33. The Silent Protector

Author's POV

After returning to the mansion, Ishika helped Aditi settle into the guest room. She sat beside her, holding her trembling hands, and reassured her, "You're safe now, Aditi. Nothing will happen to you here. I promise." Her voice was calm, but her eyes betrayed the storm brewing within. When Ishika asked if she needed anything, Aditi shook her head silently, her exhaustion evident. Ishika stayed by her side, watching over her like a protective shadow until she finally fell asleep.

Once Aditi was resting, Ishika quietly stepped out and made her way to her bedroom. The sight of Sahil, freshly showered and casually preparing for bed, momentarily caught her off guard. He looked unbothered, almost indifferent, as if the chaos of the night hadn't touched him. But Ishika's sharp eyes caught the faint stiffness in his movements.

Without a word, she left the room and returned shortly after, carrying a small medical kit she had retrieved from her bag in the living room. Sitting down beside him, she opened the kit with deliberate movements. Sahil glanced at her, puzzled by her behavior.

He asked, "What's the matter?"

"Are you injured?" she asked directly.

Sahil fell silent. There was indeed a cut on his forearm from broken glass and small injuries on his knuckles from the punches he had thrown earlier. However, he had barely paid attention to them, hastily rinsing them off in the shower.

When he didn't respond, Ishika took out some ointment and a bandage from the pouch. "This ointment is very effective. You should apply it," she said gently.

Sahil glanced at her, then at the cartoon-themed bandage in her hand, and averted his gaze. "I don't need it," he muttered.

Did he really look like someone who would use a cartoon bandage? he thought to himself.

Ishika was momentarily speechless but quickly composed herself. It was a small gesture of gratitude for him saving her earlier that night. Despite the strained state of their relationship, she felt she owed him this bit of kindness. Without saying anything further, she opened the packaging.

Sahil remained silent, not stopping her. Having lived with him for two years, Ishika knew his habits well. At times like this, he might grumble, but he wouldn't outright refuse her help.

She reached for his hand, gently rolling up his sleeve to reveal the angry red cut on his forearm. Her fingers worked quickly and carefully, cleaning the wound with practiced ease. He flinched slightly but didn't pull away.

The room was thick with unspoken words as she worked. She could feel his gaze on her, piercing yet unreadable, but she didn't look up. Within moments, she had applied the bandage and moved on to his knuckles, treating them with the same quiet efficiency.

When she finished, she leaned back slightly and said, "It's done. You can replace these yourself tomorrow." Her voice was softer now, almost hesitant. She placed the remaining medicine and bandages on the bedside table. Then, She stood to leave and head to Aditi's room to sleep.

After she left, the room fell silent. For a moment, Sahil wondered if she had really been there. Glancing at the bandage on his arm, he sighed. Now that his wounds were no longer stinging, he felt his mood shift ever so slightly.

Next Day,

Ishika and Aditi were having breakfast, while Sahil had already left for the office. After finishing their meal, Ishika brought up the incident and asked Aditi to explain what had happened the previous night. "Who were those people? Why did they show up at your place?" she asked.

Aditi replied, "They were part of the same group that chased us that day. They're seeking revenge because they believe we're the reason their friends ended up in jail."

Hearing this, Ishika was shocked and momentarily speechless. However, she couldn't shake off the nagging question: how did these people find out where she lived?

As they were discussing these possibilities, Yash arrived. He greeted them warmly and asked if they needed anything. Ishika took the opportunity to share her confusion and suspicions with him.

After listening carefully, Yash said, "If you want, I can investigate this for you."

"Really? Can you do that?" Ishika asked, her tone a mix of surprise and hope.

"Of course, ma'am," Yash replied confidently. Ishika felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Then, with a smile, Yash added, "By the way, I've found some excellent apartments where your friend could move. If you'd like, I can show them to you."

Both Aditi and Ishika smiled at his suggestion. "We'd love to check them out," Ishika said.

"Great," Yash responded. "Just let me know when you're ready, and I'll take you both there."

***

Yash called Sahil and told him everything. He also mentioned that he had suggested the houses as per Sahil's instructions.

Sahil: "Good. Keep me posted if you find anything substantial on this matter. And one more thing-arrange for someone to watch over Ishika without her knowing. They should be at her workplace and able to protect her if needed."

Yash: "Got it, Sir."

Sahil: "Alright, keep me updated." [Hangs up]

***

Today was Saturday, and the school held its Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM). Everyone arrived, including Mrs. Devanti Rathore. Seeing her, Ishika felt a little flustered as she recalled how Mrs. Rathore had praised her in front of the grandmother. Ishika greeted her warmly, and they discussed the progress of Mrs. Rathore's grandson, Abhay Rathore.

Afterward, Ishika expressed her gratitude to Mrs. Rathore for her kind words and thanked her for inviting her to dinner. To this, Mrs. Rathore replied, "Actually, at first, I called your husband, Sahil, since I didn't have your contact number. But he requested that I call his grandmother instead. He wanted me to tell her everything directly."

