(Niharika pov)

We entered the mall. I looked around and murmured softly to Ishani,

"Don't you think the whole Chennai decided to come here today?"

Ishani looked at me and chuckled,

"Of course. Your SRK has that aura he can fill any mall."

I smiled and said,

"Woh toh hai."

[That’s true.]

I was talking to Ishani when suddenly my phone buzzed. I looked at the caller ID, and my eyes lit up. A big smile covered my lips as I received the call.

The voice came,

"So Miss Niharika, from when your SRK's movie start.."

My eyebrows curved in confusion.

"How do you know I came here to watch a movie? Are you stalking me, Shaurya?"

A soft chuckle rang in my ear.

"I know you very, very well, Niharika. I don't need to stalk you. I know that when SRK's movie release, you are the person who always goes on the first day."

I smiled and said,

"Knows me very well, huh?"

He said in a whisper from the call,

"Any doubt?"

"No... no," I murmured.

Suddenly, I noticed Ishani walking fast, and because of the call, I had created some distance between us.

"Okay, bye-bye. I'll call you later," I said.

"Okay boss, have fun," Shaurya replied.

I smiled and cut the call. Then I looked at Ishani and said while going toward her..

"Aiyyo Murugan, this girl na." I said, trying to match her pace.

"Ishani, stop it yaar. How fast are you walking? Walk slowly, bro, I'm also with you," I added in a fake dramatic crying tone.

She stopped suddenly and turned back, staring straight at me.

"You na, Niharika... first you made me crazy by forcing me to watch your SRK movie, and now when I'm finally going to take the tickets, you're walking like a turtle."

I looked at her with puppy eyes.

"Okay, sorry na. Now I'll walk fast. Let's go we have to watch that movie."

She shook her head, smiling at my drama.

After a few minutes, we reached the ticket counter.

"Two tickets for SRK's new movie," we said together.

The man behind the counter looked at us and replied,

"Sorry, the hall is full. You'll have to wait a few hours for the next show."

We both looked at each other.

Ishani stepped forward.

"Actually, my friend told you about two girls... you had to keep two tickets for them. That's us."

The man's expression changed.

"Oh, hello ma'am... yes, my friend did tell me. I'm so sorry I completely forgot. All the tickets are sold now. You'll have to wait a few hours, but I promise I'll arrange everything for the next show."

Ishani forced a small smile.

"It's okay, no problem. We'll manage."

Then she shot me a sharp glare and said under her breath,

"I'll kill you, Niharika. Walk more slowly now. Go on, go and see your SRK movie. You have to go to the hospital in four hours, and now we have to wait three hours. I told you we should come early, but you said, 'Don't worry, we won't get late.'"

I looked at her guiltily.

"Sorry na, baba. Don't shout. I really didn't think this would happen."

She looked at me, slightly louder this time,

"Oh really? You're the craziest SRK fan, and you didn't know that on the first day you have to come early?"

I sighed.

"Okay, sorry, Miss Ishani. From now on, I won't do this again. And don't worry we'll come tomorrow and watch the movie. We'll book the seats early."

She stared at me in shock.

"Are you really sure you won't watch the first-day show of an SRK movie?"

I gave her a small, sad smile.

"Yeah... I don't have any other choice. Patients are my first priority. I have to check two ladies today. Before everything, my responsibility matters."

She softened and nodded slowly.

"Okay."

"Now let's eat something at the food court," I said.

She nodded again.

As we were walking, Ishani suddenly stopped me.

"Wait here for a minute. I'll be back I need to go to the restroom."

I nodded, and she walked away.

I stood there alone, waiting for her, looking around.

The mall looked beautiful... lights glowing, people laughing, excitement everywhere..

Suddenly-

A gunshot echoed through the entire mall. The gun sound was so harsh that it rang in my ears. My heart started beating so fast.

People started screaming and running everywhere.

My body panicked, and my hands began to shake. I was not scared of the gunshot that much, but I panicked because of people crashing. I felt like I couldn't breathe properly.

But everything stopped when my mind screamed-Ishani.

She was in the restroom.

"I have to go to her," I whispered.

I tried to move forward, but people were running wildly, pushing and crashing into me. The pressure knocked me to the floor.

I tried to stand, but the crowd was too heavy. My body started panicking.

I closed my eyes tightly. My mind started showing some things that I was not understanding. Something blur started coming into my mind where loud screams of people and people shouting, and a woman was crying while begging, but the things were so blur that my head started hurting. Because of the loud noise in my head, I gripped my ears and shouted-

"Please stop... please..."

Suddenly-

Everything went silent.

No screams.

No footsteps.

Nothing.

I slowly opened my eyes.

The whole floor was empty.

The mall was silent.

I stood up shakily and looked around. No one was there not a single person was there..

