UDAIPUR- 4.5 YEARS AGO

Love was never meant for me. I spent the last eight years buried in darkness, convinced I'm destined to do all these things. But then she came-like a storm disguised as peace-and ruined me in ways no one else ever could. And in the end, she proved me right but in a different way-I was never meant for love.

She was the peace I never prayed for, yet she came into my life and fought every battle for me, became my sword that shielded me from my own demons. But I never thought it would hurt the same way as it does for others-when that very sword turns and stabs into my heart.

I never wanted to return to India, but here I am-standing in front of the same house that haunted my childhood by snatching away my bua, the only happiness I ever had. I touched the grand gates of Rawal Mansion, which now feel nothing more than a cement structure to me.

This wasn't the way I planned it, yet it happened. I'm here to take up responsibilities that were always meant for me-like an uncrowned king. Thunder roared and rain poured down as I stepped inside. Raindrops hit my white shirt, washing away the blood that stained it.

Every pair of eyes in the mansion silently questioned me about my appearance,but none dared to speak-blood stained my shirt, bruises on my hands, my hair was a mess but less than my life. I walked straight to my room and locked the door behind me, shutting out the storm outside-and the storm inside me.

The room looked exactly like my place back in New York. I guess Aryan-my younger brother-had done this the moment he knew I was coming back. He had shifted all my belongings here.

Almost two months ago, I told him I'd return to India-only because of her. But today, I'm still here, when the reason I came back no longer matters to me.

I stood in the middle of the room, running a hand over my face. When I turned to the side, my eyes caught my reflection in the mirror. They landed on the tattoo on my neck-a dolphin tattoo, the devil I had caged for the last 32 hours slipped out.

My heart clenched painfully. I grabbed the vases and threw them against the wall, sent books crashing to the floor, tore down the curtains in a rage.

The room turned into a mess of broken alcohol bottles and scattered objects. My knees gave out and I crashed to the floor. "Why this happened" my voice shivered with pain.

You are only destruction, and I don't want to invite that destruction into my world. That's why I chose him over you.

Her words echoed in my head. A part of me wanted to believe she was lying-but the truth I saw with my own eyes shattered me.

I screamed in pain and rage. In the middle of all the destruction, my eyes fell on a photo of a woman on the wall. Her calm, beautiful image stood in stark contrast to the chaos around me. I stared at it, hoping to find comfort-comfort that was no longer mine.

Gathering the last ounce of strength in me, I stood up. "This isn't what you said, right? This is not how we planned, right?" My voice broke as I dragged my legs toward her. "I know I was never the man you expected, but still, you stayed with me even when I didn't deserve you" A tear slipped down, burning through me. "When I finally wanted to change for you, you broke me." I rested my head against her photo.

You are not someone who deserves love.

Her words repeated like poison. "Congratulations Ms.Aggarwal you did the thing that no one ever could-shattering Vihaan Ranveer Rawal, now he is broken, completely" I let out a dry laugh followed by a sob.

Never cry over me. Don't try to make me feel guilty.

"True. I'm not someone who cries over anyone... but you were right about one thing." I wiped the last tear off my face. My red eyes burned into her picture. "I am destruction. And now... you'll see what happens when the devil inside me meets that destruction," I whispered.

"You played with me-mistaking Vihaan Ranveer Rawal's love. Now I'll show you what Ace can do." I slammed my fist against the wall. "I may not know how to love like a saint, but no one can hate like I will." I shoved the photo with my hand, glass shards slicing my palm-but the pain in my heart was far worse.

"From today onwards, destroying you is my only aim," I said, throwing the photo at the window. The crashing glass echoed through the room.

.

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.

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PRESENT

The crashing glass echoed through the room-not in a dream this time, but in reality-as I pushed the water glass off the table beside my bed, waking up with a gasp, breathing heavily.

