Ex-mother-in-law

Just the thought of her brought a soft, radiant smile to Anesha's lips.

Smiling faintly, she murmured to herself, "Mother-in-law... she's the only one who can answer all my questions now. Only Dev's mother."

But as the words escaped her lips, a fleeting thought struck her, and her smile faded instantly. The glow on her face dimmed, replaced by a trace of unease.

Rubbing her forehead in mild frustration, she pouted, her expression adorably thoughtful. "But… but I don't even have her number. How am I supposed to contact her?" she mused aloud.

While preparing her meal, she absentmindedly questioned herself, her movements elegant yet precise. Like a seasoned chef, she flipped the egg omelet in the pan effortlessly, the motion smooth and practiced.

Her fluidity revealed her expertise, and it was evident how much joy cooking brought her. The sharpness of her skills and the serene smile gracing her beautiful face spoke volumes about her love for the art.

After flipping the omelet, Anesha paused, her expression turning contemplative as she rubbed her chin.

Since her divorce, she had deleted every contact tied to Devansh and his family from her phone.

Even though she had once shared a closeness with them—one built on affection—they now seemed like a distant memory. She had convinced herself that these high-status individuals would never re-enter her life.

And why would they? Their relationship had always been founded on necessity, convenience, and a binding contract. Bonds born from such arrangements rarely stand the test of time.

After pondering deeply, a flicker of realization crossed her mind. Raunak.

Before heading to the bookstore, Raunak had saved his number on her phone.

Hope flickered in her eyes as she quickly searched for his contact. But just as she was about to dial his number, her phone buzzed with an incoming call.

The sight of the caller ID made her expression harden, the innocence on her face replaced by a quiet seriousness.

Without hesitation, she answered the call, her tone calm yet firm. "Hello... Inspector Sambit. Is there any progress on the case? Have you found anything about my family's murderers?"

The voice on the other end was young yet professional. "Not yet, Miss Anesha. We're still investigating. However, we need you to come to Delhi tomorrow. A re-investigation of your house is necessary, and your presence is crucial."

"Alright, Inspector. I'll be there tomorrow," Anesha replied after a brief pause, her voice steady with resolve.

After ending the call, she stood still, her calm demeanor masking the storm brewing within. Her hazel-green eyes, usually warm, now burned with a quiet intensity.

Eight years ago, her family's tragic deaths had been dismissed as a case of exorcism and suicide, hastily closed and forgotten.

But two years ago, when Anesha finally gained the independence, power, and resources she had once lacked, she had reopened the case, determined to uncover the truth.

Inspector Sambit, the lead investigator, had been pursuing the case ever since.

Brushing aside her lingering thoughts, her mind circled back to Devansh and his words. Without wasting another moment, she dialed Raunak's number.

At the Bookstore

While browsing through books, Manan asked in a firm voice, "So… it means you're my sister's mentor, right? Back when I was hospitalized, you used to teach her self-defense techniques, didn't you?"

"Yes," Raunak replied calmly.

At that moment, Raunak, carrying a stack of books like a personal assistant, followed behind Manan.

Manan gave him a sharp glance and asked again, "Anyway, Master Raunak… do you have a girlfriend?"

"No."

Manan raised a skeptical eyebrow, clearly not believing his answer.

He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Raunak, and asked, "Really…!! Master Raunak…!! You're telling me that at 25, you don't have a girlfriend? Seriously? Are you… gay?"

Raunak stopped in his tracks, his expression unreadable.

Without hesitation, he looked Manan in the eye and said, "Yes, I am gay."

"Really?"

"Yes. Why would I lie to you?" Raunak replied matter-of-factly when Manan cross-checked.

Manan nodded casually, his face calm and composed. "Oh, okay…!! Being gay isn't a bad thing. Well, I'll pray that you find a great life partner soon."

Raunak stared at Manan thoughtfully. When Anesha, had learned about his truth, her reaction had been much like Manan's.

Most people, when they found out about him, would either look at him with disdain, pity, or judgment—all of which he despised.

Even if they didn't say anything out loud, Raunak could easily read the emotions hidden in their eyes. Over time, he had mastered the art of interpreting their prejudiced hearts.

But Manan… he was different. Raunak observed him closely for a few moments, noticing how his bright eyes remained calm and natural, even after knowing the truth.

There was no trace of disgust, judgment, or even overbearing sympathy in Manan's gaze—just normalcy.

And Raunak liked that a lot.

He had never wanted people to treat him with either disdain or an overcompensating amount of respect and pity. Though he had grown indifferent to what others thought, deep down, this lack of judgment brought him some solace.

In his entire life, there were only three people who had reacted to his truth with complete normalcy.

The first was Devansh.

The second was his little girl—Anesha.

And now, the third was Manan.

Even his own parents had rejected him after learning the truth, going so far as to disown him and throw him out of their house.

A small smile touched Raunak's lips as he gently patted Manan's head and said, "Little girl, has raised you well, kid."

"Of course…!! My sister is that amazing!! She's adorable, after all. How could she not raise me well?" Manan replied with a proud smile.

Although Manan and Anesha shared many similarities, there was one distinct difference in their temperaments.

Anesha's demeanor was as soft and gentle as cotton. She carried an inherent sweetness in her every word and gesture, making her immensely endearing.

Manan, on the other hand, was a completely different story. Apart from Anesha, he was a tough, guarded, and often arrogant young man when dealing with the rest of the world.

Raunak raised a brow as he watched Manan pick up one book after another—many of them for classes far above his level.

"Do you really plan to read all these books?" Raunak asked, curiosity lacing his tone.

"Of course, Master Raunak!! This is just my two-month quota," Manan replied confidently.

Raunak was about to respond when his phone began to ring.

With deliberate care, Raunak pulled the phone from his pocket and answered it.

On the other end, a sweet, cheerful voice chirped, "Master…!! Do you have my mother-in-law's number? If yes, please send it to me quickly."

Before Raunak could respond, Anesha had already ended the call.

"This little girl…!!" he muttered under his breath, letting out a soft sigh.

Meanwhile, at the Cottage

As soon as Anesha received her mother-in-law's number, her green eyes lit up with excitement.

She quickly dialed the number.

The moment the call connected, she spoke in her sweet voice, "Hello…!! Mother-in-law!! Or rather, ex-mother-in-law…!!"

For two full minutes, there was silence on both ends of the call.

Finally, a curt and impatient voice came from the other end, "Yes, speak…!!"

"Ex-mother-in-law…!! I want to ask you something about Dev. May I?" Anesha asked cautiously.

A lazy, indifferent voice responded, "Yes…!! Ask quickly, whatever it is."

Hearing this, Anesha's expression turned serious. Coming straight to the point, she asked, "I know you know everything about Dev. That's why I'm asking—why did he push me away? What compelled him to do that…!! Why didn't he even let me see our baby's face?"

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What will Anesha's ex-mother-in-law reveal?

To know…

To be continued…