YOU NEVER WALK ALONE

41- You are my wife

A veryyyy long chapter ahead!!
Happy reading!

AUTHOR'S POV-

"You..." Rashvik's voice was low, almost a growl, as he locked eyes with the woman standing a few feet away.

In the middle of the bustling mall, her familiar, piercing gaze froze Rashvik in place, as though the world around him had stopped moving. His stoic expression didn't falter as the woman's victorious smile tugged at her lips, but his jaw tightened. Without realizing it, he gripped Sarakshi's hand more firmly, the gentle hold turning into a protective, intertwined grasp. Her warmth was his only anchor against the icy disruption Akriti's presence brought.

Sarakshi followed Rashvik's line of sight, her breath hitching as her eyes landed on the woman. A wave of suffocation overtook her, making her feel small and insignificant in her presence. The dots connected in a dizzying flash.

Akriti... No, it can't be... but... Her mind whirled with questions until the truth crashed over her. His ex-wife Akriti and the Akriti I know? The same person? God, why?!

Her heart sank. Akriti, the woman she despised with every fiber of her being-the same woman who had bullied her in the past. Even her shadow made Sarakshi's skin crawl. And now, this woman stood here, threatening the fragile sense of peace Sarakshi had built with Rashvik.

Akriti strode toward them, slow and deliberate, her mocking smile fixed on Rashvik. She barely acknowledged Sarakshi's presence, as though she were invisible. Feeling the threat of Akriti's proximity, Sarakshi tightened her grip on Rashvik's arm, mirroring his protective hold.

"Hey, dear ex-husband," Akriti's voice dripped with mockery, her tone slicing through the charged air. She emphasized the word "ex" with a smirk. Her gaze flicked to Sarakshi, and something shifted in her expression, adding a layer of calculated malice. Sarakshi's stomach twisted as Akriti's eyes locked onto hers. "He is our son right?" she asked

"My son and Stay away from me," Rashvik said coldly, raising a hand to stop her from stepping closer. "I have no interest in talking to you."

Akriti's smirk only deepened. "Oh, come on, Rashvik. And look at you-already remarried? Let me introduce myself to your lovely wife." She turned her attention fully to Sarakshi. "Sakshi... No, Sarakshi, isn't it?" Her raised brow and venom-laced smile made Sarakshi shrink further behind Rashvik.

Hearing her name from Akriti's mouth made Rashvik's eyes narrow. He glanced at Sarakshi, who was now gripping his upper arm with her other hand, as though seeking refuge. The sight of her vulnerability deepened his resolve.

By now, Prachi, Ananya, Reyansh, and Rakshit had joined them, their expressions mirroring Rashvik's shock and disgust. The group exchanged looks, silently questioning how Akriti and Sarakshi could possibly know each other.

"Oh, the whole family is here," Akriti said with mock amusement, her gaze sweeping over the group.

"Yeah, we're all here," Rakshit quipped, his tone sharp with disdain. "But what about you? Alone as usual? Or is your new husband running late?"

"Obviously, Aksh," Ananya chimed in, rolling her eyes. "Who else would pay her bills?"

Akriti's smile faltered for the first time, her expression hardening. "As expected, you're all as insufferable as ever" she snapped, her voice dripping with irritation. The truth of their comments stung more than she cared to admit-her lifestyle depended on finding someone else to fund it, just as her marriage to Rashvik once had.

Rashvik's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "How do you know her?" he demanded, his eyes dark and focused on Akriti.

Akriti's lips curled into a sly smile. "Why don't you ask her?" She gestured toward Sarakshi. "Go on, Sarakshi. Tell him how we know each other."