Hey lovely people! Here's another update! Hope y'all have checked out "Dedication & Quote of the book! (too lazy to write any intro for now)🤍
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At X-Guides, (Author's POV)

"A party," Aashika said out of nowhere, her tone sharp and decisive. "For all our business partners. It has to happen this weekend, no delays."

Rose looked up, surprised. "A party, mam? Since when are you concerned about hosting these parties and all? What's the reason?"

Aashika leaned forward, her eyes unwavering. "It's about clarity. I need to know everything now! Everything about Rohit, which no one but he will have to explain to me."

Rose, "Are you sure mam this would workout?"

Aashika, "Yes it will! I am sure Rohit won't lie to me for no reason. I have a backup plan ready if the plan doesn't go the way I can."

Rose hesitated, sensing the tension. "Okay mam. So, I'll invite the Bhardwaj family, but shall I send an invitation to Mita as well like, as a representative of her father's company, because that might make the probability of Rohit sir coming even stronger."

Aashika, "Yeah! Do it, if we invite Mita too, Rohit can't help but come to the party as he won't dare to spark any abnormal cues of his marriage."

Rose, "May I suggest something? A specific dress code-maybe maroon. It could add uniformity and blend all the details...Mita won't be able to find out Rohit sir even if he's out of sight."

Aashika nodded, her voice firm. "Fine. Make it maroon. I don't care what I wear-choose something for me, but make sure every detail is flawless. No mistakes, Rose."

"Yes, mam," Rose replied, her tone quiet but questioning. "Are you sure this is the right way?"

Aashika's eyes met hers, calm but resolute. "It's the only way."

My mental, no emotional, no fictional, no non-existent War! (Yes the perfect word non-existent war, at this moment I can say that yes, I am a MENTALLY DISABLED MAN, due to SBTIS) (Ruhan's POV)

And One, Two & Three.
She sneezed again!

"Oh my god! Silver Jubilee, Siya, let's celebrate!!!" I mocked her sitting on the bed while she was continuously walking back and forth in the room!

"Stop it Ruhan! For God's sake, it's 1:30 am right now. Stop mocking me at this time." Siya replied with a done look.

I smirked, "Oh, princess! It's 1:31 am by my watch, so that means I can mock you!"

She gave me a deadpanned look.
"Ruhannnn! Please find a solution. Tell me why am I sneezing like that right now!!!"

Mai kya antaryaami hun?
(Am I an all-knower?)

"How do I know?" I replied back with a sigh!

"Then, who knows?" She questioned with her gaze fixed on me.

"Aare, do I live in your wind pipe, that I know why are you sneezing!" I continued, "Okay fine tell me why are you getting so worried for this, c'mon let's just sleep, you'll be fine by tomorrow! Come."

"No yaar! You know what whenever I sneeze constantly, either something very very very good happens or something very very very bad happens!" She said with a baby face.

I couldn't help but look at her in disbelief. "What the---" No, no, Ruhan you can't curse. I've never cursed in front of her, because she's still a baby, iykyk. 🤧

Okay, fine Ruhan calm yourself. Your wife is very innocent. So, much innocent that now I've started suffering from "SBTIS: Siya Being Too Innocent Syndrome"!

"Oiye! Where are you lost?" She snapped her fingers in front of me. Now, I was 1000 per cent clear that she was trying to get under my skin.

Being clearly annoyed, I said, "Siya, now you're clearly trying to get under my skin!" She was trying to hold back her laughter. I continued, "See, if I get under your skin, you won't have any way to escape!"

Wait! WHAT THE HELL! She looked at me in disbelief and the realization struck me. If I get under her skin---Oh! OMG, what did I say, the double meaning was----!!!! 🫣

She cleared her throat and said, "L-lets sleep." She pulled the duvet over her and laid down on the bed.

I couldn't help but to understand what I actually blabbered!

"So jao! Your cheeks will pain if you blush so muchh!" She exclaimed. I immediately slid myself into the duvet and cursed myself for being so dumb! Oh god! Ruhan Bhardwaj! Mai itna bevkuf hun, ye to kisi ne nhi socha hoga! Isko chod ke.....😶‍🌫
(Nobody would've ever thought that I'm so dumb! Except her......)

