Hey guys! After a long time, I'm back again... If anyone's there on discord or you guys have a server, then I'll be really glad to join it! ❤
I'll try to give regular updates now! But I guess now you guys will feel a bit sad!🙃
Still, here's another update!!
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X-Guides, (Aashika's POV)

It's been about 15 days since that Ranawat's incident. Everything should be back on track, right? But no, it isn't.
Because today is...

MY BIRTHDAY! And that Mr. Sleepyhead, doesn't even know it because I didn't even tell him. Why

Because I wanted to drop a shik-shak-shock on him.

Abhi's coming over today just to wish me. He'll leave back the day after tomorrow. God! my life has been so boring without these guys.

But, finally I've found something to kill time. I'm hiring a personal assistant. Yep, why not make life a bit more fun?

As I scroll through some files, there's a knock at the door.

"Ma'am, may I come in?" An unfamiliar voice speaks up. It must be the recruit.

"Come in," I reply, my tone cold and businesslike.

A woman steps inside and walks with the kind of confidence that makes you notice. She sits right across from me, legs crossed, looking me dead in the eye.

"Good morning, ma'am. I'm Rose Valeria... here for the PA's position." She smirks, and I instantly know she's not your typical assistant. There's something lethal about her, almost like she's challenging me already.

"Qualifications?" I ask, my voice sharp as I grab the file she hands me.

As I skim through her papers, one thing stops me dead in my tracks. "Wait... you worked for a spy agency? And now you're applying to be a PA?"

Her lips curl into a smirk. "Yeah. The agency was suffocating. Too many orders, too many idiots telling me what to do. I wanted something more... private, where I could get things done my way." Her eyes hold mine, unblinking.

My eyebrow arches. Seriously? She's giving up a life of espionage for this? "You do realise you'll have to follow my orders here, don't you?"

"Of course, ma'am. But you're the only one I'll be listening to. No one else." She retorted.

I like her attitude. She's tough, bold, and unapologetic. Exactly the kind of person I need by my side. "Alright, you can join tomorrow."

As she gathers her stuff, I stand up, but suddenly, the room feels like it's spinning. Before I know it, I stumble. My head feels heavy, and I fell down, but Rose, quick as lightning, rushes over and catches me. She hands me a glass of water.

"You're alright, ma'am?" she asks, her tone suddenly softer but still composed.

I sip the water, nodding slowly. "Yeah... just feeling a bit dizzy."

Rose studies me for a second, then asks in a completely straightforward tone, "Any allergies?"

I shake my head. "No."

There's a pause, then, with all the audacity in the world, she says, "When was the last time you took a pregnancy test?"

EXCUSE ME? I blink at her, shocked beyond words. "Are you out of your mind?" I snap. "Why would you even ask that?!"

"Ma'am," she says calmly, with zero hesitation, "I'm your personal assistant now. My job is to take care of all your needs, including your health. You felt dizzy; I'm just covering the bases."

Is she high on some drugs? but... she's not exactly wrong, and that ticks me off even more. "For your information, Ms. Valeria, I just got married. There's no way-" I stop myself as something clicks.

Is there a way?

Memories from the past few weeks flash before my eyes-Rohit and me, late nights, moments of passion...

Oh God. Is there a chance?

Rose snaps her fingers, pulling me back to reality. She's holding out a pregnancy test kit, smirking like she already knows the answer.

I swallow hard, debating with myself. But curiosity wins out. I grab the kit and head to the restroom.

Moments later, I come back, the test in my hand, but I can't bear to look. My fingers are trembling as I hand it to Rose. She looks at it, and then at me. Her expression shifts from smug to something almost... soft.

"There are two lines, ma'am," she says, a genuine smile forming on her lips. "You're pregnant."

My legs go weak as the words sink in. I sink back into my chair, hands covering my mouth. Pregnant? I'm actually... pregnant?

My heart pounds with a mix of shock, excitement, and disbelief. I can barely breathe. Tears sting my eyes as emotions crash over me like a wave.

Suddenly, I feel... light. Like the weight of everything I've been through is slowly lifting. After all the darkness, the chaos, the heartache... this moment feels like a miracle. I look up at the ceiling, closing my eyes, whispering softly, "Thank you, God... for giving me this Reason to Breathe, after everything."

I sit there for a few minutes, letting it all sink in. The happiness, the relief, and most of all, the excitement about this new chapter.
(Most probably the author won't let that new chapter begin)

But there's one thing I know for sure. Rohit will be over the moon hearing this! Today instead of him, I'll give him a birthday gift. The best gift of his life!

