"Intehaa ho gayi thi khatam intezaar ki"

~ Author ~

Mumbai, India

Meher felt like her whole world had been turned upside down. The revelation that Sahil was alive and in a coma left her reeling. She couldn't understand why Kabir had kept this secret from her, why he had lied to her for so long.

A mix of emotions swirled inside her—  anger, hurt, confusion, and betrayal. But beneath all these emotions, she felt a sense of relief, a sense of peace. Sahil was alive, and that's all that mattered.

She thought about the past few months, how she had grieved for Sahil, how she had blamed herself for his alleged death. And now, she realized that it was all a lie. Sahil was alive, and Kabir had known it all along.

Even Aryan, her best buddy.

After all, he was more of a brother than a friend.

Or maybe she had expected too much from the two of them.

Meher's mind raced with questions. Why had Kabir kept this secret from her? Was he trying to protect her, or was he trying to protect himself? What else had he lied about?

But most importantly, she wanted to see Sahil. She wanted to hold his hand, to see his face, to know that he was really alive. She felt a deep longing to be near him, to be with him, to take care of him.

For the first time in years, Meher felt a sense of hope, a sense of peace. At least the pain of one death is less now.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself for what was to come. She was going to confront Kabir, to demand answers, to fight him to the core. And she was going to ensure she would never be kept in the dark again.

As Meher sat at her desk, her mind racing with thoughts of Sahil and Kabir's and Aryan's deception, she suddenly noticed the time. It was already late evening, and the office was emptying out. The sounds of closing drawers, shutting down computers, and goodbye wishes filled the air.

Meher's determination hardened into resolve. She couldn't wait any longer. She had to confront Kabir now.

She quickly gathered her belongings and left her cubicle, her eyes fixed on the building where Kabir's cabin was located. She strode across her office building, her heels clicking on the pavement, her heart pounding in her chest.

As she entered the building, she took a deep breath and made her way to Kabir's cabin. She didn't knock. She simply barged in, her eyes locked onto Kabir's shocked face.

"Meher, what are you doing here?" Kabir asked, his voice laced with surprise.

Meher slammed the door shut behind her, her anger and hurt boiling over. "You should know exactly why I'm here, Kabir. You've been lying to me for months, keeping secrets from me. It ends now."

Kabir stood up, his eyes narrowing, his face set in confusion. "What kind of secret are you talking about, Meher?"

Meher's eyes blazed with fury. "Don't play dumb, Kabir. I know about Sahil. I know he's alive, and you've been keeping it from me."

Kabir's expression changed, and in a moment he felt like he lost a heartbeat. This is what he feared.

That look on Meher's face.

Of feeling betrayed.

And he hated it, every bit of it.

It wasn't supposed to come out this way.

He tried to deviate from the topic. "Meher, let's talk about this later. I have a meeting to attend to."

Meher's anger reached a new level. "No, Kabir. We'll talk about it now. You've lied to me for months, and I want answers. Why did you keep it a secret? Why did you pretend he was dead?"

Kabir's face turned red, and he raised his voice. "Meher, calm down. Let's discuss this later."

But Meher was beyond calm. She was furious, and she wouldn't be silenced. "No, Kabir. I won't calm down. You've broken my trust, and I want the truth. Now."

Kabir knew there was no turning back from her questions. He had to answer those someday, and maybe, that day is today.

Meher's eyes blazed with anger and hurt, her voice trembling. "Why did you send him away, Kabir?" she repeated, gritting her teeth.

"Who told you?" he asked in resignation.

Meher scoffed. "Does that even matter?"

Kabir's face twisted, and his eyes drooped in a sigh. "People were searching for him, Meher. I had to act fast to keep him safe."

Meher's eyes narrowed, her voice cold. "Protect him? Do you call this protection? You know, you told me today that we were feeling things, I do too. But do you think after this stunt of protection," she quoted the words in the air out of sarcasm, "we can go to whatever we had? There's no fucking trust between us, Kabir, at least it looks like that from your side."

And that is where Kabir lost it too. He did not do this to despise Meher, he too had his own reasons.

Kabir's face contorted in rage, his voice rising. "Just because I am letting you speak doesn't mean you would say whatever you want, Meher. Mind your words."

"No, you mind your fucking actions Kabir Raizada and tell me the truth!"

"You don't understand, Meher!" Kabir shouted, making Meher flinch, "I noticed people searching for him, asking questions. I had to act fast, so I made a fake death declaration and sent him away. I did it to keep him safe!"

Meher's voice was laced with pain as she shouted back, "And why couldn't you tell me that, Kabir? Why did you keep it a secret from me?"

Kabir's anger boiled over, and he banged his hand on his desk. "Because Sahil told me to, that's why! He said if anything ever happened to him, I should keep it from you. He was hell bent on keeping you in the dark, Meher!"

Meher closed her eyes, cursing Sahil mentally. "Why would he do that?"

Kabir's voice was a scream, his face red with rage. "I don't know, but he was adamant! And I had to respect his wishes, no matter how much it killed me!"

Meher scoffed, clapping her hands. "Well, you did that job very well!"

