37. Shadows of the Past

Author's POV

It had been two days since her panic attack. Ishika felt she was fine now, but Raj insisted she stay for one more day under observation. Ishika had already contacted Aditi and explained everything to her. In response, Aditi reassured her to focus on her recovery and not worry about the school, as her husband had already informed them about her situation.

Hearing this, Ishika was shocked. She had never imagined Sahil would take care of her work matters. Over the past few days, she had seen a different side of him-he was not only taking care of her but also managing her job responsibilities. It was quite endearing. But as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she froze. Sahil, endearing? That was truly unbelievable.

Lost in her inner turmoil, she was startled when Raj appeared with a cup of herbal tea. "This will help soothe your mind and body," he said, handing it to her.

"Thank you," she replied softly. He nodded, then, out of nowhere, commented, "You and your husband truly embody 'in sickness and in health.' You're both dealing with similiar illnesses-you could even take your medicines together."

Ishika was taken aback. She looked at him, confused, and abruptly asked, "What do you mean?"

Pointing to his chest, Raj replied, "He's just like you-injured here."

Ishika was puzzled. Did Sahil have some kind of psychological issues too? She knew he suffered from migraines, so she assumed they were caused by psychological stress.

Raj seemed lost in thought as he spoke again. "When he first came to me back then, he was this small." He gestured, indicating the height of a child around five or six years old.

Ishika was quite curious about Sahil and asked, "Was he always this cold and aloof, even as a child?"

Raj, looking straight ahead, replied, "When he was a child? No, not at all. When his mother was still around, oh my, he was so well-behaved. Whenever he came over, he'd call me 'Uncle' from afar and hop over like a little bunny."

Ishika was taken aback. She couldn't help but ask, "He looked like a little bunny?"

"Yes," Raj nodded with a chuckle. "He was quite good-looking as a child. His mother used to style his hair, and sometimes she'd tie it up like a little girl's."

The old housekeeper chimed in, "Back then, he was absolutely adorable."

Ishika was surprised. She had never heard this story before. The last time she had looked through the family album with Grandma, there hadn't been any pictures like that.

After a brief moment, he advised, "You should learn from Sahil how to be strong."

Ishika smiled and said, "I'll try to be stronger."

***

Ishika was wandering around the nearby area when she came across a bustling market. As she glanced at the fresh groceries, an idea suddenly struck her. She decided to prepare dinner for Sahil as a gesture of gratitude for saving her that day and for taking care of her during her illness. Resolute in her decision, she purchased some groceries and began heading back to Raj's house.

On her way, a car suddenly stopped right in front of her. She looked puzzled at first but soon saw Sahil stepping out. His unexpected appearance left her momentarily confused. For the past two days, she had noticed that Sahil rarely went to the office, and even when he did, he returned unusually early.

Sahil approached her and noticed the two grocery bags she was carrying. Without hesitation, he took them from her hands.

Ishika looked at him and asked, "You're back early?"

He nodded.

"Don't you have work?" she asked again.

Sahil looked ahead and replied, "It finished early, so I came back."

But he was lying. In truth, he was swamped with work, but he couldn't focus. Ishika had been on his mind constantly, and he felt an inexplicable need to be close to her. He didn't understand why he was acting this way, but deep down, he realized he felt something for her, even if he couldn't yet put a name to it.

They resumed walking together, the silence between them stretching until Sahil broke it. "What were you doing at the market?" he asked.

"Raj suggested I explore the area for a change of scenery," Ishika replied. "Then I came across the market and thought I'd buy some groceries to make dinner for you."

Sahil was taken aback, his heart fluttering at her words. Trying to hide his reaction, he asked, "Do you need anything else?"

She thought for a moment before replying, "Yes, I'd like to buy some sweets."

He nodded and accompanied her to a nearby shop. Ishika selected some sweets, and Sahil paid for them without hesitation.

With their errands complete, they headed back to Raj's house together, a quiet, peaceful silence settling between them.

***

Sahil removed his expensive suit jacket and sat down under the courtyard wall, emptying a bag of vegetables onto the ground beside him. There were fresh green vegetables, ripe tomatoes, a handful of mushrooms, and a few others he couldn't immediately identify.

As he started sorting through them, the butler approached and said, "Sir, you can leave this to me. I'll wash them."

Sahil shook his head firmly. "No need. I can handle it."

The butler hesitated for a moment, then nodded and left to assist Ishika in the kitchen. She was unfamiliar with the setup, fumbling occasionally as she tried to figure out where everything was kept.

