11 . The shop of secrets

It was morning. Chahat sat quietly in the car, looking out the window while Ashwat drove. She was lost in thoughts, wondering what had gotten into Ashwat lately. Why had he been acting so strange? What did he really want?

Just yesterday he had told her that he had a reputation in the city and wouldn't help her find a bakery shop. Then what happened now that he was suddenly taking her with him?

She turned to look at Ashwat, who was peacefully driving. She stared at him for a few moments when suddenly he said,

"Do you want to say something?"

Startled, Chahat looked ahead and replied,

"Yesterday you said you wouldn't help me open a bakery. So what changed today that you're coming along with me?"

Ashwat suddenly stopped the car and turned to face her. Chahat looked at him too, confused. He stared into her eyes and slowly leaned closer. Chahat's eyes widened as she saw him come closer, stopping just two inches from her face. She was pressed tightly against her seat.

"So… do you plan to sit on my head your whole life?" he asked, staring into her eyes.

Chahat frowned. What was he trying to say? Did he think she was a burden? If so, then she was even more determined to open that bakery no matter what.

She glared at him and gave him a shove.

"To hell with you! I'm not going anywhere with you! I'll do everything on my own!" she shouted angrily and got out of the car, muttering to herself as she walked away.

"God knows why I ended up in this story! No peace in my real life and none here either. No one wants me to live in peace. I was happily about to die, but no! There had to be suspense and thrill left in my life, so I got dragged into this damn story!"

She was grumbling as she walked when suddenly someone grabbed her hand from behind and lifted her onto his shoulder. Chahat was stunned. When she realized it was Ashwat, she started hitting him on the back with her fists.

"Let me go, you brute! I was already leaving, what do you want now?! Let me go!" she yelled. She couldn't understand why Ashwat was doing this. People nearby were staring. Ashwat put her in the car, got in himself, and drove away.

Chahat glared at him, then turned her face away.

---

Meanwhile, Shalini ji and Aksh were sitting in the living room enjoying tea.

"I have to admit, Aunty, your plan worked," Aksh said, "But one thing I don't get—why haven't Ashwat and Vrinda fallen in love yet? They've been together for three months now. Bhabi is so sweet. I remember when I first met her, she was shy and scared, but now she's completely different—like someone's changed her entirely. She never even stepped out of the house before, and now she's planning to open a bakery!" he said with joy.

Shalini ji's eyes filled with tears.

"Let me tell you something, Aksh. I know why Vrinda thought about ending her life. I left them alone for months, thinking Ashwat would see her innocence and they'd live happily, but I was wrong. I didn't understand my own son. Because of him, Vrinda nearly ended her life. Somewhere, it's my fault too. I don't know what happened after she jumped into the water that changed her so much, but I'm happy she's finally thinking about herself now. I want to make it right. Only when I see her happy will I have peace. She's suffered too much. No more."

Aksh's eyes welled up too, but he kept a smile on his face and hugged her.

"Of course, I'll help you. If it makes my friend and our sweet bhabi happy, I'll do it. Just tell me what to do."

Hearing this, Shalini ji smiled and began planning how to bring Chahat (aka Vrinda) and Ashwat closer.

---

Meanwhile, Chahat had found a shop she liked for her bakery. It wasn't too big or too small—simple but beautiful, located on a street corner.

She was discussing rent with the shop owner while Ashwat stood at a distance, casually using his phone.

"Rent is twenty thousand, and two months' deposit upfront," the shop owner said.

Chahat looked at him in surprise.

"What? Isn't that too expensive? I mean, yes it's in the market and on a corner, but that doesn't mean you rob me!"

"Look, madam, if you want the shop, that's the rent. Otherwise, find another one within your budget," he said bluntly.

Chahat turned to look at the shop again. It was the only one she liked after visiting dozens. But she had no choice—she didn't have enough money. Vrinda's jewelry was still locked away, but she couldn't use it.

She lowered her head and politely declined.

She told Ashwat they should leave, and he followed her out. They got into the car and drove off. Chahat remained quiet the entire way, which Ashwat noticed, though he said nothing.

His expression made it clear that he didn't care whether she was sad or happy. And why would he? His whole life revolved around Anira, not her.

---

After some time, they reached home. Aksh and Shalini ji had been waiting for them. Ashwat dropped Chahat at the gate and left for the office.

As she came in, Aksh rushed to her excitedly and sat her down on the sofa.

"Did you like any shop, bhabi? Did you finalize one? When are you starting the bakery?"

His excitement made Chahat feel even more down. She looked at Shalini ji and Aksh—both eagerly waiting for her to share some good news.

But she hadn't succeeded.

She shook her head.

"No good shops..."

"Why not?" both of them asked in unison, their faces falling.

"The rent was too high… But it's okay, I'll look for another one." Chahat said.

"You don't need to worry about rent. We're here for you! And you'll run that bakery so well you won't even have to think about money. Just tell me how much you need—I'll help you," Shalini ji offered.

"No, Aunty. I want to do this on my own. If I needed help, I would've asked earlier. But this—I want to achieve myself." Chahat said, and Shalini ji smiled proudly.

"Don't worry, bhabi," Aksh said, "You'll definitely get what you deserve."

Chahat smiled. For the first time in her life, she felt someone was truly motivating her. In her real world, all she'd ever known was people putting her down. She was grateful to have found such a family—even in a fictional story.

---

That night at dinner, Chahat's phone rang. She checked and saw it was the shop owner. She was surprised—why was he calling now? She had already rejected the shop.

"Hello?"

"Yes, I'm the shop owner you visited earlier."

"Yes, tell me, sir."

"The rent for the shop you saw has been reduced. If you're still interested, I can give it to you."

"What? How much?"

"Five thousand."

Chahat was shocked. How had the price dropped from twenty thousand to just five thousand in one day?

"And the deposit?"

"Not required. The new owner waived it. You can start your shop right away and pay rent after one month."

Chahat couldn't believe it. How had the shop been sold so fast—and on the same day she had visited? What was going on?

"Can you tell me the new owner's name?"

"Sorry, he doesn't wish to be known. So, do you want the shop or not?"

Chahat immediately agreed and was called to sign the agreement the next day.

Her face lit up like a blooming flower. She turned to look at Shalini and Aksh, who were watching her curiously.

"Guess what good news I have!" she said excitedly.

"What?" they asked.

"I got the shop—and it's only five thousand!"

Both of them were stunned.

"What? Really?! God finally heard us!" Shalini ji said, folding her hands in gratitude.

"Great! That's settled then. I'll take care of the furniture and setup tomorrow. Then you can start your work peacefully," Aksh added.

Chahat nodded.

"But how did this happen? Such a huge price drop in one day?" Shalini ji asked.

"I don't know. The owner said the new landlord asked him to offer it to me. I might meet him tomorrow at the agreement signing."

They nodded in understanding.

Hearing all this "nonsense," Ashwat's head started hurting. He got up and walked away. Chahat saw him leave and frowned.

"What does he even think of himself? Couldn't even congratulate me once. Stupid arrogant Ashwat…"

She cursed him in her mind a hundred times over.

---

What will happen next?

Who is the new owner of the shop?

Will Chahat be able to fulfill her dreams?

Will Shalini ji and Aksh succeed in their plan?

To know more, keep reading...

Rebirth in Novel 🌙📖