Why do well-off people host so many gatherings?It was the sixth party I had gone to with Darsh that month, and I started crying in my brain. Every week there was a party for someone he knew. Even though he mostly discussed business there, I had to keep a courteous and respectful demeanour the entire time, which was exhausting.I was abandoned by Darsh every time I went to those parties, so I just sat in the corner and observed everyone gossiping about useless issues or bragging about their latest possessions."Hi, Mrs. Sinha. Nice to see you here." A very familiar voice called for me. I whirled around to find Akash, standing a modest distance away from me with a mischievous smile on his lips."Hi, Mr. Malhotra." I gave him a feigned smile in return and muttered, "It would be best if we didn't chat here.""Oh, so, Brother had already ordered you to keep it a secret, huh?"I nodded at his question."I see. And where is your husband, by the way? Why are you by yourself in this place?""I
I dashed towards his room after quickly shutting the window. Even though I was sure I was moving fast, the room seemed very far away tonight.Right before Darsh's bedroom, I came to the end of my sprint. I recalled Uncle Hemant's words just as I was about to enter."I advise you not to approach Master Darsh for anything tonight."I'd previously witnessed Darsh's wrath. And it was painful to be the victim of his fury. Therefore, I paused to consider if I should contact Uncle Hemant and return to my bedroom. However, having seen him collapse earlier, I couldn't stand the worry. Finally, disregarding everything else, I hurried inside.I found Darsh motionless on the ground, a glass shard scattered on the floor in front of him. Without wasting any more time, I reached closer to Darsh and attempted to lift him from the floor."Wh—who?" He grumbled, rejecting my help. "Stop...Stop touching me.""I'm not intentionally touching you. Shut up!" While scolding him, I barely managed to get his f
I perfectly fulfilled my obligations as time passed. Darsh and I pretended to be a couple deeply in love as we attended several interviews and parties. Every time we told somebody about our fictional love story, I cringed.Unless I went out for a party or interview, I stayed at home and wandered around the house to pass my time, as I wasn't allowed to go out without Darsh.The moment I named it, everything I needed at home materialised. And the unhealthily sick life seemed like a prison.Darsh didn't think twice about treating me like a prisoner because he was so self-conscious about his image.Sometimes, I just called my parents, Mandira, and talked to them for hours, or I would sit on the roof and watch the world go by. I wanted to talk to Sushant, who was abroad. Darsh departed early and came back after midnight. However, we ate dinner together. The only times I could see him were at breakfast and dinner.Thus, I stayed up late every night for him and awoke early every morning."Is
Chapter 18: Indifferent Slowly opening my eyes, I felt my eyes heavy as I woke up from my deep slumber. Suddenly, I got struck by last night's memories. The fears, the regrets, and the sobs were all I could remember from last night before dozing off to sleep.The bitter experience ruined the beautiful morning as soon as I woke up. My feet couldn't even touch the floor when someone knocked on the door.For a second, it felt like Darsh had come to apologise for last night since he went overboard with the bouquet. But Sia's call from the outside shattered my illusion. "Khushi ma'am, Master Darsh has asked you to attend breakfast downstairs."I scoffed at my own assumptions. What a fool I was to expect, yet again, for Darsh to apologise to me."I'll be there in a minute," I responded while getting out of bed. Entering the attached bathroom, I stood before the mirror and affirmed, "You're strong, Khushi. No man should have this much control over your happiness. Cheer up!"Forcing a smile
I was alone at the party once again. After cutting the cake and popping the champagne, Darsh was engaged in a conversation with his friends and coworkers.I found it amusing that there were so many people at the party. He was coherently popular. Especially among women, since I saw a lot of them flirting with him despite knowing he was married.I felt a bit less awkward until Uncle Hemant was with me. However, he got a call and went elsewhere to answer it, so I was back on my own.Soon after, I saw Anannya huddling up next to my husband. Darsh's face carried his usual expression; uninterested, but he didn't protest having his space invaded by her.I averted my eyes elsewhere and concentrated on something else. Anything but those two."Hey, Khushi." An instantly recognisable voice demanded my attention. I shifted my vision to the right, and it turned out to be Akash."Why are you avoiding me?" He grumbled, holding the alcohol glass."Why would I avoid you?""Really?" I responded by nod
◆Darsh's P.O.V.◆It was my birthday. And I hosted a party to celebrate it at a renowned banquet.My wife, Khushi, was the first to wish me birthday greetings. It was a little unexpected, but I was nonetheless pleased. Her present, however, was totally unacceptable. But I was aware that she was unlikely to have understood the reason for my ugly response.I should say sorry.I had mentally prepared a sincere apology before I arrived early at the dining hall.However, time passed, and Khushi still hadn't arrived for breakfast. Perforce, I sent a maid I had always seen Khushi stay close to call her down.Finally, when she descended to the hall and took her usual seat, I cleared my throat and opened my mouth to express my apology."Last night—"Though, My focus was diverted to another side when I saw Anannya ambling in our direction.She carried a bouquet of yellow roses while maintaining her usual stunning appearance.She handed me the bouquet and wished me a happy birthday, but Khushi go
