Anushka Singh Oberoi, a famous film star, dies in an accident. Her twin sister, Ayushka Singh Oberoi, holds Aarav Khurana responsible for her sister's death because she was with Aarav at the time of the accident. Aarav Khurana, who is seen by people... Anushka Singh Oberoi, a famous film star, dies in an accident. Her twin sister, Ayushka Singh Oberoi, holds Aarav Khurana responsible for her sister's death because she was with Aarav at the time of the accident. Aarav Khurana, who is seen by people as a Casanova businessman, but the truth is very different. Ayushka has only one goal in her life, to destroy Aarav Khurana. Ayushka chooses every path to ruin Aarav. What new turn will their relationship take when Ayushka, who considers Aarav a businessman, learns the truth that he is connected to the mafia? Also, will Aarav, who hates women, be able to accept betrayal in love, considering Ayushka his own?<br /> <br /> To find out, read "Tied with destiny".<br />
Page 1 of 13
Following Anushka's funeral, the case reached the court the next day as a formality. No one from the Oberoi family was present except their lawyer. Aarav's lawyer, Mr. Khanna, presented evidence that he was in the office at the time of the accident. The CCTV footage from 'Hotel Saj' also proved inconclusive. The court declared the case an accident and closed it in the first hearing.
News of Anushka's death and the subsequent closing of the case went viral.
Ayushka sat in her room at home. She saw the news, and anger was evident on her face.
"This was bound to happen. People like you commit crimes and get away with it. But not this time... I will reopen the case and get justice for my sister." As Ayushka spoke, she heard her mother, Taraji's voice.
"Stop it, Ayu... When there was time to save her, you couldn't do anything... So why this drama now?" Tara said in a stern tone.
"Mom, why do you keep blaming me? You are acting as if I pushed Anoo from the terrace," Ayu said angrily.
Hearing her, Tara shook her head in denial. She had food in her hands. Placing the food tray beside the bed, she said, "Eat." and left. Tara stopped at the door and looking at Ayu with tears in her eyes, said, "You may not have pushed her... but you couldn't save her. For this, I will never forgive you, Ayu."
Hearing her words, tears welled up in Ayu's eyes. "Forget about you, Mom, I can't even forgive myself. The day I send Anushka's culprit to jail, I will rightfully come to you for forgiveness."
Ayushka picked up her mobile. She found a contact and looking at it, said, "I wonder why you haven't come forward yet? In times like these, only you can help me. I have to meet you."
Ayushka looked at the number in her contact list for a while and then called it. "I need to meet you... today." As soon as the call was answered, Ayushka spoke.
"But I don't want to meet you. Don't call me anymore." A boy's voice came from the other end. He was about to end the call after speaking, but Ayushka quickly said, "Let's meet for dinner tonight."
The boy didn't reply to her and hung up. After he hung up, Ayushka took a photo from her mobile. In it, Anushka was with a boy. Both looked very happy.
"I understand why you two hid your relationship, but how can you stay silent even after her death, Manthan Ahuja. You have to answer me... Only you have the courage to confront Aarav Khurana. You have to help me."
Ayushka got ready quickly and left with her bag to meet Manthan.
___________
As long as the news of Anushka and Aarav was in discussion, Aarav had not gone home. He had removed his videos and name from all news channels and social networking sites. Besides, Anushka's case was also closed. With things cleared from Aarav's side, he had nothing to fear.
Around 9 PM, Aarav reached home with Kabir. When they arrived, the living room was dark, and the TV was on.
YouTube was playing on the TV screen. It was a video of a hotel room, in which Aarav was seen entering a hotel room with a girl. That very video had gone viral.
"What new drama is this now?" Kabir asked Aarav in a low voice. "Why didn't you tell me about this?"
Before Aarav could answer his question, the lights in the living room turned on. Aarav and Kabir saw Aarav's grandmother, Gauraviji, standing there.
Gauraviji was about 75 years old. She looked about 10 years younger than her age. She was wearing a designer night suit. Her brown and black hair was a little below her shoulders.
"What is this, Aarav?" Gauraviji said angrily.
"Ah... I don't know, Grandma... I just went there for a meeting," Aarav said, going closer to her.
To placate Gauraviji, Aarav hugged her, while Kabir mumbled in support of her words, "Who would have thought that a rough and tough guy like Aarav Khurana would be so scared of his grandmother."
"I know very well what meeting you were having there. I get to see such videos daily. Because of you, the ladies from the kitty party message me and say unpleasant things," Gauraviji said irritably.
"Then why do you invite them to our house? The next time they come, call me. I will handle them one by one," Aarav replied.
"I know very well how you manage things. Anyway, no one is ready to come here out of fear of you, and those who are coming, you chase them away too. I don't want to hear anything. I want freedom from people's gossip and these useless videos," Gauraviji said in a stern voice.
Aarav nodded in agreement and then looking at Kabir, said, "Kabir, cut off the house's WiFi connection. If anyone sets foot here other than us and the household staff..."
As Aarav was speaking, Gauraviji interrupted him and said, "I don't want freedom by you stopping everyone from coming and going. Either you do something, or I will do something."
"We both don't need to do anything, Grandma, let's have dinner. I am hungry," Aarav said to change the subject. He took Gauraviji's hand and started leading her to the dining table.
Kabir followed them. Then his gaze fell on the TV screen. He kept watching for a while and then turned it off.
After watching the video, Kabir thought to himself, "How can such a video go viral and Mr. Aarav not even know about it."
As he couldn't understand anything, he also went to the dining table with them. Gauraviji treated Kabir like her own grandson. He was also eating with them.
"When will you stop these antics? Because of these antics of yours, marriage proposals have stopped coming nowadays," Gauraviji said as she sat on the chair.
"What, Grandma? I haven't done any such thing. If you want, you can get me medically tested, I am still a virgin..." Aarav said while eating. Hearing him, Kabir and Gauraviji stared at him with wide eyes.
"I don't want any tests or anything, and I don't have the courage to argue with you every day. I want to see you married before I die. At least my..." Gauraviji stopped midway because Aarav was looking at her sharply. He had also stopped eating.
From his look, Gauraviji understood that, as usual, Aarav was getting angry at her words. Changing the subject, she said, "Okay. I won't talk about it anymore, but can't you fulfill this small wish of mine? I want more members in this house."
Aarav picked up his plate and started to go to his room. Without looking back, he said loudly, "Kabir, make the back of the house available for rent. Grandma wants more people in this house."
Aarav went to his room with his food, while Kabir and Gauraviji kept looking at each other.
"He got angry with me again," Gauraviji said, looking at Kabir.
"Yes, so why do you keep talking about death? It's only you in front of whom Sir becomes a bit soft-hearted. Don't talk to him about girls either. You know that he..."
"He hates women. Who can know my Aarav better than me? It's not hidden from you either who is the reason for his hatred. May God never keep happy that unfortunate woman who left my Aarav alone," Gauraviji interrupted him. She was getting angry, so Kabir gave her a glass of water.
Gauraviji left, leaving Kabir there, with worry on her face.
It was around 8 pm when Anushka stepped out of the Delhi airport. She was wearing sky blue baggy pants with a long-sleeved black crop top. After checking out, she took a cab to Manthan's house.
She was currently standing in front of the Delhi Chief Minister's house. Manthan's father, Mr. Nishant Ahluja, was the Chief Minister of Delhi. Before entering, she was stopped by security guards.
"I want to meet Manthan Ahluja. I have a meeting scheduled with him. If you want, you can call and ask," Anushka told the security guard.
The security guard nodded and made a call inside. After the conversation, he allowed Anushka to enter.
"Go to the meeting room outside. Manthan sir will be there soon," the security guard said and escorted Anushka to the meeting room.
Meanwhile, when Manthan learned that she had arrived, he went to pick her up himself. Manthan and Anushka had been in a relationship for 2 years. He was around 27 years old, over six feet tall, with a strong build, slightly fair complexion, and dark eyes... Manthan's personality was very impressive.
Anushka had come to meet him for the first time. As she reached the meeting room, she waited for Manthan. As soon as Manthan entered, he closed the door behind him. The room was soundproof.
As Manthan and Anushka's eyes met, both of their eyes expressed the emotions in their minds. Both of their eyes had turned red.
Manthan quickly looked away from Anushka's eyes and said, "If you have eye wear, wear it."
"And why? Does seeing my eyes remind you of her? I don't think you were affected by her death," Anushka said angrily.
"Oh, just shut up..." Manthan turned to her angrily and held her shoulder. Now he was speaking to her eye-to-eye. "If anyone in this world was affected by her death the most, it's me. You know well what position I hold. I don't have to express my pain in front of everyone like you; it doesn't mean I don't feel it."
"Let me go..." Anushka pushed him away and said, "If you were really affected by her death, why are you silent? My sister was murdered. You are in a high position where you can punish the person in front of you. Why aren't you doing anything?"
"Do you have any evidence that she was murdered?" Manthan asked, and Anushka fell silent. Her silence answered Manthan's question. "Get out... never come in front of me again," Manthan shouted.
"Yes, I won't come, and I don't have any interest in meeting you either. It's clear how much you loved her. You are like other boys - possessive and suspicious. You saw her with Arvin Khurana and cut off all ties, didn't you? The truth is that Arvin was the one who had cheated her. You're doubting her love after she's gone," Anushka said angrily.
Manthan smiled slightly after hearing her and then said with a bitter laugh, "Anu used to say that right. You are 10 minutes younger than her, but you still have a child's head. Poor girl..."
After saying that, Manthan looked at her angrily. Manthan continued, "Do you think I would cut off ties with her or doubt her just because of a video? For your information, your sister was an actress. I didn't say anything to her even when she shot kissing scenes or bold scenes in movies; how could I cut ties with her just because of a small video that we both don't know the truth about?"
"So why aren't you doing anything? You have to do something. Arvin Khurana's reach is very far. I can never fight him. I won't even be able to reach him, but it's not the same with you. You and your dad are in a position where you can easily punish him," Anushka argued.
After listening to all the conversation, Manthan took a deep breath and let it out. "When she's not in this world, I have nothing to do with those people. Move out of here... your... your eyes... I didn't know your eyes would be so similar. You remind me of her. I don't care about anyone after her death. Let everyone do what they want to do, understand what they want to understand. Leave me alone," Manthan said loudly. His voice expressed the pain in his mind.
Manthan quickly left the place. Anushka tried to stop him and go after him, but it didn't work. Manthan had gone inside his bungalow, and Anushka couldn't go there without permission.
With a sad heart, she left his house to go back to Mumbai, and someone was watching them from a distance. It was Manthan's elder sister, Sakshi.
"I don't know who you are, but Manthan came to meet you, which means you're definitely related to him. My brother didn't tell anyone else about her except me, and today, three days after her death, he came out of his room to meet you. You're definitely someone related to her. You're the one who can take him out of this pain," Sakshi saw some hope for Manthan in Anushka.
She went inside, while Anushka had written a note before leaving. She asked the guard to give it to Manthan and then left. After she left, the security guard gave the note to Manthan.
Manthan was looking at photos of Anushka and himself on his iPad, but as soon as he read the note, he threw the iPad in anger.
"Ana, you really are very stubborn... now I understand... why you used to keep a record of every moment. You left, but... without wanting to, I have to take care of your sister. Just for you, Ana... you used to love your sister so much, and if you were alive today, you wouldn't have seen her in any trouble. For your love, I have to take care of that crazy girl now," Manthan said, holding his head and then called someone.
He said on the call, "I'm sending a girl's photo; keep an eye on her every move... she may need some help that is not legal. Keep an eye on her so that nothing happens to her."
After talking to him, Manthan cut off the call. He looked at the note Anushka had written again.
"I don't know what your love is like, but I love my sister the most in this world. There were moments when no one could understand me; she used to understand me without saying anything. She was my everything, and I will give the same death to the one who took her away from me that she got. Watch, just like my sister's news went viral everywhere, one day Arvin Khurana's news will also go viral. He will die by falling from the terrace of that same hotel, Hotel Saaz."
After reading Anushka's note, Manthan nodded and said, "Stupid girl..."
It was around 11 pm when Aryan was pacing back and forth in his bedroom due to tension. Anushka hadn't come to the hospital today, so Aryan kept calling her.
"I don't understand how to calm you down. You're very stubborn. You take a stubborn stand on something, and like a child, you don't listen until it's fulfilled," Aryan said to himself.
Just as he was about to call Anushka again, someone knocked on his room door and said, "Our loving mom has arrived, bro... this time after two and a half months. Finally, she remembered us. Let's go see her face."
A girl's voice came from outside.
"I'm coming, Raysha," Aryan replied, rolling his eyes.
Aryan and Raysha lived alone in the large Singhaniya mansion. Raysha was 20 years old, innocent-looking with a sweet smile on her face, and always positive in every situation.
Aryan and Raysha had a good bonding. Due to her positivity, Aryan would often tease her that even if someone was being murdered in front of her, she would give the killer a glass of juice and comfortably drop him off at the police station in her car.
As Aryan came out, he saw his mom, Mrs. Chhavi Singhaniya, standing outside with her assistant. She was around 50 years old but looked very young. She wore a black mid-thigh dress, and her straight hair was golden and black highlighted up to her waist.
"I missed you, Mom..." Raysha hugged her.
"I also missed you so much, baby. Where's my brother?" Chhavi looked around and saw Aryan coming towards her.
"Welcome home, Mom... I wish you hadn't come this time, and it's okay if you didn't come," Aryan spoke to her very harshly and walked away.
"I'll see, Mom..." Raysha ran after him.
After hearing his words, Chhavi tried to control her anger as her manager told her, "Arvin Khurana... he messed up again."
"Arvin..." this time Chhavi couldn't control her anger and shouted loudly, raising a nearby statue.
Chhavi returned home with her manager, Mr. Rahul Singh. She was very angry with Ayaan's rude behavior. As she was trying to calm herself down, Rahul told her something that made her anger completely uncontrollable.
"I hate him... I... I had committed to Khan that I would deliver their gold bars to India without any problem. That's why I came here... but Aarav..." Chhavi stopped talking. Her gaze went to the living room door where Raysha and Ayaan were standing.
Raysha had somehow managed to calm Ayaan down and bring him back. Ayaan had a bitter smile on his face, while Raysha's face fell upon hearing Chhavi's words.
"You are right this time, brother... Mother came here for her own work," Raysha said in a disappointed tone.
Ayaan completely ignored what she said. He grabbed Raysha's hand and said, "Let's go to a club somewhere."
"But this...?" Raysha was saying, when Ayaan interrupted her and said, "Yes, clubs are for the night." He wanted to divert Raysha's attention from Chhavi at all costs.
"I'm not talking about the time, brother, I'm talking about the clothes," Raysha said, gesturing to her clothes. She was wearing a peach oversized t-shirt with white shorts.
"Alright then, let's go to the beach," Ayaan said, holding Raysha's hand, and they left through the door again.
"I know very well what you are trying to do, Ayaan. But my deal is more important than both of you right now. I can't miss this anyway," Chhavi said, shaking her head. Then she looked at Rahul.
"Our ship from Dubai has been caught by the police. He already knew about this and had made all the arrangements," Rahul said in a low voice.
"Whatever... bribe the police or a politician. I want my ship back at any cost. You know how much gold was in it," Chhavi said, giving an order.
"You know it's not just Aarav's hand in this. In fact, he has nothing to do with the police or this gold. He only cares about..." Rahul was saying when Chhavi interrupted him and said, "Only and only about ruining me. Call Nahar Luthra and tell him to keep the mafia princess in check a little."
Rahul nodded in agreement without saying anything. Chhavi left him there and went outside. She was going somewhere.
After her, Rahul tried to call Nahar Luthra, but his call did not connect.
"You've done this very thoughtfully... got the ship caught and didn't even let our name come up. Smart move, Aarav Khurana... But the day Khan finds out the truth, the person you are leaning on, the mafia princess, he will destroy her first," Rahul said in a cold voice.
Rahul sat there and kept trying to contact Nahar Luthra.
______________________
After arguing with Gauravji, Aarav came to his room with his food. He turned on the TV and started eating while watching the news.
The breaking news of the time was playing on TV. "Big news of this moment... our country's police have stumbled upon a big conspiracy. A ship had come here from Dubai via Mumbai waterway. It is being said that gold smuggling was being done from Dubai to Mumbai in it. Now, how much truth is in it will be known only after the official statement from the police comes out. Our experts suspect the involvement of business mafias and the underworld in all this."
After watching the news, a smirk appeared on Aarav's face. He turned off the TV and calmly started enjoying his meal.
"Uff... some things can never be explained in words. When the person who troubles you, you destroy them in return, that feeling is different. It's even more fun when the other person can do nothing. Come on Chhavi Singhania... scratching the pillar like a helpless cat won't help now. You troubled Aarav Khurana, if I don't fill every moment of your life with sorrow, then my name is not Aarav Khurana either," Aarav's expression turned stern as he spoke.
Aarav was about to finish his meal when his phone rang. Seeing Mahira Luthra's name on the screen, Aarav's expression softened slightly. It was a video call.
When Aarav picked up the call, Mahira was sitting in front of him. She was about 25 years old. She was wearing a swimsuit with a shrug over it. Her body was mostly visible in that dress. With light dusky skin, dark grey eyes, loose curly hair reaching a little above her waist, and sharp facial features, she looked very hot.
"Hey..." Mahira said hello, raising her hand. Then, seeing the faint smile on Aarav's face, she chuckled and said, "The smile on your face tells me that our work is done."
"Of course... is there any work that Aarav Khurana takes up and leaves incomplete? Never," Aarav replied with full confidence. Then he asked, "By the way, I kept waiting for you at the hotel. You were supposed to come to the meeting, right?"
"Sorry, I missed my flight," Mahira replied. Then she continued, "We shouldn't have involved the police in all this. We have also suffered a lot in this. If we had gotten that ship..." Mahira stopped talking. Her expression turned serious.
"Don't worry, it will come back to us. I don't want enmity with Khan, that's why I involved the police," Aarav replied. Then he changed the subject and said, "It's not good to swim in the pool this late at night. You might catch a cold."
"Oh, so you are worried about me?" Mahira asked with a light smile. "Be careful, Aarav Khurana... don't fall in love with me. Though I don't have a problem with it. In fact, I'm eagerly waiting for that day, but it will be your loss." Mahira said with a sly smile.
