Back in the Game
Sonia (Priya) was not wasting any time. She had already interviewed with Lumina Jewels, a prominent international brand company in Mumbai, for the Senior Head of Jewellery Design position. Her exceptional skills and confidence secured the job easily, and she started work soon after returning to India.
Four months later, Sonia attended Aarav's successful album launch party. The grand event was held at the Taj Lands End hotel, attracting superstars and Bombay's elite. Sonia, Ishani, and Rhea were getting ready in a luxurious suite room, preparing for the big celebration.
Sonia and her friends descended to the event hall, where she focused solely on celebrating with her friends, unaware of the powerful entry that was about to take place.
Abhay's Shocking Discovery
Abhay Oberoi entered the event, instantly commanding attention. He was discussing business with several prominent figures, his secretary, Rajat, trailing him.
Abhay abruptly froze. His eyes landed on a woman across the room. She was breathtaking in a royal blue bodycon gown. It was Sonia.
Abhay was initially convinced it was an illusion. For the past six years, he had missed his wife Sonia terribly, working relentlessly to distract himself from the grief of pushing her away. He had suffered silently for ignoring her desperate calls years ago. What had surprised him recently was the complete silence from Sonia for the last six months—she wasn't calling or picking up calls from anyone, including her brothers. Rajat had managed to get an update from Dr. Charles: "She needs to focus on health and education," which Abhay took as confirmation that Sonia was hurt or angry at their collective neglect.
Rajat, who had also spotted Sonia, whispered urgently into Abhay's ear, "Abhay Sir, Sonia is at the event."
Abhay's composure shattered. "You can see Sonia? So she is here. But how? She was supposed to be in Switzerland! What is she doing here?" he demanded, his voice low with fury and shock. "Search everywhere and find out why our bodyguards didn't inform me!" He was furious that his security detail was unaware of his wife's return.
Rajat quickly moved to a corner, making urgent, hushed calls to gather intelligence on Sonia's movements.
The Cold Glance
Across the crowded room, Sonia felt the intense sensation of being watched. She slowly turned her head and met Abhay's gaze. He was standing motionless, staring at her with an intensity she had never seen before.
Sonia felt nothing. She allowed her eyes to linger on him for a beat, registered his presence, and then calmly ignored him, turning back to her friends and continuing her conversation.
Priya, in Sonia's mind, recognized the painful irony: if the real Sonia were there, she would have run across the room and thrown herself into Abhay's arms. But that childlike innocence was gone.
Abhay watched, his heart sinking with a sharp, physical pain. Sonia was not running to him. She was acting as if he weren't even there. His love, his wife, was deliberately ignoring him, confirming the depth of her anger and hurt.
Feeling drained and wanting to escape the emotional tension, Sonia quietly signaled her friends, and they left the event hall for the suite they had booked. Abhay watched them leave and immediately followed, seeing her enter a suite room. Without hesitation, he booked the suite immediately next door to hers.