The Right Kind of Wrong

41. Bhavani's Return

Savi sat in her room, the faint sound of the city bustling below her window blending with her thoughts. She had just finished another grueling study session for her IAS exams and was relishing the quiet moment. Rajat had been a constant source of support, and their relationship had blossomed into something beautiful and steady. But even amidst her happiness, there was a nagging worry in her mind: what would happen if her grandmother, Bhavani, found her again?

The thought was a bitter reminder of the controlling hand Bhavani had always held over her life. Just as Savi began to think that she might finally be free, the universe had other plans.

The ringing of her phone jolted her from her thoughts. Glancing at the screen, she saw a familiar name—Ashwini Aaji.

"Hello?" Savi answered, trying to sound cheerful.

"Savi, dear, I hope you're doing well. I have some news," Ashwini said, her tone slightly hesitant.

"What is it Aaji?" Savi asked, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach.

"Vahini is in Mumbai. She's come to see you," Ashwini said gently.

Savi's heart sank. "What does she want?"

"She wants to talk to you. She's quite upset about your decision to stay away from home," Ashwini replied. "I think you should hear her out. She's been very worried."

Savi took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "I can't just go back to that life, Aaji. I'm focused on my studies. I want to become an IAS officer."

"I know, Savi. But you also know how Vahini can be. She cares about you in her own way," Ashwini said, but Savi could hear the uncertainty in her voice.

"I need to do this for myself. I can't keep sacrificing my dreams for her," Savi said firmly.

"I understand. Just... be careful, okay? She's determined," Ashwini warned.

"Thanks for letting me know, Aaji," Savi said before hanging up.

After a moment of silence, she grabbed her bag and headed out to meet Rajat at their usual café. She needed his support, especially now.

When Savi arrived at the café, Rajat was already seated at their favorite corner table, a warm smile lighting up his face as he spotted her.

"Hey, you! How was your study session?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Savi hesitated, unsure how to share her news without letting her worries seep into their time together. "It was okay... I actually got some troubling news," she said finally, her voice low.

"What's wrong?" Rajat asked, concern etched on his face.

"Badi Aaji is in town," Savi said, feeling the weight of the words as they left her lips.

Rajat's expression shifted. "What does she want?"

"She wants to talk to me. I think she's going to try and convince me to come back home and abandon my IAS dreams," Savi explained, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

"Have you decided what you're going to do?" he asked, leaning forward, his eyes locked on hers.

"I need to stand firm. I can't let her control my life anymore," Savi said, determination lacing her words. "But I'm scared. She's good at emotional manipulation."

Rajat reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "You've come so far, Savi. You know who you are now, and you deserve to fight for your dreams. I'll be with you, whatever you decide."

His words comforted her, and she smiled at him. "Thank you, Rajat. That means everything."

As they continued to talk, Savi felt her resolve strengthen. She would face Bhavani on her own terms, and with Rajat by her side, she felt like she could withstand anything.