9 . The question behind the silence

It was morning. Chahat was nervously looking at Shalini Ji.

She was afraid—afraid that Shalini Ji might refuse to let her open a bakery.

Her own parents hadn't supported her dreams either, because of which she was left behind and alone. She was still staring at her in fear when Shalini Ji smiled gently and said,

"Of course, you can do whatever you wish. And if you need any help, just let me know… hmm?"

Hearing this, a sweet smile bloomed on Chahat's lips. She hugged Shalini Ji, who lovingly patted her head.

"May God bless you with great success."

Tears welled up in Chahat's eyes. She realized how kind and supportive Shalini Ji was.

If her parents had been like this, maybe she would've done something meaningful in life, instead of being stuck in this story world.

She wiped her tears and promised herself: she wouldn't let anyone else ruin her life again. She would build her own future—no matter what.

There was a fire in her eyes—a passion to achieve something.

---

That night, Chahat was sitting and preparing a list of all the things she would need to start her bakery, when suddenly, a voice came from behind her.

"What's all this?"

Startled, Chahat turned around to see Ashwat standing there, peeking into her diary.

"What is your problem? You keep hovering around me. Now do I have to ask you before doing anything too?"

Chahat said angrily as she stood up.

She glared at him, clutching her diary tightly to her chest.

Ashwat was surprised at this boldness.

He just stood there, stunned, staring at the same girl who a few days ago seemed like a timid little goat, and now behaved like a fierce cow ready to charge.

Before he could say anything, Shalini Ji walked in and said,

"Why are you two arguing now? What happened?"

"Mom, look at Ashwat! He's bothering me again!"

Chahat said as she quickly hid behind Shalini Ji.

Ashwat shot her a sharp look and replied,

"I'm not bothering her. I was just checking what she was doing. And didn't she not know how to study before? Then how is she writing in English now? Mom, I'm telling you—something is fishy here."

Hearing this, Shalini Ji stepped forward.

"I'm the one who told her to study. And now she's learning. You're the one who left her because she was uneducated, right? So now I'm making her self-reliant. And tomorrow, go with Vrinda to check out some shop spaces. She's shortlisted a few locations. I would've gone myself, but I don't know much about these things."

Ashwat was stunned to hear she was studying, but at her last statement, he asked in disbelief,

"A shop? Why does she need one? A woman meant for the kitchen now wants to work outside? There's no need for you to do all this. I still have a reputation in this town. Why are you trying to destroy it?"

He said angrily. Shalini Ji was about to speak, but Chahat spoke first.

"You're divorcing me, right? So where am I supposed to go after that? It's better if I make something for myself now."

Hearing that, something changed in Ashwat.

He suddenly went silent.

He didn't say anything and quietly left the room.

After he left, Shalini Ji turned to Chahat and said,

"Don't worry, dear. I'm here for you. I may not know much about this business stuff, but I know someone who does..."

"Who?" Chahat asked, curious.

Shalini Ji pulled out her phone and dialed a number. After a few rings, a boy answered the call.

"Hello, Aunty! You remembered me after so long? You always forget me, don't you?"

"No, son. How could I forget you? By the way, when are you coming back? It's been so long."

She smiled warmly.

A soft laugh came from the other end.

"Why are you laughing?" she asked.

"Open the door," said the boy—and cut the call.

Confused, Shalini Ji looked at her phone, then suddenly went to the door.

Chahat followed her, curious as to what was happening—and why Shalini Ji was going to the door so late at night.

Shalini Ji opened the door, and standing there was a boy around Ashwat's age.

He smiled and hugged her tightly, and she smiled back.

Chahat watched all of this in surprise. She had no idea who this person was.

He hadn't been mentioned anywhere in the story so far.

"It's good you're here, Aksh. Do you know how much I've missed you? How are you now?"

Shalini Ji asked.

"I'm absolutely fine. What would happen to me? I'm still your fit and fine boy. But you look even more beautiful than before, my lovely lady,"

he said, playfully pinching her cheek. She slapped his shoulder playfully in return.

Then Aksh turned to look at Chahat. She was staring at him in confusion, trying to figure out why he was looking at her like that.

Before she could react, Aksh suddenly bent down at her feet, surprising her so much that she stepped back in shock.

Chahat was completely stunned by what he did.

She looked at him and asked in disbelief,

"What are you doing?"

"Taking your blessings, Bhabhi (sister-in-law). Do you know how much I missed you? When I was back in the village, all I could think about was how much fun it would be if you were there. But you weren't. Next time I go, I'll take you with me!"

Still shocked, Chahat looked at Shalini Ji, who said,

"He's your brother-in-law, Aksh. Ashwat and Aksh have been best friends since childhood."

Hearing that, Chahat nodded slightly.

By then, Aksh had stood up.

As they all came inside, Aksh asked Shalini Ji,

"Why are you introducing me like she forgot everything?"

"Because... she did. She doesn't remember the past,"

Shalini Ji said. Aksh was shocked.

She told him she'd explain everything later, and asked him to freshen up for dinner.

"No Aunty, I already had dinner. I'm heading to bed now. Will see you all in the morning."

Saying this, he waved at them both and walked away.

Chahat looked at Shalini Ji, who said,

"You should rest too. We'll talk in the morning."

Chahat nodded and went to her room.

---

Just as she entered her room, she saw Ashwat sitting there.

She was shocked.

What was he doing in her room?

Was he here again to threaten her like last time?

If so, this time—she wasn't going to be scared.

With that thought, she walked up to him and said,

"What are you doing here now?"

Ashwat looked up at her, then walked closer and said,

"Can I ask where you went yesterday?"

Chahat's eyes widened in shock.

How did he know about that?

How did Ashwat know where she went?

The only person who was there was Vartika—Anira.

So... did Anira tell Ashwat something?

Chahat's mind was racing as she tried to figure out what to say.

She couldn't tell him the truth, so lying seemed like the only option.

But what should she say? That's what she didn't know yet.

Ashwat, meanwhile, was watching the changing expressions on her face, trying to guess what answer was coming.

Only a few moments had passed when suddenly—

something happened that left Ashwat completely shocked.

He couldn't believe what Chahat had just done.

---

What happens next?

What did Chahat do to avoid Ashwat's question?

What shocked Ashwat so much?

To find out, keep reading...

Rebirth in Novel