Anindita :HIS Ardhangini

Chapter 15

The days passed in a blur, her thoughts split between her work and the lingering confusion about Avinash. Despite her frustration, his words haunted her, resurfacing when she least expected them, challenging her resolve. By the time her shift ended, she was mentally drained, and the last thing she wanted was any more surprises.

But as she entered her home that evening, she knew something was off. Divya and Maya were sitting together in the living room, waiting, as if they'd been expecting her. Anindita's stomach dropped slightly, but she steeled herself, determined not to let them see any weakness.

Divya gave her a thin, overly polite smile. "Good evening, Anindita. I trust you had a... productive day?"

Anindita nodded, unsure where this was going. "Yes, I did."

Divya exchanged a glance with Maya, who was trying-and failing-to suppress a smug grin. "We heard some interesting news," Divya said slowly, her tone laced with fake concern. "It seems you were seen last night, dining at a rather exclusive restaurant. With someone."

Anindita's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her face neutral. "Yes, I had a dinner meeting," she replied evenly, trying to mask any hint of nervousness.

Divya raised an eyebrow, her expression incredulous. "A dinner meeting? With a man? At such a fancy place?"

Anindita met her stepmother's gaze, refusing to back down. "It was important."

"Oh, I'm sure it was," Maya interjected, a sly smirk on her face. "But I wonder what father would think if he knew his daughter was out in public with a man like that. People might start talking, you know?"

Anindita clenched her fists, struggling to keep her composure. She had always known that Divya and Maya wouldn't hesitate to use any opportunity to bring her down, but this felt like a new level of manipulation. Still, she took a deep breath, reminding herself that she had done nothing wrong.

"It was a private matter," she said calmly. "And it's none of your business who I meet or where."

Divya's expression darkened slightly at her defiance. "Anindita, you may think you're free to do as you please, but remember that you're still part of this family. Anything you do reflects on us."

Anindita swallowed the retort on the tip of her tongue. She knew arguing would only make things worse, and she didn't want to give them more reason to interfere in her life. She needed to tread carefully, or they would use this against her.

Without another word, she turned and made her way to her room, her heart pounding. She shut the door and leaned against it, feeling the weight of their words pressing down on her. It was one thing to deal with Avinash's relentless pursuit, but now her own family was watching her, judging her, as if she had committed some crime by simply meeting him.

She sank onto her bed, burying her face in her hands. She had always tried to stay under the radar, to avoid drawing attention to herself, but somehow, Avinash had managed to shatter that illusion of safety. Now, her stepmother and Maya would be watching her every move, waiting for any excuse to humiliate her.

And yet, a small part of her couldn't forget the intensity in Avinash's eyes, the way he had looked at her as if she were the only person who mattered. No one had ever seen her like that, had ever made her feel as if she were worth fighting for. She hated the turmoil he'd caused in her life, but she couldn't deny that a part of her was drawn to him, despite all her fears.

But as she sat alone in her room, the reality of her situation hit her hard. Her family wouldn't let this go easily, and she knew she couldn't keep meeting Avinash without consequences. If she let herself fall for him, she risked everything-the fragile peace in her home, her reputation, and perhaps even her own heart.