Flawless Silence

Chapter 40

Kritika walked through the resort's corridors, her baby girl nestled securely in her arms, while her father followed a few steps behind. The warm glow of the evening lights cast long shadows along the marble floors, and the faint hum of distant conversations filled the air. As she turned a corner, her eyes landed on a familiar face—Shivaay. He stood a few feet away, camera in hand, capturing candid moments as his wife and family posed together.

"Beta, gift Shivaay ki mummy ko de do?" her father's gentle voice broke through her thoughts.

She heard him, yet it felt like his words barely reached her.

Her mind was elsewhere, lost in a whirlwind of memories—memories of long, youthful days spent with Shivaay in college, of whispered dreams and ambitious plans. They had once believed they were destined for greatness together, envisioning themselves as a power couple, conquering the world of litigation hand in hand.

But life had taken them down a different path

As she watched him now—his familiar features illuminated by the soft resort lighting—she wondered if he ever thought about their past, about what could have been. Did he remember the way they had once dreamt of success, not just as individuals but as partners? Or had those dreams dissolved entirely, leaving behind nothing but distant recollections?

Taking a deep breath, she adjusted the gift in her hands along with her daughter, forcing a smile as she prepared to step forward.

Some dreams remain just that—dreams. And perhaps, in another lifetime, theirs would have come true. She thought.

Noticing her presence, Shivaay forced a polite smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. With the camera still in his hand, he made his way toward them, his expression unreadable.

"Hey," he greeted, his voice casual yet distant. He followed it with a small, almost perfunctory namaste to Kritika's father.

"Hi," she responded, her tone neutral.

"I didn't expect you to be able to make it here. But thank you for coming." His words were blunt, carrying no warmth—just a statement of fact. His lack of enthusiasm was evident, and Kritika could sense that her presence was more tolerated than welcomed.

"Umm... it was unexpected for us too," she admitted, choosing her words carefully. "Your father wanted us to be here."

She fell silent after that, her expression unreadable, offering no reaction when her father spoke, justifying their attendance. 

She did not react

Shivaay gave a small nod as if trying to piece together why his father had invited them—why, of all occasions, they had to be here today, at his wife's baby shower. His jaw tightened briefly, and a scowl threatened to appear, but he quickly masked it, smoothing his features into something more neutral.

"Actually," he said, his voice controlled, "the event is wrapping up in a few hours, and the bouquet arrangements are about to be packed. Please have your dinner first. We can catch up afterwards, once you've had a chance to refresh."

His words were carefully chosen, but Kritika could tell—there was no real invitation in them, just an obligation he was willing to endure.

Nodding at Shivaay's suggestion, Kritika and her father, Mrityunjay, quietly made their way to the dining area. The space was set under the open sky, surrounded by towering, thick trees that swayed gently in the evening breeze. The soft glow of hanging lanterns cast a warm ambience, yet despite the beauty around her, Kritika found no solace.

A few minutes into the meal, she realized she had lost all interest in the food. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of her impending decision—one she had been avoiding for too long. She had made up her mind. She was going to divorce her husband.