𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐢𝐥 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐬
"𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐬."

Avani sat in her cozy cabin, surrounded by stacks of files and notes, intently studying the case for tomorrow's hearing. The warm glow of her desk lamp illuminated her focused expression. Her phone suddenly dinged, breaking the silence.

She set the case file down, noticing the message was from Rohan. '

"Arrived at the railway station. Please come and pick me up. Have an important matter to discuss."

Avani's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She typed back,

"Okay, will be there in 20 mins."

--------

As she stepped out of her cabin, the crisp morning air greeted her, carrying the sweet scent of dew-kissed leaves. The morning sun cast a golden glow, making the water droplets on the leaves sparkle like tiny diamonds.

Avani slipped into her car and began the drive to the railway station. The roads were relatively empty, allowing her thoughts to wander. "What could Rohan want to discuss?" she wondered.

She parked her car outside the bustling railway station and stepped into the chaos. The cacophony of announcements, chatter, and luggage wheels enveloped her.

Avani's eyes scanned the crowded platform, searching for a familiar face. She navigated through the throngs of people, her gaze darting between passengers rushing to catch their trains.

Suddenly, her eyes locked onto Rohan, sitting on a bench, Avani approached Rohan, noticing the bruises on his face. "Hey, Rohan, good morning" she greeted him, concern etched on her face.

Avani's gaze lingered on Rohan's bruises. "What happened to your face? Are you okay, Rohan?" She grasped his hands, scanning his face and body.

Rohan stood up, his eyes locking onto Avani's. "Hey, good morning...it's...I'll tell you everything, but not here." His voice was laced with an air of secrecy.

Rohan's eyes darted toward the two ladies sitting beside him. "Oh, I forgot to introduce. Avani, this is Nitika and Aditi. Guys, this is Avani, my colleague and best friend that I mentioned."

Nitika and Aditi exchanged a brief smile with Avani, their expressions guarded. Avani's eyes narrowed, confusion written across her face. She greeted them politely, but her mind raced with questions. Avani looks back at Rohan in confusion.

Rohan sighed. "That's the important matter I want to discuss. Let's go back to your apartment. It's something that should be discussed in private."

-----

Avani's apartment provided a cozy setting for the unexpected gathering. As they settled in, Rohan suggested they move to the balcony for a more private conversation. "Who are they, Rohan?" Avani asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "And what happened to your face? Why are you injured?"

Rohan's eyes dropped, his shoulders sagging. "It's all happened....." He began recounting the events. Avani's eyes widened in shock as Rohan's words painted a vivid picture. Her face reflected her horror.

"What kind of person does something like that?" "He's such a disgusting monster," Avani whispered, her voice trembling. Rohan's expression mirrored Avani's outrage.

-----

Avani entered the room, finding Nitika and Aditi sitting on the couch, their curious eyes scanning the space. Avani's warm smile broke the silence.
"Hey girls!"

Avani's voice startled both of them, they stood up from the couch. Avani chuckled. "Sorry, did I startle you both? No need to stand up every time you see me. Make yourselves at home."

Aditi glanced at Nitika, who nodded, and they relaxed."I didn't get a chance to introduce myself properly earlier," Avani said. "I was too surprised to see Rohan with...girls, who's allergic to women." She winked.

Rohan rolled his eyes, entering the room. "Oh, really? If I'm allergic to women, then who are you then, Miss Avani Khurana?"

Avani playfully dismissed him. "Shut up, I'm talking to my girls, not you."
Rohan raised an eyebrow. "Your girls? Since when?"Avani smiled mischievously. "Since now. Now shut up. Okay myself Avani Khurana. I'm a law-"

"A lawyer, one of the top lawyers in our country, renowned for winning difficult cases and helping many. You've achieved the title of best lawyer at a young age." Nitika intervened, completing Avani's introduction.

Avani's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that's a lot of information about me." Nitika smiled slightly. " I know most of the things about you Avani mam and Rohan sir too. I researched top Indian lawyers. I'm a law college graduate."

Avani's face lit up. "Nice to meet you, Nitika. And please, call me Avani, no 'mam.' Rohan told me you're a law college graduate."

"Okay A-Avani.."Nitika hesitated calls Avani her name. Avani smiles widely
"Now, tell me about yourself," Avani said to Nitika. "I'm Nitika, 23, a law college graduate as you know" Nitika replied with a smile getting more comfortable with Avani.

Avani turned to Aditi who was looking at both them in curiosity. "And you, Aditi? I'm excited to know more about you." Aditi nodded, her curiosity evident. "I'm Aditi, also 23. I was a medical student."

Avani beamed. "Nice to meet you, Aditi. Now that we know each other, that means we're friends." Nitika and Aditi's eyes sparkled at the word "friend." Avani continued, "so no need to be formal with me or Rohan. Just call him Rohan, okay?"

Nitika and Aditi exchanged a glance, nodding slowly. Avani's smiles. "I've been feeling lonely here. Would you guys like to stay with me? I could use some company."

Nitika and Aditi's eyes widened, surprised by the sudden invitation. "Also," Avani added, "no 'no's allowed. You're moving in, and that's final."
Their faces reflected a mix of shock.