"Don't worry, baby, that will never happen. I bet you, I won't fall in love with you or any other girl," Aarav replied.
"It's okay if you fall in love with me, darling, but if you even think of falling in love with someone else, I'll take her life with these hands," Mahira said with a cold expression.
As Aarav was talking to Mahira, he heard someone's footsteps. He waved goodbye to Mahira without saying anything and cut the call.
Meanwhile, Mahira, on the other side, smiled after his call was suddenly cut and threw her phone on the couch. "It's your grandmother who can control you... But don't worry... that day will also come soon when the reins of your heart will be in my hands."
Mahira closed her eyes and started thinking about Aarav, while on the other side, Gauravji had come into Aarav's room.
"Dadi, I don't want to hear any explanations. I'm very sleepy too. We'll talk in the morning." Aarav turned off the room light with his phone, but Gauravji turned the light back on.
"I want to talk now. Okay, I'm sorry, next time I won't do anything related to myself, but you can't stop me from doing things related to you. I heard you talking to someone on the phone. Tell me honestly, are you dating someone?" Gauravji sat next to Aarav and spoke.
"I wish no girl has such bad days that I fall in love with her. I was talking to Mahira. She is my business partner," Aarav told Gauravji everything without hiding anything. Although Gauravji was still unaware of what business they were partners in.
"Make your business partner your life partner. You never even introduced her, not even shown a photo," Gauravji said, trying to snatch Aarav's phone, but Aarav held it tightly.
"She lives in Dubai. I'll definitely introduce you when she comes to Mumbai. I'm damn sure you won't like her at all. Just thinking about your choice, I never called her home. You complain about me for no reason. See how much I care about you," Aarav said to annoy Gauravji.
"Yes, as if you care about my choice..." Gauravji replied with a pout. "Okay, tell me what your choice is, you never told me. If you tell me a little, I'll try to find a girl of that type. At least I should know."
Aarav didn't want to upset Gauravji. He rested his head on her lap. She was stroking his hair. Aarav closed his eyes and said, "Dadi, even if I tell you, you will never be able to find that girl. No girl has been born yet who can win my heart."
"You tell me..." Gauravji insisted.
"Okay, then listen, Dadi... I want a girl whose eyes... what should her eyes be like..." As he spoke, Aarav suddenly remembered Anushka. When he kissed her, he had looked at her eyes very closely. "Her eye color should be different... ummm light amber eyes..." Aarav said something to please her, although he didn't mean it.
"Okay, I'll buy her lenses of this color," Gauravji said jokingly. "Come on, tell me more."
Aarav didn't reply to her. Gauravji saw that he had fallen asleep, so she put his head on the pillow and pulled the blanket over him. Then she turned off the light and left. As soon as she left, Aarav opened his eyes.
"Who put the thought of my marriage in Dadi's mind? She doesn't insist on anything so suddenly."
Aarav was a little surprised by the sudden change in Gauravji's behavior. Meanwhile, after leaving his room, Gauravji sat in the hall and tried to search for girls with light amber eyes on her laptop.
To placate Gauraviji, Aarav told her something about his preferences in women. Taking it seriously, Gauraviji went to her room with her laptop.
She was searching for something. The laptop screen showed photos of many girls with amber-colored eyes.
Looking at all the photos, Gauraviji mumbled, "If he had mentioned other features, it wouldn't have been so difficult to search. How can one fall in love just by the color of someone's eyes? If love happened based on eye color, Aarav wouldn't be single by now... his blue eyes are so beautiful."
While scrolling through the screen, Anushka's photo suddenly appeared, whose eyes were exactly as Aarav had described.
"Anushka Singh Oberoi..." Gauraviji began to examine her closely. At the same time, her gaze fell on the latest news. She exclaimed in surprise, "When... when did she pass away? Seeing the videos that surfaced on YouTube, I thought they were all fake. Poor thing, she left so young. How beautiful she is. I was eagerly waiting for her upcoming film, and now this has happened."
Hearing the news of Anushka's death, Gauraviji became sad. She clicked on a news article to find out the cause of her death, and then she saw photos of Aarav and Anushka kissing. Aarav's name was also written there. She was completely shocked to see that.
"What is Aarav's relationship with Anushka Singh Oberoi? If she is his girlfriend, then even after her death, there isn't a single line of sadness on his face... What is going on in your life, Aarav."
After seeing all that, Gauraviji became even more confused and decided to talk to Aarav first thing in the morning. She placed the tablet on her bedside table and then took some medication. Turning off the lights, she tried to sleep.
***
Ayushka returned home after meeting Manthan, it was 3:00 AM. Everyone in the house was asleep, so she tiptoed in and went straight to her room.
She was upset that Manthan hadn't helped.
"Whether anyone helps me or not, I will do what I have to do. I will make myself strong in every way, so that when I face you, I can give you a good fight, Aarav Khurana," Ayushka thought to herself.
After changing her clothes, Ayushka was on the bed. She had her laptop in her hand. She was very tired from the journey. Yet, instead of resting, she started searching for Aarav.
"I never thought I would focus on something other than my own life, especially on people like you. But who knows what will happen in life," Ayushka said to herself, looking at the laptop screen. Seeing a photo of Aarav and Anushka together, her eyes welled up.
"Come on Ayu... you can't give up. This is just the beginning. Who knows what else you will have to endure. " Ayushka took a deep breath to calm her anger and let it out.
She couldn't find much related to Aarav's personal life. According to online data, there were videos of his business and party life. Many news networks had written about his relationships with different girls. In short, apart from being a successful businessman, she couldn't find anything good to read about Aarav.
Ayushka closed the laptop screen. There was anger on her face. She lay down on the bed and started thinking about Aarav, "I thought you wouldn't be a good person... but this was not expected. Apart from my sister, who knows how many girls' lives you have ruined. But one thing I still don't understand. Anushka was talking to me on the call that night. She loves Manthan, so why would she kiss Aarav Khurana? I know for sure that she hadn't even thought about anyone other than Manthan. She was completely clear about her love, so where did this Aarav Khurana come from? Only he can answer that now. I have to do something to reach Aarav Khurana." Lost in thought, she fell asleep.
***
The next morning, Ayushka's eyes opened as soon as the alarm rang. It was 7:00 AM. She usually went to her duty at the hospital around 9 AM.
When Ayushka came out after getting ready, she saw that preparations for Anushka's condolence meeting were underway at her house. On this day, most relatives and people associated with Anushka were expected to come to their home to offer condolences.
Seeing her ready for the hospital, Taraji came to her and said, "Really, Ayush, you still want to go to work. I don't understand if you are sad about her passing or not?"
"I don't need to tell you that, Mom. I didn't know today was the condolence meeting," Ayush replied without any emotion.
"Yes, well, to know, you need to be present at home. You weren't at the dinner table last night. And when you came home stealthily after partying, do you think I wouldn't know?" Taraji said, shaking her head. They didn't get along very well.
"First of all, I wasn't coming after partying. I came home stealthily so that you all wouldn't wake up. I am a doctor, Mom, emergencies can happen at the hospital," Ayush lied. She didn't want to express the growing desire for revenge against Aarav to anyone.
"Emergencies can happen, but they didn't. I called the hospital. You didn't go there even once yesterday. Anyway, leave it, I don't want to spoil my mood by arguing with you this time, it's already spoiled. I don't think others should get a chance to say that you don't care about Anushka's death. Go and change your clothes," Taraji said sternly.
Ayush didn't respond to her words and went into the room. She changed her dress and put on a white suit.
Soon, guests started arriving for the condolence meeting. Ayush was present with her family.
***
The next morning, Manthan came out of his room after bathing and sat down to watch Anushka's film on the TV screen. After meeting Ayush last night, Manthan had forgotten about her. After Anushka's departure, he hadn't come out of his room yet.
"You loved this film very much. Perhaps it earned the most at the box office, which is why you got fame and recognition. " Manthan mumbled softly while watching the film.
While his entire attention was on watching Anushka, someone knocked on his door. Because he wasn't going out, his meals were being brought inside. He thought it might be the house helper. Thinking this, he turned off the TV screen and got up to open the door.
When he opened the door, Sakshi was standing there with a plate of breakfast. "How long are you going to punish yourself when it's not your fault?" Sakshi said, moving him aside, she came in.
"I want to be alone for a few days, Di," Manthan was still standing at the door.
"But I don't want to leave you alone. She won't come back by you being alone," Sakshi said as she started serving breakfast. "Come on, let's have breakfast together."
Manthan was very close to Sakshi, so he couldn't refuse her. He went and sat beside her and quietly started having breakfast.
"Who was that girl who came last night?" Sakshi suddenly asked.
"She is Anushka's twin sister. I don't know what nonsense she was talking. I didn't pay much attention to her words and sent her back. You also don't pay much attention," Manthan replied dismissively.
"Why did she come all the way here to meet you? I mean, she lives in Mumbai and came all the way to Delhi just for a small meeting, that too at the CM's residence. This is not a small matter."
"Anushka had told me about her. She's a bit childish. I didn't react after Anushka's departure, so she came here to get a response from me," Manthan told her half-truths, so that she wouldn't pay too much attention to it.
"Then she is truly crazy," Sakshi replied. She was looking at Manthan.
After breakfast, Manthan said, "Di, please handle everything outside. Until I spend some time with myself, nothing will happen to me. It's not easy for me to forget her."
Sakshi stood up with the tray and said, placing her hand on Manthan's shoulder, "Okay, I'll take care of it. You find out the address of Anushka's sister. Lest she do something foolish."
"I've sent my man after her. He'll keep an eye on her," Manthan replied.
Sakshi smiled and nodded in agreement and started to leave. As she left, she glanced at Manthan and thought, "So I was right. That girl affects you because she is connected to Anushka. I must talk to her somehow and get her help to make you normal again."
After Sakshi left, Manthan turned on the TV screen again and got absorbed in watching the film.
***
The next morning, as soon as the alarm rang, Ayushka's eyes opened. It was 7:00 AM. She usually went to her duty at the hospital around 9 AM.
When Ayushka came out after getting ready, she saw that preparations for Anushka's condolence meeting were underway at her house. On this day, most relatives and people associated with Anushka were expected to come to their home to offer condolences.
Seeing her ready for the hospital, Taraji came to her and said, "Really, Ayush, you still want to go to work. I don't understand if you are sad about her passing or not?"
"I don't need to tell you that, Mom. I didn't know today was the condolence meeting," Ayush replied without any emotion.
"Yes, well, to know, you need to be present at home. You weren't at the dinner table last night. And when you came home stealthily after partying, do you think I wouldn't know?" Taraji said, shaking her head. They didn't get along very well.
"First of all, I wasn't coming after partying. I came home stealthily so that you all wouldn't wake up. I am a doctor, Mom, emergencies can happen at the hospital," Ayush lied. She didn't want to express the growing desire for revenge against Aarav to anyone.
"Emergencies can happen, but they didn't. I called the hospital. You didn't go there even once yesterday. Anyway, leave it, I don't want to spoil my mood by arguing with you this time, it's already spoiled. I don't think others should get a chance to say that you don't care about Anushka's death. Go and change your clothes," Taraji said sternly.
Ayush didn't respond to her words and went into the room. She changed her dress and put on a white suit.
Soon, guests started arriving for the condolence meeting. Ayush was present with her family.
***
The next morning, Manthan came out of his room after bathing and sat down to watch Anushka's film on the TV screen. After meeting Ayush last night, Manthan had forgotten about her. After Anushka's departure, he hadn't come out of his room yet.
"You loved this film very much. Perhaps it earned the most at the box office, which is why you got fame and recognition. " Manthan mumbled softly while watching the film.
While his entire attention was on watching Anushka, someone knocked on his door. Because he wasn't going out, his meals were being brought inside. He thought it might be the house helper. Thinking this, he turned off the TV screen and got up to open the door.
When he opened the door, Sakshi was standing there with a plate of breakfast. "How long are you going to punish yourself when it's not your fault?" Sakshi said, moving him aside, she came in.
"I want to be alone for a few days, Di," Manthan was still standing at the door.
"But I don't want to leave you alone. She won't come back by you being alone," Sakshi said as she started serving breakfast. "Come on, let's have breakfast together."
Manthan was very close to Sakshi, so he couldn't refuse her. He went and sat beside her and quietly started having breakfast.
"Who was that girl who came last night?" Sakshi suddenly asked.
"She is Anushka's twin sister. I don't know what nonsense she was talking. I didn't pay much attention to her words and sent her back. You also don't pay much attention," Manthan replied dismissively.
"Why did she come all the way here to meet you? I mean, she lives in Mumbai and came all the way to Delhi just for a small meeting, that too at the CM's residence. This is not a small matter."
"Anushka had told me about her. She's a bit childish. I didn't react after Anushka's departure, so she came here to get a response from me," Manthan told her half-truths, so that she wouldn't pay too much attention to it.
"Then she is truly crazy," Sakshi replied. She was looking at Manthan.
After breakfast, Manthan said, "Di, please handle everything outside. Until I spend some time with myself, nothing will happen to me. It's not easy for me to forget her."
Sakshi stood up with the tray and said, placing her hand on Manthan's shoulder, "Okay, I'll take care of it. You find out the address of Anushka's sister. Lest she do something foolish."
"I've sent my man after her. He'll keep an eye on her," Manthan replied.
Sakshi smiled and nodded in agreement and started to leave. As she left, she glanced at Manthan and thought, "So I was right. That girl affects you because she is connected to Anushka. I must talk to her somehow and get her help to make you normal again."
After Sakshi left, Manthan turned on the TV screen again and got absorbed in watching the film.
***
The next morning, Gauraviji was waiting for Aarav at the dining table with her questions. Kabir was also staying at their home. He was present at the breakfast table with Gauraviji, while Aarav had not yet arrived.
Reading the expression on Gauraviji's face, Kabir asked, "You went to talk to him last night. Has your tiff not ended yet, you still seem upset?"
"As long as I'm alive, I don't think my worries because of Aarav will ever end," Gauraviji replied.
As Aarav was coming down the stairs, he heard Gauraviji speaking. He rolled his eyes and sat down on the chair.
"Grandma, I'm not a child that you are worrying so much about me," Aarav said as he started serving food onto his plate.
"Yes, that's what I'm saying... you're not a child now. You can have children yourself." As Gauraviji said this, Aarav and Kabir started coughing. Gauravi continued, "Drink some water, both of you... and you tell me, Aarav... what is your relationship with Anushka Singh Oberoi?"
"Who is Anushka Singh Oberoi?" Aarav asked. He had even forgotten Anushka's name.
Kabir, trying to salvage the situation, said, "Grandma, why are you talking about that actress Anushka Singh Oberoi? I heard she is no longer in this world." Kabir deliberately emphasized the word "actress" to make Aarav remember.
"Oh, her... yes, I was also very saddened," Aarav said, looking at Kabir.
"Really? And the reason for this sadness? You don't care if anything happens to anyone. Honestly, you were having an affair with her, right... I saw photos of both of you. You were kissing her," Gauraviji asked Aarav, widening her eyes.
"Oh, Grandma, it must be fake news. You remember, you were watching the same kind of news last night," Aarav said.
"Oh, so that video was to distract Grandma, so that if Grandma accidentally saw Aarav's photos or videos with Anushka, she wouldn't have to explain," Kabir thought, looking at Aarav.
"Honestly, I felt very bad hearing that, Grandma... I'm not that insensitive," Aarav said while eating.
"Alright, then let's go," Gauraviji immediately got up. "Today is her condolence meeting. Let's go and express our condolences."
After saying her piece, Gauraviji started to leave for her room. Aarav shouted from behind, "No... no Grandma. I have meetings... and you know, I don't go to such places. We don't even have any connection with them."
Aarav kept making excuses for not going until Gauraviji reached her room door.
Upon reaching her room door, Gauraviji turned towards Aarav and said loudly, "Jai Singh Oberoi, her father, we also have shares in his company. Her mother, Tara Singh Oberoi, was your dad's friend. Are these relationships enough, or should I count more? Go and change your clothes." Ordering Aarav, Gauraviji went inside.
Aarav held his head. "How does this Grandma find a connection with everyone?"
"You have to go... after all, it's Grandma's order," Kabir said, shrugging.
Aarav nodded in agreement and went to change. He wore a white custom-made suit and black sunglasses.
Gauraviji wore a white saree, and Kabir wore a kurta-pajama. Seeing Aarav so dressed up, Gauraviji whispered to Kabir, "He's dressed up as if he's going to see a bride."
Kabir smiled upon hearing their conversation. Aarav looked at both of them and said, "I can lip-read... so don't try to be smart."
Kabir immediately composed his facial expression and sat in the front seat with Aarav. He was driving, while Gauraviji sat in the back. After some time, they reached the Oberoi Mansion, where Ayushka, along with her brother Rudra, was attending to the arriving guests at the door.
Gauravi Ji forcibly took Aarav to Anushka's condolence meeting. There, Rudra and Ayushka were standing near the parking area to attend to the incoming people. As soon as Aarav got out of the car, Ayushka immediately turned away.
"I didn't think you would come here to create a scene, Aarav Khurana. Who knows what your intention is in coming here. How shameless you are... How can you not be ashamed of yourself, coming to mourn the girl you killed at her own condolence ceremony," Ayushka thought to herself.
After meeting Rudra, Gauravi Ji, Aarav, and Kabir reached inside. As soon as Aarav entered, his gaze fell on Anushka's photo.
Looking at her photo, he thought, "I don't usually feel sorry for anyone, but you saved me that day. If you hadn't been there, my important file would have fallen into the hands of that policeman. I wish I could have saved you like you saved me. Okay... Someone must have pushed you that night. I will definitely find out. I hope you are in a better place now," Aarav prayed for her silently.
After looking at her photo for some time, Aarav glanced at her family. After staying there for a while, the three of them came out.
As they were coming out, Aarav received a phone call, so instead of going to the parking area, he headed towards the garden.
To avoid him, Ayushka was hiding in the same garden. When she saw Aarav coming in that direction, she muttered to herself, "Why is he coming here? I can't come in front of him. If he sees me here today, I won't be able to do my work in the future."
Ayushka quickly walked away with her head down towards the parking area. Meanwhile, Aarav was talking on the phone. His attention was also focused on the ground. Aarav accidentally bumped into Ayushka, and she fell down.
