Shreyansh sat in the dimly lit room, his elbows resting on his knees, fingers tangled in his hair as he stared at the floor, lost in thought. His mind was a battlefield, torn between anger and sorrow, between acceptance and denial. 

The dinner conversation played in a relentless loop, each word like a dagger, cutting deeper into wounds he hadn't realized were still raw. 

Arya's silent agreement to the divorce echoed loudest. 

She hadn’t protested. 

Hadn’t fought. 

Hadn’t even looked at him as she acknowledged the inevitable end of their marriage. 

And that single moment, that quiet surrender, made something inside him shatter. 

*Maybe she never truly loved me.* 

The thought sent a piercing ache through his chest, tightening around his ribs like a cruel vice. 

He exhaled shakily, rubbing his face, exhaustion weighing heavy on his shoulders. 

Lost in his own misery, he didn’t hear the door creak open. 

But the faint rustle of movement—hesitant, careful—pulled him back to reality. 

His gaze flickered upward, his body tensing as his eyes met hers. 

Arya stood in the doorway, her silhouette softly illuminated by the hallway light. 

She looked at him—hesitation pooling in her gaze, sadness darkening her features. 

She was unsure. 

Conflicted. 

Yet, she was *here*. 

Shreyansh’s expression hardened, his emotions tangled too deeply for him to untangle. 

What did she want now? 

Had she come to twist the knife deeper? To say something that would break him further? Or was this just another moment of empty silence, of pretending things between them hadn’t fallen apart? 

He clenched his jaw, his pulse steady but heavy. 

He couldn’t bear another conversation filled with lies. 

Couldn’t bear another moment of false hope. 

And yet—he waited. 

Because no matter how much he wished to walk away— 

A part of him still wanted to hear what she had to say. 

Arya took a shaky step forward, her pulse pounding in her ears. Her voice, barely above a whisper, carried the weight of uncertainty. *"Shreyansh… can we talk?"* 

The softness in her tone stood in stark contrast to the bitter words they had exchanged earlier. 

Shreyansh’s head lifted sharply, his eyes locking onto hers with a fierce, unwavering intensity. 

A slow, deliberate step forward. 

Then another. 

His presence was overwhelming, suffocating, his movements controlled but charged with unspoken fury. 

His voice, low and lethal, sent a chill down Arya’s spine. 

"You think you can just walk away?" His tone carried a dangerous edge. "From me? From our marriage? After everything you’ve done to me?" 

The venom laced in his words stung, piercing through the fragile resolve Arya had tried so hard to maintain. 

He sneered, his jaw tight, his expression unreadable—yet burning with emotions too intense to ignore. 

"You think I’ll let you go that easily?"

Another step. 

Arya instinctively stepped backward, her heart hammering, but her gaze never wavered from his. 

Shreyansh’s lips curled slightly—not with amusement, but with something darker. 

"I’m the one who’s always made the decisions," he murmured, his voice dangerous in its quiet control. 

Another step. 

"And you? You’re not going anywhere, Arya."

His words wrapped around her like an unspoken promise—like chains binding her to him, to their fractured past, to the pain they had both suffered. 

"Not until I’ve had my revenge. Not until I’ve made you understand what you’ve done to me."

Arya swallowed, her breath hitching, fear flickering in her wide eyes as his words settled into the air like a storm waiting to unleash its wrath. 

But before she could say anything—before she could gather her thoughts, her defenses—Shreyansh moved. 

Swift. Unrelenting. 

His arms wrapped around her like steel, his grip tight, unyielding, as if daring her to run, daring her to escape when they both knew she wouldn’t. 

Their bodies pressed together, the heat between them undeniable, volatile. 

His face was inches from hers, his breath fanning against her skin, sending tremors through her already weakened resolve. 

And yet—through the anger, the betrayal, the unspoken agony that had consumed them both—something else burned beneath it all. 

A fire neither of them could extinguish. 

A battle neither was willing to admit they had already lost. 

Shreyansh's voice was barely a whisper, yet it carried the weight of something raw, something agonizing. *"You think you can just leave me?"* 

His words sent a shiver through Arya, but it wasn’t just fear—it was something deeper, something tangled between pain and longing. 

He took a step closer, his breath warm against her skin, his presence pressing down on her like an undeniable force. *"You think you can just walk away?"* His tone was dark, edged with frustration, laced with desperation. *"From me? From us? From everything we've been through?"* 

His eyes bore into hers, searching—seeking answers to questions he couldn’t bring himself to ask aloud. 

Despite the anger simmering beneath his gaze, despite the wounds that had fractured them, one truth remained unshaken. 

He still *loved* her. 

Still *yearned* for her. 

Still wanted her with a passion that burned so fiercely it unsettled him. 

And that—perhaps—was the most painful truth of all. 

Arya’s chest tightened, her breath uneven, her heartbeat loud in her ears. 

She felt him. 

Felt every ounce of his frustration, his pain, his torment. 

She had spent  days surrounded by him, breathing the same air, feeling the weight of his presence lingering everywhere she turned. 

She had grown accustomed to it. 

Grown *attached* to it. 

And that terrified her. 

The thought of leaving, of walking away from this, sent a sharp pang through her chest—one she hadn’t expected, hadn’t prepared for. 

But she had to. 

Because more than anything, she wanted him to be happy. 

Even if that happiness came at the cost of her own heart. 

She didn’t want to suffocate him, didn’t want him shackled to a marriage that held nothing but resentment. 

Yet—wasn’t she the one suffocating? 

Wasn’t *she* drowning in the weight of her own guilt, in the agony of knowing she had hurt him beyond repair? 

The truth pressed against her ribs, aching, relentless. 

Her fear of trapping him in a loveless marriage was greater than her fear of losing him. 

And as she met his gaze—locked in a silent battle of unspoken emotions—she knew she had to make him understand. 

Had to make him see. 

Her leaving wasn’t a rejection of him. 

It was a release. 

A final act of love, even if it shattered them both. 

"

Shreyansh's gaze bore into hers, as if searching for answers to the turmoil that ravaged his heart. Arya's eyes locked onto his, her own emotions raw and exposed. She could feel the tension between them, a palpable force that seemed to vibrate with every beat of their hearts.

"You want to leave me, Arya?" Shreyansh's voice was low, husky, and laced with a quiet desperation. "You want to walk away from us, from everything we've shared?" His words dripped with pain, with a sense of loss that seemed to echo through the silence. Arya's heart ached, her soul torn between the love she felt for him and the fear that had driven her to seek escape. She knew she had to be strong, to find the courage to let him go, no matter how much it hurt.

"Yes, Shreyansh," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I have to leave. I can't stay with you, not like this." The words hung in the air, a stark declaration that seemed to hang like a challenge between them.

Arya's voice was devoid of emotion, her words stark and detached. "And don't forget, you hate me," she said, her gaze steady, unflinching. "What will you gain by keeping me here, except more pain, more heartache?" She stepped back, her body language distant, unyielding.

"Let me go, Shreyansh. You may want to punish me for what I've done, but don't keep me here, trapped in this toxic cycle of marriage and hate." Her eyes seemed to bore into his soul, her words a cold, hard slap in the face. "Who knows, you may only end up hurting yourself again." With that, she turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing through the silence, leaving Shreyansh standing alone, his arms still outstretched, his heart shattered into a million pieces.

The silence between them was palpable, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Both Shreyansh and Arya stood with their backs to each other, tears streaming down their faces like rivers of pain. The air was thick with tension, their hearts burdened by the weight of their unresolved issues. Shreyansh's voice finally broke the silence, his words barely above a whisper, as if he feared the truth. "Have you ever loved me, Arya? Did you ever have even the slightest feelings for me in your heart, other than revenge?" The words hung in the air like a challenge, a desperate plea for answers.

