The Deceit

CHAPTER 10

SIMRAN

I sit at my boutique, pretending to be engrossed in work, but my thoughts are miles away. The mid-afternoon hustle-bustle fills the boutique, yet it barely registers in my mind. Vishnu’s silence, the distance he’s keeping, feels like a physical weight pressing on my chest. Every time I glance at my phone, hoping to see a message from him, my heart sinks a little when I see the blank screen instead.

He’s hurting—I know it. And I also know that I’m the cause of it.

Abhay’s words keep replaying in my head, warning me not to push Vishnu too hard. But how can I not reach out to him? How can I sit here, pretending everything is fine, when he’s deliberately shutting me out?

I tried calling him multiple times today after Abhay escorted me to the boutique as my newly appointed personal bodyguard. But every time, the call goes unanswered. I’ve also left countless WhatsApp messages, each one more desperate than the last.

“Call me immediately.”

“Let’s talk.”

“Stop acting weird.”

“Don’t hide.”

I even found myself typing…

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“This silence is killing me.”

“Vishnu…. please… don’t do this.”

I practically begged. But still nothing. Not a single response. He hasn’t even read them. As I look around my boutique, my frustration grows with every passing minute, making it impossible to think of anything else.

I seethe with frustration, my ability to focus completely shattered. I glance up to see the boutique buzzing with activity. My client, Peter, is browsing through the racks and chatting with the team, yet I feel so disconnected from it all. It’s like I’m in some kind of an animated movie where everyone is moving in slow motion, and I’m still stuck in this emotional quicksand.

“Simran?” Julie, my assistant, stands in front of me, her voice breaking through my thoughts. “Peter is asking about the fabric samples for the new collection. Should I show him what we’ve got?”

I blink, trying to register her words. “Uh... yeah, go ahead.”

Julie studies my face for a moment, concern flashing in her eyes. “Are you okay? You’ve seemed... distracted all day.”

“I’m fine,” I reply quickly, forcing a quick smile. “Just not feeling well, I guess.”

She nods, though I can tell she’s not convinced. Damn, I can’t even convince myself anymore.

The entire day passes in a blur of half-hearted conversations, missed opportunities to engage, and an overwhelming sense of restlessness. The extra security measures Vishnu has put in place only add to my frustration. Abhay follows my every move. His team is stationed outside the boutique, and a few more are positioned near the building’s entrance. I understand Vishnu’s need to protect me, but I want him here, not his men. His absence is a constant, aching reminder of the mess I’ve made.

By the time evening arrives, I can’t wait to leave. I grab my things and head home, the tension still coiling in my chest. I hope Vishnu is ready to face me now, but am I prepared for him? I don’t think so. I’ll never be.

As soon as I step into the apartment, I find it eerily quiet. Claire is in the living room, reading a book, while Veer is sleeping peacefully in his crib. It’s his usual nap time. I set my bag down and make my way to her.

“Hey, how was your day?” Claire greets me with a warm smile that does little to ease the knot in my stomach.

“It was... okay.” I shrug. “How was Veer? Did everything go well?”

Claire’s face lights up with a smile. “Oh, everything was more than fine. Vishnu was here all day,” she says, and I freeze.

“Vishnu was here?”

She nods, beaming. “Yes, Simran. I’ve never seen anything like it. They were inseparable. Veer wouldn’t let go of him for even a minute. It’s as if they’ve known each other forever.”

My heart clenches, and I sink onto the couch, my legs suddenly weak. Veer, my baby, bonded with his father so easily. What must Vishnu have felt, holding his son for the first time and realising just how much he had missed?

“It was like a miracle,” Claire continues, her voice filled with wonder. “Like they were meant to be together. Even though Veer had no idea who Vishnu was until now, he attached himself to Vishnu as if he knew he was his father. It shows what a father-son bond should be like. Just pure, instinctual love.”

Tears prick my eyes, and I blink rapidly to hold them back. “I... I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for Vishnu.”

Claire reaches for her phone. “I didn’t want you to miss this,” she says, pulling up a photo. “I managed to snap it when they were both asleep. Vishnu didn’t even notice.”

The moment I see the picture, it takes my breath away. I bite my lip, trying to control the flood of emotions threatening to break free. Vishnu is lying on the couch, fast asleep, with Veer nestled against his chest. His hand rests lightly yet securely on Veer’s back, speaking volumes about his protectiveness, as though even in sleep, he’s attuned to his role as a father, quietly watching over his son. They both look so peaceful, so content. And there, curled up against Vishnu’s thigh, is Leila, her fur blending seamlessly with the fabric of his pants. They all look like a perfect little family unit. The tears I’ve been holding back spill over, creating hot trails down my cheeks. Seeing them together like that makes my heart ache for what they could have had if I hadn’t kept them apart for so long.

I blink back the tears and smile through the pain. “Thank you,” I whisper, unable to tear my eyes from the picture. “Thank you for not letting me miss this.”

Claire squeezes my hand. “I thought you’d appreciate it. But I should tell you... Vishnu doesn’t quite trust me with Veer yet. He took a list of all the baby food and medicines I give Veer to double-check if they’re the right ones.”

