Page 149 of The Redemption
Late Evening
The Shergills left for Mumbai almost two hours ago.
I recall how Kailash Uncle walked out of his room wearing the same Irish cap I’d gifted him the last time he was here.Seeing him had lifted my mood a little. I touched his feet and took his blessings, just as Raghav did. But I ensured we did it separately and not together as husband and wife. Because every blessing reminded me this marriage wasn’t my choice.
Meher, of course, was the emotional one. She hugged me tightly before getting into the car and refused to let go until I promised I would attend her baby shower in Mumbai. Only after I reluctantly agreed did she finally look satisfied enough to leave.
Then there were Ayaan and Raghav. The two of them had barely spoken a word to each other before leaving. Yet, the way their eyes met before Ayaan got into the car had said everything words couldn’t. Two stubborn brothers who would probably jump in front of a bullet for each other while simultaneously wanting to punch each other in the face.
Now they are gone, and the silence they left behind feels unbearable. I pace my bedroom for what feels like the hundredth time. For the last two hours, I’ve done nothing except walk from one end of the room to the other, trying to make sense of the chaos inside my head. Queenstown had been my last hope. Now, even that was gone because Ayaan refused to help me further.
I stop near the window and gaze outside for a moment.No, this isn’t me.I’ve never been someone who sits around feeling sorry for herself. Life has thrown far worse challenges at me than this. I’ve survived the underworld. I’ve survived Samarjeet. And I’ve survived betrayal and manipulation. So I refuse to spend my evening locked inside this room, staring at walls and drowning in my own thoughts.
What I need right now is space. Fresh air. A chance to think without everyone watching me. More than anything, I need to remind myself that I still have control over my own life, even if it’s only over the smallest decisions.
With that thought, I get ready, deliberately choosing a fitted magenta bodycon dress. It’s elegant, bold, and so me. Afterleaving my hair loose, I apply light makeup, slip into my favourite stilettoes, and head downstairs.
Mom immediately notices when I come downstairs.
“Where are you going?” she asks, looking me over carefully.
“Out.”
“Alone?”
A faint smile appears on my lips. “Mom, I’ve travelled the world alone. If I can handle myself everywhere else, I think I can survive one evening in Shivtara Valley.”
“I know you can,” she says softly. “That’s not what worries me. But—”
“I’ll be fine, Mom.”
She doesn’t look convinced, but thankfully she doesn’t push further. “Just be careful.”
“I will.”
I kiss her cheek before leaving the villa and making my way towards the main lobby. Somewhere during the walk, a new thought enters my mind. A reckless one that instantly appeals to my stubborn side. If Raghav has decided that every major decision in my life now belongs to him, then tonight, I’m taking back at least one thing.
Earlier, I had overheard Raghav speaking to Esha on the phone. She had told him the car he’d sent for servicing the previous day had been returned, and he had simply replied that he would collect the keys from her later.
By the time I step into the lobby, I’ve already made up my mind. Several heads turn in my direction the moment I walk in. A few guests seated near the lounge glance at me before quickly looking away, while some of the staff immediately straighten. Everybody knows who I am now.
Raghav Kundra’s wife.
The title still feels foreign in my mind. Ignoring the curious looks, I walk towards Esha at the reception desk.
She looks up and immediately smiles. “Good evening, Ma’am.”
“I need the car keys.”
Her smile falters slightly. “Which car keys, Ma’am?”
“Raghav’s.”
The confusion on her face is immediate.
“Sir’s vehicle?”
“Yes.”
