Chapter 52 — Her Decision

At the Qureshi mansion, Ritika was busy arranging everything for Rishi's school the next morning.

She checked his uniform, books, notebooks, pencil box and water bottle twice.

Ritika: Everything is ready.

Rishi smiled.

Rishi: Tomorrow is my school, Mumma!

Ritika: Yes, beta. So sleep early tonight.

Later, Ritika quietly looked at the application she had completed.

After thinking about Rehnaa's words, she had finally taken a step.

She had applied to IIT Delhi for a professor position.

She knew it would be difficult to return to teaching after so many years.

But she wanted to try.

A little later, Arnav returned home.

He went directly upstairs, freshened up and changed.

When he came out, Rishi ran toward him.

Rishi: Baba!

Arnav smiled.

Arnav: Hmm, champ?

Rishi: Tomorrow my school starts!

Arnav: I know.

Rishi: Will you drop me?

Arnav: Yes. I'll drop you.

Rishi's face immediately lit up.

Rishi: Really?

Arnav: Really.

Rishi hugged him.

Arnav: Now come. Let's have dinner.

They went downstairs together.

Everyone was already seated at the dining table.

The family had dinner together, talking about Rishi's school and his preparations for the next morning.

After dinner, everyone gradually went to their rooms.

Later that night, Arnav and Ritika went upstairs.

Ritika stood quietly for a moment before speaking.

Ritika: Arnav...

Arnav: Hmm?

Ritika: I wanted to tell you something.

He looked at her.

Ritika: I applied for a job at IIT Delhi.

Arnav's expression immediately changed.

He became silent for a moment.

Arnav: No.

Ritika looked at him in surprise.

Ritika: What?

Arnav: You're not going.

Ritika: Arnav, I—

Arnav interrupted.

Arnav: I said no.

Ritika stared at him.

Arnav knew about her past and everything she had gone through. His reaction came immediately, without allowing himself to think.

Ritika: But I want to—

Arnav: If you want to go against me, you can.

His voice was cold.

He turned away.

Ritika stood there silently.

Arnav walked toward the balcony, took out a cigarette and lit it.

He stood there smoking, his back toward her.

Ritika remained in the room, looking at him.

She had expected him to ask why she wanted to return to teaching.

She had expected him to at least listen.

Instead, his answer had come immediately.

No.

And for the first time since their marriage, Ritika wondered whether Arnav's acceptance of her also meant accepting the woman she wanted to become again.