Chapter 73: chapter 73

Adhiraj found himself frozen at the entrance of Imara’s office, his heart heavy as he took in the sight before him. His focus was on the two of them, particularly on Dheeraj’s hands resting on Imara’s shoulders. His eyes flickered with hurt, not from suspicion of betrayal, but from the haunting reminder of Sanjay’s words echoing in his mind.Imara was the type of woman who committed herself to just one man. Just. One. Man. In that fleeting moment, the harsh reality hit Adhiraj like a thunderclap. She had already given her heart to Dheeraj. He realized Imara might never accept a life with him, for her heart, mind, body, and soul were irrevocably tied to Dheeraj. This scene only strengthened his fears, leaving him to cope with the painful truth that he was forcing her into a love she might never share.“Sir...” Nasir’s voice interrupted the intense silence, jolting Dheeraj out of his daze, causing him to quickly step back from Imara.Imara, too, was brought out of her trance. The sight of Adhiraj, after three long days, caused her to momentarily forget about her proximity to Dheeraj. She took in a shocked Adhiraj, the way his eyes darted from her to Dheeraj’s hands, and finally to Dheeraj himself. A sinking feeling gripped her stomach as she observed the unmistakable flash of hurt in Adhiraj’s eyes.As if compelled by an invisible force, she took a tentative step toward him. But just then, he turned away, his voice firm as he instructed Nasir, “The enforcements have arrived. Ensure Mr. Pandit gets home safely as well.”“Mr. Shekhawat,” Dheeraj called out from behind, but Adhiraj raised a hand, silencing him. Their eyes locked as Adhiraj said firmly, “We’re running out of time.”His gaze shifted to Imara, and he paused, scanning her delicate features up close after three days. She hadn’t said a word, didn’t even call his name. A painful realisation dawned on him—he was clinging to a mirage of hope. This wedding thing held a lot of importance to just him and not her because she was never into it.Stepping back, he motioned for Imara to join him, his heart heavy with unspoken words. “Let’s go,” he finally said.The words froze on Imara’s tongue. ‘Raj, it isn’t what you’re thinking,’ she longed to say aloud, but couldn’t find the strength.Sensing the gravity of the moment, Dheeraj interjected, “It isn’t...”“Nasir, take Mr. Pandit to the car,” Adhiraj commanded, his tone sharp and unyielding.Imara recoiled at the harshness of his voice, and Adhiraj’s glare bore down on Nasir, who hesitated, prompting a fierce, “What are you waiting for?” from Adhiraj.Nasir quickly nodded and guided Dheeraj out of the office. Meanwhile, Adhiraj turned to Imara, his voice firm, “We need to go,” and with a swift motion, he turned away, leaving Imara no option but to follow him.The blaring sirens and distant shouts of the enforcements provided a chaotic cover as they walked towards the car. Adhiraj’s strong arm enveloped Imara, protecting her from any potential harm. While Imara felt safe and comforted and she snuggled closer to Adhiraj, trying to pass the message with her gesture that he had misunderstood.Within moments, they were seated inside the car, with Adhiraj behind the wheel, determined to leave that place as quickly as possible. In the passenger seat, Imara could sense the anger emanating from Adhiraj, causing her to press her hands together.Adhiraj, on the other hand, was driving at top speed, trying to keep his sanity at the forefront. The thought that Imara would never accept their marriage irked him, made him angry, made him want to hit something. Why had he allowed himself to fall in love with her before knowing what actual relationship she shared with Dheeraj? Not that he minded his wife being physically close to her ex when they were in a relationship. He minded she was still into Dheeraj.Imara didn’t know what to make of this situation. Wasn’t that what she wanted? She wanted Adhiraj to stay away from her. She wanted him to let her leave this relationship and his home. Aren’t things going in her desired direction? Then why is it making her uncomfortable? Why does she want to clarify? Why does she want to tell him that infidelity isn’t in her character, even though she was with the one she loved? Yes, she loved Dheeraj. She realised it when he touched her because his closeness made her feel repulsive, as if she was betraying Adhiraj.Inadvertently, her hands shot up to her nuptial chain, and she clasped it hard. At that moment, she felt compelled to express, “It isn’t what you saw…”Adhiraj’s heart clenched. He raised a hand, silencing Imara. He didn’t want to get into that discussion right then. He needed to gain control over his emotions, his thoughts and his anger, because in no way he wanted to burst out at Imara. It wasn’t her fault, for she was forced into it. It was his fault because he expected, because he fell in love with the one who loved someone else.He felt a sharp stab in his heart. His eyes watered, making him acutely aware of what it felt like to be unloved. And in that moment, he realised how lucky his grandparents, parents and brothers were to have found someone who loved them selflessly.Imara’s mouth went dry. She couldn’t form any more words. As she glanced outside, the raindrops streaking down the window blurred her vision, mimicking the tears welling in her eyes. His seething anger and his deafening silence were starting to grate on her nerves. Her heart sank as she realised he didn’t trust her, and it stung. He said he wouldn’t let her leave this relationship. But for any relationship to survive, isn’t trust the main foundation?“We are here,” he whispered as he parked the car, breaking Imara’s trance.Nodding, she got out of the car and walked inside with him. Vandana’s worried face greeted them, but she sighed with relief when she saw Imara.“Thank god you are okay. We were worried,” Vandana said as she came forward to wrap Imara in a tight hug.Imara hesitated for a moment, surprised by Vandana’s sudden gesture, but then returned the hug, assuring her, “I am fine.”Vandana stepped back, and Virender stepped forward. He placed a comforting hand on Imara’s head before wrapping his arms around her shoulder. “You had us all worried. Next time, make sure to leave the office on time, alright?”Imara nodded and glanced at Virender’s caring gaze, which warmed her heart. Jaidev, on the other hand, didn’t take a step forward, because he was concerned for his son. After watching the news, Jaidev had called Nasir, who briefed him about the entire situation.“Get freshened up and we will have dinner.” Just as those words left Vandana’s lips, Anika and Tarushi descended the stairs. They wrapped Imara in a bone-crushing hug, whispering, “We were worried, Di.”“I am fine, twins,” Imara replied with a smile, patting their backs. “When did you both come back?”“Shaurya Bhaiya dropped us back,” Anika responded.With a gentle nod, Imara stepped back and made her way to the stairs and towards her room. Meanwhile, Vandana tenderly caressed Adhiraj’s arm, pulling him from the depths of his thoughts.“She is okay, Raj!” Vandana murmured, sensing the concern etched on his face, believing he feared if something had happened to Imara.He nodded in response, offering his mother a smile that felt more like a mask than a reflection of his true feelings. Then, with a heavy heart, he ascended the stairs to join Imara in their room.