"Can't you watch where you're going?" Aarav said in a harsh voice, seeing her fall.
Ayush's face was turned away from Aarav, and she kept her face down. "Yes, as if he himself was walking very carefully," Ayu thought. She didn't even glance at Aarav and quickly got up and left.
"What a strange girl. She didn't even apologize for her mistake. I swear, I've never seen such a delicate girl before. She fell with a slight bump," Aarav said, rolling his eyes, and walked away.
What Aarav said was true. Ayu had fallen with a small bump and had even scraped herself. Rudra had seen her fall. He went to her and asked, "Are you okay? I saw you fell very fast."
"Yes, I wasn't paying attention. Don't worry, I'm fine," Ayu replied.
"Take care of yourself," Rudra asked caringly, to which Ayushka nodded affirmatively.
Ayu had heard Aarav's last words. His words hurt her a lot. She went to her room and looked at the wound on her knee from falling.
"He's right... I'm thinking of confronting him, and I fell with just a small bump. You always remained strong, Anu, right from birth, and I... I was branded as weak from birth," tears welled up in Ayu's eyes. Both of them, Ayu and Anu, were twins, with Ayu being physically weaker than Anu.
Some childhood memories flashed before her eyes, where she was taken care of more because she was called weak. This was the reason Ayu's nature had become a bit irritable, and she didn't get along well with her family. Only Anu was someone she could talk openly to, share her grief with, but now she was no longer in this world.
Ayu wiped her tears and told herself, "No, I am not weak. If I am not ready, I will prepare myself to fight you, Aarav Khurana. If I decide to do something, I will breathe only after achieving it, and if I don't break your nose, then my name isn't Ayushka Singh Oberoi."
Ayu applied ointment to her wound and came out. Upon coming out, she saw that Aarav Khurana had left with his family.
With a small bump from Aarav, Ayu had gauged his physical strength, and now she was ready to face him only after preparing herself completely.
_________________________________
Almost a month had passed since Anushka's death. Everyone's lives had returned to normal. During this time, Ayushka had become so busy with the hospital emergency that she didn't even have time to think about avenging Aarav.
During her lunch break, she had come to her cabin when a nurse quickly walked into her cabin.
"Thank God, there's a doctor free here. Please come with me... a case has come in, and no one is free this time," the nurse said in a hurry.
"Okay, I'll come," Ayushkha replied and left with the nurse to the general ward.
"I didn't want to disturb you. You are also going to assist in surgery after a while, but no junior doctor is free. A boy has come, he is badly hurt. I could have done it, but I just joined... I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable," the nurse said haltingly.
"No problem, no work is big or small, and we doctors are meant to treat people, whether it's a small wound or a big one," Ayu replied politely.
Both of them reached the general ward in some time. A boy had been beaten up badly there. Seeing him, Ayu shook her head and said, "You... you came here again?"
"Do you know him?" the nurse asked, looking at Ayu.
"Yes, of course, I do. You do this, sister, call the police first," Ayu said, looking at the boy angrily. "And you, didn't I tell you not to come to this hospital again."
"This is the nearest hospital, so I had to come here. Otherwise, what's my hobby to pay expensive bills here... and why are you unnecessarily involving the police? Treat me, I'm in a lot of pain," the boy said. He looked very innocent.
"Do you want to call the police or not?" the nurse asked Ayu, still standing in indecision.
"Let it go this time. Next time if you see him here, call the police. Get the first aid, his wounds need to be cleaned first," Ayu said, and the nurse immediately left, while Ayu continued to look at him.
"What are you looking at, have you fallen in love with me or something?" the boy asked, smiling lightly even in pain. He was about 20 years old.
Hearing his words, Ayu lightly hit his hand. "Aren't you ashamed, Frankie, to fight illegally? If the police see even by mistake, I'll get a holiday along with you."
"We need money badly... I can't manage without fighting twice a day, you know that," Frankie said helplessly. As soon as the nurse left, he started talking very friendly with Ayu.
Ayu took a deep breath and sat beside him. "I told you, let's shift your sister here. I'll take care of her treatment."
"Stop it. They charge so much for dressing wounds in such an expensive hospital, and on top of that, my sister has a hole in her heart. By the time I pay for that hole, my whole body will be full of holes, and I still won't be able to pay the money," Frankie refused, shaking his head. Just then, the nurse arrived, so Ayu stopped talking to him.
She was cleaning Frankie's wounds with the nurse. Frankie let out a groan of pain.
"Such noises won't do anything now," Ayu said as she applied medicine to his wound. "Don't bring that broken face of yours here again."
After Frankie's first aid, Ayu wrote down some medicines and handed them to the nurse, saying, "I've written some painkillers in this... Get them from the hospital's medical store. I will pay."
The nurse took the paper from Ayu and left immediately. As she left, Frankie said, "Why was this necessary, doctor?"
Before Ayu could reply to him, something struck her. She said to Frankie in a low voice, "Come to my cabin with me. I have something to talk to you about."
Frankie had been coming there for treatment for the past few months. Whenever he got hurt, he would come here. Until now, whenever Ayu saw him there, she had only scolded him. Today, for the first time, she was asking him to come with her.
"We have already talked, madam, we don't want any free treatment. We can manage our sister's treatment," Frankie replied.
"I'm not doing you any favors, I need your help. I can't talk in front of everyone. Come with me," Ayu said angrily.
Frankie agreed to her words and came with Ayu to her cabin. As soon as they arrived, Ayu motioned for him to sit on the chair and sat on the chair next to him.
"So, tell me, how do you do these fights and where did you get the training?" Ayu asked as soon as she sat down.
"Stop it, madam, you won't come here again. You've already planned to hand me over to the police. I told you, I have to do it out of compulsion. We have enough strength to defeat good people in a fight, but we have to lose for money," Frankie said angrily.
Hearing him, Ayu also got angry. She said angrily, "Enough now... If I wanted to hand you over to the police, I would have done it long ago. Answer what I'm asking."
"What, do you also want to enter the ring? This is not for you, madam. You are too delicate." As Frankie said this, Ayu looked at him angrily.
Frankie got flustered by her stare. He said, "I mean, you'll need a lot of training. Even girls are trained here, but you... you are not that type. They look like stubborn wrestlers... you are very thin."
"I want to prepare myself so that no one can taunt me as delicate or weak like you in the future. Now listen to me carefully. You will train me well, in return... in return, the entire treatment of your sister will be my responsibility," Ayu said in a stern voice.
After the offer Ayu made, Frankie immediately agreed. "Okay, then come at 6:00 AM. We'll send the address, but this 'teri'... I mean, whatever bones you break or... I mean, it happens in fights, madam, that responsibility will be yours."
Ayu agreed to his words and sent him away. After he left, a slight smile appeared on her face.
"Well, at least something good has happened in all these days. I know you well, Frankie, if you can lose a fight for your sister's treatment, then you will work day and night to train me. We just need to set up the hospital part a bit," Ayu said to herself.
Even though she might have been busy all this time, the feeling of revenge against Aarav in her heart had not diminished at all, and now she had also started preparing for it.
Ayushka agreed to train Frankie, but it wouldn't be easy. She was a doctor, and after Anushka's departure, her family was already extra worried about her, making it difficult for her to go for training.
Ayushka paced her cabin, contemplating the situation. "First, I need to adjust my duty shifts. I'll swap to night shifts. If I tell Ayan about the training, he'll know what I'm thinking, and his lectures will start... Okay, the hospital is sorted. Now I need to deal with home. I'll tell them I'm on night duty, and during the day, I'll use excuses like exam preparation and classes. I'll have to adjust sleep and studies in the extra time I get."
A faint smile played on Ayushka's lips. She devised a schedule for training, the hospital, and what to tell her family.
"Alright, let's start with the hospital," Ayushka said, typing her application to shift to night duty and immediately sending it to her senior, Ayan Singhania.
As soon as Ayushka sent the application and sat down, Frankie called. "Why did you call back so soon? You haven't called to reject me, have you?" Ayushka asked anxiously as she picked up.
"Oh no, Madam. If you want to achieve something in life, you must first let go of negativity. You're so educated, and I, an uneducated man, am imparting knowledge to you. I've spoken to my training sir. He wants to meet you. I'll send you the location. If possible, come now. He's free at the moment," Frankie replied.
"Okay, I'm coming," Ayushka said, ending the call. Before leaving, she checked her schedule and saw she had to assist Ayan in a surgery in three hours.
Ayushka looked at the location Frankie had sent; it wasn't far. "Three hours is plenty of time. I can comfortably return in two," Ayushka murmured to herself.
Ayushka grabbed her bag and left her doctor's coat behind. As she hurried out, she bumped into Ayan.
Ayan had seen her application letter. He was coming to her cabin to talk to her.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," Ayushka apologized to Ayan for bumping into him.
"Yes, that's quite evident. Where are you going? You seem to be in a great hurry," Ayan said, noticing the haste on her face.
"Yes, I have some work. I'll come and meet you. I wanted to talk to you about something as well," Ayushka needed to leave quickly to be back within the next three hours.
As she started to leave, Ayan said, "I know what you want to talk about. I've seen your application. May I know the reason?"
Hearing him, Ayushka's feet stopped. She said softly, "You know this is my last year for my MD. In my haste to join the hospital, I haven't been attending classes properly. I want to dedicate some time to my studies and my family. Since Anu left, Mom feels very lonely."
Ayushka had prepared her answer thoughtfully, so she explained everything without any haste. This way, Ayan didn't suspect anything.
"Is that the only reason?" Ayan asked again to confirm.
Ayushka nodded in affirmation. As soon as she said yes, Ayan said, "Alright, I'll reschedule your duty. However, if I need you during the day, you'll have to come."
"Okay, I will. But I need to leave now. The surgery is in three hours; I'll be back by then. If I leave late, I'll be late returning," Ayushka bid Ayan goodbye and then left.
Ayan stood there watching her leave. He thought to himself, "It feels good to see you moving forward for some reason. Thank God you've gotten rid of childish thoughts of revenge."
Ayan returned to his cabin, while Ayushka came out and noticed how beautiful the weather was.
"Man, how can I go in a car on such a lovely day?" she said, looking around. She spotted a scooter in the parking area. "Yes, this will be perfect," Ayushka remarked, looking at the scooter.
She approached the security guard and asked him about the scooter.
"Oh, this belongs to one of the nurses working here, Madam. They told me I can lend it to anyone who needs it. I use it myself often too. If you need it, I'll give you the key, just refill the petrol when you return," the security guard said, and immediately brought the key to Ayushka.
Before getting on the scooter, Ayushka put on a helmet and set off on the route Frankie had told her. She had barely gone a short distance when she got stuck in a traffic jam.
"Uff... this is all I needed. This needs to clear up soon, or I'll have to go back by the surgery time. What a hassle," Ayushka muttered, looking around. She saw Aarav in the car next to her. "Oh, so the enemy is nearby too. A good opportunity to take his life..." Ayushka thought, looking at him.
She observed that Aarav was engrossed in conversation. Ayushka took a closer look at his car and then said, "The car looks very luxurious and expensive too... I read in his interview that he's very fond of luxury cars. Let's start with the revenge..."
A faint smile played on Ayushka's lips. She looked down at her feet; she was wearing pencil heels. She took off one of her heels and held it in her hand. She approached the car and began scratching the car with her heel, leaving marks on it.
"Very good..! I've just marked your car. Wait and see what happens next. I will cast a shadow on your life too," Ayushka said, smiling at the car with the heel in her hand, when Aarav's gaze fell on her.
"Hey? What are you doing?" Aarav looked at her in surprise. As he started to get out of the car, Ayushka quickly got back on the scooter.
Due to heavy traffic, he couldn't open the car door, but he craned his neck through the window and saw a large scratch on his car. Ayushka gave him a thumbs-down gesture.
"I won't let you go... You'll pay for this car," Aarav glared at Ayushka angrily, while Kabir was completely baffled.
He didn't get a chance to say or do anything further, and the traffic began to clear. Ayushka immediately sped off on her scooter. Aarav, from behind, clicked a photo of the scooter's number plate.
"Find out who this girl is? I want her near me," Aarav said angrily, looking at Kabir.
Kabir nodded in agreement and sent the photo to someone. Ayushka had left, having delivered her first blow to Aarav, and he was furious because of her small prank.
As soon as Frankie sent the address of the training center, Aayu left to go there immediately. She got stuck in traffic on the way and was a bit late.
As soon as she arrived, she carefully observed the area. It was a big building with a gym on the fourth floor and a training center. The place was very large.
"Oh wow... The gym is open to show off, and there are also ring fights held here. This is a good way to hide your illegal work... Start any work legally, and your black money will turn white. If I weren't in a bind, I would never have come to this place..." Aayu didn't like the place, but she had to compromise to make herself strong.
She stood at the entrance, observing the place. At the beginning of the hall, there was a reception table in one corner. The next half was converted into a gym, and the other part was made to look like a wrestling arena. Some people were exercising next to the gym. There weren't many people in the other part, and it was quiet.
"Hey madam, you're here. I was just waiting for you," Frankie called out as soon as he saw Aayu.
Aayu raised her hand and smiled slightly as she saw Frankie and walked in.
"I managed to stall Sir for a bit. He only has ten minutes. You have to prove to him in these ten minutes that you're worthy of this training. He doesn't give training to just anyone," Frankie explained everything to her before going in.
Aayu nodded and went in with him. There was a cubicle ahead, and a man about 35 years old was sitting inside. He was very tall, fat, and muscular.
As soon as Aayu went in, the man looked her up and down and said, "Is this girl here for training? Are you an actress who wants to learn action scenes for a movie?"
"No, Sir, she's a doctor," Frankie said, and the man burst out laughing.
"If she's a doctor, why has she come to break her bones instead of mending them?" he said with a laugh.
"You have a problem with giving me training, so what difference does it make which profession I'm from?" Aayu gave a stern answer, which impressed him.
"There is spirit. Let's see how much strength is in that fragile body," the man said and stood up, approaching Aayu. "My name is Jehan."
Aayu introduced herself, "And my name is Aayu," she didn't tell him her full name.
"Jehan? That's a childish name. Whatever, let's assess your strength first. We'll decide the rest later," Jehan said.
"My physical strength is very weak, that's why I came here," Aayu replied dejectedly. She had seen everyone there was very physically strong.
"And mental strength doesn't exist," Jehan said with a laugh.
After seeing Jehan's physical appearance, Aayu thought he would be a strict and stern man, but Jehan was very cheerful and jovial. His tone also showed that he was an educated and sensible man.
Aayu agreed with him. While she was still talking to him, Jehan suddenly made a fist and attacked her. She bent down quickly.
As she did, Jehan glanced at Frankie, who was smiling.
"You understood right away, madam. Most people get confused and get hurt by sudden attacks. You've done great," Frankie said, clapping, which made Aayu happy.
"It's not that big of a deal. That was just a small test," Jehan said, frowning. He signaled Aayu to follow him.
As they exited, Jehan called out loudly, "Dhara... Dhara, where are you?"
A girl named Dhara came after being called. Jehan introduced Aayu to Dhara and said, "Aayu, this is Dhara. Our training happens in three phases, and Dhara completes the first phase."
Dhara smiled and extended her hand for Aayu to shake. As soon as Aayu shook hands with her, Dhara pressed her hand strongly, causing Aayu to cry out in pain.
"You need a lot of training, girl. No girl should be this weak. At least self-defense should be there," Jehan said.
"So, did I pass the test?" Aayu asked Jehan, looking at him. Her hand was still hurting, so she was shaking it in the air.
"Technically, there's no place for a student like you here, but you're a doctor. We need doctors here. Many times due to illegal fights, we can't go to the hospital. Frankie told me you know about this and fighting. I'll give you training, but in return, you'll have to treat people injured in fights for free. Your training will also be free," Jehan set a condition before giving training.
"No, I'll never do that. I told Frankie many times not to come to our hospital after getting injured in a fight. I don't accept your condition," Aayu refused immediately, which surprised both Frankie and Jehan.
"Think again. No one can give you better training than us. You won't find anyone to give you training like ours... They only teach defense or some normal moves. Self-training will take a lot of time. You're missing a golden opportunity, Doctor," Jehan asked again.
Aayu thought for a moment. She had thought of taking revenge on Aarav, and Jehan could help her. But the condition he set didn't sit well with her.
Aayu took a deep breath and said with a smile, "I know it's hard for me to make a decision, but still, my answer is 'no'. I'm sure of my principles. If not today, then tomorrow someone like you will meet."
Jehan was also adamant about his stance. He didn't agree to give Aayu training and showed her the door. After she refused, Frankie's face also fell.
"Nice meeting you," Aayu said to Jehan before leaving, "You seem like an educated and sensible person. Why do you do such illegal work? Many people want to learn self-defense. Teach them. You can earn money from that too. Why do you need to earn money by doing wrong things?"
"If you have to give a lecture, you can go. Most of the time, people who have money do such things. Your behavior and appearance will make anyone say that you grew up in a very delicate environment. A girl like you can't even bear to have her hand pressed, and tears came to your eyes. The day you feel the lack of money, your principles will bend, madam," Jehan said sternly and joined his hands.
Aayu felt very bad after being refused, but she still left. She walked towards the parking area, muttering angrily.
"I don't like people who do wrong things. They cause trouble for others. If I weren't forced, I would never have come here. Now I don't care. Whatever happens will be seen. I am what I am, and I can confront Aarav..." Aayu started her scooter and turned towards the hospital.
She was already late due to traffic and wanted to reach the hospital as soon as possible.
One month had passed since Anushka's death, but Manthan was still doing all his work from his room. It was very difficult for him to get out of Anushka's memories.
He was working on his laptop when he received a call. Seeing the name on the screen, Manthan said in surprise, "It's only after a month that Ishaan called. When she was quiet for a month, I thought she wouldn't do anything. I hope everything is okay and that girl hasn't done anything wrong."
Manthan picked up the call, and a voice came from the other end, "When she was quiet for a month, I thought she wouldn't do anything. I even thought of coming back, sir, but we were wrong."
"What did she do now?" Manthan asked immediately.
"She just came out of a training center where they give training in illegal ways for ring fights or gangster work. Do you understand, sir?" A man replied. He was the one Manthan had assigned to spy on Aayu.
