Revenge or Love

~Twenty-Six~

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Aradhana's Pov

As I packed my bag, the phone buzzed, announcing an incoming call from Rishabh. My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly stifled the urge to answer. "Busy, I'll call later," I muttered to myself, cutting the call before it could ring a second time.

The airport buzzed with activity as I made my way to my mother's house. A wave of relief washed over me as I stepped inside and embraced her tightly. We sat in silence for a while, our bodies pressed together in a comforting embrace.

"Rishi has scheduled your surgery for next week," I said, breaking the silence.

Concern flickered across her face. "But Aru, we don't have that much money."

"Don't worry, Mumma," I reassured her. "I've already arranged it. You just relax."

A hint of a smile touched her lips. "Today, I'm going to make us dinner," I added. "Just enjoy my cooking, Mumma."

She shuffled off to her room, leaving me alone in the dim living room. I reached for my phone and sent a message to my sister, Deepali. Mother's surgery is next week. Can you come?

Deepali's reply came almost instantly: I'll be there on the day of the surgery.

Later that evening, as we sat down to dinner, I shared stories and laughter with my mother. The aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, creating a comforting atmosphere. After dinner, I gave her her medicine and tucked her into bed.

As I finally retreated to my room, I checked my phone to find five missed calls and several messages from Rishabh. I ignored them and closed my eyes, willing myself to sleep.

Rishabh's Pov

I finally convinced Pallavi to come back to Delhi with me. It took a lot of effort, but I couldn't leave her alone. As we reached the airport, she looked lost in her thoughts. I didn't press her, knowing she needed time. We reached Delhi by evening, and the house was quiet—no one was home except for the staff.

I had already prepared a room for Pallavi. I took her there, hoping she would get some rest. After making sure she was comfortable, I messaged Manish, asking him to come home.

But my mind couldn't stay focused. I was already thinking about Aradhana. I asked one of the staff about her, knowing deep down that something was off. The staff told me she had left for Jaipur yesterday. The news hit me hard. She didn't even tell me.

A part of me was hurt, but I knew this was on me. I shouldn't have gotten so angry that day. If my phone hadn't broken, maybe things would've turned out differently. Maybe I could have reached out sooner.

I sent her a message: "I know I shouldn't have gotten so angry. I shouldn't have scolded you, Aarya. Please forgive me; I won't do this again. I'm sorry, Aarya."

I called her four or five times after that, but she didn't pick up. She hadn't even seen my messages. Anxiety started creeping in. I couldn't sit still anymore, so I called her driver. He told me she was at her mother's house.

Author's Pov

Rishabh sat on the couch, the remnants of dinner lingering in the air, but his mind was far from satisfied. He stared at the door, anticipation and anxiety swirling within him as he waited for Manish. The clock ticked on, each second stretching longer than the last, amplifying the tension that had settled in his chest.