16. Divorce and Conditions

Here is the second update of the story for today.

So, enjoy!!

Author's POV

Next Day,

Ishika and Sahil went their separate ways-she to her school, and he went to his office. Sitting in the staffroom, surrounded by the quiet murmur of other teachers, Ishika checked her students' notebooks, trying to focus. Suddenly, her phone buzzed.

It was a message from Sahil: [Be at the law firm at 7 p.m. sharp for the divorce filing.] He added the address below.

She stared at the screen, a strange mix of relief and excitement coursing through her. This was it. The final step toward ending their marriage. A small smile appeared on her lips as she realized freedom was finally within reach.

******

At 7'0 clock

Ishika and Sahil sat in silence, waiting for the lawyer to arrive. Sahil glanced at Ishika and noticed that she looked surprisingly relaxed, even eager. Moments later, the lawyer entered, and Sahil gave him a nod. The lawyer began explaining the process and handed two sets of documents to Ishika.

As Ishika read through the documents, her smile quickly faded into a frown. She looked up at Sahil, then at the lawyer, and asked, "What nonsense is this? After the divorce, I have to live with him for six months, fulfill all my duties as his wife, and keep the divorce a secret?"

The lawyer replied, "Mrs. Malhotra, these are my client's conditions. If you do not agree, he will not grant the divorce, and taking this matter to court will only complicate things for you."

Ishika contemplated the situation. Without Sahil's willingness, pursuing a divorce through court would become messy, and she couldn't afford that right now. It had only been two months since she started her new job, and court hearings would jeopardize it. Reluctantly, she decided to agree, knowing she could move out after six months.

"Can we reduce the time period to three months? Six months feels too long," Ishika asked.

Sahil scoffed. "Why so eager? Are you planning to marry someone else?"

"I'm worried you won't be able to endure it for that long," Ishika shot back.

"Don't worry about that," he said curtly.

As she continued reading, she noticed another clause: Party A has the right to reject Party B's unreasonable requests. In the contract, Party A referred to Sahil.

The lawyer explained, "Mr. Malhotra only has to keep the divorce a secret from your family. He has no obligation to fulfill their demands or agree to any requests involving funding, investment, or collaboration with your family."

"This is unfair," Ishika protested. "I have to fulfill all his demands as his wife, keep it a secret, and put up with his family and social circle."

"So are you saying it is fair for me to spend money on your family while you care for my elders?" Sahil responded.

"You can't always be stingy, can you?" Ishika said.

She was primarily concerned that her uncle might retaliate if his project collaboration proposals were turned down too often.

She looked at Sahil and said, "Think of it as an investment to avoid unnecessary problems. In six months, you'll be free of it all."

Sahil sneered," So you have everything figured out. If that's the case, how about we switch roles ? I will care for your family while you spend money on my family."

Ishika took a deep breath and ignored his nonsense. She continued to read through the contract and stopped at the compensation section.

"Regarding this, Reinstated the black card, and I demand One Lakh as my monthly expenses," Ishika stated.

Sahil glanced at her and snorted," is this your way to get rich?"

"This request doesn't seem unreasonable," she replied.

"So, before the divorce, you didn't want my money. But now that we are getting divorce, I should gave you an allowance?" He asked.

Ishika felt a wave of regret wash over her as she recalled how foolish she had been back then. She had refused to spend his money, fearing he would think she was only after his wealth. Yet, despite all her efforts, he had never appreciated her. Instead, he always looked down on her, dismissing her sacrifices as if they were nothing.

Her voice trembled with a mix of frustration and anger as she finally spoke, "I was a fool for not using your money! Do you have any idea how hard it is to survive in your world? To keep up with those people and their extravagant lifestyles? A simple afternoon tea with them costs a thousand rupees. Should I be expected to cover that myself? I don't have that kind of money, and I never did."

Her eyes searched his face, seeking even a flicker of understanding. For once, she wanted him to see just how much she had endured to keep up with appearances and how invisible her sacrifices had always been.

Sahil furrowed his brow.

Seeing his expression, she realized he wouldn't believe her, and that realization stung deeply. It hurt her to think that after all she had endured, he could dismiss her feelings so easily. Anger bubbled up inside her-not just at him, but at herself for exposing her sympathetic side to someone who had never truly valued it.

"I don't care. I just want the allowance," she stated, her voice laced with simmering anger. She could feel the heat rising within her, fueled by years of being overlooked and unappreciated. This time, she was done holding back.

The lawyer tentatively asked, "Mr. Malhotra..."

Sahil said, " let her have it!"

The lawyer quickly added her latest request to the contract.

She said, satisfied, "Alright, I'm good with the contract. Mr. Sharma, please ask Mr. Malhotra if there is any issue."

Sahil felt speechless. The lawyer immediately printed the latest divorce contract, and Ishika signed it without hesitation. Once this process was done, Sahil and Ishika were left alone in the office while others carried on with the remaining procedures. Neither said a word since they had been tired of each other long ago.

After half an hour, the lawyer came back and informed them that the procedure has started and now after one month they will receive their divorce decree. Ishika felt relieved and Sahil just nodded at the lawyer. They got up and walked out of the office with Sahil leading the way.

Before Sahil got in the car, he asked her to return to the Malhotra mansion tomorrow.

Ishika just gave a small nod and went to a taxi to go to Aditi's apartment.

________________________________

End of the chapter.

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