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VOTE:- 50
COMMENT:- 30

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*The italic written are past*

ENJOY READING ✨️

In a busy skyscraper, employees rushed to get ready for the CEO's arrival, filling the hallways with an air of excitement. Shekhawat and Co., one of India's richest companies and possibly the wealthiest in Asia, was preparing to welcome their impressive CEO, Rudraksh Singh Shekhawat.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted to silence as the distinct sound of footsteps was heard, and the employees collectively held their breath. Rudraksh Singh Shekhawat entered, exuding a commanding presence that reflected a mix of strong moral values, modernity, and tradition.

He strode through the corridors with the confidence of someone who truly owned the place. His secretary followed closely behind him, his aura dark and authoritarian. Although he was known for being reserved and distant, his devotion to his family remained unwavering.

Stepping into the private elevator, he pressed the button for his floor while his secretary reviewed the agenda next to him. Rudraksh stood motionless, his cold gaze fixed ahead. The silence was broken only by the elevator's chime, signaling their arrival. As the doors opened, they both walked out.

Upon entering his office, Rudraksh tossed his blazer onto the couch and picked up the coffee awaiting him on the table. His secretary remained absorbed in the schedule and, with a quick glance, began to brief him.

"Sir, you have two meetings with foreign clients today, and tomorrow you are the chief guest at Vanya Ma'am's college," Samarth, his secretary, reported in a professional tone while Rudraksh gazed out the window.

"Sir actually, Amrita Ma'am odered to cancel all meetings for your wedding," Samarth said hesitantly, prompting Rudraksh's jaw to clench at the mention of marriage.

He had never intended to marry-until it was her.

"Get out," he barked, his voice thick with frustration, causing Samarth to leave hurriedly, unable to handle his anger.

Rudraksh Singh Shekhawat was known for his quick temper; however, years ago, he had been different-more respectful. An incident from six years prior had hardened him, leaving him ruthless and merciless.

That incident involved Avantika.

She was the woman he believed ruled his heart, although deep down he knew it was never truly the case. Avantika, his childhood best friend, had transformed their bond into a love admired by all.

Their love story was one people often dreamed of-Avantika was a kind and sweet person, celebrated by many for her paintings that fetched high prices at auctions. Together, they shared a love so profound it could melt any obstacle.

Yet, fate had other plans.

An unforeseen event occurred, leaving him with scars that would last a lifetime.

Setting the unfinished cup of coffee on his desk, he slumped to his chair. His jaw clenched and breathing ragged, it's like he is controlling himself from outbursts.

His was life was like this only.

Only work.

He forgot to live after her.

But-

Still living with her memories.

The quietness of my office served as my refuge. The gentle hum of the air conditioner and the stillness outside created an illusion of peace, but inside, I felt turmoil.

She was destined to be mine, yet she left this world. She taught me to smile, but took my reason for smiling with her. She showed me how to embrace life, yet she took it away.

She departed-

The one I loved-

Rudraksh Singh Shekhawat was meant for her, and she was meant for me-a harsh truth I had to accept.

It felt like a hard slap to the face.

A stark reminder that she was gone.

A reminder that she left me on what was supposed to be our special day.

I loved her.

I still think I do-

Maybe not.

But why can't I accept that?

Why does it not feel like love?

It's not love.

Just friendship.

Yet it feels like something is waiting-

For years.

But no.

I loved Avantika.

That's what my mind insists.

But my heart.

It disagrees.

My thoughts were interrupted by the chilling notification of my phone. I looked at the screen-it was my mother.

I answered the call, and a calm yet firm voice came through.

"Rudra, do you know your wedding is in five days?" She voiced her frustration.

"I know, Maa," I replied, my voice barely a whisper.

I don't know the girl, and I see no need to. She is merely a burden to me.

An unwanted presence.

An unwanted wife.

That's all.

"Aap sun bhi rahe hain?" Maa asked, her tone raised slightly.

"I remember, Maa, and don't worry, I'll attend the wedding," I reassured her, hearing her sigh on the other end.

She knows, as does everyone-this marriage means nothing to me, just pressure from my family.

They want me to settle down and move forward, but they don't realize I can never move on from her.

I can't.

My thoughts drift back to the days when she was with me.

She still exists in my memories.

"Rudra, do you know how I look today?" Her voice held curiosity.