Get Ready with the Queen! (Aashika's POV)

I stared at the dress in the mirror-high slit, bold cut, and a neckline that screamed date night, not business party. My eyes flicked back to Rose, who was waiting for me to either love it or lose it.

"Rose, are you sure about this? I look like I'm about to crash a date, not host a business party," I said, half-laughing, half-worried.

Rose grinned. "Ma'am, trust me. This dress screams confidence. They won't be able to look away. You'll own the room."

I raised an eyebrow. "Confidence? Or confusion? They might think I'm up for a completely different kind of evening."

Rose smirked. "You're here to make an impact. Who's going to forget the woman in the high slit and killer heels?"

I ran a hand over the fabric, admiring how it hugged my body. The heels clicked as I walked across the room, each step sharpening my resolve. Slowly, I slipped into the dress, adjusting it to sit just right.

I looked at myself once more. The woman in the mirror wasn't just the CEO-she was a force, ready to command attention.

"Alright," I muttered to myself, eyes narrowing. "One way or another, I'll get the truth tonight."

I styled my hair properly and with minimal touch-up, I went down to the hall! (I hate those creepy, girly cravings for too much make-up)
Not forgetting to take my purse which had the bac---(Surprise!)

The Party, (Rohit's POV)

I stood near the entrance, watching as Aashika entered, her presence commanding the entire room. Her dress-dark, elegant, with a high slit-made her look like she owned the place. Beside her was Abhishek, her business partner.

The moment the lights dimmed, Aashika grabbed the mic, her voice smooth and assertive. "Good evening, everyone," she began, "Let's celebrate partnerships, growth, and success tonight. Enjoy the evening!"

She gave the signal to start the event, and as people scattered to mingle, my eyes stayed locked on her. She moved through the crowd with purpose, almost as if she were searching for someone.

I quickly glanced around for Mita, but she was nowhere in sight. Aashika's gaze swept over the room, and I couldn't shake the feeling that she was looking directly at me, like she was drawing me in.

Tonight felt different. I don't know why!

Two at a time! (Aashika's POV)

"Yahan kahin aam ka ped hai??" I said while looking at Abhishek.
(Is there any mango tree here?)

He shook his head unable to decipher what I exactly mean.

"Agar ped nahin hai, to tu kahan se tapka?" I blurted out.
(If there's not a tree, then from where did you fall?)

He gave me a deadpanned look.

"Like seriously you're not reachable since we last met at the court and now out of nowhere you're all dressed up in an Armani suit for the party" The last line finished my statement. "Without getting an invitation!"

"Okay okay, I got it! But, Aashika, listen to me, tomorrow before 8 o'clock in the morning, I need to leave." Abhishek said with a straight face.

"Why!? What are you upto??" I raised my brows looking at him.

"Arjun Ranawat!" He barked a single name with a stung of frustration in his voice. One name was the answer to my question.

The next moment we entered the grand hall. My eyes couldn't but scan for him. Once I met his gaze it was almost impossible for me to remove my eyes of him. I saw Mita and his family standing beside me. As I started the party, everyone exchanged words with each other and shared their victories and accomplishments!

As Rose said if everyone wear a single dark colour, the party would seem to blend in that colour and no one would be able to find a single man. But as a result, the hell that now I can't even find Rohit!!!

Meanwhile, I saw Abhi cornering Arjun from everyone and somehow he took him out of the hall! No idea what's next...

The Truth, (Author's POV)

The party was in full swing, but Aashika's mind wasn't on wine or the polished small talk. She scanned the room, her gaze sharp and deliberate, trying to find him out. Just then, she spotted him-Rohit. Standing in the corner, effortlessly composed, clearly hiding the storm brewing in his soul.

Raising her hand, she gave a subtle signal. Within seconds, a tall man approached her, his expression serious. After a brief exchange, his demeanor shifted. His voice rose sharply, though the music drowned out the words.

The man grabbed Aashika's wrist, pulling her toward the edge of the hall. For a moment, her usually unshakable confidence seemed to falter.

Rohit caught it-the slight hesitation, the tightening of her jaw. Something about the scene felt wrong.

