat on a sun-lounged chair by the edge of the patio, sipping tea with the calmness of a man who had seen fortunes rise and fall. As Hemant approached, Hansraj stood up with a grace that belied his age. 

"Hemant" he said, offering his hand with a slight smile. 

"You’ve outdone yourself. I hear Simon can’t stop singing praises." 

Hemant bowed his head respectfully. 

"Your words mean a lot, sir. I’ve tried to live up to the trust people like Simon and—" 

His pause was intentional

"—Pranitha once placed in me." 

Hansraj chuckled softly and waved him over to sit. 

"I think you're just getting started. Siddharth was impressed with your approach — not many can impress him that way and to some extent your business practice reminds me of my old days"

The compliment struck deeper than Hansraj knew. The last time Hemant met Siddharth Mehta, the meeting had ended in awkward silence and a humiliation. But today, he was being acknowledged by the man who mattered the most. The two talked business lightly — trends, logistics, expansions — before Hansraj's phone buzzed. After glancing at the screen, he stood up. 

"Business calls, Hemant. But I’ll be watching your journey. Closely." 

As the tycoon walked off, Hemant exhaled with a sense of quiet triumph. He had turned his reputation around in the very place where he once felt small.

Just then, laughter echoed from behind. Rony — all tanned skin and confidence — strutted into the patio wearing nothing but shorts and an air of vanity. His model-esque physique seemed perfectly sculpted for attention. 

"Hemant!" Rony beamed and pulled Hemant into a friendly hug. 

"You’re making waves, man!" 

Hemant smiled politely, his eyes flicking to Rony, whose smirk was smug and knowing. 

"Rony" Hemant said stiffly. 

Rony stretched like a cat and winked 

"Didn’t expect to see you here. Heard you're making quiet some name in the celebrity wing!"

"Am I?"

"Indeed. You really think a Manish Malhotra photoshoot will go unnoticed. I am definitely picking up the first edition when it arrives to pull your leg"

"Well good luck finding me. I'll be lost in one page in that whole magazine filled with Mrunal Thakur"

Before Hemant could continue, she walked in — Pranitha. The white shorts hugged her hips, the unbuttoned linen shirt casually framing the black sports bra beneath. Her hair was tied in a loose bun, damp from what looked like a recent workout. Hemant’s breath caught involuntarily, and he looked — just a second too long. 

"Hemant" Pranitha called out, loud enough for all to hear. 

"You do realize your eyes are still on me, right?" 

Hemant coughed and looked away instantly, heat creeping up his neck. 

"Don’t flatter yourself" he said, but his voice was low. 

"Old habits, I guess" She raised an eyebrow, grinning. 

"Your loss gentleman. You shouldn't have married early" Pranitha teased him.

Rony laughed first, Simon joined in next. 

"Come on, Hemant, don’t go shy on us" Rony teased. 

"You’re famous now, aren’t you? Little harmless staring never hurt anyone" 

Hemant tried to smile it off, but there was a stiffness to his body. 

"Sorry if that was inappropriate" he said, looking at Pranitha. 

But she didn’t miss a beat. 

"It’s okay" she said coolly. 

"Matter of fact you're just the best example for a man that cannot be perfect. Despite all the good things , there are some things that are off about you. Judging me, leering, and then pretending you’re above it all" 

Her voice wasn’t angry — it was worse. Detached. She turned slightly toward Rony and added, 

"Anyway, some people are actually capable of seeing me as a human, not a spectacle"

Hemant stood awkwardly, his mind spiraling between anger, regret, and confusion. He wanted to speak, to tell her he hadn’t meant to look that way, to remind her of their silent falling out some time ago — the verbal argument in the phone where he’d accused her of getting close to Rony again. 

But the words didn’t come. Rony, meanwhile, had gone oddly quiet, his eyes flicking between Hemant and Pranitha as if something about her sudden flirtatiousness unsettled even him. They began walking away, her hand grazing Rony’s arm in a way that made Hemant’s stomach churn. Pranitha looked back at Hemant with a glare that could burn him. Hemant only gave an assuring smile hoping that this smile tells her mind that he is sorry. 

"Let’s not stay here" Simon said gently, clapping Hemant on the back. 

"Let’s hit our favorite bar, yeah? I want to celebrate your success properly" 

Hemant nodded, still watching Pranitha’s retreating figure. The glamour of Emerald Palace, the weight of its gold-and-glass halls, suddenly felt heavy. He came here with a quiet mission — to be recognized, to stand tall. And he had. But he also realized that even in triumph, there were wounds that fame couldn’t heal — and as his mind was converged with thoughts of his hidden motives and agendas. He had only one regret , to not have that friendly bond with Pranitha anymore.

SOMEDAYS LATER IN MUMBAI

The sunlit glass panels of the studio bathed the space in a soft golden hue as Hemant stepped inside, adjusting the cuff of his designer sherwani. The grand set was already buzzing with crew members, photographers, stylists, and assistants dashing across the room. He was early, as always. Nervous energy fluttered in his chest—this was far from a boardroom or a product launch, and the idea of posing for a fashion magazine made him feel distinctly out of his element. But he had promised Manish Malhotra, and a promise to Manish was not something you broke lightly. He looked around the studio, noting the intricate floral arrangements and mirror-laden archways designed for the bridal theme. Then, he saw her—Mrunal Thakur—dbangd in a deep maroon lehenga, radiant and poised.

She noticed him almost instantly and gave a short wave, stepping away from the camera setup. 

"Well, well… look who decided to dabble in modelling" 

Mrunal said playfully, her eyes glinting with amusement as she approached.

Hemant laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"Yeah, I’m already regretting it. I feel like a well-dressed mannequin waiting to be shoved into a showcase"

She chuckled. 

"You look good, Hemant. Relax. And besides, you’re not exactly unknown anymore. Your business is on fire. The Mehta tie-up, the market boom—everyone’s talking about you.” 

Her tone was warm, not flattering—just real. Hemant smiled appreciatively. 

"I’ve been lucky, really. Right place, right people. The Mehtas have been good to me. Pranitha especially"

As they moved closer to the camera setup, Mrunal leaned toward him slightly, her voice lowering conspiratorially. 

"I also heard about your grand entrance at this year’s Malhotra party. Alone, confident, a certified star. And apparently getting all chummy with Ananya and Janhvi, hmm?"

Hemant raised an eyebrow, grinning. 

"News travels fast. But for the record, neither of them tried to kiss me that night" 

He paused for dramatic effect, then added slyly. 

"Unlike someone I know"

Mrunal’s eyes widened before she let out a short gasp, smacking him lightly on the arm. 

"Oh my God. You didn’t just say that!"

Immediately, Hemant held up both hands in mock surrender, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. 

"Okay, okay… first and last attempt at flirting, I promise"

Still smiling, Mrunal shook her head. 

"That was a decent line. But don’t forget you’re married, Mr. Flirt"

"Please don’t tell my wife" Hemant said with exaggerated fear. 

"She’ll kill me. In designer couture, no less"

Mrunal laughed, her voice echoing softly in the high-ceilinged studio. 

"I won’t. But maybe you should sharpen your flirting skills—for her. Who knows, maybe soon we’ll be hearing about a sibling for little Karan"

Hemant’s face softened at the mention of his son, and a genuine smile spread across his face. 

"That… doesn’t sound like the worst idea"

The photoshoot continued seamlessly after that—Mrunal dazzling in every frame, Hemant gradually relaxing into his poses. When it was finally a wrap, they changed out of their costumes and met once more by the exit, both looking fresh-faced and lighter than when the day began. Mrunal extended her hand. 

"Good luck with the YOD expansion. I’ll be watching"

"And good luck with the film awards season" Hemant said, taking her hand with a smile. 

"Don’t throw up on anyone else"

She laughed again, shaking her head. 

"Only if they’re giggolos"

They parted with an easy smile and a casual wave. Two lives moving in different orbits, briefly intersecting under bridal lights and camera flashes—leaving behind a moment that neither would soon forget.

MEANWHILE AT TANISHQ

Sonarika wore her favorite cream saree and walked into the TANISHQ office, greeted her colleagues, and smiled at clients like nothing was amiss. But every moment alone behind her desk, her thoughts would drift to Jabalpur—Vikram’s voice, his hands, their nights. Stop it, she told herself. But the guilt pressed on her chest like a stone, heavier each day. Hemant had called her two times that afternoon—once to ask if she wanted fish for dinner as he will be home early, and once just to say. 
"I miss you" That last one made her cry silently in the washroom for fifteen minutes.

That night she had a hard time sleeping. The weight of her secret had begun to fracture her sleep. She woke up in the middle of the night, staring at the ceiling fan, its slow rotation mocking her indecision. Hemant was beside her, snoring lightly, his arm slipping across her waist out of habit. She froze, wondering what he would do if he knew where that body had been some time ago ago. That night, she sat up at 3 a.m., lit a candle on the windowsill, and whispered to herself. 

"He deserves the truth"

One day brought a moment of quiet desperation. Meghna was out of the city for some work commitments so Sonarika had that relief in her life right now. But right now she felt Meghna was the least of her worries,  she was more dredding as each day passed and she needed to find the time to tell him. At the lunch table in the office, her colleague Pragya spoke of infidelity in a distant friend’s marriage. 

"You know, it’s not just about the act" Pragya said thoughtfully, 

"It’s about betraying someone’s blind faith in you" 

The words hit Sonarika like a slap. She barely touched her food. That evening at home, she watched Hemant make Karan's science model. 

"You always show up" she said to him out of nowhere. 

He looked up, puzzled. 

"Where else would I be?" he asked, smiling. 

You don’t know, she thought. You have no idea who I’ve become.

The Sunday that came was quiet. They went out to a bookstore, then a cafe. Karan insisted on sitting between his parents. Hemant kept brushing his hand against hers, smiling warmly. She held his hand back, tighter than usual. 

"I need to tell you something" she said once, softly, as they walked to the car. 

He turned to her, curious. But then Karan called out from behind and the moment passed. Sonarika looked up at the sky. There were no stars that night. Only clouds.

That evening at the beach. The sea was louder, or maybe her thoughts were. She stood alone on the shore while the others laughed behind her. She knew what she had to do. Not because she wanted redemption. But because Hemant deserved truth. Because a marriage without truth is a slow death. She looked back at him—smiling, patient, his arm around Karan. She had betrayed that smile. But soon, she would tell him. Not for forgiveness. But for freedom—from this guilt, from this aching deceit.Very soon, the healing, or the end, would begin.

                                                                                                                                                                                         (CHAPTER TO BE CONTD)

[Harry Jordan]

                                                                                                                                                                                             (CHAPTER CONTD)

THAT FATEFUL DAY!


Soon the day arrived , it was a Wednesday. Things were all happy and vibrant in the house at morning as everyone went to their respective works. Sonarika by afternoon , got the courage to finally do it. She didn't speak to Vikram since Jabalpur , never called Meghna. She had to do it. He deserves the truth. This thought kept going in her mind. 

Eventually she picked her phone and dialled Hemant. Hemant picked it up in the second ring itself.

"Hey Sona , is everything okay?"

"Its all fine , I was wondering whether you're free for the day"

"Uhh yeah sure"

"Then why don't we go somewhere , just us"

"Sure but where?"

Sonarika thought for a few seconds. And her mind could only think one place, one place that held significance. The very place Hemant took her for their first date. At the Gateway of India.

"At the Gateway?"

"OHHHH....Interesting....cannot wait"

"See you there"

As she ended the call. She noticed the excitement in Hemant's voice when he heard the Gateway. Sonarika was overwhelmed with emotions for few seconds knowing that she will be walking into an eye of a storm , a storm that is going to wreck her life in unimaginable ways. But there was a strong will in her ,  a will to do something right with him this time. She fixed herself and made her journey to that place which will hold witness to the most important moment of her life.

SOME TIME LATER.......AT THE GATEWAY OF INDIA

The sea breeze was unusually soft that afternoon, brushing gently against the stone walls of the Gateway of India, where Hemant stood waiting. The historical monument stood tall, watching over the lapping waters and distant ferries, but Hemant’s eyes were fixed on the path leading from the road. He saw her. Sonarika. Still radiant, still the woman he had fallen in love with over a decade ago. She smiled faintly as she approached.

"You’re early" she said softly, adjusting the scarf around her neck.

Hemant smiled. 

"Old habits die hard. You know I can’t ever be late for you"

They both chuckled lightly, a nostalgic warmth passing between them. It felt, for a moment, like nothing had changed. They both smiled faintly. It wasn’t the first time they had come here. It was the first place they had met, and now, by a cruel twist of irony, they were here again—under vastly different skies.

She looked around. 

"Still smells of salt and city noise. You remember? I had lost my phone, and you helped me fight that cabbie"

"You were yelling in English. He didn’t understand a word" Hemant chuckled. 

