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

Kairav dragged Aditi inside, her arms trembling under his iron-like grip. She whimpered in pain, "It hurts...please, it hurts..."

Kairav halted, his eyes blazing with fury. "I've told you a hundred times: stay away from that girl. She's not good."

Aditi shook her head, sobbing. "She's my friend...my only friend." Kairav's grasp on her jaw tightly. "How dare you defy me? You'll do as I say, nothing more." Aditi winced, tears streaming down her face.

Suddenly, Kairav's expression shifted. "Aww, Jaan, don't cry. It breaks my heart." His voice dripped with tenderness. "Come, wipe your tears."

Releasing her jaw, he guided her to a sit down on the couch near them. "Show me where you're hurt," he cooed, his eyes never leaving hers.

Aditi's gaze fell to her bandaged foot, relief washing over her. Thank God Nitika wrapped it. Kairav's eyes followed hers, his smile twisting. "Oh you got your feet injured let me see." He grasped her ankle, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

"What are you doing, Kairav? You can't touch her feet. You're a man, and she's...beneath you."Preeti's sudden intervention halted Kairav's movement. Kairav's eyes darkened, his gaze snapping towards Preeti. He rose, towering over her.

"You dare question me?" Kairav's voice dripped venom as he grasped Preeti's throat. "I told you to protect my Jaan, not harm her." Preeti's eyes widened, her face reddening. "Kairav beta..."

Kairav's grip tightened. "This isn't about the temple incident. It's for slapping my Jaan. You shouldn't have done that." Releasing Preeti's throat, Kairav turned to Aditi.

Preeti gasped, clutching her throat. "You're hurting your own mother for...for her?" Kairav's smile sent chills down Aditi's spine. "She's mine. She'll be my wife soon." Aditi shivered, her eyes fixed on the floor.

Aditi's grip on her dress tightened, her heart racing. Kairav's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "No one will harm what's mine. Not even you, Mother."

Kairav's smile sent shivers down Aditi's spine as he turned to her. "Rest now, my Jaan. Let Mother handle the household today." His eyes gleamed with an unsettling intensity. "I'll return in two hours, and I have wonderful news to share with you."

With that, he leaned in, his breath whispering against Aditi's ear. "You'll love it, Jaan. It's a surprise, just for you." Kairav straightened, his smile twisting into a menacing grin. "Wait for me." He turned and walked out, leaving Aditi feeling trapped and uneasy.

As the door closed, Preeti's glare pinned Aditi. "You've blinded him with your deceit. But mark my words, you'll pay for this." Aditi's heart sank, her mind racing with the implications of Kairav's words.

What could his "good news" possibly be?. Aditi's instincts screamed that Kairav's "good news" would be her worst nightmare. She knew him too well.

As Preeti busied herself with household chores, Aditi's mind raced with dark possibilities. What had Kairav planned? Another restriction? A new control tactic?

She couldn't shake off the feeling of impending doom. "Two hours," she whispered to herself, her eyes fixed on the clock. Each ticking minute felt like an eternity.

---✧---

Nitika entered her house, her mind still reeling with concerns about Aditi's situation, when her father's voice broke the silence.

"Subarna, I won't be able to drive him now," he said, frustration etched in his tone.

Nitika's attention shifted to her father. "What happened, Papa?"

Her father, Manish, looked up from his chair. "Rohan wants to see around before heading back to Mumbai tomorrow,"

Nitika nodded. "But I won't be able to take him around. Your bhai just called Sonu's unwell, and I need to take her to the hospital."

Nitika's eyes widened. "What about bhai? Can't he take care of her?" Manish sighed. "He's stuck at work, can't take a day off." Nitika's frustration was palpable. "He's always like that, no time for his own child when she is sick."

Manish intervened calmly "Leave it, Nitu. Something doesn't change." Manish continued, "Would you take Rohan around instead? Show him our city's highlights?" Nitika sighs and nods, taking responsibility. "I'll take him around." Manish's face lit up with gratitude. "Thanks, beta."

----

Nitika knocked on Rohan's door. After a brief pause, it swung open, revealing Rohan.

"Damn, he's so handsome," Nitika thought, her gaze drifting dreamily. "He looks even more attractive in casual wear. A brighter smile would make him irresistible."