Rose snaps me out of my thoughts again, smirking. "I'll keep this between us for now, ma'am. But you owe me one."

I smirk back. "Yeah, I do. But don't get too comfortable."

She chuckles, nodding. "Wouldn't dream of it, ma'am."

As she walks out, I let out a long breath, my hand instinctively resting on my stomach. This was just the beginning, and I couldn't wait for what was coming next!!

The Rajput Mansion, (Author's POV)
(Raghav Rajput's residence, he's Aashika's ex who cheated on her and gave her a never ending trauma...Read "Chapter 5. Divulging the Past (3): Vizag, where our Pasts Collide" for reference)

The room is dim, the heavy air laced with unspoken tension. Mita stands by the window, her fingers brushing the glass, eyes distant and filled with longing. Her thoughts are only of Rohit, the man she's convinced is hers. Her obsession runs deep-so deep that she refuses to see reality, despite Rohit's aggressive rejection and his unwavering love for Aashika.

Mita's voice is soft, almost fragile, as she speaks, "Rohit doesn't see me... he never has. But I know, deep down, he would love me if it wasn't for her." She pauses, her eyes narrowing, her voice tightening with bitterness, "Aashika... she took him from me."

Behind her, Raghav leans lazily against a chair, his expression dark and twisted. His once burning desire for Aashika has turned into something colder-hatred. It's not her affection he craves anymore; it's her destruction. His voice is sharp, filled with venom, "Aashika? She's not worth anything now. I don't want her. What I want is to see her fall... to watch her world crumble."

Mita turns to look at him, surprise flickering in her eyes. "You said you wanted her."

Raghav's lips curl into a sneer, "Wanted. Past tense. She means nothing to me now. But breaking her... breaking them-Rohit and Aashika-that would be satisfying." His eyes flash with cruel intent as he speaks, "Once she's out of the picture, Rohit will suffer. And you? You'll have your chance."

Mita's longing flares again, desperate hope mixed with twisted desire. In her mind, once Aashika is gone, Rohit will come to her. He has to. "She doesn't deserve him," Mita whispers, more to herself than to Raghav. "I've loved him longer, better. He'll realize it... once she's gone."

In the shadows, an unknown man sits, quietly observing the conversation. His face is obscured by the darkness, his presence unsettling but oddly calm. He listens without interrupting, his sharp eyes calculating each word. There's something about him-something dangerous-but neither Mita nor Raghav seem to notice. They're too consumed by their own motives to question his intentions.

Raghav's voice cuts through the silence, "The plan has to be flawless. We can't afford mistakes. Mita, you'll get what you want... Rohit's undivided attention. And me? I'll enjoy watching Aashika's perfect little world collapse."

The unknown man finally speaks, his tone smooth, calculated, "Everything is in place. The accident will go as planned. No one will suspect anything. You two just need to follow through."

Mita, her voice trembling slightly, asks, "Are you sure this will work?"

The man's expression remains unreadable in the dim light. "It will work," he says with quiet certainty. "Aashika will be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and Rohit... will be left to pick up the pieces."

Raghav smirks, satisfied. "Good. I want to see her break."

As they discuss the final details, the unknown man remains quiet, his true thoughts hidden behind his calm exterior. He's helping them-for now-but his reasons are far from selfless. He's playing a different game, one that neither Mita nor Raghav fully understands. But for now, he lets them believe they're in control, knowing that when the time comes, he'll be the one to benefit from the chaos they're about to unleash.

Mita, her eyes shimmering with hope, whispers, "Soon, Rohit will be mine."

Raghav's smirk grows darker, "And Aashika will lose everything."

The unknown man watches, his silence filled with unspoken plans of his own.

Aashika's world, once filled with love and hope, is on the brink of crumbling. Unseen forces of betrayal gather around her, ready to strike where she feels safest. Soon, everything she holds dear will fall apart, and the life she thought was unbreakable will shatter into pieces she never imagined!

X-Guides, (Author's POV)

The office's ground floor was a whirlwind of activity. Abhishek, just back from months abroad, was orchestrating the surprise with his usual flair, guiding Deepti, Samar, a few colleagues, and even Rose, who maintained her cool but pitched in more than usual. The décor sparkled with pastel balloons, a glittering "Happy Birthday, Aashika!" banner, and a table laden with sweets and treats.

"Alright, guys, she'll be here any minute!" Abhishek clapped, excitement buzzing through his voice.

