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"मोहब्बत किसी से करनी हो,
तो हद में रहकर करना,
वरना किसी को बेपनाह चाहोगे,
तो टूट कर बिखर जाओगे…”
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A R O H I ' S   P O V

I came out of the rathore mahal panting. My hands trembled. My whole body was shivering. I couldn’t breathe. I felt like someone was choking me. A tension was spreading in my body. I rushed away from that place as fast as I could. I kept walking. I didn't even recognize where I was marching. My breathing was ragged. My chest heaving from the impact.

Sweat beads formed on my forehead, glided on my cheek and neck and hid behind the fabric of my kurta. I didn't stop. Couldn't stop. Neither I intended to. I was in a daze. I didn't realise when I came so far from that place. My feet stopped abruptly. The rain poured, drenching me from head to toe.

I was barefoot. I forgot to take my things from there. My mobile, purse, and sandals were forgotten. My hands shook with comprehension. My clothes were wet, my white anarkali kurta, now transparent, clung to my body. The dupatta trailing on the road, was coated with dirt. My hair drenched in rain stuck to my body.

And I… I was left alone on this deserted road with nothing. A chill seeped into my body. I couldn’t even imagine the consequences of my rash actions. How could I? How could I be so… stupid? I roamed my eyes to find anything. But the time wasn't appropriate to take anyone's help.

Maybe it was past midnight. I don't even know how long I have been walking on this barren road. Reality slapped harder than I imagined. What if something happens? There is no one around. Not even a single soul. No shops. Nothing. Just a road surrounded with trees.

I don't even know on which path I have marched. My eyes filled with water. I couldn’t stop now. Tears started pooling in my eyes, gliding on my cheeks. And I… I wept. As hard as I could. I was scared.

Scared of the night.

Afraid of the Dark.

And terrified of standing alone on this unknown path.

I couldn’t bear it anymore. I found the shade under a tree on the roadside. I sat on the road, wrapping dupatta all around me like it could save me from the storm I have walked myself into. Fear. A small word. But its weight was only known to those who could feel it. It runs deeper than blood in my veins.

I have spent my whole life like this.

Terrified.

Scared.

Silent.

I… I tried. I tried a lot of times to not show any weakness. To become strong. I also wanted to be like those girls who could fight for themselves. Who could face fear. Who could look in people's eyes without shivering.

But some people are weak. Vulnerable. Powerless. Not because they aren't trying to be strong. But because…  they are helpless. Not every person can face fears. Some people are genuinely weak. They are born like that.

And I— Arohi Raichand is one of those weakest… fragile girls who don't know whether to run or hide. Who doesn't know how to stand up for herself. Who doesn't have any idea how this world's algorithm works?

Should I be ashamed because I am weak?
Or should I hide myself in one of the corners of my room?

My mind kept telling the truth my whole-self wanted to deny. You are weak.
You are weak.
Arohi is weak.
Arohi will always be weak.

And out of nowhere I saw flashes of car headlights. The things I was imagining, the thoughts my mind kept repeating came to a stop. The tears which soaked my face also s
paused, unaware of the future I had to face. The car halted inches away from me. And I… I scooted backwards. The door of the car opened. And someone stepped out.

A Man.

A silhouette of a man.

I tried to hide behind the tree, dragged myself backwards and closed my eyes as hard as I could. After some time, when nothing happened, I tried to open my eyes but couldn't due to fear. Then suddenly I heard. A voice that sent shivers down my spine.

A U T H O R ' S   P O V

The chaos in Rathore Bhavan was silenced. Everyone feared the man standing at the entrance of the Mahal. The Rathore family stood frozen. No moment. Nothing. And suddenly with his one look, each and every servant kneeled down in front of him.

Men.

Women.

Children.

No one dared to lift their eyes. Heads bowed. Their palms folded together. No one could utter a single word. Not one dared to.

A wave of shock went through every family member. What was happening? No one knew. The men of the family who just came running from Rajdarbar, stood like they didn't possess any power.