Arya's breath caught in her throat as she hesitated, her eyes welling up with tears. She wiped them away with a trembling hand, her voice flat and emotionless, like a knife cutting through the silence. "No, never." The word was a cold, harsh slap, a stark rejection that left Shreyansh reeling. "Neither did I have any feelings for you before nor do I have any feelings for you now." The words were a brutal truth, a crushing blow that left Shreyansh gasping for air. "Apart from regret, whatever I did to you was wrong. That's the only thing I regret."

The words hung in the air like a dark cloud, a stark contrast to the numbness that had settled in Shreyansh's heart. Arya moved away, her feet heavy with the weight of her confession, leaving Shreyansh standing alone, broken and defeated. The bathroom door closed behind her with a soft click, and the sound of her muffled sobs echoed through the  bathroom

______________

Saumya and Abhinash sat in their room, their faces etched with concern and worry. They were deeply troubled by the turmoil in their children's lives and the seemingly irreparable rift between Yuvan, Ashvi, Shreyansh, and Arya. "What's going on?" Saumya murmured, her voice laced with sadness. "Why is happiness eluding them? Why did Shreyansh and Arya agree to divorce so readily? Don't they want to be together anymore?" She shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "They claim they don't love each other, but their eyes tell a different story. They're blinded by hatred and anger, destroying their own lives in the process."

Abhinash's brow furrowed in worry. "We thought that discussing divorce would prompt them to open up and apologize for their mistakes. Arya made a mistake, but it was unintentional, driven by her family's influence. She's remorseful, willing to do anything to make amends, but Shreyansh's anger and unspoken feelings are driving them further apart. If they don't reconcile, their anger may consume them, leading to a irreparable separation."

Abhinash's voice was laced with concern. "We need to do something, Saumya. We can't just sit back and watch them destroy their lives. They need guidance, support, and love. We have to help them see reason, to understand that their love is worth fighting for." Saumya nodded, determination etched on her face. "...

______________

Next day

Vihaan's hands gripped the steering wheel with a intensity that turned his knuckles white, his eyes fixed on the road ahead with a gaze that seemed to bore a hole into the asphalt. Shreyansh sat beside him, noticing the tension in his friend's body, the way his jaw was clenched and his shoulders were stiff, like a coiled spring ready to snap.

"Pull over, Vihaan," Shreyansh said gently, his voice laced with concern.

Vihaan obeyed, stopping the car with a screech, the tires protesting in anguish. Shreyansh's eyes locked onto Vihaan's, searching for the truth behind the mask of calmness.

"What's wrong, Vihaan? You've been distant all morning, lost in a world of your own," Shreyansh asked, his voice soft and gentle, like a summer breeze.

Vihaan hesitated, his eyes darting away like a scared rabbit, before returning to Shreyansh's concerned gaze. "Nothing," he whispered, his voice barely audible, a mere whisper that seemed to carry a thousand pounds of weight.

Shreyansh's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through Vihaan's facade. "Don't lie, Vihaan. I know you're hurting. Let it out," he said, his voice firm but gentle, like a father's embrace.

Vihaan's facade crumbled, tears streaming down his face like a river, his body shuddering as he fought to contain the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. "I'm a curse, Shreyansh... everyone I love leaves me... I lost my first love, my mother... why does this happen to me?" he sobbed, his voice cracking like a broken glass, his eyes pleading for help, for a respite from the pain that seemed to haunt him.

Shreyansh's eyes moistened, his heart aching for his friend, his soul torn apart by the pain that seemed to consume Vihaan. He reached out, his hand grasping Vihaan's arm with a gentle firmness, his touch seeming to convey a sense of comfort, of security.

"You're not alone, Vihaan," Shreyansh whispered, his voice a soft melody that seemed to soothe the savage beast that threatened to consume his friend. "I'm here for you, always.

________________<__

Ashvi sat by the window, her slender fingers grasping the sill as if it was her only lifeline. Her eyes stared blankly into the distance, her mind a million miles away. She had dismissed everyone from her room, seeking solitude in her darkest hour. But Yuvaan refused to budge, his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that seemed to bore into her soul. He stood outside the glass door, his heart aching with worry, his mind consumed by the thought of losing her.

Kunal's words only added to Yuvaan's distress. "We can't leave her alone in this condition. We should probably take her to our home. That would be better for her. She is not mentally stable right now. She can do anything to herself." Yuvaan's heart raced with fear, his eyes never leaving Ashvi's face. He knew she was fragile, and the thought of losing her was unbearable.

Aarya's suggestion to take her to Rajput Mansion only made Yuvaan more anxious. "She will not agree," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. A long tear escaped from his eye, rolling down his cheek as he struggled to contain his emotions.

Aarya's confidence and smile were a balm to his soul. "Stop crying, Yuvaan. She will be fine, and she will come to Rajput Mansion." She wiped away his tears with a gentle touch, her eyes filled with a deep understanding of his love for Ashvi.

With a newfound determination, Aarya opened the door and moved towards Ashvi, who sat motionless, her eyes empty of any emotion. Yuvaan's eyes never left her face, his gaze burning with a intensity that seemed to plead with her to let him in. The silence was oppressive, the only sound the soft sob that escaped Yuvaan's lips as he struggled to contain his emotions.

Ashvi's eyes flickered with a hint of emotion as Aarya approached her, but she quickly suppressed it, her face returning to its mask-like state. Yuvaan's heart ached with pain, his mind consumed by the thought of losing her. He felt helpless,.

Aarya's heart sank as she approached Ashvi, her feet feeling heavy with guilt. She had always considered Ashvi a close friend, but now she felt like a failure, unable to protect her from her own brother's harm. The thought of facing Ashvi, of apologizing for her brother's actions, made her stomach turn with disgust and shame.

She took a deep breath and sat beside Ashvi, her eyes cast down in sorrow. Ashvi's gaze met hers, empty and devoid of emotion, and Aarya felt a lump form in her throat. She reached out and took Ashvi's hand, her own hand trembling with emotion.

"I'm sorry," Aarya whispered, her voice cracking with pain. Tears streamed down her face as she gazed at Ashvi, her heart heavy with regret.

Ashvi's voice was weak, her words barely audible. "Why are you saying sorry, Aarya? Everything that happened to me is not your fault."

Aarya's tears flowed freely now, her body shaking with sobs. She pulled Ashvi into a tight embrace, holding her close as if she would never let her go. "It is my fault," Aarya whispered, her voice muffled by Ashvi's hair. "I couldn't save my friend. I didn't even realize what was happening right in front of me. I'm disgusted with myself, Ashvi. I'm guilty, too."

The silence that followed was heavy with emotion, the only sound the soft sobs that escaped Aarya's lips as she held Ashvi close. Ashvi's arms remained limp at her sides, her body relaxed in Aarya's embrace, .

Ashvi's arms wrapped around Aarya, holding her close as a single tear escaped her eye. "It's not your fault, Aarya," she whispered, her voice laced with pain. "I'm not angry with you. The fault lies with my fate, which led me to that monster who ruined my life."

Aarya's sobs intensified, her body shaking with grief. "No, Ashvi, it's my fault. I should have been more careful. I should have protected you better."

Ashvi's grip on Aarya tightened, her voice firm but gentle. "No, Aarya. You've been a true friend to me. You asked me a thousand times if I was fine, if something was bothering me. You always checked on me, but I remained quiet, afraid of what he might do to my parents. You've fulfilled your duty as my friend, Aarya. Don't blame yourself."

Aarya's words poured out in a torrent of anguish. "No, Ashvi, it's still my fault. I should have been more vigilant. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I know I don't deserve it, but please forgive me."

Ashvi's hands cradled Aarya's face, her eyes filled with compassion. "No, Aarya, it's not your fault. You're not responsible for my fate. Don't torture yourself like this."

Aarya's pain and guilt boiled over, her words laced with anguish. "I feel disgusted with myself, Ashvi. He's my brother, and I hate him. I wish he would rot in hell and die a painful death." The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of Aarya's sorrow and regret.

Ashvi's words hung in the air like a challenge, her gaze piercing through Aarya's tears. "He is not your brother, Aarya."

