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“It’s been a disgrace to have your last name attached to mine all these years. I didn’t want anything from a man who couldn’t stand up for his secret relationship with my mother. All I have ever loved and cared about is Mom. You never meant anything to me, and despite being the reason for my birth, I will never allow you the right to even bless me,” she declared, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.
She paused to collect herself, swallowing back her tears.
“Where were you when mom was tormented by society because she was pregnant before marriage? She left her small town and moved to an unknown city to protect me from the cruelty of people. She suffered mental anguish due to your inconsistent relationship with her. She worked tirelessly and struggled alone to raise me. You did nothing. And whatever connection we had until now, I am happy to sever it here. The last name, Bajaj, which has burdened me for so long, will no longer haunt me. I am changing my name officially.”
Vivek Bajaj was visibly shocked, but Ranveer was elated. He had hoped Maya would change her name officially to Maya Malhotra, but he hadn’t expected her to voice the desire herself so soon.
Maya remained unfazed by the dejected look on Vivek’s face.
“Please do not bother to intrude in my life from now on,” she warned him, gripping Ranveer’s arm.
Ranveer understood what she meant. She was ready to leave this place, perhaps never to return. She needed his support to do so. Wrapping his arm around her, he guided her out. Vivek slumped in his chair, having nothing left to say after Maya’s impassioned words.
As they got into the car, Ranveer gently massaged the back of Maya’s neck.
“You handled it well,” he praised her actions.
“Take me home,” she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder. He stroked her hair as the driver drove them away from that place.
Chapter 63
Cafeteria – Same time
“Why have you called me here?” Adira snapped at the woman seated before her in the cafeteria.
The woman removed the cap from her head and set it aside. “You've been ignoring me for a long time now,” she said through clenched teeth.
“I have nothing more to do with you,” Adira replied firmly. “So don't try to contact me again. I'm done with this.”
As Adira started to rise, the woman grabbed her wrist and compelled her to stay seated.
“Done with me?” she mocked. “Don't forget, I can still put the entire blame on you.”
Adira frowned deeply. “You won't do that,” she asserted.
“I won't,” the woman leaned in, speaking quietly. “Unless you agree to do this last task for me.”
“I've already been in trouble twice because of your reckless plans. No more,” Adira insisted.
“Don't tell me your love for Ranveer was fake. You don't want him now?” the woman prodded.
Adira's fists clenched. How dare she question her feelings for Ranveer Malhotra? She had attempted suicide for him, going to great lengths to ensure she didn't inflict fatal harm, yet she still endured the painful aftermath.
“This last task will help you win him forever, Adira. Don't back off now,” the woman urged.
Adira locked eyes with her. “And what will you get? I'm sure you're not doing this just for me.”
The woman let out a throaty laugh, producing a small sack from her bag and passing it discreetly under the table to Adira.
“What's this?” Adira asked, feeling a surge of fear. “Is it... is it...”
“Yes,” the woman nodded. “It's a gun.”
Adira's heart raced at the revelation.
“I'm not going to take it,” Adira tried to return it, but the woman tightened her grip on her hand.
“Think of the consequences, Adira. A single statement to the police from me could get you arrested and land you behind bars for a lifetime. Not even your father's money could save you then,” the woman warned.
