9. Whispers of the Past

Author's POV

Ishika nervously called Sahil. Two days ago, she had asked him for a divorce, and things had been tense between them since that night. He didn't pick up the first time, so she called again. This time, he answered.

"Hi," she said, but he remained silent.

She took a breath and continued, "Look, I'm sorry for interrupting you during work, but I wanted to know if you're free tonight?"

Sahil's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Why? Is there something else left to discuss about the divorce?"

Ishika took a deep breath to suppress her frustration. "My uncle wants to invite you over for dinner."

Sahil scoffed. "Is it even appropriate for me to come to dinner when you're the one asking for a divorce?"

Ishika felt speechless for a moment. After a pause, she replied, "Look, they're insisting, and I can't refuse. Please."

Sahil smirked, says "Alright, but on one condition: I'll go to dinner if you agree to attend a business party with me."

Ishika thought about it for a moment. There was no other way to make him agree. Reluctantly, she said, "Fine."

"Alright then," Sahil replied. "Text me the time and place."

After ending the call, Ishika texted him the time and the address of Aditi's apartment so he could pick her up.

************

Ishika stood in front of the mirror, ready. Her elegant, simple suit clung perfectly to her frame, reflecting her quiet strength, while the soft touch of minimal makeup highlighted her natural beauty, giving her an air of understated grace. She picked up her purse and stepped out of the apartment, a nervous energy pulsing through her as she stood by the gate, waiting.

Suddenly, a sleek black BMW pulled up beside her, its engine humming softly. The passenger-side window rolled down, revealing Sahil behind the wheel. His gaze remained fixed ahead as he said, "Get in."

Without a word, she slipped into the seat beside him. The silence between them felt suffocating, thick with all the things they couldn't say. The car glided through the streets, but neither dared to break the tense quiet.

The distance between them greater than ever, despite being seated side by side. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they arrived at her maternal home.

Ishika's POV

I stepped out first and looked at the building with some sorrow. It had been six months since I last came here. I used to visit because of my brother, but since he went to college and moved into a hostel, I haven't had a reason to return.

It wasn't always like this, but after my parents' death, my uncle began to treat me and my brother badly. His daughter, Tanvi, is an awful person who used to taunt me and treat me like trash.

She had a crush on Sahil, and when the Malhotra family asked for my hand in marriage to Sahil, her hatred for me only grew. She can't stand seeing me with him. But now, none of it matters, as I'm going to divorce Sahil.

The only person in this family who ever had good intentions was Aunty, who never bullied me. She treated me like her own daughter. I feel bad about the way I spoke to her earlier-I should apologize to her.

I was deep in thought when suddenly a hand rested on my back, jolting me from my memories.

I heard Sahil's voice, calm but firm, say, "Let's go." I gave him a small nod, and together we walked toward the door.

I rang the bell, feeling the weight of old emotions settle heavily in my chest.

After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing none other than my wicked cousin, Tanvi. Her eyes lit up with a dreamy gaze as they locked onto Sahil. "Come in," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

Then, her gaze shifted to me, and that sweet expression twisted into a sinister smirk. It was the same smirk that had haunted me during all those years she spent tormenting me. Instinctively, my hand flew to Sahil's arm, gripping it tightly for comfort.

Sahil turned to me, confused by my sudden touch. I met his gaze and forced a sweet smile, trying to mask the anxiety twisting inside me. Without hesitation, he pulled me closer, wrapping his arm securely around my waist. His gesture send a wave of relief through me.

Tanvi's smirk faltered, transforming into a deep frown as she watched us, her jealousy written all over her face. With that small victory, we made our way toward the living room, where my uncle and aunty awaited.

Author's POV

Ishika pulled herself out of his arms and went to greet her aunty, who immediately pulled her into a warm hug. Meanwhile, Sahil greeted her uncle with a handshake, then turned to her aunt, offering a nod that dripped with indifference. They both then seated themselves on the sofa, and Tanvi took the seat beside Ishika, making her alert.

A light conversation started among them, and after some time, they all moved toward the dining table.

They began eating quietly, but suddenly, Tanvi leaned in close and whispered in a low, ominous tone in Ishika's ear that she should stay within her limits in front of her, otherwise, she'd regret it. The threat sent a chill down Ishika's spine, and she choked on her food. Her aunty quickly handed her a glass of water, and she drank it to soothe her throat, but the smirk on Tanvi's face haunted her. When Ishika glanced over, she saw Tanvi's eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and menace, making her heart race with unease.

After dinner, Sahil went to his uncle's study for a private talk, while Ishika remained in the living room, chatting with her aunt.

She felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach as she apologized for the way she had spoken earlier. "I'm sorry for being so rude earlier" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It's okay, Ishi" her aunt replied, wrapping her arms around her. "I'm just glad you honored my wish and came for dinner with Sahil."

Ishika managed a small, grateful smile, but the warmth in the room did little to ease the unease gnawing at her.

They caught up on all the moments they had missed, laughing softly at shared memories.

However, as the clock ticked closer to 10 PM, Ishika felt a sense of urgency wash over her. It was late, they needed to leave. She decided to go to the study to call for Sahil, but as she approached the door, her steps faltered when she overheard their conversation.

_____________________________________

End of the Chapter.

Pls Vote ⭐ , comment and If you're enjoying my story, please share it with your friends!🥰

Also follow my account to get notified whenever I update the story.