I rushed and started searching for Ishani. I was totally busy finding Ishani.

Then

A loud step crashed into my ears from my background.

And when I slowly turned toward the sound, I saw

A man came running straight toward me, dressed in a black T-shirt that was tightly fitted to his body, giving shape to his muscles. He wore a black leather jacket that gave him a dangerous aura. His black jeans were tightly fitted to his legs. I had never seen a man with this physique that could literally give anyone goosebumps and scare them at the same time.

His entire face was covered with a black mask. Only his eyes were visible, and they were filled with darkness-the kind of darkness that maybe even night does not contain. His grey eyes looked gothic, making my nerves scared. If I said everything was fine, then I was completely wrong, because the view was not normal.

Behind that man, some policemen were chasing him with guns.

My body literally froze. I literally forgot at that time that my body could also move anywhere, and my hellest brain always stopped where it had to work the most.

I wanted to run from there, and when I finally tried to but before I could

Someone grabbed my neck from behind. The hold was so tight that I couldn't even take a breath properly.

My whole body started tensing.

When I tried to look at the hand, my eyes widened. That was the same man's hand who was running some min before in all black attire. With all my courage, I tried to remove his hand from my neck.

But suddenly, my movement stopped when he pressed his whole body against my back. Goosebumps appeared on my whole body, and in that moment, I felt something cold, metallic on my head. His grip was so tight that I could not move even one inch of my face.

My mind went blank.

His left arm wrapped around my neck with a harsh grip, cutting off all my breath.

Suddenly, his deep, harsh voice echoed in my brain when he said, "Move back." I heard this type of voice for the first time. His voice was terrifying. It scratched my mind like poison. His voice had an aura that could scare any strongest person.

Suddenly, in front of me, police appeared. That meant they were chasing him. It meant he was some kind of criminal. The police were standing in front of me with guns not exactly on me, but they placed the guns on that beast man who was holding my neck like it was nothing.

I couldn't breathe properly. I started coughing for breath.

I tightly grabbed his arm with both my hands, trying hard to loosen his grip, but THE DEVIL was so hella strong. He couldn't move even one percent and did not loosen his grip, and his leather jacket made it even more impossible.

I was struggling hard when suddenly his terrifying voice came into my ear, almost in a whisper

"Move one inch, and I'll put the bullets in your head."

When I heard his words, every one percent of courage left my body. He just said that he would put a bullet in my head that meant he placed a gun on my head.

Tears slipped from my eyes. I am not the kind of woman who can cry so easily. I am not an weak type of woman. I can handle this kind of situation, but I don't know what the fucking thing happened to my body that it couldn't take any kind of responsibility at that time.

My favorite moments of life started coming into my mind the best times with my parents when they came to Chennai from Rajasthan to meet me, and the games that I played with my little brother, who is no longer little.

And then

The person who made my life like heaven my love, Shaurya. The man who is so great, who is so soft, who would literally leave his existence for me. The man that almost every woman wants. He is so gentle and the greatest man. He is literally my prince charming.the man who did everything for me and treated me like a princess.

And suddenly, my mind flicked to the man who could stop my breath at any minute. How can any person be this heartless? Can he not realize that he is hurting me?

I was thinking, but slowly my vision started blurring as coughing escaped my lips continuously.

He tightened his hold and shouted toward the police,

"Move back, or I'll kill her. I'm not lying. If you want a demo, tell me."

And suddenly-

From his gun, a different type of sound came into my ear.

No... no... no...

That crazy man slightly pulled the trigger.

I coughed desperately and started shouting in pain,

"P-p-please... l-l-leave me... m-my neck..."

At that exact time, in front of me, an old police officer raised his hand and shouted,

"Everyone, move back."

With his one command, other police officers started backing off.

Then that old man again said,

"We're backing off now. Leave the girl."

A cruel laugh echoed near my ear, making my body shiver.

"Don't try to act smart in front of me," the man said roughly from behind me.

Suddenly, tightening his grip on my neck, he started dragging me backward with him. When I refused to move, he tightened his grip even more, blocking every single breath in my neck. My eyes started getting hot. A hotness started moving slowly through my whole body.

My eyes went wide.

He started taking me backward, and I had no option left. I moved backward.

I knew my eyes were turning red from the pain as tears continued slipping down my cheeks. The pressure was so hard that my face arched helplessly toward his rock-like chest.

And then suddenly

My messed reddish hazel eyes met his.

Grey cold.

Dangerously deep eyes.

His glance was so dark that I forgot to blink.

His eyes were filled with darkness, as if he carried the shadows of the entire world within them. They didn't tremble. They didn't hesitate. They studied me slowly, thoroughly like he had already decided my fate.

There was a faint glint of light in them, but no shame, no hesitation in his cruelty. Even a monster would melt while looking at me in that condition, but that heartless man not a single kind of guilt was not visible in his eyes. It looked like he was enjoying it.

