ISHQ IBAADAT 💗

30. FUN AND TRAUMA 🤍

HAPPY READING

After some days

Author POV - Night

"Hello Doctor Shridha..."
A doctor said, his voice cutting through the loud thumping music. Shridha could barely hear herself think over the chatter and clinking glasses. People were dancing, glasses clinking, laughter echoing across the large hall, and colored lights flickered across polished floors. Shridha adjusted her lavender saree, smoothing the folds of the pallu across her shoulder. The golden border caught the dim light and shimmered as she moved. She didn't belong here in western clothes, and she liked it that way. Shivaay was also there, standing near the bar counter, chatting and laughing with his colleagues. Music boomed, laughter echoed, and yet somehow, the world seemed quieter around her.

"Hello doctor Radhika..."
Shridha replied softly, adjusting her pallu again, her fingers brushing over the delicate fabric. Her heartbeat skipped a little as she turned to see her old friend.

"Kaisi hai aap..."
Radhika asked, walking closer, her heels clicking against the floor. She scanned Shridha with curiosity and warmth, her eyes twinkling. Shridha noticed the slight sway of Radhika's dress and the faint scent of her perfume, a comforting familiarity.

"I am alright...what about you?"
Shridha answered softly, tilting her head slightly, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. Her fingers nervously twisted the edge of her saree, smoothing it as she did, trying to keep her balance in her heels.

"Kaafi time baad mil rahe hai hum..."
They hugged tightly. Shridha pressed her cheek against Radhika's shoulder and could feel her friend's heartbeat. Memories of long hours working together at the hospital flooded back. In just two months, a deep friendship had formed. When Radhika's transfer to Mumbai came, it had left a sudden void in Shridha's life.

"Yeah you are right yaar... it's been a long time..."
Shridha said, eyes sparkling with nostalgia. She lingered a moment longer in the hug, feeling comforted yet slightly uneasy about the night ahead.

"By the way your marriage is in danger Shridha..."
Radhika whispered, leaning closer, her voice soft but teasing. She tapped Shridha lightly on the shoulder, making her shift slightly.

"What do you mean?..."
Shridha asked, brow knitting, glancing subtly toward Shivaay. Her hand fiddled with a loose strand of hair, tucking it behind her ear.

"Please pay attention to your husband, see how that junior doctor Aishwarya is flirting with him..."
Radhika said, her gaze following Shridha toward Shivaay and Aishwarya. Shridha noticed Aishwarya laughing too loudly, leaning closer to him, flipping her hair in a practiced motion.

"Achha karne dijiye...waise bhi Shivaay handsome hai..."
Shridha replied with a small smile, eyes narrowing slightly. Her chest rose and fell faster than usual, a mix of irritation and protectiveness bubbling within her.

"Kya tumhe jealousy nahi ho rahi Shridha?"
Radhika asked, her voice playful yet probing. She leaned slightly closer, eyes flicking between Shridha and Shivaay.

Shridha looked toward Shivaay with a soft smile, and at the same time at Aishwarya with growing anger. Her hands clenched slightly in the folds of her saree, fingers digging into the soft fabric, trying to keep her composure.

"Why would I be jealous..."
Shridha said, her tone deliberately teasing, fingers tapping lightly on her saree edge as if to hide her tension. Her jaw tightened subtly as she observed Aishwarya leaning closer to Shivaay.

"Akhir Biwi Ho Tum Shivaay ki..."
Radhika said, lowering her voice, trying to provoke Shridha with mock teasing.

"Mujhe Shivaay par bharosa hai...wo aise nahi hai..."
Shridha answered with a serene smile, though her hands clenched slightly in her saree folds. Her eyes flicked toward Shivaay, noticing the way his laughter sparkled in the light, and then back to Aishwarya, her chest tightening.