Chapter-30

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Aarushi sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her top.

The clock on the wall ticked ominously, each second echoing in the silence that filled their bedroom. Twelve o'clock. She glanced at the door, half-expecting Abhimanyu to walk in, but the only sound was the soft hum of the air conditioning.

She could feel the weight of her words pressing down on her, each recollection sharper than the last. "You make me so uncomfortable. You destroyed my life. I hate your existence," she had shouted.

The memory twisted her stomach. She hadn't meant it. She wanted to take it all back, to smooth over the jagged edges of their argument like a child putting together a broken toy.

Abhimanyu had retreated to his study after dinner, and the chasm between them felt wider than ever. She wanted to stop him and tell him to stay there with her but she didn't.

She hugged her knees to her chest, wishing she could erase the hurt she had inflicted. What could she do to earn his forgiveness? The thought of him sitting alone in that study, hurt and angry, gnawed at her.

Aarushi's heart raced as she stood up, pacing the floor like a caged animal.

Meanwhile, Abhimanyu sat in the dim light of his study, his head resting against the high back of his chair. He had tried to work, to drown out the chaos in his mind with paperwork, but it was futile.

Her words replayed in his head, each one cutting deeper than the last.

"You destroyed my life."

"You make me so uncomfortable. You suffocate the fuck out of me"

"Why are you even in my life"

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the memory, but it was no use. He hated himself for letting her words affect him so deeply. He knew she said everything in anger, but he couldn't help but feel hurt.

The anger had come unexpectedly, a wave crashing against the carefully built walls he had erected around his heart.

"What if she really feels this way?" His heart pounded in his chest, and he felt a lump rise in his throat.

Deep breaths. He could hear the clock ticking, mocking him, reminding him that time was slipping away. "Why can't I just forget?"It was infuriating. Anger and fear danced inside him, a twisted tango that left him exhausted.

He knew she had said everything in the heat of the moment, but that didn't make it hurt any less.

"You're being selfish and immature. You knew she said them in anger but you have to feel pathetic. Control yourself," he muttered to himself.

The words felt foreign, like an accusation flung from a distant past. His parents had called him a bad omen, a curse upon their lives, and for years he had let their words dictate his worth.

His parents are not in his life anymore, but they left dreadful memories for him.

Now Aarushi's voice haunted him with the same disdain. "She doesn't mean it," his heart whispered, but his mind screamed otherwise.

Her mind and heart were fighting with each other. His heart kept saying that she was angry. She said them in the heat of the moment, but his mind was saying the opposite, that people always speak the truth in anger.

He rubbed his face, trying to dispel the shadows that clung to him. He took a deep breath, the air thick with the scent of old books and polished wood.

Standing up, he poured himself a glass of liquor, the amber liquid swirling like the turmoil in his heart. He went towards the window and noticed the night outside stretching endlessly, much like his thoughts.

As he lifted the glass to his lips, he caught sight of a guard standing right below the window.

He noticed him talking on the phone "Okay biwi ji mai leta aaunga or kuch" the guard said, chuckling softly.

Abhimanyu barely registered the words, his mind lost in the haze of his own thoughts. "Did Vinay sleep?" That guard asked on phone.

After few seconds he said ,noticing another guard coming there "Thik hai mujhe Jana padega baad Mai baat kerta hu " After a second his tone shifted, a smile creeping into his voice. "Ha ha I love you too"

Abhimanyu's heart sank as he watched the him. Another guard joined him and placed his hand on his shoulder . "Ohho aaj kal to bade I love you bola ja raha hai bhabhi ji ko" he teased him.

"Aisa kuch nahi hai yrr" he said walking with him. "Sab pata hai hume tabhi to har chaar ghante Mai bhabhi ji ka phone aa leta hai " he again teased him and walked away with him.

The laughter of the guards echoed in the stillness of the night, contrasting sharply with Abhimanyu's somber mood.

He could feel the lump in his throat swell as he went towards his table and placed the glass back on the table, untouched.

"Jaan..." he murmured, her name hanging in the air like a plea. He wanted to forget her words, to push aside the painful memories, but they lingered like a ghost in the corner of his mind.

He glances at the clock and notices It's past twelve-thirty now. Aarushi must have fallen asleep, he thought.

What if she meant what she said? What if she really felt suffocated by him? The thought made his stomach churn. Taking a deep breath, he walked back to their room, each step heavier than the last.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I stared blankly at the wall, my mind swirling with thoughts of how to earn Abhimanyu's forgiveness.

"Mujhe bhi pagalo ki tarah chillane ki kya jarurat thi "I muttered under my breath, gripping the duvet tightly as guilt gnawed at me.

Just then, the familiar sound of the door creaking open sent a jolt through me. I quickly lay down, pretending to be asleep, my heart racing. I knew it was him; the air thickened with an emotion I couldn't quite name.