Suddenly, my one percent of breath hitched as he stepped into the elevator, dragging me along with him. His grip on my neck never loosened not even for a second.

The elevator doors began to close.

When I moved my eyes from the elevator to him, his grey gaze was still locked onto mine dark, unreadable, and terrifyingly calm.

Ding.

The elevator doors slid closed, sealing me alone with him.

My eyes started closing as I desperately tried to pry his hand away from my neck. I coughed violently, my chest burning as air struggled to return to my lungs.

Then suddenly

When I was finally ready to leave my body

He released my neck.

The abrupt loss of pressure made me stumble. I gripped his black T-shirt for balance, my body shaking as I gasped for breath and coughed fast, trying to breathe properly as much as possible.

Before I could even process it, his hand grabbed me again not at my throat, but this time on my wrist.

With one sharp movement, he flipped me toward him.

And I was forced to face him directly. My both hands were on his rock-like chest as I tried to make distance.

My breath came out in broken gasps as his grey eyes locked onto mine-unreadable and cold, leaving me standing there exposed under his gaze.

Suddenly, I said, gathering all my courage in my body that was crushed by him some minutes before. I said in a low and sharp voice,

"Leave me, or it's not going to be good for you."

I looked straight into his eyes, but my eyes got shocked when not a single kind of expression came into his eyes.

Suddenly, his long finger came to my chin. He grabbed my chin tightly, not letting my face move.

He whispered in his dark, rough voice,

"Oh, I get scared of you. Please don't do anything wrong to me."

My eyes widened more.

I knew he was mocking me.

Suddenly, his dark chuckle filled the elevator.

I gulped.

His hand left my chin and started tracing down my neck. My body started shivering.

What the hell is he doing?

I hate when anyone touches my body.

Me and Shaurya have been in a relationship for seven years, but still, he never tried to touch me like that. Not even once. We only held each other's hands and hugged each other, nothing more, because I hate physical touch cause of some past traumas.

And suddenly, my body started panicking when he started running his hand on my neck.

I gulped harder and said in my ragged voice,

"D-d-don't... t-touch me..."

He looked at me, but this time not in a harsh way.

He left his hand from my neck and said,

"You're such an innocent girl... but at the same time, so bad... bad too."

My eyes widened in shock.

"If I have a chance to spoil any woman, I swear, I'll choose you."

Not a single word left my voice.

No one ever said that kind of word to me, and I hope I will never ever listen to this kind of word again.

Suddenly, he grabbed my hand.

I looked at him sharply, with all my rage in my eyes.

He made me turn.

And when I turned, the elevator was open. I didn't even realize when it stopped.

He started taking me out, forcing me to move.

"Leave me! Leave me!" I said angrily while trying to free my hand.

Suddenly, he turned his covered face toward me. His grey eyes were now filled with frustration.

"Do you want me to put the gun on your head again?" he said sharply. "Now I swear, this time the bullet will be in your head."

I gulped.

And started walking silently behind him.

He stopped directly outside the mall.

He looked at me and said,

"Stand here silently. If you try to be smart, I don't think I have to repeat my words."

I don't know why, but my mind agreed to his command.

I stood silently.

Suddenly

My eyes fell on a bike that was standing just some distance from me. The bike is whole black and so dark gauthick. Than my eyes fell on the bike titles. There was symbol of BMW, that means that bike is BMW bike.

I don't know too much about bikes, but that bike looking so dominance and dark type.

Without a pause or a single hesitation, he reached it and swung his leg over, settling onto it effortlessly like it was made for him... like he owned it. He goes near the bike and sit on it. He looks direct in my eyes and said, "You know what, I'll kill every fucking person who witnessed me."

Than he take a deep breath with something sitter in his eyes, but I'll leaving you. Not because you're women, just because cause of you a little bit. But I'm save, so be happy for the new life I gave you. And worship to your God that you'll never see me again.

He said me, but I don't make my self look like I'm affected to his word. But I'm. Then he wears his black helmet. And than, while looking me, he wink. My eyes get shocked.

My breath hitched the moment his fingers wrapped around the handle, slow and firm, and then the engine roared to life-loud and deep, tearing through the silence as the vibration filled the air.

My heart pounded against my chest while I kept staring at him, completely unable to look away, as he leaned slightly forward with that same calm, dangerous control.

And in the very next second, he sped away, disappearing from my sight, leaving behind nothing but the fading roar of the bike and a strange heaviness settling deep inside me.

I finally took a slow, steady breath one that almost felt like freedom.

If I ever prayed to Murugan, it would be for just one thing...

that I never, ever cross paths with THE DEVIL again in my entire life.

I was standing there silently, trying to understand what literally had just happened some time before, and after some minutes, I listened to a voice calling my name

"Niharika... Niharika..."