"Yes, I understand. She's preparing herself. We have to stop her by any means. Shantanu," Manthan said worriedly.
"Should I go talk to her? If we talk, she'll understand everything. She left the training center in anger. I couldn't hear what she said, but it doesn't seem right. If she gets in contact with those people, her reputation can also be at stake. I've observed her over the past month, and I feel she's a good person," Shantanu said. He reported everything to Manthan.
"Of course, she's good; after all, she's Anushka's twin sister. It seems I have to get involved. Get our flat ready for me," Manthan said and hung up the call.
He looked at the photo of him and Anushka on his bedside and said, "I wish you were here to stop her from doing such things. But since you're not here, I'll do it. I'll have to go to Mumbai for her."
Manthan immediately left his work and decided to go to Mumbai for Aayu's safety. He packed his belongings and left with them, and Sakshi was also surprised to see Manthan leave his room with his luggage after a month.
Manthan had placed a man behind Ayu to keep an eye on her. When he told Manthan that Ayu had gone to the Fight Club, Manthan immediately decided to go to Mumbai.
He came out with his luggage, and Sakshi was shocked to see him. The rest of his family was not present at that time.
Before leaving, Manthan went to Sakshi and said, "Didi, please take care of everything as usual. I have to go to Mumbai."
"No Manthan, no. I am already fed up with lying to the people in the house for the past month. I have to look after your outside work, and Baba... have you thought about what you will tell them?" Sakshi said.
"I don't know what I will tell them, but my going to Mumbai is very important. She is creating trouble for herself. If Anu were here, she would definitely have stopped her from doing this," Manthan told Sakshi the reason for going to Mumbai. His voice became heavy as he spoke.
Sakshi remained silent for a few moments after hearing him, then said in a stern voice, "I thought you would have understood last month that she is not coming back. Why are you doing all this foolishness? To look at it, there is no difference between Anu's sister and you. She is also still holding on to her, and so are you... both of you are ruining your lives in this matter."
Manthan had no answer to Sakshi's words. He held the handle of his luggage and said, "I know Didi, you will manage."
He was about to leave, but Sakshi quickly walked ahead of him. "Alright, this is the last time, but I am coming with you too."
Manthan did not get a chance to reply to her words when his father, Mr. Nishant Ahuja, arrived. He was surprised to see Manthan with his luggage.
"Where are you going?" he asked in a stern voice.
"I am going to Mumbai. I am thinking of starting a new project there," Manthan replied, looking down.
"Oh, so that's why you locked yourself in your room." Nishantji smiled a little upon hearing the reason for his departure. He put his hand on Manthan's shoulder and said, "Alright, whatever you do, come back successfully. If you need my help, don't hesitate to ask."
Manthan nodded in agreement. He had been thinking of starting his own new business for a long time, so Nishantji did not suspect his words.
Before Manthan could leave, Sakshi immediately said, "Baba, I am also going with him."
"Why didn't you tell me about this? You schedule most of my meetings. You know more about me than Verma. If you leave, my work will stop," Nishantji was not happy to hear about Sakshi's departure.
"Yes, I know, but I will manage everything from there. He won't be able to settle in properly there alone. I will return after a few days once he is settled. Don't worry, your work won't stop after I leave," Nishantji gave her permission to go after Sakshi promised to manage all the work.
"Alright, then before you go, meet your mother once. Otherwise, her barrage of questions will start," Nishantji said and left.
After they left, Manthan looked at Sakshi angrily. "Now if Mother finds out, she will ask a hundred questions. You also need to pack. I will be late in the midst of doing all this," Manthan said.
"So what if it's two hours late? Anyway, in these two-three hours, that girl won't do anything crazy," Sakshi replied and left.
Manthan had no choice but to wait for her. Soon, Sakshi returned with her luggage, and she had also informed her mother about it before leaving.
As soon as Sakshi arrived, Manthan immediately left with her for Mumbai.
______________________
It was around 5:00 PM. Aarav was sitting in his cabin at Khurana Industries. Ayu had damaged his car, so he hadn't even gone to the meeting.
"How dare that girl damage Aarav Khurana's car? If she damaged my car, I will ruin her life. Let me find her... Speaking of finding her, it's been a long time since Kabir, but he still hasn't found that girl." Aarav sat there sulking like a child because his car was damaged.
He immediately called Kabir and said, "I might have given you a task today. You still haven't found out who damaged my car. I don't know anything. Come to my cabin right now." After saying this, Aarav hung up the phone without waiting for Kabir's response.
Meanwhile, Kabir was sitting with an iPad in his hand. He had received all the information related to that scooter. Before he could tell Aarav anything, Aarav had already hung up.
"It's just one car that's damaged, man. What's the need to overreact so much? He is acting as if that's the only car they have. Anyway, it was getting old... and I haven't found out? Really? Do they ever listen to the other person completely?" Kabir muttered. He went to the lift to go to Aarav's floor.
Within a few minutes, he was on Aarav's floor. Before entering, he knocked on the door.
"Yes, come in..." Aarav said loudly.
Before Aarav could say anything, Kabir placed his iPad on his table and said, "It has all the details. That scooter is registered in a girl's name. The girl's name is Bhavya Dwivedi, and she works as a nurse at Life Care Hospital."
"Oh, so she damaged my car while working at my own hospital," Aarav replied.
"How would she know that hospital is yours? Her entire work has been handed over to someone else by her grandmother. She works there... as a nurse too. You know that hospital was built by your grandfather's father... You yourself never set foot there even by mistake... so how would she know?" Kabir replied calmly.
"Oh, so that's the story. Alright, then tell everyone that the hospital belongs to Aarav Khurana." As soon as Aarav said this, Kabir looked at him in surprise.
Kabir shook his head in negation and said in a low voice, "I don't know about you, but if you do this, Grandmother will surely kill me."
"Yes, I am also in danger. But don't you see, she unnecessarily damaged my car. Is she a small child?" Aarav said, making a childish face.
"I have told you, that dent will be fixed, and a new car has also been registered for you. Now, stop behaving like a child. That's a car, not your girlfriend," Kabir was trying to reason with Aarav.
"My cars are my girlfriends, so don't say that again, and as for fixing the dent, it will only be fixed when I take revenge on that girl. I get very angry with people who make mistakes intentionally. Let's go to the hospital right now," Aarav got up and started to leave.
Kabir did not get a chance to say anything further. Reluctantly, he also had to follow Aarav. As Aarav was just stepping out of his cabin, his personal assistant, Yuvani, arrived.
Yuvani had been working for him for over 2 years, but she hadn't met him much before. Aarav used to attend business meetings with Kabir.
Yuvani was very scared of Aarav. As soon as she saw Aarav in front of her, she became flustered and said quickly, "Uh... uh, sir, the meeting is really very important."
"I am busy at the moment and will not attend any meetings. I have told you many times, if my presence is required in any meeting, inform me 12 hours in advance," Aarav replied angrily, which made Yuvani even more scared.
She glanced at Kabir, who signaled her to handle everything with his eyes. Instead of Yuvani, Kabir replied, "The meeting is tomorrow, sir, and I asked her to inform you today."
"Are you her lawyer, that you are taking her side?" Aarav glared at Kabir. Then he remained silent for a few seconds and looked at both of them with a strange expression, saying, "Perhaps she is the same girl you talk to while walking in the garden in the middle of the night? Are you two in a relationship?"
"N... no..." Yuvani was about to say no, but before that, Kabir interrupted, "Yes, she is."
"If Grandmother finds out about this, I will fire both of you. I don't want to hear lectures about you being in a relationship, Kabir, and me still being single," Aarav said only this and then left in the lift.
Kabir was still near Yuvani. He held Yuvani's hand and said, "Why are you so scared of him? Didn't I tell you why I am with them?"
"Yes, I know you were Mahira Luthra's assistant and you started working with them to create a connection between the two. You are connected to the mafia world, but I am scared of them," Yuvani said, and Kabir started laughing.
"It's nothing like that. I have been with them for the past 6 years. Their nature is like that of small children. They want all the attention on themselves, and if anyone hurts them even a little, then they take revenge like children," Kabir replied.
Yuvani nodded in agreement, and just then, Kabir received a call from Aarav. He said on the phone, "If your romance is over, come downstairs." After saying this, Aarav hung up.
"Alright, I'm leaving. You take care," Kabir said. Before leaving, he kissed Yuvani lightly on the forehead and left.
After some time, Kabir and Aarav were at Life Care Hospital. There, Aarav was present with the hospital CEO in his cabin, and the nurse whose scooter Ayu had taken was standing in front of him.
"So, Bhavya Dwivedi, do you know exactly how much my car is worth, on which you lovingly gave a big dent with your own heel today?" Aarav stood in front of Bhavya Dwivedi and spoke to her in a cold voice.
She was scared just hearing Aarav's voice. She shook her head in negation and said, "I... I didn't do anything, sir. I was busy in the general ward all day today. You can watch the CCTV if you want."
"Oh, so am I lying, and your scooter has some magical powers that it flew on its own and went near my car and... I don't know. I want my car back in the same condition," Aarav insisted.
"Look, there is still time. Admit your mistake. Perhaps they will forgive you later," the hospital CEO, Mr. Kapoor, tried to convince Bhavya.
Hearing his words, Aarav immediately said, "No, I won't forgive her. How dare she damage my car?"
"Sir, when I am saying that I was busy all day, you can watch the CCTV as proof. Then why aren't you listening to me? My scooter is also used by Watchman Bhaiya many times. He might have given it to someone. You talk to them," Bhavya said.
"Alright, now everything will be clear. I will call the guard," Mr. Kapoor said and made a call on the intercom, calling all the security guards to the office.
He was among those guards, the one who had given Ayu the scooter in the morning, and completely unaware of all this, Ayu was busy in surgery with Ayaan in the OT.
Aarav had searched for the person who had damaged his car. He arrived at Life Care Hospital with Kabir.
The nurse whose scooter Ayush used was named Bhavya Dwivedi. She clearly denied damaging Aarav's car. To verify her statement, the hospital CEO, Mr. Kapoor, summoned all the security guards to his office.
Once they all arrived, Mr. Kapoor addressed the hospital staff, "Did anyone take this nurse's scooter out of here today?"
The guard who had given Ayush Bhavya's scooter said, "Yes sir. I lent my scooter to a doctor for a little while today."
As soon as the guard nodded, Bhavya said, "See, I told you, I was busy all day. I thought my scooter would help the staff here, but something else is happening. Guard bhaiya, don't give my scooter to anyone from now on."
"Alright. You may leave now..." Mr. Kapoor quickly dismissed her so that the matter wouldn't escalate. Then, looking at the other security guards, he said, "Everyone except Patil can leave."
All the guards returned to their duties, and Bhavya Dwivedi also left. Now, in the cabin, there was no one except Mr. Kapoor, Aarav, Kabir, and the guard.
"Do you remember who you gave that scooter to?" Mr. Kapoor asked Patil, looking at him.
"This is a large hospital, and many employees work here. I don't know them by name, but yes, if I saw them, I could recognize them. All I remember is that their eyes were a different color, they were very beautiful to look at, and their hair was long and very nice," the guard told them what he remembered about Ayush.
"We don't need to appreciate her beauty here. If you remember her name, tell us, otherwise, you can leave," Aarav said rather sternly.
The guard shook his head negatively. Mr. Kapoor sent him away. After he left, he said to Aarav, "I know you are the owner of this hospital, but not everyone here knows that. Whatever damage has been done to your car, I am prepared to compensate for it."
"And what do you think, Mr. Kapoor, I don't have enough money to get it repaired? I want the real culprit. Line up all the hospital staff and have the guard confirm who did this... Otherwise, it won't take me long to turn this hospital into a luxurious hotel." Aarav spoke in a cold tone this time. He was very angry about all of this, and his manner of speaking clearly intimidated Mr. Kapoor.
He looked hopefully at Kabir, and then Kabir said, "Sir, please understand. It's not right to be so stubborn like a child. Just because that girl made a mistake, doesn't mean you have to make the same mistake."
Aarav nodded in agreement without saying anything. Then Kabir told Mr. Kapoor, "You can call your female doctors to the cabin under some pretext, or send that guard to the female doctors for some work."
From Aarav's words, Kabir guessed that he wouldn't leave until he got revenge on that doctor. And Mr. Kapoor had no other option either.
"You two stay here. I'll do something about this. Be comfortable," Mr. Kapoor said.
"Of course, I'll be comfortable. This is my hospital. If I stop paying attention, people start doing whatever they please, but now I feel like I'll have to sit here instead of being in the office," Aarav said threateningly.
Mr. Kapoor felt his job was at stake, so he immediately left to do something himself. After he left, Aarav sat comfortably in his chair, while Kabir sat on the seat in front of him.
"I don't understand one thing. What will you do even if you meet her? She is a doctor, and she can easily pay for the damage to your car. So what's the point of meeting her or not meeting her?" Kabir was surprised by Aarav's behavior.
"First of all, I will get her expelled from this hospital with negative marking for her actions, and I will ensure that she never gets a job in any hospital in her life, especially not in Mumbai... Then she will know what the consequences of harming Aarav Khurana are. I detest people who make mistakes intentionally and betray others for their own benefit. This doctor has done the same. She will pay for this," Aarav answered Kabir's question.
Kabir fell silent after hearing him. Meanwhile, Aarav was waiting for Mr. Kapoor to return.
______________________
Mr. Kapoor did not like Aarav's attitude at all. Angrily, he went and spoke to every female doctor and nurse in the hospital. He had spoken to almost all the staff. Just then, Dr. Siddhi came out of the storeroom.
"Did you take any nurse's scooter out of the hospital today, Dr. Siddhi?" Mr. Kapoor asked, approaching Dr. Siddhi.
"No sir, but why are you asking all this? Everyone is troubled by this question of yours?" Siddhi asked hesitantly.
"Leave all that. I've asked everyone, and everyone has said no. Is there any female doctor who is busy in the operation theater?" Mr. Kapoor asked again.
"I don't know the schedules of others, but we just finished a surgery in which I, Dr. Ayush, and Dr. Ayushman were present. She has gone to change. Shall I call her if you want?" Dr. Siddhi asked.
Upon hearing Ayush's name, Mr. Kapoor remembered something. He muttered to himself, "The guard said her eyes were a different color. Ayush's eyes are also different. It must be her..." As he thought about her, Mr. Kapoor's face showed signs of anger. He was already troubled by Aarav. He told Dr. Siddhi, "Tell Dr. Ayush to come to my cabin immediately."
Siddhi agreed and went towards the storeroom. She told Ayush everything and advised her to go directly to Mr. Kapoor's cabin.
After changing, Ayush headed straight for Mr. Kapoor's cabin. Upon reaching there, she slightly opened the cabin door and saw Aarav inside. She immediately closed the door.
"Oh god, what is he doing here? I hope he didn't find out that I damaged his car this morning," Ayush said fearfully.
As she was about to turn back, she bumped into Mr. Kapoor. Mr. Kapoor recognized the expression on her face and said, "You look scared, and there's sweat on your face. This means it's you who deliberately damaged Aarav Khurana's car this morning." Mr. Kapoor was not only the CEO of the hospital but also a psychiatrist.
He didn't take long to observe people's behavior and figure out what was going on in their minds.
"No sir, I was in the hospital all day," Ayush tried to explain.
"Don't lie to me, Doctor. You know well that it won't help. My job is at risk because of you today. Go apologize to him quietly and end this matter here," Mr. Kapoor said angrily.
Ayush had no other option left. Meanwhile, Ayushman found out what was happening at the hospital. He was coming to talk to Mr. Kapoor when he overheard their conversation.
"Sorry to interrupt you, sir, but she is telling the truth. She did go out today, but for one of my tasks. If you wish, you can check the CCTV. You'll know by watching the recording that we met before she went out, and I had sent her for one of my tasks," Ayushman said.
"When did I say you couldn't send her? You might have sent her, but she took Bhavya's scooter, and she will tell you what she did. Let it be, she will lie to you anyway, so let me tell you. Thinking what, she put a big dent in Aarav Khurana's car. And that person is sitting in my cabin threatening me," Mr. Kapoor explained everything in one breath. His manner of speaking clearly showed how troubled he was by Aarav.
"If he is threatening you, you should call the police. You are unnecessarily getting angry with me," Ayush said.
"Really, Doctor? Your attitude makes everything clear. You did all this, didn't you?" Mr. Kapoor asked again.
Ayush didn't answer his question. Her gaze was lowered. Seeing her lowered gaze, Ayushman understood everything. Ayush was already talking about taking revenge on Aarav, so it didn't take him long to understand why she might have done this.
"She works under me, so I am ready to take full responsibility. You go, I'll talk to Aarav Khurana. I'll also pay for his damage," Ayushman said.
"And what do you think, he will agree? Haven't I presented this option to him? He wants to meet the person who damaged his car," Mr. Kapoor said.
"Then I will say that I damaged the car. I am going to talk to him, and please don't interfere. I want to talk to him alone," Ayushman took all the blame on himself and went into Mr. Kapoor's cabin.
Mr. Kapoor also didn't want to argue with Aarav any further, so he didn't go inside. After Ayushman left, he told Ayush, shaking his head negatively, "Even if he doesn't say anything in front of him, you will have to compensate for the trouble you have caused me, Doctor Oberoi. You are a good doctor, so I will not expel you, but as a punishment, you will do three hours of extra duty for the next two months." Saying this, Mr. Kapoor left to relax.
Meanwhile, Ayush was now regretting her mistake. She didn't want to face Aarav, so she went back to her cabin.
On the other hand, Ayushman reached Mr. Kapoor's cabin. Seeing him there, Aarav told Kabir, "You go outside."
Kabir looked at him with surprise because it had never happened before that Aarav had asked him to leave a meeting.
At that moment, he didn't question Aarav and left. After he left, Aarav looked at Ayushman in a cold tone and said, "Why are you here? I don't want to see you."
"I also have no interest in seeing you. Whatever happened to your car this morning, I did it. You know why I would have done it," Ayushman said, lying and taking all the responsibility on himself.
Hearing him, a contemptuous smile appeared on Aarav's face. He said in the same tone, "Oh, have you come with a haircut? I remember well, it was a girl, and her hair was very long."