"What happened?" Vikram's voice pulled me back. My heart pounded in my chest as her photo crashing into the wall replayed in my mind. Vikram stepped closer, concern written all over his face. "The same dream again?" he asked.

Vikram-one of the few I trust-is the son of my grandfather's ex-driver, who died in a car accident. Since then, I've taken responsibility for him. I shook my head. "The same truth. The same mistake," I said, clutching the bedsheets.

"It's been four years since that incident, Ranveer bhai. I know you blame yourself for everything. But you're starting a new life now-with Kaveri ji. Let the past go," Vikram said gently.

My lips curled into a small smile at the sound of her name. "That's what I've been planning from last two years," I said, getting out of bed.

It's been four years Kaveri since we got separated and two years ago I saw you again in an event where you received an award.

I'll treat this as my second chance. You were right, Kaveri-our paths are always chosen by destiny. But let me correct that slightly-this time, destiny took you away from me... but I'm getting us back together.

Because I'll always choose the path that leads me to you.

🤍ྀི

Sweat beaded on my forehead as my breath grew uneven. I want to scream for help, but I know no one will hear me—and even if they did, no one can save me from him.

"R...V... please... please..." I rasped, struggling to breathe. My body arched off the bed, the sheets beneath me soaked in sweat.

"R...V," I whispered again, my voice barely audible, the air refusing to reach my lungs. My head pressed deeper into the pillow as darkness engulfed me.

I know it was a dream. I know I'm safe, in my own home, under my brother's protection. But how could I convince myself of that, when every night that man dragged me back into his dark world—the man I no longer remembered, except as a shadow from my past?

Five years ago, I woke up like a newborn. My memories wiped clean. No one ever spoke about the life I'd forgotten. But the fear in my brother's eyes... the way he and Karan clung to me day and night without complaint... it all silently told me this was my second chance.

My fists clenched the sheets, my whole body trembling. Sweat poured down my face. I jolted upright, eyes wide open, gasping like someone pulled from the depths of an ocean after being held under far too long.

That man he reminded me every single night how precious oxygen is. How desperately the body craves air and water when it's robbed of both.

Still panicking, I reached for the water bottle. I drank in gulps, uncaring of the water trickling down my chin, soaking into my already drenched nightwear. My eyes flicked to the clock.

2:00 AM.
As usual. The hour my nightmares always wake me.

I wiped my mouth, then looked toward the door, silently hoping Karan would walk in and pull me into his arms. Say, "No worries, baccha. I'm here."  But he will never come. Not anymore.

Even today, I don't know whether the distance between us is his fault or mine.

Shivaay bhai doesn't live in India and Karan was the one who stayed—Who took care of me like his own sister,

I got out of bed. Sleep was gone for the night.

I stood in front of the mirror, splashing cold water on my face, staring at my naked reflection. Bare. Raw. Broken.

What am I more afraid of?
The man in my dreams?
Not knowing why he haunts me?
Or these burning marks on my body that offer no explanation?

My fingers ran along the faint scars under my breast. I don't know what I went through in the first 21 years of my life. But in the past 5 years, I've lived those 21 all over again. And now, here I stand—26 years old. A woman who rebuilt herself so her brothers could live freely.

But these scars... they tear me apart each day. They make me feel ugly. Insecure. Worthless. They make my heart scream, wishing I could just curl into a ball under the sheets and disappear.

I laugh dryly at that thought—hide under the sheets? That's closer to the man from my nightmares.

After a cold shower, I buried myself in office work to distract my mind. Time passed quickly, the hours slipping through my fingers like sand.

And now...

Here I am, standing in front of the mirror—

A bride-to-be.
I completely forgot.
Tomorrow is my engagement.

Wedding was never a part of my plan—at least not this soon, especially when I've just started my own company. Everything was going well. I was about to fly to Canada, chase my dreams, and focus on building my future. But attending a single event two years ago, where I received an award, changed everything—His family saw me there.

I was suddenly asked to marry the elder son of the Rawal family—someone I haven't even seen till today. Yet, I'm meant to become his wife in just nineteen days.

