𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕

𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Airport Drama

Shubman's lips twisted into a disgusted smile, but he managed to compose himself for the sake of his daughter. "Hello, Bhumika."

Bhumika nodded slightly, her anger simmering beneath the surface at the use of her full name, before shifting her gaze to Geetanjali, shooting her a glare. She then turned her attention to Anamika, whom she affectionately called "Ana darling." "Won't you give Mumma a hug?" she cooed, extending her arms towards her child.

Anamika glanced at her biological mother from head to toe before standing in Geetanjali's lap, briefly hugging Bhumika before retreating onto Geetanjali's lap. Bhumika frowned at the gesture and shot a glare at Geetanjali, but quickly plastered on a fake sweet smile. "Hi, I'm Bhumika, Shubman's wife."

"Hi, I'm Gia, nice to meet you," Geetanjali greeted politely with a genuine smile before Shubman interjected. "Um, Bhumika, you're my ex-wife. I've signed the papers, and this is Gia, my girlfriend," he said, giving her a sarcastic smile.

Bhumika's fake smile faltered momentarily, her eyes narrowing at Shubman's words. "Ex-wife?" she repeated, her voice icy despite trying to maintain composure. "I see..." she trailed off, her gaze flickering between him and Geetanjali.

Before Bhumika could say anything more, Shubman sent a warning glance, silencing her. "You were the one who initiated it, so don't you dare blame anyone, especially Gia," he cautioned sharply.

Bhumika, fuming, bit back her words at Shubman. "Didn't take you long to move on from your 'Bhumi,' did it?" she shot at him with bitterness in her tone.

Shubman leaned back, placing his hands on Geetanjali's waist and pulling her more close. "Just like it didn't matter much to you to cheat on me," he said with a mix of accusation and hurt in his voice.

Bhumika's anger boiled over, and she almost shouted, "Shubman, Anamika is here. Mind your words!" Her tone carried a mix of frustration and concern for their daughter.

Shubman scoffed, his expression hardening. "Oh, now you care about Anamika being here? Where were you when she needed you? Oh, sorry, busy cheating," he retorted sarcastically, his words laced with bitterness.

Geetanjali, sensing the argument spiralling out of control, interjected softly, "Let's not do this here, please. Anamika doesn't need to witness this."

Shubman's expression softened slightly as he looked at Geetanjali. "She needs to know the truth. Her age might be tender to understand, but the earlier she knows, the less hurt she'll be in the long run," he said sternly, his tone indicating the importance he placed on honesty and transparency, even if it meant facing difficult truths.

Geetanjali, holding onto his biceps, responded, "There's a time and place for everything." She attempted to diffuse the tension, urging for restraint and consideration for Anamika's well-being.

Meanwhile, Anamika tugged on Geetanjali's shirt, her small voice cutting through the escalating emotions. "Let Daddy let it out, it's necessary," she said, her tone surprisingly mature for her age as she advocated for honesty and expression, even in the face of discomfort.

Shubman smiled warmly at Anamika, his fingers gently caressing her cheeks as he appreciated her maturity. Then, he turned to Bhumika, his expression stern yet soft. "Let's end whatever we have peacefully," he suggested, his voice carrying a sense of resolution. "We can discuss it further after we return from our vacations, in a week's time. It's important that we handle this calmly and with consideration for everyone involved."

Bhumika's ego resisted the idea of a peaceful resolution. "But I am taking Anamika's custody," she insisted firmly, her voice tinged with determination. "And I'll make sure she stays far away from being influenced by someone like you." Her words carried a sharp edge, reflecting her desire to assert control and protect her daughter from what she perceived as negative influences.