"Okay, that wasn't me, but whoever she was..." Ayushman was speaking when Aarav interrupted him, "Maybe she is your girlfriend. She was also a doctor, and so are you... That's why you are taking the blame for her mistake. It seems you haven't told her yet what the relationship between you two is. Tell her in the future not to do such childish things with me by mistake, otherwise, I don't forgive people repeatedly."
Ayushman agreed to his statement. "Thanks for letting this matter go. I will explain it to her."
"Thanks my foot... You have spoiled my entire day and mood," Aarav said, shaking his head negatively, and left.
After he left, a slight smile appeared on Ayushman's face. Then he remembered what Ayush had done, and his expression immediately changed. He was very angry with Ayush and went to her cabin to talk to her.
Aayu had hit Aarav’s car, but Ayaan took the blame on himself. He somehow managed to convince Aarav. After Aarav left, Ayaan went into Aayu’s cabin in anger.
As soon as Aayu saw him there, she quickly said, “Let me explain first…”
“No, I don’t need any explanation.” Ayaan said angrily, “I told you to stay away from him. This morning, I even suspected you were lying to leave. Then the reason you gave for changing your duty, made me think you were moving on. But I was wrong. I am still trying to make you understand, take a step back and stop doing these nonsensical things. You are not a child.” Ayaan poured out all his frustration at once.
“You... you are misunderstanding. I am not taking revenge on him. When I was leaving this morning, I got stuck in traffic. His car was parked next to mine. I don’t know what suddenly happened to me and I did that foolish thing. Otherwise, there is nothing like that in my mind. To be honest, I have nothing to do with him.” Aayu stated her case. She was stammering as she spoke.
“I am not misunderstanding anything. You don’t do anything without a reason. I have known you for many years…” Ayaan said. He was trying to make Aayu understand. “It has been a month since that incident. By now, you should have understood that she is not coming back. You should move on. As for taking revenge on Aarav Khurana, he is innocent. He might not have pushed Anu.”
Although Aayu was very angry internally, she did not reply to anything he said. She became quiet. Unknowingly, Ayaan had touched a raw nerve.
Ayaan came closer to her and started comforting her by hugging her. “Please try to understand. You are a brilliant doctor. After completing your MD and a few years of practice, you will come to the post of Senior Doctor. If you spoil your mind with all this, your career will be ruined.”
Aayu nodded at his words and moved away from him. “I will focus on my studies and my career too…”
Ayaan extended his hand and said, “Okay, then promise me that from today onwards, Aarav Khurana’s name will never come out of your mouth.”
Hearing him, Aayu’s gaze lowered. When she didn’t reply, Ayaan forcefully took her hand and placed it on his.
“Promise me Aayu…” Ayaan insisted, and in response, Aayu nodded affirmatively.
Aayu pulled her hand out of his and, to change the topic, said, “You didn’t tell me, how did you handle him? How did he agree so quickly?” Aayu was a little surprised because Ayaan had returned from meeting Aarav very quickly.
“I just handled it. I apologized to him and told him to compensate for whatever damage was done to his car,” Ayaan replied.
“And he agreed?” Aayu asked again.
“Yes, he agreed. But why are you talking about this repeatedly? Don’t do anything like this in the future. I can’t save you every time. I have exchanged your night duty shift. I hope you will do what you said… nothing else,” Ayaan said sternly.
“Where else is the option to do anything else? Our beloved CEO has told me to do 3 hours of extra duty as punishment. I will have to do that too,” Aayu replied, making Ayaan smile a little.
“ this punishment was necessary for you, so that if you ever think of doing something like this, you will remember this. Come on, you got the punishment, not me. It’s time for me to go home. See you tomorrow morning,” Ayaan said goodbye to Aayu and left.
After he left, Aayu sat on her chair and drank some water.
“What a day, everything had to happen today? I had planned to do so many things, and everything got messed up. Here Aarav Khurana reached the hospital, and there Jahan refused to train me. It feels like the whole world is against me. Don’t worry Aayu, you are enough on your own.” Aayu was trying to encourage herself when she looked at the time; it was 6:00 PM. Her duty ended at this time, but Mr. Kapoor had asked her to do extra duty.
“I’ll leave today like this. I’ll start the extra duty from tomorrow.” Thinking this, Aayu picked up her bag and was about to leave when a nurse came to her. She had a paper in her hand.
“Mr. Kapoor sent this. You will be doing extra duty for the next three months, starting today. This is the schedule for it,” the nurse said, handing her the paper.
Aayu had no choice but to accept the paper. Today was a completely exhausting day for her, yet she had to go to duty as Mr. Kapoor had instructed.
____________________________
After talking to Ayaan, Aarav left the hospital. Kabir was waiting for him in the parking area. As soon as Aarav reached him, he opened the car door.
Aarav got into the car, and Kabir started driving. There was silence between them for some time.
“Don’t sit so quietly, I’m getting bored,” Aarav said impatiently.
“Why did you send me out?” Kabir asked this question first.
“Oh, so you are sulking over this? I wanted to talk to him privately, so I sent you out,” Aarav replied.
“Yes, so I want to know the reason why there was something you wanted to talk to him about privately. This has never happened before. I was present in every meeting with you, so what was the reason for sending me out today?” Aarav didn’t like being asked to leave in front of Ayaan.
Aarav took a deep breath and then said in a low voice, “He is Chhavi Singhania’s younger son.”
Hearing him, Kabir slammed on the brakes and looked at Aarav. He understood why Aarav had sent him out at that moment.
“Are you okay?” Kabir’s face, which had been filled with anger towards Aarav moments ago, now turned into concern.
Aarav nodded affirmatively and smiled faintly, saying, “Don’t worry… we don’t have any problem with each other.” There was disappointment in his voice, which he was trying to hide behind his smile.
Kabir started driving again. “Then you won’t miss the party the night after tomorrow,” Kabir said with a smile.
“Absolutely not…” Aarav replied with a bitter smile. “After all, it is a big day for someone, and it is my complete responsibility to spoil that big day for him. Have you prepared the gift?”
“Yes, definitely…” Kabir replied.
The party the night after tomorrow was going to be very special for them, and Aarav had already planned to ruin it. Aarav and Kabir headed straight home from there.
____________________________
It was 10:00 PM. Aayu finished her extra duty, and it was very late. After completing the extra hours of duty, Aayu left the hospital.
“Surely this Kapoor is taking revenge on me. Come on, only one car was damaged, I would have paid for it. I don’t know why he made such a fuss. How difficult it is to do duty in the general ward. People get into trouble by mistake, but you know what Ayushkya Singh Oberoi, you made mistakes knowingly that got you into trouble. How was I to know that Jahan would refuse to train me? He made me do night duty unnecessarily. Not many patients come at night. Now I won’t even be able to sleep properly. Oh God, what is happening in my life…” Aayu muttered as she walked towards the parking area, rubbing her neck.
As she reached the parking area, a car came speeding towards her and stopped.
“Unbelievable… now this was going to kill me,” Aayu angrily went to the car and knocked on the window, saying, “Are you planning to have an accident in the hospital? If you don’t know how to drive, use public transport…”
Then the car window opened. Aayu was very surprised to see the person sitting there. She had absolutely not expected that person to be there and to meet her.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
After finishing her extra duty at the hospital, Ayu stepped out, and a car quickly approached and stopped near her. Ayu went to the car and honked on the window. The person in the driver's seat opened the window.
Seeing the person in front, Ayu was surprised and asked, "Manthan, what are you doing here? And how do you know I work here?"
"Get in the car," Manthan said, not answering her questions.
"But I have my own car. And I need to go home too. I'm already late," Ayu refused to get in the car.
Upon her refusal, Manthan took a deep breath, looked at her calmly, and said, "Do you have to argue about everything? No one is going to steal your car from here. Just do as you are told."
This time, Ayu didn't say anything and got into the seat next to Manthan. As soon as she sat down, Manthan started the car and said, "Open the drawer. I've kept something for you there, take it."
Ayu looked at him with surprise. Manthan's sudden appearance and his taking her somewhere were raising many questions in her mind.
"I'm in the car now, at least answer my questions. Why are you here? And where are we going?" Ayu asked again.
"We are going to my flat. Call home and tell them you won't be coming home tonight," Manthan replied, speaking as if he were ordering her.
"And why should I come with you? You're ordering me around like I'm your servant. Stop the car quietly, I don't want to go anywhere with you," Ayu said angrily.
"You shouldn't have gone to the fight club. That place is not for people like you," as soon as Manthan brought up the fight club, Ayu looked at him with wide eyes.
"Oh, so you've been spying on me?" Ayu asked, shaking her head. "Of course! I went to the fight club, but you do nothing. So, I have to do something... You know what, Manthan Ahuja, you are a fake person. I don't know what my sister thought before falling in love with you, but you are not worthy of her. You're here to scare me." Ayu spoke to Manthan angrily.
Hearing her words, Manthan also got angry. He accelerated the car, driving very carelessly.
"Stop the car... Don't drive like this, we'll have an accident. We are on a busy road." Just as their car was about to hit another car, Ayu grabbed Manthan's hand. Manthan immediately applied the brakes, and the car stopped abruptly.
As the car stopped, Manthan pulled his hand out of Ayu's. He looked at Ayu angrily and said in a harsh voice, "Don't touch me next time. Yes, I was spying on you because you... you are doing foolish things. If Anu were in my place, she would have stopped you too. Tell me, what do you want? I will help you, but promise me you will stay away from all this."
"That's impossible. If you want to help me, then help, otherwise I don't need anyone's help..." Ayu replied rudely.
"Come to my house and let's talk comfortably. Before we go, take out the lenses from the drawer and wear them. I don't want to see your eyes." Manthan opened the drawer and handed the lenses to Ayu.
"Disgusting..." Ayu shook her head. "Tomorrow you'll probably ask me to remove my eyes too, because they look like Anu's." Saying this, Ayu threw the box of lenses out of the car. Manthan glared at her for her behavior.
"Don't look at me like that. Whenever I look into my eyes, I feel like she is within me, that she is still alive somewhere in my eyes. Just because you are helping me doesn't mean I will follow all your orders," Ayu explained why she threw the lenses.
Manthan didn't reply to her words. He drove the car looking forward, his mind preoccupied with many thoughts.
"I don't want the experience you're having. When I look into your eyes, I also feel like Anu has come before me for a moment. I need to control my emotions," Manthan thought to himself.
They didn't speak to each other for the rest of the journey. After almost two hours, they were in front of a luxurious apartment in South Bombay. Manthan parked the car and took her into his flat. The flat was also very large and beautiful.
As soon as they arrived, Ayu was scanning the flat with her eyes, while Manthan called out loudly upon entering, "Sakshi Di... Di, she's here."
Hearing Manthan's voice, Sakshi came out. Upon seeing her, Ayu looked at her. She was almost the same height as Ayu. Wearing a saffron-colored, medium-length straight hairstyle and a kurta over jeans, Sakshi looked very professional.
As she came out, Sakshi also looked closely at Ayu. Then her gaze fell on Ayu's eyes, and she looked back at Manthan.
"Di, this is Anu's younger sister," Manthan told Sakshi and then looked at Ayu and said, "And this is my elder sister, Sakshi."
Ayu smiled and said hello to Sakshi. After the formal introductions, the three of them sat in the living room of the house.
As soon as they sat down, Manthan said, "I hope, Di, you can explain things to her properly. She thinks Anu's death wasn't an accident. Someone pushed her from the terrace, and she wants revenge on that person." Manthan was speaking to Sakshi.
"Yes, so what's wrong with that? Everyone in Mumbai knows what kind of person pushed my sister. He's a number one Casanova... someone who uses others for his own gain. I don't know how my sister got caught in his trap. I don't know everything, but I am confident that one day I will find out the whole truth and surely punish that man for his actions," Ayu's anger was evident in her words.
"And who are you talking about here?" Sakshi asked in surprise. Ayu hadn't mentioned Aarav's name yet.
"The same man with whom her video went viral. That video... I don't know if what was shown in it was true or also fake, but at the last moment, she was with him..." As Ayu was telling Sakshi about Aarav, Sakshi interrupted her and said, "Manthan... she's not talking about Aarav, is she?"
Manthan nodded affirmatively. Sakshi looked at Ayu again and said, "You must have misunderstood something. He wouldn't do that."
"Oh, how well do you know that man? And you're speaking as if you know him very well..." Ayu stopped mid-sentence. She looked at Sakshi's face, who winked, confirming her statement.
"Sakshi Di and Aarav have been friends since school," Manthan said.
"Oh, so that's why you're not doing anything against him. It's clear from your words that you also know him well. It seems I'm sitting in front of the wrong people at the wrong time," Ayu started to get up to leave, but Sakshi quickly stood up and stopped her by holding her hand.
"I also saw that video, and what you're saying about Aarav is true... but the other truth is that he doesn't kill anyone without reason," Sakshi said.
"What do you mean, he doesn't kill anyone without reason? If he gets a reason, he can kill the other person?" Ayu asked in surprise.
Sakshi paused for a moment. Being a very close friend of Aarav, she knew many things connected to his life.
"It's nothing like that. It just slipped out of my mouth in the heat of the moment. Why would he kill someone? He hasn't done that," Sakshi tried to explain to Ayu.
"What if I prove it? In return, you have to get me to Aarav Khurana... And one more thing, you won't tell him that I want to punish him for his deeds," Ayu said.
"You want to backstab him?" Manthan said in a harsh voice.
Before Ayu could reply to him, Sakshi spoke, "Be careful, in your attempt to backstab him, don't get hurt yourself. Aarav really dislikes people who backstab," Sakshi tried to explain to her with gestures.
"I don't care about that. My determination is firm. Even if you people don't help me, I will do what I have decided," Ayu stated her final decision. She was still firm in her stubbornness.
Sakshi and Manthan stood there in confusion. They looked at each other. Sakshi and Manthan's attempts to explain were proving futile.
Until now, both of them were explaining to Ayu very politely. When she insisted, Manthan said in a harsh voice, "You were very close to your sister, weren't you? Did you ever hear her mention Aarav Khurana's name?"
Ayu shook her head negatively, then Manthan spoke again, "Exactly. They have no connection whatsoever. Do you think I'm unaware of all this? The person who shot the video could also be the real killer. Then why is Aarav in your suspicion? From the time he left his hotel to his office, the footage was submitted in court. Come on, if you're insisting so much, I accept that someone might have pushed Anu that night. If you consider someone else guilty instead of Aarav and focus on them, and try to find the truth, I will help you in every way."
Manthan had agreed to help Ayu, but he was not ready to believe that Aarav had pushed Anu that night.
"Okay. You help me, then it doesn't matter who I go after. I promise you that I will find the truth and bring it before you, but if Aarav Khurana has done all this, then you won't back down?" Ayu again put forward her condition.
Before promising him anything, Manthan looked at Sakshi. Sakshi winked and nodded.
"Alright, then I will help you. I am here for six months. Tell me, what kind of help do you need?" Manthan asked.
"I need to reach Aarav Khurana," Ayu replied immediately.
"Do you really want to do this and are you ready for it?" Manthan asked once more.
"Yes, I want to, but before that, I need to prepare myself. I had asked someone at the fight club to train me to become physically stronger, but he refused. Arrange my training at the fight club," Ayu said.
"You are not going to the fight club, and that's final," Manthan said sternly. While speaking, his gaze inadvertently met Ayu's eyes. After looking into her eyes, he weakened for a moment and immediately went to his room.
Ayu shouted after him, "Hey, who are you to order me around... I will do what I want. First, you say you want to help, and now you're getting irritated about everything. You're so powerful, but you can't even help a little."
"If you want my help, then come wearing lenses from tomorrow, otherwise don't even show me your face. As for being powerful, if you come before me without lenses, who knows, I might make you disappear first," Manthan said without looking at her.
He went into the room and locked the door from the inside. Hearing his words, Ayu was still standing outside in shock, while Sakshi had a slight smile of satisfaction on her face. In the last month, Manthan had stopped not only arguing but also talking properly with anyone. Seeing him normal now gave her a ray of hope.
"Sorry Aarav, I know you are innocent, and no matter what she does, you won't let anything happen to yourself. Whether her attempt works or not, it can definitely make my brother normal, so be ready to face her," Sakshi thought to herself with a smile.
She was completely confident about Aarav that no matter what Ayu did, she couldn't harm Aarav. Therefore, she thought of bringing Manthan back to normal through Ayu.
It was almost 11 at night when Aarav and Kabir reached home. They had finished their important tasks on the way, which caused them to be late in returning home.
As Kabir parked the car and was about to go inside with Aarav, he received a call from Mahira. Seeing Mahira's name on the caller ID, he said to Aarav, "You go ahead, I'll be right there."
"Alright, but come quickly. You know, after freshening up, I won't wait long for dinner," Aarav replied. Although he was formal with Kabir, their bond was very strong.
Hearing him, Kabir smiled and looked at him strangely. Aarav didn't want to express his feelings in front of him, so he said irritably, "What? What are you looking at? You know, Grandma has dinner with both of us. If you don't come, she won't let me eat either."
"Yes, yes, I know everything. Don't worry, I won't take long," Kabir said. After Aarav went inside, he muttered to himself, "Grandma is with us at night, but at lunchtime, it's just the two of us. You wait for me then too, so why do you act so rude unnecessarily?"
Mahira's call had ended. Kabir came to the garden area, sat on the swing there, and relaxed for a while.
"I forgot to call her at this hour to give this week's report. And she didn't even pick up my call. Be ready, Kabir, she's definitely going to be angry," Kabir took a deep breath and then called Mahira.
"Why didn't you pick up my call?" was the first thing Mahira said as soon as she answered Kabir's call. She was on the treadmill, so she was a bit breathless.
"I was with Sir. You know very well that he doesn't like me relaying every piece of news to you," Kabir replied calmly.
"Okay, but don't ignore my calls from now on. I don't call only for updates. If you don't pick up his call in front of him, he'll really get suspicious," Mahira replied, getting off the treadmill. She sat on the couch and started speaking relaxedly.
"Yes, Ma'am..." Kabir agreed with her. He was very irritated by Mahira's call, and it was evident on his face.
After a few moments of silence, Mahira said, "I am coming to India tomorrow morning."
"What, is there a meeting? Last time too, you missed a very important meeting," Kabir asked, surprised.