Ishika was taken aback by this revelation. She had never imagined Sahil would do something like that for her. Unsure of how to respond, she stood there, lost in thought.

Aditi and Ishika were heading back to the mansion after the PTM, but Ishika's mind was still processing everything. She couldn't stop thinking about how Sahil had taken a stand for her in front of his family, saved her, and even requested Mrs. Devanti to say kind words about her to his grandmother.

What's gotten into him? she wondered. Do I really mean something to him? No, no, that's impossible. That's the most ridiculous thing to think. Maybe he hit his head somewhere? Or perhaps he's planning something? Yes, that must be it. That's the most logical explanation for his behavior.

Lost in her thoughts, Ishika's trail of musings was interrupted when Aditi asked, "Hey, what's wrong? What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," Ishika replied quickly.

Aditi gave her a curious look but nodded. They then began discussing their plans to look at houses tomorrow since it was Sunday and they would both be free.

***

Yash arrived promptly at 10 o'clock as planned, but he wasn't alone. A small girl accompanied him, and as soon as she spotted Sahil sitting on the sofa with his phone, she ran to him, calling out, "Uncle!" Sahil looked up, smiled warmly, and picked her up, settling her on the sofa beside him. She beamed at him and immediately began chatting about her school.

Seeing this, Ishika and Aditi exchanged puzzled glances. Noticing their expressions, Yash glanced in their direction and said, "She's my daughter, Vani." Hearing this, they smiled and nodded in understanding.

Ishika's gaze drifted back to Sahil and the little girl. He was so gentle with her, even handing over his phone-something she had never seen him do for anyone. That phone, his prized possession, was now in the hands of a little girl playing video games. Ishika had never seen this side of him before. Around kids, he didn't seem aloof or distant, as he often did with others.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Yash announced it was time to leave. Yash noticed Ishika glancing at his daughter and explained, "She'll stay here with Sir. She's quite fond of him."

Ishika chuckled at the thought. Sahil babysitting? Now, that was a plot twist she hadn't seen coming. With that, Yash and the others left to check out the apartments, leaving Sahil with his new-and highly unexpected-responsibility.

***

In the evening, when they returned, the little girl immediately ran to Yash, who picked her up in his arms. After a brief moment, he set her down and went to the study to talk with Sahil. Once he left, the girl turned to Ishika and Aditi, introducing herself with a bright smile.

"I'm Vani. I'm five years old!"

Ishika and Aditi smiled warmly and introduced themselves in return.

"Do you want to eat something?" Ishika asked gently.

Vani shook her head. "I'll eat when Papa comes."

Ishika nodded, and the three of them settled in the living room, chatting with the little girl. As they talked, Vani suddenly said, "Papa told me you're Uncle's wife."

Ishika froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond, but Vani didn't seem to mind her silence and continued babbling whatever came to her mind.

A little while later, Aditi excused herself to freshen up, and Ishika went to the kitchen to get some water. Meanwhile, Vani had taken Sahil's phone and started playing games on it.

Suddenly, Ishika heard music-it was Sahil's phone ringtone. She glanced at the phone and noticed several missed calls from the same number. Before she could react, Vani called the number back.

"Hello?" A delighted woman's voice came through the speaker. Ishika froze, instantly recognizing Shanaya's voice. Her brows furrowed in confusion.

"Why aren't you calling back anymore?" Vani asked in her baby voice, ignoring the woman's surprised tone.

There was a pause before Shanaya asked, "Who are you?"

Vani didn't answer the question. Instead, she replied cheerfully, "Call again! The song was nice. I want to hear it."

It dawned on Ishika that Vani had made Shanaya call seven times because she liked Sahil's ringtone. When the calls stopped, she'd simply called back to hear the tune again.

Shanaya began speaking again, but Vani abruptly hung up and even blocked the number. She lowered her head and continued playing Candy Crush, muttering, "Nice song, but bad Aunty."

Later, as they all gathered for dinner, Vani insisted that Ishika sit beside Sahil. Across from them sat Yash, Vani, and Aditi. Once the butler placed all the dishes on the table, everyone began serving themselves.

Vani, however, didn't eat. Instead, she watched the adults with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Daddy, feed Mommy first!" she declared, pointing at Sahil and Ishika.

"Vani, have your dinner first, okay?" Sahil said gently, his voice so tender that it sent a shiver down Ishika's spine.

Vani shook her head stubbornly. "Daddy feeds Mommy first," she repeated.

Sahil and Yash exchanged glances, while Ishika and Aditi kept their eyes on their plates, avoiding the growing tension. Finally, Sahil sighed, realizing the little girl wouldn't back down. He tore off a small bite of food and offered it to Ishika.

"Eat," he said softly.

