Darkness of Doubt

2 months ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

Darkness of Doubt

"Hello, ma'am," Arjun said, his voice polite but detached. "Boss is in a meeting right now. Can I take a message?"

Sanyogita's heart sank. A meeting? At this hour? She pushed aside her doubts and focused on the task at hand. "Please tell him I've reached home safely," she said, trying to keep her tone light. "And ask him to pick up my pregnancy medicine on his way home. I need it urgently."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Arjun responded, "Yes, ma'am. I'll inform him."

Sanyogita hung up, feeling a growing sense of unease. Something didn't feel right. She pushed aside her concerns and focused on the journey ahead, but the silence from Prithvi's end was deafening.

………..

ACP Zunaid Yusuf Imam Mallick when learnt a call girl had trapped Anushka’s elder brother in a hotel room during a business party he couldn't believe upon his ear.

Anushka was his girlfriend,and eight days ago they her meet in the restaurant and Prithviraj Malhotra had given consent for their relationship and also assured them he would trade their best to convince his family members to agree for the marriage of Anushka with Zunaid despite being their differences in religion.

As Zunaid made his way through the chamber his eyes were burning with hatred and anger when his gaze fell on the girl sitting opposite to him

“Did she let out anything ?” Zunaid aksed

One of his men stepped forward, a tall, imposing figure with a chiselled jawline. "Not yet,Sir . We've tried various methods, She's been flirting with us, sir. We called in Sonal, but she still won't talk.”

As the girl flirted with the officers, her eyes sparkled with mischief. But when the junior officer saluted the man seated opposite her, she noticed the subtle exchange. "ACP, sir!" the officer said, his voice firm.

The girl's gaze locked onto the man, her mind racing. ACP? Assistant Commissioner of Police? She hadn't known that. But now, she sensed the air of authority around him, the way the other officers deferred to him.

She smiled sweetly at Zunaid, her voice husky. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The famous ACP Zunaid. I've heard so much about you," she purred, trying to gauge his reaction.

Zunaid's expression remained impassive, but a hint of warning flickered in his eyes. "Save the charm for someone else, Mohini. I'm not impressed. And if you heard so much about me then I'm sure you hear too that I don't like lies and secrets and I'm a very short tempered man " Zunaid said .

She winked at Zunaid, her gaze lingering on his face.

" Don't worry, I have a soft spot for angry birds. They're so... passionate.” ! Mohini winked at Zunaid who maintained his composer's cool as she didn't want to irritate Mohini further. He exchanged an awkward glance from his colleagues.

Zunaid's composure remained intact, but his voice took on a slightly firmer tone. "Mohini, this isn't a game. We're investigating a serious crime, and I won't tolerate any more of your flirting or evasion. It's time to tell the truth.”

Mohini's smile faltered for a moment, before she regained her composure. "Oh, ACP, you're so eager to know the details. But I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to disclose that information... yet.”

Zunaid's eyes bore into Mohini's, his voice firm but controlled. " I think it's time we stopped playing games, Mohini. You see, I have reason to believe that you're not the only one involved in this heinous act . And I aim to find out who else is behind it.Who sent you to target Mr. Malhotra? What's the purpose of the video you took in the hotel room?”

Mohini's agitation grew as the questioning continued. She slammed her fists on the table, her voice rising. "I've told you everything I know! Stop harassing me!"

Zunaid's expression remained calm, but his voice took on a firmer tone. "Mohini, we know you're hiding something. It's time to come clean. We have evidence, and we will uncover the truth. It's better for you to cooperate now.”

Mohini's eyes flickered to Zunaid, a flash of unease visible for a moment before she regained her composure.

Suddenly, Mohini's demeanour changed. She leaned back in her chair, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Oh, ACP, you're so serious all the time. Don't you ever get bored with this job?"

Zunaid's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, the door opened ….

…………………

…………………………….