From time to time, Ishika glanced out the window, her gaze falling on Sahil. He was engrossed in his task, his expression calm but emotionless, as if washing vegetables was some kind of serious profession. His long fingers moved with precision, carefully cleaning each item under the flow of water from the courtyard tap. There was something oddly mesmerizing about his focus, and Ishika found herself watching him longer than she intended.

"What's he doing out there?" she muttered under her breath, more to herself than anyone else.

The butler, who was chopping onions nearby, chuckled softly. "Sahil Sir is cleaning the vegetables. I told him I would do it, but he refused and said he could manage it himself."

Ishika frowned slightly, her curiosity growing. Why would someone like Sahil-a man who clearly belonged in boardrooms and luxury cars-be so insistent on washing vegetables himself?

A few minutes later, Sahil walked into the kitchen, carrying the cleaned vegetables in a large bowl. His sleeves were rolled up, and a few drops of water clung to his forearms. Without a word, he set the bowl on the counter and looked at Ishika.

"Do you need help with anything else?" he asked, his voice steady but devoid of any warmth.

Ishika blinked, caught off guard. "Uh... no, I think we're good."

He nodded and turned to leave, but Ishika called out, "Wait."

Sahil paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "Yes?"

"You didn't have to do all that," she said, her tone softer now. "We could have managed."

His lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I was just feeling bored, so I thought I'd clean them."

With that, he walked away, leaving Ishika staring after him, a strange mix of curiosity and confusion swirling in her chest. There was clearly more to Sahil than met the eye, and for the first time, she found herself wanting to know what lay beneath his stoic exterior.

***

Sahil and Ishika were having dinner alone in the yard. Mr. Raj had already gone to bed, as he was an early sleeper, and the servants were busy with their tasks. The night air was cool, and the soft glow of lanterns around the yard created a peaceful atmosphere. Ishika seemed to be in a good mood today, her laughter light and easy, and her usual reserved nature was a little less noticeable.

Sahil watched her for a moment, then decided to ask a question that had been on his mind for some time. He cleared his throat, trying to get her attention. Ishika looked up at him, a smile still lingering on her face.

After a brief pause, Sahil spoke, his voice steady but carrying an underlying curiosity. "I want to know what happened to you that led to this... trauma?"

Ishika's expression faltered slightly, her smile fading as discomfort swept over her. She hesitated for a moment, then tried to brush it off. "Nothing. I'm just scared of the darkness, that's all."

Sahil raised an eyebrow, his tone more serious now. "Don't say it like that. Just being scared of darkness won't cause someone to lose their sanity. So, tell me-what is it?"

Ishika shifted uncomfortably in her seat, clearly torn between wanting to keep her past hidden and feeling the weight of Sahil's question. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and for a moment, it made her wonder if she should open up to him.

Ishika looked down at her plate, her fingers tracing the edge of her glass. The silence between them stretched for a moment, and Sahil waited patiently, giving her space to speak if she was ready.

Finally, Ishika sighed, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's not just the darkness... There's more to it." She paused, as if gathering the courage to continue. "It's... my uncle and his daughter. They-" She stopped herself, her throat tightening as the memories resurfaced.

Sahil leaned forward slightly, his expression softening. "What happened?" he asked gently, his tone encouraging but not pressing.

Ishika's eyes lowered as the memories began to flood back, and she struggled to keep her composure. Her voice trembled slightly as she continued.

"Everything was fine, at least in the beginning," she said quietly, her gaze distant. "Until my parents died After that, my uncle's behavior changed completely. He became... different. He never showed any love to me or my brother. It was like we were just... there. He would scold us for the smallest things, and whenever Tanya made a mistake, I was the one who got punished."

Her hands tightened into fists in her lap, her knuckles white. "He used to lock me in the dark storeroom for days, just for something as simple as not finishing my chores on time. I... I hated it. The darkness was suffocating, and I couldn't escape. I felt so alone."

Before saying this, she had taken a couple of deep breaths. She had warned herself never to tell anyone this secret in her lifetime. But unlike Sahil, revealing this secret to make her breath a little easier.

Sahil's jaw clenched as he listened, his heart aching for her. He wanted to say something comforting, but he knew words wouldn't erase the pain she had endured.

Suddenly, a ringing sound echoed. Ishika checked her phone, and to her surprise, it was Yash calling her. She furrowed her brows and answered the call.

"Yash?" she said, her tone questioning.

Sahil glanced at her curiously.

Whatever the caller said seemed to lift her mood, as she repeatedly said, "It's okay, Vani. I'm not angry at you. Just be careful next time, okay? Mistakes happen. I'm glad you realized it and apologized."

