27. The Watch Drama

Author's POV

Two weeks Later,

Ishika strolled through the mall, on a mission to find the perfect birthday gift for her best friend, Aditi. The bustling jewelry store caught her eye, and amidst the sparkling trinkets, a delicate bracelet stood out. Without a second thought, she purchased it. But as she turned to leave, her gaze landed on a quaint, old-fashioned watch shop. A nostalgic smile tugged at her lips. Abhinav loved watches.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she wandered inside. After a few moments of browsing, she found a sleek, vintage timepiece that screamed Abhinav's style. She picked it up and admired it, running her fingers over its intricate details.

"You have good taste. Is this for your boyfriend?" the salesperson quipped, eyeing her with a knowing smile.

Ishika chuckled, shaking her head. "No, it's for-"

Before she could finish, a familiar voice chimed in behind her. "You really do have great taste in men's watches."

Her heart sank. She turned around and, of course, there he was-Dhruv.

He looked like he had just stepped out of a fashion magazine. His crisp white shirt fit him perfectly, highlighted his broad shoulders and tapered waist, each crease and fold sitting exactly where it should. The sleeves rolled up just right, giving him a relaxed but stylish look. His dark blue jeans hugged his legs as if they were made specifically for him, moving effortlessly with each step. Even his shoes, polished and sleek, added to the overall impression of someone who always looked put together without trying too hard. Beside him clung a woman, draped over his arm like a designer accessory.

Ishika's smile vanished faster than a sale item in a shop.

"Dhruv, who's she?" the woman asked, her voice as unsure as her grip on Dhruv's arm.

Without even glancing at her, Dhruv patted her waist dismissively. "Go pick your watch and keep your mouth shut."

The woman blinked, glaring at Ishika before reluctantly walking away. Ishika raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

"What a coincidence," Ishika said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I'm telling you, it's fate," Dhruv replied, grinning.

"A cursed fate," she thought but didn't say. She had no intention of being stuck in this awkward scene. Swiping her card, she handed it to the cashier, eager to escape.

Just as she turned to leave, Dhruv casually added, "I'll take the same watch she bought."

Ishika's eyebrows shot up. What kind of game is this? But she didn't comment.

"Is it for Sahil?" Dhruv asked, watching her closely.

Ishika took her card back, faced him squarely, and shot back, "Would you return yours if I said yes?"

Dhruv laughed. "Then I'd like it even more."

Ishika blinked, speechless for a second. Recovering quickly, she sighed. "Never mind."

As she moved to leave, Dhruv blocked her path with a lazy smile. "Where are you going? Let's grab lunch."

Ishika crossed her arms, her patience wearing thin. "Dhruv, let's not do this. I'm just a nobody, okay? Spare me the drama."

Dhruv tilted his head, amused. "Is it really necessary to be this cautious around me?" He sighed. "Look, I mean no harm. I'm genuinely impressed by you. This has nothing to do with Sahil. I just want to be friends."

Ishika gave him a long, hard look. "Alright... but I don't want to be your friend."

Dhruv chuckled, shaking his head. Before he could say more, the woman from earlier reappeared, eyeing them suspiciously.

Ishika smirked, seizing the opportunity. "Your friend's back. Have lunch with her." With that parting shot, she turned and walked away, head held high.

As Ishika walked away, vanishing into the crowd. Dhruv muttered under his breath, "You're full of surprises, Ishika." For the first time in a long while, something stirred in him-genuine curiosity.

***

Sahil was having lunch with his friends, Rajveer Khanna and Yash, who was one of his closest companions. Suddenly, Sahil received a notification on his phone. He checked it and noticed a transaction for a purchase at a watch shop. Furrowing his brows, he stared at the message. Upon seeing the brand, he realized it was from an old shop specializing in men's watches. A thought crossed his mind-perhaps she was trying to impress him or mend their strained relationship. After all, he was her biggest support.

Sahil's eyes were glued to his phone, brows furrowed in concentration. Rajveer, ever curious, leaned over and caught a glimpse.

"Oh, a watch?" Rajveer raised a brow, intrigued.

Without a word, Sahil placed the phone on the table, sliding it toward Rajveer. The text on the screen was short but clear: Your order has been confirmed.

Rajveer smirked. "Did your wife finally decide to spoil you with a gift?"

Sahil's jaw clenched slightly, his voice carefully neutral. "She used my card."

Rajveer snorted. "Ah. Then maybe it's not for you."

Sahil shot him a blank stare, expression unreadable.

Sensing the tension, Rajveer chuckled and held up his hands. "Hey, I'm not trying to meddle in your blissful marital relationship. Honestly, considering the... minimal affection between you two, I don't need to do anything."

