Later that evening, the golden hues of sunset dipped the Delhi skyline into a dusky glow. The city hummed beneath me as I stood on the balcony of my penthouse, the cool wind whipping strands of my hair around my face. The thank-you cards from the school still lay on my bed behind me — sweet, innocent relics from a day that had served a far more calculated purpose.
I poured myself a glass of wine and leaned against the railing.
Aryan's wife.
Anika.
Sweet. Charming. Naïve.
I couldn't deny it — there was a strange warmth about her. But that only made her a more perfect piece in this game. And now that she had agreed to go shopping with me on Sunday, I had the perfect opportunity to weave myself into her world.
I walked back inside, where Jenna was waiting near my lounge.
"The media's reacting positively. The articles are calling you 'The Angel of Education,'" she reported, placing her tablet on the coffee table.
"Good," I replied, taking a sip. "Let them worship the crown while I sharpen the sword."
"Do you want to see the next press layouts?"
"Later. First, tell me — any reaction from Aryan?"
Jenna nodded. "He saw the news. We tracked his IP — he watched the entire livestream of the event. Twice."
I smirked. "Twice? Guess I still have that effect."
Jenna hesitated for a second. "Ma'am... he might be trying to reach you soon. Should we block it, or—"
"Let him try. Let him burn. But not too close yet," I said, my voice steely. "Now get ready. Tomorrow we visit the charity wing and I want every camera rolling."
"Understood."
I paused and tilted my head slightly. "Jenna. We've been tracking Aryan and Anika closely... but what about the others?"
Jenna pursed her lips, adjusted her glasses. "Well... I've started a deep dig on Rhea. She's living in Mumbai now. She joined the Indian Air Force, Ma'am. High-ranking officer now."
My brows raised slowly, then I smiled — sharp and bitter. "She always said it was her dream. She made it come true... good. Now I'll make that dream her worst nightmare."
"And the others?"
"Meher and Sana... they're just commoners now. No big digital footprint. But I'm working through indirect trails — looking into old friends, photos, tagged posts. You said Aryan was the core, so we focused there."
I nodded, slowly. "Alright. Rhea's next, but let's keep eyes on all of them. Aryan first, the rest will follow."
The Next Day — Charity Hospital Wing
I stepped out of the car dressed in a sharp beige pantsuit, my diamond earrings glinting subtly. The hospital's charity wing had been underfunded for years. But today, cameras lined the entrance as my team set up banners announcing, "Aliza's Wellness Wing."
Doctors, patients, media — all gathered as I cut the ribbon.
I gave my speech flawlessly.
"This is not just about health. It's about hope. And every woman and child who walks through these doors will know they are not forgotten."
The applause thundered. Cameras flashed.
Just then, my phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
I knew who it was.
I handed the phone to Jenna without a word. "Trace it. Don't answer."
As we walked through the new wards, children smiled and waved. A few sick women reached out for a blessing. I touched their hands gently, hiding the storm brewing inside me.
Later That Night
Back home, I was applying lotion to my arms in my walk-in closet when Jenna knocked.
"Ma'am... the call was from Aryan. He's sent a message. Just a quote."
She handed me her phone.
"You look beautiful when you smile — just like back then."
My hand froze. I stared at the screen, heart thudding with rage.
Back then.
When I used to cry for him behind locked hostel doors.
When I begged him not to believe the lies.
When he walked away.
I grabbed Jenna's phone and deleted the message. "No more quotes. No more nostalgia. Tomorrow, start feeding small pieces of gossip about Aryan's failing marriage into the right circles. Nothing too harsh. Just enough to stir curiosity."
Jenna looked startled but nodded. "And Anika?"
I paused.
"Let her trust me. Let her think I'm her friend. That's how you get close to the roots before you burn the tree."
As Jenna turned to leave the room, I added sharply, "Wait. Call him back. Use the number. Tell him I want him in the Delhi office tomorrow. I'll discuss partnership sponsors and the next phase of the startup."
Jenna blinked. "Should I say anything else, Ma'am?"
"Yes," I said with a smirk, swirling my wine in its glass. "If he asks about me, tell him I'm asleep. And then tell him one more thing... say: 'She also said the Dussehra night was unforgettable, dear. Your first, mine magic.'"
Jenna gasped slightly at my words but nodded. "Yes, Ma'am."
As she left, I returned to my mirror, watching my own reflection flicker in the dim light.
"Let him come," I whispered. "Let him walk into the fire with a smile."