Page 45 of Mrs. Rathore

I rolled my eyes. She had no idea and it was better that way.

If people ever understood love, real love, they’d know how hard it was to fall out of love with someone you spent a decade with and fall into it with someone you’ve known for just two weeks. I wasn’t in love with Avni. I didn’t think I ever could be.

We were opposites. Or maybe too alike. We shared the same fire, the same ambition, the same devotion to our work. And yet, we were never meant for each other.

I kept telling myself it was just a few months more. I could tolerate her until then. Once the time came, I’d return home to divorce her. Then I could marry Ira. That was the plan. But deep down, I knew it wouldn’t be that simple. Divorce wasn’t something my family took lightly. Still, I would try. Because spending my life with Avni felt like a life wasted.

“Therapy’s really working on her legs, isn’t it?” I asked Rhea, watching Avni as the physiotherapist put a massager on her knees.

“Yeah,” Rhea beamed. “She seems happy. And I’m glad you treat her with so much respect.”

I nodded but said nothing. Let them assume whatever they want. I didn’t care. All I cared about was the countdown, thirty-seven days left.

When the therapist gathered his things and left, I walked him to his car and thanked him. The doctor had said he was the best. He truly was.

I returned inside to find Avni smiling at Rhea from the sofa.

“How are your legs feeling?” I asked her.

“Better than yesterday,” she said, smiling not at me, but at Rhea. “Thanks for asking.”

“Let’s watch a movie, Bhai!” Rhea chirped. “It’s Sunday. We haven’t gone to the theatre in ages!”

Terrible idea. But I nodded anyway.

“You two go. I’ve got work to finish. I’ll drop you off?”

“No need,” Rhea waved me off. “We’ll do Netflix upstairs. Home theatre!”

I frowned. “But it’s upstairs. Will she be able to climb…?”

“No,” Rhea smirked. “You’ll carry her.”

“Rhea…” Avni gave her a warning look.

“Too late. I’m doing it.” I stepped forward and, without another word, lifted Avni into my arms.

Her scent drifted up and wrapped around me, it was soft, warm, and familiar. I closed my eyes briefly. She was in good shape. Taller than average, with perfect curves and a striking face.

Any other man in my position might have fallen for her by now. Might’ve claimed her. But not me. It wasn’t about desire but it was about love. I couldn’t betray what I felt for Ira, and I wouldn’t hurt Avni either. That was why I kept my distance.

Because sometimes, the distance was kinder than pretending.

______

Since everyone was caught up in their own lives, I slipped out quietly and got into my car. This was the second time I was heading to Ira’s place, and I didn’t care how desperate it made me seem. I just needed to see her, to make sure she was okay.

Because God, I was worried sick.

Fifteen minutes later, I parked in front of the familiar multi-story house. My chest tightened as I stepped out and rang the bell.

It was her mother who opened the door again, her face even more drawn and sorrowful than the last time. The weight of her disappointment hit me before she even spoke.

“Is Ira still home?” I asked, getting straight to the point.

“She doesn’t want to see you, Aryan,” Mrs. Solanki said coldly. “And please, stop coming here. It won’t look good to society. You have a wife and a life. Focus on that instead.”

My jaw clenched. “Can you please let me see her just one last time? I only want to know if she’s okay…”