Divorced Yet Married

Chapter 5

Author's POV

Ishika sat across from Sahil, her heart pounding as she struggled to find the strength to speak the words she had rehearsed countless times in her mind.

"I want a divorce from you," she finally declared, her voice trembling but resolute.

Sahil's chuckle echoed in the tense silence, a mocking sound that cut through her. With a smirk, he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"Oh really?" he taunted, his eyes glinting with arrogance. "You think you can survive without my money for even a single day?"

"That's none of your business, Mr. Malhotra," Ishika shot back, the fire in her voice barely masking her hurt.

Sahil leaned forward, a condescending grin plastered on his face.

"Just drop this nonsense, Ishika. Tell me what you want this time. Let me guess-your family wants some favor, as usual?" His sarcasm dripped like venom, each word striking her like a physical blow.

Feeling the weight of his words, Ishika's eyes glistened with tears. She swallowed hard, the lump in her throat threatening to choke her.

"Just give me the divorce, Sahil," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You'll be free from this burden."

As she looked into his eyes, searching for the man she once loved, all she saw was indifference. She was buried under the weight of their crumbling relationship. The anguish in her chest tightened, and she fought to keep her composure.

"I can't live like this anymore. It's suffocating." she said further.

Sahil shrugged, the flicker of concern vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. "You're being dramatic. You'll realize how good you have it once you're out there on your own."

The pain of his words sliced through her, leaving her feeling more alone than ever. She turned away, tears spilling down her cheeks as she fought to regain her strength.

"I deserve a chance to be happy," she said, voice trembling. "I won't let your cruelty dictate my life any longer."

In that moment, a resolve began to crystallize within her. She would break free from this prison, not just for herself, but for her younger brother. The weight of their parents' loss loomed heavily over her, but she refused to let it crush her spirit. She would rise, even if it meant starting from scratch.

As Ishika's words floated through the air, Sahil barely suppressed a smirk. He leaned back in his chair, watching her with narrowed eyes, convinced that this was just another one of her tactics. She was clever, he'd give her that. Maybe this was her new way of gaining his attention. Or was it a favor she wanted? Something to negotiate her way out of before things went too far?

"Please find some time to settle our divorce," she repeated, her voice steady, her eyes avoiding his.

Sahil's gaze sharpened. He couldn't help but think this was all an act. She wouldn't leave him.

She turned to leave, and Sahil's jaw tightened, watching her move with a certain finality that made his chest tighten, but he shoved the feeling aside. She's bluffing, he told himself. She's trying to make a point. And this, surely, was another one of her games.

After the door clicked shut, Sahil let out a low chuckle. Divorce, it had to be a joke. He picked up the phone and called his assistant, not even bothering to hide the irritation in his voice.

"Tell everyone not to disturb me for the rest of the day," he ordered.

His mind was racing now, piecing together her real intentions. This couldn't be it. There was always something with Ishika. She was too proud, too stubborn to actually go through with this.

He slammed the phone down, convinced that soon enough, she'd come back, maybe with another condition or request, or whatever she wanted this time.

But as he sat there, his hand absentmindedly tracing the edge of his desk, that small subtle feeling of doubt refused to disappear.

After Ishka left his office, she paused just outside, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Her chest felt tight, but she refused to let the emotions overwhelm her.

"I will find a way," she whispered, the ache in her heart undeniable but her resolve growing.

"I won't be defined by you... or your money," she murmured, her fists clenching at her sides. The words hung in the air, a quiet declaration of war against the life she had been tied to for so long. This was her moment, her stand, even if it shattered her heart in the process.

With one final glance at the building, Ishka straightened her shoulders, wiped the corner of her eyes, and walked away, quietly determined to carve out a path on her own.

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At 4 Pm

Ishika sat in her room, overwhelmed by the weight of her decision to ask Sahil for a divorce. The thought of leaving his home filled her with uncertainty, but she knew she couldn't stay. If she lingered, Sahil might misinterpret her intentions, thinking her request was just a way to manipulate him into meeting her family's demands.

His harsh words echoed in her mind, reminding her of how little he truly valued her. Each memory stung as a painful reminder of the love that had never existed.

Suddenly, an idea sparked within her. she could move in with her best friend for a while. It would be a temporary solution, a safe space to regroup and heal. With her friend's support, she could find a job, earn some money, and eventually save enough to rent a place where she could live with her brother.

Though the road ahead felt frightening, Ishika held onto the hope that this was the first step toward reclaiming her independence and finding her own happiness.

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End of the chapter.

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