The last line almost brought Siya to her knees. For a moment, the air caught painfully in her throat. The bitterness in her chest spread like poison, and she had to steady herself against the shelf.
The proof was there in the letter. Kartik had found the first copy in the vault and destroyed it, then used the ring to punish Siya by attempting to auction it off. He wouldn’t have expected her mother to fight back this way, and he must have pattedhimself on the back for his success, unaware of the second copy stacked in the old lockerboxes.
It would be her honour to prove him wrong.
She pressed the letter to her heart. Tears spilled down her cheeks, soaking into the collar of her top. Her mother had not just left her a legacy; she’d left Siya a warning and she’d make sure her efforts don’t go in vain.
Love and conviction hardened her heart. ‘I promise you, Maa,’ she whispered quietly, hoping it would reach her. ‘I’ll finish what you started. I’ll make you proud.’
Chapter 31
Abhay fastened the last button of his tuxedo with a practiced flick of his fingers. He stood before the mirror and his reflection stared back at him like a stranger wrapped in luxury. He adjusted the lapels, patting them down until the crease sat flawlessly smooth against his chest, then reached for his onyx cufflinks gleaming softly under the soft light of the vanity.
He looked like a man who had everything, and yet the storm in his eyes gave him away. Unable to look at himself, he gave a final perusal before turning away from the vanity. But his room was no better at giving him any comfort.
From a discarded pair of her heels to the sketches of her discarded designs, everything was a silent reminder of the life they’d built for themselves, a life that now felt empty without Siya.
Where was she?
Was she eating properly, or skipping meals again like she always did when she got lost in work? Had she found a new playlist to play on loop the way she did when she was sketching? Had she thought about texting him, or had she thought of him at all?
Abhay had to believe she’d come back. He had to believe he’ll get a chance to show how she is more than enough for him,and how he loves her. He had to, because if he didn’t, he’d break down crying and never get up.
His phone buzzed on the dresser. “Anisha Event Executive” flashed on the screen.Duty calls, he thought to himself and answered it. ‘Yes?’
‘Sir, the car is waiting for you downstairs. Guests have started arriving at the exhibition venue.’
‘Understood. Has Siya arrived?’
There was a subtle shift in her voice as she replied, ‘Not yet, sir.’
Not yet means it’s still possible, he reminded himself and held onto that thread of hope with all his might.
‘Alright. Thank you.’
Abhay disconnected and pushed the phone inside his jacket pocket. He quickly clipped on his watch and walked out of the penthouse.
The private elevator hummed as it descended. The lobby lights reflected soft golden hues off the marble floor as he made his way across it. He nodded politely at the doorman who offered him a greeting, and crossed toward the waiting car.
His driver stood at attention beside the sleek black Rolls Royce. ‘Evening sir,’ he said, moving to open the car door.
‘Evening, Dinesh. Have you been waiting long?’ Abhay offered a small smile.
‘Not at all. Just five minutes.’
Abhay slid into the back seat, the leather cool against his palm. ‘How was your vacation? Went well?’
He heard the smile in his voice when Dinesh got behind the steering wheel. ‘Got some family time so yeah, very well.’
They turned onto the main road, headlights slicing through the evening haze. He leaned back slightly, watching it all blur by.
‘We need to make a stop on our way to the exhibition,’ he said, eyes fixed outside the window.
Dinesh nodded in the rearview mirror.
A few minutes later, he pulled the car to a stop in the parking lot of Kashvi’s apartment. She emerged through the entrance lobby and slipped into the backseat before Dinesh could even step out.
A printed shawl was perched loosely around her shoulders, but the magenta gown peeking from under it shimmered lightly, casting light refractions in the interior. Her hair was pinned in an updo, and made her look older and more serious than she was. The soft scent of her perfume curled into the tight space as she turned toward him.