I exhaled deeply, adjusted my hair, and glanced at my reflection one more time.

"Kaveri!"

I turned around as my mom's voice reached me. A flicker of happiness shimmered in her eyes as she looked at me. She walked towards me with a gentle smile on her lips.

"You're looking pretty," she said in a soft tone, caressing my cheek.

"Your Bua has come, she's waiting for you," she added, making my smile widen.

Bua has always been my favourite. Shivaay bhai once told me I spent most of my childhood at her place. After I was discharged from the hospital, she showed me old photo albums, tears flowing as she described every naughty and silly thing I had done as a child.
She is married to my mother's brother.

Both my parents and my Bua had love marriages. My mom is South Indian. My father once went to Hyderabad for business, and that's where their love story began. Their marriage became the first step that got my Bua and uncle's love story too.

The moment I saw my father, my steps automatically moved toward him. He turned around when he heard the jingling sound of my bangles. A gentle smile crept onto his lips as he placed a hand on my head, blessing me. A soft smile tugged at my lips, seeing that spark in his eyes—even while my own heart was in chaos.

"Someone forgot me," a voice echoed from behind him.

My Bua peeked out from behind my father. I rushed forward and wrapped my arms around her tightly. My uncle affectionately patted my hair while I stayed in Bua's embrace.

"Didn't your son come?" I asked. Her son is the grumpiest person in our family. He spent most of his life in Mumbai, away from his hometown. No one really knows why, It always left Bua feeling a little sad. But recently, he took both his parents to Mumbai with him.

I was talking with my Bua when my mom approached me, phone in hand. I looked up to see her smiling brightly.

"Shivaay called," she said, handing me the phone. Shivaay bhai was always Mom's favorite. It's not like she doesn't give me enough love, but I've always felt she loves him a little more.

"Hello, ma'am," my brother chimed from the other side. "When are you coming?" I asked, trying to catch a glimpse of his surroundings. It looked like some dark place—almost like a dungeon.

"Maybe on your first anniversary," he shrugged and chuckled when he saw me glare. "I'll come for sure, Kaveri. I have a few messes to clean up here," he promised, making me smile a little. "When are you going to show me your husband?" he teased.

I haven't even seen him myself.

"I'll send you a photo," Ma said with a gentle smile. "No! Bhai will see my hus—fiancé when he returns, not before that. Don't send any pictures," I said. "Atleast tell me his name" bhai chuckled, "Ran—" ma was half thrown when I stopped her placing hand on her mouth. "If you will come, you will know everything" I said giving him a tight smile, handing the phone back to Ma without waiting for his reply.

"Shagun from the groom's side just arrived—for tomorrow's engagement," Chirag, my cousin brother, called out from the entrance. He walked in with a wide smile while a servant followed behind, carrying a box. "Kaveri!!" Chirag ruffled my hair, and I smiled.

The elder ladies—including my mother and Bua—seated me and covered my head with the dupatta from my lehenga before beginning some traditional rituals requested by the groom's family.

They opened the box and placed it in my lap. My eyes lit up seeing the finely designed dark pink lehenga with intricate golden stonework. The detailing was so exquisite that even if one stone were replaced, the beauty of the fabric might change. I gently ran my hand over the cloth, completely impressed.

"That's why Ranveer's designs are the best," Dhriti—my long-distance cousin—chimed in.

Did he design this?? Wow.

"Kaveri will get to wear unique designer clothes every day after marriage," Nisha—Chirag's wife—said affectionately, holding my shoulder.

She's a girl from my grandparents village. My Chachu and her father were very close friends. When her parents died in an accident, my Chachu took responsibility for her.

Everyone hesitated to keep her in the house since she technically had no relation to us, but I casually suggested getting Nisha married to Chirag. My Chachu took it seriously and made it happen.

