"As I sit in balcony, gazing out at the sky, my tears flow like a river. My mind is reeling with the shocking revelations about my family's dark secrets. My father, the man I once idolized, was a monster who sold girls for a living. My brother, who I thought was my protector, tortured his own wife. I feel suffocated, unable to breathe, as the weight of their sins crushes me. How could they commit such heinous crimes, knowing they had a daughter and sister who could have suffered the same fate? I'm disgusted by the blood running through my veins, tainted by their evil deeds. I wish I had died at birth, sparing myself the pain of discovering their true nature. But I'm alive, and now I must face the consequences of their actions. " Arya thought feeling totally broken

Shreyansh stepped into the balcony, his eyes fixed on Arya's frail figure. He saw her back to him, her body shaking with sobs. The sound of her tears pierced the night air, a heartbreaking melody that tugged at his soul. He stood there, frozen, his heart aching with a mix of anger and sorrow. Though he wanted to go to her and comfort her but his feet seemed rooted to the spot, unable to ignore the pain that radiated from her. For a moment, he hesitated, torn between his desire to comfort her and his need to protect himself from the pain she had caused. In the end, his anger won out, and he turned away, leaving her to her tears....

Shreyansh lay on the bed, his mind racing with emotions. He had just seen Arya broken and crying on the balcony, but he couldn't bring himself to comfort her. The pain and anger he felt were still too raw, too fresh. He wanted to forget everything she had done to him, but he couldn't. Her betrayal and lies still lingered, festering like an open wound.

He thought about how she had pretended to love him, only to reveal her true intentions: revenge. She had used him, manipulated him, and tried to destroy him. The hurt and anger he felt were overwhelming, making it hard for him to breathe.

Shreyansh's mind was a jumble of emotions, a mix of anger, hurt, and sadness. He didn't know how to process it all, how to move past the pain she had caused him. All he knew was that he couldn't forget, couldn't forgive. Not yet, maybe not ever.

Shreyansh lay on the bed, lost in thought, his mind a maze of emotions. The only sound he could hear was the soft jingling of Arya's anklets, a reminder that she came beck in the room. He pretended to be asleep, not wanting to engage with her. But then, he felt a slight movement on the bed, and his senses went on high alert. He knew it was Arya, and his heart began to race.

After a few seconds, he felt the weight of her body on the other side of the bed, and he knew she had lain down beside him. He could sense her eyes on him, could feel her gaze piercing through the darkness. He didn't move, didn't acknowledge her presence, but he knew she was awake, just like him.

The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved issues. Shreyansh's heart was heavy with pain and anger, and he knew Arya's was too. They lay there in silence, two broken souls, unable to bridge the gap between them.

Arya slowly moved closer to Shreyansh, her eyes fixed on his seemingly peaceful face. She gently wrapped her arms around him, holding him lightly, as if afraid to break the fragile silence. Shreyansh, still pretending to sleep, didn't flinch, didn't acknowledge her touch. But Arya held on, her grip tender, her heart heavy with regret.

"Shreyansh, please forgive me," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm so sorry for what I did to you. I was blinded by my own pain and angerp. Please, please forgive me."

Shreyansh felt a pang in his heart as he heard Arya's tears, her whispered apologies. He knew she was sincere, that her remorse was genuine. But the hurt and anger he felt were still too raw, too overwhelming. He couldn't bring himself to forgive her, not yet. So he lay still, his back to her, his eyes closed, and his heart locked away. He chose silence, choosing to protect himself from the pain she had caused, rather than risk being hurt again. The tension between them was palpable, the silence a heavy blanket that suffocated them both.

Arya kept hugging Shreyansh, her tears falling onto his shirt. He didn't hug her back, but he didn't push her away either. They just lay there, not moving, not talking. Maybe It was a small step towards making up, but they

Soon he could not help and hug her back seeing she also fell asleep

. They fell asleep like that, holding onto each other, but still hurting

_______^:

Trisha's head lolled against the ca window, her eyes closed, her breathing slow. Vihaan drove silently, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. But as they approached her destination, Trisha stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She gazed up at Vihaan, her vision blurry, her words slurred.

