A Habit of Discipline
The Oberoi family doctor, Dr. Kiara Miller, approached the bed to examine Sonia. Before she could begin a formal diagnosis, Sonia spoke with a calm, clinical tone that surprised the doctor.
"I am fine, Doctor," Sonia stated. "During my six years of treatment and study, I maintained a strict, scheduled diet. My body's metabolic cycle has adapted to light, frequent nutrition rather than heavy meals. Forcing a large amount of rich food into my system caused an immediate rejection. It's simply a habit now."
Dr. Kiara nodded, understanding the physiological shift. "I see. In that case, medicine won't help as much as time and gradual adjustment. For now, stick to light fluids." She recommended fresh fruit juice to restore Sonia's energy.
On the other side of the room, Arjun and Avinash were heartbroken. They remembered their sister as a "foodie" who loved sweets and home-cooked feasts. Seeing her barely able to look at a plate of food made the reality of her long absence hit home. Amrita, Abhay's mother, sat by Sonia and stroked her hair. "I'm so sorry, beta. I didn't know," she whispered.
Sonia looked at her and gave a small, polite smile. "It's okay."
The Ghost of the Past
Abhay watched from the doorway, his heart heavy with guilt. He missed the innocent girl who used to find joy in the smallest treats. Sonia caught his sad gaze for a moment but quickly looked away.
Priya thought to herself: The girl you loved is dead. I am the woman who survived the cold, and I will not go back to being a fragile princess.
"How are you feeling now, Chiku?" Avinash asked, using another old pet name.
Sonia's smile reached her eyes this time. "I am fine, Bhai. Eating less is just my lifestyle now. Don't worry about me."
A servant arrived with a glass of fresh orange juice. Sonia drank it slowly while Ishani sat on one side and her brothers on the other. For the next few hours, the family bombarded her with questions about her seven years away. Sonia answered carefully, praising her education and her career, but never mentioning the internal struggle of her soul's transition.
The CEO's Command
As the evening approached, the tension returned. Nisha, the secretary, had already been sent home. Before she left, Sonia and Abhay had both strictly instructed her to keep Sonia's identity as the "Oberoi Bahu" a secret at the office.
Sonia stood up, ready to leave with Ishani. "It's time for us to go," she announced.
The room erupted in protests. The Oberois wanted their daughter-in-law to stay in the villa, and her brothers wanted to take her to the Sharma house. Sonia remained firm. "I have a lot of work at the office tomorrow. I need to be in my own space."
Everyone turned to Abhay, hoping he would use his authority to stop her. Abhay stood his ground, looking at his wife with a mixture of longing and calculation.
"Sonia," Abhay said, his voice dropping into his 'CEO' tone. "You have to stay. I invited you here for a specific project—to design jewelry for the Oberoi family. As the owner of Lumina Jewels, I am telling you that this is your priority."
The room went silent. Sonia looked at Abhay, shocked by his blatant use of professional pressure.
"Sir, you are right," Sonia replied, her voice laced with professional ice. "However, today is my official leave—the first I've taken in six months. I am not prepared to work today, and I don't even have my sketchbooks or tools here."
Abhay stepped closer. "Don't worry about that. I will have everything arranged and moved here within the hour."
Sonia met his gaze, refusing to back down. "That won't be necessary. I will report here tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM sharp to begin the designs as requested. But tonight, I am going home."
Abhay realized he couldn't force her without causing a scene that would hurt her further. He accepted his defeat. "Fine. 9:00 AM. I'll have the car pick you up."
"No need, Sir. I have my own car," Sonia said.
With a final nod to her stunned family and a silent goodbye to her brothers, Sonia and Ishani walked out of the Oberoi Villa, leaving a whirlwind of emotions behind them.