The room fell silent, as if the very breath had been sucked out of everyone's lungs. Aarya's face lost all color, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief. The words felt like a slap to her face, leaving her reeling and gasping for air.

Vivek, the man she had grown up calling brother, the man she had trusted and loved, was not her brother at all? The thought sent her mind reeling, her world crashing down around her.

Everything that was happening in front of her eyes from childhood till now was a lie

The shockwave spread through the room, as other family members gasped in unison. Eyes widened, mouths agape, they stared at Ashvi in disbelief. The air was heavy with tension, as if the very fabric of their family was unraveling before their eyes.

Aarya's voice was barely audible, her words a mere whisper. "What...what do you mean, Ashvi?"

Ashvi's gaze never wavered, her eyes locked on Aarya's face. "Vivek is not your brother, Aarya. He's a monster who manipulated and used you.  He just used you for his business and revange ".........

Ashvi's eyes welled up with tears as she spoke, her voice cracking with emotion. "I knew everything from the beginning, Aarya. I tried to tell you many times, but I couldn't find the courage. I was so scared of what he might do anything to my parents, like he did with my brother ...... he killed my brother." Her voice broke, and she sobbed uncontrollably.

"And as he said he did he killed my whole family " she sobbed digging her nail in her plam

Chapter 23

Author /pov...

Arya's warm smile and gentle tone eased Ashvi's apprehensions. "You're staying with us until you're feeling better, Ashvi. No arguments!"

Ashvi hesitated, her eyes darting around the room. She felt like a burden, and the longing gazes of the Rajput family made her uncomfortable. But Arya's persuasive words and genuine concern eventually won her over.

"I don't want to be a burden," Ashvi whispered, her voice laced with vulnerability.

Arya's expression turned reassuring. "You're not a burden, Ashvi. You are not ,

We're family right" Arya asked in calm voice Ashvi nodded her head unknowingly

"And we are   friends . Please, stay with us for a few days. We'll take care of you

Arya's eyes pleaded with Ashvi to stay, but Ashvi shook her head firmly. "No, Arya, I can't impose on you like this. I'll be fine on my own."

Arya's face set in determination. "Ashvi, you're not fine. You're hurt, and you need good care .Please, just stay with us for a few days."

Ashvi's resolve began to waver, her eyes filling with tears. Arya saw the crack in her armor and pushed on.

Arya's voice cracked with empathy as she begged, "Ashvi, please stay with us... just for a few days. You need us, and we need you. Let us love you back to life." Ashvi's resolve crumbled under the weight of Arya's words, and she nodded slowly, tears streaming down her face. Arya's face lit up with a radiant smile as she enveloped Ashvi in a warm hug. "Thank you, thank you so much!" she whispered, her voice trembling with joy.

The Rajput family's faces relaxed into relieved smiles, their eyes shining with happiness. Yuvaan's gaze remained fixed on Ashvi's face, his eyes filled with a deep affection and gratitude. Abhinash's stern expression softened, and Soumya's eyes sparkled with tears. Shreyansh's face glowed with a warm smile, and Vihaan's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. Kunal's face reflected a deep satisfaction, and his eyes gleamed with a sense of triumph. The room was filled with a sense of hope and new beginnings, as Ashvi finally allowed herself to surrender to their love and care.

"We gotta heal her once more. It's my only wish to God that she finds happiness again and joy returns to her life. We can't change what's happened, but we can bring that smile back on her face," Soumya said,

Soumya's heartfelt prayer was met with a warm embrace from Abhinash, his eyes brimming with tears. "We will heal both our daughters, Soumya," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "Arya's pain runs deep, hidden behind a mask of strength. Her life has been a web of lies, her father, her brother, everything a fabrication. She's shattered, her truth destroyed. She's hiding her pain,  but we can see it. We can feel it. She's broken, but she's still standing, still fighting. '"

Abhinash's words poured out like a lament, his heart heavy with sorrow. "I know she wronged Shreyansh, Soumya. I know she tried to harm him. But Shreyansh also took away her father's presence, no matter how flawed he was. Arya's father was her rock, her shelter. And Shreyansh took that away from her. No matter what her father did, no matter how big his sins, Shreyansh had no right to take away her father's shadow from her head."

Abhinash's eyes never left Soumya's face, his gaze filled with a deep sorrow and understanding. "But  still Arya understands her mistake, . She's apologizing, seeking forgiveness. She's ready to do anything to make it right. " she is asking forgiveness for us for Shreyansh .....

Everyone  listened carefully to Abhinash's words. Shreyansh's face softened, and he looked at Arya with kind eyes. Vihaan's eyes became wet, and he looked at Arya and Ashvi with sadness. Yuvaan's eyes widened, and he remembered the mean things he had said to Arya. He recalled how he had hurt her with his words, blaming her for everything,

" I hate you "

"Don't touched my things "

" I will never accept you as my sister-in-law "

" I don't know why bhai married  you "

He began to regret his words and took a deep breath.

Shreyansh's gaze met Arya and Ashvi's, their faces radiant with gentle smiles. His own lips curled into a soft smile, his eyes locking onto theirs with warmth. But then, his expression shifted, his eyes darkening, his voice dripping with venom. "That bastard deserved death, ďad ," he spat, his words laced with anger. "Arya's father was a monster, a heartless creature who never loved her, never cherished her. He and her brother only used her, exploited her kindness, her love. They kept her at arm's length, never letting her in. If it were up to him, she would have been eliminated at birth, but her grandfather's love saved her."

The room was electrified, shockwaves rippling through the air as Shreyansh's words hung like a challenge. Eyes widened, jaws dropped, and faces paled as the weight of his words sank in. Everyone stared at him, aghast, except for Vihaan and Kunal, whose faces remained serene,....

Shreyansh's voice was laced with a mix of emotions - anger, pain, and disbelief - as he revealed the shocking truth about Arya's past. "I was unaware of Arya's history until she attempted to take my life. That's when I had to uncover the truth. And what I found was horrifying." He paused, his eyes scanning the room, ensuring everyone was listening.

"Arya's father never wanted her. He desired a son to inherit his illegal empire, but fate had other plans. Arya's mother died soon after giving birth, and her father attempted to kill her too. But her grandfather,( Naana,) saved her and sent her abroad to protect her. He raised her, cared for her, and loved her unconditionally."..

But he did not tell her the truth about her father because he kept getting threatening messages from Pratap Singhania that if he ever told anything to Arya or Arya came in between, he would get both him and Arya killed."The way he never told her anything about Pratap Singhania, he always told her good things about Pratap Singhania, due to which Arya's love for her father increased and she started loving her father even more despite the fact that she met him very little and spent less time with him.

And sometimes she also met Vivek, whom Pratap Singhania always introduced to her as his brother.""

Shreyansh's voice cracked as he continued, "Her father never even bothered to check on her well-being much . To him, she was already dead.  He used to visit Arya only occasionally because Pratap Singhania's father had transferred more than half of his land to Arya. He just wanted the land and money back.

Shreyansh's eyes locked onto Arya, his gaze filled with a deep sadness. "She returned to India at 19, and that's when she started living with Vivek."

"But after all who is Vivek and whose son is he?" Abhinash asked in confused look

""I don't know anything about this,I tried to find out a lot of information but could not find any information about who is Vivek's father and who is his mother.But it is known that he has been raised by Pratap Singhania and he calls him his father."

Abhinash's eyes filled with a deep understanding and empathy as he spoke to his son, Shreyansh. "You know so much about Arya's past, her pain, and her struggles. You  now know how  her family manipulated her, using her trust and love for her family. Whatever Arya did to you, she did it because she believed in her brother's lies. She was blinded by her love for him, and she didn't know any better."

Abhinash's voice cracked with emotion as he continued, "Arya's actions hurt you deeply, I know. But she was a victim of her brother's deceit, just like you were. She didn't know the truth, Shreyansh. She  didn't know Vivek and her father was using her , using her love  , trust She thought she was doing the right thing, protecting her family."

