Chapter 6 (Shattered Bonds)
The Confession
The poison Noina had released into the Virani mansion spread faster than she had imagined.
Whispers.
Rumours.
Suspicion.
The servants meant no harm, but in a house as grand as the Virani mansion, even harmless gossip could become dangerous.
That evening, Mihir sat alone in his study, staring at the city lights beyond the window.
Tulsi's face haunted him.
"I'm sorry," she had whispered.
Sorry?
For what?
For standing beside him when death itself had nearly taken him?
For caring for him?
For sacrificing her own happiness?
No.
Tulsi had done nothing wrong.
He had remained silent for years.
And his silence had become her punishment.
Not anymore.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Garima slept peacefully after her successful surgery.
Ajay Parekh sat beside her bed, unable to stop smiling.
The doctor had assured him that she was recovering well.
For the first time in weeks, he could breathe again.
Yet one thought refused to leave his mind.
Paridhi Virani.
He remembered her eyes at the hospital.
Not arrogant.
Not proud.
Only quiet.
Almost guilty.
His heart already knew the answer.
"It was her."
He whispered softly.
"Wasn't it?"
He looked at his sleeping sister.
"Why, Paridhi Virani?"
"Why would you save my sister after humiliating me?"
But his heart had no answer.
Back at the Virani mansion, Tulsi stood before the temple with tears in her eyes.
"Bhaiya…"
Maharaj ji looked up.
"Tulsi?"
"I want to resign."
The old man stared at her in disbelief.
"What?"
"People are talking."
"I don't want Mihir ji's name to be stained because of me."
Maharaj ji's eyes filled with tears.
"You have loved him silently for years."
"When will you think about yourself?"
Tulsi smiled sadly.
"His happiness is enough for me."
At that moment, Mihir entered.
"Tulsi."
Both brother and sister froze.
Understanding everything, Maharaj ji quietly left.
For the first time in years, Mihir and Tulsi stood alone with no barriers between them.
Tulsi lowered her eyes.
"I've decided."
"I'll resign."
"No."
His voice was firm.
"It's better this way."
"For your reputation."
"For Pari."
"For everyone."
"But not for us."
Tulsi looked up in surprise.
Mihir stepped closer.
"No more sacrifices, Tulsi."
"No more silence."
"For years, I hid behind responsibilities."
"Behind friendship."
"Behind fear."
"But when I heard those rumours…"
His voice trembled.
"I wasn't angry because people talked about us."
"I was angry because they insulted you."
"And because I realized something."
Tulsi's heart raced.
"Mihir ji…"
"I love you."
Silence.
Tears flowed down Tulsi's cheeks.
Not because she was surprised.
But because she had waited years to hear those words.
"I love you too."
"I always have."
"But I can't."
"Pari."
"I won't come between father and daughter."
Mihir gently held her hands.
"You won't."
"Pari loves me."
"She's afraid."
"And we'll help her understand."
Tulsi lowered her eyes.
"And if she never accepts me?"
Mihir smiled softly.
"Then we'll wait."
"Together."
Outside the half-open door, Noina stood frozen.
Her dreams shattered before her eyes.
Mihir didn't merely care for Tulsi.
He loved her.
And she hated that truth.
Her eyes darkened.
"If love has brought them together…"
"Then trust will tear them apart."
Elsewhere, Paridhi Virani sat quietly by her bedroom window.
For the first time in years, she wasn't thinking about competitions or pranks.
Her thoughts kept returning to Ajay Parekh.
Strange.
The boy she had always treated as a rival no longer seemed irritating.
And somewhere deep inside, something had begun to change.
A Daughter's Refusal
The next morning, the Virani mansion awoke to sunshine.
But peace had already begun to slip away.
Because while two hearts had finally found the courage to confess their love—
Another heart was preparing to break.
Mihir called Pari into his study.
The moment she entered, her face brightened.
"Papa!"
She hugged him tightly.
"You're looking much better."
Mihir smiled and kissed her forehead.
"My princess."
"Come, sit."
Pari rested her head on his shoulder, just as she had done since childhood.
For a moment, Mihir closed his eyes.
No matter how old she became—
She would always be his little girl.
"Papa?"
"What happened?"
Mihir took a deep breath.
"There is something I want to tell you."
Pari smiled.
"What is it?"
Mihir looked at her lovingly.
