Chapter 76: chapter 76

“No one will stop you. You may leave!” Imara felt the impact of those words like a thunderbolt, causing her to spin around. Her eyes widened in shock as she caught sight of Adhiraj—his expression a mask of indifference. The look he gave her was unfamiliar, devoid of the warmth she had become used to. It was as if it didn’t matter if she left, like she never mattered.And it hit her then that she was disregarded again, that someone had already decided on her behalf, that she would leave yet another person, whom she now realised she liked staying with. But clearly he didn’t. Her conclusion was indeed correct. He was trying to make her stay because he cared not for her, but for his family’s name, his grandparents’ choice. He was just like Dheeraj.A fire of anger ignited within her and she chose to keep it hidden from him. He was no one to her; she resolved. With a slight nod, she turned away and walked into the wardrobe room, gathering her clothes before striding into the washroom to change, without sparing him a glance.Adhiraj stood frozen, a statue of turmoil, his hands balled into fists deep within his pockets. He felt a jolt of pain as Imara nodded and went to change, her movements so casual, as if his words hadn’t detonated a bomb in their fragile world, as if he hadn’t just granted her the freedom she secretly craved. He had expected a flicker of relief on her face, perhaps even a glimmer of joy, for he knew she never truly wished to remain in this marriage. Instead, she met his gaze with a stark, emotionless stare.Suppressing the urge to ask her if she really wanted to leave, he turned away, grabbing his own clothes and retreating to the next room. He would live there unless she moved out because if he stayed in their room, he wouldn’t be able to bear her exit from his life.Inside the washroom, Imara stifled her sobs. Adhiraj’s words felt like daggers piercing her heart, and no matter how hard she tried to convince herself that this was what she wanted, she simply couldn’t shake the pain. What stung the most was the realisation that neither Dheeraj nor Adhiraj had ever bothered to ask her what she truly wanted.With a deep breath, she held back another sob, wiping her eyes as she whispered defiantly, “Enough of these men. I won’t cry this time. I won’t pity myself this time.”Stepping out of the washroom, she chose to ignore the relentless buzz of incoming messages. Maybe this was the way forward. If she left, the threat would become meaningless. She could simply say that she was no longer part of the Shekhawat family.She strode into the wardrobe room. Her heart felt heavy as she pulled out her bag and crammed it with the few belongings she had brought along. With trembling hands, she reached for the jewellery box, carefully removing her ornaments and placing them back where they belonged. If he wished for her to leave, she would do so, but the thought of leaving at this time in front of Vandana felt like a weight too heavy to bear; she feared she would crumble. God knew how much she wanted to cry her heart out and forget these past few weeks.Lost in these thoughts, her hands instinctively sought the nuptial chain that hung around her neck. It felt as if her heart was being squeezed as she removed it, but she pushed the pain aside. Turning to the mirror, she caught a glimpse of herself in her old, faded jeans and loose kurta, and a tear slipped down her cheek, for the reflection was that of a stranger—she could no longer recognise herself.Wiping away the tears furiously, she burst out of the wardrobe room, her heart heavy as she reached for her phone. The thought of calling her parents flickered in her mind, but she quickly dismissed it. She had already hurt them too much. So, she chose to go back to her apartment once she left Shekhawat Mansion.As of now, she wanted quiet, some peace to control her overflowing emotions, some warmth because she was feeling cold.So, she snuggled inside the blankets on their bed, for one last time and her mind drifted towards the memories of the nights Adhiraj held her when she was sick. A fresh tear slipped down her cheek, and she quickly brushed it away. Closing her eyes, she focused on the counting and, one by one, pushed out all the thoughts from her mind. She forced herself to imagine that she was back in her apartment, alone, in her old life, like all of this never happened, like she never got married to him. And then her heartbeat became normal because that was what she was, a loner Imara, not a strong Imara.—————Adhiraj felt the weight of everyone’s curious stares during dinner, but his own heart was heavy as he eagerly waited for Imara to come down for dinner. She didn’t. But knowing that she hadn’t eaten, his hunger died as well.Vandana said nothing, acting like she knew nothing. However, she informed, “Imara won’t be coming for dinner.”At her words, Adhiraj’s spoon froze mid-motion, and he couldn’t help but ask, “Why?”“Shouldn’t you know about it?” Virender interjected, his eyebrow arched in disbelief.“She was too tired to even have dinner,” Vandana said softly, her gaze landing on Adhiraj, who was lost in thought, his plate untouched. All eyes were set on him and his mind was set on his wife.Pushing back his chair, he stood up and announced, “She is leaving soon and I have told her that no one would stop her.”A stunned silence enveloped the table until Virender finally spoke, “Raj…”“Dadu! Please!” Adhiraj implored, his own heart clenching.Ignoring the prying eyes of those around him, he raced up the stairs and entered his room. It was covered in an unsettling darkness and weighty silence. His eyes fell upon the lone figure curled up in the blankets. With a lump in his throat, he approached her slowly, the moisture in his eyes blurring his vision. The gentle light from the balcony illuminated her face just enough for him to see her peaceful face. He leaned down, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, cherishing this moment, unsure if he would ever have this moment again, unsure if he would ever get to see her like that again.He wanted to, but he somehow didn’t find it appropriate to kiss her forehead like he always did. Hence, he just leaned in closer and murmured softly, “I am going to miss you, Little Tyke!”