Karthik's P.O.V

A chill wind rushed past me as I opened the door, a stark contrast to the stuffy air inside. The house was pitch black, an eerie silence permeating the air. The only sound I could hear was the echo of my own footsteps. A familiar weight settled on my chest, anxiety tightening its grip. The silence was suffocating. I switched on the light, but it did little to dispel the gloom. The emptiness of the house seemed to amplify, the shadows in the corners deepening as if to mock me.

It had been almost three months since the accident, but the silence still screamed their absence. This house, once vibrant with life, now felt like a tomb. I still expected to hear Mom’s laughter drifting from the kitchen, the clinking of her bangles as she prepared her elaborate meals. I longed for the sound of Dad’s booming voice, teasing Mom, engaging in their morning banter. I remembered how they would sit on the sofa in the evenings, waiting for me to come home, always ready with a warm embrace and endless questions about my day, and of course, my marital prospects. Now, the sofa sat empty, gathering dust, a stark reminder of what I had lost.

This house, which once offered solace and completion, now felt alien, unfamiliar. It was a constant, painful reminder of the gaping void in my life.

Arjun had gone back to the States. He had been reluctant to leave, wanting to stay and help me navigate this difficult time. He’d even talked about dropping out of college. That stubborn kid. I had to convince him, even scold him, to return and finish his studies, just like Mom and Dad would have wanted. Those last few days had been incredibly difficult without him by my side.

I walked towards the photo frame in the hallway and stood before it, my heart aching.

"Arjun has gone back to America," I whispered to the smiling faces in the frame. "He didn’t want to leave me alone and was adamant on staying with me to help me in this difficult time, but she had to leave as his exams were approaching. He was adamant on dropping out of college and join me here in India. You know how he is so I had to convince and scold him so just he would go back and complete his studies. You know how difficult it is to deal with him sometimes," I said to my parents photos and lashed my tears that formed in my eyes remembering my old memories with them. I stayed like that for almost half an hour.

Flashback

The airport buzzed with the usual cacophony of sounds – announcements blaring, suitcases rolling, and tearful goodbyes echoing through the terminal. But amidst the chaos, I stood with Arjun, the silence between us heavy with unspoken emotions.

"You can't do this, Arjun," I said, my voice firm despite the ache in my chest. "You have to go back."

Arjun's jaw tightened. "Bhai, how can I leave you alone like this? I should be here, helping with the business, helping you." His eyes, red and swollen from days of grief, pleaded with me.

"And you will, Arjun," I said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But you have to finish your studies. Mom and Dad wanted this for you. We both know how much they valued education. You can't throw that away."

He looked down, kicking at the floor. "But what if something happens? What if you need me?"

"Nothing's going to happen," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "And if I do need you, I'll call. But you have to focus on your future now. This isn't a sacrifice they'd want you to make."

Arjun's eyes welled up again. "I just... I don't want to leave you."

I pulled him into a tight hug. "I know. I don't want you to go either. But this isn't goodbye, it's just see you later. We'll get through this, Arjun. Together. Even if we're miles apart."

I could feel his resistance slowly fading. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself."

"I promise," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "Now go. And make Mom and Dad proud."

As he walked towards the gate, I watched him go, a lump forming in my throat. It was one of the hardest things I'd ever had to do, sending him away. But I knew it was the right thing. For him, for Mom and Dad, for us.

(End of Flashback)

Took control of my emotions making myself strong, I started moving towards my room upstairs. As I was ascending the stair I heard the doorbell. I looked at clock, it showed "11:45 pm". 

"who must be at this hour" I questioned myself.

As I opened the door, I was met with the most unexpected sight.The last person I want to see,

My ex-girlfriend? Naina? What is she doing here? Is she here to offer condolences? She used to be my friend. No, she was never a real friend. She just used me. But why was she here at this hour?

My questions were answered when I saw Rajveer behind her, walking towards the entrance, a smug grin plastered on his face. Oh, so they were here to mock me.

"Hello, Karthik," said Naina, her voice saccharine sweet.

"Not going to ask how you're doing, as it's already known, not very good, right?" said Rajveer, his eyes gleaming with malicious pleasure.

My hands clenched into fists, anger simmering beneath the surface.

"Wondering what we're doing here?" asked Naina, her tone mocking. "Well, we came for dinner, so thought why not meet you? Heard about your Mom and Dad, felt really sad. Now they won’t be able to see their dear son’s ruin."

My anger flared, threatening to consume me.

"You know, that day we thought our plan would fail, and we'd have to think about another way to ruin you, when you found out Naina never loved you and was with you just because of our plan, and actually she was in love with me," said Rajveer, his voice laced with triumph. "But I guess it was for good, as we really didn’t need to do anything. You’re already ruined after your parents’ death. Your business is falling, board members are resigning. And also heard major shareholders are selling off their shares."

"Thank God, you found out the secret. I no longer need to act in front of you and can finally be with my love Rajveer," said Naina, her voice dripping with venom. They both kissed, a blatant display of their twisted affection, making me want to vomit.

"You know what? Sell your company to me. It'll be good for you," said Rajveer, his smug grin widening.

"And what makes you think I’ll do what you say?" I replied, my voice dangerously low, each word laced with icy disdain.

"Rassi jal gayi magar bal nahi gaya… Still, we have this nerve to decline my offer… Well, if not today, then in the future, you’ll have to do what I said. When all your board members back off, I will get your company. Unfortunate for you proved to be really fotunate for us, your parents' death has done me a lot of good. So…"

Before he could finish his sentence, my fist connected with his jaw. I punched him, the force of the blow sending him stumbling backward.

"Before I ruin your face completely, get lost with your slutty girlfriend," I snarled, and slammed the door in their faces.

I went straight to my room and locked the door behind me. I slumped onto my bed, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

That night, I sat in my room, staring blankly at the ceiling. Their words replayed in my mind like a poison I couldn’t escape. How had I been so blind to Naina’s true nature? My parents had tried to warn me, but I hadn’t listened. And now, they weren’t here to say, "I told you so." How could I have been so blind? How could I have chosen Naina? It’s true, I didn’t love her, and was going to marry her for mutual benefit, but how could I not have noticed she was acting? How in the world did I never notice she was a bitch, just acting to be my friend? How did I end up being friends with her?

I regretted my decisions. I regretted defending her in front of my parents whenever Mom tried showing me her true nature. I regretted not listening to them when they told me not to be in a relationship with her just for business. No. Thank God I got to know the reality before marriage.

I don’t have trust in anyone. No, I can’t trust anyone easily, even my friends. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to form any relationship again.

As exhaustion finally pulled me under, I whispered a silent promise: I would rise again. I wouldn’t let them win

Lost in these thoughts, I don’t know when I fell asleep.

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Finally the chapter is done a really long one. I now you might be finding it boring but have some patience the story will be to its original plot after few chapter , you will get more of female lead and both M.L. and F.L. together . For build up of the story is important.  Please feel free to comment and give your suggestion.  Please vote 🙏.

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