I hid every beat of my scareness and turned. Ishani was coming towards me while running. She said, "Where are you? I'm searching everywhere! Are you okay, niharika? What the hell happened in the mall? I literally can't understand.

I was in the restroom, and when I was coming out, gunshots erupted. Every person started running. I searched for you, but I didn't find you there. Then I went to the other floor you weren't there. I got scared..."

I looked at Ishani and hugged her. She was blank for some seconds, then she said, "What happened, Niharika? Is there any problem?"

My eyes were getting numb, but I couldn't make a tear slip from my eyes.

After breaking the hug, I said, "First tell me, are you fine, na?"

She nodded.

Suddenly, she said while looking at me, "Niharika..."

I looked at her in confusion.

She said, while looking at my neck, "Why is your neck so red, like someone choked you?"

My eyes widened. I gulped and said, "No, nothing like that... actually it's some kind of reaction... nothing," I said while covering my neck with my hair.

She looked at me with her detective eyes and said, "Are you sure?"

I looked at her and said, "Yes, baba, I'm damn sure. Now leave this place I don't think we have to waste a second here."

She nodded.

We were going to my house, and after that I would leave for the hospital I was thinking. Suddenly, my phone buzzed. I looked at the caller ID it was Amma. When I saw it, my whole problem, my whole pain, everything left my body, and a smile came on my face.

I received the call and said, "Vanakkam, Amma."

She said in a low voice, "Vanakkam my princess.. How are you?"

I asked in confusing voice, "I'm good, but why are you talking like that? Did something happen? Are you okay?"

She said, "I'm good, Niharika. Don't panic, I'm totally fine."

Then I said, "And about Appa? How is he? And why is he not answering my calls? Appa never did this before, Amma."

Amma again said the same words she had been saying for the past days "He's busy in work."

I said, "Amma, not this time. I know Appa very well. No matter how busy he is, he never ignores my calls. Tell me the truth what happened?"

Amma said in a slow, shaking voice, "Literally, Niharika... he's busy."

I said to her, "Okay then, swear on me and tell me that everything is fine... that Appa is really just busy."

There was some minutes of silence.

Then Amma said while crying, "Why did you said that..."

My heart started beating fast. I panicked.

I said, "Amma, please tell me what happened! Why are you crying? Please, is anything happened?"

She said again in her cry, "Nothing is fine, Niharika... your dad is in the hospital. He's so sick. He told me not to tell you anything because he didn't want you to get panicked. His condition is getting bad. Doctor said he has to stay in hospital for some days..."

Tears started falling from my eyes.

I said, "And you're telling me that now, Amma? Am I not important for you all?"

Amma said, "No, no, Niharika, my bacha, you're our life. We just didn't want you to get tensed..."

I said while wiping my tears, "And you think if you don't tell me, I'll be fine? Amma, I know you and Appa love me so much... and that I don't get hurt That's why you made me live with Patti and Thatha. It's been twenty-five years, and I'm living here... but Amma, not anymore."

"Now it's about Appa, and I will not tolerate if anything happens to you or Appa."

"I'm coming to Rajasthan, Amma."

She said in panicked. "No, Niharika... you can't. Don't do this. Your appa keep you there for your safety, and if you come, he'll only panic more," Amma end the word softly.

I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Amma... I'm his daughter. The moment he sees me, I swear... he'll forget everything."

My throat tightened as I continued,

"He'll just... hug me... forgetting all his pain."

I said, "Amma, please, not this time. No... I'm coming there. After twenty-five years, I'm finally coming there, and now no one can stop me. I swear not you and nor Appa."

"From tomorrow's flight, I'm coming there."

I said and cut the call.

My tears kept falling. Tension started igniting in my head.

How is Appa doing? What if he is too much sick...? No, no... please Murugan... please make my Appa very fine...

Ishani looked at me and said, "I heard everything, Niharika. Don't worry, uncle will be fine."

I said while looking at her, "No, Ishani... this time it's too much. Sometimes Appa is not well, and they don't tell me that too... but I'm their daughter. How much do they think they can hide things from me? I understand everything. But now this time... this is too much. Appa is in hospital this is not normal."

"I will go there from tomorrow flight."

Ishani looked at me and said, "Not only you I'll also go with you."

I looked at Ishani and said, "But your work?"

She said while looking at me, "You forgot? I can also do work from home."

I looked at her and hugged her tightly.

"I can't tell you how much I love you, Ishani..."

She said while hugging me, "Finally, I heard something my ears were waiting to hear."

A small smile appeared on my face.

Then she stopped the car in front of my house.

I went inside the house. I went directly to my room, ignoring everyone. I started collecting my stuff for the hospital. I wasn't understanding what I was doing, but I only knew one thing my Appa.

