Chapter 5: The Final Settlement

When I woke, the world was white and silent. Three days had passed, I learned later. The faint scent of Dettol lingered in the hospital air. The first face I saw was Arvind, eyes bloodshot with sleeplessness.

“Shalini, how are you?” His voice was soft, as if he truly cared. He pressed a glass of water to my lips, the touch strangely gentle.

For a moment, I felt the old ache in my heart—then remembered everything. My face grew cold.

Arvind drew out a folded handkerchief, opening it to reveal the shattered ruby-gold bangle. The stones glinted in the light, mocking me.

“Teacher Lata said she wanted to return it to you, but when you pushed her, the bangle broke. In the end, you went too far!”

The unfairness of it all hit me. My fingers trembled as I gathered the pieces, tears stinging my eyes. I remembered my mother’s voice as she fastened the bangle on my wedding day—her hope that I would find happiness. Now, even that was broken.

Arvind pressed his lips together, his expression unreadable. He told the maids to care for me and left, his steps echoing in the corridor.

Nisha came in, her face lined with worry. She set down a flask of homemade dal, which I left untouched. “Madam, the master personally cared for you these days, day and night. He is attentive!”

I lowered my eyes. Perhaps he was guilty for not saving me. I gave a bitter smile, wrapping the handkerchief around the broken bangle.

“Are all the maid contracts counted?” I asked, trying to focus on something practical.

“There are seventy-nine left in the house after all these years, all loyal to the old madam.”

I nodded, coughing softly, the pain in my chest reminding me of my new reality.

Later, Ishaan and Meera came, their faces pale, eyes wide.

“Mummy, you finally woke up!”

“Mummy, mummy, I won’t argue with you anymore!”

I stroked their faces gently, the warmth of their skin almost enough to melt my resolve. Almost.

Nisha, sensing my weakness, shooed them out. “Master Ishaan, Miss Meera, go out. Madam needs to rest.”

That night, Arvind came again, the shadows deep on his face. “Shalini, that day I jumped in to save Lata—everyone saw. I have decided to give her a title.”

I sat upright, my face blank.

Arvind’s tone turned cold. “Who are you giving attitude to lately? If you want to blame someone, blame yourself! Why did you touch the children’s property—what are you doing?”

I met his eyes, my own gaze icy. “Then she won’t be a tutor anymore, right?”

Arvind stood abruptly. “Yes. From now on, you will call her badi didi. Just don’t be jealous or bully her!”

My lips curled in bitter amusement. “Since she is to be a second wife, she is family. The tuition I paid her was double; return half to me—just a few lakhs.”

He stared at me, then gestured angrily for a cheque. “Fine! Shalini, I will ask the court for a decree—Lata will become a legal wife!”

He stormed out, slamming the door. I watched his retreating back, feeling tears prick my eyes. My hand trembled as I handed the cheque to Nisha.

“Nisha, take this cheque and go buy a nice house.” My voice was quiet, almost defeated.