In front of the man they are standing.

The stillness was broken none other than Surekha Singh Rathore who kept weeping, crying, trembling and wailing in front of the person who seemed to not even care.

And suddenly the aura of the hall changed when Surekha tried to touch him. Zaroon came forward to stop her hands from touching his boss. “I apologize but Chief doesn't like it when someone touches him.” Zaroon declared in his monotonous tone.

Surekha didn't even realise the appearance of her grandson. Advansh Rudra Singh Rathore was standing at the entrance of R.S. RATHORE BHAVAN. Owner of this palace. His black shirt clinging to his body, radiated the power and aura he held at this place.

The tattoos peaked from the few opened buttons of his shirt. His left wrist adorned with a limited edition watch, held the glass of alcohol in his hand loosely. His fingers kept the cigarette intact. And took a long drag from it. He didn’t even care about his grandmother and exhaled the smoke calmly.

His right palm was adorned with that same silver bracelet, holding the gun and playing with it using his fingers. He rubbed his temple with the tip of the gun like he was watching a drama playing in front of him.

His men Luke and Zaroon, standing beside both of his sides, gave a cold look to every single man present. Observing them. Scrutinizing their every action. Ready for whatever lays ahead. Luke, the 6 feet 6 inches man, stood tall clutching the huge gun machine in his hand making everyone shiver in their places.

Zaroon had a tab in his hands writing everything down, suspecting each soul and a gun tucked on his waist showed he was no less dangerous than the twenty men standing behind them with their weapons in attentive positions.

Bhairav Singh Rathore, former king, came forward. “Maharani sa sambhale khud ko. Jodhpur ki maharani pe aisa vyavahar shobha nahi deta. Devraj inhe inke kamre me le jaiye. Inhe aaram ki aavyashakta hai.” He ordered in his dominating voice. He ordered his second son, Devraj Singh Rathore. Devraj nodded.

[Maharani sa, you should compose yourself. This type of behaviour doesn't suit the Queen Consort of Jodhpur. Devraj, take her to her room. She needs rest.]

“Par hame apne pote se to milne de. Hum kuch nahi bolenge. Par ek baar jee bhar ke dekh to lene de.” She pleaded for the first time in her life. Tears still kept coming from her eyes.

[But at least let me meet my grandson. I will say nothing. But at least let me see him to my heart content.]

Everyone was seeing her losing herself. No one could believe she was the same queen who killed a man brutally just because she didn't like his face when he dared to say something in a voice too loud for her.

She was the same woman who made Bhairav Singh Rathore knelt in front of her when thousands of people were watching. The woman whose decisions were carved in stones.

“Apka pota ab kahi nahi jaa raha. Baad mein jitna man kare utna jee bharke dekh lijiyega. Abhi aap kamre mein jaake aaram kijiye.” He said leaving no room for any argument. His voice, final. She looked at her husband, pleading with her eyes but his eyes showed the seriousness of the current situation. She nodded and went with Devraj to her room. She knew if her husband said something to her then it would happen.

[Your grandson is not going anywhere now. See him as much as you want. Right now, take some rest in your room.]

Bhairav Singh Rathore was known for his resolute demeanour. A man who always stood on his words, whose actions spoke louder than the words ever could. He was the king of his time people feared to face. He was known for the legacy he has created for his upcoming generations. The man who has been like a shield for the rathores for decades.

“Hamare sath adhyayan kaksh mai chalo. Vikram pashchimi bhaag ko saaf karaiye. Ek bhi kami na rahne paye.” he uttered in his authoritative voice to his eldest son, Vikram Singh Rathore, who was still standing at the same place. His expressions, unreadable. His posture, stiff. His fists were clenched tightly.

[Come with me to the study room. Vikram, have the western wing cleaned. Make sure not a single flaw should remain.]

“Kya hame khud ko doharaane ki aavyashakta hai?” Bhairav roared. His voice was sharper than a knife. He looked at his son with his dreadful eyes. Vikram shook his head and went away to do as per the orders. No one had the audacity to question Bhairav Singh Rathore.

