Chapter 27
As Manisha pulled into the parking lot at city hall, her phone beeped. Deena was just sending through more assurance that she was being pickier now, fully committed to the plan of finding someone at least worthy of a second date.
Manisha retrieved the folder containing the Chai Time legal documents from the trunk of her car and made her way into the municipal building.
Inside, the office was a bustling hive of activity.
Aunties and uncles moved about, a handful waiting in line to apply for permits or renew licences, while most stood in small groups, exchanging gossip in low voices.
Manisha was grateful she had taken care of the permits for Rohit’s business herself; the last thing she wanted was for him to be caught up in the whispers behind his back.
She kept her head down as she navigated through the crowd, her mind fixed on the task at hand.
The last thing she needed was another round of “When are you getting married?” or “Have you found a nice boy yet?” It seemed like every time she stepped foot in a room full of familiar faces, city hall or not, the same well-meaning but intrusive questions followed.
So she kept her pace quick and her attention on the folder in her hand, determined to avoid the social minefield.
As she walked past the counter for marriage licences, she froze. Beneath the large sign that read “Marriage Licences” stood the last person she ever expected to see: Lucky Kapoor—Rohit’s ex.
She had certainly matured since their high school days.
Now, she was the epitome of high fashion, dressed head-to-toe in designer labels.
She wore a Burberry trench coat draped over a silk blouse, paired with crisp, wide-legged trousers that accentuated her statuesque frame.
Manisha was simultaneously pleased and ashamed to realize that she recognized the blouse and trousers from Chanel’s latest collection.
Lucky’s accessories were just as impressive—an elegant Louis Vuitton bag…
but it wasn’t the chic purse Manisha would have expected.
Instead, it was a diaper bag, clearly packed with baby essentials.
Sparkling Cartier jewellery completed the look as did the sleek Prada heels that clicked against the floor with every confident step. Although Manisha couldn’t help but be impressed by Lucky’s impeccable style, for once her mother’s words rang true in her mind: stupid designers.
Manisha’s instinct was to slip away, but before she could, Lucky spotted her from across the room. With a smirk, she started heading straight toward her.
“Look who’s back in town—Manisha Patel!” Lucky’s voice rang out, a toothy smile plastered on her face as she neared.
“Lucky,” Manisha said, her voice tight with discomfort. “You’re back in town?”
“Yes, but not for long. This town reminds me of my challenging year,” Lucky replied, with a deep sigh, her words dripping with exaggerated sorrow.
Manisha wasn’t in the mood for Lucky’s lies. “I actually have to run. Swamped with work.”
Lucky’s eyes narrowed as she spotted the folder in Manisha’s hand. She moved closer, her curiosity piqued. “Rohit Khanna. What’s this about?” She grabbed the folder from Manisha, scanning the name on the cover.
“I’m just helping him with a few things,” Manisha replied, trying to keep her tone calm while she attempted to snatch the folder back.
Lucky didn’t care about boundaries. She flipped through the folder without asking. “What’s he up to now…?” she muttered.
“Sorry, I can’t discuss it. Client confidentiality,” Manisha said coldly, making increasingly more desperate grabs.
Lucky didn’t miss a beat. She threw the folder back at Manisha with a dismissive flick, shot her a withering glare, and sauntered away.
Gone was the supposedly wounded, heartbroken woman.
“You may want to keep an eye out, or he’ll betray you like he did me,” she called, her voice loud enough to catch everyone’s attention.
Manisha’s blood began to boil. Oh no she didn’t.
“Lucky, that’s not how it happened,” Manisha shot back, her voice sharp.
Lucky spun around, eyes narrowing. “What was that?”
The aunties, who had been chatting nearby, paused their conversations and turned their heads, intrigued.
Without missing a beat, Manisha fired back, “I said, that’s not what happened. You’re lying.”
Lucky took a few steps closer, her voice growing louder. “How dare you? You have no idea what you’re talking about,” she sneered.
Manisha squared her shoulders, standing tall. “Yes, I do. Stop lying, Lucky. Rohit didn’t do anything to you. He’s the one paying the price for your lies.” Manisha paused, glancing at the aunties.
“You’re the one who left. You’re the one who cheated on him.”
Lucky’s face went red. “That’s not what…err…happened!” she stammered, clearly rattled.
“Then tell us all what happened.” Manisha gestured to the crowd now listening intently. “Let’s hear it.”
“Shut up, Manisha!” Lucky snapped, clearly losing her cool.
“I think it’s time you shut up, Lucky,” Manisha shot back, her voice low and dangerous. “If I ever hear you or your family put down Rohit or the Khannas again, so help me God…”
Manisha noticed a faint gasp from one of the aunties, clearly shocked by her boldness.
Lucky scoffed, crossing her arms. “Let me guess,” she said with a smirk. “You’re his new…what? His little sidekick? His resident protector, here to fight his battles for him?”
Manisha steadied her breathing, calming herself so she wouldn’t erupt. She wasn’t about to lose her cool like she had with Oliver—not this time. She had learned from that mistake.
“Rohit’s a friend of mine,” she said, keeping her voice even. “He’s a good guy and he actually cares about this community. You, you don’t care about anyone but yourself. The way you treated him, especially when his mother was dying, is unforgivable.”
Lucky rolled her eyes. “He’s clearly filled your head with all kinds of stories.”
“No, Lucky,” Manisha replied firmly. “He was honest with me. You’re the one spreading lies. And you get to walk away while his reputation here is dragged through the mud. He genuinely cares about this town, and it’s about time everyone here knows that you made everything up.”
Lucky laughed bitterly. “I’m out of here. I never liked this town anyway.”
Manisha gave a pointed smile. “Goodbye, and good riddance.” She turned to walk away, ready to finish the paperwork and escape the chaos.
But as she spun around, she took in the full effect of the room full of stunned aunties and uncles, their eyes wide. Whispers were already starting.
Manisha ignored them as she joined the lineup for permits.
The security guard standing nearby raised an eyebrow. “Not too shabby,” he said, his tone dry but amused. “You know, if you’re interested, we’re hiring.”
Manisha snickered. “Thanks, but I think I’ve had enough drama for at least a year.”