"I want to marry Tulsi."
Silence.
Pari slowly raised her head.
Her smile vanished.
"What?"
"I love her, Pari."
"And she loves me."
"But before speaking to anyone else, I wanted to tell you."
"No."
Mihir blinked.
"Pari—"
"No!"
She stood up abruptly.
"No, Papa!"
"How can you do this?"
Mihir rose immediately.
"No one can replace your mother."
"Then why?"
"Because I'm lonely, Pari."
His voice softened.
"And because Tulsi has stood beside me through everything."
Pari shook her head.
"No."
"No!"
"Mama is gone and now you want another woman in this house?"
"Pari!"
"Papa, please!"
"Don't do this!"
Tears streamed down her face.
But Mihir remained silent.
Because he knew—
This wasn't anger.
It was fear.
Fear of losing him.
Pari ran out of the room.
Straight into Noina's waiting arms.
"What happened?"
Pari burst into tears.
"Papa wants to marry Tulsi!"
Noina froze.
For a second, jealousy flashed in her eyes.
But she quickly hid it.
"What?"
"He loves her."
Noina clenched her fists.
So it was true.
Her smile became cold.
"Then stop him."
Pari looked up helplessly.
"How?"
"Make him choose."
"Between you and her."
Pari stared at her.
"He'll choose me."
Noina smiled.
"Exactly."
Meanwhile, Maharaj ji stood in the kitchen with tears in his eyes.
At last.
God had answered his prayers.
His little sister had spent years sacrificing her happiness.
Perhaps now she would finally have a home of her own.
But one fear still troubled him.
Baby ji.
Would she ever accept Tulsi?
That evening, Tulsi found Pari alone in the garden.
"Pari?"
The girl turned around.
Tears filled her eyes.
"Why?"
Tulsi's expression softened.
"Beta—"
"Don't call me that!"
"You know Papa loves you."
"So why are you doing this?"
"I'm not taking him away from you."
"But you are!"
"He'll become your husband."
"And I'll be forgotten."
Tulsi's heart broke.
"Never."
"Your father loves you more than his own life."
Pari laughed bitterly.
"You say that now."
"But tomorrow?"
"When you have children?"
"What will happen to me?"
Tulsi stared at her.
"Children?"
"No, Pari."
"I already have a daughter."
Pari froze.
Tulsi smiled through tears.
"You."
For a moment, Pari's eyes trembled.
But she quickly looked away.
"I don't need your sympathy."
And she walked away.
Leaving Tulsi standing alone.
Later that night, Tulsi stood by the window.
"What if she never accepts me?" she whispered.
Mihir gently wiped her tears.
"Then we'll wait."
"For years if necessary."
"And if she hates me forever?"
Mihir smiled softly.
"Then we'll spend forever making her love you."
Tulsi smiled faintly.
Outside their room, Noina watched them with burning eyes.
The Wedding Without a Blessing
Days passed.
But nothing changed.
Pari stopped joining Mihir for breakfast.
She stopped waiting for him in the evenings.
The laughter that once filled the Virani mansion had disappeared.
Father and daughter still lived under the same roof.
Yet silence stood between them like a wall.
Mihir suffered quietly.
But he refused to change his decision.
For the first time in years, he had chosen happiness for himself.
And he wanted Pari to share it.
Not lose him.
Meanwhile, Tulsi remained firm.
"No, Mihir ji."
"Not until Pari accepts me."
Mihir sighed helplessly.
"Tulsi, she may take years."
"Then I'll wait."
"No."
He smiled softly.
"I've waited long enough."
"And so have you."
"I don't want us to spend the rest of our lives waiting."
Tears filled Tulsi's eyes.
"But Pari…"
"Our daughter will understand one day."
"And when she does, she'll discover she hasn't lost a father."
"She's gained a mother."
One evening, Maharaj ji entered Tulsi's room.
His eyes were moist.
"My little sister."
"Saab has suffered enough."
"And so have you."
"God has given you both another chance."
"Don't let fear steal it."
Tulsi lowered her eyes.
"But Baby ji—"
"Leave Baby ji to God."
"And to love."
"My sister deserves happiness."
Tulsi's eyes filled with tears.
For the first time—
She nodded.
But when Mihir announced the wedding date—
Pari exploded.
"No!"
Mihir's face hardened.