"I had to translate your rage"

"That’s when I called you my ‘angry saviour.’" Her smile faded slightly. 

"You always saved me, Hemant. Even from myself"

He looked at her then—really looked. Something was fragile in her smile. Fleeting. He pushed the thought away.

"How’s YOD Industries doing?" she asked, turning back to face him. 

"Saw your company's banner in King's Circle last week"

"Its a steady progress. Recently completed the deal with Mehtas. Didn't I tell you?"

"No" she said, surprised. 

"That’s amazing. You’ve built it with your bare hands, Hemant. I’m proud" Sonarika meant it.

"And you never stopped working with diamonds. TANISHQ still devouring your soul?"

"Its easy going for now. Got some new clients and they are still trying to milk my dedication"

"How’s Karan? Did he have any issues with his yesterday's homework?"

"He’s seven, Hemant. He says “math is evil” and keeps asking Anju for help"

"He’s got his mother’s attitude" Hemant laughs.

"And your stubbornness" Sonarika joins his laughter with her own.

"Anjali’s still floating in a trance since her excellent results of her exams last week"

"She deserves it. She’s worked so hard"

But Hemant sense something was off. Sonarika never beat around the bush in her conversations like this. Hemant decided to cut to the chase.

"But that’s not what you brought me here to talk about, is it? You're stalling"

She looks at him, startled. Her eyes flicker with fear, shame. She sighed deeply and stepped back slightly, as if creating a little space between them would cushion the blow.

"I know , I just......I just don't know where to start"

"Speak like you normally speak , no need for theatrics Sona"

"There’s no easy way to say this, Hemant" She began, voice low and uncertain.

Hemant now started to show concern , wondering what is bothering her.

"Is everything okay in TANISHQ?" Hemant asked.

"Everything is fine"

"Is Anju ok?"

"Nothing's wrong in the family Hemant....its just....."

"Then tell me Sona.....what's bothering you"

Sonarika maintained the gap between them. And then with a deep breath she confessed.

"I've lied to you Hemant.....I've been lying to you for some time!" 

Hemant realized at that moment that this was definitely something serious. He has never seen Sonarika appear this nervous.

"I just want you to know....that despite everything.....I am saying not because of just honesty....but also to show that I still love and care for you and I don't want you to be kept in the dark"

Hemant was getting a bit disturbed now.

"Okay Sona , you're scaring me now. What's wrong?"

"I want you to listen it all Hemant. I want you to hear everything. Then I am willing to face whatever punishment you deem fit"

Hemant felt an uneasy feeling. He stood there as Sonarika said.

"Do you remember Vikram Bajaj?"

Hemant definitely remembers him from that party where he first met Kunal and Mouni and seeing Vikram

"Yeah , I've met him at your party where we first met Kunal. Plus he was there on TANISHQ's founders day function"

Sonarika's face darkened as she remembered those days.

"I will be honest with you Hemant.....I really wished I never met that man in my life"

That uneasy feeling was building inside Hemant as he awaited what Sonarika had to say.

"When I first met him he was just a mild mannered kind hearted businessman. But eventually our occasional meetings ended up with us having light hearted conversations outside work...He was a good man , always keeping manners and chivalry at front....and then after being with Mouni's friend circle....we ended up being good friends outside work....but everything changed at that Manali trip.....when we went to that hill station and.....in that rain....when we were caught up in the moment.....he kissed me.....I was shocked and devastated.....he apologized then and there saying I reminded him of his own love he has lost long ago....."

Hemant literally went pale. He had a feeling what she was going to confess. Heartbreak was not the first time that happened to him , but he wished , he seriously wished that Sonarika would end her confession there. That this whole confession was only about an accidental kiss between her and Vikram. But she continued and that is when his heart started to sink.

"I don't know what it was.....maybe it was his energy....or a strange connection.....I still believe it was the unexpected distance between us......and Vikram.....he was getting in my head.....and I......I was getting tempted......then on his hotel's inauguration night. Everything changed......he was like a magnet.......And I...I....I was lost in his charms....he engulfed me when I was in my most vulnerable.....and....I succumbed to it"

Tears were forming in Hemant's eyes as he wished Sonarika didn't say what he thought she was going to say. He wished she doesn't say it. But fate had other plans as Sonarika finally confessed.

"I slept with him Hemant.....and.....I've been sleeping with him ever since......I even broke it off when things got personal.....but the recent trip to Jabalpur.....it ended up rekindling what we had......I had chosen us over him....for our family......I was finally happy with my family.....with you.....but this guilt...this pain.....its been eating me alive Hemant......every day I slept beside you knowing that I've committed the worst kind of betrayal a woman could........your honest unconditional love doesn't deserve a betrayer like me......Vikram ruined me Hemant.....he claims he brought out my true side but I know the deep dark truth.......he ruined me and brought me back to the same pit you picked me from......I am willing to accept whatever punishment you want to give Hemant....I have betrayed us.....our beautiful family......I don't deserve a wonderful man like you......but despite all this I can still say that I love--"

As Sonarika turned to complete the sentence , she stopped abruptly. Because she could not fathom the sight before her. Hemant , her Hemant , was no longer standing there with his vibrant smile. Instead he was standing there , tears falling continously from his eyes , broken , shambled to pieces. 

He was crying , her Hemant was crying , crying from the immense pain that has just been caused by her. She watched her perfect husband break apart in front of her , his trust , his faith , his dreams , his love , most importantly his love shattering to smitherines. Sonarika couldn't help but be overhwhelmed by her own emotions as she knew this would happen , she predicted it. But now she was witnessing it , she was watching her husband's heartbreak before her own eyes.

Silence fell between them. Even the bustling crowds around the monument felt muffled now. She was crying quietly. Hemant’s tears began to flow freely. He didn’t say a word. She stepped closer, sobbing. 

"I’m telling you this because I want to be clean. To own what I did. And take whatever punishment you choose. Even if it means you never want to see me again"

He stared at her. A decade of love, laughter, trust—and betrayal—all flashing before his eyes. He opened his mouth, but nothing came. The pain was too large for language.
His body began to shake, lips quivering. She reached out to hold his hand. 

"Hemant, please—say something"

He slowly pulled his hand away. Not violently. Just… finally. Then he turned around, eyes still pouring, and began to walk.

"HEMANT!" 

She screamed behind him, her voice breaking, drawing the attention of a few tourists nearby. He didn’t look back. Just walked, slower. Each step sounded like a goodbye. She ran a few steps after him, but then stopped. Her knees gave in. She dropped to the stone pavement near the railing, holding her face, sobbing uncontrollably.

Hemant climbed into his SUV, still crying. Still broken.

As he drove off, merging with the Mumbai traffic, Sonarika felt something snap inside her. The car disappeared from view, but in her heart, she knew—Hemant hadn’t just driven away from the Gateway. He had driven away from her. And as her tears fell, her world collapsed, piece by piece, in front of hundreds of strangers and the sea that once bore witness to their love.

Hemant’s hands gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary, his knuckles pale against the leather. The SUV glided through Colaba Causeway, past vendors and rickshaws, but he saw none of it. His ears still echoed with her voice.

"I slept with him Hemant.....and.....I've been sleeping with him ever since"


A sound escaped him—half grunt, half sob. He hated himself for it. His throat was raw. Eyes swollen. The ache in his chest radiated like a wound that kept tearing every time he blinked.

He had cried before. Many losses in his life , his breakup with Sanjana , loosing a friend in the battlefield , Kira breaking his heart , loosing Ashnoor , loosing the Rustom family. But never like this. Never because the foundation of his world had been pulled out from under him.

He pulled into an empty alley near Marine Lines and killed the engine. And for the first time in hours, silence surrounded him. But inside? Inside was war.

Ten years.



Of breakfasts made with sleepy smiles. Of holidays planned with Karan’s scribbled drawings. Of Sunday mornings tangled in bedsheets and laughter.



Gone. Rewritten. Poisoned.


Hemant leaned forward, forehead resting against the steering wheel. He remembered Manali. She had sent photos—selfies with friends, shots of snow. And he had smiled like a fool, thinking, God, she looks happy.

Was there more? Was she in love with him? The betrayal didn’t just sting—it dismantled. And worst of all was Karan. What would he tell their son? That his mother had loved another man? That his father walked away like a coward? But Hemant wasn’t a coward. He just couldn’t breathe around her anymore.

Everything about Sonarika—her perfume, her laughter, her fingers brushing his hand at dinner—now burned with betrayal. He hated her. He missed her. He hated that he missed her.

"Why?" he whispered, wiping his face. 

"What was my mistake Sona…"

And yet, deep down, he still saw her crying on the steps of the Gateway—her silhouette blurred by regret. He could still feel her hand reaching out. He hadn’t held it. Not this time.

Sonarika sat on the cold marble floor of her living room, knees drawn to her chest. The pain hadn’t stopped. It had followed her home like guilt—unshakable, unrelenting. She hadn’t changed out of her dress. The fabric clung to her like punishment. The moment Hemant walked away at the Gateway replayed in a torturous loop. His face—broken. His silence—deafening. He didn’t even curse her. She almost wished he had.

The house was too quiet. Karan was with her sister Anjali for the day, and for once, she was grateful. She couldn’t let her son see her like this—falling apart. She walked into their bedroom. Their bed was still made, pillows neatly fluffed the way Hemant liked them. She reached out and touched his side of the mattress. Still faintly warm.

She collapsed onto it, burying her face in his pillow. His scent lingered—woodsy, crisp. She broke into sobs that rattled her bones.

“I’m sorry, Hemant… I’m so sorry…”

She had prepared for anger. For screaming. For accusations. She hadn’t prepared for silence. His walking away spoke louder than any outburst. And now she faced what came next.

She walked to her closet and pulled out a small wooden box. Letters. Mementos. Anniversary cards. The ticket stub from their first movie. A dried rose from their honeymoon in the Kerala backwaters.

All of it now lay on the floor.

Sonarika knew now that consequences weren’t always punishments. Sometimes, they were just the echo of absence. And in that echo, she would live—alone, accountable, and grieving for the life she broke with her own hands.


HOURS LATER IN THE EVENING


The sky had long dimmed to a dusky charcoal by the time Sonarika stood by the balcony of their home, her eyes wondering about the time , Hemant should be home by now. Her heart thudded beneath a chest wrapped in guilt and dread. She hadn’t changed out of her dress from earlier, the same one she wore when she confessed to Hemant at the Gateway of India — a place that was once an important part of their love story, now turned into the site of emotional devastation. 

"I broke him" she whispered to herself, gripping the curtain tightly. 

"God, what have I done…" 

She could still see the image in her mind — Hemant turning away from her, his shoulders trembling, his hand covering his face, the weight of her betrayal making him stagger like a wounded man.

Inside the dining room, Anjali was clearing up after dinner, while little Karan sat on the couch playing with his toy truck, unaware of the emotional chasm tearing through his mother. 

"Didi" Anjali asked as she returned from the kitchen. 

"Bhaiya didn’t even call? It’s so late" Sonarika quickly masked her grief with a rehearsed smile. 

"No, he messaged earlier. Something came up at the factory. A machine failure or something" 

She lied. The words left her mouth like shards of glass. She turned away before her sister could see the tears welling up. She hadn’t told Anjali. She hadn’t told Karan. How could she? How does one tell their child that their mother shattered their father’s heart?

As night deepened and the silence grew heavier, Sonarika found herself standing before the altar in their bedroom — the one where Hemant used to draw curtains every morning to wake her. She pressed her palms together and bowed her head, praying feverishly. Please bring him home… let him be safe. Let me undo this, if that's even possible. Just don't let him be harmed... 

Her throat burned from holding back sobs all day. Regret had taken root in her bones. The affair with Vikram, once a secret temptation, now felt like a curse she had willingly embraced and unleashed upon her family. 

"He didn’t deserve this" she murmured. 

"He was the best person any woman could have" 

She imagined him wandering the streets, grief-stricken, maybe even drinking — and her mind spiraled into darker fears. What if he never comes back? Just as she was about to collapse onto the floor, the phone rang — loud and shrill, slicing through the silence. She lunged for it, heart pounding. 

"Hello?" she gasped.

"Are you Mrs. Hemant Kumar?" a calm but urgent voice asked from the other end.

"Yes, this is…"

"You need to come to Sanjeevani Hospital. Your husband has suffered a stroke"

The phone nearly slipped from her hand. Her world tilted. 

"What— what did you say?" 

She stammered, but the voice had already begun giving her directions. Her mind went blank. Everything she had feared was now real. She turned, wide-eyed, toward Anjali, who noticed her paling face.

"Didi? What happened?"