Though Nisha never said anything, I noticed the fear in her eyes every time she saw Chirag. It's been about four years since their marriage, and I've never seen a single day when her face wasn't pale—like she was constantly afraid of something... or someone.

Chirag is a city-bred guy, and I understand he might have expected a modern partner. But he needs to understand—Nisha is a good girl, someone even fate would be proud to give.

I once complained to my father and Chachu when I saw Chirag raise his hand at Nisha. My father immediately removed him from a few of the company's business groups.

Chirag was furious that Chachu didn't stop it—even when his own son was being removed. I never thought that anger would grow into such deep hatred that he wouldn't even come to see Chachu again—not even two years ago, when Chachu collapsed after the sudden downfall of AG Groups and was left paralyzed.

Even today, he remains in that same condition.

"We need to speed things up. There's less than a month until the wedding," Bua said, looking at my father.

My grip on the dupatta tightened.

The days are slipping by way too fast.

I never said it out loud to my parents—that I didn't want to get married right now. Not when I have lot to do with my own company, I barely took my first steps into building a future on my own terms.
But I did say it to Chirag about marriage.

He's the one currently managing AG Groups alongside Papa, since Shivaay bhai has never had any interest in the business.
And honestly, that doesn't surprise me anymore. Shivaay bhai has always been... different. Detached. Sometimes, it even feels like he doesn't belong in our world.

They say he grew even more distant after his girlfriend's death.
I don't remember much about her—or their relationship. My memories of that time are a blur, wiped clean by the accident I had a few years ago.

A different story. A different pain.

And I don't even know why I said yes to this wedding.
Maybe it was the way Papa's eyes lit up—so full of joy and hope.
But that very same night, regret started bubbling inside me. I reached out to Chirag, hoping, foolishly, that he'd understand.

"Chirag, listen to me... I don't want to marry anyone. There's still so much I want to do with my life. But I can't say this to my parents... please, help me."

"Do something—anything—to stop this marriage." I pleaded, searching his face for some sign of empathy.

But his eyes were cold. Unmoved.

"Are you out of your mind? Or have you truly forgotten the crisis AG Group is facing?" His voice was sharp, cutting through my words like a blade. "We're trapped, Kaveri. Completely surrounded—and you know exactly why."

I lowered my head, his words landing heavy on my chest.

"Karan," he said bitterly, and the way he looked at me—accusing, almost disgusted—made something twist inside me.

Why does he always have to bring him up? Why does his name still have the power to sting?

"He was part of this family—part of AG Groups—because of you. And look where that got us."

A fresh wave of pain surged through me at the mention of Karan.

Shivaay bhai may love me deeply, but Karan was the one who took care of me in absence of Shivaay bhai. And Chirag—he's always been distant. Practical. Cold. I've never found comfort in him.

But Karan... he was different. He was my soul brother. No less than Shivaay bhai. 

And yet—he vanished when we needed him most.

I never imagined he'd betray us—steal from us. It still feels impossible. Even now, my heart refuses to accept it. But his silence... when everyone pointed fingers... it broke something inside me.

"This entire mess is your doing, and now it's your responsibility to fix it." Chirag's voice cut through again, harsh and final. "There's only one way out—marry Ranveer."

Marry Ranveer.

As if that's the price I must pay to clean up a mess I never made.

"The only thing the Rawal family asked for during partnership discussions," he continued, "was your hand in marriage to their son."

His tone left no room for argument.

When will he understand I'm not a damn business deal?

"And whatever you just said to me—keep it to yourself. If your father hears even a whisper of it..." Chirag's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping. "His heart won't be able to bear it. You'll shatter him. So don't even think about rejecting this proposal."

I stood there, silent.
What could I say?

The ache in my chest deepened. I felt like I was sinking, trapped in a decision that didn't feel like mine anymore.

After that conversation, I was left torn—caught between my dreams and my duties.
But AG Groups means everything to me. It's my father's legacy, built with his blood, sweat, and sleepless nights.