"Vihaan...why won't you...accept me?" she mumbled, her voice barely audible. "I love you......but you keep pushing me away..."

Vihaan's heart ached, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and longing. He sighed, his voice low and gentle. "Trisha, you're drunk. You don't know what you're saying."

But Trisha's gaze locked onto his, her eyes pleading. "No...I mean it, Vihaan. I've always felt it...but you keep rejecting me. Why? What's wrong with me?"

Vihaan's face twisted in pain, his eyes dropping away from hers. "It's not you, Trisha. It's me. I'm not good for you "

" Are you devil or what ? " she asked in playful tone moving closer to him but he kept quite

Trisha: (smiling sleepily) Vihaan...I love you...you're so handsome...so strong... (her words trailed off as she gazed up at him with adoring eyes)

Vihaan: (pain evident in his eyes) Trisha, stop. You're drunk.

Trisha: (giggling) Oh, Vihaan...you're so grumpy...but I love you anyway... (she reached out to touch his face, her hand brushing against his cheek)

Vihaan: (his voice barely audible) Trisha, please...don't do this. You don't know what you're getting yourself into.

Trisha: (her eyes locking onto his) I know, Vihaan...I know you're hurting...but I want to help you heal... (her words slurred as she leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his ear, I love you, Vihaan...I want to be with you...

Vihaan's eyes closed, his face twisted in pain as he fought against his inner demons. He knew he couldn't accept her love, couldn't let her in...but a part of him longed to surrender to her gentle touch, her soothing words...

" Trisha, stop! Just stop! I don't feel anything for you, okay? We're just boss and employee, nothing more." He said in anger

"Stop the car, now" she said in anger

But he didn't stop ignoring her words

Vihaan's car screeched to a halt on the side of the road. Trisha, her eyes brimming with tears, stumbled out of the vehicle. "Leave me alone, Vihaan! You hate me, just leave me!"

Vihaan's face contorted in a mix of frustration and concern. "Trisha, stop! You're drunk, stop this nonsense and close your eyes ."

But she completely ignored his word's and come out from car anď started moving only then She felt a sudden pull knowing it was vihaan who pulled her back

Just then, Trisha's body lurched forward, and she vomited all over Vihaan's coat. He cursed under his breath, quickly pulling her away from the mess. "Trisha,

Vihaan swiftly pulled Trisha away from the vomit, his initial frustration replaced by concern. He gently sat her down on the roadside, holding her hair back as she continued to empty her stomach., she had vomited on his coat to ! But he didn't give dam about this and kept creasing her back

"Shh, Trisha, it's okay," Vihaan soothed, his voice gentle.."

As the vomiting finally subsided, Trisha looked up at Vihaan, her eyes brimming with tears. "My throat is paining...and my head is spinning," she whispered, her body trembling.

Vihaan's face softened further, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and concern . He carefully helped Trisha lean against his chest, his arms wrapping around her in a gentle embrace.

"Don't worry, Trisha. " he whispered, his voice filled with reassurance.

But,,

Then he realized that both of their clothes were a mess from her vomiting, so he let go of the hug and went to the car to grab some water and tissues. He took off his messy coat, cleaned his shirt, wiped her face, and gently helped her drink the water..

, Vihaan gently wiped Trisha's face and mouth with tissue, his touch soft and caring. "You're gonna be okay, Trisha. Just relax."

"I'm so sorry, Vihaan...I'm so sorry," Trisha murmured, remembering she threw up on him her eyes closed, her body still shaking.

Vihaan's eyes filled with a deep concern, his voice barely audible. "It's okay, Trisha. Just close you are eyes ..

" Trisha, just relax. We're almost at your apartment. You really need to relax and get some rest. You've had a lot to drink, that's why you're throwing up," Vihaan said gently as he picked her up, noticing her looking sad and shaky from throwing up.

