“I’m not in the mood for another argument, Doctor,” he said. “Finish your work and leave. Maria will pay your fees downstairs.”
Komal sighed, shaking her head in disappointment as she packed her kit. “You know,” she said quietly, “I once believed that good people could change even the worst ones around them. I thought your wife’s innocence might soften you. But I guess that’s too much to expect from you, Mr Wadhwa.”
“You’re standing inmyhouse, Doctor. And you have no right to judge me.”
Komal met his glare head-on. “I’m not judging. I’m simply wondering how a sweet, pure-hearted woman got trapped in a marriage with a man who thrives on hurting her both knowingly and unknowingly.”
Mishti’s heart twisted. “Doctor, please…” she whispered.
Komal softened immediately. “Call me Komal,” she said, turning around. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I have no right to judge anyone. But being a doctor, someone who’s meant to heal and help people, there are some things I just can’t turn a blind eye to. Anyway… I’ll be back tomorrow to change the bandage and check the wound.”
Saying that, she walked out. Karan exhaled hard.
“I hate that doctor.”
“You hate almost everyone… me, the doctor. Is there anyone youdon’thate?” Mishti asked.
Before he could answer, Maria entered with a food tray. At his silent signal, she placed it before Mishti and left the room.
Mishti frowned in confusion. Why would he bring her food? He knew she was fasting. Did he really want her to eat, or was this another power play?
“Eat,” Karan ordered.
She turned her face away. “I can’t. I’m fasting.”
“I don’t want you to fast,” he snapped.
She looked back at him. “But it’s every wife’s right to fast for her husband.”
“And you aren’t a normal wife,” he bit out. “Firstly, this marriage isn’t the usual kind. It’s a deal, one I made with your brother. Secondly, I don’t consider you as my wife. And thirdly, I hate anyone fasting for me.”
Mishti’s lips trembled, but she didn’t reply.
“And I don’t hateeveryone,” he added coldly, “just a few. And you, Mishti, top that list.”
Her throat ached, but she managed to hold back her tears.
“I won’t force you to eat, just like you won’t force me to break your fast tonight. I’m least interested in doing that. So, if you plan to continue this fast, then break it yourself later, becauseIwon’t.”
Without waiting for her reply, he turned and walked out. Mishti sat still for a long time, staring at the tray before her. He might hate her as much as wants, but she would still fast for him.
CHAPTER 8
Wadhwa Mansion – Teej Night
Mishti walked slowly, ensuring she didn’t hurt her injured foot, until she reached the small puja room at the end of the corridor. Maria and another house help had spent the whole evening cleaning and decorating it with flowers and diyas, giving the space a warm, sacred glow. Although they weren’t sure Karan would like it to be reopened, they did so on Mishti’s orders. Karan wasn’t home then. After Dr Komal left, he also returned to his office.
Maria gently supported Mishti as she entered the room, holding the puja thali so Mishti could complete her fast and perform the evening rituals.
“You’ve decorated this place beautifully, Maria,” Mishti said, covering her head with the dupatta of her yellow churidar.
Maria smiled back. “Thank you, ma’am. I did it with the help of the others.”
“Why was this temple room closed for so many years?” Mishti asked curiously, her eyes scanning the little idols, the dust-free shelves now, and the faint scent of sandalwood that filled the air.
“I don’t know, ma’am,” Maria replied hesitantly. “But I heard that after Sir’s mother passed away, no one ever did prayers here, and he then ordered to lock this room.”
Mishti’s heart tightened.Of course.That explained everything. Karan didn’t believe in God. Otherwise, who would order the temple room of their own house to be shut? Her mind instantly replayed his cold words from earlier that day —“God hasn’t given me anything, Doctor. It’s always been me who’s given him.”
