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I nod, acknowledging the truth in his words. Veer does indeed bear a striking resemblance to me. But there’s a softness to his features too, a gentleness that is undeniably Simran’s.

“Thank you,” I reply. Then, addressing the room at large, I continue, “I know this comes as a surprise to all of you. It was for me as well. But understand this—Veer is now our top priority. Any threat against Simran is a threat against my family, against my son. I expect each and every one of you to double your efforts. We will find whoever is behind this, and we will neutralise the threat. Is that understood?”

A chorus of affirmatives rings out, and the room returns to its previous hum of activity. I look back at Veer again, who reaches out and pats my cheek, as if showing his support in my pledge to safeguard his mother. I wouldn’t let him down ever. We are Walias, after all. And Walias always emerge victorious.

CHAPTER 10

SIMRAN

I sit at my boutique, pretending to be engrossed in work, but my thoughts are miles away. The mid-afternoon hustle-bustle fills the boutique, yet it barely registers in my mind. Vishnu’s silence, the distance he’s keeping, feels like a physical weight pressing on my chest. Every time I glance at my phone, hoping to see a message from him, my heart sinks a little when I see the blank screen instead.

He’s hurting—I know it. And I also know that I’m the cause of it.

Abhay’s words keep replaying in my head, warning me not to push Vishnu too hard. But how can I not reach out to him? How can I sit here, pretending everything is fine, when he’s deliberately shutting me out?

I tried calling him multiple times today after Abhay escorted me to the boutique as my newly appointed personal bodyguard. But every time, the call goes unanswered. I’ve also left countless WhatsApp messages, each one more desperate than the last.

“Call me immediately.”

“Let’s talk.”

“Stop acting weird.”

“Don’t hide.”

I even found myself typing…

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“This silence is killing me.”

“Vishnu…. please… don’t do this.”

I practically begged. But still nothing. Not a single response. He hasn’t even read them. As I look around my boutique, my frustration grows with every passing minute, making it impossible to think of anything else.

I seethe with frustration, my ability to focus completely shattered. I glance up to see the boutique buzzing with activity. My client, Peter, is browsing through the racks and chatting with the team, yet I feel so disconnected from it all. It’s like I’m in some kind of an animated movie where everyone is moving in slow motion, and I’m still stuck in this emotional quicksand.

“Simran?” Julie, my assistant, stands in front of me, her voice breaking through my thoughts. “Peter is asking about the fabric samples for the new collection. Should I show him what we’ve got?”

I blink, trying to register her words. “Uh... yeah, go ahead.”

Julie studies my face for a moment, concern flashing in her eyes. “Are you okay? You’ve seemed... distracted all day.”

“I’m fine,” I reply quickly, forcing a quick smile. “Just not feeling well, I guess.”

She nods, though I can tell she’s not convinced. Damn, I can’t even convince myself anymore.

The entire day passes in a blur of half-hearted conversations, missed opportunities to engage, and an overwhelming sense of restlessness. The extra security measures Vishnu has put in place only add to my frustration. Abhay follows my every move. His team is stationed outside the boutique, and a few more are positioned near the building’s entrance. I understand Vishnu’s need to protect me, but I want him here, not his men. His absence is a constant, aching reminder of the mess I’ve made.

By the time evening arrives, I can’t wait to leave. I grab my things and head home, the tension still coiling in my chest. I hope Vishnu is ready to face me now, but am I prepared for him?I don’t think so. I’ll never be.

As soon as I step into the apartment, I find it eerily quiet. Claire is in the living room, reading a book, while Veer is sleeping peacefully in his crib. It’s his usual nap time. I set my bag down and make my way to her.

“Hey, how was your day?” Claire greets me with a warm smile that does little to ease the knot in my stomach.

“It was... okay.” I shrug. “How was Veer? Did everything go well?”

Claire’s face lights up with a smile. “Oh, everything was more than fine. Vishnu was here all day,” she says, and I freeze.