Chapter 57

Ghosts That No Longer Matter

The music was loud, the lights golden, laughter floating in the air — but when stepped forward, the temperature around dropped.

“Hello… ex-husband,” she smirked. “Or should I say, business partner?”

Veeresh didn’t even turn fully toward her.

He simply lifted his whisky glass and took a slow sip.

Silence from him was more insulting than anger.

Poornima stood beside him and watched carefully.

She understood instantly who this woman was.

The past.

A wound.

A betrayal with a face.

“Go enjoy the party,” Veeresh said calmly. “Don’t disturb my present.”

Ridhima laughed lightly. “It’s amusing to see you pretend you’re fine. I heard you married your rival’s wife. Interesting choice.”

Her eyes shifted to Poornima.

“So you’re the new wife,” she said, scanning her. “Tell me… what happens when you leave him too? Or cheat him? Just like I did.”

Poornima felt the insult, but she didn’t react.

Ridhima leaned closer, voice dripping poison.

“I heard police came tonight to arrest you. Looks like trouble follows him everywhere. And you… escaped.”

Then she turned back to Veeresh.

“Nobody will love you. Nobody stays with you.”

For a second, the old pain flickered in his eyes.

But only for a second.

Then he smiled.

Not broken.

Not hurt.

Unbothered.

“You overestimate your importance,” he said softly. “I don’t even acknowledge your existence.”

The words were not loud.

But they were final.

He placed his arm around Poornima’s shoulder, pulling her closer.

“My wife doesn’t need to prove anything to you,” he added. “And unlike you, she knows loyalty.”

Ridhima’s smile faltered.

Because this time, he wasn’t reacting.

He wasn’t wounded.

He wasn’t angry.

He was indifferent.

And indifference hurts more than hatred.

Poornima didn’t speak either.

She just stood beside him — steady, dignified, unshaken.

Ridhima realised something then.

She was no longer the storm in his life.

She was just noise.

And noise fades.

One line:
Jo kabhi uska dard thi… aaj sirf ek bekaar si yaad reh gayi.