69. Niharika in danger

Four months had passed, and everything seemed to be falling into place. Ishaan and Kanika were happier than ever, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Ivaan and Saanchi had also found comfort in each other's company, their relationship blossoming into something beautiful. Riya and Arav were inseparable, their love flourishing after the long-awaited truth came to light. Niharika and Shivaay, too, were in a peaceful rhythm, their love unwavering.

However, recently, Niharika had been feeling different. She had been experiencing bouts of exhaustion and nausea, something that had become more frequent over the last few weeks. At first, she brushed it off, thinking it was just the result of a hectic schedule or perhaps stress. But as the days went by, the tiredness seemed to settle in deeper, and the nausea persisted, making her wonder if something more was going on.

She tried to ignore it, pushing through her responsibilities with a smile, but even Shivaay had started to notice the subtle change in her. He would catch her resting more often, looking a little paler than usual. The concern in his eyes hadn't gone unnoticed, but Niharika hadn't found the right moment to confide in him yet.

One evening, after dinner, as they were relaxing in the living room, Shivaay couldn't hold back any longer. He gently cupped her face, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw as he spoke softly, "Niharika, you've been looking exhausted lately. You're not feeling well, are you?"

Niharika hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I've been feeling nauseous and tired, Shivaay. But I didn't want to worry you."

Shivaay's expression softened, and he pulled her closer, wrapping her in a protective embrace. "Niharika, I'd rather you tell me about these things. Don't keep them from me."

Niharika rested her head on his chest, feeling safe in his arms. "I know... I just didn't want to overreact."

Shivaay kissed the top of her head. "We'll get you checked, okay? Just to be sure."

The idea of seeing a doctor had crossed Niharika's mind, but she hadn't acted on it yet. Now, with Shivaay's gentle insistence, she realized it was time to take her health seriously. They would get answers, together. And maybe, just maybe, the exhaustion and nausea were signs of something beautiful waiting to unfold.

The next morning, Niharika insisted on going to the temple. Despite feeling a little off, there was something about the calmness of the temple that she felt drawn to. It was where she could gather her thoughts and seek peace. Shivaay, though concerned, knew better than to argue when she was determined, so he agreed to take her there.

Niharika made her way through the temple's peaceful entrance, her steps slower than usual. She could feel the weight of the exhaustion she had been trying to ignore, but there was something grounding about the sacred space that gave her comfort. As she stepped into the temple, the scent of incense filled the air, and the sound of soft chants resonated in the background.

She walked toward the altar with a quiet determination, her thoughts becoming more focused. Niharika lit a small diya and closed her eyes, whispering a silent prayer. She prayed for strength-for herself, for her family, and for everything ahead of her. She needed the peace and reassurance that only this sacred space could provide.

After a moment of deep reflection, Niharika slowly opened her eyes and exhaled deeply, feeling lighter. The temple had offered her the serenity she was searching for. As she stood there, a soft wave of nausea hit her again, but she pushed it aside, not wanting to be reminded of her unease.

As she turned to leave, she noticed a small group of people entering the temple. Niharika smiled and nodded at them, feeling a sense of connection, even in her own solitude. It was a brief moment of peace she needed.

Once she left the temple, she stood outside for a moment, letting the fresh air hit her face. It felt refreshing, but the tiredness never fully left. She needed to rest, but the temple visit had helped her feel a bit more at ease.

She decided to walk back slowly to the car, hoping to gather herself before heading back home. Deep down, though, she knew that she couldn't keep ignoring how she felt. Something was off, and it was becoming harder to ignore it.

As Niharika leaned against the car and took a deep breath, she silently promised herself that she would figure this out, even if it meant facing things she wasn't ready for yet.

Niharika was sitting in the car, her mind lost in thought as she gazed out of the window at the peaceful surroundings. The morning sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the road as she and the driver made their way toward the temple. The calmness of the moment, however, was abruptly shattered by a loud gunshot that rang out, echoing through the air.

Startled, Niharika gasped and instinctively ducked, her heart pounding. The car jolted slightly as the front tire burst, the air hissing out in a quick, sharp sound. She could feel the vehicle begin to lose control, veering slightly to the side as the driver struggled to steady it.

"What's happening?!" Niharika shouted, her voice shaky as she looked around, trying to make sense of the situation.

The driver was already pulling the car to a stop, his hands shaking on the wheel. "Someone shot at us, ma'am! Stay down!" he yelled, reaching for the door handle.

Niharika's breath hitched in her chest as she looked through the windshield, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. There was no one in sight, but the stillness around them felt unsettling. The silence felt as if it were holding its breath.

Suddenly, a shadow emerged from the side of the road. A figure in black, standing just out of clear view, holding a gun. Niharika's heart skipped a beat. The person aimed the gun at the car again, and Niharika ducked instinctively, her hands clutching her seatbelt tightly.

