Rishtey

Chapter - 23

The next morning, a private jet landed at Delhi Airport, and from it emerged Aarnav and Shakshi Khanna. Both had grim expressions, their worry for Anamika overshadowing everything else.

Standing near the arrival gate was Ashok, waiting for them. His face was laced with guilt, but he tried to mask it with a hesitant smile.

Shakshi, however, was in no mood for pleasantries. The moment she saw him, her expression turned cold. "We don't need you to wait for us, Ashok."

Aarnav, equally displeased, added, "You've already done enough damage. Just take us to Anamika."

Ashok sighed. He had expected this. He knew his parents still held resentment toward him for his choices, but right now, their only priority was Anamika. Without another word, he led them to the car and drove straight to the hospital.

---

As soon as they reached the hospital, Aarnav and Shakshi didn't waste a second. They ignored Ashok's attempts at conversation and stormed inside, heading directly to Anamika's room.

Inside, Anamika was sitting on the bed, listening to the doctor's instructions about stress management and prenatal care. But the moment she saw her in-laws walk in, something inside her broke.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered, "Maa... Papa..."

And then, unable to hold it in, she broke down completely.

Shakshi immediately rushed to her, gathering her into a warm, tight embrace. "Beta, we are here. You don't have to be strong all the time," she whispered, stroking Anamika's hair, her own eyes moist. "I should have come earlier. I shouldn't have left you alone."

Aarnav stood beside them, his eyes filled with unspoken emotions. He wasn't a man of many words, but his presence alone was enough to show his support.

Anamika sobbed into Shakshi's arms, letting out all the pain, all the suffering she had kept bottled up inside. "I tried, Maa... I tried so hard... but..."

Shakshi pulled back slightly and cupped Anamika's face. "You don't have to explain anything, beta. I know everything now. And I am proud of you for standing your ground."

Anamika nodded, overwhelmed by their unconditional love.

Just then, the door creaked open again.

Vineet who had spent the entire night in turmoil. The confrontation with Raman, Bala, and Vandita had shaken him to his core. But nothing had hit him harder than the realization that Anamika was carrying his child... and she had no intention of telling him.

It had taken him hours to gather the courage to come to the hospital. And now, standing at the door, he felt a lump in his throat.

The moment he stepped inside, his eyes landed on Anamika-his Anamika-wrapped in his mother's embrace, her face streaked with tears. His heart clenched painfully.

But before he could take a step forward, his gaze shifted to his parents.

The look they gave him was one of sheer disgust.

Shakshi's warm expression turned ice-cold as she met his eyes. Aarnav's jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists.

Neither of them said a word, but their silent condemnation was louder than any accusation.

Vineet swallowed hard. He had expected anger, disappointment-but nothing could have prepared him for the sheer contempt in his parents' eyes.

He truly felt like the villain of the story.