RESTART

Chapter 25

The next few days felt like a blur for Jeevika. Armed with the knowledge she had gained from Mr. Deshmukh, she knew she was playing a dangerous game. Kamini wasn’t just manipulative—she was ruthless, and now that Jeevika was closer to uncovering the truth, she knew Kamini wouldn’t let her snoop around unnoticed.

Jeevika had to be smart. She couldn’t let anyone in the family know about her suspicions just yet, not even Abhiman. While he was her rock, her protector, she couldn’t risk him confronting Kamini too soon without solid evidence.

---

One evening, as Abhiman sat in his study, reviewing some documents, Jeevika quietly slipped into the room. She needed to speak with him about something else, a diversion to distract him from the tension she was feeling.

"Abhi," she said softly, standing at the door.

Abhiman looked up, surprised but smiling. "Kya hua, jaan? Tumhe kabhi mere study mein dekhna kaafi rare hota hai."

Jeevika smiled, moving closer to him. "Kuch nahi, bas tumhare saath time spend karna chahti thi. Tum toh humesha kaam mein busy rehte ho."

He grinned, pulling her gently into his lap. "Acha? Toh ab meri patni itni possessive ho gayi hai? Kaam bhi nahi karne deti?" He teased, nuzzling her neck.

Jeevika laughed softly, the tension momentarily easing from her shoulders. She wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his chest. "Nahi, bas tumhare saath time spend karna chahti thi, that’s all."

Abhiman held her close, his voice lowering to a serious tone. "Jeevika, tum kuch dinon se kaafi stressed lag rahi ho. I know something is bothering you, even if you’re not telling me. Tum mujhse baat kyun nahi kar rahi?"

Jeevika stiffened for a moment, then quickly recovered, trying to keep her voice light. "It’s nothing, Abhi. Bas thoda pressure hai. I’m managing."

He sighed, brushing her hair away from her face. "You know I’m here for you, right? Tum jo bhi problem face kar rahi ho, you don’t have to do it alone."

Jeevika nodded, knowing his words were sincere but also knowing she couldn’t share everything yet. "I know," she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "I promise, if anything’s too much, tumhe zaroor bataungi."

---

The next morning, Jeevika was up early, determined to gather more information about Kamini. She had already called the hospital to request access to some of her stepmother’s old medical records, but she needed to be discreet.

As she sat in the living room, sipping tea, her mind was working on a plan. She would have to visit some of her father’s old associates—those who were close to her family before Kamini came into the picture. There had to be more to the story, something that could link Kamini to her father’s downfall.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Jeevika frowned, not expecting any visitors.

She opened the door to find a courier holding an envelope addressed to her. Confused, she took it, tipping the courier before closing the door.

As she sat down and opened the envelope, her heart sank. Inside were photographs—dozens of them—of her meeting Mr. Deshmukh at the café a few days ago. There was also a note.

“Stop asking questions, or there will be consequences.”

Jeevika’s blood ran cold. Someone was watching her, and now they were threatening her. She crumpled the note in her hand, her mind racing. It had to be Kamini—or someone working for her. She knew she couldn’t stop now, but she would have to be even more careful.

---

Later that evening, Jeevika sat quietly at the dining table,  with the rest of the family.

Abhiman, seated beside her, noticed her distraction. He leaned over, whispering, "Kya soch rahi ho, jaan?"

Jeevika shook her head, offering him a smile. "Kuch nahi. Bas thodi tired hoon."

Abhiman gave her a concerned look but didn’t push further. He reached for her hand under the table, squeezing it gently.

After dinner, when everyone had retired to their rooms, Jeevika sat on the bed, deep in thought. The photographs, the note—everything pointed to the fact that she was being watched. She had to find out who was behind it before things escalated further.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, Abhiman came into the room, pulling her out of her reverie.

"Jeevika," he said softly, sitting beside her on the bed. "I know you’re hiding something from me. Tumhe pata hai, I can’t stand seeing you like this."

Jeevika looked into his eyes, guilt washing over her. She didn’t want to lie to him, but she also couldn’t involve him in this mess without knowing all the facts.

"Abhi," she began slowly, "Kuch chhoti chhoti baatein hain, jo mujhe khud clear karni hain. I promise, tumse kuch nahi chhupaungi, lekin abhi mujhe thoda waqt do."

Abhiman nodded, though he still looked worried. "Main tumhara intezaar karunga, Jeevika. Bas yeh yaad rakhna, tum akeli nahi ho. Main humesha tumhare saath hoon."

Jeevika smiled faintly, leaning in to kiss him. His reassurance meant the world to her, but she knew the road ahead was dangerous. She had to be careful, for both their sakes.

As they lay down to sleep, Jeevika’s mind was already working on the next step. She would not stop until she had uncovered the full truth about Kamini—even if it meant putting herself in danger.