Page 74 of Mrs. Rathore

His eyes flicked toward the far end of the courtyard, then back to me, tension drawing across his face. “Let’s get you inside.”

He moved gently, helping me to my feet without jarring my legs. One crutch had fallen sideways, while the other floated in the water. I stared at it, feeling helpless.

“I’ll get it,” he said, already stepping toward the fountain.

A few minutes later, I sat on a cushioned bench inside the tent, wrapped in a dry shawl someone had brought. Hotel staffhovered nearby, offering tea and hushed reassurances, their concern polite but distant. No one asked too many questions.

I was grateful for that.

But something inside me had shifted.

This wasn’t just about Aryan anymore. Someone had waited until I was alone and pushed me. That fall into the water hadn’t been an accident. It could have killed me.

My hand rose to my throat, still sore from the water I’d swallowed. My fingers trembled as they brushed against the tender skin.

Where was Aryan? Why hadn’t he come yet?

I’d spent the morning fuming at him for his absence. But now? I wasn’t angry; I was afraid.

And the worst part? Deep down, I wasn’t even sure if he’d care.

The evening fell in golden silence as the sun dipped below the horizon. From the verandah, the view was breathtaking, but I didn’t feel any of it. Back in my room, I curled up under a warm blanket after a long, hot shower that barely chased away the chill from my bones or the fear that still clung to my skin.

It had been hours since I last saw Aryan, and he still hadn’t returned.

Then my phone chimed.

I frowned, grabbed it, and froze.

My heart dropped.

There, on the screen, was a video. My video.

I was in the water, drowning, flailing, gasping for air, my arms thrashing desperately as I fought to stay afloat. My face contorted with panic.

Who the hell recorded this?

Worse… who had posted it?

It was already circulating. Kavya, Noor, and Rhea had all shared it directly with me. I could see their concern pouring through their messages.

Rhea called first. I answered.

“What happened to you, Bhabhi?” she demanded, not even giving me a chance to speak.

“Hey, I’m fine…”

“How did this happen? And where was Bhai when it did? You were drowning, and people just stood there recording it? What’s wrong with them?” Her voice cracked. For a moment, I thought she might cry.

My chest ached. Rhea had become the sister I never had another unexpected gift from this marriage.

“Hey, I’m fine, okay? Stop blabbering like a fool,” I said with a light laugh. “I just slipped. Aryan had gone to the washroom. It was just bad timing, that’s all.” I lied smoothly; it came too easily.

“Dadi won’t leave Bhai alone when she finds out. He better be ready for war.”

“Rhea…” But she had already hung up.

Another call came in. Noor.