Chapter 12 — The Distance Between Lights

Kabir returned to the palace late in the evening, not alone.

Veer and Kavya arrived with him, their cars rolling in one after another through the palace gates. The day had been long—meetings, calls, last-minute arrangements for Diwali. Work never really paused for the Rathods; it only changed its setting.

Inside the palace, the atmosphere was quieter than the chaos outside suggested.

Dinner was simple.

No formality.

No guests.

Just family.

Kabir's father spoke about logistics for the next day.

His mother reminded everyone about temple timings.

The grandparents listened more than they spoke.

Veer cracked a few light comments.

Kavya complained about being exhausted.

Kabir mostly listened.

This was family time—not emotional, not dramatic—just familiar.

⸻

The Next Day — Diwali at Rathod Palace

By morning, Rathod Palace transformed.

Lights lined the corridors.

Flowers filled the courtyards.

Staff moved quickly, practiced and silent.

Diwali at the palace wasn't private.

It never was.

Business associates, staff families, long-time acquaintances—everyone was invited. The Rathods believed celebration multiplied when shared.

Ishita arrived in the evening.

Not with Kabir.

Not announced.

She entered as she always did here—

Doctor Ishita Sharma.

One among many guests.

She wore simple elegance, blending in effortlessly. No one looked twice. No one needed to.

Kabir was already busy.

Veer was handling guests.

Kavya was coordinating rituals.

His parents and grandparents moved through the gathering with quiet authority.

Kabir and Ishita did not interact.

Not even by accident.

They existed in the same space, under the same lights, but worlds apart to anyone watching.

⸻

A Familiar Recognition

Kabir's parents noticed her.

Again.

His mother approached first, smiling gently.

"Doctor Sharma," she greeted. "Diwali mubarak."

Ishita folded her hands respectfully.

"Diwali mubarak, Rajmata."

His father nodded in recognition as well, thanking her once more for Kabir's recovery. Nothing more. Nothing less.

No curiosity.

No questions.

Just gratitude.

To them, she was exactly who she appeared to be—a doctor they respected.

⸻

The Party Ends

As the night settled, guests began leaving.

The palace slowly returned to silence.

Ishita left early, politely excusing herself. No one stopped her. No one noticed anything unusual.

Kabir watched her leave only once.

From a distance.

Then he turned back to his responsibilities.

⸻

Later That Night — WhatsApp

Ishita reached her apartment, changed into something comfortable, and finally sat down.

Her phone buzzed.

Kabir:

Reached?

She smiled faintly.

Ishita:

Yes. The palace looked beautiful today.

There was a pause.

Kabir:

Tomorrow is Lakshmi Puja.

She understood immediately.

Ishita:

I know.

Another pause.

Kabir:

We'll do it together.

No emojis.

No explanations.

Just a plan.