[Do I need to repeat myself?]

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A R O H I ' S   P O V

I was trying to hide behind the tree. My eyes closed. My breath came in ragged gasps. And then I heard. A voice. So deep. But something strange. It sent shivers down my spine. I straightened myself. Getting ready for whatever laid ahead.

“Mam, I am here to drop you home.” A woman's voice. Was she a woman? I opened my eyes as soon as I heard her. A woman, her height around 5'11 stood in front of me looking exactly like a man. Her hair tied in a tight ponytail. She was wearing a tight black shirt with cargo pants. Shoulder straps attached to her shirt gave her a more terrifying look.

A watch clasped around her wrist. She wore a sleek black covert earpiece. She didn’t look like an Indian. Her hazel eyes shone in the moonlight. Her face glowed in the dark and her fair skin looked like a glass. She looked at me with soft eyes. Maybe trying to calm my inner turmoil.

“Ap kon hai?” I tried to sound confident. Unbothered. Quivering. But I entirely looked like something else. Like a lamb trying to act brave. Her eyes roamed on my entire outfit and concern filled her eyes.

[Who are you?]

“Kayra Mam has ordered me to escort you home safely.” She said in her robotic tone. The second I heard her a warmth plead in my body. Yeah, Kayra must have sent her. I nodded and she helped me get up. I stood, my legs were shaking. She helped me to reach the car and opened the door. She made me sit in the back seat ensuring I was seated comfortably and closed the door.

My eyes were stuck outside the window. It was still raining. I kept my head on the headrest of the seat. My mind spinned with the memories of the whole day. After some time, we reached. She opened the car door for me and after thanking her, I went inside the house without looking back. I could feel she was still there until the Mansion door was closed.

A sigh escaped my throat. Everything that happened today was strange. My emotions were out of control. My cheeks still had traces of tears. The moment I tried to step forward, the hall brightened as the lights flickered on. My steps halted. I knew what was coming.

“Kaha se aa rahi ho raat ke 1 baje?” She asked in her usual harsh tone. My mother. I turned towards her. She sat on the couch, facing me. Her legs crossed. Her hands rested on the armrest.  She was waiting. My expressions, composed and calculated. I knew every word was gonna be analyzed. She studied me from head to toe. Inspecting. Ready to uncover the lies I am gonna tell her.

[Where are you coming from at 1 a.m.?]

The woman who has always been punctual with her sleeping schedule, who slept at straight 9 p.m., was waiting for me. Not in concern… but to show the power she held in this house. She is the one who decides how much water I drink, how much chapatis I can have for a single meal. She is the owner of this house. Owner of my life. That's what she was trying to demonstrate.

“Rajmata ne arrangements mein unki madad karne ke liye rok liya tha.” I uttered in a measured tone. My eyes looked straight at her. She was trying to catch if I was lying. Scheming everything in her mind. Her fingers tapping on the armrest.

[Rajmata made me stay there to help in the arrangements.]

“Phir unhone tumhe itni raat mein kaise aane diya. Vo to aisa kabhi nahi karti.” She asked. Her expressions showed her disagreement. Her night dress, expensive, limited edition, clinged to her body. Her fair skin was glowing in the lights.

[Then how did she let you come this late at night? She never agrees on sending you this late.]

“Mujhe kal kuch assignments submit karne the. Thoda kaam pending tha, isliye.” I said. I tried to sound normal. I clutched the dupatta in my fist more tightly. She said nothing and went away without looking back. I realised how her simple words, a few sentences always affect me. She was too used to breaking things without showing she was the one who held them in the first place. I stood there more than I needed.

[I need to submit some assignments tomorrow. Some work was pending, that's why.]

I entered my room and locked the door. The only place in this house which felt like mine. Where I could hide… for some time. Without thinking anything, I went straight to the bed and laid on it. I threw the dupatta somewhere. My body gave up the moment it felt the warmth of the cozy bed. I didn't even care about the wet clothes and hair. I needed to sleep. Just sleep. To escape.