Abhinash's eyes pleaded with Shreyansh to understand, to see the pain and suffering that Arya had endured. "You both have been through so much, Shreyansh. You both have been hurt, betrayed. . Don't let the past define your future. Forgive Arya, Shreyansh. Forgive yourself. Start a new life together, a life built on trust, love, and understanding."

Abhinash's words were filled with a father's love and concern, his heart aching for his son's pain, his soul longing for Shreyansh's happiness. He knew that forgiveness was not easy, but he also knew that it was the only way to move forward, to heal, and to find true happiness....

Vihaan's hand rested on Shreyansh's shoulder, his eyes filled with a deep understanding and empathy. "Both of you deserve happiness, start your life by forgetting the past," he said, his voice soft and encouraging. "Give each other a chance, and yourselves a chance to heal and move forward."

Soumya's eyes shone with hope and excitement, her face lit up with a warm smile. "Yes, son, you both look so good together, like two pieces of a puzzle meant to fit together. You complement each other perfectly."

Shreyansh's face, however, betrayed a different emotion. A sad smile played on his lips, his eyes filled with a deep longing and resignation. He gazed at Arya, his eyes pleading with her to understand.

"We may seem perfect for each other, maa ,"  "But fate has other plans, it seems. We're not meant to be together, no matter how much we want it."  He thought And sadly smiled looking at everyone face without answering their questions

Only then Abhinash phone rang and

Abhinash's face turned ashen as he listened to the caller, his eyes widening in shock. He slowly walked back to his family, his steps heavy with a sense of dread.

Abhinash's voice was stern, "Where is your phone, Shreyansh?" Shreyansh hesitated, his eyes locking onto his father's face for a moment before reluctantly reaching into his pocket. He pulled out his phone, only to realize it was dead. "My phone is switched off," he replied, his voice laced with a mix of guilt and apprehension.

Abhinash's eyes narrowed, his voice firm. "Mr. Singh is trying to reach you. Didn't you speak with him last night?" Shreyansh's heart sank, his mind racing back to the painful conversation with Arya. In a fit of anger, he had called Mr. Singh, instructing him to prepare the divorce papers. Now, he regretted that impulsive decision.

Shreyansh nodded, his eyes cast down, unable to meet his father's gaze. He felt a knot in his stomach, his conscience weighing him down. He knew that Mr. Singh's call was the one his father had just received, and he braced himself for the inevitable confrontation. His silence was deafening, a clear admission of his mistake.

"Your and Arya's divorce papers are ready," he announced, his voice barely above a whisper. "You both need to sign them, and then they'll be submitted to the court." He replied in little anger ad disbelief,, thinking

Thinking about how much hurry these two are in, how quickly they are taking decisions regarding their life, how quickly they are in a hurry to get divorced

The room fell silent, as if time itself had stopped. Everyone's faces turned pale, their eyes wide with disbelief. Soumya's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes pleading with Shreyansh to deny the truth. Vihaan's grip on Shreyansh's arm tightened, his voice laced with shock. "What is all this, Shreyansh? What's going on?"

Shreyansh's reply was simple, yet devastating. "The truth."

Kunal's voice boomed through the room, his words laced with anger and desperation. "Stop this nonsense, dammit! You can't do this! Don't divorce each other!" He glared at Shreyansh, his eyes blazing with a mix of emotions.

Only then Arya stepped out of the room, a gentle smile on her face, ready to share the good news with her family. But as she entered , she was met with a sea of pale faces, their eyes fixed on her with shock and disbelief. Her smile faltered, and she felt a surge of confusion and concern.

"What happened?" she asked, her voice laced with worry, scanning the area to understand the source of their distress.

But no one responded, their eyes still fixed on her with a mix of emotions. Arya's heart began to race, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. She thought maybe they were worried about Ashvi's health, and her smile returned, trying to reassure them.

"She's ready to come with us," Arya said, her voice filled with hope. "She'll stay with us for a few days until she heals, and Vivek is caught."

But her words were met with silence, the room still heavy with tension. Arya's smile began to falter, her eyes pleading with her family to tell her what was wrong. She felt like she was missing something, something big, and her heart began to sink.

Vihaan's voice was laced with disbelief, "You and Shreyansh are getting a divorce?" Arya's gaze swept across the area  her eyes locking onto each family member's face before nodding solemnly. "Yes." The word hung in thè air like a heavy cloud, its weight pressing down on the family.

Yuvaan's hands grasped hers, his eyes filled with concern and regret. "But why, bhabhi? What happened?" he asked, his voice cracking with emotion. Arya's smile was tinged with sadness, her voice devoid of emotion. "What do you mean why? We just aren't meant to be together." She said with painful smile

Yuvaan's grip on her hands tightened, his eyes pleading for a different answer. "No, bhabhi, you and Shreyansh are perfect for each other. You're meant to be together. Whatever misunderstanding is between you, please clear it. Don't take this drastic step." His words were laced with remorse, as he realized his past behavior had contributed to their estrangement.

"And please forgive me for the way I treated you in the last few days, but don't take such a step."

Arya's expression remained stoic, but a hint of sadness crept into her voice. "It's not about misunderstandings, Yuvaan. We've grown apart. We want different things from life. It's best we go our separate ways." The words were painful

"And I am not angry with you. Whatever you did to me in the last few days was justified. I deserve your anger."

Yuvaan's face contorted in distress, his voice cracking. "But what about your love? Your relationship? You two were inseparable once. Can't you try to rekindle that?" He paused, his eyes welling up with tears.

Arya's eyes dropped, a faint glimmer of tears visible. "I didn't love Shreyansh before, Yuvaan, but nor I do now . So it's good for us to part away .""" The room fell silent, the weight of her words sinking in, 

As Arya's words hung in the air, Shreyansh felt a stinging sensation in his heart, like a needle piercing through his soul. And she has said these words to him before as well that she does not love him and never loved him either but still hearing all this from her again made his heart sink with pain.

The room fell silent, as if time itself had stopped. No one dared to speak, their faces pale and drawn, their eyes wide with shock and pain. Arya's eyes welled up with tears, her lie evident in the quiver of her lip. She had never loved Shreyansh, or so she claimed, but her actions had spoken otherwise. She had used him for revenge, but in the process, her heart had betrayed her, and she had fallen for him. But she knew she didn't deserve him, not after what she had done. The weight of her guilt was crushing her, and she believed that leaving him was the only way to set him free, to let him live his life happily, without the burden of her deceit. The silence was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words, regrets, and longing, as the family struggled to come to terms with the truth.

All eyes were on her as  Arya who was controlling her tears leaves from there and comes out of the hospital....

Shreyansh followed Arya out of the hospital, his eyes fixed on her retreating figure. The sky above them grew dark, and the air was charged with anticipation. Suddenly, the clouds erupted in a deafening thunderclap, and rain came pouring down. Arya, oblivious to the storm, walked on, her back still towards him. Shreyansh quickened his pace, his heart racing with concern. He reached her side, gently grasping her hand, and turned her to face him.

Tears mingled with raindrops on her face, but she fought to contain her emotions, refusing to show weakness. Shreyansh's eyes locked onto hers, filled with a deep sadness and longing. Without a word, he led her to the car, his grip on her hand tender. Arya remained silent, her eyes fixed on the ground, as Shreyansh opened the door and helped her in.

As they sat in the car, the silence between them was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Shreyansh's eyes kept drifting towards Arya, his gaze intense and searching. He couldn't focus on the road, his mind consumed by the turmoil within. Arya, lost in her thoughts, stared out of the window, her eyes vacant.

Suddenly, a truck came barreling towards them, its headlights blinding in the rain. Arya's eyes widened in terror as she realized Shreyansh wasn't looking at the road. She screamed, her voice piercing the air, "SHREYANSHHHH!" Shreyansh's eyes snapped back

to the road, his heart racing as he swerved to avoid the truck.