I felt the mattress dip slightly as he approached, and the warmth of the duvet enveloped me as he tucked me in, his movements gentle, almost tender.

Just a few hours ago, I had been hurling hurtful words at him, pushing him away, and yet here he was, treating me like nothing had changed.

I felt the pillows being arranged at the edge of the bed, a small gesture but one that spoke volumes about his care.

I waited, holding my breath for the soft brush of his lips on my forehead, the familiar gesture I had come to cherish. I didn't know when, but I got habitual to his forehead kisses before sleeping.

It was a silent promise, a reassurance that everything would be okay. But there was nothing. The air was heavy with silence, and just as I began to feel my heart rise with hope, I heard the bathroom door click shut.

My heart sank. "He didn't kiss me," I thought, panic rising within me. It was the first time he hadn't. I opened my eyes just a sliver, watching as the bathroom light flickered on, casting shadows across the room.

"Damn it, Aarushi, what did you do?" I bit my lower lip, the taste of metal lingering as I fought back tears. I had fucked up really bad. I could hear him moving about, the sound of the water running mixed with the rush of my racing thoughts.

I never shared a loving wife relationship with him but I always felt a warmth between us because of him and his efforts. The way he cared for me , respected me from the first day of our marriage......

I closed my eyes again, willing the tears to stay at bay. Memories flooded back, the laughter we shared, the way he held me tightly , and that soft kiss on my forehead that now felt like a distant memory.

As the water shut off, I could hear him moving around again. My heart pounded in my chest, a frantic rhythm echoing the turmoil inside me. "I need to make this right," I thought, the resolve building within.

Aarushi sat cross-legged on the edge of their bed, the soft fabric of her black saree cascading around her like a pool of midnight silk. She had chosen the color with care, hoping it would catch Abhimanyu's eye and elicit one of his usual charming compliments.

She wanted to wear his favorite color saree, but she didn't know his favorite color so she decided to wear a black one because his half closet is freaking full of black clothes.

She brushed her fingers through her hair, trying to tame the rogue strands that had escaped her earlier efforts. Each stroke of the brush felt like a small act of defiance against the tension that had built up between them since the argument. "I have to earn his forgiveness" she whispered to herself, determination lacing her voice.

The closet door slid open, a soft creak punctuating the quiet of the room. Aarushi turned, her heart racing with anticipation as Abhimanyu stepped out. He wore a crisp shirt and tailored pants, his tie and coat in hand, looking every bit the part of the dashing man.

(Her saree)

"Good morning," she said, her voice brightening the dimness of the room.

Abhimanyu glanced up from his phone, his mouth slightly opened as he noticed her in black saree. He gulped looking at her from top to bottom. Aarushi bit her lower lip at his reaction and again said good morning.

Abhimanyu cleared his throat and wished her back. Aarushi stood there, her heart fluttering as she waited for the compliment like every day.

But he simply returned to his phone, fingers tapping away at the screen, his focus drifting. She felt a pang of disappointment and bit her inner cheek to suppress it. "You look nice today," she added, hoping to coax him out of his tech-induced stupor.

But Abhimanyu didn't give her any attention. She pouted in disappointment. She stepped forward towards him and said ,poking her finger gently into his arm "Hey ,you didn't compliment me today."

He paused, brow furrowing as he turned to face her. "You're looking beautiful as always" he managed, but the words felt mechanical, lacking the usual warmth.

She nodded, a small smile breaking through her initial disappointment and whispered "Thank you."

Abhimanyu tossed his phone on the bed and picked up his tie but Aarushi quickly reached for the tie , her fingers brushing against his. She snatched the tie from his hand and said "Bend a little. I'll make you wear this."

Abhimanyu shook his head and opened his mouth to protest but Aarushi didn't let him say anything and whispered giving him puppy eyes "Please" And now he can't do anything.

The look in her eyes-those pleading puppy eyes-melted his resolve. With a reluctant sigh, he bent forward slightly. Aarushi grinned, her heart fluttering as she began to tie the fabric around his neck

She focused on the task, her fingers deftly maneuvering the tie, but her thoughts lingered on the intimacy of the moment.

Abhimanyu watched her, a soft expression crossing his face as he took in her concentrated furrowed brow, the way her lips pursed slightly as she focused. His breath hitched, and he felt a warmth spreading through him.

After a minute Aarushi stepped backward and made him wear his coat also. "Perfect! Now, let's take a picture. We're matching today!" She exclaimed.

Abhimanyu raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes ,but didn't say anything. She took his head leading him towards the dressing table.

She insisted he step a little closer, positioning him behind her so that they were both in the frame.

"Say cheese!" she said, her excitement bubbling over as she held up her phone. She snapped the photo just as Abhimanyu leaned in slightly, the moment capturing a flicker of joy between them.