"Enough, Pari."
"No, Papa!"
"How can you do this?"
"You promised Mama!"
"No one can replace your mother!"
"Then why her?"
"Because I love her."
Silence.
Love.
The word pierced Pari's heart.
For the first time in her life—
She felt jealous.
Not of another daughter.
But of another woman.
She ran straight to Noina.
"He chose her."
Noina's blood boiled.
Years of dreams.
Gone.
Mihir.
Gone.
And now Tulsi would become Mrs. Virani.
But she hid her rage.
"Then don't bless this wedding."
Pari looked at her tearfully.
"I can't."
Noina smiled coldly.
"You don't have to."
"Just don't go."
Meanwhile, Ajay Parekh sat beside Garima, who had almost completely recovered.
"Garima, tomorrow I'm taking you to the garden."
Garima smiled.
"And after that?"
"School."
"And after that?"
Ajay laughed.
"What interrogation is this?"
She giggled.
"When are you going to thank Paridhi ben?"
Ajay shook his head.
"You really won't let this go, will you?"
Garima smiled knowingly.
"Because she saved me."
Ajay became quiet.
Yes.
His heart already knew.
But he wondered—
Why had she hidden it?
And why did he want to know the answer so badly?
Wedding day arrived.
The Virani mansion glittered like a palace.
Lights.
Flowers.
Music.
Everything looked perfect.
Everything—
Except for one thing.
Paridhi Virani.
She wasn't there.
Again and again, Mihir's eyes turned towards the entrance.
But it remained empty.
His smile remained.
But his heart hurt.
Because his daughter had refused to bless his happiness.
Tulsi arrived dressed in a crimson saree.
There was no excitement in her eyes.
Only gratitude.
And sadness.
As she sat beside Mihir at the mandap, she whispered softly,
"She's still angry."
Mihir smiled faintly.
"She'll come."
But deep inside—
He knew she wouldn't.
Far away, Pari sat alone in her room.
Mitali sat beside her.
"Are you sure you don't want to go?"
"No."
"Pari—"
"No!"
Tears streamed down her face.
"I can't watch another woman become my mother."
Mitali held her hand gently.
"She already loves you."
Pari looked away.
"I don't want her love."
But her trembling voice betrayed her.
And Mitali knew.
Pari wasn't angry.
She was afraid.
Afraid of being forgotten.
Back at the mandap, Mihir tied the mangalsutra around Tulsi's neck.
Maharaj ji burst into tears.
His prayers had finally been answered.
As Tulsi touched his feet, he whispered emotionally,
"My little sister has finally found her home."
But even in that moment—
Tulsi looked towards the entrance.
Hoping.
Waiting.
Praying.
For one glimpse of Pari.
But the doorway remained empty.
That night, as Mihir and Tulsi entered their room, Tulsi sat quietly near the window.
"What are you thinking?" Mihir asked softly.
She smiled sadly.
"About Pari."
He laughed gently.
"Tonight you're supposed to think about us."
Tulsi smiled shyly.
"After waiting all these years, I still can't believe we're married."
Mihir laughed softly.
"Neither can I, Mrs. Virani."
Elsewhere, Noina stood alone on her balcony.
Her eyes burned with hatred.
Mihir had married Tulsi.
And for the first time in her life, she had lost.
But Noina had never accepted defeat.
As she smiled coldly into the night, her mind was already planning the next move.
Unaware of the storm gathering around them, Mihir and Tulsi had finally begun their life together.
And somewhere else, two sworn rivals had begun to look at each other differently.
Because while one love story had finally found its destination—
Another had only just begun.
The Daughter's War
Weeks passed.
And though Tulsi had become Mrs. Mihir Virani, she never behaved like the mistress of the Virani mansion.
She behaved like a mother waiting for her daughter to return home.
Every morning, she prepared breakfast herself.
Every evening, she arranged Mihir's medicines.
And every night, before sleeping, she stood before the temple and prayed.
Not for herself.
Not for her marriage.
But for Pari.
Paridhi Virani, however, had changed.
She no longer joined her father for breakfast.
She no longer sat beside him while he worked.
Instead, she buried herself in college activities and spent more and more time with Noina.
And every day, Noina fed her fears.
"Did Mihir call you?"
"No."
"See?"
"He's busy with Tulsi."
Pari frowned.
