chapter 35

After returning from the hospital, Manish wasted no time. He registered an FIR on Jiva’s behalf and launched a swift investigation. Within 48 hours, he had gathered enough evidence and arrested her uncle, aunt, and their children, ensuring that justice was within reach.When Manish informed Abhir about the progress, he added that Jiva’s case would now go to court, and they needed to arrange a lawyer. Without hesitation, Abhir and Manish thought of their old school friend, Gargi, a skilled and compassionate lawyer. When Gargi learned about Jiva’s situation, she didn’t hesitate to help, agreeing to take the case.However, Abhir’s relief was short-lived. That same evening, his parents called him home and unleashed their frustrations. Their business was in trouble, and their family’s reputation was hanging by a thread after Meera’s departure. They were desperate to secure their status and saw only one solution: Abhir had to marry—quickly. They threatened to disown him and even hurt Meera if he didn’t comply. Though Meera had left him, Abhir still cared for her and couldn’t bear the thought of any harm coming her way. The ultimatum left him devastated and frustrated.Later that night, Abhir met Manish and Gargi, unable to hide the weight of his turmoil. Sensing something was wrong, his friends pressed him to talk, and Abhir finally told them everything—his family’s pressure, their threats, and his unwillingness to marry just to save face.There was a long silence as his friends absorbed the situation. Then, Manish broke the silence with an unexpected idea. “What if… what if you marry Jiva?”Abhir stared at him, shocked. Gargi, equally stunned, shook her head. “Are you serious, Manish? She’s just been through hell. You can’t be suggesting this.”But Manish, unshaken, continued, “Think about it. Jiva has nowhere to go, no family, no one to protect her from those monsters who hurt her. She needs a safe place to stay, someone to keep her safe. And Abhir, you need someone who isn’t going to complicate things in the future. Jiva doesn’t want money or fame. She just wants safety and peace. A contract marriage could solve both of your problems.”Abhir and Gargi exchanged glances, still reeling from the idea. But as they thought it over, the logic in Manish’s suggestion began to sink in. Finding a woman who wouldn’t create more problems was nearly impossible for Abhir, and Jiva truly needed protection. After a moment of silence, Abhir sighed, realizing that it might actually work.“I… I guess it could,” Abhir finally admitted, though the thought still unsettled him.Gargi, after a few moments of contemplation, nodded reluctantly. “It’s not ideal, but it’s not the worst idea either. You’d both be helping each other.”---The next day, the trio—Abhir, Manish, and Gargi—went to visit Jiva at the hospital. She was in better health, though still fragile. Her eyes widened with uncertainty when they entered her room. For a moment, no one spoke, unsure of how to begin. The air was thick with tension, the weight of what they were about to propose hanging between them.Manish broke the silence, offering a small smile. “We have some news. Your uncle and his family have been arrested. The case is going to court now, and this is Gargi—she’ll be representing you.”Jiva’s face brightened at the news, relief washing over her. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice weak but grateful. “I thought they’d never get punished.”Gargi gave her a reassuring nod. “We’ll make sure they do, Jiva. You’re not alone in this.”After sharing the good news, they hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances. Then, with a deep breath, Abhir spoke. “Jiva… there’s something else I need to talk to you about.” He struggled to find the right words, feeling the weight of the moment. “What are your plans after you get discharged from the hospital? Where will you go?”Jiva’s expression changed, her face falling as she looked down at her trembling hands. “I… I don’t have anywhere to go,” she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. The vulnerability in her tone tugged at something deep inside Abhir, stirring emotions he hadn’t expected.He took a deep breath, his voice gentle but serious. “If you agree, I have a proposal for you. It might sound strange, but hear me out.” Jiva looked up, suspicion and confusion clouding her blue eyes. “I need a wife,” Abhir continued, his words slow and careful. “Not a real one—just for appearances. My family… they’re pressuring me to get married, but I don’t want to. If you agree to marry me, it would be a huge favor.”Jiva’s confusion deepened, but before she could speak, Gargi jumped in, explaining softly, “It would be a contract marriage, Jiva. Just on paper. You can live separately, set your own terms. You’d have a safe place to stay, and in return, Abhir’s family would stop pressuring him. You don’t have to decide now, but… it could be a way to get what you need—safety and peace.”Jiva’s heart raced as she tried to process what they were asking. A contract marriage? It sounded surreal, like something out of a movie. But as strange as it seemed, she knew the reality of her situation. She had nowhere to go, no family to lean on. This… this could be a way to secure the safety and peace she so desperately wanted.After a moment, Jiva looked at Abhir, her voice trembling as she asked, “Can I ask you something?” Abhir nodded. “Why me? You barely know me. Why are you all helping me?”Abhir’s expression softened, his gaze steady. “Because I think we can help each other. You don’t deserve what happened to you. And… I need someone to help me too. It’s just a contract—nothing more.”For a long time, Jiva sat in silence, her mind racing. Could she trust him? Could she trust any of them? But when she looked into Abhir’s eyes, she saw something that put her at ease—a sincerity she hadn’t seen in years. Maybe, just maybe, this was her chance to start over.“All right,” she said finally, her voice quiet but steady. “I’ll do it.”