Page 97 of Mrs. Pandey
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Chapter 45
IRA
I stared at the papers in my hand, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. My eyes traced the lines again and again, though I already knew every word written there. And every time I reached that word, the word that cut deeper than any wound, my chest ached all over again. Divorce. This was not how I ever imagined my story with Prashant would end. We had begun our journey hoping to be longer, but here I was, preparing myself for a final chapter I had never wanted to write.
Somewhere, I knew his family would be pleased. His mother, Priya, never really accepted me. For them, today might even feel like a small victory. They would be there tonight, smiling, whispering, and watching. I clenched my fists, not because of them, but because of Pari. Sweet, trusting Pari. She had always been kind to me, innocent in all this mess. And yet, because of my choices, she was the one who ended up hurt. If only I could take her pain away, or at least apologize.
I dressed carefully, almost ritualistically. A soft pink saree draped around me, matching glass bangles that clinked whenever I moved, a delicate line of kajal and mascara to frame my eyes, a small bindi to center my face. On impulse, I reached for the sindoor and mangalsutra. My hands trembled as I applied them as symbols of a marriage that was breaking even as I adorned myself with them. When I looked in the mirror, a pang wrenched through my chest. The reflection staring back atme was that of a married woman, yet soon she would bear the label of divorcee.
I grabbed my purse and called Uber. Prashant had wanted us to arrive together, to step into the venue as a united front, but he had his family with him, and I could not bear their cold eyes in the car. Better this way.
Twenty minutes later, I stepped into the grand hotel lobby Prashant had reserved. God knows how he managed money this time. I looked around as it was lit with dazzling chandeliers and an air of expectancy that weighed heavy on my shoulders. I spotted him across the room, engaged in a conversation with one of his colleagues. But then his gaze fell on me, and in that instant, the world seemed to fall away for him. His lips parted. His eyes widened. It was as if he had forgotten how to breathe.
His colleague followed his gaze and laughed, clapping him on the back with a teasing remark before slipping away. But Prashant stayed rooted, his eyes never leaving me.
I walked up to him with a small, practiced smile. Still, he didn't blink. I waved a hand, snapping my fingers gently in front of his face. "Officer, staring doesn't look very good on you," I teased, trying to lighten the weight between us.
He cleared his throat, but his gaze lingered. Slowly, deliberately, his eyes traveled from my head to toe, as though memorizing me all over again. His voice was low, raw. "You look like the girl I have always been in love with."
My breath faltered. For a second, my heart wanted to melt into his words, to believe them. But I steeled myself, hiding behind another smile. "You look handsome."
Before I could move, he pulled me closer, one strong arm wrapping around my waist. The sudden warmth of his body against mine startled me. He pressed a gentle kiss to my hairline, his lips lingering. His whisper was possessive, burning. "Today, the world will know you are mine. Only mine."
"Yes," I said softly, though my heart felt like it was shattering under the weight of the lie.
"Bhabhi!" A familiar voice rang out, and I tore myself out of his arms, forcing a bright smile. Pari rushed toward me, her eyes glowing. I hugged her tightly, guilt rising like bile in my throat.
"How are you?" My voice cracked.
"I'm fine." She smiled sweetly, stepping back to look at me. Her eyes scanned me up and down, filled with warmth. "You look so gorgeous tonight."
"Gorgeous, huh?" Priya's sharp tone cut in. She brushed past her mother, her smirk unmistakable as she walked away.
Pari, unfazed, giggled softly. "You've gained just the right amount of weight, Bhabhi. Look at those curves you've formed in the last two months."
I blinked in surprise, frowning. "I... gained weight?" I glanced toward the large mirror on the wall, turning slightly to check myself.
Pari nodded, eyes sparkling. "You're glowing. Honestly, you look... different. In a good way."
"Oh." I twirled slowly, studying myself with a mixture of curiosity and unease. She wasn't wrong. I had filled out a little, though I hadn't noticed until now.
"You look beautiful," Prashant's voice cut in firmly. He stepped forward, extending his hand. His eyes gleamed with pride, almost as if I were a trophy he had fought hard to win. "Come here..."
Hesitant, I placed my hand in his, his grip firm and unyielding. He guided me toward the stage, protective and commanding, as camera flashes began to erupt from every corner of the hall. My cheeks burned under the attention, but his face remained calm and proud.
The banquet hall sparkled with golden fairy lights strung like constellations across the ceiling. Roses adorned every table in neat, perfect patterns. Laughter mingled with the clinking of glasses and the hum of eager conversation. Families, colleagues, and neighbors all gathered in one place, waiting for the announcement they believed would be a celebration. None of them knew that beneath the glitter, a storm was quietly brewing.
Prashant lifted the microphone, his posture tall and confident. His smile radiated pride, so convincing it almost made me question my own truth. He cleared his throat, his deep voice filling the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, pausing just long enough to command everyone's attention. "Today is the happiest day of my life."
The room hushed instantly, eyes turning toward us. My heart pounded against my ribs, each beat echoing louder than the applause that was sure to follow.
Prashant continued, his gaze sweeping the crowd before resting on me. "I want the world to know that the woman standing beside me...." his voice softened, intimate, and my throat tightened, "...is mine. My wife. My strength. My everything. Ira Pandey."
A murmur of admiration rippled through the crowd. My name hung in the air, gilded by his words. Yet inside me, something cracked. Because even as the cameras flashed and the guests cheered, I knew the truth: this was not a beginning. This was the slow unraveling of an ending.