Suddenly, Patti came and said, "Chitti, you're not doing right. Shakti took you here to save you. He also wanted that he live with his daughter, but think, na... why did he bring you here? Of course, there is something. And you also know there are too many enemies of his they'll harm you."

I finally looked at Patti after putting the file on the table i said.

"So, Patti... you also knew that Appa was sick, and you hid it from me?"

Patti looked at me with guilt.

Then I said again, "And, Patti... what kind of enemies? If they want to hurt me, they will do it from here too. And I don't understand why Appa's enemies would only hurt me. Vihaan was also living with Amma and Appa nothing ever happened to him. Then why would Appa's enemies hurt me?"

There was a few seconds of silence.

Then a voice came from the door..

"Because they tried to hurt you when you were born."

I turned back and looked at Thatha in confusion.

"Then why didn't they hurt me now?"

Thatha said, walking into the room, "Because your Appa arranged everything like that. Everyone knows that Shakti has a daughter, but they don't know how she looks or what she is doing. They only know that Shakti's daughter is studying abroad, because he told everyone that lie."

He paused, looking at me deeply.

"No one knows that the CM of Rajasthan, Shaktiraj Rathore's daughter is Niharika Rathore. No one knows that you are living in Chennai with us. No one knows that India's best archer and One of Chennai's best gynaecologist is Shakti's daughter. That's why you are safe."

"Your dad loves you so much, Chitti... you have to understand that."

I looked at Thatha with tears in my eyes.

"Why didn't you all tell me these things before?"

Patti said softly, "Shakti told us not to tell you all these things."

I looked at them and said, "Thatha... Patti... can you fulfill one wish of mine? Just one... I swear, just one. Please, Thatha..."

Thatha looked at me and said, "Why would we not? Tell me, what do you want?"

"I want to go to Rajasthan... just this once. I swear, it will be the first and the last time. I promise, Patti... Thatha... after I come back from there, I'll never ask to go again. But now, please give me permission... because I can't stay here silently without seeing Appa with my own eyes... please..."

They both looked at me with sad expressions.

Then Patti nodded to Thatha.

Thatha came to me and said, while wiping my tears, "Did we ever say no to you?"

The moment I heard his words, I hugged him tightly.

"I love you so much, Patti, Thatha... you're the best grandparents ever..."

He smiled and said, "And you're my strongest child."

I smiled and hugged Patti too.

They left from there.

I went back to arranging my files. Suddenly, my eyes shifted to the mirror.

I looked at my neck it had turned red.

And then, the mall incident started flashing in my mind.

Slowly, I touched my neck with my fingers. A light pain spread through the area... it felt like his rough fingers were still touching my neck.

I gulped.

I applied ointment on my neck, forcing myself to ignore those thoughts.

Then I left for the hospital.

Because I had to fix things.

Of course, I couldn't leave my patients like this.

I arranged everything and managed the doctor who was supposed to come after Diwali I adjusted her shift to now so she could handle everything in my absence.

*************************

(Divyansh pov)

"And finally, we did it, Tej. See? I said we fooled them, and they won't understand that," Adrit said, drinking the alcohol.

Then Rihannthe said, while taking a shot on the pool table and turning his face towards me,

"But I don't understand one thing, Tej... why did you choose to go in front of them? You could've sent one of us too. Then why you?"

A smirk appeared on my mouth as I exhaled the smoke.

I said slowly, "Wanted to see... how much strategy they're making to find me."

Then Zayden asked, while looking through his phone,

"Then what did you find?"

I looked at him, while putting my leg on the table and crossing them then i said, "As always... they're not worth my attention."

I said, while looking towards my gun,

"Kitne bade bade chutiyaon ke haathon mein kaam saupa ja raha hai is desh mein..."

[“In this country, such important work is being handed over to complete idiots…”]

Suddenly, a chuckle came from the door.

I looked in that direction.

Lucien walked into the room, drinking his shitty mango shake.

Like... this man is crazy. Which fucking mafia likes drinking mango shake instead of alcohol?

Well, Lucien the fucking shooter loves his mango shake.

He said, while sitting on the sofa,

"If they were smart, then why are we doing their work? After existing, they're doing nothing for people. So, of course, someone has to take responsibility."

"Well, we're here for all those people who don't have anyone to listen to their problems," he said, turning the TV on.

He put on a news channel.

Suddenly, Adrit said,

"Woah... See... who is ruling the news channels?"

I didn't give a hell, because I knew that on every fucking channel, the mall footage was repeating.

I was cleaning my gun.

Suddenly, Lucien said,

"Wait... who the hell is that girl?"

The moment those words slipped from his tongue, my eyes moved from the gun to the TV.

The video on the news channel

There I was.

Standing... grabbing that girl's neck.

The police were there.

Her face was turned in another direction, that's why it wasn't captured on camera.