Sonarika's lips trembled, but no words came out. She could only grab her purse and keys, her legs already moving. 
All she could think was Please… don’t take him away from me… Not like this…

THAT AFTERNOON IN SHANGHAI CHINA

The humid stillness of the afternoon in Shuangqiao Nancun shattered with the staccato rattle of automatic gunfire. Ricky Tan, the iron-fisted proprietor of The Golden Yang hotel and a feared red pole of the Sun On Yee Triad, was reviewing security ledgers in his office when the chaos erupted outside. Cries of panic and shattering glass echoed from the market street below. He peered through the heavy dbangs of his office window, heart steady but eyes narrowing in focus, and saw sheer pandemonium. Civilians fled in every direction, stalls overturned, smoke curling into the air. Marching through the smoke were masked young men, their strides calm and methodical, rifles in hand and katanas glinting on their backs. These weren’t mere thugs. This was an execution squad.

Without hesitation, Ricky barked commands into his encrypted comms unit, ordering his guards to lockdown the hotel. Muscle-bound enforcers in black suits surged into the lobbies and corridors, drawing pistols, but they were no match for what was coming. The assailants moved with surgical precision. Gunfire tore through the ornate entrance as bullets chewed into marble columns and decorative lanterns. Screams of hotel staff and foreign guests filled the air as blood stained the luxury carpets. One by one, Ricky’s men were gunned down, some trying to shield guests, others caught mid-counterattack. The invaders pressed on relentlessly, showing no distinction between the guilty and the innocent. It was not a raid — it was a massacre.

The heart of The Golden Yang, once the jewel of Ricky's empire, had become a slaughterhouse. Amid shattered glass and the scent of gunpowder, the assailants finally breached Ricky’s private suite on the top floor. Leading them was a man with cold eyes and a scar that traced his jaw like a mark of fate. Lai Tong — the younger brother of Tong, the infamous torture specialist executed years ago under mysterious orders. Ricky stood defiant, the last man alive, blood spattered across his white shirt. Lai raised his katana slowly, his voice steady as he asked. 

"Any last words?" Ricky simply smiled, fearless to the end. 

"I know my end when I see it. But don’t worry. Whatever you do to me now, Michael will do to you far, far worse" 

The name hit Lai like a slap. He hissed. 

"I will avenge my brother" Ricky’s final taunt sliced deeper than any blade 

"Do not worry, you will see your brother… when you meet Michael"

The katana whistled through the air and met its mark with brutal finality. Ricky’s head rolled across the blood-slicked marble, his body slumping forward with eerie grace. Silence fell over the ruined suite for a beat — then Lai turned, chest heaving, fury still unquenched. He crossed to Ricky’s blood-stained desk, scanning documents and surveillance photos hastily strewn during the attack. One photo arrested his attention: a candid image of a man in a black coat, in London. Hemant — also known in the shadows as Michael King, the man whispered to have a legacy of destruction and fear in the past and the person responsible for Tong’s death. Lai’s jaw clenched as he recognized the face. With a savage growl, he plunged his katana through the image. Ricky’s blood, still fresh on the blade, seeped into the paper, turning Hemant’s face crimson.

Outside, Shuangqiao Nancun was a smoldering war zone. Emergency sirens wailed in the distance, too late to matter. The Golden Yang was no longer a symbol of Triad power but a monument to vengeance. Civilians whispered the name Lai Tong with dread, a ghost reborn in blood. And far away, across oceans and borders, a storm was brewing — for the man in the photo had felt the ripple. 

Michael King would come. And when he did, vengeance would meet judgment in a final reckoning that would bring down empires.


                                                                                                                                                                                                       END OF CHAPTER 19

[Harry Jordan]

I am honestly very honored and really appreciate the comments and perspectives readers have shared regarding my story. Really happy that many of you liked it. As for the sex part yes , many of the sex scenes are inserted as the original script I wrote leaned more on action. But then again , half the reason I am putting this story in this site of all places is because of the Infidelity theme in the story. Many of the celebrity cameos are also inserted as the original script only has brief scenes with them , but here I feel I can explore the celebrity fantasy that can be included here to spice up the story further.

Also a quick insider scoop , I actually changed many of the characters from the original story here as I wanted to keep it distinct. And many characters named here are inspired from my own personal celebrity and film/show character fantasies which I did just for the sake of it. 

The core dynamic of Hemant and Sonarika's relationship and arc was to show how they both desire something for their ideal partner and they didn't realize it was there in each other all this time. All I can say for now is there will be a lot of twists and turns , some really interesting dynamics and also definitely lots of sex.

Now Sonarika and Hemant will change through their characters , whether its for the better of for worse. Both will truly see each other for what they truly are. And that will be the deciding point , whether they will find their way back together or accept their mistakes and move on , only time will tell. 

[Harry Jordan]

I know a lot of people think that I purposefully created more intimacy in the Vikram and Sonarika segments in the story which is honestly untrue. Matter of fact I take more time with Hemant and Sonarika segments because as a writer I wanted their segments to be safe and wholesome and not much intense like Vikram and Sonarika as that is the dynamic difference of their relationship. Vikram and Sonarika's sexual relationship has elements of submissive traits while Hemant and Sonarika's is a balance of power play between genders. And that is on par to the characters in that point of the story. Both Sonarika and Hemant began their relationship at a low point in their lives , and they held onto each other and build what they have today. Also an important factor is that Sonarika is the woman she is today because of Hemant's support , while at the same time Vikram develops feelings for her because she bares resemblance to his lost love and the similarity she has with her.

Vikram brings out the submissive side of Sonarika. The once she tried to escape and somewhat ruined her past relationship with Rocky. Even though on storyline Vikram is showcased as a perfect blend of Rocky and Hemant , the relationship is definitely different as you can see in their non sexual encounters. Sonarika does all the work while Vikram is always touchy and flirty with her. Like I said before , Vikram treats her like a queen , but Hemant actually shows her what a queen is. That is the core of her character. And another factor is her oblivious approach to things not realizing she has always been a pawn on someone else's game of revenge.

Also need to add , I have only touched the extent of Meghna's revenge. Very soon you will see how diabolical she has been with Sonarika and how much this manipulation was built in her.

 

Another aspect I loved making is that Sonarika is both healing and advancing for Hemant in his life. She gave him a life to heal and at the same time her betrayal will mould him to something far more deadlier and ruthless. Like Harper's best friend said , best of both worlds. For Hemant , Michael King was a dark past he wanted to forget , but that is something built into him. And Anjali's gift of the Garuda Ring was Hemant's current mindset , a man wanting to rise up from his past and bring closure. But now both this personalities will merge and ironically its once again Sonarika that becomes the catalyst to Hemant's development. And in the same way , this separation will bring changes in Sonarika as well as she will see the importance of life and what flaws she made as she will push for her own redemption. Because as Hemant moves away and the guilt twinges her , Sonarika will find where it went wrong and try to piece together the crumbled parts of her. She will truly understand what Hemant's definition of a Queen really means.

Because they cannot truly separate , never can as long as Karan exist. Even if there will be no more married couple , Karan will always be there as a bridge for them because he is both of their responsibility. At the end of the day , Sonarika and Hemant's path are forever forged with each other. It only depends where their future lies. Will it be as co-parents? Or is there a dream of spring for them after this age of darkness? Only time will tell. Only thing I can say for now is you will see a lot of Hemant from now on as a few chapters later I will reveal his backstory. 

For now I am working on two major chapters in this story, because this will be the TRANSFORMATION phase of a certain character. Things are only going to get intense from now on as dangerous elements will enter the narrative and a war will commence in the chasm of darkness!

I'll try to post the next chapter this weekend but no promises as my health is still not 100% , but never say never.

                        Yours Truly

              HARRY JORDAN   

[Harry Jordan]

Very much happy and thrilled to see that a lot of readers are discussing and voicing their opinions about my story. I am very much moved by the perspectives shared by many. Since we have an Independence Weekend coming , I intend to post next chapter that time so that many can truly enjoy the next adventure in this story.


I heard a lot of minds and their understandings of the characters , mostly towards Hemant and Sonarika. And many are trying to find the "innocent" one in it. Truth to be told , I as an author never concieved this story based on innocence. To me everyone is flawed , except for Karan since he is a child. My conception of Hemant and Sonarika was within the narrative to show how two people who met each other in their most vulnerable form and formed a bond of love and support and build a life together not realizing that what they craved actually exist in each other.

Sonarika always notioned that Hemant held back , even in bed. He wasn't a romantic talker , he wasn't into the typical nature of adding chemistry to a relationship. But Sonarika also never knew Michael King , she never saw her husband in her best form. And Hemant buried the good parts of him along with Michael King as he was suffering from the traumas of his past. To be said in simple words , if Michael King still existed , Sonarika wouldn't have even thought about Vikram in her mind. For all things considered , Karan would've already had multiple siblings by now if Sonarika's husband was Michael instead of Hemant. Hemant buried that for a reason , but unknowingly he also buried the best parts of him. And now , Sonarika will become the catalyst to Michael's return , but the question that rises is , will this be her blessing or her greatest undoing. That we will have to wait and Read! LOL!

And similarly , Hemant concieved a simple life for himself. He believed hiding and lowering himself was the best way to lay low and protect his family. Which is why guys like Sandeep harassed him and he didn't react. Even Dilawar and Rafique mocked him for his repressive nature. But Michael King was what Hemant truly is , an Ambitious man who once conquered far away lands and lived a life of adventure and edge of death and enjoyed every second of it. Women like Kira and Ashnoor , they were part of his life , a life filled with untapped passion and wild romance. But when he lost everything , he buried this part of him with it. And he never tried to be that same person again , be satisfied with a wife like Sonarika. But Hemant is not seeing is that Sonarika too has that wildness in her , something that was part of his lifestyle in the past.


This story is about the ultimate test this two characters goes through and how their dynamic and traits change and evolve in the future. Because lets be real , Hemant and Sonarika can never be separate , as long as Karan exist , they will always have that one constant that keeps them together. But the current conflicts and hidden enemies are putting the couple to their ultimate test. This will change their characters , revealing their real selves. And thus the future awaits for them , either they will live separate as evolved individuals taking care of their son along with the new lives they build or they will unite again , this time forming a bond so merged and robust with each other that even the force of nature cannot separate them.

This story is their test of life. To see whether they can have a happily ever after or salvage what is left and build a new peace. What will be the outcome? Only time will tell. But Hemant and Sonarika both have no idea that their lives are actually intertwined years before they even met.

This is their story , the story of their survival. Whether this will be their survival as individuals or as an inseparable couples , that only time will tell. For now , The Age Of Darkness will commence its maximum threshold as enemies converge around them. This will be the time of an awakening , to stand and fight , to survive and in someone's case , to become the best of both worlds!



          YOURS TRULY 

  HARRY JORDAN   

[Harry Jordan]

Sorry Readers , had to suffer some delays due to some "Important Outdoor Activities" LOL.

Anyways , the next chapter is coming in about an hour. Fair warning , this will be a bit emotional so if there are readers who are uncomfortable reading depressed contents. You are fairly warned. Things are about to get messy!!! 

[Harry Jordan]

                                                                                                                                                            CHAPTER 20

The scent of antiseptic hung heavy in the air. Distant voices echoed in muffled urgency. 

“BP dropping! We’re losing him!” 

Shouted one of the doctors as the defibrillator charged again. Hemant’s body lay pale, soaked in sweat, twitching under the electric shocks that coursed through him. But his mind—his soul—was elsewhere. He was tumbling through a deep void of memory and pain. And at the center of it was Sonarika. Her words repeated endlessly, stabbing his core. 

"I slept with him Hemant.....and.....I've been sleeping with him ever since” 

Her voice was like a curse etched into the walls of his fading consciousness, growing louder, more mocking, until the world collapsed into a deafening silence.

Then the visions began.

He saw Sonarika in her wedding dress, smiling radiantly as they exchanged vows. He remembered the warmth of her fingers when she first handed him baby Karan in the hospital, tears in both their eyes. A montage of beautiful, quiet family moments flickered like home video—diwali decorations, beach trips, late-night dancing in the kitchen. Anjali laughing with them, ever the cheerful sister. But these moments warped quickly. Her smile twisted into smirks. Karan’s laughter echoed like derision. Their happiness became a parody, taunting him. 

"I Lied To You" Sonarika’s voice said again, this time as a whisper over the wind. 

"I slept with him Hemant.....and.....I've been sleeping with him ever since"

Darkness crept in like smoke. Flames erupted around him. That house at Azerbaijaan burned again—the one he had locked away in memory. The air filled with smoke and screams. He saw Manush Rustom, his wife and daughter—blackened by flame, their eyes hollow and accusing. Their lips didn’t move, but Hemant heard them clear as day: 

"You Didn't Avenge Us" 

He stumbled back as the warehouse scene unfolded. Armed men charging at him. Blood. Steel. Gunfire. He was no longer Hemant. He was moving with inhuman precision. The infamous Inquisitor sword in his right hand, a gun in his left. Men fell like dominos. No mercy. No hesitation. Fire raged behind him. Then—he saw himself walk forward, a black suit drenched in blood, face untouched by time, eyes blazing.

