30. Gala
“You’re way too calm about this,” I said, studying her face carefully. There wasn’t a trace of guilt, disappointment or sadness on it.
Did she actually enjoy it?
She shrugged lightly. “What do you want me to do? Cry? It happened. We were both there. We both wanted it.”
No shame.No regret.
Just bold confidence.
We both wanted this?
For a second, a small ray of hope sparked inside me. If she admitted that… maybe there was something more.
“Was it…” I cleared my throat, suddenly awkward. “Was it at least… good?”
Her lips curved slowly.
“Oh,” she dragged the word deliberately, “it was very good.”
My ego straightened before I could control it.
“Really?”
She nodded seriously. “Very.”
Then she crooked her finger at me. I moved closer and sat beside her on the bed. “If you’re that worried,” she said casually, “I can even pay you for last night. For your service, you know… you actually satisfied me.”
The smile that had just formed on my lips disappeared instantly.
“You want to pay me because I slept with you?”
“Yes,” she said thoughtfully. “I believe in gender equality. Reverse situation. Modern society, you know.”
I pulled back, disappointment washing over me.
“So what happened last night was just a one-night stand?” I asked. “No feelings?”
“Of course, Mr. Raizaada.” She wrapped the comforter tighter around herself. “We were drunk. It was just lust. Like any other one-night stand. I’ll be leaving soon anyway.”
She held my gaze while saying it. I felt stupid for even imagining a future for us.
“If it wasn’t me,” I asked, my voice tightening, “and someone else had been here… you would’ve done the same?”
She hesitated for half a second, then nodded.
“Umm… yes. I was drunk. Lust took over. If it had been someone else, I would’ve still called it a one-night stand and walked away like this.”
My fists clenched at my sides.
Just hearing those words hurt more than I expected. How could she even think like that?
How could she reduce what happened between us to something so replaceable?
I was angry at myself more than anyone else.
Why did I even drink?
I let my guard down. I let my control slip. And now I was sitting here, trying to figure out whether last night meant anything… or if I was just a body she used to quiet her desire.
The thought burned.
I felt disappointed and satisfied at the same time, a twisted mix that made no sense.
Disappointed because of her words. Each sentence she spoke felt like a quiet dagger sliding into my chest. She knew I loved her. She knew what she meant to me. And yet she spoke like none of it mattered. Like I was just… convenient.
And maybe that was the truth.
Maybe she really didn’t care.
But at the same time, there was a selfish relief inside me.
It was me.
Whatever happened last night, whatever she called it, it was me she was with. I couldn’t even imagine someone else in my place. The thought alone made something dark twist inside me.
So yes, it hurts.
I stood up and pulled my shirt on, buttoning it without looking at her even once.
Distance. That’s what I needed.
“Get ready. A car will pick you up in an hour and drop you at the mansion,” I said flatly, already turning toward the door.
“Wait… where are you going?” she asked.
The tone. Like she had a right to ask.
“It’s none of your business,” I replied without turning back.
I reached for the handle and twisted it.
Locked. Of course.
I exhaled sharply and slid my hand into my pocket, pulling out the key. Right. I took it out last night.
Precaution.
Irony laughed in my face.
I unlocked the door slowly, my jaw tight, my mind still replaying her words.
One night stand.
No feelings. Just lust. Anyone else. Each phrase echoed like an insult.
Control yourself Yugant!
I didn’t look back at her. If I did, I wasn’t sure I’d leave.
As I came downstairs and slid into my car, I drove straight to the office.
The Grand Aurum Gala Exhibition is tomorrow.
And I’ve already fucked myself and head enough to lose focus on everything else.
This is not the time to spiral. I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, jaw locked, eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Next day.
T
oday is the Gala. The day Yugant has been waiting for years.
He didn’t come home yesterday. Not even at night. I didn’t call him either. Why would I?
It’s not like I care.…Or maybe I do. Just a little. As a decent human being.
Daadi and Daadu were talking in the living room in the evening. They said he was busy with the final preparations. Of course Gala matters more than anything else in his life right now.
I didn’t sleep the whole night. Not because of what happened. But because of what might happen today.
Bhai
Gala.
Yugant.
Everything feels like it’s balancing on a thin thread.
Morning came too fast.
I wore a simple suit, tied my hair back neatly, and decided to go to the temple.
I’m not someone who blindly believes in God. Nothing in my life has been smooth enough to build that kind of faith. But today… I needed something bigger than me to handle what I cannot.
So I went.
The temple was calm, filled with the soft scent of incense and fresh marigold flowers. Bells echoed lightly in the background.
I bought a pooja thali from outside — along with a few other essentials and a box of sweets. I stepped forward and handed the offerings to the priest.
“Pandit ji,” I said softly, “please do a special prayer for two people.”
He looked up. “Names?”
“Samarth Rathore,” I replied first without hesitation. “And… Yugant Raizaada.” his name felt weird on my lips. “Pray for their success,” I added quietly. “For justice… and victory.”