I couldn't let it fall apart.
Not because of me.

So... unwillingly, I said yes.

Because sometimes, their happiness matters more than mine.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when Papa placed a hand on my shoulder. I turned around and saw someone standing beside him.

"Kaveri, this is Akash-Mr. Kapoor's son," Papa said and I nodded.

I looked up at the man already eyeing me from head to toe like I was a mannequin on display. Papa left, leaving me alone with him.

"Hi, Ms...?" His eyes dropped to my chest. "Kaveri," I replied, forcing a polite smile, doing my best to hide the disgust bubbling inside me.

"Congratulations on your wedding," he said, extending his hand. I shook it reluctantly, flinching at the way he squeezed it-too firm, too intentional.

"We were supposed to get married-" he added with a dry laugh. I glared at him, trying to pull my hand away.

"I mean, my father wanted to bring up a proposal," he corrected, clearly enjoying himself. Hell with everyone who thinks I'm some object-the one who bids high can have me. wow!!

"Mind if I ask you to dance?" he said, still not letting go. I opened my mouth to decline, but before I could, he dragged me onto the dance floor.

He placed a hand on my waist, pulling me flush against him. "I love your smell," he murmured, trying to bring his face closer. I turned my head sharply to avoid him.

Then he did something I hadn't expected-he roughly brushed away the dupatta covering my waist and touched my bare skin. I tried to stomp on his foot, but he spun me before I could.

"I have to go," I said sharply. But he didn't move.

"In less than a month, you'll be married," he said, his fingers creeping higher up my back. "What's the rush? Don't you want to enjoy life first?" His jaw clenched as he stared at me like I was some prize.

"You're this beautiful... and I'm guessing still a virgin," he said, smirking. I pushed at his chest, but he didn't budge."Just spend these 15 days with me... in my bed. I'll give you the best feeling of your life," he whispered in my ear.

My hand inched up, ready to slap him, but my father's eyes on me forced me to hold back.

"Do you know what I'd do to you?" he growled, his breath warm against my ear. "I'll tie you to my bed and rip every single piece of clothing off your body..." His hand slithered around my neck.

"I'll start with your face," he continued, his voice low and depraved, "and then move down to every inch of you." His hands moved even lower, trailing across my back as he inhaled deeply and muttered something under his breath. "I bet you will have a beautiful tits, or are these cups? Huh?" He laughed dryly.

He's done if I just call my brother.

"I'll show you what a real man is like," he sneered, "I will make you beg for more of my touch" he whispered. I glared at him and was about to pull away from him. He moved his hand higher pulling strings of my blouse. I placed my hand over my shoulder to avoid loosening my blouse. My back is bare "and what my needy cock can do to your body. I'll pop your-"

I yanked his hand away, ready to slap him so hard his ancestors would feel it-but before I could, someone dragged him away.

A man in a black suit, face covered with black mask. I'd seen him many times before... or maybe it was someone else, always in that same black outfit-helped me everytime I'm in trouble.

He grabbed Akash's collar and yanked him back. In the dim lights, I could faintly see a servant escorting Akash away.

And then I looked up-and gasped.

The man in black was just a step away from me. His light brown eyes pierced into mine, sending a shiver through every vein in my body. I had a good height of around 5 foot 8 inches but he is a giant making me feel small.

He wrapped a arm around my waist as he took a step closer, and I stepped back until my spine hit a pillar. The pillar was cold against my bare back.

It was too intimate. Too close. But I couldn't bring myself to push him away.

My eyes stayed locked on his face-or rather, what little I could see through the black mask that clung to him like a second skin. His jaw flexed behind it, sharp and defined.

Then I felt it-his cold fingers brushing against my bare back. Goosebumps prickled across my skin. The strings of my blouse had come undone.

My breath caught as he silently reached up and tied them back in place. I looked up, only to find his gaze fixed on me-soft, unreadable, yet intense.