"Welcome back, Hemant... or should I say... Michael King"

The name hit him like a punch to the chest. Michael King—the name he had buried. The identity he had tried to smother under marriage, love, and fatherhood. The gangster turned warlord. The man who once ruled the shadows of Europe, enforcing his brutal version of order. Hemant stared at this doppelgänger, knowing it wasn’t separate. It was him. And as the defibrillator struck once more, that name thundered in his mind, Michael King. The silence shattered. His body jolted violently—eyes flew open.

Gasping, air filled his lungs like fire. The doctors jumped back, stunned. He was stable, breathing on his own. 

"He’s back" one whispered in awe. 

But Hemant didn’t flinch. No panic. No gratitude. Just... silence. His eyes were dark and unreadable, fixated on the overhead light as though it held answers. The emotions—pain, heartbreak, confusion—had evaporated. What remained was something terrifying in its stillness. The doctors tried to speak to him, ask him questions, but he turned his head, as if the noise meant nothing.

His gaze fell to the tray beside him. The rings they’d removed lay there—emblems of his old life. The Garuda ring, a symbol of protection and strength. But it was the Archangel ring that lingered in his gaze. He remembered who gave it to him. What it had meant in the underworld—what he had meant. The ring shimmered faintly under the light, an echo of the fire that once consumed his soul. His fingers twitched slightly, not toward the ring, but in recognition. A seal had been broken. Michael King was no longer a ghost of the past.

The pain that had shattered Hemant's heart was gone. Not healed—consumed. That part of him, that vulnerable, loving man, had withered in that emergency room. What took its place was colder. Sharper. Forged from trauma, honed by violence. He wasn't mourning Sonarika anymore. He wasn't weeping over betrayal. Those emotions belonged to Hemant. 

But Michael King—Michael King didn't feel pain. He only felt purpose.

And as the doctors exchanged confused glances, murmuring about psychological shock or trauma-induced catatonia, Michael King lay perfectly still, staring at the ceiling. Behind his unreadable expression, thoughts churned like a storm. The world had forgotten who he was. But he remembered. And now that he was back—really back—the world would soon remember him too.

SOME TIME LATER

Sonarika along with Anjali and Karan charged through the hospital corridors after asking the reception where the emergency ward is. As they went through the hallway of the hospital. They finally reached the Emergency Room door. Through the glass window they saw Hemant laying in the bed. Sonarika noticed her heartbroken laying her pale and still. She also noticed he wasn't sleeping , his eyes were open but he kept on looking up. Just then Doctor Sonia Joshi arrived near them.

"Are you Mrs. Hemant Kumar?"

"Yess , I am. How is he?"

"You can relax , he is out of danger for now. Recovering well"

Sonarika sighed with relief.

"I would like to talk to you. Let them sit here , I'll arrange them to meet Hemant for the time being"

Soon a nurse led Karan and Anjali inside to meet Hemant while Sonarika followed Dr.Sonia to her office.

"Sit Miss?"

"Sonarika"

"Okay Sonarika , your husband is recovering well. But I am trying to find the cause of it"

"What happened to him Doctor?"

"Your husband suffered a serious and fatal stroke. From what I heard he was found in his vehicle passed out by Pedestrians. When he was brought here , I was honestly loosing hope , his pulse were almost gone. If they didn't get him here on time , it would've been worse"

Sonarika controlled her tears as she felt broken and cursing herself inside knowing that she is the reason for his heart stopping. Sonia continued.

"I just wanna ask Sonarika. Was anything bothering Hemant lately , did something happen? I am asking so that I can treat him better. My initial observation says he was met with a sudden shock of something , which resulted his body giving up on him. I know its personal but I need to understand if something happened so that I can find a solution to his health"

Sonarika cried a little , after which she decided to tell the truth.

"I met him in the evening doctor. I told him.......that I've been cheating on him...he left me teary eyed and silent on the Gateway"

Sonia realized what was the issue. She also felt awkward getting to know something personal about the family.

"Oh , that makes sense. So I guess that made him suffer a massive and fatal stroke. I really struggled to resusitate him. But something was very odd , he didn't flinch or exasperated like a normal patient. He simply came back , it was definitely something I've never seen before"

"He used to have bad dreams doctor. He served in the Army long ago which traumatised him"

"That explains his shutdown. Anyways he is back healthy as usual but I am afraid I will have to stop you from seeing him"

"But why?"

"Sonarika. Based on what I heard , he suffered that stroke after seeing you. I don't want to risk his health again if he has a similar reaction again seeing you. So first let me check him , you can watch him from the glass window away from his attention"

Sonarika understood her reasoning , but at the same time it hurt her knowing that her presence can hurt him further. Making the guilt in her stab her mind many times. She walked and stood at the corner of the window taking a peak inside to see him undetected. To ensure that he is safe and healing. Karan was near him and he was hugging him tight. Anjali talked with him , something she could not hear due to the soundproof glass. Soon both Karan and Anjali came out as Sonarika went to them.

"You talked to him Anju?"

"Yes Didi. Bhaiya is alright , he says it wasn't something serious. But I don't know , something is off , I feel it"

"Its okay Anju. We'll figure it out"

Just then Sonia came near them.

"He will be shifted to one of our VIP rooms. Seems he's eligible for it considering he played a big role in building this hospital"

Sonarika realized that little detail. This was the same multi-speciality hospital Hemant and Kunal worked with for Pranitha Mehta when he was employed in QUADRON. She was still proud of him , that he has achieved so much in life in recent times. And then there was the guilt and twinge of pain , knowing that she repayed his achievements and hardwork by spreading her legs for another man. She wished at that moment for the ground to break and swallow her into it. But she also knew she has made the mistake so she should definitely pay the price for it as well.

She saw from the window  Dr.Sonia talking to Hemant , but something strange caught her eye. Hemant was smiling , not showing any emotions of depression or sadness. And that fears her , she could not take his face she saw in the Gateway from her head. That swelled up cheeks , tears flowing like waterfall , holding off not to cry. She anticipated it to happen , but not like this. Not to the point he suffered a serious medical emergency. But now seeing him like this is something disturbing. As she was contemplating it , Sonia walked out of his room and came to them.

"We're moving him now , and Sonarika. Hemant wants to talk to you in private once the shift is done"

She realised it will not be a warm conversation but rather something painful and more hurtful. As they towed out Hemant from the emergency room , she walked by him but he simply looked up watching at the ceiling of the hospital moving. As they got him to his bed in his room. Karan hugged Hemant to which he reciprocated.

"Papa....you look like Spiderman from the video game now"

"Right when the villains ambushed him right?"

"Yes"

"Okay , Karan? I want you to be a good boy and behave well at home okay? Papa will be here for few days but will return home soon"

"Why can't I stay here Papa?"

"Because its a hospital Karan. Papa will need some rest for this , plus you will be bored here and you have your homework and institute to attend"

Karan nodded in disappointment.

"Look Papa will come home after few days. Until then you are incharge of being the man of the house. Help mumma when she needs it and don't annoy Anjali too much okay?"

"Okay Papa"

Hemant gave a warm kiss to Karan's forehead as he walked to Sonarika's arms. Then it was Anjali's turn.

"Bhaiya , how did this happen? I know damn well this didn't happen due to poor health as you are fit and fine. Something is definitely wrong"

"I know Anju. But lets wait for few days , we'll explain everything once I come home"

"Its not anything serious right?"

"Its nothing. Like I said Anju. Few days , then you'll know. Take care"

"You too Bhaiyaa.....you too"

Soon Anjali walked away with Karan to leave the room , leaving just Sonarika and Hemant inside. There was just an eery silence as both of them looked at each other. Sonarika's eyes were wet but Hemant still had that stoic expression. He finally spoke.

"You know Sonarika....they say that people in love can make one's heart stop......you did it quiet literally.....but for the opposite reasion"

Sonarika listened and tried to reason it with him.

"Hemant....I didn't want this to happen....not like this..."

"Then how.....you plan to keep me in the dark?"

"No , never......the whole reason for me to tell the truth is for that very reason....I've failed you many times......I didn't wanna do it again"

"So are you expecting a medal?"

"No.....I deserve whatever punishment you seem fit"

"Quiet easy for you to say that Sonarika.....when quiet literally the only looser in this whole mess is me"

Sonarika was confused but before she could ask , Hemant declared.

"Take Karan and Anju home , I don't want them in an environment of a hospital. I'll be back home in a few days"

"How can I leave you here all alone" Sonarika asked concerned.

"Don't act like a concerned wife anymore Sonarika. Just don't do it"

"I know I betrayed you , but I still care for you"

"Care? You don't care. Why don't you go home and call your boyfriend to show care"

"Hemant's its not like that"

"You don't get it don't you Sonarika. You didn't just break me. You broke our family , our little world is wrecked into smitherines. And Karan outside , he has no idea the kind of destruction you have caused to your family"

Sonarika didn't say anything. Silently sobbed her tears.

"You didn't just break my heart , you broke my future, our dreams of an ideal life for us as a family. All this time I thought you were loving me , caring for me. But they were all a lie"

Sonarika faltered when he said that as she intervened.

"No , Hemant , it wasn't a lie. I've never stopped loving you , I never did"

"Don't ever talk about love anymore to me Sonarika. You didn't just kill our love , you destroyed it to ashes"

"Hemant , please!"

"I am done talking to you Sonarika. Go home , once I am home , I will discuss the future. If I have any in that regard"

"Hemant pl----"

Hemant stopped her as tears were coming from his eyes.

"I've never raised my hand or thought any kind of violence against you Sonarika. If you don't walk away right now , I will start to hate you"

Sonarika with heavy sob looked at him knowing the amount of hurt she has already caused on him with her actions. She didn't want him to feel hurt again as she slowly walked away. She knew he is in deep pain right now , but her being there was only going to make it increase. She rubbed her tears and controlled her emotions when she left the room. 


Hemant lied there letting go his tears to flow freely as he lied on the bed. The pain in his heart was wrecking him. It was like he was back in tha void again , the very same void he sat when he lost everything. 


SOMETIME LATER


Sonarika shut the door of her bedroom and leaned against it, her body trembling under the weight of exhaustion. The silence of the house felt heavier than ever. No faint hum of Hemant’s breathing beside her, no rustle of bedsheets as he shifted in his sleep. Just emptiness. She slid onto the bed, curling into herself, and the memories came uninvited—those first years of their marriage when every small moment felt like a shared victory. Early mornings filled with coffee and banter, evenings navigating Mumbai’s chaos, and the rhythm they had built together. Now that rhythm was shattered, replaced by the unbearable stillness of guilt.



In the dim hospital room, Hemant lay propped against his pillows, the beeping machines beside him both grounding and maddening. The fluorescent lights blurred as his eyes brimmed with tears he didn’t want to shed. He wasn’t thinking about his physical weakness—the slight slur in his speech, the heaviness in his limbs—but about the seismic crack that had split his life apart. Every image of Sonarika he could recall, from their first meeting to her smallest acts of care, now came wrapped in barbed wire. He could no longer separate her tenderness from her betrayal.



Sonarika pressed her face into the pillow, breathing in the faint trace of Hemant’s scent still lingering on the bedsheet. She remembered those nights when he’d wake up from a nightmare, drenched in sweat, calling her name. She would hold him tightly until his breathing slowed, whispering that he was safe. Back then, she had felt needed, trusted, irreplaceable. Now, that same name—Sonarika—must taste like ash in his mouth. The thought made her stomach twist.



Hemant stared at the ceiling, every second stretching unbearably. He replayed the moment at the Gateway of India when she told him about the affair—the shock, the way his chest tightened, the darkness creeping in until everything went black. He wasn’t sure what hurt more now: the betrayal itself or the fact that she had chosen someone else over the years of love they had built. His mind returned again and again to one bitter truth: trust, that is broken, was like glass—it might be pieced together, but the cracks would always show.



The phone lit up on the bedside table, Vikram’s name glaring at her. Sonarika froze. For a moment, she thought about answering, if only to numb herself from the ache clawing at her chest. But then she remembered Hemant’s face when she confessed, the silent devastation before his body collapsed. She couldn’t give Vikram the satisfaction of stepping into the void this soon. She ended the call and silenced the phone, as if by doing so she could also silence the part of herself that had led her here.



Hemant’s thoughts drifted to Karan, their son. The boy’s laughter, his small arms wrapped around Hemant’s neck, the way his eyes lit up when both parents were in the room together. The idea that this bond might now be poisoned by tension and resentment was almost unbearable. If anything, Hemant’s love for Karan anchored him—he would fight to heal physically for his son’s sake.



