Page 121 of Mrs. Rathore

“We wanted to see you, so we tagged along behind Bhai,” Pari said, glancing at her brother. “Happy Birthday, Avi!”

“Happy Birthday, Avi,” Priya echoed with a wide smile.

“You two, get ready for cake…” Prashant instructed, then turned to me and took my hand, gently pulling me away from them. “I brought them along so people wouldn’t gossip. You know what I mean...it wouldn’t look good if I came alone. But really, I just wanted to spend some time with you.”

I smiled and hugged him tightly. “Thank you for bringing them. I was really missing my family and friends… At least they’ll help take my mind off things.”

“I knew Aryan wouldn’t be home,” Prashant said with a small, almost apologetic smile. “I know it’s wrong to meet his wife behind his back, but we’re not doing anything inappropriate. I just wanted to make your day a little special, Avi. I know how close you are to your family, and I also know how hectic Aryan’s work schedule is. There's going to be a joint military exercise soon, and since Aryan is one of the senior officers, his presence is required everywhere.”

“You’re so thoughtful, Prashant.” We sat on the bench in the backyard, chatting about everything that had happened in our lives. I told him I was pursuing further studies online. He shared that he had to work with Ira almost 24/7, constantly putting up with her complaints and demands. She was excellent at her job, but needed specific working conditions due to frequent pain in her abdomen and arms.

“She’s really cold,” Prashant muttered with a trace of bitterness. “No one except Aryan can tolerate her nonsense. I hate the way she talks to me like she owns me. I’m her senior, but she doesn’t give a damn.”

“I don’t know much about her,” I admitted quietly, “but Aryan really admires her intelligence and work ethic. I don’t hold any grudges against her, but maybe she still holds one against me for what I did. To be honest, I regret coming between them. I should never have forced Aryan to marry me.” I smiled sadly. “We’ll be divorcing in six months.”

“Then marry me,” Prashant said suddenly, and my eyes shot to his in surprise. I would have married him only if I hadn’t already married Aryan. But now, I couldn’t even imagine touching another man. I had made up my mind: after divorcing Aryan, I wouldn’t marry again. I would focus on my career and take care of my family. Papa was alone, and someone needed to look after him since Aarav was still too young to handle that responsibility.

“Please don’t be offended, but I don’t want to get married again,” I said with a nervous laugh. “And you deserve someone better than a divorcée.”

“You’re perfect, Avi. I don’t care if you’re divorced or anything else,” Prashant said gently. “I’ve known you all my life, and I’ve never met anyone like you. You’re selfless, hardworking, and genuinely caring...” He leaned closer, and I held my breath as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

“I want someone like you in my life.”

“You got off work pretty early,” a deep voice suddenly cut through the warm air, making both of us flinch.

We turned to see Aryan standing at the garden gate. His uniform was slightly rumpled, cap in hand, and his dark eyes were unreadable as they flicked between me and Prashant.

I quickly got to my feet, suddenly aware of how close Prashant had been sitting. He stood too, his hands disappearing into his pockets, the easy smile on his face now gone.

Aryan’s jaw was tight. His voice came cold and sharp. “Get out of my house, Captain Prashant.”

Prashant blinked. “I didn’t mean any harm...”

“I said get out,” Aryan snapped, stepping forward. “This isn’t a social club. Don’t think that just because we wear the same uniform, you can show up and cozy up with my wife.”

My breath caught. His wife.

Prashant looked at me, silently asking whether he should respond. I gave a small shake of my head. He sighed quietly and nodded.

“I only came to wish her a happy birthday,” he said calmly and respectfully. “No offense intended.”

“Offense taken,” Aryan replied icily. “And next time you want to drag your sisters along to hide your real intentions...don’t bother. I know exactly why you came.”

“Aryan, that’s enough!” I stepped between them, my voice rising. “You don’t get to insult people just because they showed up when you didn’t!”

He turned to me, eyes wide in disbelief. “I didn’t make time for you?”

“You forgot my birthday,” I said, my voice trembling. “You left without saying a word. Not even a text. Not even a message. Prashant’s ten-minute visit meant more than anything you’ve given me in the last two weeks.”

“That’s not what matters to me right now, Avni,” he growled. “I’m not sitting around on benches playing romantic while my men are out there working in the sun. I’m doing my job.”

“And I’m not stopping you from doing it!” I shouted back. “But what about me, Aryan? Don’t I deserve a single moment of your time? A birthday wish? You haven’t looked at me in days and now, suddenly, when someone else does, I’m your wife again?”

His lips parted, but no words came. There was something in his eyes but he didn’t let it show clearly. He just stood there, silent.

“You want me to just stay here like a statue, waiting for you to remember I exist?”

Prashant cleared his throat quietly. “I should go.”