Shattered (Book #1 In Heart Series)✔️

Chapter 40: Depressed Soul

Days passed, and Kritika's condition worsened. She felt increasingly isolated as everyone continued to ignore her. Only Priya would speak to her occasionally, but Abhimanyu would scold Priya and pull her away, causing Kritika to stop initiating conversations with her. Kritika didn't want to be the cause of conflict between the couple, especially since Priya was pregnant.

Kritika longed for moments to talk to Aditya and spend time with him, but he always seemed preoccupied with others, especially Mithali.

At night, he would wish her good night and promptly fall asleep, leaving her feeling more alone.Her fears about Aditya's closeness with Mithali intensified after one particularly heart-wrenching incident.

After finishing her kitchen chores, Kritika headed to their room, only to find Aditya and Mithali on the bed together, with Mithali on top of him. Her heart shattered at the sight.

She screamed at them, tears streaming down her face. Aditya quickly explained that he had tried to help Mithali and that they had accidentally fallen together. Kritika reluctantly accepted his explanation, clinging to the belief that Aditya loved her and wouldn't leave her.

However, her situation took a turn for the worse when she lost her job.

### Flashback

Kritika was in her cabin, reading a patient's file, when there was a knock at the door.

"Mam, Prakash sir is calling you," a nurse informed her.

"Okay, you can go."

Wearing her coat, Kritika walked towards Prakash's cabin. She knocked on the door and waited for permission to enter.

"Come in, Kritika. Take a seat," Prakash said, gesturing to the chair in front of him.

Kritika nodded and sat down, noticing his nervous demeanor. "What is it, sir? You seem anxious."

Prakash handed her an envelope. "Open it and read."

Kritika tore open the envelope and pulled out a letter. Her hands trembled as she read it.

"A resignation letter?" she whispered, her voice shaking.

"Sir, why? Did I make a mistake? If so, please tell me," she pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Kritika, I understand your emotions, but there's nothing I can do. It's the committee's decision. I tried to fight it, but I couldn't change their minds," Prakash explained.

Kritika covered her mouth with her hand, crying openly. "Sir, this is my dream job. I can't lose it. Please, understand."

"I'm sorry, Kritika. You need to resign today," Prakash said gently but firmly.

With a heavy heart, Kritika signed the resignation letter. She placed it on the table and left Prakash's office like a lifeless soul.

Back in her cabin, she clutched her white coat to her chest and sobbed. The nurses and some doctors looked on with sympathy. Prakash offered his blessings before she left the hospital for the last time.

Upon returning to the mansion, she saw the Singhanias, except for Aditya, laughing and chatting. They ignored her completely, except for Priya, who gave her a small smile. Kritika slowly made her way to her room and broke down completely. She decided to share her pain with Aditya.

As soon as he entered the room, she rushed to him and hugged him tightly. "Adi, I lost my job," she cried.

"How?" Aditya asked, breaking the hug.

"I-I don't know. The committee decided," Kritika sobbed.

"Then it must be because of you," Aditya said coldly.

"Because of me? How?" she asked, stunned.

"You must have made some mistake," he replied with a shrug. Kritika looked at him, shocked.

 The man who should have stood by her side was accusing her of something she hadn't done.

"I'm going downstairs," he said, leaving her alone. Kritika collapsed, overwhelmed by her grief.---

Kritika called her parents to inform them about losing her job, but no one answered. She considered telling Aradhya but decided against it, not wanting to disturb their honeymoon.

A few days later, Kritika started feeling unwell. She experienced nausea and vomiting and realized she had missed her period. The next day, she bought a pregnancy test kit. On her way home, she visited a temple and prayed for good news.

Once home, she hurried to the washroom to take the test. Within minutes, the result confirmed her suspicions. Kritika cried with joy and caressed her belly.

"I... I'm pregnant. Oh my God," she squealed with delight.

"Baby. Our baby. I am carrying the symbol of our love," she murmured with a huge smile. "Aditya will be so happy to hear this news."

She opened the door, stepping out just as Aditya entered the room, his expression cold.

"Adi, I have some wonderful news. I am—"

SLAP.

Kritika staggered back, holding her cheek where Aditya had struck her. She looked at him in shock, her joy shattered by his violent reaction.