"Mmmm, absolutely mine," I said, a smile spreading across my face.

"Oyee Mr. Flirt," she teased.

"And this Mr. Flirt belongs to you," I said, lost in daydreams.

"Rudra, today we're tying the knot," her voice became a whisper.

"I know Avantika, I know-after today, you will be mine," I said, my tone full of possessiveness.

"Rudra, we're starting a new life," she said, her voice trembling.

"I know, jaan," I assured her.

This overthinking girl.

"I'm not feeling good vibes, Rudra," she said, causing my brows to frown.

"Nothing will go wrong, Ava; we'll face it together," I declared, though an unsettling feeling formed in my chest.

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

Dressed in an expensive sherwani, I waited for her at the mandap-it was late.

She still hadn't come.

No news.

Where could she be?

My Ava was never late, especially not for this moment.

"Where's the bride?" Pandit ji asked.

"She'll be here soon, Pandit ji," Dadi replied, though her voice was shaky.

Could she betray me?

No, she wouldn't.

As I glanced at my watch, it was the perfect moment for our wedding, yet she was missing. Suddenly, footsteps broke my focus. I looked toward the entrance.

The police were arriving with hospital personnel, carrying a stretcher. Upon it lay a person covered with a white cloth.

The police set the stretcher down, and in that moment, a hand slipped out from under the cloth.

Bloodied.

Burned.

Adorned with mehendi.

With a diamond ring sitting on the ring finger.

The same one.

The same engagement ring.

The same bangles.

Identical to those my Ava wore.

I took shaking steps toward it; my knees buckled. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

"Sorry, there was a serious accident on the main road, and we believe this body belongs to Avantika mam," the inspector said, his tone filled with sorrow.

"Noooo!" Mom screamed, Avantika's mother echoed the sentiment.

No, it can't be.

She promised me.

Trembling, I removed the cloth from her face. My world stopped; everything became a blur.

There she was, resting in a pink lehenga-her favorite color.

"NO, THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!" I screamed, cradling her lifeless body against my chest, desperate for her to wake up.

She can't leave me.

She can never leave me.

"Please wake up, Ava. I'm waiting for you," I pleaded, my voice shaking.

Time stretched on, but she didn't stir-my sherwani soaked in her blood, but she remained still.

"Rudra, we need to perform her last rites," Baba said, his voice steady yet filled with pain. As we adjusted her gently on the stretcher, I embraced him, a sob escaping my lips.

I wished to bring her back.

But no one could.

She left her Rudra.

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

To this day, I never felt so detached. Standing among the cremation ground, my fists clenched, my jaw set as I watched her body burn before me.

It felt distant.

So distant.

The flames enveloped her, consuming her slowly while I remained frozen. I couldn't bring her back. My eyes burned with a rage that threatened to consume everything.

An unfamiliar fury.

"Rudra, believe it, she is gone," my father, Veer Singh Shekhawat, said, his voice heavy with grief.

"She can't be, Baba. She promised she would never leave me," I responded, my voice cracking as I stumbled, but he steadied me.

While everyone surrounded us in sorrow, I felt hollow.

The love of my life-Ava-was turning to ashes right before my eyes. I lit the pyre; I had performed her last rites.

The murmurs behind me floated through the air.

"So young."

"It was supposed to be their wedding."

"At this time, they should be celebrating their grah pravesh, but look at fate."

Those words meant nothing.

Memories of her flooded my mind like a film.

"Rudra, what would you do if I died one day?" she asked playfully, testing my patience.

"Stop testing me," I replied, my voice dangerously low.

"I'm serious," she insisted, now with a hint of real concern.

"Then I would bring you back from death itself," I promised, stroking her hair, hoping she wouldn't ask more questions.

Those memories struck like a harsh reminder that she had left me, and that I couldn't bring her back.

The last ember of her pyre extinguished-reminding me of my inability to save her.

Avantika was gone, reduced to a memory. With her departure, the last pieces of my heart shattered.

I opened my eyes wide, drawing in deep breaths from those haunting memories. The fact that I couldn't save her weighed heavily on me.

That Avantika had left.

No grief.

No guilt.

Just acceptance.

That she is gone.

❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜

How was the chapter bubs??

I seriously cried while writing this.

Hope you also cried hard...

Your author

~Russ🧸ྀི