Even with the phone silent, Sonarika couldn’t stop the flood of memories—her meetings with Vikram in Jabalpur, the stolen nights in his flat, the rekindling of their affair at his hotel. Strangely, none of it seemed thrilling now. The passion that had once intoxicated her felt shallow and meaningless in the cold aftermath of destruction. All she could feel was the absence of Hemant’s warmth on winter mornings, the loss of those simple, grounding rituals that had once made her life whole.



In the hospital bed, Hemant’s body ached, but his chest ached more. This wasn’t just the end of a relationship—it felt like the death of a part of himself. He thought about the years he had spent believing in love as something pure, something worth giving yourself to completely. But he has been getting punished everytime he fell in love , be it Sanjana , be it Ashnoor and now Sonarika. Now, love felt like a trap, a cruel trick that left you bleeding while the world moved on. He vowed quietly to himself: never again. Love was no longer a blessing; it was a curse he would not invite back.



Sonarika’s tears blurred the ceiling above her as she wondered if there was any road back from this. She could face judgment, she could bear anger, but the thought that Hemant might never again look at her with even a shred of tenderness—that was what crushed her. She had betrayed not just a husband, but her safest place, her home. Now, that home was gone, and she was left to wander the ruins.



Hemant shifted, wincing at the pain in his side. He knew the nurses would check on him soon, but he dreaded their polite questions about his condition. None of them knew that the real injury was invisible. The life he had dreamed of—a home full of love, laughter, stability—was crumbling before his eyes, and there was no medical procedure to fix that. The only love he trusted now was for his son and, in a quieter way, for Anjali, who had shown him nothing but loyalty.



Two separate rooms, miles apart, but both filled with the same suffocating air of loss. Sonarika wept into her pillow, the weight of her choices pressing her deeper into despair. Hemant stared into the dimness, his heart cold with resolve. At the same moment, they both knew—though neither would say it aloud—that the life they once shared was over. What remained were the echoes of a love that had once been their refuge, now turned into their greatest source of pain.




As morning came , Hemant was laying in his bed all groggy. It wasn't exactly sleep , after everything that transpired in 24 hours , sleep is the most difficuilt thing he could find. His mind was filled with pain , anger and frustration. And more importantly his change of demeanor and perspective about love. His mind recapped all the women that walked away from him. Only person he didn't think was Sanjana as it was him who walked away from her. But images of Kira and Ashnoor haunted him , and now Sonarika was part of that pain. And to some extent her betrayal hurt more because he believed he was happy with her and she was too. Turns out she wasn't. But it always made him wonder , where? where did it all went wrong? Sonarika was a confident , loving and a caring woman. For her , this family was everything. Then why? why there was a need for an affair?


This questions raised another doubt. Was it him? Could Sonarika went for another man because he couldn't satisfy her anymore? Hemant had that doubt understanding that not so long he was in his terrible health. He had his doubt ever since his poor physical act with her in Matheran. But those doubts were gone when he remembered his moments with Sonarika. He knew he made her satisfy. She definitely loved everything he did , then why? why would she seek something from someone else?


Then his thoughts went to the usual place every insecure man goes to. The question he asked himself ashamed him to extent. Was Vikram bigger than him? Is he some alpha in bed with her? Or is it something more darker? Did she chose to sleep with him because he is a millionaire? These thoughts upset him so he let those thoughts diminish eventually. His mind was a wreck , everytime he thought about love , it now hurt him like a stab. Love has become the worst thing to his mind and soul. 


He also contemplated the ramifications. Obviously the path forward for him was divorce. But how messy was it going to be? Hemant remembered Karan , he was no fool when it comes to family courts and laws in this country. He knew that no matter the situation , the rulings will favor her as she is a woman. So getting the sole custody of Karan was out of the equation. So he will now be forced to live in a close proximity with her because of the scenario of a shared custody. Plus he also knows that Karan has a deeper and more emotional attachment to his mother than to him. So he knows he was loosing this fight too. At the end of the day , Sonarika was going to have Karan with her and Anjali as well considering once the divorce commences the brother in law relation cannot be recognized.


Then his mind went to the despicable thoughts , how she will forget him and move on with her new man in her life. After all , she willingly slept with him , so its safe to say a part or whole of her heart beats for him now. Then something diabolical and cold blooded came in his mind.

What if there is no Sonarika?

But he instantly let it go on realizing how messed up that thought was. He could not do that , no matter what. And it was because of two important things , first being Karan. He wasn't willing to take his mother away from him , not right now. And second , regardless of what she did , he loved her unconditionally. His love for her was loyal and honest and a deep care , but she turns out doesn't have that same feelings for him.

His thoughts were immediately interrupted upon the arrival of Raquel into his room. He looked worried as he enquired about his mentor.

"Bhaijaan.....what happened to you"

"Its nothing serious Raquel.....I am alright now"

"But you're not the type to suffer strokes?"

"Life can be unpredictable sometimes Raquel....we just have to adapt"

"That is true Bhaijaan , especially after what happened"

Hemant was a little curious by Raquel's words as he asked his worry.

"What happened Raquel"

"Bhaijaan.....Ricky.....Ricky is gone.....there was an attack....at the Golden Yang"

Hemant was stunned , he never anticipated for things to escalate this further. He was already shaken up by his life turned upside down in the last 24 hours and now he learned one of his trusted ally was taken out in cold blood. Hemant knew who could it be behind the assault

"Lai Tong?"

That is the only word Hemant said looking at Raquel. And Raquel nodded in agreement confirming his intuition. Lai killed Ricky for one reason , to hurt him. And he knew , he is his target. Hemant moved his bed's head section so he could sit upright.

"Raquel , go and handle the proceedings of the factory. I will be here for the next 24 hours. Oversee the developments Kamya and Vaibhav made on Kohinoor"

"Bhaijaan , what about Tong?"

"He cannot attack me now , judging by the Tong legacy. But we have to prepare"

Raquel understood his concern.

"Looks like we are starting the recruitment phase. You are in charge of it Raquel , hire the best men for our cause. People who won't falter upon seeing death before their eyes"

"What about our factory workers?"

"They will be treated as backup. If Lai brings a war here , he will have an army waiting to send him to hell!"

"Got it Bhaijaan"

"Tell Kamya and Vaibhav to continue working on our secret project. Stall the paperwork for few days. I'll clear it once I am back in the office"

"Jo Hukum Bhaijaan!"

Saying that Raquel left with a confidence in his stance. Hemant was already feeling furstrated lying on the bed like this. An hour later , Sonia arrived for her check up. As she was conducting it , Hemant voiced his concern.

"Please doctor , any chance I get an early discharge. I cannot tolerate the environment of a hospital"

"Is that so? Even if its the hospital you built?"

"I was just part of the planning phase. Most of the work was Pranitha's"

"Pranitha did say you were such a chivalrous person"

"Yeah , turns out that didn't get me anywhere in life now"

Sonia noticed the sadness in his face. She knew the situation for his health detoriating.

"Look , Sonarika told me about the possible reason behind your stroke....and you have my sympathy and well wishes"

"Thanks....but right now the only well wish I need is the wish to leave this hospital"

"Tell you what , stay another 24 hours , let me do the round the clock checkups and if the results are fine. Then I'll let you go"

"Best news I heard for the day. Besides I don't think I can afford more days for a VIP room like this"

"Oh you don't need to. Pranitha is covering your expenses"

"WHAT?"

"Yeah , I contacted her when you were admitted. She is the one who ordered me to put you in a VIP room and reroute the bill to her personal account"

"Then where is she?"

"She is not in the country. She is currently in Amsterdam for a meet to bring advance CT Scan system for the hospital"

"Hmm.....glad she is taking care of the hospital"

"I am not trying to be her IT girl. But Pranitha is definitely a very caring and genuine manager here. She always faces the problems with an open mind. Guess its the Mehta genes"

"Might be....or it just might be her speciality"

"That too"

"But Doctor....can you atleast allow me a change of clothes? I don't like being here in this hospital linens.....I need to freshen myself"

"Sure you can but no tight fittings"

Once her check up was done , Sonia continued her rounds in the hospital. Hemant called Raquel to bring some spare clothes from his office wardrobe mentioning loose clothes. He arrived at his room half our later with brand new clothes which was a kurta and pyjama but with good textures. Raquel joked that he had no loose clothings in his wardrobe as he left for the factory again. Hemant went and had his warm shower.

Hemant eased himself onto the bed, the fresh scent of soap clinging to his skin, the green kurta and black pyjama fitting comfortably. For a moment, the comfort almost tricked him into feeling at peace. But the moment he let his mind drift, Sonarika’s tear-stained face flashed before him—her confession still echoing in his mind like a wound that refused to clot. Karan’s innocent smile, Anjali’s carefree chatter… both now felt like fragile glass figurines, unknowingly placed on a table already cracking beneath them. He had thought the shower would wash away some of the heaviness in his chest, but the ache persisted, stubborn and raw.

The door creaked open, and Hemant’s eyes darted up. His breath caught. 

"Pranitha?" he said, almost disbelieving. 

Doctor Sonia had told him she was in Amsterdam. Yet here she was—standing in his hospital room, still in her travel-worn jacket, her hair loosely tied back, a mix of worry and exhaustion in her eyes. For the first time since the heartbreak, a flicker of relief stirred in him.

"I heard you were admitted" Pranitha said, stepping in briskly. 

"What on earth happened, Hemant? You look… well, not terrible, but not fine either" 

Her tone was blunt, but the undercurrent of concern was unmistakable. She glanced at the IV stand, then at his face, searching for answers.

Hemant tried a half-smile. 

"It’s nothing. Just a small… mishap, that’s all" 

He tried to wave it off, but Pranitha’s expression told him she wasn’t buying a single word. She pulled a chair closer and sat down, folding her arms.

"Mishap?" she repeated. 

"Your blood pressure was through the roof, you had a stroke, and you call it a mishap? I’ve known you long enough to know when you’re hiding something" 

Her voice softened. 

"This isn’t just about health, is it?"

Hemant hesitated, his eyes falling to his hands. He could almost feel Sonarika’s betrayal trying to claw its way to the surface, but he forced it back down. 

"Pranitha" he said quietly. 

"can we… not talk about it? Not today. I just want to… have some normal moments" 

His gaze met hers, pleading but steady. 

"Please"

For a moment, she looked like she might push him for answers. But then she sighed and leaned back. 

"Fine. We’ll talk about something else. You know, I just got off a conference call this morning while at the airport—our supplier from Berlin finally agreed to the revised shipment terms"

Hemant chuckled faintly. 

"You’re still dragging Berlin into every conversation we have. Do you ever stop working?"

"It’s called multitasking, Hemant" she said, grinning. 

"Besides, I thought you liked hearing about my business dramas. You get free entertainment without having to deal with the headaches"

The banter flowed more naturally than he expected. By noon, they had wandered through topics from the ridiculous antics of her marketing team to old memories of their first ground work of this hospital. For brief stretches, Hemant forgot the stabbing weight in his chest. Pranitha had that rare gift—to talk about her world so vividly it distracted him from his own.

Eventually, Pranitha stood, brushing imaginary dust off her trousers. 

"I have a couple of important video meets this afternoon thanks to my unexpected detour. The world won’t run itself, sadly" 

She gave him a mock-serious look. 

"But I’ll be back in the evening. And don’t think about sneaking out of this place, understood?"

"I’ll try to restrain my wild side" Hemant smirked. 


As she left, the room felt a little emptier, but not in the suffocating way it had before she arrived. For the first time in days, Hemant sensed a faint thread pulling him toward something beyond the heartbreak—a reminder that life had more than just pain to offer, if only for a few hours at a time. But then he also remembers that he cannot risk it , how many more heartbreaks can he truly endure. Sonarika has already put a dent to his spirit , and right now he cannot think about moving on. Because this was the universe telling him that he has unfinished business. In that deep moment , he realized. The heartbreak , the tragedy that commenced in Shanghai. This was giving him the telltale sign that the path forward will soon become dangerous.


The late afternoon sun filtered weakly through the hospital’s glass windows, washing the room in a subdued glow. Hemant sat quietly on the bed, his legs still feeling the weakness from yesterday’s ordeal. His mind, though, was far from his health—it was still tangled in the jagged mess of the previous evening, when Sonarika had stood before him and confessed the one thing that could rip his world apart.

The door clicked open. Sonarika stepped in, holding a steel tiffin against her chest as though it were a fragile offering. Her hair was tied hastily, her face pale and drawn, the skin beneath her eyes darkened from a sleepless night. Hemant’s pulse quickened—not out of longing, but because the wound inside him split open again at the mere sight of her.

"I…I brought you food" 

She said, her tone careful, like she was approaching a wounded animal that might strike. She avoided his eyes, walking to the side table and laying the tiffin down. Her hands moved automatically, twisting lids, arranging containers. Hemant rose slowly from his chair and moved to the bed, his gaze fixed on her movements.