The driver was on edge, glancing around nervously. "I need to get out of here, ma'am. Hold on tight!" He quickly unbuckled his seatbelt and began to step out of the car.

Niharika's eyes never left the figure, who was still standing motionless, watching them with chilling intensity. She felt a cold shiver run down her spine. There was something familiar about the situation, but she couldn't place it.

The driver opened the car door and quickly motioned for Niharika to follow him. But Niharika hesitated. The figure hadn't moved yet, and she could feel her pulse racing faster with each passing second.

"I can't just run without knowing who this is," Niharika muttered under her breath, her mind racing. She couldn't ignore the feeling that this wasn't a random attack.

The figure in black raised the gun again, and Niharika froze, the tension in the air palpable. But before he could take aim, a vehicle sped past, catching the figure off guard. The distraction was enough to cause the person to turn momentarily, and in that brief instant, the driver grabbed Niharika's arm, pulling her from the car.

"Run!" the driver shouted.

Niharika stumbled, her mind in a haze, and they darted toward the nearby bushes for cover. The sound of footsteps followed them, but the figure didn't pursue further. Niharika's breath came in quick, panicked gasps, and she looked around, desperately trying to make sense of what was happening.

"Stay down," the driver whispered urgently, pulling her further into the shadows of the foliage. "We need to wait for help. They're after you, ma'am."

Niharika's heart raced in her chest as she clung to the driver's arm, still trying to process the shock of the situation. "Who are they? Why are they after me?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Before the driver could respond, the distant sound of sirens reached their ears, signaling the arrival of help.

The sharp crack of a gunshot tore through the air.

Niharika flinched as a choked gasp escaped the driver's lips. His body jerked, his hands slipping from the steering wheel. The car swerved violently before screeching to a halt against a tree.

"NO!" she gasped, her heart hammering against her ribs. She reached out, shaking the driver’s shoulder, but his head lolled lifelessly to the side. A thin stream of blood trickled down his forehead, his vacant eyes staring into nothingness.

Her breath came in ragged pants. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be happening.

Then—heavy footsteps.

The crunch of gravel sent chills down her spine. She whipped her head around, her fingers fumbling with the seatbelt, her mind screaming at her to run. But before she could react, the car door was yanked open with brutal force.

A strong hand wrapped around her wrist, yanking her out.

"Where do you think you’re going, sweetheart?"

Her blood ran cold.

Kanishk.

His lips curled into a smirk as his grip tightened, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement at her fear. "Did you really think you could escape me?"

Niharika struggled, but he was too strong. "Let me go!" she cried, her voice breaking.

" Shhh," he whispered mockingly, leaning in close. "The real fun is just about to begin."

Terror seized her. She thrashed against him, but he only laughed, dragging her away from the wreckage, away from whatever little hope she had left.

She was trapped. And this time, there was no way out.

Terror surged through Niharika’s veins as Kanishk’s cruel smirk deepened.

"Let me go!" she screamed, thrashing against his iron grip. But he only laughed, his fingers digging into her wrist as if enjoying her struggle.

"You’re making this too easy, sweetheart," he mocked before effortlessly lifting her into his arms.

"No—!" Her protests were cut short as he carried her toward a parked Omni, its sliding door already open, revealing the dark, suffocating space inside.

Niharika kicked and struggled, but he was too strong. "Help!" she cried desperately, but the night swallowed her voice, and there was no one around to hear.

Kanishk climbed into the van, pinning her down with ease. Her breath came in quick, frantic gasps as she watched him pull out a white cloth.

A sickly sweet smell filled the air.

"No... please..." she whimpered, twisting her face away, but he grabbed her jaw, forcing her still.

"Shhh," he cooed mockingly. "Just take a deep breath, princess."

The damp cloth pressed against her nose and mouth.

She fought, her body jerking, her mind screaming at her to stay awake. But the fumes invaded her senses, pulling her into a dizzying darkness.

Her eyelids grew heavy.

Her limbs stopped resisting.

The last thing she saw was Kanishk’s satisfied smirk before everything faded into nothingness.

The grand Ranawat mansion was bustling with quiet activity. The dim glow of chandeliers cast long shadows across the marble floors as the family sat in the living area, discussing matters over tea.

Indra Singh Ranawat sat at the head of the room, his sharp eyes scanning the space with authority. Shweta sat beside him, her usual grace masking the tension in her heart. Shivaay stood near the window, his jaw clenched, his mind occupied with thoughts he hadn't voiced yet. Riya, Ishan, and Ivaan sat nearby, exchanging occasional glances, sensing the weight in the air.

Just then, a servant rushed in, bowing respectfully before speaking.

"King Indra, Mam Ragini and Mam Natasha are here."

A silence fell over the room.