◆Darsh's P.O.V.◆Our car pulled up to the mansion after what seemed like an eternity. When the car stopped in front of the main gate, Uncle Hemant asked the security staff, "Has Ma'am returned?"Without saying anything, the guards bowed their heads."Why are you quiet?" He raised his voice, not getting the answer."Hemant Sir, she... Khushi Ma'am returned a short time ago, but—""But what?" I jumped out of the car and slammed the door furiously after failing to control my rage."She walked out from the entrance again, sir." One of them stammered out an answer."What do you mean she left again?!" With a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach, I yelled at them. Uncle Hemant exited the car and walked closer to me, attempting to ease my nerves."Master, please calm down." While patting my back, he mumbled. Then he turned his attention back to the guards."Explain it.When did she come back? Did she say anything before leaving again?" He inquired."She came here almost 25-30 minutes ag
◆Darsh's P.O.V.◆As soon as Uncle Hemant pulled over the car, I sprung out and darted towards the main entrance. Reaching the information desk, I asked the host, "Excuse me! Mrs. Khushi Sinha. What room is she in?"My voice was shrouded with worry and fear while I panted slightly."Give me a minute, sir." The woman replied and shifted her gaze to the monitor in front of her. Huffing from the rapid run after parking the car, Uncle Hemant also arrived there.The lady looked up at me, about to say something when someone called for me."Darsh!"As I glanced around, I noticed a nervous Veer rushing in my direction. I scurried towards him."Where? Where is Khushi?" I inspected."C-come with me." Nervously muttering, Veer immediately made a turn in the direction of the elevator. I followed him along with Uncle Hemant. As the elevator door opened and we reached the fourth floor, I demanded, "Where is she? What happened to her? Just say something, damn it!""I-I am sorry, Darsh. I...." I felt
●Khushi's P.O.V.●A Few weeks Later~"Are you nervous?" Darsh asked as he hugged me from behind."A little," I uttered as I smiled at him from the mirror."Why, though? It's just our anniversary party." Darsh said, kissing my head."I'm not sure." I grinned apprehensively."Just breathe.Or I can help you relax." As his arms began to gradually encircle my stomach, he whispered in my ears."Darsh!Everyone is at home." I scolded him."So what? You are my wife, and this is my house. I can always express my love to my wife." He said and started placing slow kisses on my neck, sending shivers down my spine."Darsh, would you please stop?" After a groan, I spoke."Well, you certainly don't sound like you want me to." I heard him chuckle in my ears as he kissed me down my neck and moved to kiss my back. I was about to push him away when our bedroom door was knocked on by someone."Everyone is waiting for you downstairs, Master and My Lady." Uncle Hemant spoke up from the outside."His timing
●Khushi's P.O.V.●Bip...bip..bip…The heart rate machine kept beeping as I stared at Darsh's unconscious face. He was unresponsive as he lay on the hospital bed. His face was covered in bruises, and bandages were placed across his body.I kept praying for him to wake up as tears streamed down my face. It had been a day already since he had been there.It was not a great view to look at. Nobody was aware of the cause of Darsh's fragile state. Though we assumed Harsh Raj beat him by taking advantage of the time when he was helpless.But the main question was, why did he not fight back and protect himself? I couldn't stop asking those questions to myself.When I was busy contemplating, I felt his hand move a little. Wondering if it was just my imagination, I focused all my concentration on him. I gaped when Darsh finally slowly opened his eyes after a few seconds.I wiped my tears away quickly and drew nearer to him.Darsh closed and opened his eyelids quite a few times. He appeared to b
●Darsh's P.O.V.●My phone rang while I lay powerless on the ground. I struggled to get it out and answered the phone."H-ello.." I uttered in my trembling voice."Darsh, our plan is successful." From the other end of the call, Akash informed me.My dejected eyes brightened as I slowly rose to my feet while holding onto the trunk of the car."Send the cops," I smiled through my painful, gushing wounds as I ordered and disconnected the call."Harsh Raj?" I spoke clearly enough for Harsh Raj to hear. He came to a stop and looked at me with a knitted brow as he turned around."Has the shock driven you insane?" He smirked."Uh, well, there is no fellow alive in the world to make me go insane," I said, smiling through my bloody teeth. Harsh Raj appeared uneasy when he observed my sudden confidence."Then, what is it?" However, he still managed to smirk."Heh, It's your end that I could see with my open eyes," I grinned, earning a sneer from him."You're still trying to act arrogant after lo