"We'll be at your place soon, just relax," he assured her, laying her down on the seat and starting the car.

But Trisha's soft voice caught him off guard. "I don't live there anymore."

Vihaan's eyes widened in surprise as he stopped the car, turning to face her. "Where do you live now? Tell me, I'll drop you there."

Trisha's eyes remained closed, her voice barely audible. "I don't know, please let me sleep, my head hurts."

"Should I take her to my place?" Vihaan thought, deciding to take her to his home for the night because she was too drunk and not feeling well.

Vihaan's concern for Trisha's well-being only grew as she remained silent, her eyes closed. He decided to take her to his home, hoping she'd be more comfortable there. As he drove, he couldn't help but glance at her peaceful face, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.

After reaching his home, Vihaan parked the car and got out, carefully moving to the passenger side to scoop up Trisha in his arms. He carried her inside, her head resting against his chest, and made his way to the bedroom.

Gently, he removed her heels and covered her with a blanket, tucking her in snugly. For a brief moment, he gazed at her serene face, her features relaxed in sleep. Then, with a soft sigh, he turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.

________________

Next morning

At 3:09 AM, Yuvaan's eyes widened in concern as he felt Ashvi's nails dig into his hand, her breathing rapid and shallow. She was having a nightmare, her body tensing up in fear. He could guess what was haunting her - the memories of Vivek's torture.

Without thinking, Yuvaan pulled her closer , his arms wrapping around her in a gentle embrace. He whispered soft words in her ear, trying to calm her down. "Ashvi, it's okay, I'm here. You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Ashvi's body slowly began to relax, her breathing slowing down. Her nails released their grip on his hand, and she snuggled deeper into his embrace.

Yuvaan held her closer, his eyes fixed on her face. He could see the fear slowly fading from her eyes, replaced by a sense of security and trust. He continued to whisper reassurances in her ear, his voice soft and gentle.

Yuvaan's eyes blazed with anger and hatred as he thought of Vivek's unspeakable crimes. He cursed Vivek for hurting Ashvi beyond repair, for taking away her family, and for leaving her with scars that would never fully heal.

With a fierce determination burning in his heart, Yuvaan swore a solemn oath: "I will make sure Vivek pays for his sins. I will avenge Ashvi's suffering and make him suffer in return. He will regret the day he ever hurt her."

Yuvaan's voice was low and menacing, his words dripping with a deadly intensity. He knew that this was a promise he would keep, no matter what it took. He would make Vivek suffer, and he would make sure that justice was served.

As he held Ashvi close, Yuvaan's mind raced with thoughts of revenge and retribution. He knew that this would be a dangerous path, but he was willing to risk everything to protect Ashvi and make sure that Vivek paid for his crimes.

Yuvaan's eyes were sunken, with dark circles underneath, a testament to his sleepless vigil beside Ashvi's hospital bed. He sat motionless, his gaze fixed on her pale face, his heart aching with worry and fear.

For the past 24 hours, he had refused to leave her side, skipping food and water, his only sustenance being his prayers for her recovery. His eyes were red-rimmed, his face gaunt, but his spirit remained unbroken.

He couldn't bear the thought of leaving her, even for a moment, his heart tethered to hers by an invisible thread. He was her rock, her protector, and he would not abandon her in her darkest hour.

As he sat there, his eyes never leaving hers, he whispered soft prayers, his voice barely audible. "Please, God, save her. Make her well again. I can't lose her, please..." His words trailed off, his throat choked with emotion.

Yuvaan's love for Ashvi was palpable, a tangible force that filled the hospital room with warmth and hope. He would sit by her side forever, if that's what it took, to see her smile again, to see her eyes sparkle with life...

Yuvaan leaned his forehead against Ashvi's, his voice filled with emotion. "Ashvi, , please come back to me. I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you from the pain and suffering you endured. I wish I could have been there to shield you from Vivek's cruelty."

He paused, his tears falling onto her face. "I know you were trapped in a marriage that brought you only pain, but I want you to know that I'm here for you now. I'll be your safe haven, your support, and your friend."