"Look! It's so good!" She beamed at the image, her heart swelling with pride. "I'm sending this to you"

Abhimanyu glanced at their reflection, a faint smile breaking through the remnants of his earlier tension.

As she sent the picture, a call came through on his phone, cutting through the moment like a sharp knife. He picked it up, his expression shifting as he listened intently. "Okay," he muttered, a shadow crossing his face.

Aarushi's smile faltered as she observed his tensed posture, the way his jaw clenched slightly. "Breakfast?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

He shook his head, his focus now entirely on the call. "There's something important I have to take care of. I'll... I'll be back later."

"Take care of yourself," he said walking out from the room, his voice firm but lacking its usual warmth.

Aarushi let out a soft sigh, her heart sinking. She glanced at the mirror, their selfie now a bittersweet reminder of the connection she had been striving to revive.

She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling the weight of his absence press down on her.

The black saree felt heavy now, not in a beautiful way but like a shroud of memories that hovered over their relationship. She walked back to the bed, her thoughts spiraling into the past.

After some time~

The basement was dim, the air thick with the scent of damp concrete and something metallic that clung to the walls like a second skin.

Abhimanyu's footsteps echoed sharply against the walls as he descended, each step a countdown to the moment he would confront the man who had shattered his wife's spirit.

The guard straightened as he approached, his expression one of practiced neutrality, but the tension radiating from Abhimanyu was palpable.

"Sir, he is in room three," the guard said, his voice almost a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might invoke the wrath of the very shadows that lurked in the corners.

Abhimanyu nodded, his jaw clenched tight as he moved toward the door. The sound of his heart thudded in his ears, drowning out the faint murmurs of the world above.

With each step, the memories swelled: Aarushi's tears , she was so stressed because of this bastard. His blood boiled at the thought of the pain that man had inflicted on her, and now, he dared to re-enter her life.

The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room where Kabir sat slumped against the wall, his eyes half-closed, a fragile shell of the man he once was.

The sight ignited a fire in Abhimanyu's chest, a visceral rage that surged forth. Kabir looked up, recognition flickering across his features, quickly replaced by a mask of confusion.

"Abhimanyu Rathore"he slurred, his voice thick and unsteady. "Why did you kidnapped me. What did I do " Kabir can't able to understand why a powerful person like Abhimanyu Rathore had kidnapped him out of nowhere , he didn't have any relation with him.

Abhimanyu smirked and said "Vo to meri biwi ko phone kerke pareshan kerne se pahle sochna tha"

Kabir's mind raced at his words. He can't understand what he is talking about until something ringed in his mind. "Aarushi--"

"Don't you dare take my wife's name from your filthy mouth", Abhimanyu hissed, stepping closer, the darkness of the room wrapping around him like a shroud.

Kabir's expression twisted into a smirk."You think you can scare me? I still love her. You don't know but she also loves--"

"Enough!"Abhimanyu roared, the sound reverberating off the concrete walls. He took a deep breath, stopping himself from blowing direct bullets in his head. " You are nothing but a parasite,trying to feed off her pain.You already made her suffer alot but not anymore"

Kabir's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger igniting within him. "And what are you? Just another man who thinks he can possess her.You don't understand her like I do. I knew her from college days."

With that, Abhimanyu lunged, grabbing Kabir by the collar and yanking him forward until their faces were inches apart. Kabir winced, the movement pulling at the wounds that marred his body. A low groan escaped his lips, but Abhimanyu was unrelenting.

"What I understand," he spat, his voice low and dangerous, "is how much you've hurt her. You think this is a game? You've played with her mind; you destroyed her peaceful life for what? Your own sick pleasure?"

Kabir let out a shaky laugh, a sound that dripped with madness. "Pleasure? You think I enjoyed watching her suffer? I loved her, damn it! I just wanted her to see that I was the one who truly cared"

Abhimanyu's grip tightened, his nails biting into the fabric of Kabir's shirt. "You're delusional. I'll make you pay for every tear she shed because of you."

He released Kabir, stepping back to take stock of the tools laid out on a grimy table in the corner of the room. Each item glinted under the flickering fluorescent light, a fitting array for the reckoning that was about to unfold.

Abhimanyu's heart raced, not with fear, but with a dark exhilaration that coursed through him like wildfire. This was not just about vengeance; it was about justice for Aarushi.

"Please," Kabir whimpered, his bravado cracking as he watched Abhimanyu's gaze linger on a pair of pliers. "You don't have to do this. I can change. I'll leave her alone."

"Too late for that," Abhimanyu replied, his voice cold as ice. He picked up the pliers, feeling their weight in his hand, the metal cool against his palm. Kabir paled, the color draining from his face as he realized the depths of Abhimanyu's fury.