●Darsh's P.O.V.●I was waiting at the mentioned address for twenty minutes. It was an empty region with a deserted roadway and tall, wild trees lining both sides of it. Every two minutes, I glanced at my wristwatch and looked around to check if Harsh Raj was there or not.Only I knew how I was able to leave my office, avoid the reporters, and make it to my destination at the specified time.Every second that went by made me more and more frustrated. I hit the steering wheel, clicking my tongue in fury. It was my mistake to not make sure whether the guard was being strict and proper at the hospital. Khushi wouldn't have to experience such a nightmare if I were a bit more cautious.How could I have overlooked the possibility that Harsh Raj might harm Khushi? How? I hit my head on the steering wheel, feeling my skin crawl with fear deep inside my heart.Why is he still not here? Wait! Did he lie to me? Will he kill her before we meet?I flinched at a startling noise, but when I realised
●Khushi's P.O.V.●I remained in the room alone as Akash left, having promised me that he would deliver the message I had sent to Darsh.The words from Uncle Hemant and Akash were still circling in my head.Doesn't that mean Darsh has truly changed if Akash can even recognise his sincerity towards me? He genuinely wants to be with me for his love and not to uphold his reputation.Maybe I should give him one chance to prove his words. I thought about it as I consumed the food that the nurse had given me.After a while, the doctor came and checked me up."How are you feeling, Mrs. Sinha?""Better.""That's great. Any dizziness or headache?""Last night, I felt a little lightheaded, but I'm fine now. Though I can feel a slight headache," I answered."It'll be alright soon," He assured me with a smile."Has Mr. Sinha left the hospital, by the way, Mrs. Sinha?" He lowered the stethoscope from his ears and asked.I replied, "Yes, he left a while ago," in a low voice, while his name made me r
●Darsh's P.O.V.●I fixed my gaze on the screen displaying Rishav Mittal and Harsh Raj's earlier works, which they had attempted to conceal but which my spies had dug up from the grave."F***king Pervert Ba*****!" As I looked at the data on the screen, I clicked my tongue."You are shocked as well, Master? When I read the case of Harsh Raj raping and killing a girl, I felt the same way.After that, Harsh Raj threatened to kill her other family members to shield himself from the law. In the end, the victim's family was powerless to take action against him, and he got out of it easily." While wiping the sweat from his brow, Uncle Hemant stated it."As I suspected, Harsh Raj is really a filthy pig. We have just unlimited files to send him behind bars." I expressed my anger as I spoke. I was truly disgusted by Harsh Raj."Mittal is also involved in illicit activity, but it is all associated with business. The real scumbag is Harsh Raj.First, we need to take down Harsh Raj anyhow. Then, usi
●Khushi's P.O.V.●When I lost my memory, I always had the strange sensation that something inside me was forcing me to treat Darsh terribly without any cause. When I regained my memories, I realised those were old memories, which motivated me to return the favour.I wanted to forget about him. I wanted to despise him. My desires came true, but the unknown made me fall in love with him again? And even then, I found him with that woman, Anannya, in an intimate position. Once again!Darsh claimed he had evidence to support his innocence this time but I couldn't find the strength to forgive him.It felt like fate was playing a sick joke on me.Why would I be upset if Darsh started dating someone else when we had a contract to marry each other? I was behaving selfishly even when I promised myself I'd be professional.As I watched Darsh leave my room, a tear trickled from my eye. Those past few months had been incredible for me too. The way we discovered each other at that time was strangel
●Darsh's P.O.V.●Later that night~A nurse approached Khushi's room, carrying a food tray. I got up and stopped her."Let me take it to her," I said.The nurse blinked twice before nodding her head and handing over the tray of food to me. I inhaled and exhaled heavily before going into her room.As soon as I entered, I found Khushi sobbing, sitting on the bed with her face buried in her palms. I hurried over to her, set the tray down next to her bed, and worriedly asked, "What's wrong?""Khushi, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Tell me!" I touched her head.Khushi slowly raised her face, wiping her tears away as her eyes grew furious."Nothing!" She declared. "Just leave."I couldn't help but neglect her order."When I used to cry, you always stayed with me and comforted me," I said, feeling remorseful. "But today, when you're crying, I'm not sure how to make you feel better.I'm not great at comforting people.Actually, I had never really comforted anyone before.But if you tell me
●Darsh's P.O.V.●"Yes."I was completely speechless at Khushi's reply. I didn't know what to say to her anymore. My voice got stuck somewhere inside my throat as the sweat beads formed on my temples.I didn't know how she was going to react at that moment. In my entire life, that was the situation I dreaded the most. I was frightened to hear about the old days when I was a jerk to her. When I treated her so poorly!"Well, I….I…." I tried to speak but couldn't find the exact word to put in a sentence. Khushi was staring down at me with the same smile on her lips."I want you to know that what you witnessed at the office wasn't true. I can prove it. You can check the footage." I finally blurted it out anxiously."Let's not talk about all this," Khushi murmured."What? Why not?" My fear was replaced by confusion. I was certain she didn't forgive me for kissing Anannya, so why was she avoiding the topic?"I think I have done enough of these things after memory loss." She smiled."What thi