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
◆Darsh's P.O.V.◆"Master? Master?" Uncle Hemant's constant calling awakened me.Glancing up, I spotted Uncle Hemant standing next to me, and Khushi was still unconscious. It wasn't night anymore either. The room was illuminated by the sunlight that seeped through the window behind me."Good morning, Master Darsh." He greeted me while stretching out his arm to give me the coffee."Good morning," I replied, rubbing my eyes and grabbing the beverage. It seemed I dozed off while looking after Khushi and slept the remaining night there."What time is it?" I asked, taking a tiny taste from the container."It's 9 a.m.""Oh."The door suddenly opened, allowing Dr. Jain to enter while being followed by a nurse. The nurse was familiar. She visited Khushi's room a few times in the night to see how Khushi was doing. At times, the nurse inserted the injection into her arm, and at others, she changed the blood container."Good morning, Mr. Sinha." Following his greeting, Dr. Jain started to check Kh
◆Darsh's P.O.V.◆"Khushi? You don't know who I am?" I asked desperately."Am I supposed to know a kidnapper?" Her response came with a cynical tone. "Tell me where the exit is immediately, and end this pointless conversation!""Khushi, take a proper look at me! I'm your f**king husband!" I protested, growing irritated."I'm not even married!" She sneered. "What a dumb kidnapper you are!""Who hired you as a kidnapper, huh?" She asked with a chuckle."I'm not a kidnapper, Khushi!" I continued to convey my point, carefully turning my head to face Khushi and looking her in the eyes. For a second, Khushi seemed blank as she stared back at me without a word. It was exactly like when we first met."My Gosh! You almost got me with that pretty face of yours!" With her ears crimsoned, Khushi averted her gaze while forcing my head back to turn to face the front again. Is she blushing?"Do you find me good-looking?" Without realising it, I had already asked the question."Stop talking, you kidna