"Split the food" He said suddenly. 

His voice was calm, but the calmness was a dangerous kind. Sonarika stilled. 

"I’m not hungry" she murmured.

"You haven’t eaten since last night either" he replied without hesitation. 

"Your face is pale. You’re weaker than you think" 

His tone wasn’t gentle—it was observant, cutting through her feeble excuse.

She didn’t respond, only lowered herself into the chair beside him, her fingers brushing against the edge of the plate. They began to eat. Every bite felt hollow, a mechanical act with no taste. The scbang of spoons against metal filled the space between them. Hemant’s eyes stayed on his plate; Sonarika’s gaze hovered somewhere on the floor, as if speaking would shatter the fragile quiet.

Minutes dragged. Her throat tightened with every mouthful, not from the food, but from the knowledge that every shared meal from now on would carry this same weight. Her mind ached with memories of their family dinners, Karan laughing, Hemant teasing her about her cooking. That world felt impossibly far now.

They finished without a word. The basin tap hissed softly as they washed their hands. Hemant dried his fingers slowly, his movements precise, deliberate. She stood near him, willing herself to speak, her heart hammering. 

"Hemant…" She whispered, voice trembling. 

"I am sorry. For everything. For breaking us. For ruining us… for destroying what we had"

The silence after her words was deafening. Then, without warning, the sharp trill of her phone split the air. Both of them looked toward the table. On the screen, one name glowed in bold letters—Vikram. Hemant’s eyes locked on it, and something in his expression darkened instantly.

She reached over quickly and ended the call, her breath catching. 

"It’s nothing" she said too fast, too desperately. 

He didn’t answer. His silence wasn’t empty—it was full, brimming with rage and betrayal. She stepped closer, tears threatening. 

"Please… whatever happens to us, I’m still worried for Karan. And Anjali. Don’t—"

But he turned his back on her, walking to the large glass window. Mumbai sprawled beneath them, indifferent to the devastation in this room. He stood there, hands in his pockets, as if her voice couldn’t reach him anymore. Sonarika’s throat burned. Her steps toward the door felt heavy, her chest aching with the weight of leaving.

Then she heard it—so faint she almost thought she imagined it. 

"Sona" 

The nickname he used only in love. Her heart lurched violently, a dangerous flicker of hope igniting. She turned, searching his face for softness.

But his eyes were not soft. They were ablaze with fury. He closed the distance between them in two steps, his hand rising to her neck. In one swift movement, he unhooked her mangalsutra, the chain slipping away like the last tether between them. She gasped, her hand flying instinctively to her bare neck.

Hemant walked to the table, dipped three fingers into a glass of water, and returned. His touch was cold as he rubbed her vermillion, smearing the red into nothingness. Her breath trembled, her tears fell unchecked, her whole body shaking. 

"You are dead to me" he said, each syllable like a blade. 

"Get out" 

Her sob broke free, raw and unrestrained, as she fled the room. Alone now, Hemant sat heavily on the bed, his own tears coming, knowing the life they had was gone forever. Outside, Sonarika stumbled down the hall, barely seeing Tamanna approaching from the other end. She walked faster worried ever since she got a message from Hemant that he is in the hospital this morning. As she walked in , she saw Sonarika crying running away. Tamanna caught a glimpse of her ravaged face and realized instantly—something has gone terribly wrong in the last 24 hours.

Tamanna froze in the doorway, her breath catching at the sight of Hemant sitting on the edge of the bed. His shoulders were hunched, his face pale, and though his eyes were dry, she could see the storm he was holding back. The faint beeping of the heart monitor beside him made her chest tighten. 

"Hemant…" she whispered, stepping inside. 

He didn’t look up, just clenched his fists. Without thinking, she crossed the room and wrapped her arms around him. 

"What happened?"

For a long moment, he stayed stiff, his breathing shallow. Then, as though her embrace cracked something inside him, he exhaled a shuddering breath. 

"Its over for me Tammu....its all over!!!" he said, voice barely audible. 

"Sona...My Sona....she loves someone else now…" 

He swallowed, the weight of the words dragging him down. 

"She’s been… with someone else. Vikram Bajaj" 

His voice broke on the last word. Tamanna’s fingers gripped his back as if she could physically hold his pain for him.

She pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. 

"Hemant… oh my God" 

Her voice trembled, not from shock alone but from the raw ache of seeing him like this. 

"How could she… to you of all people?" 

The thought of Sonarika’s betrayal boiled inside her—she’d known Hemant since college, had quietly admired him, his whole personality. Now, to see that heart shattered made her chest ache in ways she couldn’t fully hide. 

"You didn’t deserve this" she murmured, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.

He shook his head, staring at the floor. 

"After she said it, I couldn’t breathe. It was like everything inside me just… collapsed. I passed out in my vehicle , some pedestrians took me to this hospital. Stroke, they said. I guess you can say she literally broke my heart" 

The words came out flat, but Tamanna could hear the tremor underneath. His vulnerability was uncharacteristic—he was the one who usually comforted others, not the one needing comfort.

Tamanna sat beside him, her hand finding his. 

"Listen to me, Hemant. This—what she did—has nothing to do with your worth. You’re still the same man you’ve always been. You just… got dealt a cruel hand. But we can work through this. Together" 

She squeezed his hand, her eyes steady on his. But Hemant knew at that moment , he was not the same man anymore. In a more higher sense , Sonarika basically killed the old Hemant , what he is now is something more darker , more cold. 

"You’re not alone. Not now. Not ever" 

The sincerity in her voice was heavy enough to make him finally meet her gaze. His eyes glistened, and for a moment, he simply looked at her, as if searching for something—confirmation, permission, maybe hope. Then he pulled her into a tighter hug, burying his face in her shoulder. 

"Thank you, Tammu…..I feel greatful that there is some connections to my past that isn't scarred" 

She felt his arms around her, strong yet desperate, and in that closeness, she felt something shift—an intimacy that she once fantasized with him , long when he was someone else's boyfriend.

Resting her cheek against his hair, Tamanna spoke softly. 

"You will get through this , you always do. And I’ll make sure you never have to face a day like this alone again" 

She meant every word. For years, her feelings for him had been locked away, but seeing him broken like this made her want to shield him from every pain life could throw. Hemant eased back, his expression softer now. 

"I still have people who care… and maybe that’s enough for now" 

Tamanna smiled faintly, brushing his arm. 

"It’s more than enough. And I will be here when you need me" 

They sat there in silence for a while, his hand in hers, the room no longer heavy with despair but warmed by the quiet certainty that even in the ruins, something steady remained. Hemant's mind was a wreckage , an amalgamation of old pains and new ones. Tamanna was there as a comfort , to tell him that not everything is a ruined part in his life. As she left him due to her commitments as a single mother , Hemant was once again in his own thoughts. And the deeper question he asked is where? where did it all went wrong?

But the most important question was what is next? What is next for him? What is his future?

He had dreams and aspirations , an ideal lifestyle for his family. But that has been sliced in different ways and now he is caught in a maze of his family's ruination. He knew that he cannot throw Sonarika from his life forever as long as Karan exist. He knew Karan was the only link to his sanity for the moment. And Anjali , her relation to him exist as long as Sonarika is the wife. The moment that goes , she becomes a stranger to him.

Every single moment he spent that day was filled with sometimes rage and sometimes sorrow. But he was having a hard time to accept that everything will change from now on.


The city outside had sunk into the golds and purples of evening when the door opened again. Hemant looked up from the untouched magazine in his lap. Pranitha stepped inside, no jacket this time, just a soft cream blouse and dark jeans, her hair falling loosely over her shoulders. In one hand, she carried a bag of food, in the other, her tablet.

"I told you I’d be back" she said softly, closing the door behind her. 

"I couldn’t leave you to suffer another round of hospital curry"

A faint smile tugged at his lips. 

"Don't forget this is your own hospital. Next, you’ll start bringing a five-star chef in here"

She laughed, the sound instantly warming the sterile room. They sat together on the small couch, sharing warm naan and paneer curry, talking about her work. She described negotiating with stubborn suppliers, late-night calls with Europe, and the chaos of dealing with a client who thought deadlines were 'a vague suggestion'. Hemant listened—not just to her words, but to the rhythm of her voice, the way her eyes lit up when she spoke about challenges she’d overcome.

When there was a lull, Hemant set his plate down. 

"Pranitha… the doctor’s agreed to discharge me tomorrow"

"That’s wonderful" she said, her face breaking into a smile. 

"But promise me you’ll take it slow. No heroics"

He nodded, then hesitated. Something in her presence—the warmth, the familiarity—made him feel safer than he had in days. 

"There’s something I didn’t tell you earlier… the real reason for my stroke" He met her gaze. 

"Sonarika confessed toto me that she’s been having an affair. With Vikram Bajaj"

Her eyes widened. 

"Vikram Bajaj? As in BAJAJCORP Vikram?"

"Yes. And… remember a while ago your assistant mentioned Vikram’s secret woman in Mumbai? That woman turns out to be Sonarika"

The shock on her face gave way to anger—raw, unfiltered. 

"Hemant, how could she? How could she betray a man like you? You’ve done nothing but give her love and stability. It’s disgusting"

"Pranitha…" He reached for her hand, his touch steady. 

"Its okay Pranitha.....turns out pain and my life are destined for each other"

She didn’t answer—she moved closer instead. Her arms slid around his shoulders, her embrace warm and grounding. The scent of her hair mingled with the faint aroma of dinner still between them. Her face was close, too close, and in that silence, he could hear both of their breaths deepening.

Their lips almost touched before Hemant pulled back, the tension in his chest almost painful. 

"Pranitha....I....I… can’t. Not now. I’m still grieving. And this… it could make things complicated between you and Rony"

Her brows lifted, then she laughed—soft, but full of irony. 

"Hemant… there is no me and Rony. I broke up with him back in college because he’s gay. He’s been with Simon for years—the same Simon you did business with recently"

Hemant blinked. 
"You’re serious?"

"Dead serious, and half the reason I acted close to him was to see you fuming with jealousy" 

She murmured, her gaze locked on his. 

"And besides… something tells me we both need this" 

She leaned in, her lips brushing his before deepening the kiss. At first it was slow, testing, but then it turned hungry—urgent. Her mouth moved against his with a fervor that melted the last of his restraint. They kissed wildly, their mouths clashing, tongues meeting, tasting. The world beyond that room faded entirely.

When they finally pulled apart, a thin strand of saliva connected them. Her voice was low, almost trembling. 

"I guess now we can never be just friends. I didn't see it first but now I do. It’s like fate pushed us into this moment.”

She smoothed her hair, her tone shifting. 

"I have to fly back to Amsterdam tonight. I came here only to see you. I know you’re hurting, but remember—after every storm, there’s a spring. When I return… we’ll find a different meaning for each other. I have a feeling that we will need each other to heal....to redefine who we are!"


She kissed his forehead gently, then left. The silence that followed wasn’t heavy—it was charged. Hemant sat there, heart still pounding, torn between the warmth she’d left behind and the shadow Sonarika’s betrayal had cast over him.


Love had only brought him pain—Sanjana, Kira, Ashnoor, and now Sonarika. Each story ended in loss, each chapter closing with a wound. Love, for Hemant, had always ended in pain. First there was Sanjana, whom he had to leave behind because of the direction his life had taken. Then Kira, who chose her vengeance over him. Then Ashnoor, taken from the world entirely. And now Sonarika—the one who had lifted him from darkness into light—only to give him the worst betrayal of all.


How many more chances could he give to love? How many more times could he risk falling, knowing the crash would come? He decided then and there not to succumb again. But even as he made that vow, he knew he would have to decide where he stood with Pranitha… and what course his life would take from here.

                                                                                                                                                                                  (CHAPTER TO BE CONTD)

[Harry Jordan]

                                                                                                                                                       (CHAPTER CONTD)

THE NEXT DAY



The morning sun poured softly over the streets of Mumbai as Hemant’s cab pulled up to his apartment home. His body still felt weak from the day spent in Sanjeevani Hospital, recovering from the stroke that had struck him like lightning. On the doorstep, Anjali stood with Karan, both smiling, their eyes filled with relief. Behind them was Sonarika, smiling too—but her smile was heavy, almost brittle, weighed down by the guilt she carried.


“Papa!” Karan rushed forward, wrapping his arms around Hemant’s waist. 

The boy’s warmth was real, grounding. Hemant put a hand on his son’s head and ruffled his hair, forcing the corners of his lips upward into something that looked like a smile. Anjali stepped in next, hugging him gently, mindful of his condition. 

"It’s good to have you home, Bhaiya” she said. 

Her voice was bright, but her eyes were measuring his mood. Karan’s excitement dimmed a little when he noticed his father’s subdued tone. 