The priest nodded and began chanting mantras.
I stood there with my eyes closed.nI prayed for my brother to return safely and for Yugant… to win today.
Not because I love him. Just because I don’t want to be the reason he loses. I troubled him too much in the last three months.
He deserves his win.
And I deserve my brother back.
That’s all.
I folded my hands tighter.
Please let today end well.
As the aarti continued, I heard a familiar voice behind me.
“Today is my daughter’s birthday,” a woman said softly to the priest. “Please do a special puja for her long life and happiness. May she always stay safe.”
My breath hitched. Goosebumps spread across my arms.
That voice.
It couldn’t be. Slowly… I opened my eyes and looked at my side.
I turned my head slowly.
My throat went dry.
The world around me blurred as memories crashed into me all at once. My heartbeat started pounding so loudly I could hear it in my ears.
No.
She can’t be here.
She can’t.
I quickly pulled my dupatta higher with my trembling hands, covering half my face properly, lowering my head so she wouldn’t see me.
“What's your daughter’s name?” the priest asked gently.
“Dhwani…Dhwani Ranawat,” the woman replied.
My knees almost gave up.
The sound of my own name from her mouth after years. I shut my eyes tightly as tears slipped down the corners of them.
The priest continued, “Parents’ names?”
There was a brief pause.
“Mother - Mrinalini Ranawat,” she said softly.
“And father - Udayveer Ranawat.”
My chest tightened painfully. Hearing their names together like that…after years.
My fingers trembled as I clutched the edge of my dupatta.
She was my Mother, Mrinalini Udayveer Ranawat.
“ Mumma, let's go. I am hungry.” I heard a childish voice. I tilted my head and found a girl standing beside my mother, not more than 7- 8 years old.
“She called Mumma? Did they move on from me? They have another daughter now? Did they replace me with another child?”
My lips parted in shock, but I stayed silent.
People say the world is too big. That once you lose someone, you never really cross paths again but here I was.
Standing just a few steps away from the woman who gave birth to me and now has another child who replaced me. The woman who once chose law over her own daughter. The woman who didn’t believe me when I screamed that I hadn’t committed any crime.
My heart ached in a way that never truly healed.
The priest completed my pooja and turned toward me, extending the prasad.
“Beta, take this. May your wishes come true,” he said gently.
I blinked, realizing he was talking to me.
My hands moved forward automatically. They were trembling so badly that the flowers almost slipped from my fingers.
“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice barely steady.
I didn’t dare look at her again. If I did, I knew I would break. So I turned and walked away.
Without looking back. Because if she saw my face… I don’t know what would hurt more her recognition, or her indifference.
Coming outside, I dropped some money into the donation box and walked toward the gate. My hands were still shaking when I booked a cab.
The ride felt longer than it actually was. Today I officially turned twenty-four.
Twenty-four.
And she still remembered.
She went to the temple to pray for me. For my long life. For my happiness.
My chest felt tight again.
Was that real?
Or was that also a performance?
Was she doing it for herself… or to show Dad that she still cares? To prove she’s a good mother who prays for her missing daughter every year?
I hate that my first instinct is doubt. But that’s what betrayal does.
It rewires you.
I rested my head against the window, watching the city blur past.
If she really cared… Why didn’t she listen that day?
Why didn’t she stand beside me when I needed her the most?
The cab stopped outside the mansion. I paid and stepped out slowly. I feel like that little girl again who was still waiting for her mother to believe her, but she didn't.
I wiped my face, making sure there was no trace left of the tears.
No swollen eyes.
No trembling lips.
Nothing.
I don’t want to remember any of it. I just need Samarth Bhai back.
That’s it.
If he comes back tonight, everything will fall into place. I can leave this mansion. Leave this city. Leave this mess of emotions that keeps pulling me back into places I swore I’d never return to.
I hate this city.
It keeps giving me people I’m trying to forget. I took a deep breath and stepped inside the mansion, forcing my face into its usual calm expression.
Just a few more hours, one more night. Then I’m gone.
As I entered the living room, I froze. Everyone was already there.
Not just Daadi, Dadu, and Dhrithika — but a few unfamiliar faces too. They were sitting comfortably, laughing, having snacks like this was some grand family gathering.
An elderly foreign man and a young girl, maybe his daughter. Then another couple with a little girl sitting on the man’s lap.
Who are these people? What is happening today?
“Who is she?” That American woman asked as she looked at me from.head to toe, her accent sharp and clear. All eyes turned toward me.
Not just theirs, even Daadi, Dadu, and Dhrithika looked at me like I was suddenly out of place.
“She is… a guest,” Daadi answered smoothly. “Sister of Yugant’s close friend.”
Guest?
She didn't say Yugant’s wife? Or a revenge wife or anything.
I raised a brow but said nothing.
“But why is she here?” the man asked, his tone firm.