"There's no meeting. I'm coming to attend the party the day after tomorrow. Anyway, it's been a long time since I met Aarav, so I have to come. I've told you my reason for calling. If Aarav is not around you, you can give me the full report update for this week," Mahira said.
Before saying anything, Kabir looked around. Seeing that no one was nearby, he replied to Mahira's question, "The business is running very smoothly, the stocks have also increased. Even though he's not very interested in the business, he has maintained the shares in every company here properly."
As Kabir was giving the full report, Mahira interrupted him and said, a bit irritated, "Oh come on, Kabir, you've been with him for the last 6 years. You know very well that I haven't called you for business updates. I want to know if there's any girl around him? Is he dating anyone, or does he like any girl? I don't believe your videos and other controversies. I know very well that Aarav does all that for publicity. I want to know the truth. Was the hotel room video real?" Mahira said a lot in one breath.
"No, there's nothing like that. You know, he doesn't believe in things like love. All the videos or news that came out about him this week were all fake," Kabir said. Mahira didn't say anything further and hung up.
After the call ended, Kabir breathed a sigh of relief. He rarely told her updates related to Aarav's life.
Suddenly, something struck him, and he said to himself, "How strange... She asked about everything, but not about that video where Aarav Sir was kissing that actress. Because all the previous videos that went viral were of dancing or hugging, or going to a hotel room. This is the first time a kissing video went viral, and she reacted normally."
As Kabir stood there thinking for a while, Aarav called him. He was waiting for him at the dining table for dinner.
Instead of receiving the call, Kabir cut it. Then he said to himself, "Maybe I'm overthinking. They must have spoken."
Kabir didn't pay much attention to it and went inside. There he was having dinner with Gauravi Ji and Aarav. No matter how late they were, Gauravi Ji always had dinner with them.
___________________________
Ayush stayed at Manthan's house for the night. The next morning when she woke up, she had a message from Ayan. He had sent her the new schedule.
Seeing the message, Ayush said to herself, "I messed up by doing the night duty unnecessarily. Now there's nothing else to do, so I'll go home. Anyway, I still have to hear my mother's scolding for not going home tonight."
Ayush went to the washroom, freshened up, and fixed her hair and clothes. When she came out with her bag, Manthan and Sakshi were at the dining table.
Seeing Ayush with her bag, Sakshi said, "Oh, you're leaving? I thought we'd have breakfast together."
"No, I have to go. He brought me here last night too. No one at home has even talked about this," Ayush said, looking at Manthan.
Manthan was quietly having breakfast there, as if Ayushi's presence made no difference to him. He didn't look at Ayushi even once.
"Will you please drop me home?" Ayush said, taunting him for ignoring her.
"Yes, since I made the mistake of bringing you here, I'll have to drop you back too," Manthan replied in Ayushi's own style and then got up and went inside.
"Until he comes, you eat something," Sakshi said, smiling at Ayush.
Ayush came and sat on a chair next to her. She said, "No, I don't eat anything this early. Di, why is he like this? He's always ordering others around."
"Because he never had to take orders from anyone... He doesn't speak softly in front of anyone else except Papa," Sakshi said, laughing.
"Yes, that's right. Well, you've known Aarav for a long time. Does he treat you badly like he treats other girls?" Ayush asked.
"Now, whether this is a coincidence or reality, I don't know, but the behavior of two important men in my life is very rude," Sakshi said.
Before going to Aarav, Ayush wanted to get to know him well, so she further asked, "Well, did something happen in his life, or has he always been like this?"
"I don't know if something happened before, but when I met him, he was like this. Like, our friendship is also like... like Tom and Jerry type. He never clearly says that he considers me his friend. Yes, whenever there was any party, birthday, or celebration, or anything to share, he would share it with me and when asked, he would say that you are my good enemy. From what he says, you can never figure out what's going on in his head. So, what Manthan has in his mind is on his lips. In short, Aarav is a very tricky person," Sakshi explained about Aarav's behavior. Just then, Manthan came out.
"If your interview is over, shall we leave?" Manthan said, nodding his head. Without waiting for her answer, he started walking towards the door.
"It was great meeting you, Di. We'll meet again," Ayush said goodbye to Sakshi with a hug before leaving and then followed Manthan.
Manthan was in the car with Ayushi. He started setting Ayushi's home location in the GPS. Ayushi held his hand, stopping him, and said, "I don't want to go home."
Manthan flicked her hand away. "I told you, don't touch me." Unknowingly, Manthan's eyes met Ayushi's again. "Get the lenses."
Ayushi shook her head negatively and said, "I won't. I want to go to the Fight Club, drop me there."
"You're not going there," Manthan said.
"I am going... If you don't want to drop me, I'll go alone," Ayush said and started to open the car door.
Manthan came near her to stop her, and because of this, he came very close to Ayushi. Suddenly, Manthan's heartbeat quickened. He immediately got out of the car and opened the door for Ayushi.
"Get out... Come out right now," he said, holding Ayushi's hand and pulling her out.
"Let me go... What are you doing?" Ayushi was bewildered by his behavior.
Manthan didn't answer her question. As Ayushi looked at him in bewilderment, Manthan got into the car and went to park it, leaving her there.
Manthan dropped Ayushi off outside the apartment instead of taking her home. He parked the car back inside and went upstairs.
After he left, Ayushi was still standing there, staring at the apartment door in surprise.
"I don't understand what's wrong with these boys? Why are they so complicated? I don't know how Anu tolerates this." Ayushi stomped her foot in anger and walked away alone. She then took a cab and instead of going to the Fight Club, she went straight home.
When Ayushi reached home, her whole family was having breakfast at the dining table.
"Before their lectures start, I should quickly go to my room," Ayushi muttered to herself. She headed straight for her room.
"Now this girl has become even more carefree. First, it was Anu, who at least looked after her, but now she doesn't listen to anyone." Tara said with slight anger upon seeing Ayushi. As she was about to scold her, Jayji held her hand and stopped her.
"Wait, Tara, let her be," Jayji said calmly.
"Dad is talking to Mom. I checked, she was at the hospital until late last night," Rudra informed.
"And after that?" Tara said angrily, "She didn't come home after that, did she? Now that Anu is gone, who will give us information about her every moment? If you ask her anything, she starts arguing. I don't know when she will understand that we care about her." Tara became emotional as she spoke.
Rudra got up, made her sit on a chair, and gave her a glass of water. Then he said, "Don't worry, Mom... I'll look into it."
"She was also very close to Anu, and since her passing, she hasn't been able to recover. Moreover, due to her resentment, she doesn't talk to anyone. We need to give her time, Mummyji," Simran also tried to explain to Tara.
"I don't know what grievances she is holding onto. Don't worry, Mom. I'll hire a bodyguard for her. He will always protect her and also provide updates on her every moment," Rudra said.
Tara felt a little relieved by his words, when Jayji said, "Don't even think of doing something like that, or if she finds out, she will leave this house. I don't want to foster this feeling in her again that we consider her weak. It took us too long to realize when our being overly protective turned into suffocation for her. If she wants to live on her own strength, then let her. As long as she doesn't make any mistakes, there's no need to interfere. She can take care of herself." Jayji's tone was stern. His breakfast was finished, so he left for the office.
After they left, Tara said, "Whatever he says, you hire a guard for Ayushi. Tell him to stay away from her. She shouldn't find out about this."
"Please don't do that, Mummyji. If Dad gets to know, he will also be upset, and Ayushi's anger will be sky-high," Simran tried to reason with her.
Tara didn't reply to her and went inside. After she left, Simran looked at Rudra hopefully, and Rudra replied, "I can't do anything. I also care about my sister. We've lost one, we can't afford to lose another. Let her understand whatever she wants, but I am going to hire a guard for her."
One by one, everyone left. Only Simran was left sitting at the dining table. After they left, she said to herself, "Earlier I used to get angry with Ayushi, she used to give a different name to their love, but now it really feels like these people are snatching away her privacy too. She is no longer a child, she can take care of herself. They need to understand this." Simran was very angry with all of them, but at this moment, she couldn't do anything.
In this matter, if she spoke to Ayushi, Rudra and Tara would be upset, so she dropped the matter there and got to her work.
____________________________
Ayushi was in her room. After getting ready, she came out for breakfast. There was no one else at the dining table except Simran. Ayushi also sat there and started having her breakfast quietly.
"How are you?" Simran asked.
"Exactly as I was before... yes, only my life has changed like yours," Ayushi replied.
Simran got up and came to the chair next to her. "You miss her a lot, don't you?" Simran said, stroking her hair.
Ayushi nodded affirmatively and said, "I haven't forgotten her, sister-in-law. Sometimes I feel that all this happened because of my mistake. We operate on someone every day in the operation theater. Even those who have no hope of living get well, but I couldn't save my own sister." A tear rolled down Ayushi's eyes as she spoke.
"Take care of yourself, Ayushi. It wasn't your fault. I have seen it, you come home very little since she left. You don't even talk properly to anyone. Due to your resentment, no one can even ask you anything properly. Now at least bridge the gap in your heart." Simran was explaining to her with great affection. After Anu, if there was anyone Ayushi spoke to properly in the house, it was Simran.
"I will try, sister-in-law..." Ayushi said with a slight smile. After finishing her breakfast, she said to Simran, "Sister-in-law, tell them at home that my night duty shift has changed and for some reason, I have to do extra duty as well. My exams are approaching, so I will have to take some classes. I am going for that."
"Okay, take care of yourself, but if you had told Mummyji this same thing, she would have been happier," Simran replied.
"It's okay, you tell them, it's the same thing," Ayushi said to avoid further conversation. She got up and hugged Simran lightly. "I know, sister-in-law, you won't let them feel Anu's absence. As for me, they never had any expectations from me."
Ayushi separated from Simran, said goodbye, and left. Her car was at the hospital, so she took a cab and went straight to the Fight Club.
"I hope I can convince Jahan today, otherwise, just as my family has no expectations from me, I also have no expectations from that Manthan. See, he has been talking rudely since then. Kicked me out of the car. Didn't even drop me home. I swear, if Anu were alive today and I had known about his behavior beforehand, I would have definitely broken them up. I don't know how much my sister fought with that wretched man," Ayushi muttered as she reached the Fight Club floor.
When she got there, she was surprised. The gym area was completely empty today, while everyone was gathered in the ring area. A fight was going on, and everyone was watching it intently. There were loud shouts of encouragement from the crowd, so nothing was clear.
"What is this, John Cena himself has come to fight today that everyone is so excited?" Ayushi said, making a face, and started moving into the crowd.
She was trying to push through the crowd, but due to the large number of people, she couldn't. Just then, Frankie noticed her, and he immediately came towards her.
"Hey Madam, what are you doing here? Sir had forbidden you, hadn't he? Did you change your mind?" Frankie shouted loudly due to the commotion.
"I'll tell you that later. First, tell me what's going on here. Why is there such a crowd?" Ayushi replied, shouting like him.
"Oh Madam, you will definitely see this crowd once a month. Today our Fight Club's real boss has arrived. Jahan sir is having a ring fight with him. It's a tough contest. Today is a special day," Frankie said. He seemed very enthusiastic as he spoke.
"Oh, I thought Jahan was the real boss here. Come on, I'll also see who the owner here is. Who knows, if Jahan doesn't agree, I'll convince him for my own training," Ayushi said.
"You can appease gods, Madam, but not the real boss of the Fight Club. Every girl who comes here tries to impress him in different ways, but he doesn't even look at anyone. Come, I'll introduce you," Frankie replied. He grabbed Ayushi's hand to enter the crowd.
In a while, both of them made their way through the crowd and reached the front. As soon as Ayushi's gaze fell on the real owner fighting in the ring, she immediately looked away.
Ayu was in the ring area of the fight club. Jhan's fight with the real owner of the fight club was going on in the ring. As soon as Ayu saw him, she immediately turned away.
"What is Aarav Khurana doing here? Is he the real owner of this fight club? No... this is impossible. He is a businessman... he is classy... why would he do something like this? I'll check again." Saying this, Ayu turned back towards the ring.
Ayu was standing behind someone and peeking towards the ring. "It's him... amazing man... how does this person get everywhere?" Ayu was muttering to herself standing there.
A fierce clash was going on between Jhan and Aarav. Jhan pushed Aarav and threw him to the side of the ring. As he fell near the boundary, his gaze fell on Ayu.
"Amber eyes..." Aarav suddenly blurted out.
As their eyes met, Ayu started to leave quickly, and Aarav also came out of the ring. He was following her.
"I never forget these eyes... she is dead, then... it's impossible." Saying this, Aarav started to follow Ayu. Seeing him coming behind her, Ayu was quickly moving out of there.
"Why is he following me? He hasn't gotten suspicious of anything. Amazing, I came to this very fight club to train to defeat him." Ayu ran and got into the lift. After she left, Aarav stopped there.
"This is the first time I remember someone's facial features so clearly. I can never forget her eyes... Anushka Singh Oberoi, but she is dead, then... I hope it's just a coincidence." Aarav stood there, talking to himself in surprise. He immediately called Kabir.
"Kabir, find out if Anushka is really dead or not?" Aarav said as soon as he picked up the call.
"What are you saying, sir? Don't you remember we went to her house for the condolence ceremony? The news channels were hyping her news for a full 15 days. Then how can she be alive?" Kabir asked.
"I feel like I saw her. Those eyes and that girl's eyes, both were exactly the same." Aarav's mind was as if etched with Anushka's eyes.
"You are overthinking unnecessarily. Having the same eye color is a common thing. Forget all this. Where are you? I'll come with the car. Mayra ma'am is arriving. We have to leave for the airport." Kabir said to divert Aarav's attention.
"You stay, I'll come myself." Saying this, Aarav hung up the call.
He went back inside from there, changed, and left for his office. Ayu hid and watched him until Aarav left.
"I was saved today, but why was he following me? Were Ayan and Manthan telling the truth, am I getting involved in all this unnecessarily?" Ayu sat there and thought. Sadness was evident on her face. Suddenly, Anu's face started flashing before her eyes.
"No, nothing happens without a reason in this world, and Anu's death definitely couldn't have been without a reason. She had just started her life, and Aarav Khurana killed her. How can I let all this go? Let anyone say anything, you deserve the same death that my sister got. Just, I will have to find another way to reach you." Ayu hardened herself again and left from there.
____________________________
In a seven-star hotel in Mumbai, Chhavi Singhania stood with her manager Rahul Singh. Preparations for a party were underway there.
"Everything is perfect, ma'am. If you feel anything is lacking, please tell me. I will fix it." Rahul had brought Chhavi to show her the party arrangements.
"It's not my job to point out flaws. I want everything to be perfectly prepared. You know, influential businessmen and even mafia members will be attending this party. Chhavi Singhania's parties are grand, so there's no question of any deficiency." Chhavi replied with attitude. She didn't look properly and left from there.
After she left, Rahul shook his head and called the event management team to cross-check everything.
____________________________
It was evening time. Ayu was changing in her room. She had just come out after a surgery with Ayan. After the surgery, Ayan had called her to his cabin, so she changed and went to his cabin.
"Look, I have no intention of listening to your scolding. I'm telling you beforehand, I haven't done anything wrong." Ayu said as she entered the cabin.
Hearing her, Ayan smiled a little and then said, "Being a friend, I might scold you a bit, but that doesn't mean I call you to my cabin every time to scold you. Tomorrow evening is my mom's birthday party. I don't really want to attend this event, but I'll have to. Will you be my timepass for a little while at this boring event?"
"Oh please, I hate parties." Ayu said, making a face, "And one more thing, I am not anyone's timepass, nor will I ever be."
"Don't be so proud. I'll be alone, please come." Ayan said in a slightly pleading tone this time.
"Okay, I'll come to the party with you, but for that, you'll have to say please five times, and... and I have night duty, so you'll have to arrange my leave, and after the party, I feel like eating at a dhaba, so you'll have to take me there... after that, you'll have to drop me home. I don't have an exciting dress to wear to the party, so you'll have to go shopping with me. I also have to go to a makeup artist to get ready, so you'll have to take me there too, and wait for me until I come out." Ayu presented a long list to Ayan, upon hearing which Ayan stared at her with wide eyes.
"Forget it. I'd rather be bored." Ayan replied, making a face.
"Then okay, so I agree. I know you'll arrange my leave, so let's go shopping tomorrow morning. For now, I have to go to the general ward for duty, so I'm going." Ayu started to leave without waiting for Ayan's reply.
After she left, Ayan shouted from behind, "But I haven't agreed, Pal (Lizard)! You can't just go like that."
"I am a doctor, doctor... speak respectfully." Ayu said without turning back and left from there.
Hearing her say that, a smile appeared on Ayan's face. After Ayu left, Ayan said to himself, "That's it, I was missing this Ayu, who seemed lost for the last month and a half. I promise I'll make you like before."
After Ayu left, Ayan submitted a leave application in her name and accepted it himself.
____________________________
Aarav and Kabir were standing in the waiting area at Mumbai International Airport. The flight from Dubai had just landed, but they had been waiting for almost half an hour. Impatience was evident on both their faces.
"You could have come alone to pick her up," Aarav said without looking at Kabir.
"Why should I endure the torture alone? She is your girlfriend, so you go," Kabir replied curtly.
"First of all, stop calling her my girlfriend. You know very well that we only have a professional relationship. Leave me, she is your boss... so you serve her. Why have you made me stand here?" Aarav said angrily.
"For the last 6 years, you have been my boss. It's only out of respect for this relationship that I'm standing here to support you. Otherwise, I had no business being here. You should be thankful to me that I have reduced your torture by 50%," Kabir replied.
From their conversation, it was clear that they were both standing there reluctantly and had no intention of waiting for Mayra. Both their faces were gloomy, when suddenly Mayra came out after security check. As soon as they saw her, smiles appeared on both their faces.
"Smile properly, sir... I had told them on the call that you were eagerly waiting for them." Kabir said, forcing a smile.
"Yes, it's because of you that I had to get stuck here. I will definitely punish you for this. After you said that, she came in the morning instead of coming on the evening flight." Aarav replied with the same smile.
Seeing the two of them smiling, Mayra also had a smile on her face. She was wearing a short black dress and matching smoky makeup.
Mayra came to Aarav and hugged him, saying, "I miss you so much."