Rohan looked at her, perplexed. "What?" Nitika chuckled. "No nothing. Papa can't take you around, so I will. Are you ready?"

Just as Rohan was about to respond, a soft bark pierced the air, followed by Rohan's panicked scream. "Oh god, take it away! Take it away!" Rohan exclaimed, hiding behind Nitika.

Nitika laughed, scooping up Snowy, the playful pup. "I don't get why you're so scared of Snowy. She means no harm. she just likes you."

Rohan peeked from behind Nitika, his eyes still wide with fear. "Come on, Rohan sir, let's go," Nitika said, gesturing for him to follow. Rohan stepped out, crossing his arms. "First, wash your hands. Then we can go."
Nitika rolled her eyes. "Fine." Together, they headed downstairs.

---✧---

They navigated the bustling streets, surrounded by the constant hum of vehicles and the vibrant chatter of pedestrians. The scorching sun cast its golden glow, infusing the scene with warmth.

As Nitika enthusiastically showed him around, pointing out local landmarks and hidden gems, Rohan's attention drifted. His gaze locked onto the captivating views before him the eclectic mix of ancient architecture and modern skyscrapers, the colorful street art, and the diverse crowd.

Nitika's voice became a gentle background hum as Rohan's eyes roamed, drinking in the sights. He nodded occasionally, murmuring brief responses "uh-huh," or "ok, his thoughts lost in the kaleidoscope of sounds and images.

Nitika smiled, noticing Rohan's distraction. "You're enjoying the views, aren't you?" she asked. Rohan's eyes refocused, meeting Nitika's amused gaze. "Yes, it's just... so vibrant," he said, his voice filled with genuine wonder.

Nitika nodded, and they continued their stroll. Suddenly, her eyes sparkled as she spotted a man selling ice cream across the street. "Ice cream! Come on, let's get some!" Nitika exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.

Rohan's response stunned her. "No, thanks." She gazed that him thinking 'seriously, I was being nice to you dude.'

Rohan continues."I don't like ice cream." Nitika's face froze in horror. "Huh? What did you just say?" she asked, her voice laced with incredulity.

In her mind, she panicked. "Is he even human? How can someone not like ice cream?Oh god, my future husband doesn't like ice cream? Should I divorce him already? Wait, is he even for real?"

Rohan, oblivious to Nitika's inner turmoil, walked ahead, leaving her standing there with her mouth agape.

"What?" Rohan asked, turning back to Nitika, curiosity etched on his face. Nitika still looked stunned, her mouth agape. "Are you going to stand there with your mouth open like a idiot?" Rohan asked.

Nitika rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "If you don't want any, okay. I'll buy one for myself. My favorite flavor is chocolate, by the way." Rohan raised an eyebrow. "Why are you telling me that?"

Nitika shrugged, a sly grin spreading. "Just thought you should know what you're missing." She added under her breath, barely audible, "You'll need it for future reference."

---✧---

As they walked back home, Nitika savored her chocolate ice cream, while Rohan strolled beside her, taking in the surroundings.

"Do you have a handkerchief?" Nitika asked, displaying her sticky fingers. "I want to wipe my hands; they're all sticky from the ice cream."

Rohan sighed, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Not just your fingers, your mouth too." He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket. "Here, wipe it."

Nitika smiled gratefully. "Thanks." She cleaned her hands and mouth with the kerchief. "Here," she said, handing it back.

Rohan's face contorted in mock disgust. Nitika looked surprised, then understanding dawned. "Oh, sorry! I'll return it tomorrow after washing."
Rohan looks at her. "No need, you can keep it." She looked at him and nodded. "Okay."

As they walked, Nitika chattered nonstop, while Rohan listened with an expressionless face. "I heard you're leaving tomorrow," Nitika said. Rohan nodded. "Yes, in the afternoon."

Nitika's face fell. "Oh, okay." Her heart sank, knowing he'd be gone soon. "Done packing or need any help?" Nitika asked, trying to sound casual.
"Not yet, there's still time," Rohan replied.