“Adhvait,” Daadi said carefully, “she’s Yugant’s close friend’s sister. She’ll leave in a day or two.”
Her words were precise. Measured. Like she didn’t want this topic stretched.
“Yes, bhaiya… don’t worry,” Dhrithika added quickly. “You should rest. Gala is tonight.”
“Yes, yes,” Dadu said, standing up. “Come, we’ll show you your rooms.”
“I know my room, Dadu,” that man Adhvait replied. “You should take care of Mr. Kingsley and his daughter. They are more important.”
Adhvait stood up, lifting his little daughter into his arms. The woman beside him, probably his wife, followed. Dadu escorted the American guests upstairs.
The living room slowly emptied. I turned toward Dhrithika.
“Who are they?”
She hesitated for a second. “Adhvait is my and Yugant bhaiya’s elder brother,” she said quietly. “He lives in America. Settled there. Came for the Gala with his wife and daughter.”
Elder brother?
“And the other two?”
She swallowed slightly. “Important guests. That’s all.” Then she quickly added, “You should rest. Bhaiya sent dresses for both of us. I placed yours in your room.”
Yugant sent a dress for me?
“Your brother came back?” I asked instantly.
“No,” she replied. “Bhaiya didn’t come home. He’ll meet us directly at the Gala.”
I nodded slowly and moved toward the stairs.
He didn’t come home.
Did he even find Samarth Bhai?
And why are people suddenly appearing?
Why is Yugant’s family arriving like installments in EMI?
He has such a big family… yet he was living alone in this huge mansion? What exactly is going on in his life?
I shook my head. My life is already a mess. People with messy lives shouldn’t get involved in other people’s mess.
I entered my room and closed the door behind me. Then I saw it, A black gown laid carefully on the bed.
It was stunning.
A sleek, floor-length black sequined skirt that flowed smoothly down in a soft mermaid cut.
The top was a matching black halter-neck blouse, high at the neckline, heavily embellished with subtle shimmer that caught the light beautifully.
The back was open and elegant, giving it a bold yet graceful look.
A sheer black drape was attached, flowing from the arms like delicate chiffon sleeves.
My fingers brushed over the fabric slowly. Why did he send this for me?
I pulled out my phone from my trouser pocket, and dialled his number.
It kept ringing but he didn't pick it up.
I tried a few times, but he didn't pick it up again.
Exhaling, I sat on bed and Dialled Ishaan’s number. It was off again. Does it mean he is still in Dubai?
It's 12:00 pm already. I just hope everything goes well tonight.
?
I spent the whole day wandering around the mansion like a restless ghost.
I couldn’t sit in one place. I couldn’t read. I couldn’t paint. I couldn’t even scroll through my phone properly. My mind kept running in circles.
I have never felt a day stretch this long in my life.
Every minute felt like an hour. But eventually, even the longest days pass. When the clock struck six, Dhrithika knocked and walked into my room with a soft smile.
“Ready?” she asked.
She showed me her dress first — a beautiful black gown.
So black was the theme.
Of course it was. Classic. Powerful. Just like Yugant’s brand.
We didn’t talk much about it. We just changed.
She straightened my hair, leaving it open with a neat center partition. I did the same for her. My hair didn’t take much time — it’s medium length, not very heavy. Easy to manage. I actually like it that way. Long hair looks beautiful, but I know I wouldn’t have the patience to handle it.
Hers, though, were thick and slightly stubborn. It took more effort, but we managed.
Then I helped her with her makeup — soft glam, nothing over the top. We laughed a little when her eyeliner wing didn’t match on both sides.
By 7:30, we were ready. But something felt off. She didn’t call me Bhabhi even once.
She used to call me that even when I asked her not to.
But today? Only “Dhwani.” My name. Plain. Distant. I’m not complaining. But hearing my name from her lips felt strange. Unfamiliar. Like something had shifted..Like a line had quietly been drawn. And suddenly, that restless feeling in my chest returned.
Something is coming.
I don’t know what.
But something is definitely coming.
After getting ready, we walked downstairs together. The mansion felt unusually quiet.
Only Daadi and Dadu were in the living room.
No sign of Adhvait and his family.
No sign of the American guests.
It was like they had disappeared. I didn’t question it. Maybe they had already left for the venue.
We stepped outside and slid into the car. The engine started smoothly, and the mansion slowly faded behind us as we drove toward the Gala venue.
The sky was darkening, city lights beginning to glow.
My heart wouldn’t calm down. On the way, I tried calling Ishaan again, one last time. The call connected.
It rang.
And rang.
And rang.
But he didn’t pick up.
At least it connected, that means he is back.
I closed my eyes and leaned back against the seat.
“God,” I whispered under my breath, staring out the window, “I don’t trust you with my life… but please keep Bhai safe…… and make Yugant win tonight.”
My fingers tightened in my lap. I don’t know why I added that second part. Maybe because no matter how much I pretend, I don’t want to see him lose.