Sanyogita's anger towards Prithvi simmered just below the surface, but a familiar fear lurked in the shadows, threatening to consume her. What if Narayana Rao's men harmed him? She pushed the thought aside, reminding herself that his son and friends were already in custody. But then her mind wandered to Nishant, only to remember that he too was behind bars.

Seeking solace, Sanyogita met her mother, Nilima, who had already prepared breakfast and lunch for her. Nilima's eyes, filled with warmth and concern, enveloped her daughter as she said, "I've ready the food for you, beta. You must eat well for your own health and the baby."

Sanyogita nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. Her mother continued, "I'm going to Guruji's ashram today, to pray for your well-being, your husband's, and our upcoming grandchild's." Sanyogita's heart swelled with gratitude as she hugged her mother tightly.

As they talked, Nilima's expression turned sombre, her eyes clouding over. She had visited Sanyogita's old house, and the memories came flooding back. She understood what her daughter was going through, having experienced similar struggles herself. The two women shared a poignant moment, their bond strengthened by their unspoken understanding.

Respecting their privacy, Nilima didn't pry into Sanyogita's troubles with Prithvi. She had seen how much he missed her daughter during her time in Delhi, his longing evident in his eyes. Nilima's own eyes welled up as she recalled her elder sister, Janvi, and the struggles she had faced. Overwhelmed, she cried, her tears a mix of sadness and empathy for her daughter's situation.

Sanyogita's curiosity got the better of her as she asked her mother, "When did Prithvi return home last night?" Nilima's expression was nonchalant as she replied, "Oh, he called me earlier, saying he'd be running late and would be having dinner with his clients. I didn't want to stay alone in this big house, so I decided to visit my brother instead."

Sanyogita nodded, careful not to reveal her growing concern about Prithvi's sudden change in behaviour. She didn't press her mother for more information, fearing that Nilima might sense her worry and start asking questions of her own.

As Nilima prepared to leave for Guruji's ashram, she cupped Sanyogita's face in her hands and kissed her forehead. "Take care of yourself, beta. And don't worry, everything will be alright." Sanyogita smiled weakly, trying to reassure her mother that she was fine, even though her mind was racing with doubts about Prithvi's mysterious behaviour.

Prithvi walked in their bedroom ,his eyes locking onto Sanyogita, but his usual warmth was missing. He handed her the medicines without a word, his gaze drifting away. Sanyogita's instincts screamed that something was off. Normally, after a week apart, Prithvi would sweep her into his arms, his desire palpable. But today, he seemed distant. No warm smile, no tender touch or kisses, no husky whispers in her ear.

"Hey, how was your meeting ?" Sanyogita asked, trying to sound casual despite her growing unease.

"It was fine," Prithvi replied curtly, not meeting her eyes. He walked towards the closest room .

Sanyogita's mind raced back to their phone calls, when Prithvi's words had left her breathless. "I'll take my revenge, my love," he'd whispered. "You've made me desperate with your absence." But now, his silence was deafening.

"Prithvi, is everything okay?" Sanyogita ventured, her voice soft.

"Yeah, everything's fine," he said, his tone flat. "I have to go. I'll grab breakfast on the way."

The silence that followed was oppressive, leaving Sanyogita with a sense of foreboding. Something was wrong, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that their relationship was about to change forever.

Sanyogita's heart welled up as she approached Prithvi, her arms open for a warm embrace. But just as she wrapped her arms around him, Prithvi pulled back, his expression unreadable.

"Prithvi, what's wrong?" Sanyogita asked, her voice trembling.

Prithvi avoided her gaze, his jaw clenched. "Nothing, I'm just busy."

Sanyogita's heart sank. He didn't ask about her journey, didn't apologize for not calling her last night or this morning, didn't even bother to receive her at the airport as promised. The distance between them grew with each passing moment.

"Prithvi, wait!" she called out, but he was already gone . He took a shower in hastey and came out dressing himself into his formal office outfits.

"Prithvi, you promised to pick me up from the airport," Sanyogita said, her voice laced with a mix of hurt and disappointment.

