Page 144 of Mrs. Rathore

“I don’t think this is the best,” I snapped.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to live with you knowing that you…”

“It’s still here!” I cried out, placing my hand over my stomach. “You’re making me feel like a murderer.”

“I don’t want to discuss it again,” he said quietly.

He gazed at me for a few more seconds before standing and walking into another room.

My eyes dropped to the envelope on my lap just as a single tear fell, staining the brown paper. Slowly, I pulled out the documents and scribbled my signature where it was needed.

Then I rushed into my room and grabbed my phone, dialing Prashant’s number.

He picked up quickly. “Hey, what’s up?” Prashant’s voice chirped cheerfully.

“Are you free now?” My voice came out hoarse.

“I’m on duty, Avni. Is everything alright?”

“Yes,” I cleared my throat.

“I’ll be free at eight…” he said after listening to the tension in my voice.

“Can you drop me off at the bus stand? I need to take a bus to Udaipur.”

“At this hour?” His voice immediately turned concerned. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine… I was just missing my family, and I…”

“Okay. I’ll be there at eight.”

“Thank you,” I mumbled and hung up the call.

I threw my suitcase on the bed and began packing everything. My hands were shaking, but I kept going.

“Where are you going?”

I froze. Aryan’s cold voice came from the doorway. I turned to see him leaning against the frame, eyes on my suitcase.

“Back home,” I replied roughly, focusing on packing and avoiding his gaze.

“You can go in the morning.”

“I want to go now.”

“So stubborn, aren’t you?” he muttered and grasped my wrist, stopping me from folding another piece of clothing.

“Aryan, please…” I choked, trying to yank my hand away.

“I’ll drive you back in the morning. It’s not safe to travel alone at night.”

“I’ve traveled alone at night,” I gritted my teeth. “Stop being a control freak. I signed the papers…they’re in the living room.”

“Avni…”

“Aryan, please…” I pleaded, my voice trembling, “you wanted me to leave. I’m going. You can’t stop me now.”

He stood still, jaw clenched tight. “I never said I wanted you gone.”