Deepti laughed, adding the final touch to the cake, "She's going to lose her mind! This is beautiful."

Samar, sipping on juice, grinned, "Yeah, yeah, but I'm here for the cake, honestly."

Everyone chuckled as they hid, just in time for the doors to swing open. Aashika walked in, her eyes widening in disbelief as the whole room lit up with a cheerful chorus of, "Surprise!"

Her hands flew to her mouth, overwhelmed by the love and effort poured into the celebration. She scanned the room and saw Abhishek, smiling brightly after months of being away. She crossed the room in seconds and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

"Abhi, I can't believe this! You're back, and you planned all this?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.

Abhishek hugged her back just as tight, chuckling, "Only the best for you, birthday girl."

The party kicked off with laughter, music, and memories shared between friends. As the evening wore on, the group was still enjoying themselves, dancing and chatting. Aashika found herself sitting next to Abhishek, catching up on everything he had missed during his time away.

Sitting down for a breather, Aashika and Abhishek caught up. It felt like old times-comfortable and full of laughter. "So, what's new in your life? I missed so much while I was away." Abhishek asked, teasing her as he leaned back on the sofa.

Aashika laughed, feeling light-hearted from all the fun. "Oh, you know... same old stuff-work, stress, being married now. And now, apparently, I'm pregnant!" she said, absentmindedly while sipping her juice.

Abhishek blinked, still smiling, but then froze. "Wait, what?" Neither she realised what she said nor he realised what he heard. 😗

Aashika continued talking for a second, before the realization hit her like a train. Her words replayed in her mind, and her eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what did I just say?" She turned to Abhishek, both of them processing the moment at the same time.

Abhishek leaned in, his jaw dropped. "Did you just say you're pregnant?!"

Aashika's hands flew to her mouth. "Oh my God... I didn't mean to... It just slipped out!" Her face flushed with embarrassment.

Abhishek's face broke into a massive grin. "I can't believe this! You're pregnant?! That's incredible!"

They both sat there in stunned silence for a beat, before Abhishek pulled her into an excited hug. "You're going to be a mom! This is amazing, Aashika! By the way, what the hell do you mean by the word "apparently"!" he exclaimed, his joy infectious.

Aashika laughed through her shock, her heart swelling with happiness. "Aare, vo to aivayin, galti se nikal gya..."😁
(Oh! That was just by mistake..)

"I can't believe I just blurted out the whole news just like that..." she muttered, but seeing Abhishek's joy, she felt a warmth spreading in her chest. Maybe it was meant to be shared in this moment, with someone who truly understood her excitement.

As the party ends, Aashika heads towards home! She was soo much excited to share this news with Rohit!! She got into her car and drove towards the way back home.

Sion-Panvel Highway, (Author's POV)

It was around 8 PM on the Sion-Panvel Highway (It was rarely used by people, but for Aashika it was the smoothest way to reach home), the night air thick with excitement and anticipation. Aashika was driving home, her heart brimming with joy as the stereo hummed to "Dheere Dheere Se Tera Huaa."
The melody wrapped around her like a warm embrace, perfectly mirroring the happiness swelling within her.

"Dheere dheere se mera hua," she teased herself biting her lower lip. How easy was it for her to blend her life with Rohit's! That incredible man, he changed her life forever, making her believe in love once again!

"He's going to be over the moon!" she laughed softly, glancing at the dashboard, completely immersed in her thoughts. The road ahead was clear, but as the song played on, a sense of blissful oblivion washed over her.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, headlights appeared in her peripheral vision, cutting across the darkening highway.
"What the-?" Aashika's laughter froze in her throat as she turned her head just in time to see a massive truck barreling toward her from the wrong side of the road, its horn blaring loudly.

In a split second, panic surged through her. "No! No!" she screamed, yanking the steering wheel to avoid the impending collision. But it was too late. The truck crashed into her car, metal crumpling like paper and glass shattering all around her.

As the world around her spun into chaos, Aashika felt an overwhelming sense of dread washing over her. The song continued to play, now a haunting echo of her shattered dreams. "Rafta Rafta tera hua," the stereo flickered, the words dripping with irony as reality set in. The joy she had felt moments before dissolved into a suffocating darkness.

She instinctively placed a trembling hand on her stomach, fear coursing through her veins. "Rohit..." she breathed, her voice barely escaping her lips.

Sirens wailed in the distance, drawing closer as first responders rushed to her aid.

