Beneath His Silence.

Chapter Eighteen.

After the meeting, the foreigners began shaking hands with Advik and Alia. Devraj did too.

“See you in the boardroom, Mr. Devraj Singh Rathore.” Mr. Jones said with a polite smile. Devraj gave a stiff nod.

“And you too, Mr. Advik Bhatt.”

Advik smiled “Pleasure, sir.”

Mr. Jones then turned to Alia, his gaze softening. “And a lovely day to you, my lady.”

“Charm.” she said with a smile, and three foreign investors walked off.

“Advik, let’s go.” Devraj said quietly, already turning his wheelchair.

“How are you, Raj?”

Alia’s voice froze him mid-motion.

He didn’t look at her. That voice alone reminded him of betrayal, sugar-coated words masking venom.

Advik scoffed beside him. “As you can see, he’s fine and alive. Are you done?”

Alia’s glare flicked to Advik. “Didn’t know your name’s now Raj. Give us space.”

“Advik, let’s go.” Devraj repeated.

“Devraj?” she breathed, stepping closer. “I’m sorry–”

“Save your sorry.” he said flatly. “I don’t want to hear anything from you.”

He finally lifted his gaze to her, slow and cold.

For a brief second, the hall felt smaller and quieter.

His eyes roamed over her once, but out of disbelief that the same woman who she pretend to care for him, whispered his name like it meant something, could look at him now as if he hadn’t been left to rot.

She still looked the same, too delicate, too deceiving. A venomous snake wrapped in silk.

“Come on, baby..” she tried to touch his arm.

“One year,” he said. His voice was calm, but his eyes burned. “That’s all you have left in our contract.”

She froze mid-reach, her fingers curling into a trembling fist.

“All influence from the Rathore name will be stripped from you when that’s over. You wanted the power, the title, the prestige, enjoy them while you can.”

Her throat moved, a silent swallow.

Advik smirked proudly beside him.

“Devraj, please.” she whispered. “I know what I did was wrong. I–”

“I was blind to trust you. Blind to bind myself in that contract to help you climb into power. That was your plan all along, using our relationship to get what you wanted.”

Her eyes glistened, guilt flickering for a moment.

She exhaled shakily. “Raj… I do love–”

“Stop. lying.” he growled. “It’s sickening to hear that word from your mouth.”

He turned his wheelchair slowly, his expression hardening.

“I’m done here.” he said again, “One Year. When that’s over… pack your things. And after that–”

He paused, his eyes lifting, meeting hers one last time. “Watch your back.”

Then he wheeled away without another glance.

Advik didn’t follow Devraj immediately.

He lingered, his lips curling into a smirk as his eyes landed on Alia. She caught the look and glared at him.

“Oh, I love how bright your true self are.” he said, his voice dripping with mockery.

“Shut up.” she hissed.

He chuckled darkly. “And sit back? Nah. You kept him in that position. You know that, don’t you?”

His tone sharpened, losing its humor.

“All he ever did was care for you. Even if he didn’t say it out loud, even if he acted distant, he wanted the best for you. He gave you everything in gold. But your greedy, messed-up self couldn’t resist temptation.”

Her jaw tightened, but she didn’t speak.

“You know..” Advik continued, stepping closer, “I’m glad you didn’t show up all this time. Not once. Not even to see him after what you caused. Now he finally sees it, that you never cared about him, just his status.”

“I do care about him!” she snapped.

Advik laughed, low and humorless. “Yeah? By stealing the land he bought? You knew what was buried under it, the gems, the value. You think he didn’t know? He’s not stupid, Alia.”

His smirk returning. “Anyway,” he said casually, turning to leave, “like he said... one year. Then you pack your shit.”

He threw her a mocking wink before walking off, leaving her standing there, fists trembling at her sides.

Alia seethed, her nails digging into her palms.

One year? she thought bitterly. I should’ve waited until after the engagement.

Her chest rose and fell in quick, angry breaths.

“I am not going to lose everything I built.” she whispered through clenched teeth, determination flickering behind her fear.

Then she gulped, gathering her purse, and walked away.

~??????~

As the car rolled out of the restaurant’s parking lot, Devraj pulled out his phone without a word.

Advik glanced up from his own screen, noticing the tension in Devraj’s movements, the way his fingers tapped impatiently before dialing a number.

He didn’t even wait long, the call connected on the second ring.

“Any updates?” Devraj’s voice came out low with restrained impatience.

“No, sir.” the voice on the other end replied quickly. “Ma’am hasn’t left the house. She’s been home all day.”

Devraj hung up without another word.

Advik frowned. “Is there a problem?”

Devraj turned his head slightly, met his eyes for a moment, then looked away. “No problem.”

Advik let out a small laugh, shaking his head. “Stop keeping secrets from me, man.”