Her conversation went on for a while before the call ended.

As soon as she put the phone down, Sahil, who had been listening, asked, "Yash called you?"

"Yes," she replied.

"Why?" he pressed.

"Actually, when you asked Yash to pack my things that day, Vani was with him. She accidentally dropped my phone, which caused the screen to break. She got terrified, thinking I'd scold her, so she asked Yash to make up an excuse. But Yash told me the truth and even offered to get my phone fixed, though I refused. I guess Vani realized her mistake and called to apologize."

"And you forgave her," Sahil said, completing her sentence.

Ishika nodded and went to the kitchen to put back the remaining food. Sahil remained seated on the chair.

Meanwhile, Sahil picked up a cigarette and started smoking. Over the years, he had misunderstood her, believing she was after his money. But now, he realized it had been her uncle manipulating her all along. Not only had he manipulated her, but he had also tortured her to the point where she carried deep-seated trauma. Sahil's mind raced as he thought about how to ask for forgiveness, recalling the times when he had taunted her every time she mentioned her uncle's requests.

Ishika came back to clean the table. As she worked, Sahil looked at her and said, "I have a question for you."

Ishika hummed in response, signaling him to continue.

After a moment, he asked, "So, if someone wanted to apologize for hurting you, would you forgive them?"

Ishika paused for a moment before replying, "Well, it depends on the person and how they apologize."

"So, the conditions for forgiveness vary depending on the person?" he asked, seeking clarification.

"Of course," Ishika said matter-of-factly.

Sahil leaned forward slightly. "What if it were Aditi? How would she apologize to you?"

Ishika smiled. "She could praise me. That would work."

"And Yash?" he asked.

"Would Yash ever do something wrong? He's a sensible person," she replied with a small laugh.

"What about Grandma?"

"Grandma is such a sweet person. I could never hold anything against her," Ishika said with a fond smile.

She had a rough idea of where he was going with this but didn't quite understand or dare to believe it. Did he really want to apologize to her?

Ishika went to the kitchen again, and this time, Sahil followed her, stopping to stand by the door. She glanced at him, noticing how he remained there with a cigarette in hand. His brows were slightly furrowed, as if he was struggling with something. The cool breeze drifted in, lifting his hair gently.

"What about Sahil?" he asked.

Ishika was stunned. Sahil turned sideways, meeting her gaze.

"If Sahil wants to apologize to you, what are the conditions?" he repeated.

Ishika almost thought she had misheard. After regaining her senses, she pretended to be calm. "Mr. Sahil apologizing? I don't dare to even think about it."

He took a deep breath and repeated, "If Sahil wants to apologize, what conditions would you set?"

Ishika, not fully understanding yet, decided to humor him. "Throw a banquet, invite some guests, set off fireworks, and announce it throughout the city!"

She didn't believe that he would do it.

Sahil remained composed, finishing his last cigarette drag before extinguishing it on the floor. Turning around, he lowered his head and entered the kitchen.

Ishika took a step back hastily. The two faced each other.

He smirked and said, "You say you don't dare to think about it, but I see you've thought about it thoroughly."

She cleared her throat, flitting her gaze, and was about to speak when he said, "However, it's not impossible."

Ishika was stunned.

"I'll arrange a press conference for you."

Ishika was speechless.

"Let's consider the previous matter settled. What do you think?"

Ishika had intentionally set stringent conditions, convinced Sahil would never accept them. However, he raised the stakes even higher, leaving her momentarily speechless.

She hesitated before responding, "Apologizing is your responsibility. Whether I accept it or not is another matter."

Sahil furrowed his brows, expressing dissatisfaction with her answer. He had wanted her to propose her conditions so that he could resolve the matter.

"Are you messing with me?" he asked.

Ishika resumes her work and retorted, "You've messed with me before. But when it's my turn, you want me to follow the rules?"

Sahil fell silent momentarily, then nodded and said, "Fine."

Ishika looked at him with curiosity, wondering what he meant.

"I'll inform you when I'm ready," he said. "When are you available?"

Ishika felt a bit uneasy, as the prospect of a public apology was embarrassing.

"Are you serious? We're talking about a public apology!" she exclaimed.

"It's not that challenging," he remarked casually, his voice carrying an easy confidence that made her pulse quicken. With that, he turned and headed to their room.

Ishika was at a loss for words. She walked back and forth, trying to make sense of the situation, feeling as though he had outsmarted her.

_________________________________

End of the chapter.

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