Aashika's heart raced, panic gripping her as she realized the gravity of her situation. "Please, not my baby," she thought, a silent prayer escaping her lips.

The warmth of love she had felt moments ago turned into an icy grip of fear.

A passer-by took her phone and dialled the most recent one she had contacted. It was Abhishek. He told him the situation and after that I couldn't make out what happened.

City Hospital, (Author's POV)

"NO! No! Not her baby!" Abhishek muttered under his breath while rushing through the people. The world around him seemed faded. It was just her condition he was thinking about. It's him! It's him who has seen Aashika through her highs and lows, how her world has already crumbled once! And now that she has made her own little but perfect life, it can't happen now! Otherwise she'll lose all her courage to live. This child is her only "Reason to Breathe... "

Pushing through the ward door, he found Aashika lying on the hospital bed, her face pale and bruised, a stark contrast to the vibrant woman he remembered. Monitors beeped softly, and tubes snaked around her, connecting her to machines that monitored her fragile state.

"Aashika," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm here."

The doctor came to her and blurted, "She's fine, thank god that she doesn't get much external bruises. But.. "

Abhi's heart sank, "But what?"

"Her baby's no more." The doctor finished, he could sense the upcoming darkness.

The doctor left, he looked aimlessly at the monitor, with no idea how he would convey it to Aashika!

Aashika's eyelids fluttered as she slowly regained consciousness, her surroundings coming into focus. Confusion washed over her as she tried to piece together the fragments of her memory. The sterile white walls, the incessant beeping, and then... Abhishek's worried face loomed over her.

"Abhi?" she croaked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What happened?"

"You were in an accident, Aashika," he replied, fighting back tears. "But you're going to be okay. You're safe now." He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently, desperately wanting to offer comfort. Aashika could already observe his voice heavy and tears gathering in his eyes.

Aashika's brow furrowed as the reality of her situation began to sink in. She blinked away the fog, and the painful memories flooded back-her joy, her excitement to tell Rohit about the baby.

"The baby..." she murmured, a flicker of fear igniting in her eyes. "Where's the baby, Abhi?"

Abhishek's heart sank. He hesitated, not knowing how to deliver the news that would shatter her world. "Aashika, there's something you need to know..."

But before he could finish, Aashika's face contorted in anguish. "No! Please, tell me it's not true!"

Tears welled up in Abhishek's eyes as he struggled to find the words. "I'm so sorry. You lost the baby."

Aashika gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief. The room around her blurred as her heart shattered into a million pieces. "No... no, no, no!" she shouted, the pain clawing at her insides.

She threw away the pillow and blanket and whatever came in her hands!

"Mai mar jaungi!" She clutched his hands, tears escaped her eyes. It seemed never ending. "I won't be able to live without this! Ro-rohit didn't even know this!! Like becoming a father for one second and knowing the de-ath of your child's death the next second. It's... It's horrible!" Tears choked her throat. She cried, wailed and mourned for something which she desired... NEEDED! but couldn't get.

"Rohit doesn't know about your accident, should I?" Abhishek muttered with almost no courage to see her face but Rohit needed to know this.

"No" She could just say a simple word.

"Why? What was my fault! What was this child's fault!? Why did you make my "Reason to Breathe" a nightmare!?" Aashika muttered, her hands covered her face, while tears never stopped streaming from her eyes.

As the reality of her loss settled in, Aashika realized that this was just the beginning of a long and painful journey, one that would change her forever.

At Bhardwaj Villa, (Rohit's POV)

"Ye ladki!" I threw my phone on the bed resting his head on the headrest.
(This gurll!)
I called Aashika around the 100th time! But she didn't pick the call.

I decided to call her office's cabinet.
"Hello, has Ms. Singhania already left?"

"Sir, she left around 6:30 p. m." The receptionist replied.

"Fine." I blurted out. It's already 12 at midnight. She could've picked my call at least.

An unknown number appeared on my screen. I picked it. "Hello, it's Abhishek, Aashika's friend. Actually, she got into a-an accident... "

WHAT THE HELL! My heart sank deep down. I immediately grabbed my coat and rushed down while talking to him, "How did it happen?"

"A truck came from wrong side and hit her car. Don't worry! She's fine now, we're at City Hospital. I'll send you the location!" He said.

Everybody saw me rushing, they started throwing their never ending questions at me. I briefed them, and then they couldn't stop themselves from accompanying me.

They came from the car, I took my bike and drived like a maniac through the streets breaking every rule. My lily, my love, my Reason to Breathe... How can this happen! All of a sudden, an accident!