Devraj ignored him completely, his gaze drifting back to the phone in his hand.

She didn’t come today.

Couldn’t she at least call to check how he was doing? That’s her job. She’s supposed to take care of him.

He tightened his grip on the phone, jaw flexing. His thumb hovered over her name on the screen, just one tap, and he’d hear her voice.

But he didn’t.

The silence in the car stretched long.

Advik sighed, sneaking another glance at him. Devraj’s usual stone expression was cracking, faint, but there.

His hand fidgeted, his breathing heavier than usual.

Something’s off with him, Advik thought. He looks… bothered.

But he didn’t ask again. He knew Devraj well enough to recognize when the man was fighting something internal, and right now, he was losing.

~~?????~~

Ira smiled as her phone rang, pressing it gently to her ear. After the fourth ring, a familiar voice answered.

“Ira? How are you?” Mrs. Rathore’s tone was warm.

“I’m fine, thank you, ma’am. I hope your day’s going lovely ” Ira said softly.

Mrs. Rathore let out a small, delighted laugh. “Of course, dear. You’re such a sweet girl. But is there a problem?”

“Oh, um…” Ira hesitated. “I just wanted to ask how Mr. Devraj Rathore is doing.”

“Oh my God, how thoughtful of you.” Mrs. Rathore said with a smile in her voice. “Thank you so much for your concern, dear. But don’t worry, he’s doing just fine, okay?”

Ira smiled gently, nodding even though Mrs. Rathore couldn’t see her. “Alright, Mrs. Rathore. Thank you too, ma’am. Goodbye.”

When the call ended, Ira placed the phone on her vanity and sighed softly.

“Just because I didn’t go to work doesn’t mean I can’t check up on him.” she murmured, her reflection gazing back at her.

Her green eyes sparkled under the soft daylight, calm, and completely unaware of the storm brewing inside the man she was caring for.

She adjusted the sleeves of her peach-colored kurta suit, the fabric flowing gracefully around her as she fixed her dupatta.

Her hair framed her face, brushed gently behind one ear, and her lips curved into a smile.

Just then, her phone dinged.

She checked the screen and her heart fluttered.

Kunal.

A giggle escaped her lips as she grabbed her small purse, slipped her phone inside, and headed toward the door.

~???~

An hour later…

Mrs. Rathore smiled warmly as she opened Devraj’s door and wheeled him inside.

She stopped beside his bed, her face full of motherly pride.

“So?” she asked softly, “how did it go?”

Devraj’s gaze was still distant. “The boards are involved now.”

A spark of joy lit her features. “Oh, that’s wonderful, Devraj! A new project already?” she said, clasping her hands together. “Just don’t overwork yourself, hmm? You still need to recover.”

He gave a small nod.

“Good. ” she continued cheerfully, adjusting the blanket on his bed. “The bathroom’s ready, and I’ll have the maids bring your meal in an hour.”

As she turned toward the door, she suddenly paused, a thought crossing her mind.

“Oh, um..before I forget..” she said with a smile, “Ira called to ask how you’re doing. Isn’t that just the sweetest? Such a thoughtful girl. I’d say she’s the best caregiver we’ve ever had.”

She chuckled lightly and stepped out, closing the door behind her, completely unaware of how her words rooted themselves deep inside Devraj’s chest.

For a moment, silence.

Then, slowly, the corners of his lips curved, faintly, involuntarily. It wasn’t a full smile, but it was there.

“Ira called…” he murmured under his breath. “She cares.”

His voice softened, almost foreign to his own ears. “She’s… so sweet.”

But just as quickly as it came, that warmth faded. His smile faltered.

Why didn’t she call me instead?

The question clawed at him, and almost instantly his phone rang.

The name flashing on the screen made his jaw tighten.

It was the man he’d assigned to watch Ira.

He picked up. “What?”

“Sir..” the voice on the other end was cautious, “ma’am just got into a black Mercedes. She’s not alone, there’s a man with her.”

Devraj’s face darkened instantly. Every muscle in his body stiffened, and his breath came slow.

He could almost hear his pulse pounding in his ears.

His grip on the armrest turned his knuckles white.

“Follow them..” he said, his tone suddenly now cold.

“Yes, sir.”

He ended the call and sat still, the quiet of the room pressing in around him. His jaw worked as he stared ahead, his mind a storm.

That small smile from moments ago was gone, replaced by something darker, possessive… and growing stronger.

Kunal.

She went out with Kunal.

Devraj’s hand stilled on his lap, his chest tightening as if something sharp had lodged itself inside.

She should’ve been here. With me.

He drew a slow, trembling breath, but it didn’t help. His pulse was already quickening, anger simmering beneath his skin.

His mother had told her not to come, And now she was out, laughing, spending her time with him.