I moved my eyes from the TV back to my gun... but my mind started replaying the scene from the mall.

When I was fooling those stupid men while running, and when they were chasing me

My eyes fell on a woman.

She was sitting on the ground, her hands pressed tightly over her ears.

The whole mall was empty.

She was the only one there.

She stood up... and looked around.

And then

Her fucking beautiful eyes fell on me.

She looked at me like she had never seen a human before.

If I say she is like normal people... I'm so fucking wrong.

Because she is beautiful. Stunning She had fair skin, touched with a warm brown glow that made her stand out even more.

And most importantly... she has a smart mouth.

Her face structure is so pretty.

A straight nose.

Beautiful lips, trembling in fear while looking at me.

Her long hair falling till her waist.

Her small curves, visible through her clothes, made my mind go blank for a second.

She is... perfectly made.

Too perfect.

But my mind got stuck on her eyes.

Beautiful hazel eyes.

They held fear... attitude... a lot of hopes...

And most importantly

They had the light to live.

I never planned to involve anyone in my game.

But after seeing her...

All my plans changed.

I ran towards her and grabbed her soft neck with my rocky arms.

She froze in shock.

For a few seconds, she didn't even realize what was happening to her.

A smirk appeared on my face.

Her hands tried to remove my grip like a little rat struggling.

Then my eyes fell on the stupid police, pointing guns at me.

Well... who knows if they even had bullets inside or not..

I looked at them straight and said,

"Move back."

Then I realized

That little rat was trying to move.

Suddenly, that mute girl finally spoke.

Her voice echoed in my mind.

It was trapped.

Soft... but harsh.

A voice that can either touch you like a flower... or cut you like a knife.

After that, a few of my words stopped her courage.

She went silent.

Stopped moving.

After some time, those foolish men stepped back.

And when I started taking her with me

She refused to move backward.

A smirk appeared on my face.

I tightened my hold.

And then... bechari ko haar manna hi pada.

I took her into the elevator.

She was coughing badly.

And I understood

If I held her neck any longer... she wouldn't survive.

So, I left her.

The moment I released her, she stumbled... about to fall.

But her smart mind didn't let her.

She grabbed my T-shirt.

Her grip was tight.

Like her life depended on it.

She was trying to catch her breath.

Suddenly, I turned her towards me in one move.

Her pretty face right in front of me.

She looked into my eyes sharply.

Like a hunter looking at its prey.

And for a second...

I felt like I was her prey.

I analyzed her face.

Then she finally spoke

"Leave me or it's not going to be good for you."

A dark smirk appeared on my face.

I slowly grabbed her chin.

That was so soft.

Then I mocked her words, like I was scared.

Her eyes widened

Like she could kill me right there.

As if I had done something wrong.

Suddenly, my eyes fell on her neck.

That was completely red.

Because of my hold.

I slowly moved my hand from her chin to her neck.

She gulped.

That sound... echoed in my ear.

She looked so pure.

So untouched.

And so scared... to be touched.

When I slowly brushed my fingers on her neck, she looked into my eyes in rage and said..

"Don't touch me."

And in that moment

I knew.

Something was wrong with her.

I pulled my hand back.

She kept breathing... and breathing... and breathing.

I was still thinking

When a voice interrupted me.

"So... can we say that you've lost your heart to some random fucking girl you saw in the mall?"

Zayden said, while looking at me from the corner of his eyes.

I cleaned my gun and said, while directly pointing it at that fucker,

"And can I say that now you're so much done with your life? If yes, then tell I'll make it over... and my century will be completed too."

He said,

"Wooh... see, someone get angry. I'm just kidding," he said, while winking.

I looked at him and said,

"I don't like this kind of fucking jokes."

Then Lucien said,

"So can we say that you killed that girl? Because you never leave any kind of witness behind."

I looked at him, and I lied without hesitation.

"Yes... I killed her."

He looked at me for a second, then turned his face.

Finally, the fucking investigation was over.

I had to lie to them, because then they would start making some kind of more stupid pyramid with that girl and the conversation.

Suddenly, Jandel said,

"Then why did you say to Zayden that you still have to complete your century?"

I exhaled my breath in frustration and said,

"Bho$dik#... are you forgetting? Main weak logon ki death ko counting mein nahi leta hoon."

[“You bastard… are you forgetting? I don’t count the deaths of the weak people's.”]

He smiled awkwardly and said,

"Sorry... I forgot."

I looked at him with my burning gaze and said,

"Tum haraam zaado ke beech do minute aur raha to... i swear, Divyansh ki jagah Devdas ban kar niklunga yahan se."

[“If I stay two more minutes among you bastards… I swear, I’ll walk out of here like Devdas instead of Divyansh.”]

I stood from there and walked towards the door.