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The next morning I woke up abruptly. My dupatta tossed beside the bed on the floor. My eyes wide open because of the nightmare. Same nightmare. I searched for my mobile but instantly yesterday's events flooded my mind stopping my movements. I tried to calm my breathing. My feet landed on the cold floor and my body shivered with the impact.

Out of nowhere, I sneezed. I wasn't feeling good. I wanted to rest but couldn't because of the lie I told yesterday. I had to go to university. I dragged myself to the bathroom and took a warm shower. I got ready as soon as possible. I came downstairs adjusting the dupatta on my shoulder neatly.

The moment I entered the dining room Maa and Bhaiya stopped eating. Bhaiya looked at me and gestured to sit beside him. I sat and he filled my plate with food more than I could even eat. He knew I never eat much. Couldn’t. I knew the consequences. He didn’t know about it. He doesn’t need to know.

“Ye kya ek roti kha ke lakdi jaisi ho rahi ho. Kya hum itne gareeb hai. Tumhara bhai is country ki 2nd top company ka CEO hai or tum ho ki aise khati ho jaise tumhe chaar-chaar din tak khana na milta ho. Buddhu kahi ki. Khano Khao thik se.” He muttered in his usual playful tone. And she was looking at my face intently, waiting for any expression, any reaction. I sat there, trying to look normal, knowing I never belonged here.

[Look at you. You eat only one chapati and have become so frail. Are we that poor? Your brother is the CEO of the 2nd top company in this country and here you are, sitting like you haven't had food for four days. Stupid girl. Eat properly.]

“Jii.” I said. The only word I could muster. My throat felt like it was chained for years. Nothing could come out of it. Not a word. Not a sentence. Nothing. “Bhaiya mai baad mein university mein Kayra ke sath kha lungi. Mujhe assignments submit karne hai. Already late ho gayi hoon.” I finished, hoping he would let me go. And he did. Thankfully.

[Okay.]

[Bhaiya, I'll eat something with Kayra in the university. I have to submit some assignments. I am already late.]

“Thik hai. Abhi to jao par aage se nahi jaane dunga. Bachha apna khayal rakha karo. Fikr hoti hai mujhe tumhari.” He said, looking at me with his concerned eyes. Kayra and him were the only people in my life who cared about me. Who cared if I had eaten or not.

[Okay. I am leaving you this time only. Bachha, you should take care of yourself. I am concerned about you.]

“Jii Bhaiya.” I said and was about to stand when she interrupted — “Ruko. Betho vapas se.” It was a command. An order. I had to follow and I… I sat again. “Tumhare dad vapas aa rahe hai aaj raat celebration ke liye. Rathore's ke yaha jana hai kal. Rajmata ne call kiya tha ki aaj tum vahi rahogi Kayra ke sath. Tum unhe mana nhi kar sakti thi?” She demanded an answer from me.

[Yes, Bhaiya.]

[Wait. Sit again.]

[Your dad is coming back tonight for the celebration. We have to go to Rathore's tomorrow. Rajmata has called that you will stay there tonight. Why didn't you deny her proposal?]

My breathing stopped. My palms, sweating. I looked at her puzzled. He is coming back. And the look she gave me confirmed whatever she said was true. Veerendra Raichand was coming tonight. I composed myself. Calm my breathing.

“Mujhe is baare mein nahi pata. Shayad vo mujhse puchna bhul gayi.” I said. I didn't want to go there. Rajmata didn't even ask me. Kayra must have done this. I also didn't want to stay here. This happened for my good. It was a better option to stay there with Kayra than staying here alone.

[I didn't know about this. Maybe she forgot to mention this to me.]

Veerendra Raichand and Devraj Singh Rathore are childhood best friends. Both of them are business partners as well. Their friendship has always been unbreakable. Both of them were always present in each other's family's functions no matter what. And that's why she couldn’t deny Rajmata's orders. No one could.

