Page 20 of Mrs. Rathore

I grabbed her and pinned her against the hood, crashing my mouth onto hers in a kiss that was nothing but fury and regret. My hands clutched her waist as I lifted her slightly, sitting her on the edge of the car. Her fingers curled behind my neck, pulling me closer, kissing me like she wanted to both punish and forgive me.

But this wasn’t right.

None of it was right.

I pulled away like I’d been burned, panting. Her lips were swollen. Her eyes were wide.

I turned, dragging my hand through my hair, pacing.

I’m married.

But to whom?

I couldn’t picture Avni in my home, in my room, or in my life.

I looked back at Ira. She looked devastated.

And guilt clawed at me.

“You just act like you cheated on your wife,” she said after a long silence, sliding off the hood and walking back toward the car, “but the truth is… she cheated on you. And your whole family.”

I watched her get in, and after a few seconds, I followed. My heart pounded in my chest like a war drum.

I gripped the steering wheel, counted to ten, then exhaled.

Finally, when the storm inside me had quieted just enough, I turned to her.

“How about we go to our favorite restaurant?” I asked softly. “Have dinner together. Just like old times.”

She didn’t look at me, her voice quiet as she answered. “Yeah… that’s cool.”

But I could feel the weight of her silence pressing between us. And I knew that nothing about this night and nothing about us would ever be the same again.

______

Chapter 7

AVNI

“I’m sorry about what my brother did to you,” Rhea said softly as she wheeled me through an expansive entryway framed by tall double doors. Her voice was gentle, uncertain, but the guilt behind it was sincere. I didn’t know how to respond, so I simply stared ahead, my eyes drawn to the grandeur around me.

The ceilings arched high above us, decorated with chandelier lighting that scattered a soft, golden glow across the space. A grand, curving staircase swept up like a wave, its banister carved in elegant detail. The marble flooring gleamed under the light, cold and pristine, a silent testament to wealth.

“Let me give you a tour of our villa,” Rhea offered, her tone lighter now, trying to dispel the heavy air between us.

She took her time showing me around, pointing out rooms with pride. Each one was spacious, tastefully decorated with textured wallpaper and accent walls. The windows were tall, veiled in heavy drapes, and the floors were softened with intricate rugs that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. Every corner boasted something valuable, artworks in ornate frames, sculptures resting on pedestals, vases that looked like they belonged in museums. The furniture was upholstered and made of heavy, dark woods that looked both antique and intimidating.

When we reached the kitchen, I blinked in disbelief. It was massive—easily three times the size of my old house. Stainless steel appliances gleamed, and the countertops stretchedendlessly. It looked like a place where a team of chefs worked, not a family.

Next, she wheeled me out to the garden. The air was thick with the fragrance of roses and jasmine, calming and oddly nostalgic. A couple of wrought iron benches sat beneath tall trees, and there was a white swing swaying gently in the breeze. Lanterns hung from the branches, waiting to be lit as night approached. It was beautiful and peaceful, in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time.

“And now… my brother’s room,” Rhea said with a sigh of theatrical dread. “Thankfully, it’s downstairs.”

We re-entered the house, and one of the male servants took over pushing my wheelchair. Once we reached Aryan’s room, Rhea nodded at the man.

“Thank you, Harish uncle. You may leave us now,” she said kindly.

The door closed behind us, and I looked around the room. Aryan’s space was both masculine and minimalistic. Heavy white curtains covered the windows, and a large king-size bed dominated the center, made of dark wood that matched the side cabinets. An LCD TV was mounted opposite the bed, and there was a closet and a separate attached bathroom.