Page 64 of Substitute Bride

Sharda glanced once more at Sonia’s photograph and whispered in her heart while turning towards Vikrant's room.

“I know you see all of this… Your son finding peace, a partner who loves him, and a family healing slowly. I only wish you were here to witness it.”

Ravindra, unknowingly reading her thoughts, looked at Sharda for a moment and then down at his plate.

There was gratitude in his eyes not just for the food, but for the woman who had stood beside Vikrant through shadows and storms. He couldn’t say the words, but he didn’t have to.

Sharda had already understood them long ago.

~~~~~

Jhankar is getting ready to leave for the office, but Vikrant keeps interrupting her. He keeps pulling her into his arms, sometimes kissing her and other times pretending to fall asleep while clinging to her on the bed. Laughing, Jhankar says to him,

"Vikrant, stop all this drama. You’re the one who gave me such an important position in the company, and now you won’t even let me leave for the office properly. What exactly do you want?"

Vikrant, still teasing her, replies playfully,

"The office was running smoothly even before.

All I want is for you to alternate going to V International one day and come with me to Dhanraj Industries the next.

That way, I can spend the entire day with you.

After all, you need to be familiar with everything that goes on in Dhanraj Industries too. "

He starts kissing her neck while continuing to distract her, and Jhankar tries hard to push him away with all her strength, struggling to free herself.

But she knows it’s impossible because the more she tries to push him away, the closer he comes to her.

She knows about him all too well. Adjusting her hair and catching her breath, she tells him firmly,

"Look, Vikrant, I wanted to work somewhere else. But when you shared your thoughts with me that you wanted to do something for me, I agreed. I’m genuinely trying my best in the position you’ve given me at V International.

You’ve worked so hard to run that company successfully for so many years; it’s your achievement.

For me, everything is still new. I don’t yet feel capable enough to take on any major responsibility beyond this.

Let me handle just this one place for now.

Allow me to understand it properly and give it my best."

As soon as she finishes speaking, Vikrant hugs her from behind, rests his head on her shoulder, and looks at her reflection in the mirror. He softly asks,

"How long are you going to avoid coming to Dhanraj Industries?"

"You’re so stubborn, Vikrant," she replies with mock frustration. "How am I supposed to give you a definite answer about time? It’s only been two days since I started handling office work, and even in these two days, you’ve already called me several times.

And now, you want me to start working at Dhanraj Industries with you?

I know very well that there won’t be much work happening there.

Instead, you’ll abandon your own work just to keep looking at me.

I’m not going to let that happen. Now be a good boy, get out of here, and let me go to the office in peace. "

Hearing her stern yet affectionate words, Vikrant looks at her with pleading eyes, trying to win her over with his gaze.

But Jhankar doesn’t budge. She grabs his collar and leads him all the way to the door.

Once there, she smiles, straightens his collar, adjusts his tie around his neck, and then places a soft kiss on his cheek.

With a playful sparkle in her eyes, she tells him,

"This is just the beginning; enjoy this little distance while you still can. Because once I’ve learned everything and settled into my role, I won’t let you stay away from me at all. And then, Vikrant, you’re the one who’s going to be in trouble."

"So that means my good days are coming soon," he replies with a wide grin.

Jhankar chuckles and gently pushes him out of the room so she can finish getting ready in peace. Laughing to himself, Vikrant starts walking down the stairs when suddenly his phone rings. He quickly picks it up and answers,

"Yes, Akhil…"

"Sir, you mentioned that you wanted to take Ma’am to a special place this weekend. I thought I’d help with some great destination planning. I’ve come up with a few ideas shall I share them with you?"

"If you’ve planned it, it’s probably rubbish," Vikrant teases. "Just tell me the place. I’ll handle the planning myself based on Jhankar’s taste. That way, nothing will go wrong."

As Vikrant says while sitting down at the dining table, Sharda watches him with a knowing smile. He notices her expression and immediately ends the call, then turns to her. She gently kisses his forehead and says with deep affection,

"I'm so incredibly happy for both of you. Words just can't express what I'm feeling."

Overwhelmed like a child seeking comfort, Vikrant wraps his arms around her and says with heartfelt sincerity,

"And I’m only able to feel this happiness because you made me realize how wrong I was… how much I was missing."

As Jhankar comes down the stairs and sees the two of them together, she playfully complains,

"You’ve spoiled this boy! He listens to no one."

To which Sharda chuckles and replies in support of Jhankar,

"Then you should just force him to listen to you. Say whatever you want and don’t stop. Let’s see how he dares not to listen to you. If he refuses, I’ll personally twist his ears."

Hearing Sharda take Jhankar’s side so firmly, Vikrant looks at her with wide eyes, and the expression on his face makes both women burst into laughter.

Watching them laugh, Vikrant too starts laughing loudly, unable to hold back his joy.

The house echoes with their shared happiness, a beautiful, heartwarming start to a new chapter in all their lives.