Next Day – Sanvi's POV
Sanvi's father had some urgent office work, which required him to travel out of town for two days. So, early that morning, her mother was busy preparing for his departure. On the other side, Sanvi and Aashvi stood quietly in a corner, watching their mother rush around the house in a flurry.
Papa (frustrated) – "What are you even doing for so long? Not even breakfast is ready yet! What'll you serve me if I miss my train?"
Mamma (trying to stay calm) – "Please relax! It's almost done, and we still have time. Don't rush me like that."
Papa – "Just give it to me already, I don't have time to spare."
Mamma – "Everything is packed properly, nothing is left behind…"
Papa (cutting her off) – "We've handled everything. Just make sure you keep an eye on these three. No fighting, no nonsense. They should focus on their studies. And most importantly—no one, I mean no one, should come into the house while I'm gone. Understand that."
Mamma (assuringly) – "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything. No one ever visits anyway. You just go in peace."
The moment their mother said that, both Sanvi and Aashvi turned to look at each other. Because they both knew the truth.
A few minutes later, their father left the house. As soon as the gate shut behind him, their mother went straight to her room, picked up her phone, dialed a number, and lay down comfortably on the bed, talking in a low, cheerful voice.
Sanvi couldn't take her eyes off her mother. A strange, sinking feeling settled in her chest. Her expression said it all—she could hardly believe what was happening right in front of her.
Sanvi (murmuring) – "Is she… seriously talking to that filthy man again?"
Aashvi (bitterly) – "When did she ever stop? That whole emotional drama she did in front of you that day was nothing but a lie. After you left, it only got worse. He started coming inside the house. She even locked the gate from inside so no one could know what was going on…"
Sanvi (angrily) – "And you're telling me now? Why didn't you say anything earlier? You could've at least called me!"
Aashvi – "Do you even know what it's been like since you left? This woman has been acting like a total witch. She doesn't trust me one bit—keeps checking my phone, always accusing me of talking to boys. She even snitched to Papa about me! Wouldn't even let me talk to you on the phone. And if I ever got a chance, she'd stand right in front of me and eavesdrop. Her own behavior is disgusting, and she dares to doubt me?"
Sanvi (disgusted) – "I don't even feel like calling her 'Mom' anymore. I feel sick just thinking about the things she's doing."
Sanvi (serious) – "But why haven't you told Papa anything yet?"
Aashvi (hesitant) – "How do I even start? Every time I try, Sonu Uncle shows up again with expensive stuff—gifts, chocolates… and then tells me not to say anything or else Papa will be mad at me. He says all these fake sweet things. I—I just don't have the courage anymore."
Sanvi (firm) – "Enough is enough. Once Papa comes back, I'm telling him everything. This needs to end. She's been fooling him for too long. She's a shame to the word 'mother'—no shame at all for what she's doing."
Aashvi (supportively) – "If you speak up, I'll back you up. But you start, okay?"
Sanvi – "Alright. I will."
Suddenly, the room's door burst open, and their mother stood there with fire in her eyes, staring right at them.
Mamma (furiously) – "What exactly were you two whispering about? Tell me."
Sanvi (quickly) – "Aashvi was just asking me a few questions about something she didn't understand. I was helping her."
Mamma (mockingly) – "Really? And I'm supposed to believe that? Do you think I'm stupid?"
Mamma (snapping) – "Right now, I want you both to study separately. No more chitchat. Aashvi, go to the other room and hand over your phone."
Aashvi (yelling) – "Why do you always have a problem with me? You're the one who stays on the phone all day! And when I use it for studying, that's a problem?"
With that, their mother slapped Aashvi across the face—hard.
Mamma (spitting rage) – "How dare you shout at me? Have you forgotten what shame even is?"
Aashvi stormed off to the other room, not saying a word, her cheeks burning red. Sanvi just sat there, shocked, her hands clenched tightly.
Sanvi (in her head) – Just two more days… and your time is over. Everything will come crashing down.
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12:00 AM – Midnight
Neither of the girls could sleep. They were sitting together, sketching random doodles when a sudden knock echoed from the gate. Both of them froze.
Sanvi (nervously) – "Who could that be at this hour?"
Aashvi (coldly) – "It's definitely Sonu Uncle. Who else comes at night?"
Sanvi looked towards her mother's room with pure disgust on her face.
Their mother instantly got up, plastered a sweet smile on her face, freshened up, fixed her hair, and went to open the door.
And there he was—Sonu Uncle—holding multiple gift bags, chocolates, and what looked like fancy shopping items.
Mamma (whispering) – "You really didn't need to bring so much again. We have to be careful or the neighbors will start talking. Come on, give it to me—I'll hide them before aaryan wakes up."
Sonu Uncle (chuckling) – "Don't worry. It's not a waste if it's for the right person."
Saying this, he walked straight into her room—and the door shut behind them.
Aashvi (gritting her teeth) – "I'm going to bed. I can't stand the sound of their fake laughter and disgusting flirtation. It makes my blood boil."
Sanvi (muttering) – "Laughter is still okay. Wait till you start hearing moans and 'Ahh… Aahh'."
Aashvi (shocked) – "Shut up! Don't say such things. Mom would never… not with another man."
Sanvi (coldly) – "At this point, who even knows what she's capable of?"
And without another word, both girls quietly retreated into their rooms—hearts heavy, minds boiling, and trust in their mother shattered beyond repair.
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