"Papa loves me."
"Of course he does."
Noina smiled sweetly.
"But love changes after marriage."
"And one day…"
"He'll forget."
Those words pierced Pari's heart.
Because they echoed her deepest fear.
One evening, Mihir entered Tulsi's room with a smile.
"For my wife."
Tulsi laughed shyly.
"Mihir ji, at this age?"
He handed her a blue saree.
"Love doesn't retire, Mrs. Virani."
Tulsi blushed.
Just then—
"Papa!"
Pari entered.
Mihir's face brightened.
"Princess!"
Pari held her forehead dramatically.
"My head hurts."
Immediately, Mihir forgot everything.
"What happened?"
Tulsi stood up.
"Take her to the doctor."
"But Tulsi—"
"We can have dinner another day."
Mihir hesitated.
But Tulsi smiled.
"Our daughter comes first."
Pari secretly smiled.
Another evening ruined.
The next day, Mihir planned a movie night with Tulsi.
But Pari suddenly insisted on going shopping.
Two days later, he arranged a weekend getaway.
Pari burst into tears.
"You don't love me anymore!"
Mihir froze.
"Pari—"
"You've changed!"
"Ever since she came into our lives!"
Tulsi immediately intervened.
"Mihir ji."
"Stay with her."
"But Tulsi—"
"She's scared."
"And scared children become stubborn."
Mihir sighed.
Another trip cancelled.
Another sacrifice.
Maharaj ji watched everything silently.
His heart broke.
"Tulsi, how much more will you give?"
Tulsi smiled.
"She needs him."
"You need him too."
"And I have him."
"She only has fear."
The old man shook his head.
"One day, your goodness will make me cry."
Tulsi smiled softly.
"Because she's my daughter."
"And mothers don't fight with daughters."
Meanwhile, Ajay Parekh stood outside the hospital pharmacy waiting for Garima's medicines.
He noticed a familiar face across the road.
Paridhi Virani.
She stepped out of her car and entered a bookstore.
Alone.
No Mitali.
No Noina.
No laughter.
Just silence.
Ajay watched her disappear inside.
For the first time, he didn't see the arrogant college queen.
He saw loneliness.
And somehow—
It hurt.
"What happened to you, Paridhi Virani?" he whispered.
That evening, Garima smiled mischievously.
"Bhai?"
"Hmm?"
"You look worried."
"I'm not."
"You saw Paridhi ben again, didn't you?"
Ajay almost choked.
"Garima!"
She giggled.
"I knew it."
Ajay smiled helplessly.
"You're impossible."
"No."
Garima grinned.
"You're changing."
But Ajay became serious.
"No, Garima."
"She's changing."
And somehow, that frightened him.
Meanwhile, Noina was becoming impatient.
Tulsi wasn't complaining.
She wasn't jealous.
She wasn't angry.
Nothing was working.
One evening, she confronted Pari.
"How long are you going to keep them apart?"
Pari folded her arms.
"Until Papa realizes she isn't right for him."
"And what if he doesn't?"
Pari's eyes hardened.
"Then I'll make him."
Noina smiled.
Good.
Very good.
The war had begun.
That night, Mihir found Tulsi asleep in the living room.
Files were scattered around her.
A half-knitted sweater rested on her lap.
Smiling softly, he covered her with a shawl.
"My foolish wife."
"Who asked you to love us so much?"
Tulsi smiled in her sleep.
And Mihir's heart overflowed with affection.
Unseen by them—
Noina stood in the shadows.
Watching.
Burning.
And somewhere else in the city, destiny was slowly drawing two rivals closer together.
Whispers of Betrayal
At college, Pari seemed different.
Even Mitali noticed it.
"You're quieter these days."
Pari shrugged.
"Am I?"
"Yes."
"And you're avoiding competitions."
Pari smiled faintly.
"Maybe I'm tired."
But the truth was—
Nothing felt exciting anymore.
Her father had changed.
Her home had changed.
And somehow, she had changed too.
That evening, Noina visited the Virani mansion.
She entered Mihir's study.
"Sir, I hope I'm not disturbing you."
Mihir smiled warmly.
"Never, Noina."
"I'm preparing tomorrow's presentation. Can you help me?"
"Of course."
They spent half an hour discussing business matters.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
But outside—
Noina smiled secretly.
