Jay completed the discharge papers and stepped out of the hospital ward. His footsteps were heavy, each step echoing the weight of his thoughts. Meanwhile, Aditya woke up from his nap, rubbing his sleepy eyes. He climbed off the bed and made his way to Shivani, resting his head gently on her lap. She smiled softly, her fingers tenderly stroking his hair as they chatted in whispers, moments of innocence untouched by the storms outside.
Just then, the door opened, and Jay walked back in. His eyes found Shivani and Aditya—brother and sister, so pure in their bond. Seeing him, both of them stood up instinctively. Aditya hurried over to Jay, wrapping his tiny arms around his leg. Shivani attempted to get up, but the moment her feet touched the ground, her legs trembled, betraying her fragility. Before she could fall, Jay stepped forward, catching her effortlessly in his arms. For a moment, their eyes met—his filled with unreadable intensity, hers with vulnerability. Without a word, he bent down and lifted her into his embrace, his hold firm yet gentle. Aditya followed obediently as Jay carried her outside.
Outside the hospital, the sun hung low, casting golden hues across the pavement. Jay carefully placed Shivani down, opening the car door for her. She slipped inside gracefully, and Aditya climbed in beside her, his tiny hand clutching hers. Jay pulled out his phone, his voice sharp with command as he instructed, "Send fifty workers to the second villa. I want it spotless in an hour. And send two chefs as well." His tone allowed no argument. He hung up, slipped into the driver's seat, fastened his seatbelt, and drove off, his jaw clenched with unspoken thoughts.
The drive was silent, save for Aditya's occasional humming and Shivani's soft breathing. An hour later, the car pulled up to the grand gates of Jay's second villa. Guards stood in sharp lines, their postures straightening at the sight of Jay's car. As the car halted, they hurried forward, opening the doors and greeting him respectfully. Jay stepped out, smoothing his suit before walking around to the passenger side. He opened the door, and before Shivani could protest, he scooped her into his arms once again. His strength was steady, his gaze forward, unyielding. A guard lifted Aditya into his arms and followed silently behind.
Inside the villa, marble floors gleamed under the sunlight streaming through massive windows. Chandeliers sparkled like frozen drops of light. Jay carried Shivani up the staircase, each step slow and deliberate. At the top, a servant opened the door to the master bedroom. Jay entered and laid Shivani gently on the enormous canopy bed, her body sinking into the softness. Aditya climbed onto the bed beside her, curling up at her side. Jay straightened, his eyes lingering on her for just a moment longer before turning away.
He called the chef, his voice firm. "Prepare some healthy food. It should be ready soon," he ordered, and without waiting for a reply, disconnected the call and walked out to his study.
There, he dialed Aman. The phone rang only once before Aman answered. "Jay, where are you?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.
"Book a marriage hall today," Jay commanded, his voice steady and unyielding.
Aman hesitated. "Whose wedding?" he asked, confusion evident.
"Mine," Jay replied curtly, ending the call before Aman could respond.
Stunned, Aman stared at his phone, disbelief flooding his senses. But Jay's orders were not to be questioned. Within hours, Aman had booked Delhi's most luxurious wedding hall and set preparations in motion.
Jay wasted no time. He called Divya Ji, inviting her to the wedding. Invitations were sent to business tycoons and investors across the city. However, journalists were strictly forbidden.
Jay then contacted Asia's most renowned fashion designer, Luna. He ordered a custom-made sherwani for himself and an exquisite lehenga choli for Shivani, sparing no expense. Coincidentally, Luna was in India and sent her assistant to the villa for measurements immediately. Jay demanded the outfits be ready within twelve hours, offering ten times the usual price for the urgency.
Later, Jay emerged from his study as the chefs prepared a grand meal. Aditya sat on Jay's lap as Jay gently fed him, his gestures soft and patient. When Aditya finished, he curled up next to Shivani and fell asleep. Jay then approached Shivani, spoon-feeding her with a tenderness that belied his usual stoicism. Just as she finished, Luna's assistant arrived, taking their measurements quickly and efficiently before departing.
When the assistant left, Jay gave Shivani her medication, pulled the blanket over her, and stepped out of the room quietly. He returned to his study, the silence heavy around him. He sank into his chair, eyes closed, and memories flooding back—then it hit him, the MMS he had uploaded that morning. His eyes flew open in shock. "Oh... God!" he whispered, his hands trembling.
He rushed to his second phone, only to find it dead. Frustrated, he yanked out the SIM, inserting it into another device. His hands shook as he powered it on, breath held, heart pounding. Finally, the screen lit up: 'Video not uploaded.' Relief flooded through him, tears welling in his eyes.
Without hesitation, Jay stormed into the hidden room where he had once edited those videos. He destroyed everything—cameras, phones, laptops, SIM cards, every trace of his guilt. He hacked into Shivani's WhatsApp and deleted the video he had sent. When it was all done, Jay collapsed to the floor, his screams of anguish echoing in the emptiness.
An hour later, Jay returned to the villa, retreating into his study, eyes closed, thoughts consuming him. Outside, wedding preparations had begun. His redemption...or his reckoning...was near.
Next day...
The sacred chants filled the grand hall, resonating off the marble walls as flowers cascaded from the ceiling, casting a delicate fragrance across the venue. The mandap was beautifully decorated with marigold garlands and shimmering lights that flickered like tiny stars. Jay sat tall and composed, his eyes never leaving Shivani's face. There was a softness in his gaze, a flicker of emotions he had long buried beneath layers of vengeance and regret.