"I missed you a lot too... so much that I can't even say. My words are lost. I don't know how to say, what to say, I am so happy to see you here." Aarav said with a forced smile. After hugging Mayra, he separated from her.
Seeing Aarav, Kabir somehow managed to suppress his laughter. He said, "Your car is ready outside. I'll come in a separate car." Saying this, he left from there.
"Okay. Then you rest. We'll meet at the party tomorrow evening. I'll drop you at the hotel," Aarav said and turned towards the car. Mayra was also coming with him.
Chhavi Singhania's birthday party was going to be very grand, with guests coming from out of town to attend, and Mayra was one of them.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Aarav reached the hotel with Mahira. He checked into the VIP suite there. Since it was a VIP area, the place was completely private.
As soon as they arrived, Mahira put her luggage aside and threw her arms around Aarav's neck. Aarav felt a bit awkward doing this, but he had a fake smile on his face to show her.
"I have to go to a meeting," Aarav tried to move her away from him, but Mahira did not let him go.
"Since when do you attend meetings? Call Kabir and tell him to look after it. We are meeting after a long time anyway," Mahira said, moving even closer to Aarav. Their noses touched.
"Mahira, I really have to go. You relax, we'll meet at night..." saying this, Aarav moved away from Mahira.
When he did this, Mahira smiled and said, "I am the girl, and you are feeling uncomfortable."
"I am not feeling uncomfortable at all. I just have to go at this moment. I hope you don't mind..." Aarav came close to Mahira, hugged her lightly, said goodbye, and left.
After he left, Mahira sat comfortably on the bed. She smiled and said, "How long will you run away? But I liked this side of you too... you use girls to make yourself seem important, but in reality, you get uncomfortable when they come near you. In fact, it's an advantage for me."
After Aarav left, Mahira changed her clothes and started to relax, while Aarav escaped from her and sat in his car.
"What a weird tension... she's as irritating as she is work-oriented. I know it might sound strange, me saying this as a guy... but please God, save my reputation from this girl." Aarav started taking deep breaths to relax himself. He drank water and then called Kabir, "You handle our boss from now on."
"Does that mean they tried to kiss you again?" Kabir asked, teasing Aarav.
"When you know everything, why do you ask? She knows very well that I don't believe in emotions like love and relationships, yet she keeps coming closer. Anyway, I don't want to burn my blood talking about her. I'm reaching the office. Tell Yuvaani to line up all the meetings that need to be attended. I need to be busy until tomorrow evening." After explaining everything to Kabir, Aarav cut the call and left for the office.
Kabir had a slight smile on his face after talking to him. He said in the same tone, "You may not believe in things like love and relationships, but one day you will fight with everyone for her. When destiny changes, sir, even the best people bow down before it. You'll see, one day in your life, you will definitely fight the whole world for your love."
After finishing his conversation, Kabir started working on the tasks Aarav had assigned, as Aarav didn't want him to go meet Mahira before the party tomorrow evening and give her any chance to get close to him.
***
That night, Manthan was at his flat, working on something on his laptop. He had dropped Aayush outside his apartment in the morning, and they hadn't spoken since then. In fact, he hadn't thought of Aayush even once. He was engrossed in his own work.
As Manthan was working, he received a call from his father, Nishant Ahuja.
"How is the work going?" Nishantji asked.
"Just starting. It will take some time to settle down. To start a business, I need to expand my network. I don't have many connections here," Manthan replied. His way of speaking was very calm.
"That's good. You are progressing, but don't forget that you are Nishant Ahuja's son. You don't need to expand your network... people will come to you on their own," Nishantji said proudly.
"Yes, but I want to do everything on my own merit, that's why I came to Mumbai from Delhi," Manthan replied.
"That's your choice. Anyway, I called to tell you that tomorrow evening you have to go to the birthday party of the famous businesswoman, Chhavi Singhania. This is a good opportunity for you to expand your network on your own merit. Many important personalities will be there," Nishantji informed him. At the same time, Manthan understood why they had called him.
Manthan did not reply to his words. Seeing him quiet, Nishantji said again, "Yes, I know you don't like attending parties, but I don't have that much time. Attending this function is also important, so you will go in my place. I don't want to hear 'no'." He said with a slightly stern tone.
"Okay, I will go," Manthan said and cut the call. He took a deep breath and let it out, saying, "Chhavi Singhania's birthday party... all the big personalities from Mumbai will be there, so Aarav Khurana will definitely be there. Anu's sister should also be here." Manthan had not yet called Aayush by her name. He referred to her as Anu's sister.
Sakshi had come to invite Manthan for dinner at that very moment. She had overheard some of Manthan's conversation. She smiled and said, "If she needs to be there, why don't you take her with you? This will also fulfill her dream of meeting Aarav Khurana."
"Sister, don't talk like that. Don't say anything in front of her. It will encourage her. I am not here to help her, but to stop her. Don't mention this at all in front of her by mistake," Manthan said.
"Yes, yes, okay, I won't say anything. In fact, you didn't behave well with her this morning. You just left her outside and came in... This is not fair. If your Anu were here, she would never have done this," Sakshi chided Manthan.
"Don't blackmail me by taking Anu's name. Anyway, she doesn't look like her sister from any angle. Why are we even talking about her? Let's have dinner, I'm very hungry," Manthan said, trying to avoid the topic.
Aayush's closeness made Manthan restless, which is why he didn't want to think about her. He somehow avoided Sakshi and went out for dinner with her.
***
The next day, Aayush, having forgotten everything, was at the mall with Ayan like before. They used to go shopping together like this before as well.
"Dude, what are you doing? It doesn't take this much time for surgery preparations as it does for you to decide on a party dress. All the clothes look good, just pick one. You'll look good in anything," Ayan said, a bit irritated. They were standing in front of a lot of dresses in the mall.
Aayush was confused looking at them. She thought and said, "Tell me, what color dress are you wearing? We'll twin."
"I've designed a dark blue suit," Ayan said. Then his gaze fell on an evening gown displayed in front. Pointing towards it, he said, "Look, it's the exact same color."
"Wait, I'll try it on. We'll go together. It will look good if we wear the same color dress," Aayush left to try on the dress.
After a while, Ayan and Aayush came out with shopping bags. Ayan was carrying all the bags. He said, "If you had asked me earlier about my dress color, why waste so much time if you wanted to twin? Because of you, I've also taken a day off."
"So what? I'm compromising for you too, right? By the way, I've booked a spa, we'll both get a makeover there," Aayush said as she got into the car. Ayan started looking at her angrily when she said that.
"Don't look at me like that. Nowadays, men also dress up very well. Since you're coming with me, you should also look special," Aayush replied. She was driving the car.
Soon, they reached in front of the spa, where Aayush went to the women's section and Ayan to the men's section. From there, they would get ready and reach the party venue.
Meanwhile, Chhavi Singhania's grand birthday party had begun. Everyone there looked stunning, and amidst them, Aarav and Mahira also arrived. Aarav was wearing a custom-made black suit, while Mahira was wearing a golden evening gown. It had a low slit on the side and a low V-neck. Mahira looked very hot in that dress.
As soon as Aarav entered the party with Mahira, Chhavi's gaze fell on him. Seeing him, an evil smile appeared on her face.
Chavi Singhaniya's birthday party had begun. The party was really very grand. People from all over Mumbai to Dubai, related to business and mafia people had come. Arav and Mahira had also reached there.
Chavi was standing in front of Rahul. She was the center of attraction at the party. She wore a pale-colored (pastel) ivory evening gown. With curly hair and minimal makeup, Chavi looked very beautiful. She had a wine glass in her hand.
Chavi smiled when she saw Arav. Mahira saw Chavi's gestures and said, “Wow, this lady still has the habit of teasing people. You just stay calm, baby... Your one smile is enough to tease her.” Mahira had held Arav's hand.
Almost everyone present there had their eyes on Mahira. The girl who came there was not some ordinary person. She was the daughter of a big mafia from Dubai and everyone knew her as the Mafia Princess.
“Let's go to wish the birthday,” Arav replied and went to Chavi with Mahira.
As Arav approached her, Chavi moved aside from the crowd. When Arav reached her, no one was standing there except those two.
“Unhappy Birthday, Mrs. Singhaniya... I will pray to God that you die soon and you don't get to celebrate your birthday next year.” Arav's anger was clear from his words. His eyes had turned red with anger.
“Even last year you said the same things to me. Look, I'm still here in the same world and I'm still troubling you.” Chavi replied with a laugh. Then she looked at Mahira and said, “The Mafia Princess from Dubai... and she came to my birthday party. It's amazing, isn't your party a bit small according to your family's class?”
“You have to accept that your status and stature are much lower than mine. Now that you've come here, I expect you to have fun here.” Mahira also replied in a full attitude.
“You shouldn't have come here because there are two princes and queens here and both are me. You won't get any respect here, Mahira Luthra. I think you both should leave from here.” Chavi said. She did not want to lag behind Mahira in any way.
Arav smiled and said, “Until now I thought you were just a bad person, but you turned out to be a very bad host, Mrs. Singhaniya. Who tells the guests who have come to their house to go out? We are going to enjoy the party to the fullest... After all, you still have to give us a gift.” He said and stretched his hand to Mahira and said, “Come, baby, let's have some fun.”
“Sure, darling.” Mahira smiled and held his hand. The two of them moved to another side.
Chavi's expression on her face changed due to their departure. She called Rahul to her and said in a low voice, “Today is a very special day for me. I don't want anything to get spoiled. Keep an eye on them. I don't want to spoil my day.”
Rahul agreed to Chavi's words. His eyes were only on Arav and Mahira throughout the party. Meanwhile, Manthan had also reached the party.
“Everyone has come, only my sons didn't get time to come.” Chavi muttered to herself. Then her eyes fell on Raysha, who was coming from the front.
Raysha wore a white short dress. She looked very cute in it. A slight smile appeared on Chavi's face as she saw her. Raysha went to Chavi and wished her a happy birthday by hugging her.
“Where is Aryan? Is he planning to come to the party?” Chavi asked.
“He spoke to me. He is coming soon. He has a friend with him. That's why he is getting delayed.” Raysha replied. Then she moved away.
Not much time had passed since the party started, when masks were being distributed to all the guests at the party. This was a masquerade party.
Mahira wore a golden mask matching her dress. She picked up a black mask and offered it to Arav, but he refused to wear it.
“I don't want to do anything that Chavi Singhaniya wants.” Arav replied. Kabir was not with him at the party, so he was getting bored. And Mahira was also getting closer to him.
“Wait a minute, I'll be right back.” Arav said and went outside.
Arav came outside the venue. He was calling Kabir when his eyes fell on Aryan, who had just arrived with Ayu.
Arav watched Ayu from behind. He tried to see her but Aryan was in front and Arav couldn't see her properly. He only saw her back where her gown was backless.
Aryan was helping Ayu get down from the car as she couldn't carry her heavy gown.
“What days have come... I should catch her today only. No more than sorry, I have to call her.” Arav thought to himself, trying to get a glimpse of Ayu but Aryan was in front.
“Let's go inside first to wish your mom on her birthday.” Ayu said as she entered.
“There's no such need, but if you want to then let's go.” Aryan replied sadly. He still hadn't wished Chavi a birthday.
The two of them went to Chavi. Arav was still watching Ayu's back.
“Happy Birthday, Auntie…” Ayu said going to Chavi.
Chavi thanked her with a smile. She thought she was Aryan's girlfriend, so she hugged her. Arav immediately turned his gaze away as he saw Chavi hug Ayu.
“I didn't need to come here.” Arav said angrily and went to the drink counter. He sat there drinking wine while Mahira was busy with people she knew.
Aryan and Ayu were also separated from them. They both wore masks matching their dresses. There were many guests at the party who hadn't put on masks. Manthan was one of them.
Manthan was getting bored there, so he went to the bar counter where he met Arav.
“Hey... Manthan, what are you doing here?” Arav asked as soon as he saw him.
“Same as you. Let's assume I also came here to get bored. Dad told me, so I had to come.” Manthan replied.
“Is Sakshi also in Mumbai? Have you come for something special or are you here just for fun.” Arav asked while standing there and talking to Manthan. The two of them had known each other from before.
“Just thinking of starting business. Yes, Sakshi di is also here with me.” Manthan replied. While talking to him Manthan suddenly remembered Ayu when she was repeatedly talking about Arav pushing Anu.
“Okay, I had seen a video of yours going viral some days ago with an actress... What was that?” Manthan asked suddenly.
Before answering his question Arav finished his drink and then said, “It was just like that. You understand, that girl had saved me that night, but unfortunately, someone killed her.” Arav's expression on his face turned serious while talking.
Manthan did not ask anything further. He stood there silently watching the party. He had something else on his mind.
“I don't need to lie. If her sister had misunderstood something then surely she would clear it up. I wish she was also here then I would have made it clear to her. Arav can be rude but he doesn't tell lies.” Manthan thought.
The two of them were talking to each other when Ayu's eyes fell on Arav and Manthan. She was talking very well with Aryan and Raysha but as she saw them her expression changed. Aryan followed her gaze and his eyes were on Arav.
Ayu had removed her mask in anger. Aryan held her hand and said, “Let's move away from here.”
Ayu shook her head. Her eyes had turned wet while Aryan consoled her and said, “It's okay... If you panic, you might have a problem. Take a deep breath. Everything will be fine.”
Manthan had also seen Ayu with Aryan. He saw them hug and immediately turned his face to the other side.
“She is Aryan's girlfriend,” Arav said to Manthan. “The more you ignore something, the more it comes to the fore. I have also seen these two around me for the last three-four days.”
“I don't care about her.” Manthan replied very harshly, which even surprised Arav. He had only seen Manthan's calm side until now.
Arav was about to say something to him but Manthan left the party.
Seeing Ayu with Aryan made him feel bad and he didn't understand why.
Chhavi Singhania's birthday party was in full swing. As the party started to feel a bit dull, Rayisha took charge and went to the dance floor. She had the live music at the party turned off.
Rayisha grabbed the mic and said, "Attention, guys... I know most of the people here are professionals, but don't you think this party is getting a bit boring? So, why don't we make an effort to make it happening?"
Everyone's attention turned to Rayisha as she spoke. Responding to her, Chhavi said loudly, "Why not, beta..."
Hearing Chhavi, Aarav said to Mahira, "Well, at least they've admitted their party is boring. Let's leave."
"No, let's stay. Let's see how Chhavi Singhania's daughter makes the party happening," Mahira replied. She held Aarav's hand, keeping him there.
"Okay then, all of you come to the dance floor with your partners. Music will play, and you have to change your partners while dancing. What happens after changing partners is a bit of a surprise. So, here we go, guys..." Rayisha said enthusiastically.
Upon hearing her announcement, many people came to the dance floor with their partners. Among them, Ayan was with Ayu, and Aarav was with Mahira. As soon as the couples were formed, Rayisha asked for the music to be played.
Ayan and Ayu held each other's hands, with Ayu's other hand on Ayan's shoulder and Ayan's hand on Ayu's back. Similarly, Mahira was very close to Aarav. She had her hand on Aarav's shoulder, and Aarav had his hand on her waist.
"You mean something to me, though you're no one to me,
You mean something to me, though you're no one to me,
Whatever you did, how did you do it...
You've bound my heart like this.
Even when I understand, I can't understand,
You seem like the sun of my mornings...
You mean something to me, though you're no one to me.
Make me yours, beloved... make me yours."
While dancing, all the couples changed their partners. Ayu turned and went near Aarav, while Mahira came to Ayan.
"Make me yours, make me yours, beloved...
Make me yours, beloved... make me yours.
In the city of my heart... make it your home, beloved."
Aarav wasn't wearing a mask, so Ayu recognized him immediately. Seeing him, she lowered her gaze.
"I don't want to dance with you," Ayu said, trying to move away from him. Just then, Aarav grabbed her waist and spun her towards him.
"Well... the plan to escape from me was good, but you won't get away that easily. What did you think, that by damaging my car and putting Ayan forward, you'd get away? That's not going to happen. I know you, the scooty culprit." Aarav's face held a wicked smile. Aarav also recognized Ayu from her dress.
"You're just after me. It was just a car; what's the need to overreact like this?" Ayu replied somewhat angrily. She was trying to get away from Aarav again, but Aarav held her tightly.
Struggling, Ayu said, "Let me go... How can you hold a stranger like this?"
"Exactly the way you can damage a stranger's car for fun. Stand still right here and keep dancing," Aarav said in a stern voice.
His hands were on Ayu's waist, and she had placed her hands on his shoulders. Her gaze was still lowered.
Just then, Rayisha stopped the music and said into the mic, "So, these are your final partners with whom you have to do the paper dance. Everyone is comfortable with their own partner, so anyone can win. Let's see how dedicatedly you dance with someone else's partner."
"I don't want to dance with him," Ayu said irritably.
"But I do, and this is going to be a lot of fun," Aarav said, holding her hand to stop her.
Rayisha placed a paper near all the couples' feet and then started the music. While dancing, Aarav tried to look at Ayu's face.
"Should I look at you or at nature's wonders, my heart is in trouble.
I admit your beauty is worth its weight in silver, my dear...
My heart's gold is also pure.
These moon-like earrings, these abuses on your lips,
These moon-like earrings, these abuses on your lips,
You gave me no time to think, alas...
I followed you, I followed you."
As it was the first round, the paper was large, so everyone was dancing comfortably. But Mahira, being with Ayan, intentionally stepped off the paper in the very first round.
"No one has ever ignored Mahira Luthra. How dare she intentionally out me?" Mahira looked at Ayan angrily. Then she discreetly took a photo of him from Ayan's angle.
After being out, Mahira stood aside and started enjoying the dance of the others. With each round, the paper got smaller. Ayu tried hard to get out during the dance, but Aarav held her firmly. Only three couples remained until the last round, and Aarav and Ayu were one of them.
After the last fold of the paper, Rayisha said into the mic, "Guys, the real fun is about to begin. Now there's only enough space left on this paper for one person to place both their feet comfortably. Let's see who wins this final round. Come on, all of you stand comfortably with your partners, because this time the song will play in full."
"Look, I'm not comfortable with you... I don't want to dance. This forced closeness is too much," Ayu said irritably, as Aarav came too close.
"You should consider yourself lucky that you're the first girl to get this close to Aarav Khurana," Aarav said, getting comfortable on the paper.