"Thanks for letting me show you around," Nitika added, beaming.
Rohan looks at her. "Thanks for taking me around." Nitika's eyes widened with a huge smile. "No need to thank me!"

As they parted ways, Rohan headed upstairs to his room, while Nitika made her way to hers. She opened the door to find Snowy fast asleep on the mat. Chuckling, she knelt down to gently stroke the fur.

Suddenly, Aditi popped into her mind. Nitika swiftly stood up, grabbed her phone, and dialed Aditi's number. "How could I forget to call her?" she worried. "Please be okay, Aditi."

After a few rings, Aditi answered, her voice groggy. "Hello, Nitu." Nitika's concern spilled out. "Are you okay, Aditi? Did he do something? Should I come over?"

Aditi's calm tone reassured her. "Nitu, calm down. I was sleeping. I didn't even realize it was this late."

Nitika's anxiety began to dissipate, replaced by guilt for not calling earlier. "I'm so sorry, Aditi. I got caught up with Rohan sir and completely forgot. What happened after I left?"

Aditi's gentle laughter eased Nitika's worries further. "Nothing, Nitu. He was his usual self."(She explains everything to Nitika, I'm too lazy to write it again).

"You're sure you're okay? I can come over if you need me. But wasn't he supposed to be back by now? What was the surprise he mentioned?"

"I don't know, Nitu," Aditi replied. "It's already been hours. Honestly, I'm relieved I don't have to face him right now."

"God knows what that man is thinking," Nitika said. "Call me if anything happens, okay? Take care. And sorry again for not calling sooner." "It's okay, Nitu," Aditi replied. "I will."

As they exchanged goodbyes and hung up, Nitika returned to Snowy, who was still peacefully sleeping. She smiled, kneeling down beside her furry companion, her thoughts still with Aditi.

---✧---

Rohan stood before the house, clutching his bag. "Rohan sir, it was so nice having you here," Subarna said, handing him a package. "We'll really miss you. If you're visiting again, please come stay with us anytime."

"What's this?" Rohan asked. "A small gift from us, sir," Manish replied, taking Rohan's bag and placing it in the car. Rohan began to protest, but Subarna interrupted, "We insist, please don't say no."

Rohan nodded in gratitude. "Where's she?" he asked, scanning the area. Subarna called out, "Nitika!"

A faint "yes" was heard before Nitika emerged with Snowy. Snowy sprinted toward Rohan, who swiftly retreated behind Manish.

"Oh no, it's coming towards me!" Rohan exclaimed, eliciting chuckles from the others. Nitika reassured, "Don't worry, Snowy just wants to say goodbye."

As they bid farewell, Nitika suddenly dashed toward the car. "Papa, wait! Take me with you too!" She jumped in, placing Snowy on the ground.

Rohan reminded, "You didn't wash your hands after touching it." Nitika smiled, "It's okay, no problem." She casually wiped her hands on her dress.

Rohan's expression turned disgusted. "It's not a problem for you, but it is for me." Nitika looked puzzled. "But I'm not touching you or anything." Rohan's incredulous expression deepened. Manish intervened, "Everything's settled. Let's go now." Both of them nodded as Manish starts the car.

---✧----

They were on their way to the railway station when her phone rang. Her face filled with concern as she saw Aditi's name flashing on the screen. She quickly picked up.

"Hello, Aditi? Are you okay? Is everything fine?" There was a moment of silence on the other end, followed by the sound of a banging door.

"Nitu...help me...he..." Aditi's voice cracked as she sobbed, and then the call dropped. Nitika's eyes widened in fear. "Papa, Aditi is in trouble. I have to go there now!"

Manish's eyes widened, and Rohan looked at them confused. "Okay, beta," Manish said, quickly turning the car around and speeding towards Aditi's house.

As they arrived, Nitika jumped out. "What happened?" Rohan asked, still confused. Manish was about to explain when a scream pierced the air.

Nitika rushed towards Aditi's house, pushing past the gathered crowd. Inside, she was met with a horrifying scene Kairav was forcing Aditi to sign some papers, his hand clutching her hair painfully as she struggled to break free. Her face was red with a clear slap mark.

Nitika saw the onlookers watching with pity, but she knew they wouldn't intervene they never stood up to Kairav, they never will.

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