Redemption's Dance: A Tale of Love and Forgiveness

Ch-33

Ishan made his way directly to the area where lunch was being prepared by the workers. As he entered, he began guiding them, ensuring everything was in order. "Bhaiya, pani thoda kam daliye," he instructed, focused on the task at hand.

Just then, Shalini approached him, her presence announced by her familiar tone of sarcasm. "Ohoo, akhir kar tum uth hi gaye. Pata nahi ghar me itne log hain aur tum aaram kaise kar rahe ho," she remarked, her voice cutting through the bustling kitchen.

Ishan chose to ignore her, continuing to oversee the workers. "Yeh sabzi thodi aur paka lijiye," he said, directing another worker.

But Shalini wasn’t done. She stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with a mix of disdain and satisfaction. "Tumhe pata hai, Shubman ko aise partner ki zarurat thi jo hamesha uska khyal rakh sake, uske parivar ka khyal rakh sake. Par dekho toh, use kaisa pati mila hai jo sirf khud ke baare me sochta hai," she continued, her words sharp and deliberate.

Ishan felt his anger rising, her words striking a chord, but he decided to remain silent. He knew that responding to Shalini would only escalate the situation. Instead, he focused on his work, ensuring everything was perfect for the family's meal.

"Yahan kaam thoda jaldi khatam karo, humein sab kuch time pe set karna hai," he said to the workers, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Shalini, sensing his restraint, smirked and shook her head. "Aise toh kuch nahi hoga, Ishan. Tumhe toh badalna hi padega," she said, her tone almost mocking.

Ishan ignored her once more, his resolve firm. He directed his attention to the workers, checking the progress and making sure everything was going smoothly. He knew that actions spoke louder than words, and he was determined to prove himself through his dedication and hard work.

As he moved around the kitchen, he felt a surge of determination.

Ishan continued to focus on guiding the workers, his mind resolutely blocking out Shalini’s previous barbs. However, Shalini was not done with her venomous remarks. She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a cruel whisper, ensuring only Ishan could hear her.

“Agar main Shubman ki patni hoti na, toh dekhte kaise sabka khyal rakhti,” she hissed. “Waise bhi, ham dono ki shaadi hone wali thi, par pata nahi Shubman ne tumme aisa kya dekh liya ki wo turant hi tumse shaadi karne ke liye maan gaye. Aur yeh jo baccha tumhare pet me pal raha hai na, pata nahi kiska baccha hai.”

The insinuation struck Ishan like a physical blow. He felt his anger rising, a hot, uncontainable fury. Without thinking, he turned and slapped Shalini across the face, the sound echoing through the bustling kitchen. The room fell into a stunned silence, every eye turning toward the scene.

Shalini stumbled back, her hand flying to her cheek, eyes wide with shock and fury. "Tumne mujhe thappad maara?" she whispered, her voice trembling with rage and humiliation.

Ishan’s chest heaved, his hand still tingling from the impact. "Tumhari bakwas sunne ka koi shauk nahi hai mujhe," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Unke aur mere beech jo kuch bhi hai, tumhe usse kya? Aur mere bacche ke baare mein kuch galat kehne se pehle, apne aap ko dekho."

Shalini opened her mouth to retort, but before she could speak, Shubman pushed through the crowd that had gathered, his eyes blazing with protective anger. "What’s going on here?" he demanded, his gaze shifting between Ishan and Shalini.

Shalini pointed a trembling finger at Ishan. "He slapped me!" she cried. "For no reason!"

The room was tense, a thick silence hanging in the air. Bua Ji stepped forward, her face contorted with anger, and without a moment’s hesitation, she slapped Ishan hard across the face. The sound of the slap echoed, leaving everyone stunned.