As the man dragged her further, Rohit's grip on his glass tightened. Aashika doesn't look like herself. Is she... insecure? "Why the hell is he dragging her like some object!" He muttered under his breath.

Without thinking, he followed them. The hallway they entered was dimly lit, the sounds of the party fading into the distance. He saw her eyes, the tensed expression killing his soul.

He followed them with deliberate steps trying to match their pace. Just then, being Absolutely unaware he entered a dark room. Someone closed the door behind.

The lights switched on, and the air seemed to thicken. Aashika stood alone in the center of the room, the man nowhere in sight. Her gaze met his instantly, fierce and unrelenting. He tried to leave the room instantly.

"Rohit," she said, her voice steady but charged, "we're not leaving this room until I get the truth."

His breath caught. This wasn't a business negotiation, nor was it a casual confrontation. It was a battlefield, and he'd walked right into it. All his confidence, his demeanor, the lies he had been hiding since years seemed to sound like a mockery.

He drove his steady steps towards the door trying to act completely unbothered by her presence. Aashika's mind was now a whirlwind, she couldn't let him leave the room just like that. This was the last chance. She grabbed something out of her purse and holding a firm grip on his hand, her eyes met his. The tension they shared can't ever be imagined.

Aashika stood in front of Rohit, her hands trembling ever so slightly as she held the truth serum. Her jaw was set, her emotions a whirlwind, but her cold, calculated exterior remained intact. She wasn't sure what would come of this, but she couldn't let her doubts gnaw at her any longer.

"Forgive me for this," she murmured, barely audible, before swiftly shoving the syringe into Rohit's neck.

Rohit flinched, his body tensing as the serum took effect. A low, involuntary moan escaped his lips. "Lily, you shouldn't know this..." he mumbled, his defenses starting to crumble under the drug's influence.

Aashika dragged a chair towards him, forcing him to sit down in front of her. She crouched to his eye level, her piercing gaze locking onto his dazed eyes. This was it-there was no turning back now.

"Why did you marry Mita?" Her voice was sharp, but her heart pounded violently.

Rohit's head lolled for a moment before he blinked slowly. His lips parted, the words spilling out like an unstoppable tide. "Because she... she threatened me," he slurred.

Aashika's breath hitched. She leaned closer, gripping the armrest of his chair. "Threatened you with what, Rohit?"

He swallowed hard, his voice breaking. "She said... she said she'd kill you if I didn't marry her. I couldn't risk it, Aashika. I couldn't lose you."

Her world spun. For a moment, she felt like the ground beneath her had vanished. Kill me? The words echoed in her mind, each repetition more unbearable than the last.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She couldn't waste much time, she already knew the story, she went straight to the point. She steadied herself and asked, her voice trembling despite her efforts, "Did you ever love her, Rohit?"

"No," he said immediately, the truth serum compelling him to answer. "Never. I only loved you, Aashika. I still do. I'd do anything for you, even if it means leaving you. Tum hi meri Aashiqui ho Aashika!"
(Never. I only loved you, Aashika. I still do. I'd do anything for you, even if it means leaving you. You're my only love, Aashika!)

The tears finally spilled over, streaking down her face. She had fought so hard to keep her emotions at bay, but his words shook her core. A huge smile covered her face. She mumbled, "Even in so serious moments, you've so cringe lines to blabber."

"And... do you still see a future with---" Her voice broke mid-sentence, but she pressed on, desperate for his answer.

Before he could respond, Rohit's head slumped forward, his body succumbing to the serum's effect. He was unconscious.

Aashika froze, staring at him as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her usual cold demeanor cracked entirely. "What have I done?" she whispered, her voice raw.
She cradled his face and looked at him. "Why didn't I trust you? Why did I let my insecurities ruin us?"

For the first time in years, she let herself cry-truly, openly, and heartbreakingly. Her sobs were muffled by the thick silence of the room.

But as the minutes passed, Aashika knew she couldn't let herself break for long. She wiped her tears, straightened her back, and forced herself to regain her composure. There was still a room full of people, a façade to maintain, and a million questions swirling in her mind.

"I promise Rooh, you'll definitely get the unwavering love and support you need, you deserve actually! Even if not from me, but from someone who deserves you," Her voice broke as she continued, "Thank you so much for saving me, for supporting me in the best way, I never even imagined!" She said her last words to him as of for now.