But before exiting, I turned towards them and said,

"Do you know what you all have to do? Because we have to leave from here tomorrow morning."

I paused, then added,

"And I hope that I'll see that fucking bastard at my leg tonight."

They all said in sync,

"Done."

With a light smirk on my faces.

I left from there.

I went outside the property and looked around at the surroundings.

I don't know why... but I felt something different here.

I looked towards the sunset and closed my eyes for a second

and hell...

the only thing I saw was those fucking beautiful hazel eyes.

I suddenly opened my eyes in rage.

"What the actual fuck...? Why am I seeing that girl's eyes?"

Then my mind lit up with one thought, and a smirk appeared on my face.

Maybe my demons don't want to leave her alive.

Usually, people never get on my high list... and a woman never, in my hell world.

And if she gets my attention...

that only means she gets my enemies' rage

where people whom I don't like... don't survive.

I hope that small thing never comes in my way ever.

Because then... I'm not going to leave her alive next time.

Because next time-

will be her last day in this world.

And what I said to my stupid gang...

maybe it will become real.

I exhaled deeply.

I was thinking-

when my phone rang.

I looked at the caller ID and answered it.

"What happened?"

A calm and angry voice came from the other side.

"What the hell, Divyansh? Where are you? Do you have any kind of responsibility or not? Don't you think you should tell us where you are going or not?"

I rubbed my temple and said,

"Di... I had some very important work, and because of that, I forgot to tell you. But don't worry I'll come tomorrow."

She said, "Hm... I understand what kind of work you're doing. I know you're never going to listen to us."

I stayed silent for a few seconds, then said,

"How many times do I have to tell you, Di... this is what I am, and this is who I am. Don't try to change me... because it's only going to be a waste of your time."

She said angrily, "I know that. Well leave those things. Someone else is also here with me... who is more angry at you."

I asked in confusion,

"Who?"

Di said,

"Now you're making it more difficult for yourself, Divyansh. Do you really have to ask who...?"

Suddenly, my brain clicked.

I said,

"Where is he?"

Di replied,

"He's sitting in front of me. And he doesn't want to talk to you... because you left without meeting him."

I closed my eyes in regret and said,

"Give him the phone."

Di said, "I'm holding it. You talk he's very angry."

I lowered my voice.

"Ansh..."

There was a brief silence.

Then I said again,

"Sorry, Ansh... I'm really sorry. I was busy, that's why I forgot. And you know, how much work I have... that's why I couldn't meet you."

Suddenly, a soft and cute voice came

"Buasa, tell him I don't want to talk to him..."

Something shattered in my chest.

I said again,

"Uff... now maybe I have to tell about the surprise."

Then the voice came again,

"Buasa, I don't want to talk to him... but he can tell you what kind of surprise he was talking about."

A small smile curved on my lips.

Then I said,

"Actually, Di... you know, I came to a place where a lot of chocolates, candies, and very beautiful toys exist. You know, only big people come here kids are not allowed. So I thought I'll come here and buy a lot of things for Ansh... but now, since he's angry at me, fine... I won't buy anything. Because now he won't accept anything, right?"

Suddenly, his voice came in a high pitch-

"No, no, partner! I'm not angry at you I was just pranking you! Why would I not talk to you?"

A smile appears on my face, but I controlled it and said,

"Ohh... is that so?"

He said quickly,

"Yes, yes, partner! So now... will you bring all those things for me from there?"

I said, "Of course. When have I ever denied you?"

His soft laughter filled my ears.

He said,

"You're so best, partner."

I smiled and said,

"Okay... so I'm coming there tomorrow. And until then, you promise me you're not going to trouble Buasa."

He said,

"Okay, partner."

I said, "Now give the phone to Buasa."

He said,

"Okay."

Then Di took the phone.

I said,

"Di, take care of him. I just have some work for today. Tomorrow morning, I'll leave from here."

Di said,

"Don't worry. Take as much time as you need. Me and Ansh are very happy here, and he's enjoying a lot. Right, Ansh?"

He said with a chuckle,

"Yes, Buasa!"

After that, I cut the call.

I turned towards the property...

*************************

(A/N pov)

"Did Vihaan even know you're coming or not?" Ishani said.

Niharika looked at her watch, then towards the parking lot and replied calmly, "Of course, I told him... maybe he's coming."

Ishani nodded, but before she could say anything, a voice came from behind

"Excuse me, ma'am... are you both waiting for Vihaan Rathore?"

Both Niharika and Ishani turned.

The moment Niharika saw him, a soft smile appeared on her face despite the numbness in her eyes.

"Vihaan..."

He looked at her and said with a half smile, "Thank God... you didn't forget your brother's face."

Niharika narrowed her eyes and playfully hit him with her purse. "I forgot you? Haan?"

He chuckled, raising his hands slightly. "Okay, okay... sorry, Akka."

