Chapter 50: 47. The truth

As Naira sat across from Rihaan, the weight of her realizations pressed down on her. She felt a mixture of guilt and relief wash over her as she contemplated the path ahead. “You’re right, Rihaan. I’ve been so caught up in my feelings for him that I didn’t consider how it might affect others,” she admitted, her voice steadying with newfound resolve.

Rihaan nodded, encouraging her to continue. “I think it’s time to come clean. You need to talk to both Ekansh and Samyuktika about everything.”

Naira bit her lip, contemplating the implications of that decision. “Do you think they’ll understand?” she asked, her anxiety creeping back.

“I think they deserve to know the truth, especially since it involves their lives too,” Rihaan replied. “You’re not alone in this, and it’s better to be honest than to keep things hidden. It’ll only create more tension in the long run.”

Naira took a deep breath, nodding in agreement. “You’re right. I owe them that much, and it’s not fair to keep them in the dark. I just hope they can forgive me for being so selfish.”

Rihaan reached for her hand again, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You’re taking the first step toward making things right. That counts for a lot. And I’ll be there to support you when you talk to them.”

Feeling a wave of gratitude, Naira smiled. “Thank you for being so understanding. I really don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Anytime, Naira. Let’s head back and talk to them,” Rihaan suggested, standing up and helping her to her feet.

They made their way back to the house, a sense of determination fueling their steps. As they approached, Naira’s heart raced. She knew this conversation was going to be difficult, but she couldn’t shy away from it any longer.

Once inside, they found Ekansh and Samyuktika in the living room, laughing and chatting about their day. Naira took a moment to gather her thoughts, exchanging a glance with Rihaan. He nodded, encouraging her silently.

“Hey, can we talk to you two for a second?” Naira asked, her voice firm despite the fluttering in her stomach.

Samyuktika looked up, her smile fading slightly at the seriousness in Naira’s tone. “Of course! What’s up?”

Ekansh, sensing the shift in atmosphere, straightened up, his expression turning serious as well. “Is everything okay?”

Naira took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I need to tell you both something important. It’s about Anirudh and how I’ve been feeling.”

As she spoke, the room fell silent. Samyuktika’s brows furrowed in concern, while Ekansh’s expression shifted from curiosity to apprehension. Naira poured out her heart, explaining her lingering feelings for Anirudh, her mistakes, and how she’d allowed those emotions to cloud her judgment.

Rihaan chimed in, backing her up and providing support as they laid everything bare. “We both know that this situation is complicated, but honesty is what matters right now,” he added.

As Naira finished, she looked at both of them, her heart racing. “I know I’ve hurt you both, and I’m really sorry for being selfish. I never meant to come between your happiness.”

There was a tense silence as Samyuktika and Ekansh exchanged glances. Naira’s heart pounded, fear gripping her as she awaited their reactions.

Here’s a concise version of Naira telling them everything:

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Naira stood in front of Ekansh and Samyuktika, her heart racing. She swallowed hard, gathering her courage, and began to speak. "I have to tell you something... about everything I've been hiding."

Both Ekansh and Samyuktika looked at her with concern, waiting. Naira took a deep breath, her voice trembling. "I... I was in love with Ekansh. I know it was wrong, and I let those feelings get the better of me. I did things—things that hurt you both. I'm sorry."

Ekansh and Samyuktika exchanged a glance, their faces a mix of shock and confusion.

"I added chili to the poha that day," Naira admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought... I thought it would remind him of me, of what we used to be. But I see now how wrong I was. I never wanted to hurt you, Samyuktika, or come between your marriage. I just... I couldn't let go."

She looked at the ground, guilt weighing her down. "I'm really sorry."

The room fell into silence, the weight of her confession hanging in the air.

Naira took a deep breath, her hands trembling as she prepared to share the darkest moment. “Ekansh, there’s something I have to tell you about Anirudh. When I went shopping the other day, one of his men kidnapped me.”

Ekansh’s eyes widened in shock, his expression shifting from concern to rage. “What?!” he exclaimed.

Naira continued, her voice shaky. “He threatened me, Ekansh. He said I had to do whatever Anirudh wanted. If I didn’t, he’d make sure I wouldn’t make it out alive. He wanted me to get you to break things off with Samyuktika. He was trying to control me, and I was terrified.”

Ekansh clenched his fists, his blood boiling. “That bastard!” he roared, fury coursing through him. “He thinks he can threaten you?!”

Naira nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. “I didn’t know what to do. I felt trapped. I’m so sorry for not telling you sooner.”

With a sudden surge of anger, Ekansh slammed his fist onto the table, shattering the glass beneath it. “He’s got the audacity to lay his eyes on my wife?” he seethed, his voice low and dangerous. Samyuktika gasped, stepping back as Ekansh's fury filled the room, ready to unleash his wrath on Anirudh.

Ekansh's eyes blazed with fury as he processed Naira's revelation. “I swear, I will kill him,” he said, his voice dripping with venom. “He thinks he can threaten you and get away with it?”

Naira’s heart raced. “Ekansh, please—”

“No!” he interrupted, his tone fierce. “He’s crossed a line. No one lays a finger on you and walks away unscathed. Anirudh will pay for what he’s done.”

Samyuktika, sensing the intensity in Ekansh’s voice, stepped forward. “Ekansh, I understand you’re angry, but we need to be careful. This could escalate—”

But Ekansh’s mind was made up. “I don’t care. He needs to learn that he can’t mess with us. I will kill Anirudh,” he vowed, determination hardening his features.

Naira felt a chill at his words, torn between fear for Ekansh’s safety and relief that he was willing to protect her. “Just promise me you’ll be careful,” she pleaded.

“I promise nothing,” he replied fiercely, a dark resolve in his eyes. “He’s going to regret ever laying a hand on you.”

With that, Ekansh's mind was set on a path of vengeance, ready to confront the threat looming over their lives.