"Wait! Sir, think about Aarushi! She wouldn't want this. You can't do something like this to anyone just because I asked for a second chance."

Kabir's voice rose in desperation.

" I would do anything for her happiness. I will not hesitate before burning down the world for her" he said and with a swift motion, Abhimanyu brought the pliers down, pinching them around Kabir's fingers, clamping down hard.

Kabir screamed, the sound sharp and desperate, reverberating in the air like a gunshot. "No! Please! I'm sorry!" he cried, his voice cracking as tears streamed down his face.

Abhimanyu's heart raced, each scream fueling his rage, each whimper igniting his resolve. "Sorry? You think a simple apology can undo the years of torment you've caused? You think you deserve mercy?"

He twisted the pliers, extracting another anguished scream from Kabir, who writhed in his bonds. The sound filled Abhimanyu with a sense of power, a dark satisfaction that coursed through him like a drug. This was justice-raw, unfiltered, and necessary.

Kabir's breath came in ragged gasps, his eyes wide with terror and pain"You can't do this"

"Oh, I can," Abhimanyu replied, pulling out a small knife, its blade gleaming wickedly. "And I will."

He pressed the blade against Kabir's arm, the metal biting into his skin. Kabir let out a painful moan, the pain igniting a primal instinct to survive.

Abhimanyu's grip became tighter, his heart racing as he felt the rush of power surge through him. "You call her with names.You wanted to see her suffer. Now you'll know what it feels like."

He pressed deeper, the knife slicing through flesh, eliciting a howl of agony from Kabir. "You're going to regret every second of this," Abhimanyu said, his voice low and steady.

Kabir's breath came in short gasps; each inhales a struggle. "You're insane! You're just a monster"

"Maybe,I am"Abhimanyu replied, his tone unchanging as he pressed the knife harder.

Each cut, each scream, was a release for Abhimanyu, a cathartic purge of the pent-up anger he had harbored for so long. The room filled with the sounds of Kabir's suffering, punctuated by Abhimanyu's dark satisfaction. He was in control now, and it felt exhilarating.

"Do you know how hard it was for me, seeing her all worked up , crying and shouting. She was hurt because of you, and that's enough to make you regret your life," Abhimanyu said, his voice a chilling whisper."This is for her , for my wife "

With each slice and bruise, Kabir's strength waned, his body growing limp as the reality of his situation sank in. "I didn't mean to hurt her," he gasped, the bravado of earlier replaced by sheer terror. "Please... I'll do anything. Just stop"

Abhimanyu paused, the knife hovering above Kabir's skin. "Anything?" he echoed, the word heavy with implication. "You wanted a chance, didn't you? A chance to come back into her life?"

Kabir nodded frantically, desperation etched across his features. "Yes"

"Okay,"Abhimanyu said, a cruel smile creeping across his lips. "I'll give you a chance." He stepped back, allowing Kabir a moment's reprieve, his breath ragged and shallow.

"Get up," Abhimanyu commanded, a dark glint in his eyes. "You have one chance to save your life. Run."

Kabir's eyes widened, confusion and fear.

"Run" Abhimanyu said, his voice like ice. "Or I'll make sure your suffering continues."

With a sudden surge of adrenaline, Kabir stumbled to his feet, his legs trembling beneath him. He hesitated, the instinct to flee battling with the reality of his injuries.

But the thought of escaping Abhimanyu's wrath, fueled him. He lurched forward, desperate to reach the door.

"Go on, then," Abhimanyu taunted, crossing his arms as he watched Kabir struggle. "Show me how much you want to live."

Kabir staggered toward the door, each step a monumental effort. The handle was within reach, hope flickering in his chest. If he could just make it out, alive.

But just as his fingers grazed the doorknob, Abhimanyu's voice sliced through the air like a blade. "I hope you enjoyed your chance."

Before Kabir could react, a gunshot rang out, echoing like thunder in the confined space. The sound was deafening, the force of it knocking Kabir forward as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

Abhimanyu stepped closer, staring down at the body that lay sprawled on the cold concrete. The rush of adrenaline faded, replaced by an eerie calm. He had done what he set out to do-he had avenged Aarushi, ensured that the man who had tormented her would never return.

With a smirk on his lips, Abhimanyu turned away, the darkness of the basement swallowing him whole. The echoes of Kabir's final moments lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of the lengths he would go to protect the woman he loved.

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Longest chapter till now..... I was going to split it into two parts, but maine socha chodo yrr..... Nind aarahi hai aise hi upload ker do.....

Yes one more thing please let me know if you feel like it's so long and i should split it into two parts....ya phir chalega, jarurat nahi .....🤔

Vote target for early update is(69 votes 🌚, just joking) it's 65 votes

Otherwise next update will be on 15feb according to schedule.....

Thank you so much for completing target everyone.....

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