Mishti was back at Wadhwa Mansion at night, and she knew she had to update Divya about the accident. So, she dialled her number and carefully framed a story to share, not wanting to reveal the true details.
“Mishti! Oh God, are you alright?” Divya was instantly worried as she heard about the accident. “I’ll come tomorrow to see you.”
Mishti’s eyes softened as she looked down at the faint bruises along her arm. “I’m fine now, Bhabhi,” she said, trying to sound cheerful. “It was nothing major. The doctor said I’ll heal in a few days.”
Divya was still unconvinced. “And Karan? Is he taking care of you?”
Mishti’s fingers tightened slightly around the phone before she forced a small laugh. “Yes. He’s been very worried. He didn’t even let the nurse handle a few things. You know how he is… strict, but caring in his own way.”
Divya paused. “Really? That doesn’t sound like the man he was before the wedding,” she said half-suspiciously. “But I’m still wondering how this happened? Why were you driving alone at night? Where was Karan?”
Now Mishti froze. She couldn’t tell the truth to Divya that she’d been on her way to the Goel mansion last night.
“Actually, Bhabhi, I… wasn’t able to sleep last night,” she murmured. “It’s a new house, new surroundings… it felt tooquiet. So, I thought a short drive might help. Karan was asleep, and I didn’t want to disturb him.”
There was silence on the other end. Divya still had her doubts. “Something doesn’t feel right, Mishti. You’re not telling me everything, are you? Is everything really okay between you two? Is Karan really treating you well?”
Mishti blinked back tears that burned behind her lashes. For years, she had dreamed of a husband who would be gentle, loving and caring, who would hold her through the storms. Instead, she’d ended up with a man who didn’t even look at her with warmth.
She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced herself to speak. “You’re overthinking, Bhabhi. Everything’s fine. And Karan, iss duniya ke sabse acche pati hai (he’s the best husband in this world). You know, the entire week before the wedding was so exhausting, and now this accident happened. I’m just tired, that’s all. Little rest should help. And let me not forget my medicines… before Karan comes back and scolds me for not taking them.” She added a small laugh to sound convincing.
Divya sighed. “Alright. I’ll let it go for now. But promise me you’ll call if you need anything. Anything at all.”
“I promise,” Mishti whispered. “I love you, Bhabhi.”
“I love you too, Mishti. Take care, okay?”
The call ended. Mishti kept staring at her phone screen, the faint reflection of her tired face looking back at her.
Just then, the door of her room creaked open, and Maria entered with a tray.
“Your dinner, ma’am,” she said gently, placing the tray on the bedside table. “Thank God you’re okay. You scared the life out of me today. When I didn’t find you at home in the morning, I panicked. I searched every room before calling Karan sir. And when the hospital called to inform him about the accident…” she paused, smiling faintly, “he rushed out like his life was on theline. I have never seen him like that before. He didn’t even wait for the driver. Just grabbed his keys and ran.”
Mishti’s brows drew together. “Karan… was worried forme?” She didn’t believe.
Maria smiled warmly. “More than worried, Ma’am. He looked terrified.”
Mishti blinked slowly, trying to process the words.Terrified. The word didn’t fit the Karan she knew…the man whose anger left no room for tenderness. But Maria’s face was honest, and Mishti knew she wouldn’t lie.
Maria sat down on the edge of the bed beside her. “I’m so happy you’re back home. This house… it needs you.Heneeds you.”
Mishti looked down at her lap, her fingers curling together. “You don’t have to lie to me, Maria. You have seen it all. If he needed me… he wouldn’t make me live in another room.”
Maria’s eyes softened at her words. “Ma’am, I know I’m no one to give advice. But I’ve been working here for eight years, since the time Karan sir was just twenty-one. His anger, his arrogance, his harsh words, none of it is new to me. I’ve seen him break more relationships than he’s built.”
She paused before her voice turned gentler. “He has always lived alone. He had no one to correct him, no one to show him what kindness feels like. No one to make him understand that love doesn’t mean control. But when he married you, I thought maybe… maybe things would change. I hoped you’d be the one to bring peace to his restless heart. Because deep down, Ma’am, I think that’s what he’s been searching for all along. Just a little love. Something real.”
Mishti looked up at her with glistening eyes. “You think he’s capable of love?” she whispered.
Maria smiled faintly. “Everyone is, Ma’am. Even those who’ve forgotten what it feels like.” She rose, smoothing herapron. “Just think again before giving up on him. Sometimes, broken people only need one person who refuses to leave.”
She was about to rise and leave when Mishti’s hand shot out, gently holding her wrist. “Maria… why is he alone? What happened to his family?”
“I don’t know much. His parents died when he was fourteen, I think. Since then, he’s been alone. I’ve never heard him talk about the rest of his family.”
Mishti slowly released her hand, her heart heavy with a strange ache. “Fourteen…” she whispered under her breath. “So young.”
Maria gave a small nod and left quietly, closing the door behind her.
