41. Bridges to Cross

Author's POV

"Then... that child?" she asked, her intense gaze fixed on him.

Sahil furrowed his brows deeper and replied, "No, he is not my son."

"Then how did you end up taking care of him?" Ishika asked.

"I... I'll tell you everything when the time comes, but for now, I can only say that I'm searching for his parent."

The question that had haunted her throughout their marriage had finally been put to rest, and they both felt a sense of relief. Then, he turned to Ishika.

"I've been struggling for two years without any progress on the family front. So, how would I have a child of that age outside? " he asked.

Ishika nearly choked on her ice cream . She looked around, giving Sahil an incredulous look. "Keep your voice down."

To some extent, Sahil had a thick skin. He remained composed when dealing with those who didn't matter to him.

Sahil took another bite of his ice cream, completely unbothered, as if he hadn't just said something outrageous. Ishika, still flustered, glanced around to make sure no one was staring, then shot him a glare.

"Do you always have to be this dramatic?" she whispered, leaning slightly toward him.

Sahil shrugged, lazily scooping another bite. "What? I'm just stating the obvious."

Ishika rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right."

After some time, a thought crossed her mind, and she turned to him.

"Abhinav will be taking the college last semester examination soon," she said.

Sahil understood where she was going with this. His grip on the cup of ice cream unintentionally tightened.

"When Abhinav completes the college examination, half of our partnership plan will be fulfilled," she glanced at him and continued, "Have you settled matters with the Singh family?"

"Not yet..."

"Then hurry up. I won't be able to assist you after that. I have other plans."

Sahil restrained himself and calmly took a bite of ice cream.

"What plans?"

"Going abroad"

Of course She still wanted to find Yuvraj. A lump formed in his throat. He suddenly recalled that marriage certificate, feeling as though it was his last remaining chance.

"You"

"The world is vast, and I want to explore it," Ishika declared.

Sahil was taken aback, turning his gaze to her.

"Explore the world?"

"Yes," Ishika replied, glancing at him but noticing an unusual hint of redness in his eyes.

"What's wrong with your eyes?" Ishika asked, noticing Sahil's peculiar expression.

Sahil withdrew his gaze, quickly taking another bite of ice cream to mask his emotions. "Maybe I'm just tired."

"Rubbish. Look at me, I'm perfectly fine."

Sahil chuckled and actually turned to look at her, revealing a rare, pure smile that was exceptionally beautiful.

"Alright, you win." Ishika grinned and asked, "Where do you think I should go first?"

Sahil was wrestling with his thoughts. He feared that if he casually mentioned a place, it might happen to be where she'd find Yuvraj.

"Where do you want to go?" he replied cautiously.

Every time Ishika mentioned a country, Sahil would point out its negative aspects. In the end, Ishika clicked her tongue and said, "Have you been to all these places? Why are you criticizing them like a troll?"

He admitted, "I have been to all of them."

Ishika rolled her eyes. "Then where do you think is good?"

"Don't travel too much, our own land is vast. Isn't it enough for you to explore here?" He took another bite and added, "Don't become overly infatuated with foreign things."

Ishika rolled her eyes again. "You're not fascinated by foreign things? You've been to all the places I want to go!"

"I went so that you don't have to," he said with mock exasperation.

"Who asked you to do that for me? Ishika retorted. "I have to go. I need to find myself."

This time, Sahil remained silent, sensing Ishika's strong desire to travel.

However, if she wanted to go abroad for a while, it wasn't a big deal. He just didn't know which city that troublesome Yuvraj was in.

The two of them talked extensively that night, probably more than they had in the past two years. They walked over a bridge, and then Ishika grew too tired to continue walking. The driver appeared, and they took the car to the Mansion.

As Ishika opened the door, something struck her. Aditi! She had come with her tonight. She quickly pulled out her phone and called her.

The line connected, and Aditi's voice came through. "Don't worry, I already left. Yash dropped me off at my apartment."

Relief flooded Ishika. "Good to hear that. Good night."

"Good night, bye."

"Bye," Ishika murmured before hanging up.

When Ishika and Sahil were in the backseat of the car, midnight was approaching. The nearest LED screen at the mall displayed Sahil's apology message.

"How long will this last?" Ishika inquired.

"Until midnight," Sahil replied.

Ishika was pleasantly surprised. "Like magic?"

Sahil glanced at her. He hadn't considered it in such a whimsical way. When she had expressed her desire to protect her privacy and avoid bringing negative attention to the Malhotra family, he had set the apology to last only until midnight. However, Ishika seemed to interpret it differently.

Ishika stepped out and took out her phone, fixating her gaze on the time. Sahil stood behind her, keeping an eye out for any passersby. As the seconds ticked away, Ishika watched the screen, counting down.

"Ten, nine, eight..."

The large screen began to change, and a male voice echoed.

"Ishika, I'm sorry."

Within a few seconds, a new advertisement replaced it. Onlookers were taken aback, but unfortunately, no one recorded it.