The argument had left them both breathless, the words hanging in the air like a challenge. Kabir's eyes never left Meher's face, his gaze burning with intensity. Meher's heart raced, her soul screaming for him to close the distance between them.

Kabir strode towards her without a word, his long legs eating up the space. Meher's back pressed against the door, her palms flat against the wood as if seeking support. The tension between them was electric, the air thick with anger and unspoken desires. Meher's heart raced, and her breathing quickened, as Kabir's hands shot out, pinning her to the door. His body pressed against hers, his face inches from hers, his eyes blazing with intensity.

"What are you doing, Kabir?" Meher whispered, their breaths mingling with each other.

Kabir stared into her eyes, his dark orbs flashing with an unknown emotion. "Trying to prove to you that, I am not the same anymore and if someone tells me that the only way to protect you is keeping things from you, I would do that a thousand times."

"Even if that hurts me?"

"Even if that hurts you because at least I would be assured that you'll be safe," he whispered.

Kabir's hands bracketed her face, his fingers tangling in her hair as he pulled her into a kiss that left her breathless.

Their lips met in a fierce, passionate collision, the tension and anger melting away in an instant. Meher's hands wrapped around his wrists, her fingers digging deep as she pulled him closer. Kabir's arms wrapped around her, holding her tight as their lips moved in perfect sync.

The kiss was a maelstrom of emotions, a release of all the pent-up feelings they'd been denying for so long. Meher felt like she was drowning in the depths of Kabir's eyes, her heart pounding in her chest. Kabir's lips were hot and demanding, his tongue tracing the curves of her mouth with a sensual intimacy that left her gasping.

As they kissed, the world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the intensity of their passion. Meher's senses were overwhelmed by the taste of Kabir's lips, the scent of his skin, and the feel of his arms wrapped around her. She was consumed by the desire to be closer, to be one with him.

Kabir's hands roamed her body, his fingers tracing the curves of her spine, the swell of her hips, and the softness of her skin. Meher's hands explored his chest, his shoulders, and his back, feeling the muscles tense and relax beneath her touch.

Their kiss deepened, the intensity building until they were both gasping for air. They broke apart, their chests heaving, their eyes locked in a passionate gaze. Meher's lips felt swollen, her heart racing with excitement. She could feel the tension between them, a palpable force that seemed to pulse with its own rhythm.

Kabir's face was etched with a mix of passion and adoration, his eyes burning with a fire that left her breathless. Meher knew in that moment that she was his, and he was hers, and nothing would ever come between them again.

The tension in Kabir's cabin was thick enough to cut with a knife as Meher stood before him, her chest rising and falling with each shallow breath. They had been playing this dangerous game for far too long, each encounter leaving them more breathless and wanting than the last.

Without a word, Kabir closed the distance between them again, his gaze locking onto hers with a fierce intensity. His fingers trailed lightly along the curve of her neck, sending shivers down her spine as he leaned in to press his lips against her skin.

Meher's breath caught in her throat as she felt the heat of his mouth against her neck, his kisses igniting a firestorm of desire within her. She couldn't help but arch into him, offering herself up to him completely as she surrendered to the overwhelming rush of sensation.

Shivers ran up her skin as he unbuttoned the topmost button of her blouse and slid it across her shoulder, pressing his lips over her bare shoulder blade. Meher's hand reached to undo his tie as she trailed kisses over his jaw, throwing it away in the corner.

Kabir's lips moved with purpose, leaving a trail of soft, lingering kisses along her neck that sent electric currents racing through her veins. Each touch, each caress felt like a promise of things to come, leaving her trembling with anticipation.

At that moment, there was only Kabir and Meher, their worlds narrowing down to the electrifying connection between them. The air crackled with the intensity of their desire, every heartbeat echoing in the silence of the room.

And as Kabir finally pulled away, his breath hot against her skin, they both knew that there was no turning back. Their enmity had been consumed by something far more powerful, far more intoxicating. They were no longer adversaries.

As they broke apart, gasping for air, Meher knew that she was completely lost in whatever she was feeling for Kabir. And she never wanted to find her way back.

Meher's mind raced as she pulled back but Kabir's firm arms around her didn't leave her. She couldn't believe what had just happened. The anger and hurt she had been feeling just moments before seemed to melt away, replaced by a longing she couldn't ignore.

"This," Meher finally controlled her ragged breathing, "wasn't the part of the confrontation I was hoping for."

"Well this confrontation shouldn't take place in my office in the first place," Kabir said, tightening his hold around Meher's waist. "Let's go home. Pick up your things," Kabir finally left her to get her things which were lying on the floor. He went over to his desk to collect his things and reached by her side, taking her hand in his.

"Shall we?"

"Wait, your tie," Meher motioned the tie which was lazily thrown over the couch.

"Leave it there. Let's go home first, we have a long conversation pending."

Home, Meher thought to herself. She liked the sound of that.

*   *   *

Kabir and Meher walked hand in hand, the silence between them filled with the lingering tension of their kiss. They reached Kabir's home, and he opened the door, gesturing for Meher to enter. She stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the warm light of the living room. Kabir followed, closing the door behind them.

