Rishtey

Chapter - 22

As Anamika rested against the hospital bed, Ishita sat beside her, gently placing a reassuring hand on hers. The warmth of Ishita's presence felt comforting, something Anamika hadn’t felt in a long time. 

“You’re so lucky, Ishita,” Anamika said softly, her voice filled with admiration. “You have such a loving husband and a sweet daughter. It’s like a perfect little family.” 

Ishita smiled, her eyes twinkling with love. “It’s a dream come true for me as well, Anamika. Sometimes, I still can’t believe it.” 

Anamika tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her gaze. “How long have you and Raman been married?” 

“Two years,” Ishita replied with a content smile. 

Anamika frowned slightly, confusion evident on her face. “But Roohi is seven years old…” 

Ishita chuckled at Anamika’s reaction, as if she had expected the question. “Roohi is my stepdaughter. She is Raman’s first wife, Shagun’s, daughter. Shagun left her when she was just an infant.” 

Anamika’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? She abandoned her own child?” 

Ishita nodded solemnly. “Yes. She walked out on Raman and Roohi, choosing another life over them. Raman was shattered, and he fought for Roohi’s custody. That’s when we got married—not for love, but for Roohi. He needed a stable home, and I wanted to be Roohi’s mother.” 

Anamika looked at her in awe. “And now?” 

Ishita’s smile deepened as she glanced at Raman, who was standing outside the hospital room talking to the doctor. “Now, we’re deeply in love. It wasn’t planned, but love found us. Roohi is our world, and Raman… he’s my everything. I consider myself lucky to have them both.” 

Anamika felt a strange warmth in her heart as she listened to Ishita. There was something so pure and beautiful about the way Ishita spoke of her family. A love that wasn’t just about passion but about care, respect, and devotion. 

She smiled faintly. “You really are lucky, Ishita. You have what every woman dreams of.” 

Ishita squeezed her hand. “And you will, too, Anamika. Happiness has its own way of finding us.” 

But deep down, Anamika wasn’t sure if happiness was meant for her anymore. 

Just then, Raman entered the hospital room, his face carrying a mixture of concern and curiosity. He glanced at Anamika, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. “you're pregnant, huh? Where is your husband? Call kiya usse?” His tone was light, but the question held weight. 

Anamika’s fingers instinctively clenched the bedsheet. She hesitated, avoiding his gaze. “I… I’m not with my husband anymore,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “And I don’t want to discuss it.” 

Raman immediately realized he had touched a sensitive topic. He glanced at Ishita, who subtly signaled him not to push further. Understanding her cue, he sighed and straightened up. “Alright, I get it. I won’t ask anything else. Just take care of yourself, okay?” 

Anamika gave a small nod, grateful for the retreat. Raman gave Ishita a meaningful glance before stepping out of the room, leaving the two women alone. 

For a while, there was only silence. Ishita sat beside Anamika, observing her closely. She noticed the way Anamika’s grip on the bedsheet tightened, the way her breathing became uneven, as if she was holding back emotions that were threatening to spill. 

Ishita reached out, gently placing a hand over Anamika’s. “You don’t have to hold it in,” she said softly. 

That was all it took. Anamika’s barriers crumbled, and her shoulders shook as the first sob broke free. She covered her face with her hands, her entire body trembling. “I… I don’t know how things went so wrong, Ishita. I loved him so much… we were supposed to be happy…”