25
Chapter 25
Before Me
"You were dating?"
Kabir looked genuinely shocked.
As if he'd just uncovered a national conspiracy.
Anaya pressed her lips together.
Aarav looked suspiciously close to laughing.
Neither reaction helped.
The little boy pointed accusingly at the photograph.
"You never told me."
Anaya blinked.
"Sweetheart, there wasn't exactly a good time."
"Yesterday would've been nice."
Aarav finally lost the battle and laughed.
A real laugh.
The kind that had become rare over the years.
Kabir immediately turned toward him.
"You knew?"
"Considering I was there, yes."
The answer earned him a dramatic gasp.
Clearly, Kabir had inherited his mother's talent for being dramatic.
---
Eventually, the broken frame was cleaned up and the crisis was resolved.
At least according to everyone except Kabir.
The child was still processing the revelation.
For the next hour, he asked questions.
Many questions.
Far too many questions.
"Who liked who first?"
Anaya nearly dropped her glass of water.
Aarav looked delighted.
Absolutely delighted.
Traitor.
"I don't think that's important."
"It is."
Kabir looked at Aarav.
"Dad?"
The word still caught both adults off guard.
Aarav's expression softened instantly.
"Your mum liked me first."
Anaya stared.
The audacity.
"The liar is speaking."
Kabir looked between them.
Trying to determine which parent was telling the truth.
Unfortunately, both seemed equally confident.
The mystery remained unsolved.
---
Later that evening, Aarav reluctantly left.
Work couldn't be ignored forever.
Even if part of him wanted to stay.
The moment he stepped outside, his expression changed.
The warmth disappeared.
The businessman returned.
His phone was already ringing.
Vikram.
"What happened?"
"We found something."
Aarav immediately became serious.
"What?"
"The man who threatened Anaya five years ago."
His heartbeat quickened.
For weeks he'd been chasing answers.
Now one was finally within reach.
"Talk."
"We found evidence linking him to Rhea."
The silence that followed was dangerous.
Very dangerous.
Because that changed everything.
"What kind of evidence?"
"A financial trail."
Aarav's jaw tightened.
"So she was involved."
"Looks that way."
A cold anger settled in his chest.
Because if this was true...
Then Rhea hadn't merely exposed the secret.
She had helped create it.
---
Back at the apartment, Anaya was helping Kabir get ready for bed.
The little boy seemed happier than she'd seen him in years.
That should have made her feel relieved.
Instead, it made her nervous.
Because happiness felt fragile.
Especially lately.
"Mumma?"
"Yes?"
"Are you happy?"
The question caught her off guard.
A lot of questions seemed to be doing that recently.
"Why?"
Kabir shrugged.
"You smile more now."
Anaya froze.
Then smiled softly.
Children noticed everything.
Even things adults tried to hide.
"Maybe."
Kabir nodded.
Apparently satisfied.
Then he climbed into bed.
Before she could leave, he spoke again.
"I like having a dad."
The simple statement nearly broke her heart.
Because he sounded so certain.
So happy.
As if something missing had finally been returned.
Anaya kissed his forehead.
Then quietly left the room.
---
The next morning, Anaya arrived at work to find chaos.
Everyone was rushing around.
The gala was tomorrow.
Final checks were underway.
Decorations.
Guest confirmations.
Security.
Everything had to be perfect.
By noon, she was exhausted.
By three, she wanted a vacation.
By five, she wanted a new life.
Preferably somewhere quiet.
Unfortunately, life had other plans.
A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Miss Mehra."
She looked up.
One of the hotel employees stood nearby.
"Yes?"
"There's someone asking for you."
A strange feeling settled in her stomach.
"Who?"
The employee hesitated.
Then pointed toward the lobby.
Anaya followed his gaze.
And froze.
Rhea.
Standing near the entrance.
Waiting.
Smiling.
Like a spider waiting for its prey.
The sight immediately put her on edge.
"What does she want now?"
Unfortunately, she was about to find out.
---
Rhea looked pleased when Anaya approached.
A reaction that immediately made Anaya suspicious.
"What do you want?"
Straight to the point.
No patience left.
Rhea laughed softly.
"I heard the truth finally came out."
Of course she had.
People like Rhea always knew things.
"Are you happy now?"
The question was sharper than intended.
Rhea tilted her head.
"Not yet."
The answer sent a chill down Anaya's spine.
Because it sounded honest.
And that was the frightening part.
"What does that mean?"
Rhea's smile widened slightly.
Then she leaned closer.
Just enough for only Anaya to hear.
"It means you've only lost your secret."
Her voice dropped lower.
"You haven't lost everything yet."
The threat hung between them.
Clear.
Deliberate.
And terrifying.
Before Anaya could respond, Rhea stepped back.
The pleasant smile returned instantly.
As if nothing had happened.
Then she walked away.
Leaving Anaya standing there.
Frozen.
Because deep down...
She knew Rhea wasn't bluffing.
And whatever came next was going to be far worse than the truth coming out.
To be continued...