Because she had made sure Tulsi would pass by the study.
And Tulsi did.
She paused.
Mihir and Noina were laughing.
Talking comfortably.
Tulsi smiled and walked away.
But something inside her felt strange.
Not jealousy.
Not fear.
Just uneasiness.
Later that night, Mihir entered their room carrying flowers.
"Tulsi."
She smiled.
"You're home."
He sat beside her.
"What happened?"
"Nothing."
"No, tell me."
Tulsi hesitated.
"I saw you and Noina talking."
Mihir laughed softly.
"Poor woman was asking for help with a presentation."
"That's all."
Tulsi nodded.
She trusted him completely.
Yet somehow—
The uneasiness remained.
Elsewhere, Noina stood alone on her balcony.
And smiled.
The first seed had been planted.
Not enough to destroy love.
But enough to disturb peace.
And once peace disappeared—
Doubt would follow.
She looked at the lights of the Virani mansion in the distance.
"Tulsi Virani," she whispered.
"Love brought you into that house."
"But trust…"
"Trust will drive you out."
And with that thought, Noina smiled.
Because the next move in her game had already been planned.
Seeds of Doubt
One evening, Tulsi prepared Mihir's favourite Gujarati dinner.
Undhiyu.
Rotlis.
And shrikhand.
She even wore the blue saree he had gifted her.
Perhaps tonight, she thought.
Perhaps they would finally spend some time together.
Not as parents.
Not as caretakers.
But simply as husband and wife.
She waited.
Eight o'clock.
Nine.
Ten.
And then—
Headlights appeared outside.
Tulsi smiled.
But her smile faded.
Mihir stepped out of the car.
Beside him stood Noina.
Laughing.
Talking.
Completely unaware of the storm they had brought home.
"Oh bhabhi," Noina said cheerfully, "I hope I didn't disturb your plans. My car broke down and Mihir insisted on dropping me."
Mihir smiled innocently.
"It was raining heavily. I couldn't leave her stranded."
Tulsi smiled politely.
"Of course."
But that night—
The food remained untouched.
And for the first time since their marriage—
Tulsi slept facing away from him.
The next morning, Noina called Mihir.
"Mihir, sorry about yesterday."
Mihir laughed.
"Why are you apologizing?"
"I think Tulsi bhabhi was upset."
"Upset? No."
"I hope so. I would hate to become a problem between you two."
Mihir smiled.
"You're overthinking."
But after hanging up, he remembered Tulsi's unusual silence.
Meanwhile, Pari was becoming increasingly restless.
She could feel something changing inside the mansion.
But every time she tried to speak to Mihir, her pride stopped her.
Instead, she buried herself in college.
Even Mitali noticed.
"Pari, you're not listening."
"Hmm?"
"You've been staring at the same page for ten minutes."
Pari smiled faintly.
"Sorry."
"Still angry with Uncle?"
Pari looked away.
"No."
"Then?"
"I don't know."
For the first time in her life—
Paridhi Virani didn't understand herself.
Days later, Noina visited Tulsi.
"Bhabhi, you look tired."
Tulsi smiled.
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not."
Noina sat beside her.
"Poor Mihir."
Tulsi frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"He worries too much."
"Sometimes, he shares things with me that he doesn't tell anyone."
Tulsi froze.
"He does?"
Noina nodded casually.
"We've known each other for years."
"He says I'm the only one who understands his business stress."
Then she laughed.
"But don't tell him I told you."
Tulsi forced a smile.
But after Noina left—
Her heart wasn't at peace.
That night, Mihir entered their room with flowers.
"Tulsi."
She smiled.
But it didn't reach her eyes.
"What happened?"
"Nothing."
"No, tell me."
Tulsi hesitated.
"Mihir ji…"
"Hmm?"
"Do you tell Noina things that you don't tell me?"
Mihir blinked.
"What?"
"No."
"Why?"
Tulsi lowered her eyes.
"No reason."
He gently lifted her chin.
"Tulsi, you know everything about me."
"My habits."
"My medicines."
"My fears."
"My dreams."
"What else is there to tell?"
Tulsi smiled.
But somehow—
His answer didn't bring her peace.
Standing outside the room, unseen by both of them—
Noina smiled.
The doubts had begun.
And now—
It was time to give them proof.
False proof.
Because once fear enters a heart—
Even love begins to lose its voice.