"I forgot," Prithvi replied curtly, his eyes avoiding hers as he adjusted his wristwatch. The gesture seemed almost deliberate, a reminder of the distance growing between them.

Sanyogita's gaze lingered on him as he got ready, her heart aching at the small changes that spoke volumes. He usually asked her to choose his coat, tie his tie, comb his hair, and even button his shirt. But today, he asked for nothing, as if she weren't present in the room.

The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the soft rustle of clothes and the quiet hum of the air conditioner. Sanyogita felt a stinging sensation in her eyes as tears pricked at the corners, threatening to spill over.

"You forgot?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, the words trembling with emotion. "You forgot me?"

The question hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the love and connection they once shared. Prithvi's indifference cut deep, leaving Sanyogita feeling lost and alone, a stranger in her own home.

Prithvi's expression softened for a moment, and he felt a pang of guilt and longing. He wanted to reach out to Sanyogita, to hold her close and whisper sweet things in her ear. But he couldn't, not now, not when he was still reeling from the events of the previous night. So, he quickly masked his emotions with a neutral look. "I'll make it up to you, Sanyo. Later."

Sanyogita's eyes widened in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. Tears pricked at the corners as Prithvi called her "Sanyo" instead of "Jaan". It was a small change, but it cut deep. She felt like she was losing him, slipping away.

Prithvi, on the other hand, felt like he was drowning in his own secrets. He longed to hold Sanyogita close, to feel her warmth and love. But he couldn't, not now, not when he was still trying to process what had happened. He felt trapped, caught between his love for Sanyogita and the darkness that had consumed him.

"Prithvi, what's going on?" Sanyogita asked, her voice laced with concern. "You're acting so strange. Did I do something wrong?"

Prithvi shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Nothing's wrong, Sanyo. I'm just busy with work."

Sanyogita's eyes searched his face, but she couldn't find the love and warmth she was used to seeing. It was as if Prithvi had erected a wall between them, and she had no idea how to breach it.

"Busy with work?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "That's all I am to you now? Just a wife who can be ignored?"

Prithvi's eyes flickered, but he said nothing, his silence speaking louder than any words could. Sanyogita felt a tear roll down her cheek as she realised that something was terribly wrong in their relationship.

Sanyogita's eyes searched for Prithvi's face, but he couldn't meet her gaze. She asked in a soft, complaining tone, "Itne busy ho ki you can't even call your wife"Jaan "?" She teases hoping for a sign of a smile on his lips (So busy that you can't even call your wife “ Jaan" with the romantic nickname?)

Prithvi's heart missed a beat. He felt a lump form in his throat as he wished to tell her everything, but he couldn't. He had no evidence, and he feared her reaction. How could he explain why he hadn't come to receive her at the airport? How could he face her after what had happened last night? It was his fault; he should have been more careful.

The memories of the hospital still haunted him - the worst night of his life. But the doctor had assured him that he hadn't been sexually assaulted completely but he had been sexually harassed , thanks to Arjun's timely intervention. Prithvi's dignity was still intact, but he knew he had to tread carefully. He needed to gather evidence and confess to Sanyogita at the right time.

For now, he remained silent, his eyes cast down, unable to meet Sanyogita's questioning gaze. The distance between them grew wider, a chasm of secrets and lies that threatened to consume their relationship.

Sanyogita's mind reeled as she tried to reconcile this stranger with the man she loved. Where was the Prithvi who would ravish her with his eyes, who would make her feel like she was the only woman in the world? The man standing before her now seemed like a shadow of his former self, a mere spectre of the love they once shared.

She felt a pang in her heart as she realised that Prithvi's behaviour had changed dramatically. When she was away from him, he had been so caring, so attentive, calling her every hour, sending her messages, and showering her with love. But now that she was back, it seemed like nothing mattered to him at all.

Prithvi rushed out the door, leaving Sanyogita bewildered. No breakfast, no hug, no goodbye kiss. Just a curt departure that left her feeling more surprised than hurt.

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]