“No sir. This is a formal event. And I will not call you by your name.”

He narrowed his eyes on her playfully and then chuckled giving up.

“By the way, I noticed you’re wearing the earrings I gifted. They look good on you.”

More than I expected.

He added silently. She looked at him surprised.

“How did you know these were the earrings? Didn’t your PA or someone select them?”

She knew that was the general business practice. Arjun smiled and shook his head.

“I selected them. They look beautiful on you.”

He complimented and she smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear, making the earrings glitter in the light.

“Thank you. This way please.”

“Lead the way, mam.

Saanvi did and guided him to the main hall. Arjun got busy with the other businessmen and Saanvi looked after the arrangements and prepared for the program. 

Arjun’s eyes kept moving towards her the entire event. She looked different than usual. Something was amiss. She was smiling but wasn’t glowing. He had also noticed that she wasn’t wearing her nuptial chain. 

He had always seen her proudly wear it around. She was missing the vermillion in her hairline. The thought of her husband doing something to hurt her made him clench his fists in anger.

The program was coming to an end. It was almost time for dinner when Arjun skipped out in search of Saanvi. He found her talking to someone over the phone.

“I understand Ms. Kulkarni. I will be there on time tomorrow. Thank you so much.”

He heard the parting words and frowned. He knew who Ms. Kulkarni was. She was the founder of the law firm that represented the NGO.

“Is everything ok?”

Arjun couldn’t help but ask and Saanvi turned to look at him with surprise. She then smiled politely and nodded.

“Yes. Everything's fine. Why do you ask?”

“I heard you talking to Ms. Kulkarni. Isn’t she the advocate? Do you need some help with the NGO?”

Saanvi’s smile fell but she composed herself. She plastered on a polite smile and shook her head.

“Everything’s fine with the NGO. I needed Ms. Kulkarni’s services for myself.”

“Oh! I hope everything is ok.”

He asked, hoping she would share. But she had always been the kind of person who didn’t want to burden others with her problems and feelings.

“Everything’s great, Mr. Rathore. Did you have your food?”

She asked, trying to divert his attention. But she also knew that he was very persistent when it came to fetching information out of someone.

“I will. Not really hungry right now. Tum batao. How’s life? How’s everyone at home?”

(You tell.)

He noticed how her smile faltered. And now his doubt was confirmed. Something was wrong. She shook her head as if trying to bring her out of the memories and smiled. A very very fake smile.

“I…everything’s great. Life…is amazing.”

And now, he strikes the hammer one final time.

“And how’s your husband? What was his name again? Tarush?”

This time, Saanvi didn’t bother keeping a smile. The mention of him brought the feeling of betrayal back with full force.

“It’s Tanmay. And I don’t know how he is. Neither do I care.”

She burst out and he did something that shocked both of them. He held her chin and made her look into his eyes. Her wide surprised eyes met his warm, tender ones.

“What did he do?”

She ignored how her heart fluttered. At the moment, the betrayal felt more intense. Tears pooled into her eyes. She tried not to break. Not in front of a guest. But the concern and tenderness in his eyes and touch made her give in.

“What do you think? I manage this NGO where we look after children. And the irony of my life is that mai khud maa nhi ban skti. So what do you think happened? Since I could not give him any kids…he found someone who could.”

(And the irony of my life is that I cannot become a mother.)

She sniffed and lowered her lashes. His thumbs moved across her cheeks and softly wiped away the tears that fell, making her look back at him with surprise.

“He’s an absolute piece of shit. Bhut aasani se usse ek keemti heera mil gaya…isliye kabhi uski ehmiyat samajh hi nhi paaya. Had he known that…he wouldn’t have let go of someone so precious.”

(He got a precious gem too easily…so he never got to know it’s value.)

Saanvi had never heard him use a tone so soft. Sure, he did talk to her politely but she knew he was known as the most ruthless and heartless man when it came to business.

“But wo galat toh nhi keh raha na. I can’t have kids.”

(But he wasn’t wrong.)

She choked out and he clenched his jaw before cupping her face and speaking with a gentle firmness.

“That doesn’t make you any less precious, Saanvi. Insaan ho! Bacha paida krne ki machine nhi ki kharab nikli toh nikaal do ghar se. Would you have left him for someone else had he not been fit for reproduction?”

(You are a human! Not a baby making machine that has to be thrown away if not working.)

She shook her head.

“See! Farak sirf iss baat ka hai…ki wo shayad nibhana jaanta hi nhi tha. Aur wo tumhe kabhi deserve krta hi nhi tha.”

(The difference is just that…he never knew how to fulfil his promises. And he never deserved you.)

She looked into his eyes and saw only sincerity. His words made her feel…better. She had been feeling very insecure and vulnerable from the day she left his house. 

As if suddenly realising what she was doing, she stepped back as if she was electrocuted and looked at him wide eyed.

“I…I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have…I don’t know how I…I am sorry.”

She mumbled and looked away embarrassed. There was media here. Anyone could have seen them and made a mountain out of a mole.

“Hey! It’s ok. We’re friends, right? Tum maanti nhi ho wo baat alag hai. School time se jaante hai hum ek dusre ko. Come on, Saanvi. You don’t have to be awkward.”

(You don’t consider me is a different thing. We know each other since school time.)

She nodded and looked away. Arjun was her senior in school. They paired up for a few projects and competitions. She knew him but not well enough to call him her friend and cry before him. 

He took a step forward making her look at him. His eyes softened and he said with a seriousness.