"That voice sounded nice," a passerby remarked.

Ishika turned to look at Sahil, and appeared somewhat puzzled.

"Was that your voice?"

Sahil felt a bit uneasy. While it was indeed his voice, it sounded slightly off-altered in a way he hadn't expected.

"I did record it," he admitted, "but they tweaked the tone a little."

Ishika chuckled. "It doesn't matter since I've heard it personally. The electronic version sounds arrogant, though."

Sahil was left speechless.

Ishika lowered her head and pocketed her phone, seemingly composed, but her heartbeat was strangely erratic. She recalled what Aditi had said about Sahil pursuing her. It sounded absurd, yet there seemed to be a hint of truth.

"Let's head back," she suggested.

"Yeah."

***

While they were in the mansion, Ishika was preparing for sleep when Sahil suddenly called out to her. She turned around and responded softly, "Hmm?"

Looking straight into her eyes, Sahil said, "You don't need to worry about our partnership anymore. I'll handle your uncle from now on. You just focus on yourself and your career."

Ishika nodded. "Alright."

But Sahil wasn't done. "And one more thing," he added, his voice firm. "If he ever calls you to meet him, don't go. And if you really have to, let me know-I'll come with you."

Ishika frowned slightly, puzzled by his concern. She didn't like being told what to do, but despite that, she couldn't disagree with him in this matter. The last time, she had been lucky that he was there to rescue her, but she knew she couldn't rely on luck every time.

She nodded again. "Okay."

Relief washed over Sahil's face the moment she agreed.

After a moment, Sahil said, "There's something I want to give you."

Ishika looked at him and asked, "What is it?"

He held out his hands, revealing a velvet box. Ishika hesitated before taking it from him and opening it. Inside was a beautiful locket adorned with a sparkling diamond. She traced her fingers over it, then noticed something engraved on it-her initials.

Stunned, she looked up at him. "What's this for?"

"It's a gift from me," he replied softly.

Ishika sighed, then shook her head. "Thank you, but I don't need it." She gently placed the box back in his hands and added, "Save this gift for your future lover."

Sahil's expression faltered as he took a step back. "What do you mean?"

Ishika turned away, her voice quiet but firm. "It's not right. We're going to part ways... accepting gifts from you feels inappropriate."

Sahil exhaled, watching her carefully. "It's just a gift, Ishika. For all the hardships you had to go through because of me. Think of it as... compensation."

Ishika froze for a second before slowly turning back to face him. Her lips curled into a bitter smile. "Compensation?" Her voice held a sharp edge. "As in divorce compensation?"

Sahil's expression stiffened. He hadn't meant it that way, but the weight of her words pressed down on him like a boulder.

After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice quieter this time. "It's just a gift, Ishika. Don't tie it to the divorce."

Ishika held his gaze for a moment before shaking her head. "Thank you for the gift... but I still won't accept it."

Sahil sighed deeply. "Ishika-"

She cut him off immediately. "Don't force me. I won't accept any gifts from you. We need to maintain a certain boundary between us, and we shouldn't cross it."

With that, she lay down on the bed and pulled the blanket over herself, signaling that the conversation was over.

Sahil stood there, staring at her back, feeling the weight of his own mistakes settle heavily on his chest. He had done this. He had pushed her away, made her build walls between them. And now, breaking them down wouldn't be easy.

But he wasn't going to give up.

With a quiet sigh, he finally walked over to the couch and lay down, staring at the ceiling. If he wanted to win her back, he needed to be patient.

***

Next Day,

Ishika was enjoying her breakfast in the mansion, savoring the peacefulness of a Sunday morning. Suddenly, her phone rang-it was Grandma.

Grandma: "Ishika, how are you, my child?"

Through their conversation, Ishika learned that the public apology had become a hot topic in the city.

"It's good that he's finally come to his senses," Grandma remarked. Then she added with a chuckle, "When am I going to see my great-grandchild?"

Ishika felt a wave of embarrassment, mixed with guilt. Grandma didn't know that she and Sahil were divorced now-and they were never going to have a child together. Pushing those feelings aside, Ishika quickly steered the conversation to another topic. After chatting for a while, they finally hung up.

The moment she ended the call, Ishika realized it had been days since she last spoke with Abhinav. Without wasting a second, she dialed his number.

As soon as he answered, his voice boomed from the other end, "Where were you? Why didn't you call me Di?"

Ishika smiled softly and began telling him everything, mentioning that she had been busy with her schoolwork over the past week. She deliberately left out the part where she had a panic attack, not wanting to make him worry.

Once she finished, Abhinav asked, "What's this public apology all about?"

Ishika sighed deeply.

"Is everything alright between you two? If not, divorce him straightaway," he said bluntly.

This time, Ishika replied firmly, "Don't stress yourself about me, Abhi. Just focus on your exams-they're gonna start next week."

***

Ishika stood on the balcony, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Sahil's car pulling into the driveway. He stepped out, effortlessly graceful, his coat draped over one arm. She watched him intently, a realization settling in-ever since they had returned from Mr. Raj's house, he had been coming home on time.