She called Rose, her voice calm but laced with a hidden storm. "Drop Rohit home in his car, carefully! Make sure no one, especially Mita, notices his absence."

Rose gave her a nod of assurance. "Don't worry, ma'am. Everything's under control."

Aashika watched as Rohit was carefully escorted out, her heart aching with every step he was taken away from her. The truth changes everything, she thought, but now, she had to face it-and fight for what was rightfully hers and his!
"Now, I'll even kill this lady, if she doesn't get out of our lives! Yes, the one who ruined my life, the one who made his life a fucking hell and the one who killed our baby, our sunshine, deserves to die!" She mumbled to herself, wiping the last tear that escaped her eyes.

A new Morning, A new War! (Author's POV)

The airport was alive with movement, but Aashika's world felt unnervingly still. She stood by the boarding gate, her heels clicking faintly as she shifted her weight, her face betraying nothing. Across from her, Abhishek adjusted the strap of his bag, his expression unreadable yet laced with urgency.

"It's done," he said, his voice low. "Arjun is gone, and the news has already reached them."

Aashika's gaze narrowed, sharp as ever. "Great! I've decided to charge Mita legally now!"

Abhishek stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Be careful. You think you're prepared, but I've seen you crack before."

For a moment, her breath hitched, but she quickly masked it with her usual poise. "I'll deal with it, no matter how messy it gets."

He studied her, his expression softening just slightly. "Just remember-stay resolute. Whatever happens next, don't let it destroy you."

She nodded, her jaw set tight.

Without another word, he walked away. Aashika stood still, her pulse racing despite her composed exterior.

What did I do!👀(Author's POV)

The morning light streamed through the windows as Rohit stirred on the couch, his head throbbing. He sat up, rubbing his temples, a deep frown forming on his face. His surroundings felt familiar, yet disjointed.

"Did I even go to the party?" he muttered, looking down at his shirt. The confusion deepened. His mind felt like a blank slate.

Just then, the sound of a door opening drew his attention. Mita walked out of the bedroom, a towel wrapped around her neck, her hair still damp from her shower. She looked at him with a strange mix of curiosity and amusement.

"You're up," she said casually, leaning against the doorframe. "I saw you in all your formals last night, sleeping on the couch. You looked so uncomfortable, so I removed them."

Rohit froze. Her words hit him like a cold slap. She removed it? His jaw tightened, and his fingers curled into fists.

"You... touched me?" His voice was low, almost a growl, as his eyes bore into hers.

Mita straightened, suddenly defensive. "What's the big deal, Rohit? I was just trying to-"

"You dared to touch me?" he barked, his voice rising as he stood abruptly. His fury was palpable, his breath coming in sharp bursts.

"Rohit, calm down! I was just-"

Before she could finish, Rohit grabbed the vase from the table and slammed it against the wall. The crash echoed through the room, shards scattering across the floor.

Mita flinched, her eyes wide in shock. "What is wrong with you?"

"Don't dare to do that again!" his glare cutting through her like a knife. Without another word, he stormed toward the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind him.

Leaning against the sink, Rohit stared at his reflection in the mirror, his mind racing. He splashed cold water on his face, his frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

"What the hell happened last night?" he whispered, his voice filled with frustration and something deeper-fear. His memories were a jumbled mess, but one thing was clear: whatever had happened, it wasn't over.

At X-Guides, (Aashika's POV)

The sunlight filtered through the massive windows of my office, casting long shadows on the polished desk. In front of me lay the carefully prepared documents, each a piece of the trap I had set. My fingers drummed lightly against the mahogany, my mind racing as the final details clicked into place.

A court case against Mita for blackmailing-strong, undeniable evidence sealed her fate. But this alone wasn't enough. Mita was cunning, someone who thrived on deceit. I needed a way to blindside her, to strip her of any chance to react.

Another idea flashed in my mind like lightning. If Mita loved anything more than herself, it was the illusion of power and control she thought she had over Rohit. I couldn't help but send these papers of the case to her because if I don't she can do a counter case against me.

I picked up the envelope containing the case papers. "Let her think she's won before she even knows she's lost."