____________

How's the chapter

Do vote , comment and share ❤️

Chapter 24

Just before the car collided with the truck, Shreyansh's quick reflexes kicked in, and he swerved the car to the right, slamming on the brakes. The sudden jolt sent their hearts racing, and time seemed to stand still. Arya's eyes were shut tight, her face pale, as if bracing for impact. Shreyansh's gaze was fixed on her, his eyes wide with fear, his heart pounding in his chest.

In a flash, Arya's eyes snapped open, and she sat up straight, her gaze locking onto Shreyansh's. Their eyes met, and the tension was palpable. Shreyansh's face was etched with worry, his eyes searching hers for any sign of distress. Arya's chest was heaving, her breathing rapid, as if she had been holding her breath the entire time.

Without hesitation, Shreyansh pulled Arya into his lap, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace. The haunting thought of what could have happened if he hadn't swerved the car in time still lingered in his mind. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Arya took a deep breath, her body relaxing into his hold, and whispered, "Yes." She then softly asked Shreyansh if he was okay, her voice barely audible.

Shreyansh didn't respond, his silence speaking volumes. He buried his face in her neck, inhaling her familiar scent, which calmed his racing heart. Arya's eyes fluttered closed, her body melting into his embrace, as she felt a sense of security in his arms. But the tranquility was short-lived, as reality struck her like a ton of bricks. She remembered the rift between them, the impending separation, and the need to distance herself from him.

With a newfound determination, Arya tried to break free from Shreyansh's hold, but he refused to let go. His grip on her hand tightened, his fingers intertwining with hers, as he pleaded, "Stop moving, Arya." His voice was low and husky, his words barely audible. The subtle movement of her body against his was sending shivers down his spine, making him uncomfortable. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to release her, his heart still reeling from the close call....

But Arya continued to struggle, her body inadvertently pressing against Shreyansh's. His eyes darkened, his voice low and menacing as he warned, "Fucking stop moving, or you'll be in big trouble." He gently fisted her hair softly, his fingers tangling in the strands as he forced her to meet his gaze. Arya's eyes widened, her breath catching as she felt his hardness against her. She fisted his shirt, her knuckles white as she froze, their bodies locked in a tense embrace.

The air was heavy with tension, the rain outside creating a sultry atmosphere that heightened their desire. Shreyansh's eyes burned with intensity, his gaze fixed on Arya's lips as he drew her closer. "Don't move, or I won't be responsible for my actions," he whispered, his face inches from hers. Arya's heart raced, her pulse pounding in her neck as she felt his warm breath on her skin.

Shreyansh's eyes repeatedly darted to her lips, his gaze a silent plea for permission. Arya's eyes fluttered closed, her consent implicit. Shreyansh's lips crashed onto hers, his kiss devouring and intense. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the passion and heat of the moment. The rain pounded against the roof, a rhythmic beat that matched the racing of their hearts...

" "Damn, this tastes so good," he murmured as he sucked on her lower lip, causing her to pull him in closer.

"Ah," she moaned into his mouth as he pressed his hardness against her core , leaving her breathless.

"Shreyansh," she moaned in pleasure and discomfort as her neck was hurting, but Shreyansh noticed and helped her sit properly in his lap. He continued to kiss, nibble, and suck on her lips like they were his favorite dessert. Having her in his arms made him forget all the pain and stress, feeling much more relaxed....

Arya felt a deep sense of comfort and security in Shreyansh's arms, as if all her worries and fears were melting away. Their lips met with a passion that was both tender and intense, their hearts beating as one. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the magic of their love. Arya's fingers trembled as she gently tapped Shreyansh's shoulder, her lungs craving air. But Shreyansh was too swept up in the moment, his lips refusing to let go. Finally, he released her, his forehead pressing against hers, their warm breath mingling. They stood there, eyes closed, their chests heaving in unison, as the rain outside created a soothing symphony that matched the rhythm of their hearts.

Arya's eyes widened in shock as she suddenly realized what she had done. She had lost control, succumbing to her desires, and was now trapped in Shreyansh's embrace. She knew she had to stay away from him, for his own happiness, but her body seemed to betray her. She tried to push away from him, but he held her tight, refusing to let go. "Leave me," she whispered, her voice trembling, her eyes avoiding his face. Shreyansh's gaze softened, and he too realized what they had done. He understood why she was pushing him away, and his grip loosened. But his eyes still held a hint of longing, a desire that mirrored her own. The tension between them was palpable, their hearts heavy with emotion. They both knew maýbe they had to part ways, but their bodies seemed to crave each other's touch. The conflict was evident in their eyes, a mix of passion and pain, as they struggled to let go.

Shreyansh’s grip tightened around Arya, his arms enveloping her as if holding her together, as if grounding himself in the moment he could no longer deny. His eyes softened, the fury, the betrayal, the agony—it was all still there, but now tangled with something deeper, something raw, something that threatened to break him more than anything else ever had. 

Love. 

He cupped her face, his fingers tracing her cheek with a tenderness that contradicted the storm raging inside him. 

*"Arya… look at me."* 

His voice was hoarse, barely a whisper, as if speaking the words was exhausting, as if his heart bled with each syllable. She hesitated, but when he tilted her chin up, she finally met his gaze. 

A sharp breath escaped him as he saw the glisten in her eyes—the silent tears she refused to let fall. 

*"Jaan…"* His voice cracked, his grip tightening slightly as if afraid she’d slip away. *"I know you hurt me badly. You played with my love and trust, and you tried to destroy me."* 

Arya flinched, but he didn’t stop. 

*"That hurt me more than I can explain. But…"* He inhaled shakily, blinking as emotions flooded him like a dam breaking open. *"I hurt you too. And I am *so* sorry, Arya."* 

She blinked rapidly, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came. 

*"I was wrong about Ashvi’s situation."* He swallowed thickly. *"You told the truth, but I didn’t believe you. I doubted you when I shouldn’t have. And I hate myself for it."* 

Her fingers twitched slightly against his chest, but she remained silent. 

*"My heart is confused, jaan… I loved you more than myself, more than my own life."* His eyes burned with unshed tears, his desperation clawing its way to the surface. *"But you hurt me so much that I don’t know if I can trust you again."* 

His confession shattered something inside her. 

Arya’s breath hitched, her own emotions suffocating her. She had hurt him. She had lied. She had manipulated. And yet— 

*"I *want* to trust you."* His voice was barely audible now, thick with something dangerously close to pleading. *"I *want* to love you like before, but I’m scared."* 

Her pulse thundered in her ears. 

And then—before she could even register what was happening—he let go of her only to lower himself, sinking to his knees before her. 

She gasped. 

Shreyansh grasped her hands, his fingers trembling as he pulled her gently, guiding her to sit in front of him, his head bowing down in front of her. 

*"I hurt you too, Arya."* His voice cracked, his pain dripping into every word. *"I broke you with my words, my actions. I made you suffer, and I can *never* take that back."* 

A sob tore from his throat as he pressed his forehead against her knee, his grip tightening around her legs. 

*"I beg you…"* His shoulders shook as he let out a broken exhale. *"Forgive me. Not because I deserve it—but because I can't bear this anymore."* 

Arya sat frozen, unable to comprehend the man in front of her. 

He was crying. 

He was begging. 

He was shattering right in front of her eyes. 

*"He still loves me… How can he?"* she thought, choking on her own emotions. 

Her fingers trembled as she reached out, hesitant, uncertain—afraid. 

Would he regret this? 

Would they both regret this? 

Or was this the only truth left between them? 

She didn’t know. 

But she knew one thing. 

The man kneeling before her, his face buried in her lap, his body trembling with grief— 

Was no longer just someone she had hurt. 

He was someone she had *broken.* 

Shreyansh’s grip tightened around Arya’s hands, his fingers trembling as he poured his heart out, his voice raw with desperation. 

"Jaan, my love for you is still strong, but it’s tangled in a web of pain and confusion." His gaze bore into hers, searching for something—hope, redemption, a reason to believe that this wasn’t the end. 

"I want to forgive you, to trust you again, but my heart is cautious. I’m scared—scared of getting hurt again, scared of being blinded by the love I still have for you. But at the same time…" He inhaled sharply, his voice cracking, "I can’t imagine living without you."

