SHADOWS OF THE BLOODLINE

Chapter 21

Ishan was looking outside when Natasha stormed out of the room with her luggage.

"Bhabhi..." he called.

"It's ok, Ishu, everything is fine. I just need some time off. So I am going home," Natasha replied, trying to muster a reassuring smile.

"Bhabhi, please. I know bhaiya made a mistake, but don't leave this house, at least for the baby," Ishan pleaded, his voice filled with concern.

Natasha smiled sadly. "What is the point of staying here when your brother doesn't even acknowledge me as his wife?"

"Bhabhi, please wait. At least wait for Dad to come," Ishan urged, his desperation growing.

"Ishan, listen to me. Love can't be forced. It happens naturally. We will fall in love only once, and that love is eternal," Natasha said softly, her eyes filled with sadness.

"Bhabhi... please..." Ishan's voice broke, his eyes welling up with tears.

At that moment, Hardik came outside, his face etched with guilt and regret.

"Bhaiya, Bhabhi is leaving," Ishan said, turning to his brother.

Hardik looked at Natasha, his heart heavy with remorse. "Ishan, go to your room," he said quietly.

"But, Bhaiya..." Ishan protested.

"Go to your room, Ishan," Hardik repeated, his tone firm yet sorrowful.

Ishan hesitated for a moment, his eyes lingering on Natasha, before finally turning and walking away, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

Hardik took a deep breath and approached Natasha. "Natasha, please don't leave. I know I've hurt you, and I know I can't make up for it easily, but please, for the sake of our child, stay."

Natasha shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Hardik, it's not just about the child. It's about us, and the fact that you love someone else. I can't live like this, constantly feeling like a second choice."

"I'm so sorry, Natasha," Hardik said, his voice breaking. "I never wanted to hurt you. I thought I could make it work, but I failed. Please, give me a chance to make things right."

"I can't, Hardik," Natasha said, her voice firm despite her tears. "I need to find my own path, for my own sanity. And you need to sort out your feelings and your life. Maybe someday, we can find a way to co-parent and be civil for the sake of our child, but for now, I need to go."

Hardik watched helplessly as Natasha turned and walked away, her figure growing smaller as she moved towards the gate. He felt a deep sense of loss and regret, knowing that his actions had driven her away. He stood there for a long moment, the weight of his decisions pressing down on him, before finally turning back towards the house, determined to face the consequences and find a way to move forward.

Gambhir, along with Raina came to the office. As they entered, they were greeted by a tense atmosphere. It was not long before Mr. Jindal stormed into Gambhir's office, his face flushed with anger.

"Mr. Jindal, a pleasant surprise," Gambhir greeted, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

"It's not pleasant," Mr. Jindal snapped. "Was it your plan to use my daughter as a pawn for business deals?"

"What?" Gambhir was genuinely taken aback.

"So you didn't know? Your son is back with your adopted son, Rahul?" Mr. Jindal's voice was filled with bitterness and accusation.

Gambhir's face showed a mixture of shock and confusion. He had been aware of tensions, but this was unexpected. "I assure you, Mr. Jindal, my children are of utmost importance to me. I would never intentionally cause harm to your daughter."