His hands rested on the wall beside me. He leaned in. I should've pushed him away. This was wrong. But my body... froze. He grabbed my chin roughly.

I closed my eyes and rested my head against the pillar, not sure what I was even waiting for.

A minute passed. I opened my eyes.

He was gone.

I looked around-but he had vanished into the shadows. Then, I spotted him at the exit. He turned, just once, and our eyes met. His squinting gaze told me he was smirking behind that mask. He wicked at me before disappearing into crowd.

Something twisted inside me. He had an effect on me. One I couldn't explain.

Who is he?

Why do I feel like I've seen him before?

Is he the same person whose presence I'm feeling everytime from last 2 years?

🤍ྀི

I was walking through the corridors, searching everywhere for Chirag. Papa had asked him to talk with the groom's family to confirm what time they'd arrive tomorrow. I sighed deeply as I reached his room. The door was already open, so I stepped inside.

I glanced around, but the room was empty. I was just about to leave when a faint voice drifted in from the balcony.

"He might be there," I muttered, walking toward it.

"Kaveri was such a fool." I was about to call out to him, but his words made me freeze.

He stood there, leaning against the railing, a glass of alcohol swirling in his hand. And Nisha stood beside him, her eyes wide, fear written all over her face.

He let out a dry laugh. "She didn't even have the slightest idea what was coming for her."

I stepped forward slowly, my hand tightening around the door handle. My heart dropped hearing his words.

"What nonsense are you saying, Chirag ji?" Nisha asked, her voice almost disbelieving. "Huh! Do you think I love my sister that much?" he huffed, running his finger along her chin.

"No!" he snarled, suddenly wrapping his hand around her throat. "Chirag ji, please don't say you had cruel intentions," Nisha pleaded, her voice cracking.

"Yes!" he snapped, his tone cold and sharp, slamming his hand against the railing. "Finally, my revenge will be complete. And I'll get profit too."

He clenched his jaw. "Because of her, I was removed from parts of the AG Group." He stepped closer to Nisha, his face twisted with rage. "Because of her, I had to see your fucking face every single day," he growled, squeezing her throat harder.

I instinctively took a step forward but held myself back. My chest tightened as I saw the tears streaming down Nisha's face—not just from pain, but from heartbreak too.

She had given everything these last four years. Lost herself trying to become the woman he wanted... but this bastard never gave a damn.

"Kaveri was the final and most difficult barrier between me and AG Groups," he spat, gulping another sip. Then, with a sickening smirk, he looked up at the sky. "Now AG Groups will be mine."

Did he really think my marriage meant I'd cut ties with everything behind me? That I'd abandon AG Groups?
Never. Not with a monster like him planning to take over.

"Ranveer!" he suddenly barked, laughing bitterly.

My heart skipped a beat.

"This marriage... it's not going to be a bed of roses for her," he said, that twisted smile still on his face. "Ranveer is a sadistic psychopath. He'll make her life a living hell. She won't even get a bed of thorns—just pure agony."

A cold shiver ran through my veins. My fingers trembled on the door.

"She'll be so buried in her hellish life with him—she won't be able to tell her parents, she won't be able to leave him. She won't even have time to think about AG Groups," he sneered, brushing a strand of Nisha's hair back mockingly.

Tears slipped down my cheeks.

He betrayed me... completely.

"You can't do this to her! Kaveri was the one who rebuilt AG Groups when it collapsed two years ago," Nisha whispered, her voice trembling with fear.

"I don't give a fuck," Chirag snapped.

My breath grew uneven. Fear. Helplessness. Rage. All tangled inside me.

Two years ago, AG Groups was on the brink of destruction. Shivaay bhai wasn't around, so I stepped in. I took over every responsibility, every burden. I dug deep—so deep, I even discovered the downfall wasn't from the stock crash. It was a person.
Someone called ACE.

That's all I found—no name, no gender. Nothing more.

I'd wanted to investigate further, but Papa stopped me. Said they were dangerous.