“To isme burayi kya hai. Achii baat hai Arohi bhi Kayra ke sath thoda time spend kar legi.” Bhai spoke, concluding the matter. “Arohi, tum jao tumhe university ke liye late ho raha tha na.” His tone was final. His voice turned soft the moment he turned to me. I nodded my head and without looking back went away for the university.

[What's wrong with that? It's good, Arohi will spend some time with Kayra.]

[Arohi, go…You are already late for your university.]

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A U T H O R ' S   P O V

Arohi entered the class and started looking for Kayra, who was seated on the fourth bench of the last row. Kayra saw her and gestured towards her seat. Both of them sat together.

“Arohi, ye lo tumhara mobile or purse. Kal tum mahal mein hi bhul gayi thi. Sandals mujhe pasand aa gaye the to maine rakh liye. Tum mujhe bina bataye chali gayi. Atleast mujhe inform kar diya hota. Pata hai mai kitna pareshan ho gayi thi.” Kayra scolded her. Her stern tone showed how unacceptable it was for her.

[Arohi, your mobile and purse. You forgot them in the mahal yesterday. I liked the sandals so I took them. You went away without even telling me. You should have at least informed me. I was so worried about you.]

“I am sorry, Kayra. Something urgent came up. I wasn't in my senses. I worried you for nothing.” Arohi said, ashamed of her actions. Her tone, guilty. She should have informed her properly. Kayra looked at her with worried eyes. She knew something was up. But Arohi couldn't tell her anything.

Before they could talk further, the professor came into the class and both of them got busy in their classes. After their classes were wrapped, they went into the university's cafeteria. Kayra was gossiping about some popular girl from their university and Arohi was eating her sandwich, ignoring her.

“Hey, Arohi.” A boy came with his other four friends and sat in front of Arohi. She gulped the bite she was chewing and looked at him with confused eyes. “I texted you last night but you didn't reply. I was waiting to hear from you.” he uttered, looking at the floor, rubbing his neck with his palm as if he was shy and nervous. Before Arohi could answer, Kayra interrupted her—

“Hey, Ishaan. Actually Arohi left her phone at her boyfriend's house yesterday. That's why she couldn’t message you. By the way, what was so important in that text that you have to come here and ask about it?” Kayra started her inspection, observing his actions. She knew that he had something for Arohi. She was enjoying this melodrama.

The most popular boy of the university, who was the prince charming of every girl, Ishaan Malhotra, was sitting in front of her, blushing. He was known as the rudest man but when it comes to Arohi he always became someone else. Entirely different from what he was. The moment he heard Kayra, his face fell. He looked at Arohi for confirmation whose face turned towards Kayra.

Kayra, who was enjoying everything, spoke again— “Usse kya dekh rahe ho, mai jhuth thodi bol rahi hu. Agar tumhe mujhpe believe nahi hai to Arohi se hi puch lo.” Kayra uttered whatever came to her mind. Arohi's eyes went wide and she turned to Ishaan as fast as she could. Ishaan's eyes which were calm until now turned serious.

[Why are you looking at her? You think I am lying. If you don't believe me, ask Arohi.]

“Who is he?” He asked Arohi in his cold voice which sent shivers in Kayra and Arohi's body. The atmosphere of the cafeteria suddenly changed. The man who always spoke in a soft voice with her. The girls who were gaping at Ishaan, were waiting for his outburst on Arohi. Kayra could sense how serious he was.

He pulled Arohi's chair towards him, resting his elbows on his thighs. “Kuch pucha maine. Kon hai? Naam batao.” He asked in his dead tone. Kayra didn't even realise what her little joke weighs. Arohi's hands begin to fidget. She held her dupatta at the edge so tightly. She didn’t know what to do or what to say. She tried to pull her chair backwards but he pulled it even more closer with his one hand.

[I asked you something. Who is he? Tell me the name.]

Arohi looked at Kayra for help but Kayra's whole attention was diverted towards Ishaan, who was completely focused on Arohi. Kayra's demeanour changed. “Look at me.” He demanded. Arohi glanced at him and was about to speak, Kayra stood up from her seat and grabbed his collar in her fist.