I placed the case papers deep inside a stack of documents- harmless formalities and at the very top, divorce papers between Rohit and me. Divorce papers that would undoubtedly make her giddy with excitement. Mita's greed and desperation would make her overlook the real papers buried beneath.

Just to ensure the Bhardwaj family couldn't ignore this, I added a fake collaboration proposal for X-Guides. They wouldn't miss an opportunity to discuss business. With the entire family drawn in, Mita wouldn't have any backup or escape.

"Rose," I called, and she stepped in promptly, her hands clasped neatly in front of her.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Take this envelope to the Bhardwaj house." I said, sliding it across the desk.

Rose's brows furrowed slightly, but she nodded. "Understood. Anything else?"

I paused, my gaze fixed on the skyline visible through the glass. "Just... make sure the Bhardwajs are all present for this. Especially Mita."

"Yes, ma'am," she said and left, clutching the envelope as if it carried dynamite.

As the door clicked shut, I leaned back in my chair, the weight of the plan settling over me. This wasn't just about taking Mita down-it was about restoring order, about protecting what truly mattered.

I glanced at the clock. It was only a matter of time now. Mita's arrogance and her obsession with control would be her undoing.

I whispered under my breath, my voice laced with determination, "You played your game, Mita. Now it's my turn."

Emotions at the brink, (Rohit's POV)

I sat in the car, staring at the hotel in front of me, my mind spinning with a chaos I couldn't make sense of. The darkness of the night still clung to me, heavy and suffocating. My hands gripped the steering wheel as I parked, unsure of how I ended up here-or even if I wanted to know.

Aashika's bold move had shattered something deep inside me, something I thought I had buried long ago. The thought of her giving me a divorce... willingly, without a fight-it tore me apart. My heart ached, not from the loss of her, but from the fact that she had made this decision for both of us. She didn't even feel the need to ask. She was done with me, without a single word or hesitation.

I could barely look at the envelope I had received earlier, the one containing divorce papers mixed with business deals-yet somehow, it all felt like an impassable wall. Was I really ready to face the consequences of my actions?

I walked through the hotel's cold, dimly lit lobby, each step heavier than the last. The receptionist greeted me with a neutral smile, the same one that didn't bother to mask the curiosity in her eyes. But I didn't care. I was here for one reason only: the CCTV footage. I had to know what I did last night.

The moment I stepped into the manager's office, the stale air hit me. A few monitors flickered in front of the officer, his eyes darting up as I entered. I barely spared him a glance.

"I need to see the footage from last night," I said, my voice hoarse, yet sharp.

"Sir, you need to take the owner's permission or bring legal documents." He replied with a neutral tone.

"Okay, fine I'll talk to the owner now." Obviously I had no other choice.

He called someone from the intercom and passed it to me.

Someone said, "Hello I am Mrs. Arora. What's your concern? Why do you want to check the CCTV footage?"

"I'm Rohit and I was here at a party last night and I think there happened some chaos so I need to check the CCTV, I can assure you that I just want to check legal information and whatever I'll do will be in front of your legal officers." I gave her a formal reply.

"Wait a sec-second. I'm coming back to you." She hesitated for sometime but I don't know why!

Mistakenly doing a mistake...😗 (Author's POV)

On the other side of the call, there was Isha, Aashika's sister-in-law, thinking who the hell is this man!?👀

Ved snapped in her office, with their baby Vansh and he asked looking at her with concern, "What happened, what's the problem?

"Someone, Rohit want to see the CCTV footage of last night's party which Aashika held.." Isha replied with a blank face..

"Aiiiii...Rohit, arey yaar! Just say no to him! He can't see any CCTV or whatever...." Ved replied with a serious expression.
(Aiiiii...Rohit, Oh god! Just say no to him! He can't see any CCTV or whatever....)

Isha hesitantly said no to Rohit and cut the phone abruptly.

"Isha you literally forgot whose Rohit! He's your cousin, Aashika's ex!" Ved replied with a grin on his face!

"Oh! What the hell! Mujhe lag hi rha tha ki ye Rohit koi to Jana pehchana hai, mere dimaag se hi nikal gya ki ye mera bhai tha...." Isha replied with a pout on her face taking baby Vansh in her arms.
(Oh! What the hell! It seemed to me that Rohit is someone I know. But I completely slipped off my mind that he's my own brother....)