The Night of Heartbreak
One morning, Mihir entered their room with unusual excitement.
"Tulsi!"
She looked up from her prayer book.
"What happened?"
"No office tomorrow."
Tulsi smiled in surprise.
"Really?"
"Really."
"No meetings."
"No files."
"No interruptions."
"Just you and me."
"My wife deserves some attention."
Tulsi blushed.
"Mihir ji…"
He held her hand.
"Enough sacrifices."
"Tomorrow belongs to us."
For the first time in weeks, Tulsi smiled with peace.
But outside the room, Noina heard everything.
Tomorrow.
No.
That happiness would never come.
The next day, Mihir left early.
"Tulsi, I'll be back before lunch."
"I'll wait."
As soon as he left, Noina arrived at the mansion.
"Bhabhi!"
"Oh, Noina."
"I forgot some files in Mihir's study."
Tulsi smiled.
"Go ahead."
Noina entered the study.
Deliberately leaving behind her perfume bottle and silk scarf.
Then she smiled sweetly.
"Poor Mihir."
"He works too much."
"He hardly tells anyone what he's going through."
Tulsi smiled politely.
But something about those words unsettled her.
Later, while arranging Mihir's study, Tulsi froze.
Noina's scarf.
Her perfume.
Two coffee cups.
And a photograph from a recent office event.
Mihir and Noina were smiling.
Below it someone had jokingly written:
"The Perfect Team."
Tulsi stared at it.
Her hands trembled.
No.
She trusted Mihir.
She trusted him.
Then why did her heart hurt?
Meanwhile, Ajay Parekh sat with Garima in the garden.
Garima smiled.
"Bhai."
"Hmm?"
"Are you angry with Paridhi ben?"
Ajay smiled faintly.
"I don't know."
"I should be."
"But I'm not."
Garima giggled.
"Good."
"Because she saved me."
Ajay looked up at the sky.
And for the first time, he admitted something to himself.
Paridhi Virani was no longer his enemy.
But what she was becoming—
He didn't know.
Back at the Virani mansion, Tulsi stood before the temple.
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
Lord…
If I know Mihir ji loves me, why am I afraid?
Just then, Maharaj ji entered.
"Tulsi?"
She quickly wiped her tears.
"Bhaiya."
"What happened?"
"Nothing."
But the old man knew.
His little sister had never learned to lie.
That evening, Mihir returned home carrying flowers.
"Tulsi!"
No answer.
He smiled.
"Tulsi?"
Still no answer.
He found her sitting by the window.
Silent.
Her eyes were red.
"Tulsi!"
He rushed to her side.
"What happened?"
She lowered her eyes.
"Nothing."
"No."
"Tell me."
And suddenly—
Months of fear.
Days of uneasiness.
All burst out.
"Mihir ji…"
"Do you love me?"
Mihir stared at her.
"What kind of question is that?"
"Please answer me."
His eyes softened.
"You are my life."
"Then why do I feel lonely?"
"Why do I feel someone understands you more than I do?"
"Why do I feel…"
Her voice broke.
"...that I'm losing you?"
Mihir gently held her face.
"Never."
"Never say that."
Tulsi burst into tears.
"I saw Noina's scarf."
"Her perfume."
"The photograph."
"And I heard what she said."
Mihir froze.
And then—
He understood.
"Noina."
He sighed heavily.
"Tulsi, she's my friend."
"Our colleague."
"Nothing more."
"I have never hidden anything from you."
"I never will."
He held her tightly.
"You are my wife."
"My friend."
"My home."
"I have never loved anyone but you."
Tears streamed down Tulsi's cheeks.
She wanted to believe him.
Because she did believe him.
But somehow—
Fear had entered her heart.
And fear had begun defeating faith.
Standing outside the room, unseen by both of them—
Noina smiled.
The doubts had grown.
Now all that remained—
Was one final blow.
And once trust breaks—
Even love struggles to survive.
The Sister Who Walked Away
The next morning, Mihir entered their room with a smile.
"Tulsi!"
She looked up.
"Hmm?"
"Get ready."
She frowned.
"For what?"
He grinned.
"We are going out."
"No office."
"No phone calls."
"No disturbances."
"Only my wife and me."
Tulsi smiled faintly.
"Really?"
"Really."
"I've neglected you enough."