Sahil's brow furrowed, and he set his cutlery down with a soft clink.

Rajveer turned to Yash, seeking a change in topic. "Hey, did you meet her yet?"

Yash nodded. "Yeah, I did."

"And?" Rajveer leaned in, eager for details. "What do you think?"

"She's prettier than Ms. Shanaya and she seems like a genuinely good person," Yash replied calmly.

Rajveer grinned, giving a thumbs up. "You've got good taste, man." He nudged Sahil with his elbow. "Did you hear that?"

Sahil's face remained impassive as he resumed eating, clearly uninterested.

After a moment of silence, Rajveer suggested, "Why don't you invite her to my nephew's birthday banquet?"

Sahil shot him a look of disbelief. "Why should I invite her?"

Rajveer shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Just for fun. Even if she's not exactly your dream wife, she's still a member of the Singh family. Can't I befriend her?"

Sahil snorted but didn't bother responding.

Rajveer, undeterred, leaned forward. "Remember to invite her. If you don't, I will." His tone was light, but his words left no room for argument.

Later that day, as Ishika stepped out of the mall, weighed down by shopping bags and mild exhaustion, her phone buzzed. She unlocked it to find a message from Sahil.

Sahil: There's a banquet tonight. Come with me.

Ishika blinked, rereading the message twice. Come with me? The words felt like a command, as casual and demanding as ordering coffee.

Her thumbs hovered over the screen, contemplating a witty response, but she settled on a simple, sarcastic reply:

Ishika: Ok. Anything else, Your Highness?

Sahil: Just be on time.

She rolled her eyes at his reply and went to the cab.

***

Ishika entered the hospital room and spotted a girl sitting beside his bed-a girl she had never seen before. The girl looked startled as Ishika approached.

"Hello," Ishika greeted warmly, glancing between them.

The girl straightened like she'd been caught red-handed. "Hello, Di!" she blurted out, her cheeks turning pink.

Ishika raised an amused eyebrow. "Di?" she repeated, her tone playful.

"Oh! Um, I'm his classmate, Samaira," the girl quickly clarified, fidgeting with her hands.

Ishika's lips twitched as she fought back a laugh. "I see," she said, eyeing Abhi, who was suddenly very interested in the pattern on the floor tiles.

Samaira stood up abruptly. "Uh, I should go now. Bye, Di! Bye, Abhi!" she said in a single breath, practically running out of the room.

Ishika watched her retreating figure with a smirk. Then she turned her full attention to Abhi, her eyebrows rising.

"She's just a friend," Abhi mumbled, still not meeting her eyes.

"Just a friend, huh?" Ishika teased, crossing her arms. "Sure, sure. Happens all the time. I used to call my crush 'just a friend,' too."

Abhi groaned. "Di, stop! It's not like that!"

Ishika chuckled, leaning over to ruffle his hair. "What can I say? My little brother's all grown up, making new 'friends.' Not a kid anymore, huh?"

Abhi swatted her hand away, scowling. "Di, cut it out! I just styled my hair!"

"Oh, styled, is it? All for 'just a friend'?" Ishika teased, winking at him.

"Ugh, you're impossible," Abhi muttered, but his ears were visibly red.

"Alright, alright, I'll stop," Ishika said, holding up her hands in a mock surrender. But the mischievous grin on her face gave her away.

Ishika looked at him for a moment before saying, "Oh, I almost forgot! I brought a gift for you." She handed it to him with a smile.

He took it hesitantly, glancing at her. "Di, you didn't have to. This looks really expensive."

"Don't worry about that," she replied casually. "Just tell me-do you like it?"

His face lit up as he examined the gift. "It's awesome, Di. Thank you so much!"

Ishika smiled warmly, watching his excitement with a sense of quiet satisfaction.

They fell into their usual banter, with Ishika poking fun and Abhi trying (and failing) to keep a straight face. As they bickered, the air around them lightened, filling the hospital hallway with warmth and laughter.

***

Ishika and Sahil walked into the banquet hall, immediately noticing the beauty and luxury around them. The room was stunning-soft golden lights filled the space, and crystal chandeliers sparkled like stars above. The tables were decorated with beautiful floral arrangements of white roses, lilies, and greenery. Neat ivory tablecloths matched the shiny silverware and delicate glassware set perfectly on each table.

The room buzzed with quiet conversations and the clinking of glasses as well-dressed guests chatted and laughed, making the formal atmosphere feel a bit warmer. The sweet smell of fresh flowers mixed with the delicious aroma of food being served by the waiters in their smart uniforms.

