13. A Loveless Marriage

Author's POV

Almost One Month Later,

Ishika was busy checking her students' assignments. Half an hour later, she received a notification on her phone. Curious, she looked at it, and a photo popped up on the screen. She clicked on it and froze as her eyes landed on a post from an entertainment page.

The headline read, "Shanaya Kapoor spotted with her mysterious boyfriend at a fashion show in France."

But what really caught her attention was the man in the photo. She recognized him instantly—it was Sahil Malhotra, her husband.

Her heart raced with anger. So this was the 'important work' that had made him delay their divorce settlement? The photo showed them sneaking out the back door, clearly trying to avoid attention. But Sahil hadn't escaped her notice.

She threw her phone down, furious. "What's his deal? Why is he dragging me through this loveless marriage while he's out there with someone else?" she thought. The frustration boiled over. She couldn't understand why he was holding on to her when he clearly had moved on.

"Well, if he thinks he can play games with me, he's wrong," she muttered to herself, determined not to let him win.

She thought about sending him a message to check his whereabouts. She texted him, [Hey, have you come back to India?] Eagerly, she waited for his response, but none came.

With a sigh, she decided to text his assistant instead. A few seconds later, the reply came: [Hello, madam. Sir arrived in India yesterday evening and is in the office right now.]

Ishika felt a wave of satisfaction. Finally, she could ask him about the divorce and leave him for good.

****

At Malhotra Enterprises

Ishika arrived at Sahil's office around 3 p.m., right before the usual break time. She knew this was her moment—he wouldn't be able to hide behind the excuse of meetings or urgent calls. Today, there would be no escape.

Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door. A firm "Come in" came from the other side, and she stepped inside with a fierce determination in her eyes. Today, she was going to settle this once and for all. No more delays, no more games.

Sahil was startled to see Ishika in front of him. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I came to discuss the divorce," Ishika replied. "So, when are we getting divorced?"

He leaned back and said, "I told you, I'm busy."

"Then make time for it," she retorted sharply.

Sahil looked at her for a moment, then prepared to leave the room for his meeting at the conference room. Instinctively, Ishika stepped in front of him, blocking his way.

Sahil glanced at her and asked, "What are you doing?"

"I'm not letting you go until you tell me when we're going to settle the divorce," she replied.

Sahil smiled mirthlessly. "You can try," he said, starting to walk again. But Ishika immediately grabbed his collar, pulling him toward her.

Sahil's eyes widened as he instinctively grabbed her wrists, pushing her against the wall. Unable to move, she sneered, "Let me go."

Sahil held her wrists with one hand and, with the other, cupped her cheek, tilting her face back. "Why are you afraid of me now?" he asked menacingly.

"I'm not," she declared, staring directly into his eyes. Despite her wavering courage, she put on a brave face.

Sahil gazed at her for a few moments and then sighed.

"My Grandmother invited us to a family dinner, and you're coming with me," he stated.

Ishika frowned. "I'm not going," she replied without hesitation.

Sahil said firmly, "You are my wife. You will attend the dinner with me."

"Soon, I won't be," she shot back.

"As long as you're my wife, you'll behave and fulfill your duties," he warned her.

Frustrated, Ishika asked, "What exactly do you want? Huh... When are you going to divorce me?" she yelled at him.

Sahil responded indifferent, "I don't have the time or energy to indulge you. Stop pestering me; it won't work. I already told you, if I have time, I'll proceed with the divorce."

Ishika gritted her teeth. "Sahil, I—"

"Every minute you delay reduces the possibility of me finding time," he interjected.

Ishika took a deep breath. "Then can we finally talk about the divorce settlement after your meeting with the clients?"

"It depends," he replied.

Her eyes narrowed, but just as she was about to explode, a voice rang from outside the door. "Mr. Malhotra, it's time. The clients are waiting."

Sahil released her hands and stepped back slightly, adjusting his collar with a casual flick. He gave her one final, indifferent glance before turning on his heel and walking away without another word.

As soon as Sahil left, Ishika's frustration spilled over. She clenched her fists and threw punches into the air, imagining each one hitting him. "Arrogant... selfish... ugh!" she muttered.

****

At Evening,

She received a message from Sahil saying, [I'll pick you up tomorrow.]

She quickly typed [I told you, I'm not going. Go by yourself.]

Moments later, his response appeared. [Are you changing your mind about the divorce?]

Her breath hitched, anger bubbling inside her. She knew the truth, that without his cooperation, she couldn't get the divorce. His influence in the country was too strong, and he knew it. He held all the cards, and it infuriated her.

For a moment, she hesitated, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.

With a deep breath, she finally replied, [Fine. I'll go. But only on one condition: by the end of this week, you will go with me to file for divorce.]

He replied, [Ok].

__________________________________

End of the Chapter.

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