Nitika's eyes widened in surprise. "We...staying here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Avani nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I have a spare bedroom, and I hope you guys won't mind sharing. Finding an apartment around here isn't easy, trust me."

Nitika hesitated for a moment, exchanging a glance with Aditi. Then, she nodded resolutely.

"Okay...Avani mam.." Avani looks at her. "I mean Avani di. You're older, Avani ma'am. I can't call you by your name." Nitika said, her voice laced with respect.

Avani's eyes sparkled as she smiles widely. Nitika's cheeks flushed. "I hope it's okay Avani di." Avani's smile warmed. "Of course, you can call me di. Come on I will show you guys around."Avani said while getting up the couch.

Nitika and Aditi looks at Rohan who have been observing their interaction between Avani. "Go on, follow her. She'll show you the room," he said, his voice gentle.

Nitika and Aditi nodded, as they trailed behind Avani.

As they walked, Avani pointed out various features of her home. "The kitchen's through there, and the living room's where we were just sitting. Make yourselves at home."

As Aditi and Nitika settled into their new surroundings, Avani joined Rohan in the living room, a warm smile on her face.

"They're such sweet girls," Avani said, snuggling into the couch beside Rohan. "I'm already loving them."

Rohan glanced at her, his expression softening. "Hmm...I hope you can let them stay here till I find a good apartment for them."

Avani's smile widened. "They can stay as long as they need. But what's confusing me is why you're being so nice to them. Is it because of the promise you made to Nitika's dad?"

Rohan's gaze drifted, his voice low. "It's not just the promise...I just feel like I should protect them. Don't ask me why, okay?"

Avani laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Okay, okay. You're a mystery, Rohan."

Rohan's gaze returned to Avani. "How's the case going? Any new evidence or clues?" Avani's expression turned serious. "I was about to discuss it with you..."

----

As Rohan departed to take a call, Avani decided to check on Nitika and Aditi. She knocked gently on the bedroom door, finding it unlocked. She pushed it open and slipped inside.

The room was bathed in soft, golden light, courtesy of the large window. Avani smiled as she approached."Hey, did you like the room?" Avani asked, settling onto the bed beside Nitika.

Nitika turned, her eyes shining. "It's beautiful, Avani di. Thank you for letting us stay."

Aditi turned from the window, her gaze drifting between Avani and Nitika. She smiled at both of them.

"I bet you guys must be hungry," Avani said, concern etched on her face as she glanced at Nitika and Aditi. "I usually don't eat breakfast, and I haven't cooked in years, so my skills are a bit rusty. Would you mind if I whip up something simple?"

Nitika shook her head promptly. "No, Avani di, no need to order anything. We're grateful for your hospitality."

Avani smiled warmly. "Okay, then I'll cook something for you both. It'll be nice to dust off my cooking skills."

Aditi stood up, her eyes sparkling. "We'll help you, Avani di. We can't just sit back and let you do everything."

Avani chuckled. "No need, you guys take a bath and freshen up. It'll help reduce the tiredness. You must be exhausted after your journey."

She walked to the wardrobe, retrieving two plush bath towels. "Here, take these. I have some clothes that might fit you both. They're brand new, still tagged. I never got around to wearing them."

Returning with a stack of clothes, Avani handed them to Nitika and Aditi. "Go ahead, take your time. The food will be ready when you're done."

Nitika's eyes widened as she accepted the clothes. "Thank you, Avani di. You're too kind." Aditi nodded in agreement. "We don't know how to thank you."

Avani's smile softened. "No need to thank me, girls. Just make yourselves at home. You're safe here."

Avani called out, "Shout if you need anything! Towels, toiletries, everything's in the bathroom." With a final smile, Avani departed to tackle the kitchen, determined to cook a hearty meal for her new friends.

----

Aditi and Nitika entered the open kitchen, where Avani was busily arranging plates and glasses on the counter. The warm aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, making their stomachs growl with anticipation.

"Hey, I just made something simple," Avani said, smiling over her shoulder. "As I told you, I don't cook here that much, so the groceries were a bit scarce. I'll restock everything tomorrow, okay?"

Nitika and Aditi nodded, taking seats at the kitchen table. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the cozy atmosphere.

"It's okay, Avani di," Nitika reassured. "Anything is fine for us. We're just grateful."

Avani handed Aditi a plate, who murmured a soft "thank you." Nitika took a plate from Avani's hand, their fingers brushing briefly.

"By the way, did the dresses fit you guys?" Avani asked, pouring herself a cup of coffee. Nitika nodded. "Yes, Avani di, they fit perfectly. Thank you." Avani smiled. "Good. I'll take care of clothes and everything else tomorrow."

As they began to eat, Avani's gaze lingered on them, ensuring they had everything they needed.

"You guys enjoy your meal," Avani said, heading toward her study. "I have a hearing tomorrow, so I'll be in my study preparing. Call me if you need anything, okay?"

Nitika and Aditi exchanged a glance, nodding in unison. "We will, Avani di. Thanks again," Nitika said. Avani smiled warmly. "No need to thank me, girls. Make yourselves at home."

As Avani disappeared into her study, Nitika and Aditi savored their meal, relishing the warmth and comfort of their new surroundings.

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