Page 140 of Lawfully Yours

“That’s the second time today,” Arundhati finally said.

Kushal didn’t look up. “Second time what?”

“You called meMiss Verma.”

He stilled, then slowly lifted his gaze to hers. “Then what should I call you?” he asked. “Soon-to-be-divorced Mrs. Nair?”

Silence stretched between them again. Neither moved. Her eyes held his; his jaw flexed as if fighting the anger, frustration… maybe both.

He looked away first. When he spoke again, his tone was flat, almost businesslike. “Some of your stuff is still in our closet. There’s no point keeping it there when it’s decided you’re never returning. So…” he exhaled, “…whenever you have time, come and collect it.”

He didn’t wait for a response. Didn’t give her a chance to speak. Just picked up the last file and walked out.

Arundhati remained still, stunned. Yes, she’d left things behind—bridal sarees, jewellery boxes, accessories… little pieces of a life she had abandoned without looking back. For ten months, she hadn’t thought twice about them. But now, hearing him tell her to take them away felt like a final hit.

And God, it hurt.

*****************

Kushal had almost made it to the elevator when Raj Verma called him.

“Kushal. My cabin. Now.”

His tone left no room for negotiation.

Kushal turned slowly, meeting the older man’s steady gaze, and without a word, changed course toward the familiar oak door.

He followed Raj Verma inside, who stood by his desk, his one hand idly tapping the wood. There was a pause before he spoke, as though deciding how to play this. Kushal wasn’t the kind of man who shared his feelings when pressed. If anything, he would retreat further. So, Raj chose the safer ground first.

“There’s another high-profile divorce case coming in,” Raj began, sliding a file across the desk. “The client’s loaded, public image to maintain. I want you to take it.”

“No,” Kushal said without hesitation, not even glancing at the file.

Raj’s brows lifted. “No?”

“Give it to someone else.”

Raj just studied him. In all the years he had known this man…watched him climb from junior associate to one of the firm’s most formidable lawyers…he had never heard him reject a case without reason. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I’m taking a break,” Kushal replied. “I can’t take any more cases for now.”

“Break?” Raj sighed, agreeing. “Fine. Take a month.”

“No.”

“Two months then—”

“Two years,” Kushal interrupted.

Raj’s mouth fell open. “Two… years? Are you planning to quit Verma & Associates?”

“You know I’d never do that,” Kushal replied. “I just need… time. Away from all of this.”

Raj narrowed his eyes. “And Aru? What about her? You’re still fighting this divorce battle with her, to save your marriage… what about that?”

“I’ve told her I’m ready to divorce her.”

The older man blinked, the words landing like a punch. “You what?”