Shweta’s grip on her cup tightened ever so slightly. Shivaay’s gaze snapped toward the entrance, his expression unreadable. Riya’s brows furrowed in confusion, while Ishan and Ivaan exchanged knowing looks.

Indra exhaled slowly before nodding. "Bring them in."

The servant hurried away, and within moments, the sound of clicking heels echoed through the hallway.

Ragini and Natasha stepped in, their presence commanding attention.

Ragini, poised as ever, carried herself with elegance, her sharp eyes scanning the room with a subtle smirk playing on her lips. Natasha followed beside her, an air of confidence wrapped around her like armor.

The air grew thick with unspoken words.

Shweta was the first to break the silence, her voice calm but firm. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Ragini smiled. "Oh, Shweta, do we need a reason to visit family?"

But everyone in the room knew—this was no casual visit.

Something was about to unfold.

A heavy silence hung in the Ranawat mansion as Ragini’s smirk deepened. She took slow, deliberate steps toward Indra before stopping in front of him.

"I have something to show you," she announced, pulling out her tablet with a theatrical flair.

Everyone’s eyes narrowed. Shweta’s fingers twitched in unease, and Shivaay’s jaw clenched as a strange sense of foreboding settled in the air.

Ragini tapped the screen, and a video began to play.

The room tensed the moment the footage started.

Niharika.

She was in the backseat of a car, fear plastered across her delicate features. Then—gunfire. The driver’s body jerked violently before the car lost control and swerved off the road.

Shweta gasped, her hands covering her mouth. Riya let out a startled whisper, "Oh my God."

The screen flickered, cutting to another scene.

Niharika, unconscious, tied to a chair in a dimly lit room. Her head drooped forward, strands of hair falling over her face, her wrists bound tightly behind her back.

Shivaay took a step closer, his breathing ragged, his eyes darkening with something lethal. His hands balled into tight fists.

Ragini looked up from the screen, her gaze flicking between the stunned faces of the Ranawat family. "Seems like your dear bahu has landed herself in quite the mess," she mused, tilting her head. "And the best part? It’s only just begun."

Shivaay’s entire body went rigid. His heart pounded with uncontrollable rage.

"Where is she?" His voice was low, menacing—dangerous.

Ragini smirked. "Now, now, Shivaay. Do you really think I’d make it that easy for you?"

The tension in the room thickened, suffocating.

Indra’s expression remained unreadable, but the way his fingers curled over his armrest spoke volumes.

"Why are you showing us this?" he asked coldly.

Ragini’s smirk widened. "Because, I want you all to know—she’s not coming back unless we want her to."

The storm in Shivaay’s eyes turned deadly.

And in that moment, one thing became clear—whoever had taken Niharika had just signed their own death sentence.

Shweta’s hands trembled as she stared at the screen, the sight of Niharika held captive sending shivers down her spine. Her breath hitched, and before she could stop herself, tears streamed down her face.

"Why… why are you doing this?" she whispered, her voice breaking with pain. "Ragini, we are family! Why are you punishing us like this?"

Ragini’s smirk faltered. Her eyes, sharp and calculating just moments ago, glistened with unshed tears. Her jaw clenched, and a bitter chuckle escaped her lips as she looked away for a second, as if trying to contain the storm raging inside her.

"You dare ask me why, Shweta?" she spat, her voice thick with emotion. "Have you forgotten my husband? Alok?"

Shweta’s face paled. The entire room fell into silence.

Ragini’s grip on the tablet tightened as she took a step forward, her eyes now brimming with fury and sorrow. "Do you remember how he called your husband for help? How he begged Indra Singh Ranawat to save him?" Her voice cracked, but she kept going, her pain fueling her rage. "And what did your great husband do?"

She let out a bitter laugh, tears now freely rolling down her cheeks.

"He hung up the call, Shweta!" she screamed, her voice filled with agony. "He ignored Alok’s cries for help as if he were nothing! And because of that, Alok is not here with us today!"

Shweta shook her head, horrified. "No… Ragini, it wasn’t like that—"

"IT WAS EXACTLY LIKE THAT!" Ragini cut her off, her voice shaking. "I lost my husband that day! My son lost his father! And you all moved on as if nothing happened!"

The weight of her words hung in the air like a curse.

Shweta sobbed, guilt and grief washing over her like a tidal wave. "Ragini… we never meant for this to happen. Please, don’t take revenge like this…"

But Ragini wiped her tears, her expression hardening again. "It’s too late for regrets, Shweta. You may have forgotten what you did, but I haven’t. And now… it's your turn to suffer."

She turned to Indra, her gaze cold. "Niharika is just the beginning."

Shivaay, who had been silent all this time, took a threatening step forward. His eyes were murderous, his hands itching to tear apart anyone who dared to harm his wife.

