“There were so many things I wanted to talk about,” he said, his voice dropping to a serious, low register. “Your police complaint, your family… but you looked so happy on this trip. I didn't want to be the one to spoil it.”
He caught my gaze, holding it with an intensity that made me want to look away. “When I return from this mission, you’re going to tell me everything, Kavya. I want the truth. No more secrets.”
A cold shiver raced down my spine. The way he spoke, so certain, so perceptive, made me feel exposed. It was as if he could sense the rot beneath the surface, the dark truth I was so terrified of disclosing.
But I knew the reality. As long as my father was drawing breath, the truth was a luxury I couldn't afford. He would destroy my little sister if I dared to speak. I would take this secret to my grave, even if it meant enduring Saurav’s hatred all over again.
When I didn't respond, the warmth in Saurav’s expression flickered and died, replaced by a cold disappointment. He climbed out of bed in silence, washed, and began to dress for his flight. He was already thirty minutes late, and the tension in the room was thick enough to choke on.
I threw on my clothes and walked him down to the door. “Take care of yourself,” I said softly.
He gave me a curt, professional nod, the husband from the last month was gone, replaced by the soldier. Then, he was out the door.
Once the sound of his car faded, the house transformed. It felt cavernous, silent, and suffocating. It was as if the very walls knew he was gone, and something vital inside the home had already begun to crumble.
I told Mr. Chauhan I was going to visit my family. It was a half-truth; I was going to see Kirti.
It had been four weeks since I’d last seen my sister. I knew she must be wondering where I was, though I had checked in constantly. Avni and Noor had looked after her perfectly in my absence. Noor, especially, had been a lifeline, updating me via WhatsApp calls whenever she could.
When Kirti first heard I was traveling with Saurav, she had been more excited than I was. I’d never seen her so radiant. She even teased me about having a niece or nephew soon, a heartbreaking thought. Rhea had once told me Saurav never wanted to be a father.
The drive to the hospital took twenty minutes. I rushed through the sterile corridors, my heart hammering against my ribs, desperate to see her face. But when I reached her room, my feet froze at the threshold.
Abhiraj was sitting by her bed.
A surge of hot fury boiled in my veins. I didn't think; I simply barged in.
“What are you doing here?” I demanded. I tried to keep my voice down for the sake of the hospital, but the anger bled through every word.
Both of them turned to look at me, their eyes wide with surprise, as if I’d just grown a second head.
“Hey, Kavya,” Abhiraj said, his tone infuriatingly cool. “When did you get back from Bali?”
“How was the honeymoon?” Kirti chirped, her face lighting up at the sight of me.
I ignored them both, pointing a trembling finger between them. “How… how do you two even know each other?”
Kirti gave me a wide, innocent grin. “Because his grandmother is my doctor!”
I swung my gaze to Abhiraj. He gave a slow, calm nod.
“How did I not know this?” I asked, my voice tight.
“Because my grandmother only works part-time now,” Abhiraj explained with a small smile. “She’s one of the best cardiologistsin the city. When I told her about your sister’s case, she insisted on taking it. And here we are.” He looked at Kirti, then back to me. “Your sister is a lot like you, you know.”
I pressed my palms against my forehead, trying to steady the sudden whirl of my thoughts. I sank into a nearby chair, my gaze darting between Abhiraj and my sister. I needed to process this. Abhiraj knew about Kirti’s condition. He had told his grandmother. And his "sweet grandmother" just happened to be interested in the case.
Wait. Something clicked.
“What is your grandmother’s name?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
“Sejal Sisodiya,” Abhiraj replied.
My heart skipped a beat. My eyes widened as the name settled in the air between us. Sejal Sisodiya wasn't just a doctor; she was a legend, one of the finest cardiologists in all of India. I remembered hearing her name years ago, back when Kirti first fell ill. At the time, her fees were a distant dream, something I could never hope to afford. And now, she was here? Looking after my sister?
“You’ve heard of her, then?” Abhiraj asked.
I couldn't even find the words to answer; I just nodded numbly. A flicker of pride crossed Abhiraj’s face.