His confession settled between them, heavy and suffocating. 

"I’m trapped in this dilemma. My love for you is suffocating me, yet it’s the only thing keeping me alive." 

Arya remained silent, her chest tightening, her breath uneven. 

"I need you to understand my pain, to acknowledge the hurt you’ve caused me. I need you to prove that you’ve changed, that you’ll *never hurt me again." 

The vulnerability in his voice shattered something inside her. 

Her lips parted, but no words came. 

And then—his grip tightened further, his hands cradling hers as if he was afraid she’d slip away. 

"Jaan, please…" His voice broke, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. 

"Tell me that you’ll fight for me. That you’ll win my trust again, heal me, love me with all your heart and soul. Tell me you’re ready to spend your life with me—to start fresh, to leave behind the wounds of our past."

His shoulders trembled slightly, his body betraying the strength he was trying so hard to maintain. 

"I can’t bear the thought of living without you, Jaan. This crazy heart of mine still yearns for you. It still wants to love you, cherish you, make you mine again." 

Arya swallowed hard, blinking rapidly to push back the emotions threatening to spill over. 

"Please…" His voice was barely above a whisper now. "Say yes. Say that you’ll keep my heart this time—with love, with loyalty, with forever* commitment."* 

His body shook with the weight of his words, his pain spilling out into the space between them, flooding every inch of his being. 

And then—he exhaled sharply, closing his eyes for a brief moment before speaking again. 

"I know I have an anger issue. Sometimes, I lose control, I say things I don’t mean, I hurt the people I love."* He inhaled deeply, steadying his voice. *

"But I promise—I will *work* on it. I will do everything* I can to control it, to make sure I never hurt you like that again." 

His thumb grazed over her knuckles, his touch featherlight, his gaze pleading. 

"Just don’t mention leaving again." His jaw tightened. "Let’s start fresh. Let’s move forward. Together."* 

The silence that followed was deafening, suffocating. 

Arya’s heart ached, her mind a battlefield, her emotions warring against logic. 

She wanted to say yes. 

She wanted to stay. 

But could she? 

The silence between them was suffocating, stretching endlessly as Arya sat frozen in her seat, her hands curled into fists against her lap. Her heart thudded violently, each beat a painful reminder of the battle waging within her. 

"I can’t let him in again."

The thought circled her mind like a relentless storm. If she did—if she surrendered, if she allowed herself to believe in them again—she would only end up hurting him. Like she always did. 

He deserves better.

Someone who could love him without breaking him. 

Someone not like her. 

She bit her lip hard, trying to force herself to breathe steadily, trying to ignore the ache blooming in her chest at the thought of walking away. 

But the pain—oh, the pain—it was unbearable. 

How would she survive without him? 

How would she learn to exist without his presence, his voice, his warmth? 

Her soul *screamed* for him. 

For his touch. 

For the love she wasn’t sure she deserved. 

But no—she couldn’t have both. 

She couldn’t keep him close and protect him from herself at the same time. 

She sucked in a deep breath, blinking rapidly before pushing the car door open and stepping out. 

Cold air rushed against her damp skin, and within seconds, the sky opened. 

Rain poured down relentlessly, soaking through her saree, pressing it against her shivering frame. 

She barely noticed. 

All she could feel was the weight of her decision crushing her, pulling her under, drowning her before she had even begun to truly leave. 

Then— 

"Arya!"

Shreyansh’s voice struck her like lightning. 

She stiffened but didn’t turn. 

Heavy footsteps approached, splashing against the wet pavement. 

And then—she felt him. 

His presence. 

His desperation. 

She blinked rapidly, her breaths coming out uneven, but before she could take another step, something stopped her. 

A sound. 

The sound of knees hitting the pavement. 

Her breath caught in her throat as she turned, rain dripping from her lashes, and there he was— 

Shreyansh. 

Kneeling before her. 

In the middle of the street, in the pouring rain. 

Drenched. 

Broken. 

Begging. 

," please." His voice cracked, his chest heaving as he struggled to speak through the emotions choking him. 

"Don't leave me."

Her pulse pounded, her body frozen in place, unable to move, unable to breathe properly. 

"I know I’ve hurt you ans you are a angry wth me . I know I’ve failed you." His eyes burned into hers, desperation seeping from every inch of his being. "But my love for you is stronger than all the mistakes, stronger than all the pain. It is tangled in confusion, in wounds, but it’s there. And I know—" his voice wavered, "Even you know  know I cannot live without you then why are you doing this ."* 

Her fingers twitched at her sides. 

"I want to trust you again, I want to forgive you, but I'm scared, Arya." Rain streaked down his face, blending with the tears he no longer cared to hide. "But despite that fear, despite everything " He inhaled sharply, his voice nearly breaking. "I cannot* imagine a life without you." 

Arya’s chest constricted, her own tears slipping free. 

"Please… fight for us." His fingers curled into fists against the pavement, the weight of his words drowning him. "Win back our trust on each other.  Let Heal each kther . Lets love  each other with all that you have." 

He exhaled raggedly before whispering, "Stay."

Silence stretched. 

Thunder rolled in the distance, rain pounding around them, but Arya heard nothing except the plea in his voice—the rawness, the brokenness. 

And suddenly, she wasn’t sure. 

Wasn’t sure if she could still walk away. 

Or stay 

" Rain poured relentlessly, each drop soaking through Arya’s trembling frame as she stared at the man kneeling before her. 

Shreyansh. 

Drenched, broken, pleading. 

Her heart twisted painfully at the sight of him—his hands clenched, his breathing unsteady, his dark eyes clouded with desperation. 

But her mind screamed at her to let go. 

"You will hurt him again. Leave him. Let him live his life."

The inner voice clawed at her, wrenching her further into agony. 

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to speak. 

"We've already decided, Shreyansh." 

Her words were a mere whisper, barely audible over the downpour. Her voice trembled, fragile, held together by nothing but sheer will. 

"We’re getting a divorce. You deserve someone better, someone who can love you without the weight of my past… without the burden I bring." 

Her chest constricted as she spoke, the words tasting like poison on her tongue. 

Shreyansh’s jaw tightened, his fingers twitching, his expression contorting as though she had struck him. 

"You're too good, Shreyansh… too pure, too loving." Her breath shuddered, her grip tightening on her drenched saree. "I’m not worthy of you. I’m a poison… a curse. I will only bring you pain, only break you more."

Her voice cracked, raw with self-loathing, her gaze pleading for him to understand. 

For him to let go. 

For him to stop *loving* her. 

But he didn’t move. 

Didn’t speak. 

Just stared at her, as if refusing to accept the words tumbling from her lips. 

"Soon, I’ll leave you… and you’ll be free." Her throat tightened, her words tumbling out like autumn leaves—brittle, broken, lost. "You’ll find someone who can love you unconditionally. Someone who can make you happy."

Shreyansh inhaled sharply, his body stiffening, his eyes burning with emotions he couldn’t contain. 

The rain continued to fall, seeping into their skin, their bones, their wounds. 

Arya’s breath hitched as she looked down at him— 

Still on his knees. 

Still holding onto hope. 

Still refusing to let her go. 

A sob tore through her as she reached for him—hesitant, trembling—her hands clutching his shoulders. 

"Please… get up."

Her fingers curled slightly against his damp skin, trying to steady the storm inside her. 

Shreyansh’s gaze flickered up, his lips parted, his body unmoving. 

The pain in his eyes was unbearable. 

And Arya knew— 

Even as she tried to let him go, even as she tried to force herself to walk away— 

She had already broken him. 

And somehow, impossibly— 

She had broken herself too. 

""And the most important thing is that I neither loved you before nor do I love you now, """

"agar aap mujhase hee pyaar karoge to aapako sirph dard hee milega"

(If you love me you will only get pain)

Shreyansh's heart ached, his soul screaming in protest, as Arya's words ripped through him like a tempest. He felt the ground beneath him crumbling,

Shreyansh's voice trembled as he asked the question that would seal his fate, his heart already heavy with the weight of Arya's words. "Reh logi mere bina?" ("Can you live without me?") he asked, his eyes pleading for a glimmer of hope, a shred of love.