For a long moment, she remained still, her gaze lingering on him, searching for answers in his composed demeanor. Then, with a deep breath, she turned and descended the stairs, her footsteps slow and deliberate.

As he stepped inside, she stood at the staircase, her voice calm yet laced with curiosity. "Why are you back so early?"

Seeing no one around, Sahil smirked and took a step closer to Ishika, his eyes glinting with mischief. "How could I be late when someone so beautiful is waiting for me?" he said, his voice was smooth and teasing.

Ishika's breath hitched for a fraction of a second, but she quickly masked it with an eye roll. "Flattery won't get you anywhere, Sahil," she replied, crossing her arms.

He chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "Who said I'm flattering you? I'm just stating the obvious." His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, a playful challenge dancing in his eyes.

Ishika raised an eyebrow, feeling the heat of his gaze but refusing to let it show. "You really think I'll fall for that?" she asked, her tone a mix of amusement and challenge.

Sahil stepped even closer, the playful smile never leaving his face. "Why not? His voice lowered slightly, the words carrying a hint of sincerity beneath the teasing.

Ishika felt her heart skip a beat, but she quickly steadied herself. "Wait... who said that I'm waiting for you? Why would I wait for you?" Her voice was a mix of disbelief and defensiveness.

Sahil, with a knowing smile, replied, "Well, no one, but you used to wait for me, didn't you?"

Ishika's eyes flashed with a mixture of frustration and something softer as she looked at him. "So you were aware, but you still never came on time," she said, her tone laced with hurt.

Sahil met her gaze, his expression softening as he spoke. "But now I come. I've been coming on time for a week now. Didn't you see any improvement?"

Ishika sighed, her voice laced with resignation. "Yes, you are. But does it even matter now? We're not married anymore, so what's the point of doing all this?"

Sahil's face darkened, his eyes searching hers with an intensity that spoke of unspoken emotions. He knew that, to Ishika, they were divorced, and she wouldn't budge from this belief. She continued to decline all his attempts to rebuild their relationship. He needed a new approach, or he'd lose her for good.

He took a deep breath, stepping closer to her, his voice soft but filled with urgency. "Ishika... tell me, what can I do to make you forgive me?"

Ishika's response was cold, almost distant, though her heart raced with conflicting emotions. "You don't need to do anything. Just live your life the way you want. And besides Who am I to tell you?" She let out a hollow laugh, her tone indifferent.

"Have you forgotten? We're just keeping up this facade for the public. So focus on your life and live it however you want. I won't say anything to you, and I expect the same in return." Her words cut through the space between them, emotionless on the surface, yet carrying an unspoken finality.

Sahil's chest tightened, and he exhaled slowly, trying to hold his ground. "Ishika... are you pretending to be naive with me?" His voice cracked slightly, filled with vulnerability. "I've apologized. I've done everything you asked me to do. I've been coming home on time, just to have dinner with you. I've told you I have no relation with Shanaya. Can't you see what I'm trying to do?"

Ishika's heart was a battlefield, torn between the emotions she still had for him and the hurt he had caused. Before she could respond, Sahil stepped even closer, his movements slow and deliberate.

In a heartbeat, he was right there, caging her between himself and the railings. The proximity was overwhelming, his presence dominating the space, and the tension in the air thickened, leaving only the charged pulse of electricity between them.

"Sahil, behave," she said, her voice steady but edged with unease. She glanced nervously around, as if worried someone might see them. "What are you doing? Someone might see us."

Sahil's lips curled into a small, daring smile. "Let them see," he murmured, his voice low and filled with intent. "What's the worst that could happen?" His gaze never left hers, daring her to confront whatever feelings still lingered between them.

Ishika's mind raced, her heart pounding in her chest. The tension between them was thick, and she could feel the weight of every breath she took. Desperate to diffuse the charged atmosphere, she cleared her throat and forced a lightness into her voice. "Let's have dinner," she said, trying to sound casual. "I'm hungry. You are too, aren't you?"

Sahil's gaze softened for a moment, but he didn't step back. Instead, he gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod. "I'm always hungry when you're around," he said in a low voice.

Ishika tried to ignore the way her pulse quickened at his words.

"Let's just eat," she said quickly, pushing past him and walking toward the dinning table, needing some space, some distance from the magnetic pull he had on her. She knew this conversation was far from over, but for now, she needed something normal, something to steady her.

Sahil followed her, his footsteps deliberate but quieter now, as if sensing her need for a break. "Alright," he said, his voice softer. "Let's have dinner."

As they entered the room, Ishika moved to the table, trying to keep herself busy with serving the food, her mind still racing. Sahil stood by the doorway, watching her, his eyes filled with a mix of longing and frustration. He wasn't ready to give up on them-not yet.

But for the moment, they both focused on the simple act of having a meal, the silence between them filled with unspoken words and the weight of everything left unsaid.

________________________________

End of the chapter.

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