Meanwhile, Rohit on the other hand was wondering why she cut the phone like that. He had no choice but to leave now.

No choice, (Rohit's POV)

The cold air was passing through me like a knife. Every moment like a burden on me.

I ran my hands through my hair, frustrated, lost in the void that Aashika's bold move had created. Every part of me wanted to understand-why? Why was she doing this?

But deep down, I knew the answer. I wasn't her priority anymore. And no matter how much I searched for answers, it's useless...

I felt utterly defeated. No more choices are in my path now. I just know I need to protect her till my last breath.

The Battlefield of Truths, Emotions, Love & Deceit, (Author's POV)

The courtroom lobby was bustling with hushed conversations, but the air froze when Aashika walked in, her stride deliberate and commanding.

The Bhardwajs sat near the corner, already in possession of the envelope Aashika had delivered the day before. Inside, it contained an intricate mix of business deal papers, divorce drafts, and-hidden messily-the charges against Mita.

Mita's lips curled into a smug smile as Aashika approached. "Ah, the queen herself graces us. I hope you've brought your signed divorce papers, Aashika," she mocked, her tone dripping with false sympathy. "Looks like you're finally learning to back down."

Aashika stopped a few feet away, her sharp eyes boring into Mita's. Her voice was low but cut through the noise like a blade. "Back down? Bold enough of you to think that!"

Mita blinked, her confidence faltering momentarily before she regained her composure. "You don't have a choice. The papers are in our hands. Whatever little fight you have left-it ends today."

Aashika let out a dry, mirthless laugh. "You really don't get it, do you? Go ahead, recheck the envelope. You'll find more than you bargained for."

Confused murmurs spread among the Bhardwajs. Siya, who had been silent, finally spoke. "What does she mean, Mita?"

Mita tore into the envelope hastily, scattering the contents across the table. Divorce papers, business contracts, and random documents spilled out in disarray. Aashika stepped forward and, with a dramatic swipe, scattered the useless ones to the floor.

"This," Aashika hissed, pulling the charges from the pile and slamming them against Mita's chest, "is the real reason I'm here."

The courtroom seemed to hold its breath. Mita stumbled back, the smug expression wiped clean off her face. "What...what is this?" she stammered.

"Charges against you" Aashika announced, her voice rising with fiery intensity. "Threatening Rohit to marry you by using my life as leverage. Blackmailing, planning a murder and what not! Every dirty trick you pulled, every lie you told-it's all here, documented and undeniable."

The Bhardwajs looked utterly stunned. Ruhan shook his head in disbelief. "Mita...is this true? Did you really-?"

Mita's face twisted in desperation. "She's lying! This is just another one of her stunts to save her marriage!"

Rohit finally stepped forward, his expression unreadable but his voice soft. "Aashika...stop it! I don't know what you know but--"

Aashika turned to him sharply, her tone softening but her resolve unyielding. "Not gonna back down now. Even if anything comes my way."

Mita, cornered, attempted to regain control. "Your Honor," she interjected as the clerk began preparing for the hearing. "I request more time to prepare for these baseless accusations. This is-"

"Baseless?" Aashika interrupted, her voice thunderous. "You've had months to play your games, Mita. Now, face the consequences."

The judge hesitated, visibly intimidated by Aashika's commanding presence. He nodded reluctantly. "I think we can give some-"

"If you really have so much time, why don't you leave your job and sit at your home." She yelled making others stunned and the judge a cute baby cat!😗

"No! I guess we should proceed with the hearing." The judge announced.

As the hearing unfolded, Aashika's case was airtight. She presented every piece of evidence with precision, dismantling Mita's defense brick by brick. The Bhardwajs sat in stunned silence, their disbelief written across their faces.

Rohit watched her with a mixture of awe and heartbreak. She stood tall, fierce, and unrelenting, fighting for justice with a passion that left him breathless. But something made him happy- her fighting for him, for them!

When the verdict was finally delivered, the court ruled in Aashika's favor. Mita was charged with blackmail and manipulation, and the case concluded with the judge commending Aashika for her courage.