Arya's smile was weak, her eyes filled with a deep sadness, as she replied, "Aap jab mujhe mile nahi the, tab bhi toh reh rahi thi apke bina." ("Even when I didn't meet you, I was still living without you.")

Shreyansh's heart shattered into a million pieces, the pain piercing his soul like a dagger. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of despair, suffocating under the weight of Arya's indifference. He couldn't bear to look at her, couldn't bear to see the truth in her eyes. He closed his eyes, his face contorting in agony, as he turned away from her...

"

Rain crashed down upon them, soaking through their clothes, their skin, their bones—yet neither of them moved. 

Shreyansh stood in the middle of the empty road, drenched, unwavering, his dark eyes locked onto Arya like an unanswered prayer. His breathing was ragged, his fists clenched at his sides, his heart hammering against his ribs with an ache he couldn’t suppress. 

*"Kya tum mujhe kisi aur ke saath dekh paogi?"* 

His voice was barely more than a whisper, swallowed by the storm raging around them, yet it struck Arya with the force of a tidal wave. 

Her breath faltered, her entire body stiffening as his words settled into the space between them. 

No.

She could never watch him with someone else. 

The mere thought sent a sharp, searing pain through her chest, suffocating her, unraveling her resolve piece by piece. 

She wanted to scream, to tell him that he belonged to her that the idea of him with another was unbearable. 

But instead—she forced herself to lie. 

"Haan... hum bas aapki khushiya chahte hain."

Her voice was thin, weak—barely carrying through the downpour. 

Shreyansh’s jaw tightened, his breathing growing uneven, and then—slowly, his gaze met hers. 

The intensity in his eyes burned through her, making her knees tremble, making her doubt every cruel decision she had made. 

"Hamari khushiya toh aapne bashi hai."

His voice was lower now, guttural, drenched in pain. 

"You say you want my happiness. But you're the one destroying it."* 

Arya’s chest constricted, her lips parting slightly as her vision blurred. 

She couldn’t do this. 

Couldn’t keep hurting him. 

Couldn’t keep hurting *herself*. 

The rain continued to fall, drowning out the world around them, washing away everything except the emotions suffocating them both. 

And in that moment, as she looked at the man who had loved her beyond reason, beyond limits, beyond wounds— 

Arya stood there, motionless, the rain pouring around them, drenching her, drowning her in the silence she refused to break. 

Shreyansh waited. 

Watched. 

Begged—without words, without plea—just with his presence, with his trembling breaths, with the shattered look in his eyes. 

But she said nothing. 

She just stood there, letting the storm rage on, letting the weight of his love and her rejection hang between them like an unbearable truth. 

Something inside him snapped. 

*"I hate my heart for loving you!"* 

His voice exploded into the night, raw, furious, wounded beyond repair. 

*"I hate myself for choosing you, for needing you, for *never* being able to let you go!"* 

Arya flinched, the intensity of his pain slicing through her, but still—she said nothing. 

And that silence—more than anything—broke him. 

His breath hitched as his chest heaved with emotions too violent to contain. 

*"I wish I had never met you."* His voice cracked, his fists clenching at his sides. *"I wish I had never fallen in love with you."* 

Tears slipped free from his eyes, blending with the rain, lost in the storm as his body trembled with unspoken agony. 

Before she could react—before she could even process the devastation in his gaze—he reached for her. 

His fingers curled around her wrist, firm, determined, desperate. 

And without hesitation—without giving her the chance to pull away—he dragged her toward the car, his grip unyielding, his emotions uncontrollable. 

Arya’s breath stuttered, her heart racing, her pulse roaring in her ears. 

She didn’t resist. 

Didn’t fight. 

Didn’t say a word. 

. He started the car again,

Arya's heart shrunk in her chest, her eyes fixed on the rain-soaked streets outside, her mind reeling with the pain of Shreyansh's words . She felt suffocated, trapped in a prison of her own making.

_______________________

Vihaan was heading home when he suddenly saw Trisha on the way, amidst a chaotic scene with the police and two familiar boys who had left him fuming with anger. He had tried to push thoughts of these boys aside due to Ashvi's issue, but they lingered in his mind, waiting for payback. Spotting Trisha in distress, he parked his car and joined the commotion to find her passionately confronting the boys, unleashing her anger by giving them a good beating. '

"You bastards dare to blackmail Niddi and try to take advantage of me!'"" she let out furiously as she took matters into her own hands.

Vihaan's gaze fell on a girl standing beside Trisha, her eyes brimming with tears as she watched Trisha confront the two boys who had tried to blackmail and take advantage of her. The police stood by, seemingly uninterested in intervening, as Trisha's anger and determination took center stage.

"You bastards!" Trisha's voice was laced with venom. "You think you can blackmail her with an MMS and drug me, thinking you can take advantage of me? I'm not going to let you get away with this!"

With a fierce cry, Trisha swung her police stick at the boys, her eyes blazing with fury. The officer finally stepped in, gently prying the stick from Trisha's hand. "That's enough, Trisha. We'll take it from here."

The officer's voice was firm but gentle, as she helped the boys into the jeep ."" Let us handle these fools"""

Trisha's anger didn't subside, her eyes flashing with disgust. "Make sure they get the harshest punishment. I won't let them get away with this." Her voice was laced with emotion, her body trembling with rage.

The woman officer nodded in agreement. "Don't worry, Trisha. Justice will be served."

Niddhi's eyes dropped, her face etched with shame. "I'm sorry, Trisha. I was desperate, I didn't know what else to do."

Trisha's expression was icy, her voice cold. "I can't forgive you, Niddhi. You betrayed me in the name of friendship.Anything could have happened to me that night but a kind hearted person saved me ; I'll never forgive you ."

With that, Trisha turned away, her eyes locking onto Vihaan's, who had been watching the scene unfold with a mix of shock, admiration, and anger. His eyes softened as he gazed at Trisha, his heart swelling with pride. "

As soon as Trisha's eyes met Vihaan's, her anger dissipated, replaced by a radiant smile. Her face lit up like a sunny day, and her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Vihaan," she chimed, her voice like a cheerful bird's song, making his heart skip a beat.

Vihaan cleared his throat, his voice husky with emotion. "Come, let's go home." Trisha nodded, her smile still plastered on her face, and followed him to the car. The silence between them was palpable, but it was a comfortable one, filled with unspoken understanding.

Breaking the silence, Vihaan spoke, his voice filled with admiration. "You did a great job back there, Trisha. You taught those boys a lesson they won't forget." Trisha's smile broadened, her eyes shining with pride. "I don't take nonsense from anyone, Vihaan. I know how to handle people who try to trouble me."

Her bubbly voice continued, "If anyone troubles you, just give me their name. I'll take care of them, don't worry." Vihaan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You'll fight for me?" he asked Trisha's smile turned fierce, her eyes flashing with determination. "I can, and I will. Just try me."

The car stopped at a red light, and Vihaan turned to Trisha, his eyes locking onto hers. He was taken aback by the depth of emotion in her eyes, the fierce protectiveness that shone like a beacon....

"As they strolled through the bustling streets, a gajre seller, his eyes shining with hope, hurried towards them. His worn-out shoes made a soft scraping sound on the pavement as he approached. "Sir, sir, please take a   for your lovely girlfriend," he said, mistaken trisha as  vihaan girlfriend  , his voice laced with desperation. "I haven't sold a single gajre all day,

Vihaan's eyes widened in shock  as he heard his words

He wanted to tell him that he  was mistaken and that she is not his girlfriend.

But the seller thrust a colorful gajre towards them. Trisha's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she  admire  these colourful fresh gajre completely ignoring  the seller previous words . "I think there's been a misunderstanding," Vihaan tried to explain, but the seller wouldn't be deterred.