"I truly wish she had died that day in accident," Chirag muttered through gritted teeth. My heart clenched painfully hearing his words. The silence that followed was deafening. Nisha stood frozen, still processing every horrifying word.

My knees buckled slightly, my strength giving out under the weight of his betrayal.

I turned to leave, trying to gather the shattered pieces of myself.

"Karan Rathod," Chirag suddenly roared, followed by a cruel laugh.

I stopped in my tracks.

"My so-called sister's soul brother," he mocked. "So it was you," Nisha whispered, the horror in her voice rising.

"Did you really think I'd just stand by and smile while he took the lead in AG Groups?" he snapped. "I trapped him in that money mess."

My chest ached with guilt. I should've stood by Karan. I should've questioned everything that day.

"Chirag ji... if everything you said about Kaveri's fiancé is true, then Karan will never let this marriage happen. He'll protect her," Nisha said, voice fierce now despite the fear.

"Nisha, you don't even know Ranveer properly," Chirag replied, too casually. Then he smirked darkly. "Let me tell you just one incident. That's all you'll need to understand."

Ranveer had a secret room. Off-limits to everyone. It was filled with his designs, future projects, and things no one dared question.

Everyone in Rawal Groups was curious about it... until the day curiosity died.

Atharva—one of the employees—decided to sneak in, thinking he could gather information. What he didn't realize was—he had just entered the lion's den. And the lion sees everything.

He was caught, obviously.

No one knows exactly what Atharva did in there. But Ranveer grabbed him by the collar and growled, "Didn't I warn everyone not to enter my room without permission? Maybe it's time people see what happens when they cross the line."

Atharva trembled. Sweat poured from his face. Ranveer didn't stop.

He dragged him into the forest near his villa, covered him in sugar syrup, and then—He threw a stone at a beehive.

The hive exploded.

A swarm of furious bees attacked within seconds. The air filled with buzzing and screams—Atharva's screams—before they were swallowed by the chaos.

No one knows what happened to Atharva after that.
Alive or dead...
It remains a mystery.

But from that day on, no one ever dared go near that room again

—

"See how brutal he can be," Chirag said, a flicker of fear flashing in his eyes despite the smugness in his tone.

My heart sank. A chill ran down my spine, and my grip on the door handle tightened until my knuckles turned white.

"Sugar syrup and bees?" I whispered, my voice trembling as I covered my mouth to stop a sob from escaping. "How can someone be this cruel?"

"But... how do you even know all this?" Nisha asked, her voice barely a whisper, filled with confusion and disbelief.

A thick silence followed, so heavy it felt like the walls were closing in. "That's none of your business," Chirag snapped, his voice shaky with a mix of rage and something that sounded like guilt—or fear.

"Ranveer is the perfect example of cruelty," he sneered. "That beast is incapable of love. And Kaveri... she's caught in his trap, nothing more than a helpless prey."

"In 19 days!!" he laughed evilly, the sound cold and twisted as it echoed into the night. His eyes flicked to Nisha, whose face was still contorted in shock, struggling to process everything he'd just confessed.

I gasped when he suddenly lunged forward, his hand clamping around her throat so tightly her face flushed a deep red.

My jaw clenched in seething anger. All I wanted in that moment was to storm in and slap the madness out of him—to knock some damn sense into his cruel, delusional head.

"No one—nobody—should know about this," he hissed, digging his fingers into her neck, his voice a guttural growl. "Understand?" Nisha quickly nodded, her tears falling freely, her body trembling.

He smirked—a sick, satisfied one—before yanking her into a brutal kiss that made my stomach churn in disgust.

I shut my eyes, overcome with fury and helpless sorrow. I couldn't take it anymore. Silently, I turned to leave, my heart pounding.

But as I stepped back, my foot knocked into the floor vase beside the balcony entrance.

A loud clang.

I froze.

I didn't even need to turn to know—Nisha had definitely seen me.