Yuvaan's voice was filled with compassion and concern. "I want to help you heal, Ashvi, to help you find happiness again. I promise to be by your side, to listen and support you, without expectation or condition."

He held her hand, his fingers intertwined with hers, his heart aching with empathy. "You deserve love, care, and respect, Ashvi. I want to be the one to provide that for you, if you'll let me."

Yuvaan's voice was filled with determination and conviction. "Ashvi,, please stay strong and get well soon don't loose hope you living

. We have a score to settle with Vivek, and I promise you, we will make him pay for every ounce of pain he inflicted on you. We will make him suffer, Ashvi, and bring him to justice."

He held her hand tighter, his eyes burning with resolve. "We will rise from these ashes, Ashvi, and we will make Vivek regret the day he ever hurt you. We will give him a painful death, one that will make him suffer as you have suffered." He said again kissing her forehead

Yuvaan's voice was filled with longing and urgency. "Ashvi, , please now open your eyes. I need to see your beautiful eyes again. I need to hear your voice, your sweet voice. I need to know that you're fine ."

He leaned in closer, his breath whispering against her ear. "Ashvi, please, . I'm begging you. Open your eyes and talk to me. I need to hear your voice, to know that you're okay."

Yuvaan's words were laced with desperation, his heart aching with every passing moment. He needed to see her eyes, to hear her voice, to know that she was still with him. He needed it like he needed air to breathe....

__________

Shreyansh's eyes fluttered open, and he was met with the peaceful sight of Arya sleeping in his arms. For a moment, he forgot about all the tension and conflict between them, and his gaze was drawn to her serene face. A soft smile spread across his lips as he took in her beauty, his heart filled with a deep affection.

Shreyansh's mind went back to their past, remembering the good and bad times. He thought about how she hurt him, broke his trust, and tried to harm him. He relived the pain and shock he felt when she betrayed him, and his eyes welled up with tears. The memories came flooding back, making him feel angry and hurt all over again. It was like reliving that terrible day all over again.

Without a word, he gently removed Arya's arms from around him and got out of bed, shutting the bathroom door behind him with a loud click, making Arya flinch and stir awake. The sudden movement and noise broke the peaceful atmosphere, leaving only tension and unease in its wake...

Arya's guilt and shame overwhelmed her as she made the bed. She had hurt Shreyansh so much, pretending to love him only to get revenge. Now, she genuinely loved him but felt she didn't deserve him.

As Shreyansh came out of the bathroom, his towel-clad body and intense gaze made her heart race. She couldn't help but admire his chiseled physique, her eyes tracing the curves of his muscles. He noticed her gaze and and felt proudof himself, his eyes gleaming with a mix of love and anger.

Without a word, he pulled her close, his hand snaking around her waist, his fingers digging into her skin. Arya's breath caught as he guided her lips towards his, their kiss fierce and passionate, filled with love, anger, and longing. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer, as if trying to bridge the gap between their tumultuous past and their uncertain future.

Arya's hands trembled on his abs as she struggled with conflicting emotions. She wanted to push him away but couldn't resist the pull of their complicated past. Shreyansh's kiss deepened, his breathing heavy, as if trying to rekindle their lost love. The air was thick with tension, their bodies pressed together in a passionate yet antagonistic embrace.

Arya's mind raced with thoughts of their turbulent relationship, the lies, betrayal, and broken trust. She felt trapped, unsure of how to escape the toxic cycle of hurt and love. Shreyansh's kiss consumed her, leaving her breathless and wanting more, yet afraid to surrender to their love.

After the intense kiss, Shreyansh pulled away and walked to his closet without saying a word. Arya stood there, feeling confused and sad. She thought to herself, "I don't deserve him. I hurt him so much, and he's still suffering because of me."

With a heavy heart, Arya turned and walked away, leaving Shreyansh alone in the closet. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew she had to make a difficult choice to let him go.

____

To be continued...