"Please, sir, take it for your girlfriend. It's a special gajre, blessed by the gods. It will bring you both good fortune and happiness," he persisted, his eyes shining with sincerity. His weathered hands trembled slightly as he held out the gajre, its fragrant flowers filling the air with a sweet scent.

Vihaan tried to reason with him, but the seller's words tumbled out in a passionate plea. "I have children to feed, sir. Please, help me out. Just take this gajre" His voice cracked, revealing the desperation beneath.

These words of his  melted his heart. He was able to understand his  helplessness because somewhere he  too have gone through this helplessness before.

Finally, Vihaan relented, handing over a 2000-rupee note for the  gajre.

"I don't have  change money sir, their price is only ₹50, please give me ₹50" the seller told

" I also don't have change,  so you can keep extra money " vihaan told with gentle smile

The seller's face lit up with gratitude, and he placed the gajre  in vihaan hands    . "May the gods bless you both with happiness and love," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. Trisha's eyes sparkled with delight, and Vihaan's heart swelled with warmth as they exchanged a tender glance.

the  flowers fragrance filling the air, the seller called out, "Thank you, sir! May the gods bless you!" Vihaan turned back to smile at him, and the seller's eyes crinkled at the corners as he returned the smile. The moment lingered, a small but significant connection between strangers, a reminder of the power of kindness and compassion....

" As the garland seller disappeared from sight, Vihaan's gaze fell on Trisha, who was gazing at him with an unmistakable longing in her eyes. Her gaze kept drifting to the gajre in his hand, and he realized with a smile how much she loved gajre . He offered it to her, but instead of taking it, she pinched his shirt and pleaded, "Please put it on me, my hands are injured, and I can't wear it myself."

Vihaan's eyes narrowed slightly, his brow furrowed in skepticism. Trisha's hands looked perfectly fine to him, and he couldn't help but wonder if she was fibbing. His face took on a stern expression, and Trisha's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing slightly as she realized her lie might be exposed.

But she quickly recovered, her voice taking on a persuasive tone. "I swear, when I beat those boys, my wrist bone got a little twisted, and it's causing me some pain. It'll go away soon, I promise, but I need some medicine first. We don't have any on us right now, so please, help me out?" Her eyes turned puppy-like, her lower lip jutting out in a pout, and Vihaan's resolve crumbled.

Despite his initial doubts, he found himself melting at her words, his heart softening as he gazed into her pleading eyes. He took the gajre and gently placed it around her wrists

his fingers brushing against her skin as he adjusted the flowers. Trisha's eyes sparkled with delight, and she smiled up at him, her face radiant with joy.



As Vihaan carefully placed the garland around Trisha's wrists , she gazed up at him with adoration, her eyes sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. Her gaze was mesmerizing, and Vihaan could feel her eyes on him like a gentle caress, making his heart race with a mix of fear and excitement. He tried to steel himself, telling himself to stay away from her, to not let her get too close, to not let her control him. But as he looked into her eyes, he felt his resolve crumbling, his heart melting like ice in the sun....

_____________________

Ashvi sat beside Abhinash and Soumya, her eyes fixed on the road ahead, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Yuvaan, seated in the passenger seat, couldn't help but steal glances at her through the rearview mirror. He knew her so well, could read the expressions on her face like a book. He sensed her uncertainty, her fears, her doubts. She was hesitant to stay with his family for days, fearing she'd be a burden. Yuvaan's heart swelled with love and reassurance. How could she think that? She was his everything - his life, his breath, his soul. He wanted her close, where he could keep her safe, where he could see her, , reassure himself she was okay.

The memory of Vivek's attack still lingered, a constant reminder of the danger she faced. Yuvaan's grip on the seat tightened as he thought about it. He couldn't shake off the feeling of protectiveness, the need to shield her from harm. He glanced at her again, his eyes locking onto hers in the mirror. She was lost in thought, her brow furrowed, her eyes troubled. Yuvaan's heart ached with love and concern. He wanted to pull her close, hold her tight, and chase away her fears. As they approached home, Yuvaan's thoughts raced with ways to keep her safe, to make her feel loved and cherished, to show her she was never a burden, but a blessing in his life...

"Come, Ashvi beta," Soumya called out, her voice warm and inviting, as she helped Ashvi out of the car. Ashvi winced slightly, careful not to exacerbate her wound, and gratefully accepted Soumya's supporting hand. She felt a sense of security and love as she held Soumya's hand, and her other hand was enveloped by Abhinash's, his touch sending a surge of warmth and comfort through her body. It was like being enveloped in a cocoon of parental love and care.

"Let's go inside, beta," Soumya said, guiding Ashvi towards the house. As they entered, Ashvi's eyes widened in surprise to see Arya standing there, a Pooja tal in her hand. "Whatever trouble is upon you, and to save you from the evil eye, your evil eye descends upon you," Arya said with a gentle smile, handing the tal to Soumya. Soumya nodded her head in agreement, her eyes shining with love and concern. "Yes, Arya is right," she said, applying a kumkum tilak to Ashvi's forehead. "May God save you from the evil eye and bring happiness back into your life," she prayed, her voice filled with sincerity.

Ashvi felt a lump form in her throat as she was enveloped in the love and care of these wonderful people. She felt a sense of gratitude and peace wash over her,...

As they settled into the sofa, Yuvaan joined them, his eyes never leaving Ashvi's face. A servant offered water, and Soumya's concerned gaze fell on Ashvi, who seemed lost in thought, her eyes fixed on some distant point. "Do you want to eat something, beta?" Soumya asked, her voice gentle, filled with motherly love. Ashvi's response was barely audible, her voice cracking as she whispered, "No, Aunty."

The room fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the fan overhead. Everyone exchanged understanding glances, sensing the unspoken emotions behind her words. Abhinash's face softened, his eyes filled with fatherly love and concern. He reached out, his hand covering Ashvi's, his touch warm and comforting.

"Ashvi, stop overthinking, beta," he said, his voice low and soothing. "Stop thinking you're a burden on us. You're  just like our  child, you're a part of our family. You're our son and daughter-in-law's friend, and that makes you family. We're all in this together." His eyes locked onto hers, filled with determination and love. "You're a strong girl, Ashvi. Don't lose hope. You have to show that monster who ran you over that you won't be broken. You have to take revenge, put him in his place. We're with you, my child. We'll support you every step of the way."

Abhinash's words were like a warm embrace, enveloping Ashvi in a sense of security and love. She felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at him, his eyes shining with sincerity. Yuvaan's hand found hers, his touch sending a surge of comfort through her body. Soumya's arms opened wide, and Ashvi felt herself being pulled into a warm hug, the kind that only a mother could give. "We're with you, beta," Soumya whispered, her voice filled with love....

"If you accept defeat, then the demon will win, which you must not allow to happen," Arya said, her voice firm and resolute. "You have to take revenge from him. Whatever he has done to you, you have to punish him for all his crimes." Ashvi's eyes welled up with tears as she thought about her dead family, her voice barely audible as she asked, "Will I be able to take revenge from him? Will I be able to win over him? Will I punish him for his crimes?"

Abhinash's face softened, his eyes filled with compassion and understanding. He reached out, his hand gently stroking her hair, his touch warm and comforting. "You can, my daughter," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "You can." His soft smile creased his face, his eyes shining with belief in her. "You are strong, Ashvi. You are brave. You can do this." Soumya's hands wrapped around her, holding her close, as if physically imparting strength and courage. Yuvaan's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with determination. Arya's words echoed in her mind, "You have to take revenge from him." And in that moment, Ashvi felt a spark of determination ignite within her. She would take revenge. She would win. She would punish him for his crimes.

_________________

👉How's the chapter, And I hope you all like the changes. Please share your thoughts.

👉 What do you all think, should Arya and Shreyansh really separate from each other?

👉 do vote , comment and share with your friends please 🥺❤️

👉 Arya kii kidnapping Bala scen Jald  hii aane  bala haii ( maybe next chapter )