They sat down on the couch, the soft cushions enveloping them in comfort. Meher's eyes wandered around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. The remnants of their kiss still lingered on their lips, a subtle reminder of the emotions they had unleashed.

Kabir broke the silence, his voice low and gentle. "I guess we need to talk."

Meher hummed, nodding. "Yes, tell me about it, all of it and don't hide any details."

Kabir nodded, his eyes locking onto hers. "Are you ready?"

Meher's lips parted, her breath catching in her throat. She nodded, her eyes never leaving Kabir's face. "I'm ready."

And with that, Kabir began to unravel the secrets of the past, his words painting a picture of a truth Meher had been searching for.

Kabir took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Meher's face. "As you know, the accident was a serious one. You were completely out and Sahil had immediately slipped into a coma. But then, while I was at the reception completing the formalities, I saw a few men asking about Sahil. They were thugs. Immediately I knew something was wrong and I had to do something. So I rushed back and asked the doctor to declare him dead."

Meher's eyes widened at what she was hearing, she never had any idea that Sahil had so many enemies that someone might even try to kill him. "What happened then?"

"Then thankfully the message reached those goons as well, so they left. But I had a feeling that all of this wasn't over. So with the help of Aryan and the hospital chief, I got Sahil airlifted to the US, to William and he is currently residing at this place."

"But you could have told me that," Meher protested but Kabir shook his head. "I think whoever attacked you both that day also knew you were attacked as well. I observed some people lurking around you as well. So I extended that act to you, making you believe that Sahil was dead."

"And after I came back from the hospital? There were a lot of chances for you to tell me," Meher wasn't ready to give up. She wanted to know everything. Secrets frustrated her. She constantly felt like she wasn't trustworthy enough to be told anything.

Kabir's expression turned solemn. "Meher, I know I hurt you by keeping it a secret, but I was trying to protect you too. Those men were dangerous, and I didn't want you to become their target as well."

"But you hated me back then," she countered.

"I did," he admitted, "but not enough to put you in danger. And on top of that, it was one of the promises I made to Sahil on paper. Whatever happens, I should not give you the full details."

Meher closed her eyes in frustration. "But why?"

Kabir gave her a sad smile. "I am on the same boat as you, Meher. I have no clue either."

"B-But you're Kabir Raizada, you just don't sign things like that," she whispered.

Kabir chuckled. "Maybe this Kabir Raizada too gave into his emotions that he couldn't see things clearly."

Meher's voice trembled. "But what about Sahil? Is he— okay?"

Kabir nodded. "I guess he is. But he still hasn't woken up. We have no idea when he will wake up."

Meher's face crumbled, tears streaming down her cheeks. Kabir pulled her into his arms, holding her close as she sobbed. After a few moments, she pulled back, her eyes red-rimmed but determined.

"Take me to him," she whispered. "I need to see him, please."

Kabir's expression turned grave. "Meher, I know you're eager to see Sahil, but we can't risk it right now. You're possibly being tailed, and we're not sure who's behind it."

Meher's eyes narrowed. "I am aware of that, Kabir. We still have two cases to solve. I really need to know who is that psycho sending me those messages and sending me the peace sign."

Kabir nodded. "Exactly. And if we try to contact Sahil or visit him in the US, it'll only put him in danger. We can't afford to draw attention to him right now."

Meher's face fell, disappointment etched on her features. "But— but I need to see him. I need to know he's okay."

Kabir's voice was soft, reassuring. "I promise you, Meher, as soon as everything is sorted out, I'll take you to him myself. But for now, we need to keep him safe. And that means keeping a low profile. And since he is with William, you can video call him once in a while."

Meher nodded reluctantly, understanding in her eyes. "I trust you, Kabir. But please— keep me updated about Sahil's condition. I need to know he's okay."

Kabir's face softened. "I will, Meher. I promise. And soon, we'll be with Sahil, safe and sound."

A long, heavy silence fell between them, stretching out like an endless pause. The air was thick with unspoken words, and the stillness was almost palpable. Time seemed to stand still as if waiting for someone to break the silence. The quiet was oppressive, weighing heavily on their minds and hearts. The silence lingered, a lingering shadow that refused to dissipate.

Meher's phone pinged, breaking the silence. She hesitated, then pulled it out of her pocket. The screen displayed an unknown number, and she glanced at Kabir uncertainly. He nodded, his expression serious, urging her to open the message.

Meher's heart raced as she swiped to open the text.

The words sent a chill down her spine.

An eye for an eye, but what is next?

I seriously love ending the chapters on a cliffhanger. Seems like the killer was in his resting phase. Who is the next target? Meher? Kabir? Or someone else? What do you guys think?

And let me address the elephant in the room. Kabir and Meher kissed? Yayy! I think I really pushed my boundaries to write this kiss scene. Did you guys enjoy it? Please please let me know in the comment down below.

I wrote this chapter in just two days, I guess I really flowed while writing the scenes in this chapter. You will be able to read this one two weeks from today.

I really hope that you guys enjoy reading this chapter.

Please do VOTE, SHARE and COMMENT. Comment a heart if you enjoyed reading this chapter.

With Love,

Akii.