I reached far before them and rushed towards the room, just then a number brimmed my screen, I could've rejected it but no... even worse and evil thoughts came into my mind.

Why the hell is Mita calling me so late at night.

"What the hell do you want, Mita?" I barked, not slowing my pace.

"Oh, Rohit," she drawled, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "You sound upset. Is it because of... Aashika's little accident?"

I stopped dead in my tracks, my heart sinking. "How do you know about the accident?" I growled, gripping the phone tighter.

Her laughter, light and malicious, sent a shiver down my spine. "Oh, I know plenty, Rohit. In fact, I orchestrated the whole thing."

"What?" I felt the blood drain from my face. My mind raced as a pit of rage and confusion began building inside me. "How could you-"

"Easy," she cut me off, her voice turning cold. "I just had a little arrangement and I made sure Aashika wouldn't be a problem for me anymore."

I clenched my jaw, fury swirling through my veins. "Why? Why would you do this?"

"Because," she hissed, her tone menacing, "I warned you. You belong to me, Rohit. Aashika was in the way."

"You're insane!" I spat, my voice shaking with barely contained anger. "You tried to kill her!"

"Almost," she said smugly, "but not quite. See, I'm giving you a choice now. You can save her, Rohit... if you do exactly as I say."

My blood boiled. "What do you want?"

"Simple. Marry me. And Aashika stays alive. If not..." She let the threat linger, her voice oozing with sick satisfaction.

I stood frozen in the hallway, my heart torn between fury and fear. "How can you do this?"

Every word, every breath felt like venom coursing through my veins. My world, my love, my Aashika, was being torn from me by this psychopath. But I couldn't give in.

"I will do anything for Aashika," I said, my voice cold and fierce.

"Tick-tock, Rohit, Your time begins now!" she purred, her laughter echoing in my ears as the call ended, leaving me drowning in a mix of despair and rage.

I clenched my fists. She might think she has the upper hand now, but I would fight back. For Aashika. For the love that had become my Reason to Breathe.

The Unspoken Silence, (Author's POV)

Rohit quietly entered the room, his heart heavy as he saw Aashika lying on the bed. Her eyes, once bright, were dimmed with pain. He sat beside her, gently taking her hand in his.

"Hey," he whispered, forcing a smile. "How are you feeling?"

Aashika nodded faintly, avoiding his gaze. The silence between them was thick with grief, but neither had the strength to speak the words weighing on their hearts.

Rohit squeezed her hand, his voice low but filled with determination. "I'll do anything for you, Aashika. Anything and Everything. I just want you to be okay."

Aashika's eyes met his briefly, a tear slipping down her cheek. She didn't say anything, but the unspoken understanding between them was enough.

The doctor entered and spoke softly, "She'll be discharged tomorrow."

Rohit nodded, his grip tightening on her hand. No matter how broken things seemed, he knew he'd face anything for her.

Rohit stepped out of the ward, his heart aching with a pain he couldn't express. He leaned against the cold wall, closing his eyes, and silently prayed to Shiv ji. "Please... keep her safe, this mere accident has done so much and that psychopath will do anything beyond limits, I can't let it happen anymore." he whispered, a single tear escaping down his cheek.

His love for Aashika consumed him, every beat of his heart was for her, yet he had made his decision. For her safety, for her life, he was ready to let her go, even if it tore him apart.

"I love you, Aashika," he thought, his chest tightening. "I always will, even from afar."

Meanwhile, Lying in the hospital bed, Aashika stared at the ceiling, her heart heavy with the unbearable truth. She thought of Rohit, his gentle smile, his unwavering love. Telling him about the baby, the loss, would break him-it would shatter his soul. "I can't do that to him," she whispered to herself, blinking back tears.

She decided, with a deep breath, to keep it all inside. For now, she would protect him from the pain. His heart was already burdened; she couldn't add to it. "I'll carry this for us, for him," she resolved, holding her grief within.

THE DAY WHICH TURNED THEIR LIFE UPSIDE DOWN:
28th OCTOBER! Aashika's Birthday or maybe...✨

What's their destiny??

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Sometimes, love tears your soul apart in every possible way, if you can bear it then only you're a true lover!
Never mind, this was the main chapter of the story!!

Tell me your reviews in the comment section! And I repeat it again, please share this story as much as you can! Your unwavering support means a lot to me! Next update will be posted soon!

With regards,
Wings_Of_Passion
🩶🩶