RESTART

chapter 20

The waiting room buzzed with an undercurrent of anxiety as Jeevika and Abhiman awaited the doctor’s arrival. Jeevika's mind was still racing with the information she had gleaned from the nurse about Kamini. Every piece of news seemed to confirm her suspicions, but she needed more than just whispers to piece together the full story.

As Abhiman scrolled through his messages, Jeevika took a moment to collect herself. She needed to focus on her husband, their time together, and not get too lost in her quest for answers, even if the truth was weighing heavily on her heart.

“Are you okay, Jeevika?” Abhiman asked, looking up from his phone, concern etched across his handsome features. “You seem a bit distant.”

“Yeah, just a little anxious about the appointment,” she replied, forcing a smile. “I’m sure I’ll feel better once we talk to the doctor.”

Just then, the doctor entered the room, a warm smile on his face. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Sharma! I’m glad you could come in. Let’s see how we can help you today,” he said, gesturing for them to follow him into the examination room.

After a thorough examination and a few tests, the doctor assured them that Jeevika’s dizziness was likely due to stress and not a serious health issue. He prescribed some vitamins and suggested she take better care of herself.

As they walked out of the consultation room, Jeevika felt relieved but still burdened by the revelations about her stepmother. She couldn’t shake off the feeling that the answers she sought were just within reach.

“Do you want to grab something to eat before we head home?” Abhiman asked, breaking her train of thought.

“Sure, sounds good,” she replied, trying to appear normal.

They headed to a nearby café, where the atmosphere was relaxed and vibrant. As they sat down, Abhiman’s gaze lingered on her, and for a moment, she felt the weight of his love and concern enveloping her.

“You know, we should plan a little getaway soon,” he suggested, taking her hand in his. “Just the two of us. It’s been a while since we’ve had some time alone.”

Jeevika smiled, her heart fluttering at the thought. “That sounds wonderful,” she agreed, but a part of her knew she needed to stay focused on her investigation. “Maybe after this week?”

“Deal,” he said, flashing her his charming smile that always made her weak in the knees.

After they finished their meal, they walked back to the car, and Abhiman suddenly paused. “Hey, Jeevika, you’ve been a bit quiet today. Is everything alright?”

Caught off guard, she hesitated, weighing her options. “I’m just thinking about everything—family, our life together, and the future,” she said vaguely, trying to deflect his attention.

His expression softened, and he nodded, seeming to accept her response. “I get that. Just remember, you can talk to me about anything. We’re in this together.”

As they drove home, Jeevika couldn’t shake the feeling that she was leading a double life. She had the supportive husband by her side, yet she was consumed by her quest for truth about Kamini and Janvi.

That night, after a quiet dinner with family, Jeevika found herself restless. Abhiman had gone to sleep, but she couldn’t find rest. The unanswered questions gnawed at her.

She tiptoed out of their room and quietly made her way to the living room, where she kept a small stash of old family documents she had gathered. She needed to dig deeper into her mother’s and Kamini’s pasts.

Flipping through the papers, she stumbled upon a birth certificate. The name “Janvi Sharma” was emblazoned across the top. Heart racing, she skimmed through the details, her breath hitching as she read the names of Janvi's parents.

Her heart sank as the pieces of the puzzle began to fit into place. Kamini had not been honest about her past, and Janvi's lineage was a tangled web of secrets. It was more than she had bargained for.

As she sat there, a sudden noise broke the silence. Abhiman appeared in the doorway, rubbing his eyes. “What are you doing up so late?” he asked, concern flashing across his face.

Caught off guard, Jeevika quickly hid the documents behind her back. “I couldn’t sleep,” she replied, her heart pounding. “Just… thinking.”

“About what?” he pressed, stepping closer.

“About… us. Our future,” she stammered, forcing a smile.

He studied her for a moment, his eyes piercing through her facade. “You know you can tell me anything, right? No matter how difficult it may seem.”

Jeevika nodded, feeling a mix of guilt and determination. “I know. I promise I will,” she said softly.

Abhiman stepped forward and pulled her into a warm embrace. “Just remember, I’m always here for you.”

As she nestled into his arms, she felt a wave of comfort wash over her, but the questions about her stepmother still lingered in the back of her mind. She knew the path ahead would be difficult, but she was determined to find the truth, no matter where it led.