"Where. Is. She?" His voice was deathly calm, promising destruction.

Ragini smirked, her tears now gone, replaced by sheer determination. "You’ll find out soon enough, Shivaay. But tell me…" She leaned in slightly. "Will she still be yours when you do?"

Shivaay’s patience snapped.

The storm had begun.

Indra, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke. His voice was calm but carried the weight of an undeniable truth.

"You are mistaken, Ragini."

Ragini’s furious gaze snapped to him, her body trembling with rage and grief. "Don’t you dare lie to me, Indra Singh Ranawat!" she spat. "I heard it with my own ears! He called you! He begged you to save him! And you—"

"My phone’s mic was not working," Indra interrupted, his voice steady. "And my phone went dead before I even knew about the call."

Ragini froze.

Indra exhaled, running a hand over his face, as if reliving a painful memory. "Riya was using my phone that evening to watch something. When Alok called, I couldn’t hear his voice because my mic had been damaged that day. And before I could even realize who was calling… the phone went dead." His voice turned heavy. "By the time I learned what had happened to Alok, it was too late."

A thick silence filled the room.

Shweta’s teary eyes widened in realization. "Indra…" she whispered.

Ragini took a shaky breath, her world tilting. "No…" she muttered, shaking her head. "No, you’re lying! You have to be lying!"

Indra looked at her with nothing but sincerity. "I am not, Ragini. If I had known Alok needed me, I would have done everything in my power to save him. He was my brother."

Ragini stumbled back slightly, her mind racing, her heart aching. The truth hit her like a slap.

For years, she had lived with the hatred that Indra had chosen to ignore Alok’s plea. But now… now she didn’t know what to believe anymore.

Tears streamed down her face, her breath uneven. "Then… why didn’t you tell me this before?"

Indra’s eyes darkened with regret. "Would you have believed me?"

Ragini clenched her fists, torn between her grief and the truth that threatened to shatter her revenge.

But then, her lips curled into a bitter smile.

"Even if it was a mistake… my husband is still gone." Her gaze hardened again. "And for that, someone has to pay."

She turned to Shivaay, her smirk returning. "Let’s see if your wife survives this storm, Shivaay Singh Ranawat."

And just like that, the moment of doubt was gone.

She had made up her mind.

The game was still on.

Ragini turned on her heels, ready to leave, but before she could take another step, a firm voice echoed through the grand hall.

"Ragini Singh, you are under arrest for threat, conspiracy, and attempted murder."

All heads snapped toward the entrance.

Arav stood there, his uniform crisp, his badge gleaming under the chandelier’s glow. His sharp eyes bore into Ragini with an authority that sent a chill down her spine. Behind him, a few uniformed officers followed, their expressions stern.

Ragini’s smirk faltered for a brief moment before she regained her composure. She turned to face him fully, raising an eyebrow. "Oh?" she mused, folding her arms. "And what proof do you have, Mr Spy?"

Arav took slow, deliberate steps forward, his gaze unwavering. "The video you just showed this family—that’s proof enough."

Ragini’s expression darkened.

"You openly admitted to kidnapping Niharika, threatening her life, and conspiring against the Ranawats," Arav continued coldly. "And if that wasn’t enough, the attack on her car was no accident. We have evidence linking you to the men who executed it."

Shweta gasped, her tear-filled eyes darting between Ragini and Arav. Indra remained silent, his face unreadable, while Riya clutched her mother’s arm, fear creeping into her eyes.

Shivaay, however, remained still, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His rage hadn’t subsided—it had only deepened.

Ragini scoffed. "You think you can scare me with your little badge, Arav?" she sneered. "Do you know who I am?"

Arav didn’t flinch. "I do. And that’s exactly why you’re not walking out of here freely."

He gestured to the officers behind him. "Take her."

Two officers stepped forward, but before they could reach her, Ragini raised a hand.

"Don’t touch me," she hissed, glaring at them. Then, with an eerie calmness, she looked back at Indra. "This isn’t over, Bauji," she whispered.

Her gaze flickered to Shivaay next.

"And you…" she smirked, tilting her head. "Let’s see if you’re fast enough to find your wife before she breaks."

Shivaay’s rage erupted. He lunged forward, but before he could reach her, Ivaan and Ishan grabbed his arms, holding him back.

"Shivaay, no!" Ishan gritted out.

"She wants to provoke you!" Ivaan warned.

Ragini let out a chuckle, shaking her head as the officers finally handcuffed her.

As they began leading her out, she called out one last thing over her shoulder—

"Tick-tock, Shivaay… her time is running out."

Shivaay’s entire body burned with fury.

And in that moment, he swore—no matter what it took, no matter who stood in his way—

He would find Niharika.

And the ones who dared to take her would wish they had never been born.

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The story ends tomorrow