Ishika hesitated, startled by the gesture, but when she saw Vani's expectant gaze, she reluctantly accepted the bite.

***

"Vani, give Uncle Sahil his phone," Yash said after a moment.

Vani nodded obediently and handed the phone back to Sahil. "A bad Aunty called you," she said in his ear.

Sahil glanced at the phone, and dismissed it without much thought.

"Good night, Vani," he said, his tone warm.

"Good night," Vani replied with a yawn, snuggling into Yash's shoulder as he carried her away.

Once they left, Aditi excused herself to her room, leaving Ishika and Sahil alone in the room.

Ishika glance at Sahil, who then went upstairs to his study room. She was thinking about everything that had happened in past two days. Then, she sighed deeply and went to sleep.

***

Late at night, in a high-end apartment.

Clang!

A cell phone hit the TV, followed by the sound of a crying child. Upstairs, several nanny and servants were busy with their duties. One of them came down and knocked on Shanaya's door.

"Ms. Shanaya, what's going on?"

she asked.

Inside the room, Shanaya's face contorted with frustration. She had made numerous calls, but only a girl had answered, deliberately provoking her and blocking her number. Sahil hadn't responded to her at all, either. What was he doing?

She paced restlessly, fear and panic mingling within her, almost pushing her to madness.

She had a lifelong bond with him, so he shouldn't treat her this way! The baby's cries were piercing, and the servants kept asking what was happening outside the door.

In a burst of anger, Shanaya shouted, "Shut up!"

The two servants by the door were startled and exchanged puzzled glances, not understanding what was happening. Shanaya seemed to be struggling with her wild mood swings lately. Could it be that she was suffering from depression?

Without opening the door, the servants said, "Ms. Shanaya, if you're not feeling well, maybe you should come out to clear your mind. But please, don't break anything else. It scared the little one, and if Mr. Malhotra asks, we won't know what to tell him."

It was a strange situation. Shanaya was supposed to be the child's biological mother, but when she held him close and showed affection, it still didn't seem entirely genuine. On the other hand, when it came to the baby's father, he hardly ever appeared, and the house was filled with nannies who raised the child.

The head servant had once remarked, "Ms. Shanaya's well- being matters, but the child's well-being matters even more."

Suddenly, the door flung open.

Shanaya emerged with a darkened expression. The servants were taken aback and quickly stepped back.

"Ms. Shanaya..."

Upon hearing the previous statement, she exploded. She didn't need anyone to remind her. She knew very well who was most important in this house. Even the servants could see that there were issues between her and Sahil. No wonder even that foolish Sakshi dared to call her and complain.

"Shanaya, the information you provided was useless! Sahil changed the family rules for Ishika!"

"I'm starting to doubt whether he likes you. He said he would have a child with Ishika within six months! The child's life will be set, with all the family's assets going to that couple!"

The last sentence struck her hard, and she realized Nikhil was her only lifeline. She calmed down, and her face gradually returned to normal.

"He's crying. Go and comfort him," she instructed the servants.

Seeing her sudden change of expression, the servants exchanged glances and quickly went to comfort the child. Shanaya sat down in the living room. Many thoughts crossed her mind, but in the end, she reached a conclusion. It was all because of Ishika!

Next Day ,

Sahil sat in the living room, the faint glow of his cigarette casting fleeting shadows across his face. He was silent, his pitch-black eyes fixed on nothing in particular, yet carrying an unspoken weight.

The door opened, and Yash entered, a woman trailing behind him. Her gaze flickered to Shanaya before shifting toward Sahil. The instant her eyes met his, she froze, her breath catching as a chill ran down her spine. She quickly looked away, unnerved by the oppressive aura he radiated.

Sahil exhaled a cloud of smoke, indifferent to their arrival. Shanaya, standing stiffly nearby, mustered her courage and spoke, her voice trembling.

"Sahil, I'm sorry-"

Before she could finish, Sahil's gaze snapped to her, his eyes like shards of ice. The coldness in his glare froze her in place. Shanaya's heart pounded, and her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She silently cursed her assistant for the foolish mistake that had turned everything against her.

When Sahil finally spoke, his voice was devoid of warmth, cutting through the silence like a blade. "So, is this what you've been reduced to? Associating with these kinds of people?"

Shanaya's breath hitched. Since her return to the country, this was the first time Sahil had mentioned the past. And he did so with a disdain that cut deeper than she had anticipated.

"I-I don't know what you mean," she stammered, biting her lip. "Sahil, please. I don't know anything-"

He didn't let her finish. "Enough." His voice was sharp and unrelenting. "I'm letting this slide only because of Nikhil. But let me make one thing clear."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone dropping to a menacing growl. "If I ever catch you pulling these stunts again, the consequences will be far worse than you can imagine."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Shanaya swallowed hard, her head bowing under the intensity of his gaze.

_________________________________

End of the chapter.

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