Aashika finally got her justice, the one who killed her baby would finally suffer the same destiny! But do you think destiny had no other plans?

As the Bhardwajs left the courtroom, Mr. Bhardwaj approached Aashika hesitantly. "I...I don't know what to say. I'm sorry for what my family has done to you."

Aashika gave a curt nod, her expression unreadable, "Your family taught me to stand tall against every thing which comes my way." And yes, she meant every word of it.

Her eyes lingered on Rohit for a moment, filled with unspoken emotions, before she turned and walked out of the courtroom, her head held high. She had won-but the victory came at a price only they truly understood.

Mita, "I-I want to talk to Aashika personally just for a moment."

Rohit who had been silent all this time yelled, "No, you're not going to talk to her."

Aashika, whose mind was driven by happiness that she won, said, "I can talk to her if she wants to!"

The judge allowed them to talk in private under security surveillance.

Mita questioned her with tears brimming from her eyes, "Why! Why did you do this? You said you moved on from Rohit, why the hell you ruined it?"

"If you loved him, you could've done it the right way, why the hell did you lay your eyes on my baby!" Aashika yelled at her leaving her in utter shock.

"Your baby? I don't know anything about it." Mita remarked with her confusing gaze.

"Oh wow! You did the accident on purpose and now you're saying you never knew about my baby! You think I'm a dumb!" Aashika said with tears welling up her eyes. Her mind regretting all those moments which she suffered a long time ago.

"I never knew about all this, Aashika. I wanted Rohit- that's it! Some other people helped me with this maybe they wanted to kill your baby- not me!" Mita yelled with her stern face.

Disbelief etched across Aashika's face, she was not able to process a single word Mita said. Was it all useless? Spending around 2 years searching madly, changing her life, her habits, her everything to find one single man! And now, in one single moment, it's all useless?

"Wait, you wanna say you-you didn't want to kill my baby?" Aashika questioned back, not being able to hold herself anymore.

Mita grinned, "Yes I didn't want to kill your baby. In fact, I never knew you were pregnant. But anyways, now it seems Aashika that even after winning everything you're still a loser."

The words stung deeper than Aashika wanted to admit. Her fists clenched at her sides, her mind shouting, Yes, I am a loser. A pathetic, broken loser.

Mita continued, "Wait, I guess that Raghav had to do something with this....maybe! You remember him right, your dear ex? Lemme reveal one more thing to you, he still wants you desperately and can do anything for you. But for now, he's so preoccupied, otherwise he could've already claimed you!" She ended with a sly smile on her face.

The name, the word, Raghav was enough to make her blood boil. But for now, it was just frustration. Did Raghav never feel any mercy on her? After ruining her life, he again came back when she moved on from her hoary past!

"So, you wanna say everything was in vain, it was useless? No I won't lose like this! Mita, tell me who else was there with you?" Aashika yelled at Mita, cornering her.

"If I lost, even you'll lose. What I couldn't get, even you will never." She remarked.

The very next moment, she took out a revolver, and the echoes of the shot reverberated through the room, leaving an eerie silence in its wake.

Everyone outside were stunned to hear that. Rohit's face turned pale, he was too aware to which extents Mita can push herself, "No...no...the thing I've been avoiding from years, this can't happen now!"

They rushed to the spot. The officers immediately opened the gate.
Rohit exclaimed with a concerned expression, "Aashika! No.."

Is it the end? Maybe yes or maybe it's just the beginning still....

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Blurb of the next chapter:

Rohit cradled her in his arms, "No, Aashika you still didn't lose. We can fight for this together."

"No, I feel all useless Rohit, it's better to die than to live like a grieving soul. I can't hold myself anymore. I've ruined everything, your life, my life and everything." Aashika replied with tears brimming down her cheeks, hardly being able to breathe anymore.

"You need to live for me, Lily. Every moment in my every wish, my every prayer, I just yearn for you. Don't even imagine leaving me like that." Rohit's voice breaking with every word, pulling her towards him.

He didn't realise what he said. Because even he knew that they had no future together. But still the thoughts of it always lingered in his mind.

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(5.8k words)
An update after a longg time!
Till then wait and read the chapters! The next chapter is going to be roller coaster! Share your views about the story in comment section!

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Wings_Of_Passion
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