Even though Ishika appeared calm, she felt a familiar nervousness growing inside her. She had been to many events like this before, but the pressure of being watched, acting perfectly, and following all the unspoken rules always made her uneasy. She smoothed her dress with her hands, a small gesture that hinted at her nerves.

Sahil, walking beside her, appeared completely at ease, glancing around the banquet hall as though he owned the place. With a confident expression, he gently placed a hand on her waist and guided her toward Rajveer Khanna and his brother. They greeted each other politely, exchanging friendly smiles and formal pleasantries.

Soon, a few others joined their group-Sahil's acquaintances, a mix of bankers, politicians, and businessmen. As she was introduced to them, Ishika began to realize how Sahil had managed to freeze her uncle's funding for his project. His connections and influence became unmistakably clear.

After the introductions and brief conversations, Sahil went to a long table nearby. However, a young woman was already seated there, dressed in a stunning black gown that highlighted her beauty. With a confident smile, she greeted Sahil, saying, "Hello."

Sahil barely acknowledged her and settled into his seat without a word. Undeterred, the woman offered him a drink, which he accepted. Ishika watched the interaction closely, her eyes shifting between the two.

Noticing Ishika still standing, Sahil turned to her and asked, "Are you planning to stand there all night?"

Startled, Ishika quickly took a seat beside him. Soon, some of Sahil's friends joined them, filling the remaining seats. Drinks were served, and the group eased into lively conversations. Sahil, holding a glass of whiskey, engaged effortlessly with those around him, his charm evident in his relaxed demeanor. Meanwhile, Ishika, quietly sipping her juice, felt utterly bored at the party. She took out her phone and became engrossed in it.

After a while, Dhruv approached their table and greeted Ishika directly. Ishika was startled to see him. He smiled and said, "Oh, thanks, by the way. Your choice in watches is impeccable." His comment immediately drew attention, as everyone at the table knew about the deep resentment between Dhruv and Sahil. All eyes turned to Ishika. Feeling their gazes on her, she flushed with embarrassment and cursed Dhruv inwardly for creating such an awkward scene.

She had momentarily forgotten that Sahil was sitting beside her. When she glanced at him, she noticed he was already staring at her, his gaze cold and piercing. Her heartbeat quickened under his intense scrutiny. Sahil's eyes shifted to the watch Dhruv had mentioned. It was from a brand he recognized well. Narrowing his eyes, he scoffed, muttering, "So the watch was for him, after all."

Dhruv, oblivious to the tension, bid goodbye and left. The once-lively atmosphere at the table turned heavy and serious. Ishika sat stiffly, nervous under Sahil's brooding presence. Sensing the shift, Rajveer quickly tried to lighten the mood and suggested, "Let's have dinner." Shortly after, the table was arranged with a variety of dishes.

During dinner, Rajveer asked one of the staff members to set up a game of cards, and everyone agreed enthusiastically. Ishika excused herself to go to the washroom. When she returned, she noticed her seat had been taken by Monika, a woman who was now sitting beside Sahil, engrossed in conversation with him. Ishika felt a flicker of displeasure but quickly dismissed it, relieved that she no longer had to sit so close to Sahil.

However, when she glanced at Sahil, she found his icy gaze locked on her, making her quickly lower her head. She quietly sat beside Rajveer instead. Across the table, Sahil remained silent, drinking steadily as Monika shuffled the cards and urged everyone to start playing. She even helped Sahil pick up his cards when he didn't move, clearly using the opportunity to gain his attention.

Ishika could tell Monika's intentions were deliberate, and it made her uncomfortable. But then, she reminded herself that it wasn't her concern. After all, she and Sahil were divorced. She had already swallowed her pride and accepted Shanaya as his mistress. Why should she care who else hovered around him?

Still, it was hard to ignore how Monika kept filling Sahil's glass every time it emptied or how she leaned closer to him whenever she got the chance. Ishika distracted herself with her phone, refusing to acknowledge the scene.

She wasn't sure how long she had been sitting like that, but her back had started to ache from the stiff posture. She adjusted slightly in her chair, glancing briefly at Sahil, who was still silent, his expression unreadable. Across the table, the game continued, but Ishika's mind was far from the cards.

Suddenly, Sahil threw his cards onto the table, leaned back in his chair, and downed another glass in one swift motion. His cheeks were flushed, and it was clear he was really drunk.

"I'm going to the washroom. You guys carry on with the game," he slurred, standing up unsteadily.

Ishika watched him closely as he walked away, her gaze lingering just a little longer than usual.

__________________________________

End of the Chapter.

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