“You bastard. How dare you talk to my friend like that? I dare you say one word again in that tone.” Kayra yelled in front of everyone. Everyone in the cafe went still. She was Kayra Singh Rathore who knew what power she held.

“Do you even have any idea what I can do for this tiny-little thing? She is my best friend. Only mine. And if you dared to even look at her without her permission then I am gonna feed your body parts to my puppies. I was taking you as a joke and thought I could have some fun. But how pathetic of you to cross the line.” She spat looking straight in his eyes. In just a few seconds, her bodyguards came. The girls who were recording them kept their phone back in their pocket.

Ishaan who was listening to every single thing she spat, calmly stood up and removed her fist from his collar. He looked straight at Kayra and spoke in his very serious voice. “I don't give a damn fuck about your fun. How dare you too to make a joke out of my feelings. I have had a crush on her since the day she stepped into this university.  Since that day she has been mine. And I am not here to be with her for a period of time. I am gonna make her mine till the day she dies. And I'll see who can stop me from doing that.” He finished taking a step closer to her. Kayra could feel how serious he was for Arohi.

Arohi's expressions transformed. Arohi who was silent all this time, stood up and held Kayra's hand pulling her back. She was calm until now, looked at him and spoke to him for the first time,

“This is the last time you have spoken to my friend like that. She didn’t mean to make fun of your feelings. It's not like you have a good reputation at all. And my answer is No. I am not interested in you. Hope we never cross each other's paths again. Goodbye.”

Arohi said in her final tone. Her voice was calm but her face showed how serious she was. And without saying anything further, she held Kayra's hand tightly and went away from there.

Ishaan who heard her talk to him for the first time looked at her. His eyes, unreadable. He combed his hair with his hand, while muttering— “She spoke to me… Me. Let's see Miss. Arohi Raichand who'll be interested in whom.” He uttered, looking at her retreating figure.

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“Kayra, maine tumhe kitni baar mana kiya hai ye sab karne se. Agar usne tumhe kuch kar diya hota to. Tum uski reputation se wakif nahi ho kya. Ek sirf tum hi to meri dost ho. Or kya jarurat hai in sabse panga lene ki.” Arohi scolded her as they sat in the backseat of the car.

[Kayra, how many times have I stopped you from doing these things? What if he has done something to you? Aren't you aware of his reputation? You are my only friend. What's the need to mess with all of them?]

“Isme meri koi galti nahi hai. Tumne dekha nahi vo tumse kaise baat kar raha tha jaise vo tumhare us exist na karne vale boyfriend ko jaan se hi maar dega. Uski himmat kaise hui tumse us lehje mein baat karne ki.” Kayra snapped furiously.

[I don't have any fault in this. Didn't you see how he was talking to you like he is going to kill that non-existent boyfriend of yours? How dare he speak to you in that tone!]

“I just want to go back and chop his tongue, his fucking dick into a million pieces.” Kayra uttered in her most furious tone. Arohi laughed at the way she said that. Both of them started laughing. They have always been like this. Most of their memories are with each other. They were enjoying their time forgetting everything that happened earlier. 

But in the middle of this, Arohi could feel someone's eyes on her. Like someone was staring at her soul. But she didn't take it seriously… she must be overthinking.
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Time: 1 AM

A man was tied with chains in a dungeon in the middle of a forest, away from the city. A ray of light was coming into the room from a hole drilled on the wall. Like someone sarcastically made it to taunt the prisoner. His hands were bleeding. His head, hanging like a corpse.

His whole Body was filled with cuts, marks, burnt scars. His fingers kept on a plate like a desert after a full course meal. His completely bare body trembling, shivering with the cold weather of the night or maybe because of the man sitting in front of him on a chair. Like a king was sitting on his throne.

Who are you?

And this was the last sentence he asked himself that night.

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Here is the 3rd Chapter.
The target is 20+ votes and 10+ comments.

Otherwise, next update on Monday.
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-R.