"You talk as if I know nothing about you. Don't pretend to be so virtuous. I know very well who you are and what people know you for," Ayu said angrily. Throughout the dance, she never made eye contact with Aarav. Her gaze was always down.
"It seems you know everything about me very well," Aarav said with a wink.
"So, are you all ready, guys? The music will play in the next minute," Rayisha said before playing the music.
"I've noticed that your eyes are down while dancing. If it stays like this, we'll be out. Just look into my eyes... I'll handle everything else," Aarav said.
Before Ayu could say anything, Aarav held her by the waist and lifted her slightly. Then he said, "Wrap your legs around mine, or you'll fall. I don't know your weight, but why did you have to wear such a heavy dress?"
"Yes, well, no one told you to lift me... I don't know what gold medal you're trying to win with such desperation. I've been watching you for a while, being stubborn like a child. Sometimes for a car, sometimes for winning," Ayu said, exasperated.
"Yes, you won't understand... I don't know about you, but Aarav Khurana believes in winning... even if it's a small dance competition," Aarav replied.
"Huh... Oh God, this boy has irritated me so much already. He keeps repeating 'Aarav Khurana doesn't do this, Aarav Khurana doesn't do that.' From any angle, he doesn't look like a big businessman. His behavior is exactly like a child's," Ayu muttered to herself, just as the music started.
"The fire of love burns daily,
When the smoke rises, how can it be hidden.
Oh, my eyes are devoted, seeking your approval.
The kohl is like ink, coloring the day,
Your musk awakens the night.
My heart is intoxicated... my heart is intoxicated, it only repeats your name.
My heart is intoxicated... my heart is intoxicated, it only repeats your name."
As they danced, Aarav gently spun her, his fingers brushing her back, and she instinctively flinched.
"Even if it wants to, it can't forget,
My heart is intoxicated... my heart is intoxicated, it only repeats your name.
My heart is intoxicated... my heart is intoxicated, it only repeats your name."
Aarav had asked her to look into his eyes. She looked into his eyes. For the first time, she saw his eyes up close, which were a deep blue and very beautiful.
"Jogia, with the devotion of a jogi, carrying a unique ailment.
The fire of love burns daily, when the smoke rises, how can it be hidden.
My heart is intoxicated... my heart is intoxicated, it only repeats your name.
My heart is intoxicated... my heart is intoxicated, it only repeats your name."
Aarav's entire focus was on dancing while managing her. When his gaze shifted to her eyes, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Amber eyes..."
"Even if it wants to, it can't forget...
My heart is intoxicated... my heart is intoxicated, it only repeats your name.
My heart is intoxicated... my heart is intoxicated, it only repeats your name."
"Anushka Singh Oberoi..." Hearing Anu's name, Aarav was reminded of her, and Ayu was also surprised to hear Anu's name.
Aarav somehow managed to remove her mask. He saw Ayu for the first time. The impression of her eyes had already captured his mind, and her beauty and innocence were drawing him towards her.
"Wearing the veil of love, he came,
To your city, your Ranjha.
The world, the gossip, the false stories...
My promise of life and death is true.
Yes, I don't like a palace of glass, I prefer simple roti with you.
My heart is intoxicated... my heart is intoxicated, it only repeats your name.
My heart is intoxicated... my heart is intoxicated, it only repeats your name."
By the time the music ended, all the couples except Aarav and Ayu had stepped off the paper. The two of them were lost in each other's eyes.
Hearing the thunderous applause, their attention broke, and Aarav gently lowered her.
"With this, our winners are Aarav Khurana and Ayushka," Rayisha announced into the mic.
"Ayushka," Aarav repeated her name. He was still looking at her with a lost gaze, while Ayu, who didn't want to come in front of him, had ended up in front of him amidst all the chaos. Not only that, but he now knew her name too.
After that, Ayu didn't stay at the party for even a minute and left immediately. Aarav wanted to talk to her more, but she disappeared into the party crowd.
Aarav and Aayu had won the dance competition at Chhavi Singhania's birthday party. Angry Aayu left the party, Aarav tried to follow her, but Mahira stopped him by holding his hand.
"Congratulations..." Mahira said, hugging Aarav. "You were the life of the party."
Aarav thanked Mahira and moved away from her. As he was looking around, trying to find Aayu, Mahira said, "Who are you looking for? The real fun of the party is about to start. You won't believe that both Dad and Khan are here."
Hearing her, Aarav's attention turned to what Mahira was saying. Aarav's father, Mr. Nahar Luthra, attending this party was not a common occurrence. The other person, whose full name was Ejaz Khan, was also no ordinary man. Both were mafia rivals.
"Ejaz Khan had to be here... after all, it was Chhavi Singhania's party, but why is your dad here?" Aarav asked in surprise.
"That's a surprise, I'll tell you later. By the way, a special dinner party is going on upstairs, different from this party. Everyone is there, let's go. There must be some important discussion going on," Mahira replied with a smile and then took Aarav's hand, leading him upstairs.
Chhavi had entrusted Ayan and Raysa with the responsibility of the party downstairs, while a special dinner party was underway in the VIP area upstairs. Prominent figures from the underworld were present.
Those who supported Nahar Luthra sat beside him at the dining table, while Khan's people were on the other side. Chhavi Singhania was at the center of the table. Aarav went inside with Mahira and sat in front of Chhavi Singhania. Mahira was in the seat next to him.
"Well... thanks for making my party special... I'm grateful that you chose my birthday party for your meeting. Let's have dinner first. Enjoy your meal," Chhavi said, standing up from her seat, then sat down.
"Oh, so the reason for such a grand party was the meeting happening here. That's why I thought why Dad would come to her party," Mahira said to herself.
Everyone there was quietly having dinner. Aarav, however, was sitting and looking at Chhavi. When Chhavi looked at him, he smiled and winked at her.
After the meal, the serving staff cleared the table. The dinner party had now turned into a meeting.
Starting the meeting, Ejaz Khan stood up first. Everyone called him Khan. He was from the Dubai mafia and was about fifty years old.
Khan stood up and said in his stern voice, "I am not standing here to give any long speech... and I don't have that much useless time. Many years ago, we all made a contract with each other that no mafia would interfere in another mafia's business unless it had something to do with them. Everyone happily signed it. Then who handed over my gold bar ship coming from Dubai to Mumbai to the police?" His speech had a touch of Urdu. Khan looked at all of them askance. Disappointment was evident on his face.
Khan's gaze stopped at Nahar Luthra, who was his biggest rival. He was Mahira's father. Nahar Luthra was around fifty years old. He had a dark mustache and a light beard on his face. He was a tall and distinguished man.
"Enough Khan... if you stand for so long, your knees will start hurting," Nahar Luthra said from his seat in his stern voice, "Don't point fingers at anyone unnecessarily until you have clarity. Definitely not at me."
"Oh... if you didn't do it, then one of your associates must have done it... or someone special from your own house," Khan said, and his gaze then stopped at Aarav.
Aarav shrugged with a smile and said, "What do I have to do with your people? You know very well that I am just a businessman... I don't even attend your meetings. Mahira had come to India, so she forced me to come to this rotten party."
"And why would she force you? Who do you listen to?" Chhavi said sarcastically.
"Because Mahira and I are in a relationship, everyone here knows that. I am not a child to attend people's birthday parties? She came here, I wanted to spend time with her, so I came here. Everyone else knows that all my work and business are legal," Aarav cleverly dissociated himself from all this.
"Then maybe your fiancée did all this?" Khan asked, looking at Mahira.
"Even if I did, you have no proof. Prove it first, then call a meeting like this. You ruined all the fun... Come on baby, let's leave," Mahira got up from her seat and took Aarav's hand, leading him away from there.
After that, the meeting did not last long. Nahar Luthra and his supporters had left. Khan, Chhavi Singhania, and his special people were still there.
"Are you completely sure, Chhavi, that Aarav handed over our ship to the police?" Khan asked, looking at Chhavi.
"I am one hundred and ten percent sure, sir, that's why I called you here. How skillfully he got out of all this and escaped from here, and blamed others. Sir, there is nothing between Mahira and Aarav. He is just doing all this to take revenge on me," Chhavi said. There was confidence in her voice.
Hearing her, another man present in the meeting said, "How can you speak with such confidence that there is nothing between them? I have seen them together at many parties."
"I am saying this because Aarav can never get involved with any girl. Oh, he hates girls..." Chhavi stopped mid-sentence. She was about to say a lot in anger, but as soon as she realized, she fell silent.
"If you prove that Aarav and Mahira are not in a relationship, then all of Nahar Luthra's power will come into my hands, and his daughter too... I expect you to call me here next time with complete proof," Khan said angrily and left from there.
Chhavi Singhania herself was very upset by all this. She had great value in Khan's eyes, but because of Aarav, she had to face defeat once again.
"Now I will prove that Aarav is with Mahira only for show. Many attempts have been made to bring me down. Until now, I was quiet, it was only because of our relationship... but now it's too much, Aarav. You started this fight, so I will finish it," Chhavi said angrily.
She knew well what she had to do to regain her position. Now Chhavi Singhania's only objective was to bring the truth about Aarav and Mahira to the entire mafia world.
Aayu walked out of the party. She was very furious about what had happened inside and was walking recklessly. It was very difficult for her to handle that heavy dress alone.
While walking hastily, Aayu's foot twisted and one of her heels broke.
Aayu looked at her broken heel in her hand and said, "Isn't that enough? This too had to break now. Today's day is completely ruined. I was so excited to shop in the morning, but everything was ruined at the party. First, I had to dance with Arav, and now this... How can I go home now with this broken heel and heavy dress? I don't even have my own car."
Aayu became hopeless and kept looking. She sat there for some time. Then she took off the other heel as well. "Whatever happens, I have to go home," Aayu told herself.
She got up from there and started walking on the road, waiting for a cab. She had one heel in one hand, and she was somehow managing her dress and purse with the other hand.
Just then, a car sped past her, and Aayu screamed loudly, "Please...stop."
Even after she gave the signal, the car moved ahead. Aayu shouted again, "Why can't anyone help? What's the big deal if you stop for a moment? Your height won't decrease... Ugh, no one does good deeds these days."
Aayu stood there, and then the car came back. Manthan was in that car. He looked at Aayu through the rearview mirror and reversed the car.
Manthan rolled down the window and asked, "What happened? Did your boyfriend leave you here all alone?"
"Don't waste my time with stupid questions. I'm already very upset," Aayu said angrily.
Manthan looked at Aayu from top to bottom; her clothes were disheveled, her hair was loose, and he saw the broken heel in her hand, and he understood her situation.
He took a deep breath and said softly, "Come on, get in. I'll drop you."
Aayu didn't argue much with him and sat on the side seat. She was very tired, so she rested against the seat.
"If you were that tired, why did you wait for so long?" Manthan asked as he started the car.
"It was because of a special person. One more thing, take me to your home as well. If I go home so late, my mother will scold me again," Aayu said. She had closed her eyes.
"Tell me, what's not going well with your family? I had heard that you prefer staying outside to being at home," Manthan asked as he drove.
Aayu did not answer his question. Manthan glanced at Aayu, and she was asleep.
"This girl too... First, she ruined our relationship, and now I can't move on. How can I manage her?" Manthan said, shaking his head.
After some time, they both reached Manthan's apartment. He parked the car and tried to wake Aayu, but she was in deep sleep. Manthan lifted her and turned towards the lift.
"I think her dress weighs more than her," Manthan thought to himself.
Manthan took her to his floor. When he reached home, Sakshi was asleep. He went to the guest room to make Aayu sleep. While putting her on the bed, Manthan's leg got stuck in Aayu's dress. He was about to fall on her, but he supported himself with his hand.
Manthan avoided falling on Aayu, but he was very close to her face. Aayu looked like an innocent child while sleeping, and Manthan got lost in her face.
"Anu..." Manthan suddenly said.
Aayu changed her position and muttered in her sleep, "Anu... I don't want to go home. No one loves me except you."
Manthan came to his senses when he heard the name 'Anu' from her lips. He immediately got up from there.
"You are not my Anu, and you can't take her place," Manthan said and walked away.
Aayu's presence made it even harder for him to forget Anushka.
On the other side, after the meeting ended, Arav reached the hotel with Mahira. On the way, they both talked about the meeting and reached the hotel.
As soon as they arrived, Arav hugged Mahira lightly and said, "We will meet tomorrow morning. I have to go."
"But I thought we would spend the night together," Mahira said with dissatisfaction.
"I was about to stay, but Aaji called. You know her health isn't well. I can't ignore her," Arav explained why he couldn't stay.
Mahira nodded and said, "Okay, then I'll wait a few more days. I want to spend time with you. I didn't want to tell you, but all those people in that meeting were special, and they have the capacity to do something against us. We openly talked about our relationship in front of everyone, so Chhavi Singhania will definitely try to prove that there's nothing between us."
"Yes, I know, and don't worry, she'll never find out," Arav said with a smile. Then he lightly kissed Mahira's cheek and bid her goodnight before leaving.
Mahira wanted to stop him, but she couldn't because of Gauriji. On the other hand, Arav quickly got rid of her and turned the car towards home.
Arav's mind still had Aayu's face. "Now you have to know her better, my ember-eyed girl... whatever... even if you are someone's girlfriend, you have become Arav Khurana's crush. I don't know what, but there's something that's pulling me towards you."
Arav couldn't get Aayu out of his mind. When he reached home, Gauriji and Kabir had already gone to sleep. Arav quickly went to his room, and after entering the room, he straightened the door to the closet.
Beyond the door, there was another room, which was very large. It had paintings all around. On a canvas, a half-finished painting showed only the eyes, which looked exactly like Aayu's. Small and beautiful ember eyes.
"Finally, these eyes have found a face," Arav said to himself.
He picked up the colors and started completing the half-finished painting.
It was eight in the morning. Aarav was still in the secret portion of his room. He had been busy painting there all night, and now his painting was complete.
Having finished the painting, Aarav stood with his hands folded, gazing at it in a lost trance. The painting was of Ayu, in whose eyes anger was clearly visible.
"How beautiful... my amber-eyed girl..." Aarav murmured in a lost tone. Just then, Kabir called him, breaking his concentration.
"Where have you been missing since last night? Mahira Ma'am said you returned home. You weren't in your room either? Are you somewhere else?" Kabir bombarded him with questions as soon as he answered the call.
"I am at home. Let's meet at the breakfast table," Aarav said and cut the call.
Before leaving the room, he glanced at all the paintings hanging in the room. They were all in dark shades, but among them, Ayu's painting stood out as if someone had lit a lamp in a dark room.
Aarav came out of the room and went straight to get ready, after which he reached the breakfast table, where Gauravi Ji and Kabir were already present.
"I heard that she, your girlfriend or business partner or whoever she is, has arrived in India," Gauravi Ji said while eating.
Hearing her words, Aarav glanced sideways at Kabir. Kabir, defending himself, said, "I didn't tell them anything."
"He's the one who told," Gauravi Ji said with a slight smile. Then she looked at Aarav and said, "Alright, invite her for dinner tonight... I want to meet her."
"But I don't want to meet her..." Aarav refused outright.
Gauravi Ji pouted like a child and said, "But I want to make a special dinner today... and that too with someone special."
"I am not ordinary, Grandma... in any way. We have dinner together every day, and every one of your dinners is special," Aarav said with a smile. Seeing the dimple on his cheek with his smile, Gauravi Ji said in annoyance, "There's nothing special about you besides this dimple. Do as I've said."
"Alright. Then I'll call Sakshi. She is in Mumbai. Kabir will take care of Mahira," Aarav said looking at Kabir and started to go to his room.
"N... no. Please, don't do this to me, sir. I can't," Kabir said helplessly.
Aarav completely ignored his words. After he left, Kabir looked at Gauravi Ji and said, "They trick me every time. Grandma, you shouldn't have mentioned Mahira Ma'am."
"Hey, don't you worry about her... do as I say. Sakshi will be his guest... you invite Mahira on my behalf. Once she arrives, he won't be able to do anything," Gauravi revealed her plan.
"They will kill me," Kabir shook his head negatively.
"If you don't invite her, you won't be saved anyway," Gauravi Ji said and left.
"These two, grandmother and grandson, keep tricking me," Kabir shook his head. He also left.
Meanwhile, since it was Sunday, Aarav was at home. He called Sakshi to invite her for dinner.
Sakshi was making breakfast in the kitchen, and Manthan was helping her. Ayu, on the other hand, was still sleeping soundly. Manthan had informed Sakshi about Ayu's presence there.
"You go and wake her up, breakfast is ready," Sakshi told Manthan, to which he shook his head negatively. He was about to say something more to her when Aarav called.
"Aarav... why is he calling me?" Sakshi asked in surprise. They were certainly friends, but being busy with their respective work, they only called each other when there was a reason.
"He met me at the party last night, and I informed him about your presence. He must be calling to meet," Manthan explained.
Aarav had directly video-called her. Manthan answered the call and held the phone in front of Sakshi, while Sakshi was still busy cooking.
"As soon as I arrive, you're put to work. If you wanted to do all this, you should have told me earlier... I would have invited you to my place, and at least I would have gotten to taste your delicious cooking," Aarav said, seeing Sakshi cooking.
"Very funny... why would you invite me to your place? We've known each other for many years. I haven't come to your place without a party. Invite me casually, my days haven't gotten that good," Sakshi said with a laugh.
"Just that? Consider your days good. Tonight's dinner party is at my place, from me... You and Manthan are both invited," Aarav replied.
As soon as Aarav invited them, Manthan shook his head negatively from behind. He didn't want to go out. Just then, Ayu came out from behind. She had woken up and was coming out, adjusting her dress.
Her hair was loose and messy from waking up from sleep. Aarav was talking to Sakshi when he saw Ayu from behind and was stunned.
"Who... who is that girl?" Aarav asked immediately, and Manthan turned the phone.
Manthan wished that Aarav had no idea about the purpose for which Ayu wanted to meet him.
"I'm coming. I'll talk to you later," Sakshi said and quickly cut the call.
As soon as she cut the call, Aarav muttered to himself, "Whether you come or not, I'm coming to your place now. She is at your place... How do you know her? I've never heard you mention her before. I've met your entire family, so who... who is she?"
Talking to himself, Aarav immediately got up, took his car, and set off for Sakshi's house.