"Are you okay Papa? You don’t look… happy.” 

Before Hemant could answer, Anjali placed a hand on Karan’s shoulder. 

"Give papa time Karan. He needs rest more than anything right now” 

Hemant didn’t contradict her. He simply gave a quiet nod.


The day unfolded slowly. Hemant let Karan pull him into a series of light activities—board games, sketching silly doodles, watching an old cricket match on TV. For brief moments, genuine laughter slipped out of him. Sonarika observed from the doorway at times, watching her husband’s rare smiles. Yet her peace was constantly broken by her phone buzzing on the table. She glanced at the screen—Vikram. Again. Her chest tightened. She muted the call without answering.


By evening, the living room was scattered with game pieces and half-finished snacks. Hemant’s body was tired, but his mind was restless. He excused himself and walked into the bedroom, closing the door softly. His eyes fell on the framed wedding photo sitting on the desk. Not long ago, it had been his anchor—a reminder of love and commitment. Now, it felt like a cruel joke carved into glass.


Sitting on the bed, Hemant rubbed his temples. He hoped sleep would come early tonight, but his thoughts refused to settle. The door creaked open. Sonarika stepped in wearing a nightie, her hair loose, her face carrying a faint smile that once would have softened him instantly. He didn’t return it.


"I need to go out of the city for an important meet tomorrow" 

Hemant said abruptly, his tone flat. Sonarika’s brow furrowed. 

"Hemant… you shouldn’t be thinking of travel. Your health isn’t—"

"I’m going" he cut her off. 

"I’ll manage"

"You can’t just push yourself like this. I’m… I’m worried" Her voice trembled slightly.

"Your concern" Hemant said quietly. 

"doesn’t change anything anymore" 

His words landed like stones between them, heavy and cold.


He got up, grabbed a pillow and blanket from the bed, and started walking toward the door. 

"What are you doing?" Sonarika asked, panic edging her tone.

"I can’t sleep here" he said, his voice shaking. 

"I’m not comfortable… being around you. Even looking at your face makes me feel like my life is a mockery"


Her lips parted, but no words came at first. Then, in a voice thick with remorse, she said. 

"I never wanted to hurt you like this… I don’t know what I was thinking. You’ve only ever loved me—"

Hemant turned to her, eyes glistening. 

"You know Kunal.....You never liked my friendship with him because you said he was a cuckold. Funny thing is… you turned me into one. An unwilling one"


The silence that followed was unbearable. Sonarika covered her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking. Hemant turned away before he could crumble, walked into the guest bedroom, and shut the door without another word.


Sonarika fell back onto their bed, clutching the pillow to her chest. Tears soaked the fabric as she reached for the wedding photo. She held it close, as if proximity to that moment in time could undo everything. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of regret. She cursed the day she had met Vikram. She wished she could erase every call, every meeting, every lie.


In the guest bedroom, Hemant lay staring at the ceiling. Sleep refused to come. His hand drifted to the thread tied around his wrist, where the Archangel ring hung. His fingers traced its familiar grooves. The memories came unbidden—Azerbaijan, the streets of London, the Shanghai market, the underground weapons cache in Yemen, the burning warehouse, the charred home. His mind was a carousel of shadows.


He removed the ring from the thread, holding it between his fingers. The intricate design seemed to whisper to him of battles fought and survived. Slowly, he slid it onto his finger, next to the Garuda ring he already wore. As the metal touched skin, the visions sharpened—until all he could see was himself standing before the statue of Archangel Michael in his London church on Causeway Street.


And then, the pain receded. The hollow ache in his chest dulled. Something else replaced it—something steady, cold, but grounding. His breath slowed, and for the first time since the hospital, his mind was quiet. As his eyelids grew heavy, a voice deep inside whispered, Welcome back. Hemant exhaled and let the darkness take him.


The morning light streamed into the guest bedroom, tracing soft gold lines across Hemant’s face. His eyes opened slowly—not with the heaviness of exhaustion, but with a certain alertness he hadn’t felt in weeks. The rings sat snugly on his finger, cool and unmoving. Whatever storm had been in his mind the night before now seemed like it had passed, leaving behind an ocean still in appearance but deep in current.


In the kitchen, Sonarika stood by the counter making tea, her hands trembling slightly as she poured. She had barely slept. The wedding photo she had clutched last night was still lying on her bedside table, smudged from her tears. Every footstep she heard in the hallway made her heart race.


Hemant walked in quietly, dressed in casual but neat clothes—jeans and a crisp shirt. His hair was combed, his expression unreadable. Karan was still asleep, and Anjali was out buying groceries, leaving just the two of them in the house.


"Good morning" Sonarika said, her voice tentative.

"Morning" Hemant replied, his tone even. 

No warmth, no edge—just a plain acknowledgment. She tried to smile. 

"I made your tea just the way you like it. Less sugar" She placed the cup in front of him.

Hemant took it without looking at her directly. 

"Thanks" He sipped slowly, as though the tea was nothing more than fuel for the day ahead.

The silence stretched. Sonarika shifted in place, desperate to break it. 

"Hemant… about last night—"

He set the cup down gently. 

"Last night is over" he said. 

"The past is the past. I have nothing more to add"

His calmness unnerved her more than his anger had. 

"But I need to explain—"

"You already did" he interrupted. 

"You explained with your actions. And I understood" 

He didn’t raise his voice, but the words landed like glass falling onto marble. She sat opposite him, leaning forward. 

"I know I destroyed something precious between us. But please… I don’t want to lose you"

Hemant’s gaze finally met hers. His eyes were steady, and for a brief moment, she felt like he was looking right through her. 

"You lost me the moment you made that choice. The only thing left is… how we live with it"

Tears welled in her eyes. 

"So that’s it? You’re just going to… move on without me?"

"I’m going to move forward" he said. 

"With or without your understanding. Staying stuck in yesterday will kill me faster than any stroke"


She reached out, her hand hovering over his. 

"I can change, Hemant. I can—"

He pulled his hand back, not harshly, but decisively. 

"Change for yourself, not for me. I’m not your reason anymore"


The words hollowed her out. For years, she had been his center, his constant. Now, she could feel the gravity between them collapsing into nothing. He finished his tea, stood up, and adjusted the cuffs of his shirt.


"Where are you going?" she asked, her voice almost breaking.

"Out" he said. 

"There are things I need to take care of. People to see"

Her throat tightened. 

"Are you… leaving me?"

He paused at the doorway, his back still turned. 

"If I were leaving, you’d know. For now, I’m just… not staying close" 

And with that, he stepped out, the door clicking shut behind him.


Sonarika sank into the chair he had vacated, staring at the untouched tea she had poured for herself. She had thought the worst thing she could endure was his anger. Now she realized—it was his distance. His absence while still being in the same house.


Outside, Hemant got into his SUV, silencing the noises of the city around him. Now he felt only that strange clarity, like the Archangel’s whisper still lingered in his ears. He knew exactly where he was headed. Even though the path forward for the future wasn't clear, he felt a power in him , finally accepting of who and what he is right now.



FEW HOURS LATER IN SHANGHAI CHINA


The cemetery at Shuangqiao Mountain was a kingdom of silence, broken only by the lazy flutter of prayer flags and the scent of burning sandalwood. The air was cool, heavy with mist, and every headstone here told a story of loyalty, betrayal, and blood spilled in the name of the Triads. At the center of this sacred ground, a funeral pyre waited for Ricky Tan—SunOnYee’s Red Pole, cut down in his own empire, The Golden Yang Hotel, by hands still unknown for them.



Rows of black-clad mourners stood in formation, a living testament to Ricky’s reach. The guard's hands rested on rifles, their mirrored sunglasses hiding the flicker of unease in their eyes. No outsider had ever been allowed this deep into the heart of Triad ground without a death sentence attached.


Old Rey Shen, the chairman of the Triads sat beneath a black silk canopy, his cane resting across his lap. Time had shrunk him, but his gaze still held the gravity of a man who’d buried emperors and crowned new kings. Beside him stood Jiu Mey, the feminine leader figure of the SunOnYee faction,  wrapped in deep emerald silk, her painted lips pressed into a line so tight it threatened to break. Her eyes shimmered with grief that she would never let fall in public. Henry Lee loomed on the other side, hands clasped behind his back, his smirk faint but poisonous.


Howard Tsao, Vincent Ma, Sam Lin, and Conroy Wu lingered just beyond, each one dressed to kill in bespoke suits, their gold cufflinks flashing like the fangs of predators. They had all risen from street enforcers to Red Poles, and their eyes flickered between respect and suspicion.


The atmosphere shifted when the sharp staccato of high heels struck the stone. Sharon moved like she owned the space, her black qipao tracing the shape of a body carved in steel and fire. She approached the chairman, bowing with the exact depth required to honor him—no more, no less. 

"My condolences, Chairman Shen" she said softly. 

"Ricky was… irreplaceable"

 "We bury him in an hour, yet I’m told we still wait. For what?" Shen’s voice came out in gravel.

Jiu Mey’s gaze lifted to the distant sky. 

"For someone who must say goodbye. Someone whose presence… changes everything"


The wind shifted, carrying a sound that made even the veterans tense—the low, deep thrum of rotor blades. Heads turned upward. Through the rolling mist, a black Sikorsky S-76 helicopter emerged, gold stripes catching the pale light. But it was the emblem on its fuselage that froze every breath—the winged sword. A symbol burned into Triad memory as the mark of a man who once walked their streets like a specter of death.


Engines growled from the cemetery gates as a convoy of black sedans and armored jeeps swept in. Their synchronized precision was military—doors opening in unison, men in tailored black stepping out with M6 rifles and RP submachine guns slung across their chests. They moved without wasted motion, flanking the path to the helipad.


The helicopter descended in slow motion, rotor wash sending chrysanthemums and incense smoke swirling in a gold-tinted haze. On the far edges of the gathering, younger Triad soldiers whispered, trading stories they’d been told as warnings when they were green—stories of the man behind that sigil. The older ones stayed silent, eyes narrowed. They knew the stories weren’t enough.


Richard Williams, now helming the current Williams Estate and Business in London stepped down from the co-pilot seat, his suit perfect, his expression carved in stone. He walked to the rear passenger door, opening it with a deliberate pause, as though announcing the arrival of something not quite human.


A polished Italian shoe touched the stone first, followed by the immaculate line of black executive trousers. A right hand adorned with two heavy rings—the Garuda and the Archangel—caught the sunlight, scattering it into the crowd. Then came the gold-framed aviators, reflecting Ricky’s pyre in their mirrored lenses.


This was not Hemant Kumar, the Industrialist and owner of YOD Industries. This was Michael King, the once-forgotten reign of terror at Shanghai’s darkest nights. The man who had once carved a path through Triad corruption with surgical violence. A man the underworld swore was gone forever—until now.


Every step he took toward the pyre felt heavier than the one before, as though the earth itself acknowledged his return. Triad Red Poles watched with measured breaths. Some looked at him with respect forged in battle, others with the memory of the terror he once brought.


He stopped before the pyre, removing his glasses in a slow, deliberate motion. His eyes—steel grey and unblinking—studied Ricky’s photo. He knelt, placing a hand on the polished wood. 


"May you finally find peace , Old Friend" 

He murmured, his voice carrying enough weight to cut through the wind. A single tear slid down his cheek before his jaw tightened again.

Rising, he walked to the chairman, nodding briefly to Mey and Tsao, who gave the faintest nods back. Michael dropped to one knee before Shen, taking the old man’s frail hand. 

"Uncle Shen , sorry to leave you , its been a long time!"

"Time heals the old wounds but it seems not the case for you"

"I am afraid not" Hemant showed affection to the older man.

"I promise you Uncle Shen" He said, voice low but sharp. 

"Whoever killed Ricky will not breathe long enough to regret it. I will erase them from existence"

Henry Lee’s laugh cracked the tension like a whip. 

"Bold talk, Michael King. You don’t even know who they are. Whoever they are, they hide in the shadows… watching. Maybe watching you"

Michael’s smile was thin, predatory. 

"Shadows are strong… until they meet the light. I’ll burn this one until there’s nothing left but smoke. And my sword—The Inquisitor—is thirsty. When I find them, I’ll make them wish they were never born" 

His words landed like gunshots, final and absolute.

Sliding the aviators back on, he turned, his coat flaring with the wind. His men moved with him, the convoy already aligning for departure. The Sikorsky’s rotors began to spin, whipping petals and ash into the air like a storm of fireflies.

As the helicopter lifted, Shen’s gaze stayed locked on it, his lips curling into the faintest smile. He glanced at Ricky’s photo, speaking in a voice only the dead could answer. 

"Your death brought him back Ricky. He will avenge you.…"


AN HOUR LATER AT SHANGHAI AIRPORT PRIVATE LOUNGE.


