A Reckoning Awaits

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Aashna stirred awake, the warmth of Dhruvin’s arms wrapped around her like a protective cocoon. She blinked against the morning light filtering through the curtains, her cheek resting against his bare chest. His steady heartbeat was a comforting rhythm, a silent reminder of his presence, his devotion. A small smile tugged at her lips as she took in the sight of him—his tousled hair, the faint stubble shadowing his jaw, and the peaceful expression that softened his usually sharp features.

She shifted slightly, pressing a gentle kiss to his collarbone. Dhruvin stirred, his arms instinctively tightening around her before his eyes fluttered open. A sleepy grin formed on his lips as he gazed down at her. “Morning, Baby.”

“Morning,” she whispered, brushing her fingers through his hair. “Slept well?”

“With you beside me? Always.” He traced his fingers down her spine, sending a shiver through her. “Stay like this forever?”

Aashna chuckled, pressing another kiss to his chest before slipping out of bed. “Tempting, but I think Aaji might have something to say about that.”

Dhruvin groaned, rolling onto his back. “Traitor.”

She laughed, throwing on one of his oversized shirts before heading to the kitchen. Aaji was already up, humming softly as she prepared breakfast. Aashna joined her, quickly rolling up her sleeves to help.

Aaji raised an eyebrow but smiled knowingly. “So, my Dhruvin finally let you rest?”

Aashna flushed. “Aaji!”

Aajoba chuckled from the dining table. “We’re old, beti, not blind.”

Aashna buried her face in her hands as Aaji laughed. “Don’t tease the poor girl.” She turned to Aashna, her eyes warm. “You should come around more often, beta. Feels nice to have another woman in the house.”

Aashna nodded, feeling something deep settle in her chest. She loved it here. She loved waking up to Dhruvin, helping Aaji, listening to Aajoba’s stories over chai. This felt like home.

At college, the moment they stepped into the courtyard, something felt off. Their friends were gathered in a huddle, whispering urgently. The moment they noticed Aashna and Dhruvin approaching, they went silent, shifting awkwardly.

Aashna frowned. “Okay, guys, what’s going on?”

Manan rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her gaze. “Uh…”

Sia shot him a glare before stepping forward. “It’s Nishta. she… she told everyone.”

Aashna stiffened, and Dhruvin immediately tensed beside her. “Told everyone what?” she asked, though she already knew.

Raj sighed. “That night. The one at the theatre. She came clean after you guys left.”

Silence stretched between them. Aashna took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Relax, guys. I’m okay now. It was a long time ago.”

Manan, unable to hold back, jumped forward and enveloped her in a tight hug. She let out a small laugh as he squeezed her. “Manan, I can’t breathe.”

One by one, the rest of her friends hugged her, scolding her for keeping it to herself, for suffering alone. “You’re the baby of the group,”

Sia huffed, pinching her cheek. “You don’t get to go through things alone.”

Dhruvin stood back, watching her laugh, seeing her happy for the first time in what felt like forever. But beneath his relief, something simmered, dark and unrelenting. He clenched his fists. This wasn’t over.

He caught Manan and Sia’s eyes, nodding for them to step aside. Once they were out of earshot, he exhaled sharply. “I’m dealing with Nishant.”

Sia’s eyes widened. “Dhruvin—”

“No. This doesn’t slide.” His voice was deadly calm. “Watch over her while I’m gone. Don’t tell her anything.”

Manan nodded. “We’ve got her.”

Dhruvin turned back, walking up to Aashna. He cupped her face, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead. “Babba, my badminton coach called. I have to go. It might take some time.”

She smiled softly. “Okay. Love you.”

“Love you too,” he murmured before walking out of college.

The moment he stepped outside, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. When Nishant picked up, his voice was cautious. “Dhruvin?”

“Where are you?” Dhruvin’s voice was ice-cold. “I need to see you.”

A long pause. Then Nishant sighed. “I figured this was coming. Meet me at the old basketball court near our school in twenty minutes.”

Dhruvin ended the call without another word. His jaw clenched, his pulse thrumming. He had let this go on for too long. It was time Nishant paid for what he did.

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Author’s Note

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