His jaw locked. His hand clenched around the phone.

He unlocked his phone with a flick of his thumb and called her.

It rang once. Twice. Three times.

No answer.

He gritted his teeth, pressing the phone harder against his ear.

“Pick your phone, Ira.” he growled under his breath, his voice low and rough with restrained fury. The seconds stretched painfully long.

Still no answer.

He exhaled sharply, his knuckles whitening. “Please…” he whispered, barely audible, a plea that sounded more like a confession than a demand.

He called again.

And this time...she picked.

“Hello..” her soft voice came through the line.

The sound hit him like a jolt. His heartbeat spiked, his breath caught in his throat. For a moment, he didn’t know what to say. His mouth went dry, and the only word that escaped was hoarse, broken..

“Ira…”

Meanwhile, Ira had just stepped out of Kunal’s car. She frowned slightly, surprised to see her boss’s number on the screen. The same number he had used to text her previously.

“Sir?” she said, confusion threading her tone.

Kunal, who had locked the car, noticed the call and walked closer, his brow creased.

He reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together. She gave him a small smile as she picked the call..

“Where are you?” he asked, his voice flat but heavy, his control hanging by a thread.

“Um… I went out, sir.” she replied, hesitating.

“Ira, come on, let’s go,” Kunal’s voice came in, casual, warm, too close.

Devraj’s jaw flexed hard when he heard. He wanted to snap. To demand she come back now.

To remind her that she was his caregiver, that she belonged by his side.

But before he could say another word...

“Um, sir, I’ll call you back..” Ira said quickly and ended the call.

“Ira! wait! Ira!” His voice came out rough, desperate.

The call ended. Silence.

He stared at the screen, disbelief turning into something darker. The sudden pain in his chest twisted into rage.

He threw the phone across the room, it shattered against the marble floor with a loud crack.

“Why?” he muttered, his breathing uneven. “She doesn’t care. I was… so stupid. Stupid Woman!”

He pressed a trembling hand to his forehead, but it didn’t stop the pounding in his skull.

His chest rose and fell in fast, ragged breaths as the ache in his heart grew heavier, consuming him whole.

The thought of her with Kunal. smiling, touching his hand, was enough to make his stomach twist.

He leaned back in his chair, eyes closing, jaw tightening until it ached.

“She cares about him too..” he whispered bitterly. “Why him?”

His body trembled. He was losing control again, and this time, the darkness inside him wasn’t listening to reason.

~???~

“Ira!” Mrs. Mehra’s face lit up the moment she spotted her stepping in with Kunal.

Ira smiled warmly and bent to touch her feet.

“Bless you, beta.” The older woman’s expression softened, but only for Ira. When her gaze shifted to Kunal, it hardened instantly.

“And you..” she said, folding her arms. “Why are you here? Don’t you have work to do?”

Kunal scratched the back of his neck, grinning sheepishly. “I, uh… just thought I’d bring Ira here.”

Mrs. Mehra’s brows arched. “Well, now that she’s here with me, you can go.” She slipped her arm around Ira’s shoulder possessively.

“B-but, Ma– I don’t have anything urgent at work.” Kunal stammered. “I can stay–”

“Go back.” she interrupted sharply, her tone dropping low, “or I’ll make sure Ira stops visiting you altogether.”

Kunal froze. “That’s not fair. She is mine, i brought her here.” he muttered, his voice almost a whisper.

“I heard that!”

“Ah, no, nothing! I’m going!” He quickly raised his hands in surrender, but not before glancing at Ira, his eyes softening. “Take care, okay?”

Ira smiled gently. “I will.”

Before he could say another word, Mrs. Mehra tugged Ira closer, her mood switching instantly from strict to sweet.

“Oh, thank God you came today.” she sighed dramatically. “I was beginning to think you were avoiding me… probably because of my ridiculous son.”

“Ma!” Kunal groaned, his face twisting in mock despair as Ira giggled behind her hand.

“Don’t you ma me. You’re still here?” she snapped, glaring at him again.

“I‐I’m going!” he said quickly.

But before he could take a step, Ira turned to her. “Why not let him stay, Aunty? He doesn’t seem to have much to do at work today.”

Mrs. Mehra’s stern expression melted instantly. “How many times must I tell you, call me Ma.” she said, her smile returning. “Fine, he can stay. Now come, I have so much to show you!”

And just like that, she whisked Ira away into the house, leaving Kunal standing there, shoulders slumped.

He groaned under his breath. “That’s exactly why I didn’t want her to come. She always takes Ira away…”

“What was that?” Mrs. Mehra’s voice boomed from inside.

Kunal jumped. “Ah–n..nothing, Ma! Nothing at all!”

He sighed, defeated, as the faint sound of Ira’s laughter drifted down the hall, soft, warm, and he smiled.