Sharon was shocked by the details Hemant revealed minutes ago regarding his personal life. She was still having a hard time believing it as they both sat on their own private lounge section.


"Sonarika? Really? Cheating on you? You’re good-looking, your business is booming, you actually care about people, you’ve got the whole partner package—what the hell was she thinking?"


Hemant just stared at his black coffee, swirling it absently. Sharon leaned in, narrowing her eyes. 


"Wait… don’t tell me you’ve got performance issues now? Because the Michael King I knew back in London sure as hell didn’t have that problem"


A faint smirk tugged at his lips. 

"No, Sharon. That’s not it" He took a long sip, then set the cup down. 

"Truth is… I think I’m the reason she went looking elsewhere"

"You’re joking" Sharon blinked.

"I’m not" he said quietly. 


"When I started a life with her, I buried my past—every scrap of it. I thought it was the only way to keep things from crumbling like they did before. But in burying it… I buried the good parts too. The boldness. The fire. The man who lived life, not just moved through it"


He looked out the airport window as he spoke. 

"I slowed down. Got soft. Out of shape. Lost the drive. I convinced myself that my wild ways were the reason I’d lost everything once, and I didn’t see that they were also the reason I was me. Sonarika never met the real me. Maybe… if Michael King had been her husband instead of Hemant Kumar, Vikram Bajaj wouldn’t have even crossed her mind"

Sharon tilted her head. 

"That’s a hell of a confession"

He chuckled faintly. 

"And if I was my old self… I would’ve appreciated the vixen she really is. God knows she’s the epitome of the perfect MILF—big boobs, a meaty ass, all the right curves in all the right places. There were times in our past where I wanted to let the old me out just to enjoy her fully.… but I didn’t. I thought bringing my past back meant losing her, like I lost everything else"


Sharon raised an eyebrow, teasing. 

"So you’re telling me you held back out of love?"

"Yeah" Hemant said, smiling bitterly. 

"And the irony is… I lost her anyway" He leaned back. 

"In a twisted way, I should thank her. Her betrayal gave me clarity. I can’t hold her fully accountable—I hid who I was from her. That’s its own form of betrayal"

He looked straight at Sharon now. 

"I hope Vikram genuinely loves her. That he takes care of her. Because at the very least… she deserves a man who appreciates her for all she is. I was just too late to be that man"

Sharon exhaled slowly, her voice softer now. 

"So fix it. Go back to her. Fight for her. If you know what went wrong, there’s still a chance to make it right"

Hemant shook his head. 

"Even if I bury the hatchet and stay with her, the path I’m about to take will put her in danger. This isn’t just about us anymore. There are wrongs that were done to me long before she came into my life—things I need to close, to settle. I need to put Michael King to rest for good before I can ever be free"


"At least I still have Karan" he continued. 

"He’s… the symbol of what we had, even if it’s broken now. I know neither of us will compromise in our love for him. That’s one thing we’ll always share"


Sharon studied him, her expression caught between sympathy and frustration. 

"It’s like pain’s your oldest companion, Hemant. Every time I see you, you’re either bleeding or bandaging someone else’s wounds"


He rose from his seat, leaving a few bills on the table. 


"Maybe. But this time, I’m not staying wounded. I’m letting her go—to be with the man I believe she loves now. I still love her and cherish her as part of my life. But I am willing to let her go so that she can have her peace. I’m embracing both the past and the present. That’s the only way forward for me. My focus now is on avenging the old wounds"


Sharon didn’t stop him as he walked to the direction the flight announcement was done. She knew that look in his eyes—it was the same one he had before every storm in his past life. Hemant stepped into entry gate of his flight to Mumbai, the noise of the commotion of the travellers wrapping around him. For the first time in years, he wasn’t trying to be the man Sonarika needed. He was ready to be himself again, no matter where it led.





FEW DAYS LATER IN MUMBAI



The city’s mid-morning traffic hummed all around her, but inside her car, Sonarika’s hands were locked tight on the steering wheel. Her pulse drummed in her ears as she glanced at the location Hemant had sent her—a place she had never been before. She kept telling herself it was just a meeting, maybe about Karan, maybe something about the house. But deep down, something in her gut told her this was going to hurt.


When she finally parked, her eyes widened. The brass plaque by the glass door read in bold: Meera Sethi & Associates — Family Law Specialists. Her stomach tightened like a fist.


Through the tinted glass, she spotted Hemant standing near the reception desk, his posture straight, his expression still and cold—like a man made of stone. No smile, no flicker of warmth. Just… nothing.


"Mrs. Kumar?" 

The receptionist’s voice broke her stare. She nodded silently, stepped inside, and walked toward him. Hemant’s gaze met hers only for a moment before he turned toward the corridor.


A tall, confident woman in a charcoal-grey suit appeared. 

"Mr. and Mrs. Kumar? I’m Meera Sethi. Please, come in" 

Her voice was professional, but her eyes were sharp, already sensing the tension between them.


The office was warm and modern, the faint scent of sandalwood lingering in the air. Meera gestured to two cushioned chairs opposite her desk. 

"Have a seat"


As soon as they sat, Meera laced her fingers and asked. 

"So, what’s the purpose of today’s meeting?"

"We’re here to file a petition for divorce. Out of court settlement" Hemant didn’t hesitate. 

The words hit Sonarika like a physical blow. Her mouth went dry, and her eyes widened in disbelief. 

"What?" she whispered, as if maybe she had misheard. 

But Hemant just stared at Meera, unmoving.

Tears welled in her eyes before she could stop them. Meera noticed, sliding a box of tissues toward her. 

"Did you… not tell her?" 

Meera asked Hemant, her voice carrying a faint note of reproach. He shook his head once.

Meera sighed softly. 

"Out of court settlements work best when both parties are prepared, Mr. Kumar. Surprises rarely help" 

Hemant said nothing, his face unreadable.

"Well then" Meera continued, pulling out a form. 

"Reason for divorce?"

"Irreconcilable differences" 

Hemant replied, his tone as plain as if he were reading a weather report.

Meera tilted her head. 

"That’s vague. The court might want more clarity"

"Then we’ll keep it vague" Hemant said. 

"It’s enough"

"No… it’s not just differences" She wiped her cheeks. Sonarika finally found her voice. 

"It’s because I had an affair"

Meera’s pen froze mid-note. 

"If that’s the case, the petition should be on grounds of adultery"

"No" Hemant cut in. 

"It stays as irreconcilable differences"

"Why?" Meera pressed.

"For Karan" Hemant said, his voice softening just slightly. 

"I don’t want his future tainted by court records painting one of his parents in bad light. He’ll have enough to process without that"

There was a silence between them before Meera moved on. 

"Custody arrangement?"

"Shared" Hemant said. 

"Equally"

Sonarika nodded in agreement, her body trembling.

"And assets?" Meera asked. Hemant leaned forward. 

"I’ll opt out of our joint account. She can take everything—family savings, deposits. It’s about a crore"

Sonarika’s head snapped toward him. 

"Hemant…" she whispered, unable to process the generosity amidst the ice in his voice.

"But" he continued. 

"I keep the rights to the house. I plan to sell it"

"Why such a drastic step? To bury the past?" Meera raised a brow.

Sonarika raised the same sentiments with concern.

"Yeah why? That apartment has been a testament of your hard work. Don't let it go to ruin for me"

Hemant leaned back, exhaling slowly. 

"Actually that is not the reason , its actually quiet the opposite. I actually dreamed bigger. Something I never got to tell my family. I was going to after our summer vacation. I bought a villa at Silver Beach, Andheri. Worth two crores. Already paid an advance thanks to the thriving business. But to close the deal and renovate, I need to sell the apartment"

Sonarika’s breath caught. Her hands covered her mouth as tears poured freely now. She remembered the countless evenings they’d dreamed of a place by any water body, the one constant fantasy in their years together. 

"You… you did this for us?" she asked, her voice breaking.

"For us" Hemant said quietly. 

"For Karan. For the life I thought we were building" 

His eyes flicked away, not wanting her to see the tiny fracture in his calm. Even Meera’s expression softened. 

"That’s… a hard truth to carry. A dream home becoming a casualty of this process" 

She tapped the form gently. 

"Mrs. Kumar? Do you agree to these terms?"

Sonarika stared at the table for a long time. Her heart screamed no, but her throat refused to fight him. After a long pause, she nodded in agreement. 

"Very well. I’ll file the petition next week" Meera said. 

"But be aware—the court will impose a cooling period. Ten to twelve months. It’s mandatory. Gives you both time to rethink"

"I understand" 

Hemant said. Sonarika just nodded, eyes downcast.

Outside, the afternoon sun was blinding. Hemant walked toward his SUV without looking back, until he felt a hand on his wrist. 

"Is this it?" Sonarika asked, her voice raw. 

"Is this where we part ways?"

For the first time that day, his eyes glistened. 

"The path will be there Sonarika and that path is Karan , but we will never walk that path ever again towards each other"

"But why? Hemant I understand I made a terrible mistake , but can't we find our way back to each other?"

"No we can't"

"Am I that cursed to you"

Hemant took a breather and responded

"No Sonarika , you were never a curse. Matter of fact , you were something opposite of that. But that is the problem , My sun , My light , My source of strength , My Sona. I cannot see her in you. The Sona I know and love , she is no longer standing before me. Instead in front of me is a woman who has seemingly found love in another man. If anything , I have only gratitude for you Sonarika. That instead of getting to know about the affair from someone else , you told it yourself. That I definitely appreciate. Deep down , even now , I still love my Sona , the woman who shared a life with me. But right now , I cannot find her!"

His confession created a chasm of doubt in Sonarika. Making her realize the truth to his words. As Sonarika looked at him helplessly with teary eyes , Hemant concluded.

"For now we are not parting ways, like the lawyer said , we have nearly a year time to prepare. But mentally , I am already separate from you because you are not my Sona. You can stay in the apartment , I am going to opt to sleep at my factory thanks to a comfortable room I build there in my office. Get used to this new norm. Soon… we’ll be separate forever"

He pulled away, climbed into the SUV, and drove off. Sonarika stood there until the sound of the engine faded. Then she sank onto the stone steps outside the building, knees folding under her, grief crashing over her in waves. Somewhere between the tears and the choking breaths, the truth settled in: 

Her family was gone.



                                                                                                                                                                                             END OF CHAPTER 20

[Harry Jordan]

~RCF

Well , this chapter is about grief , which is why Vikram is kept in the backburner. Sonarika is being overwhelmed with the nasty amount of loss she is facing here at this moment. The reason Sonarika is ignoring Vikram is not because she dislikes him now , but because she is shielding him from her sins. She said it to Vikram when she left Jabalpur , that she believes she is Hemant's biggest betrayer and it should be her to take whatever punishment she will get. Her not answering Vikram is not her circling her stance here , but rather keeping him away from the chaos that has erupted in her life. In a way , she is protecting Vikram from Hemant. Also this is her accepting her own mistake , her reasoning will come later.


Another factor that plays in is Sonarika's expectations. She expected that Hemant will lash out , throw a tantrum , chastise her for her sins. Then everything will fall apart and she can pick the pieces in her grief. But the opposite happened as Hemant suffered a stroke , went silent , completely cold on her. In a way her confession not just broke Hemant , it killed him in a way. And then the realization that Hemant deeply cared for their family and loved her even now to the point he had a surprise planned for all of them with a new house made Sonarika see the extent of her betrayal. Which is why Sonarika showcased her guilt and heartbreak rather than be a completely ignorant woman who will still swoon over Vikram. Her reaction and response to Hemant is an implication that the Sonarika that was in love in Hemant is still there with her. She just has to find out where her future leads.


Nowhere have I implied or stated that Hemant is someone "Perfect" , matter of fact he is far from perfect. He is a man who has only made terrible decisions after one , and half of it was because of his trauma. As Hemant confessed to Sharon , he admits his mistakes knowing that him wasting his life resulted in Sonarika choosing someone else. In a way admitting that he didn't just betray Sonarika , he betrayed himself. His life and family with Sonarika was supposed to be a second chance in life , but when you have unfinished business and old wounds that are still fresh , you tend to return to that same world. And Hemant did just that , not to betray his family , but to finally get closure from his past and become true to himself. And this is the truth Hemant has accepted. Also he is not leaving Sonarika because he is guilty of his own sins or don't love her anymore. He is leaving her simply because he believes she loves Vikram and not him anymore.


I don't intend to show that only one character in the wrong , which is not true. I envisioned this story with deeply flawed characters. The core narrative is always been that Sonarika and Hemant were mean't for each other in their true selves but they both changed to start fresh. Which was a mistake for one and a blessing for other. Hemant is no saint , neither is Sonarika. But the truth is they both weren't true to each other , and the ironic part is their truth would've been incredibly compatible to each other and no third person could've came in between them.