14. Family Secrets and Deception

Author's POV

Next Day,

Ishika and Sahil arrived at the Malhotra mansion, an old, grand building that had been in Sahil's family for generations. His great-grandparents had lived there, and now his parents, uncle, and their families called it home. The mansion was a family heirloom, passed down through the years. Sahil had moved out as soon as he became the CEO of Malhotra Enterprises, wanting space from the family drama.

Ishika, on the other hand, had only lived here for a month after their marriage. It was a month she couldn't forget. At first, she had been excited to be part of such a wealthy, respected family, but soon, she realized things weren't as they seemed.

The mansion's beauty couldn't hide the truth about the people who lived inside. Every family member seemed to be competing with each other, pretending to be happy on the outside while throwing insults and taunts behind closed doors. Every conversation felt fake, filled with hidden jabs and judgment. The family put on a show for the world, but inside, it was cold and unwelcoming.

Ishika felt out of place. She saw through the fancy dinners and parties that were meant to impress outsiders. This family wasn't united; they were only keeping up appearances. The tension in the house was always there, and Ishika felt like she could never fit in.

As the car pulled up to the front door, Ishika felt a knot form in her stomach. The mansion, with all its grandness, felt heavy with the secrets and lies it held. She looked over at Sahil, who stared silently out of the window. This place never felt like home, and coming back here felt like walking into a war where everyone pretended to be friendly, but nobody truly was.

The only family members who were genuinely kind to everyone and never put on a fake facade was Sahil's grandmother. She loved Ishika dearly and always took her side in family matters. She was always nice to her, which made it impossible for her to refuse Sahil's request to attend the dinner. She even made a sweet dish for grandma as they are her favourite.

As she stepped into the mansion, the large doors quietly closed behind her, and the butler greeted them in the grand foyer. She offered him a polite smile, and Sahil nodded in acknowledgment. With a respectful bow, the butler quietly disappeared into the shadows.

She looked around, taking in the beautiful decorations. Soft, golden light from chandeliers filled the room, casting a warm glow on everything. Garlands of roses and delicate strings of lights wrapped around the banisters, flickering gently.

Just as they settled in, his aunt, Kavita Malhotra, made her entrance. She greeted them with a warm smile, which Ishika returned politely, while Sahil merely acknowledged her with a brief, indifferent nod. Kavita's eyes narrowed, but she let it slide, taking a seat opposite Ishika on the plush sofa. At that moment, Sahil's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and excused himself, striding toward the garden to take the call.

Kavita's gaze followed him briefly before settling back on Ishika, her smile tinged with something more pointed. "So, dear, how's life going?" she asked, her tone sweet but sharp as a knife.

Ishika offered a calm, brief reply, sharing a few details of her routine, but keeping it simple. Kavita nodded thoughtfully, then leaned forward, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, it's been two years now, hasn't it? And still no children?" She let the words hang in the air, her eyes sparkling with thinly veiled judgment. "It's okay, you know. There's no shame in consulting a doctor if... well, if there's any issue. They can give you guidance."she added, her tone dripping with fake concern.

Ishika's patience strained under the weight of her aunt's patronizing smile. She took a breath, then gave a cool, pointed response. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with me, Aunt Kavita. It's called family planning," she said, matching Kavita's sweet tone but with an edge. "We're choosing to wait. So, you don't have to worry about that." She kept her tone civil, not wanting to make a scene—especially for Grandma's sake, as she didn't want to upset her.

Kavita's smile faltered for a brief second, her lips pursing in displeasure, but she only gave a tight nod, eyes narrowing just slightly before she looked away. The silence between them settled like a challenge.

As Sahil returned home, his gaze hardened upon spotting his father, Raj Malhotra. He looked right past him, his silence speaking volumes. They hadn't shared a word of warmth since the day Sahil's mother, Priya, had passed away. For Sahil, his mother was the world. Her absence left a chasm in his heart that no one but his grandmother had managed to bridge. To everyone else, especially his father, he was closed off, his resentment like a wall he built around his grief. In his eyes, Raj Malhotra was the reason for his mother's death. No matter how often his father had tried to explain, Sahil refused to hear it, leaving Raj in a painful silence, respecting his son's choice even though it tore him apart.

With quiet steps, Sahil walked toward his grandmother's room, where the only warmth he allowed himself to feel remained. She was the sole soul he clung to, her gentle wisdom a balm to his bruised heart.

Meanwhile, Ishika, always one to bridge the distance, greeted her father-in-law with a warm touch to his feet, a gesture he blessed her for with a soft smile, grateful for her kindness in the middle of so much tension. As time passed, Sahil finally entered the living room with his grandmother, Reema Malhotra, gently supporting her as she walked, his patience and care with her revealing the tenderness he often kept hidden from others.

Shortly after, his cousins, Sakshi and Ayaan Malhotra, joined the family, brightening the room with their light-hearted chatter. Ishika moved toward Grandma, bending down to touch her feet. But Grandma Reema, with her loving smile, instantly pulled Ishika into a warm hug, her frail arms wrapped tightly around her, radiating all the love she held within.

"Bless you, my child," Grandma murmured, her voice filled with affection.

Ishika, smiling softly, extended a bowl of homemade sweet dish toward her. "This is for you, Grandma," she said gently, her tone full of respect and warmth.

Grandma's eyes glistened as she took the sweet offering, touched not just by the taste but by the love with which it was given. With a small, grateful smile, she cupped Ishika's face, her heart swelling with love for this young woman who brought comfort and light to her fractured family.

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End of the chapter.

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