Guilt crashes over me. “I’m so sorry, Claire. I’ll talk to him about that. He shouldn’t suspect you—”

“It’s alright,” Claire interrupts gently. “It’s just his protective instinct as a father. I completely understand. He just needs some time to believe that all is well with me looking after Veer.”

She pauses, then adds firmly, “You have to talk to Vishnu now, Simran.”

I nod, my throat tight. “I want to, Claire. I want to so badly. But he’s hiding away, putting this distance between us. I have no idea how to break through and speak to him. But I will. Soon. I have to.”

Claire studies me for a moment, her gaze steady. “You’ll find a way. Just give him time. But don’t wait too long. This is something you need to resolve—for Veer’s sake.”

“I know,” I whisper. “I’ll talk to him. Soon.”

Claire squeezes my hand once more. “Why don’t you go freshen up? I’ll make us some coffee.”

Nodding, I head to my bedroom, trying to shake off the heaviness in my heart. I strip off my clothes and step into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over me. As the steam rises around me, I close my eyes and the image of Vishnu and Veer sleeping flashes back into my mind. It is seared in my brain, a bittersweet reminder of what I’ve denied them both for far too long.

I’ve made mistakes, yes. Terrible, hurtful mistakes. But I can’t change or undo the past. The ache in my chest only deepens as I confront that reality.

***************

The next day drags on just like the last. I leave for the boutique in the morning, accompanied as usual by Abhay and the rest of Vishnu’s security team. There’s still no sign of him. He’s out there somewhere, probably watching, lurking in the shadows, but making no effort to meet me. It’s infuriating.

The same routine follows—I lose my focus, and my concentration goes for a toss. My messages to Vishnu are ignored yet again. Every time I glance at my phone, there’s nothing but silence from his end. My heart pounds in frustration. Why won’t he answer? What is this hide-and-seek game he’s playing? He’s literally torturing me.

By the time I return home in the evening, my frustration has boiled over. Claire greets me at the door, and once again, she informs me that Vishnu had come by to spend time with Veer, and he left just before I arrived, just when it was Veer’s nap time.

Of course, he did. The anger within me rises, a deep, pulsing rage that I can’t shake off. This isn’t a coincidence. It is deliberate. Vishnu is intentionally coming here when I’m not around, spending time with our son, and disappearing before I can confront him.

I can’t take it anymore.

Without a word, I spin on my heels and storm out of the apartment, my inner frustration driving me forward. I’ve had enough of Vishnu’s games. This ends now.

I know exactly where to find him—he’s holed in that damn apartment right across from mine. Abhay mentioned Vishnu was nearby, and that apartment had to be his hideout. The one filled with men monitoring my every move under the guise of ‘protection.’ Well, it’s time I crash this party.

I stride across the hallway and reach the apartment door. I take a deep breath, and just as I am about to raise my hand to bang on the door, it swings open, revealing Abhay’s stoic face. For a moment, I’m taken aback, wondering how he knew I was coming. Then, my eyes land on the camera aimed at my apartment, and understanding dawns. Of course. They see everything. They’re watching me. Every move I make. Every entry. Every exit. It’s all under surveillance.

“What’s wrong?” Abhay asks, his voice calm and controlled.

I glare at him, my patience worn thin. “I want to see Vishnu. Now.”

Before he can offer some weak excuse, I march past him into the living room.

“I know he’s hiding here,” I declare, determination fuelling my courage.

The air is thick with tension, and as I walk in, every man in Vishnu’s team looks at me in stunned silence. They know why I’m here. They’ve been expecting this.

“Vishnu!” I call out, my voice echoing in the quiet space. “Vishnu, I know you are here! Come out.”

“Simran, stop—” Abhay begins, stepping in behind me, but I cut him off with a sharp look.

“Who are you to stop me?” My voice rises, barely holding back the anger that’s been bubbling under the surface for days now. “This is between me and him. And I don’t want anyone coming between us.”

Abhay opens his mouth to argue, but I don’t give him a chance.

“I’m repeating this for the last time,” I say, my voice trembling with fury. “I want to talk to Vishnu. Stop playing gatekeeper. Just let me see him.”

Abhay’s expression remains impassive as he replies. “Even I’m repeating myself. Until Vishnu himself wants to talk to you, all your attempts to reach him are futile.”

His words hit me like a slap. My attempts—futile? Is that what this is to them—a game where they get to decide when I can talk to the father of my child? I take a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down.

Fine. Arguing with Abhay isn’t going to work. I know Vishnu is here. He has to be. I turn away from Abhay and face the silent room once more. All of Vishnu’s men stare at me, their expressions unreadable. But I don’t care.

“Vishnu!” I call out, my voice loud and firm. “I know you can hear me. Stop hiding and talk to me. I’m not leaving until you do.”

Silence.

My eyes scan the room, searching for any sign of movement, any indication that Vishnu might emerge. But there’s nothing.

Determined, I walk across the room and open the first door, only to find an empty office. Frustrated, I slam the door shut.