"And I intend to make up for it."
For the first time in days, peace returned to her eyes.
But fate had other plans.
Just as they were about to leave, Mihir received a call.
"Noina?"
"Mihir!"
Her voice sounded panicked.
"I need your help."
"My car broke down and I have an important meeting."
Mihir frowned.
"Can't you call someone else?"
"No."
"Please."
"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't urgent."
Tulsi smiled gently.
"Go."
"But—"
"It's alright."
"I'll wait."
Mihir kissed her forehead.
"I won't be long."
Hours passed.
Tulsi waited.
Lunch became evening.
Evening became night.
And Mihir still hadn't returned.
Her calls went unanswered.
Not because he ignored them—
But because his phone battery had died.
Meanwhile, Noina made sure he remained occupied.
One delay after another.
One meeting after another.
One problem after another.
And all the while—
Tulsi sat alone.
Slowly, her eyes fell upon the silk scarf lying on the chair.
Noina's perfume still lingered faintly in the room.
And with it came the memories she had been trying so desperately to silence.
"Noina understands Mihir's worries better than anyone…"
"He tells me things he doesn't tell others…"
The laughter she had seen in the study.
The scarf.
The perfume.
The unanswered calls.
His absence.
One memory after another crowded her mind.
Tears filled her eyes.
"No…"
"Mihir ji would never betray me."
"I know he wouldn't."
"But why does my heart hurt so much?"
She buried her face in her hands.
For the first time since their marriage, fear had become stronger than peace.
And somewhere deep inside, another pain tormented her.
Pari.
Their daughter.
The child who had never accepted her.
The child because of whom Mihir had sacrificed countless moments.
The child she had wanted to love as her own.
Perhaps, she thought bitterly, she had entered their lives too late.
Perhaps she had mistaken love for destiny.
And perhaps…
Her presence itself had become a burden.
Slowly, Tulsi wiped her tears.
Her trembling fingers reached for a sheet of paper.
If she stayed, her fears would poison Mihir's happiness.
If she stayed, she would continue hurting Pari.
And if she truly loved them—
Perhaps she had to walk away.
With tears falling onto the paper, Tulsi began writing the letter that would shatter her own world.
Elsewhere, Ajay Parekh stood outside the Virani office building.
Garima's doctor had recommended a charity event, and Ajay had come to submit some forms.
As he stepped out, he noticed Paridhi sitting alone inside her cabin.
She wasn't working.
She wasn't talking.
She simply sat staring at nothing.
For a moment, he wanted to go in.
But he stopped himself.
"No."
"What would I even say?"
Still—
He couldn't leave.
And somehow, seeing her sadness disturbed him.
Later that night, Mihir finally returned.
"Tulsi!"
Silence.
"Tulsi?"
He froze.
Her suitcase was gone.
His smile disappeared.
"Maharaj?"
The old man came running.
And the moment he saw Mihir's face—
He burst into tears.
"Saab…"
"Tulsi?"
Mihir whispered.
"Where is Tulsi?"
With trembling hands, Maharaj ji handed him a letter.
Mihir ji,
Forgive me.
I know you love me.
And perhaps that is why I am leaving.
Because I don't want my fears to become your burden.
I wanted to become Pari's mother.
I wanted to make our family complete.
But perhaps I came into your life too late.
Please don't blame Pari.
And please don't hate Noina.
Take your medicines on time.
And don't forget your evening walks.
Your Tulsi
The letter slipped from Mihir's hands.
"No."
His voice broke.
"No…"
"TULSI!"
He searched every room.
Their room.
The garden.
The temple.
But she was gone.
Maharaj ji collapsed in tears.
"My little sister…"
And for the first time in years—
Mihir Virani cried.
Far away, inside a taxi, Tulsi clutched her mangalsutra and wept silently.
"Forgive me, Mihir ji."
"I love you too much to doubt you."
"And I love Pari too much to hurt her."
The taxi disappeared into the night.
At that exact moment, Paridhi woke up suddenly.
Her heart was restless.
Something felt wrong.
Very wrong.
Without understanding why, she reached for her phone.
And somewhere else in the city—
Ajay Parekh looked up from Garima's bedside.
For reasons he couldn't explain, he too felt uneasy.
Because somewhere—
Someone's world had just fallen apart.
------
To be continued.
Bengali Shows
23