Rishtey

Chapter - 12

Anamika entered her hotel room, shutting the door softly behind her. She let out a deep sigh, feeling a mix of emotions swirl within her. A part of her felt raw, wounded by her encounter with Vineet and the memories it stirred, but another part of her felt a glimmer of strength and satisfaction. For the first time in a long while, she’d been able to hold her ground in front of him, to speak her truth without backing down.

She leaned against the door, letting the silence of the room settle around her as she processed everything. The sadness was still there—a dull ache that tugged at her heart—but it was accompanied by a sense of relief. She had faced him, confronted the reality of their broken relationship, and managed to walk away with her head held high.

Anamika placed a hand on her belly, a small smile forming on her lips. "Maybe this is the start of something new," she whispered to her unborn child, feeling a gentle warmth spread within her. "I may not have him by my side, but I have you. And we’re going to be okay."

She moved to the window, looking out over the bustling city. Her thoughts drifted back to Vineet for a brief moment. She couldn’t deny that seeing him had stirred memories, even reopened wounds that she’d tried to keep buried. Yet, it also made her realize that her strength didn’t depend on him anymore. Her life, her future—it was her own, and she was ready to embrace it.

Determined to focus on the path ahead, Anamika took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the next steps she needed to take. There was a lot to accomplish, and she was no longer tied down by the past.

There was a sudden knock at the door, snapping Anamika out of her thoughts. She hesitated for a moment, wondering who it could be, then made her way to the door and opened it. Standing there was Ashok, his expression soft yet hopeful.

“Anamika,” he began, his voice laced with concern, “I just wanted to check in on you. I know all of this must be...a lot.” he spoke.

Anamika hadn’t expected him to show up, but then why wouldn't he come? Before things messed up between her and Vineet, they were on good terms, he had always shown respect to her.

Ashok looked at her earnestly. “I’ve been meaning to say this, and I hope you won’t take it the wrong way,” he continued, shifting his weight slightly. “I know you’re staying here because you want your space, and I respect that. But Anamika, I’d really like for you to consider staying with me and my wife, at least for a little while. If not permanently, maybe just for a few days?”

Anamika’s gaze softened as she listened to him, sensing his genuine concern. He was extending a hand of comfort, trying to make things a bit easier for her in his own way. She knew that, deep down, he was worried about her and the effect everything was having on her well-being. Also, he wants things to be like before but it's never going to happen.

“You don’t have to feel alone in all of this,” Ashok added gently, his tone encouraging. “Our home is open to you, and we’d love to have you with us. It’s just...I’d feel better knowing you were around family.”

Anamika took a deep breath, feeling a wave of emotions rise within her. She appreciated Ashok’s gesture and knew that he meant well, but the thought of staying with him—of constantly being reminded of Vineet and the life she was leaving behind—made her hesitate.

“Thank you, Ashok,” she replied softly, a faint smile appearing on her lips. “I appreciate it, really. It means a lot that you’d offer this. I’ll think about it.”

Ashok nodded, sensing her hesitation but respecting her need for space. "That's all I ask. Just know that we're here for you whenever you’re ready."

Anamika took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. She looked at Ashok and said, “Thank you for the offer, Ashok, but I’ll be leaving the state tomorrow. My work here is done.”