“Hiding from me isn’t going to help either of us,” I continue, desperation creeping into my voice. “Come and talk it out with me. You’re angry and hurt that I kept Veer hidden from you, then vent it out on me. Talk to me. Just stop this stupid game of hide and seek!”

I swing open the second door—again nothing. The frustration is mounting, pushing me to the edge.

My hands are trembling as I grab the back of the nearest chair, gripping it tightly to steady myself. The room is so quiet, the silence almost deafening. I look around at the men—his men—all of them staring back at me with those blank, emotionless faces. No one dares to say a word.

The realisation strikes me like a sudden jolt: Vishnu’s not going to come out. He’s too stubborn, too hurt, and too damn proud. My presence alone isn’t enough to draw him out.

Fine.

I let go of the chair, my shoulders slumping in defeat. I give one last look at the silent room and march out, the anger still simmering in my veins. This isn’t over. Not by a long shot. But for now, I need to regroup and figure out a way to reach him before it’s too late.

*************

The third day feels unbearable, suffocating, as if I’m trapped in a nightmare I can’t wake up from. Sitting in my boutique, I pretend to work, but all I can think about is Vishnu—hiding from me, zoning me out completely.

How long can this go on? How long will he stay away, leaving me in this constant state of dread, not knowing what’s next for me... for Veer... for us? It feels like I’m living on the edge of a cliff, poised to fall but never quite tipping over.

I can’t stop replaying the look in his eyes when the truth about Veer came out. His face bore a look of utter devastation, as though I had killed something inside him that day. Maybe I did. Maybe I broke something between us that can never be repaired. This realisation makes it hard for me to breathe.

The last two days have been pure hell. I haven’t even been able to focus on being a mother to Veer. Every time I hold him, my mind drifts back to Vishnu—wondering where he is and what he’s thinking. Does he hate me? Of course, he must hate me. How could he not? I betrayed him in the worst possible way. Will he ever be able to forgive me?

I don’t even know what I would say if he suddenly appeared in front of me. Am I ready to tell my side of the story? Am I strong enough to withstand the full force of his anger, his hurt, his disappointment? I want to confront him, to get over this maddening silence, but this mental torture he’s subjecting me to is unbearable.

I can’t keep living like this. I can’t stand this constant ache, this uncertainty about what’s going to happen next. Will he come back? Or will he disappear forever, leaving me to carry the burden of this deceit alone?

I need to know.

The suffocation becomes too much. I need space, a breath of air, anything to escape this pressure cooker of emotions. I make my way to the washroom, acutely aware of Abhay’s watchful gaze on me. Damn. Even this small act of privacy now feels invaded. I bet this are Vishnu’s orders, no doubt.

In the washroom, I splash cold water on my face, trying to calm the storm raging inside me. I stare at my reflection in the mirror, the water droplets trickling down my chin. Who is this woman looking back at me? A liar? A coward? Or is it just someone desperately trying to make things right?

I have to face Vishnu and stop this game we’re playing before it drives us both mad. I need to act. I have to do something.

Suddenly, the lights flicker once, twice, and then the room is plunged into darkness. I freeze, my heart thumping in my chest. What the...?

I look around in panic and suddenly it hits me. This is it. My moment. My chance.

The lights are out, and the CCTV cameras will be down. I remember the building’s security backup—the power returns in three seconds, but the cameras? They’ll take at least a minute to reboot and start recording again. It is the perfect chance. I can slip out, unseen and unnoticed.

I’m not sure if it’s fate or just a stroke of luck, but I’m not going to waste this opportunity. I can’t. This might be my only shot to get away from Abhay’s ever-watchful eyes and finally confront Vishnu face-to-face.

I take a deep breath, the plan forming rapidly in my mind. It’s risky, maybe even reckless, but I don’t care anymore. I need to see him. I need to stop this before it drives us crazy.

I wipe my face with a tissue, adrenaline already rushing through my veins.

Now.

I step out of the washroom, moving cautiously. Abhay, who is still near the boutique entrance, is momentarily distracted, as if he, too, is unsettled by the power outage. His attention shifts to his men just for a moment, and that’s all I need. I see my chance. He’s not looking in my direction.

Without hesitation, I slip behind a nearby pillar that divides the restrooms from the boutique’s reception area, holding my breath. My heart is pounding so loudly that I fear someone might hear it. Stay calm, Simran . I silently will myself to be still. Abhay glances back towards the washroom, checking, but I’m safely hidden. As soon as his gaze shifts elsewhere, I act.

I make my move, quickly and quietly, slipping through the side door of the boutique. The guards at the entrance are still caught up in conversation, distracted by the power cut. No one notices me.

Perfect.

I can’t believe it worked. The cameras are still rebooting, and I’m outside. Free. There’s no turning back now.

The cool air hits me as I step into the corridor, refreshed, filling my lungs with much-needed resolve. I quickly make my way through the back of the building, avoiding the usual exits where Abhay’s men might still be stationed.

This is it. This is my only chance to confront Vishnu, and I’m going to take it. There’s no turning back now. I need to see him. I know he will be with Veer at this hour, not knowing I am coming for him. I also know he’ll be furious that I’ve ambushed him like this. But then again, what choice has he left me?