She let out a small laugh, and Vihaan pulled her into a tight hug.

"I missed you so much... you literally made the best decision by coming here."

Niharika smiled softly and broke the hug.

Then Vihaan looked at Ishani and grinned, "Arai arai... yeh kya? Baddie ji bhi aayi hai?"

[“Oh, oh… what’s this? Even the baddie has shown up?”]

Ishani raised an eyebrow. "Do you want this 'baddie' to beat you on the first meeting itself?"

"Arre na baba na," he said dramatically, stepping back, "I'm already scared of you... I can't rival with the WWE champion."

Both Niharika and Ishani burst into laughter.

"Okay, let's go," Vihaan said, "Mumma is waiting for you. You have no idea how tense she is since yesterday. Every second it's 'Niharika is coming... what if your dad finds out... what will happen at the airport... will she be okay...' thousands of questions. Now please, let's move fast-she can't wait even a second."

Niharika smiled knowingly. "I know Amma... she gets too tense."

They sat in the car, and Vihaan started driving.

Niharika turned her face towards the window, silently observing everything passing by.

After a while, she spoke softly, "I don't know why... but I feel something... like nostalgia. I don't know why it feels like I've been here before."

Ishani glanced at her and smirked. "Of course you feel like that. If we check your Google history, it'll be full of Rajasthan-every corner, every place. So obviously, it feels familiar."

Niharika smiled faintly. She opened the car window, rested her chin on her folded hands, closed her eyes, and let the air brush against her face.

After a moment, she opened her eyes and whispered, "This state... is so beautiful."

Vihaan grinned proudly. "Bas itna hi? Wait, Akka... I'll show you the whole Rajasthan. I'm sure you're going to love it."

Niharika nodded, her smile growing. "I want to explore every inch of this place."

After some time, they reached.

Niharika stepped out of the car and froze for a second, staring at the mansion in front of her.

"Is this... really our house?"

Vihaan smirked. "Yes. It's ours."

"It's so pretty... so beautiful..." she murmured.

Ishani added, "Literally... it's stunning."

"Can we go inside now?" Vihaan said.

Both nodded.

As they entered, guards stood all around the mansion, alert and silent.

The moment they stepped inside, Vihaan called out, "Mumma... see who's here!"

Niharika's mother came out of the room and the second her eyes fell on Niharika, they filled with tears.

She rushed towards her and hugged her tightly.

Niharika hugged her back just as tightly. "Amma... see, I'm finally here... with you."

Her mother cupped her face slightly, kissing her forehead. "Yes, my child... finally you're here with your Amma. You don't know how much I missed you... every second."

Niharika smiled emotionally. "I know, Amma... I don't even want to imagine how much you missed me."

From behind, Ishani spoke dramatically, "Aunty... saara pyaar badi beti ko? Aur choti wali ka kya?"

[“Aunty… all the love for the elder daughter? What about the younger one?”]

Niharika's mother turned instantly and pulled Ishani into a warm hug. "My bacha... my love is for you too."

Ishani hugged her back, smiling. "Bas, isi ek hug ke liye hum yahan aaye hain."

[“We came here just for this one hug.”]

"Acha ji?" her mother teased.

Ishani grinned. "By the way, Aunty... tell me honestly what do you use for your skincare? You look like Niharika's sister, not her mother."

Her mother smiled shyly. "You will never change."

Niharika laughed. "She's always like this, Amma... no one can change her."

They all chuckled.

"Okay, come," her mother said. "I'll take you to your room. Freshen up, then come down. I've made a lot of food for both of you."

Niharika stopped her gently. "Amma..."

Her mother turned. "Yes?"

"How is Appa now? Where is he? Can I meet him? I swear... I'll make him understand why I came. He'll understand everything..."

Her mother placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "Relax, Niharika. First, go freshen up. Then I'll take you to him. He's better now... don't worry."

Niharika nodded slowly.

Then she asked again, "Amma... did you take leave from work today?"

Her mother smiled. "Yes. I had some cases, but I delayed them for tomorrow. Everything is ready, and the main case is after four days I'll handle it."

Niharika smiled proudly. "I know... as always, Mrs. Vijaylakshmi Rathore is going to win this case too."

Her mother raised an eyebrow playfully. "Any doubt?"

"Not even a little bit," Ishani replied instantly.

They all laughed.

And after some time, they went to freshen up.

After sometime..

"Bas thoda sa aur,"

[just a little more]

Niharika's mom said while making her eat the medu vada.

"Amma, bas please... I'm so full," Niharika said, pouting.

Ishani, sitting next to her, spoke with her mouth full, "Kha le, kha le ... itne achhe din roz nahi aate..

[eat, eat such good days don't come every day]

she said while eating the medu vada.

Then Niharika's mom said, while feeding Ishani another bite with her own hands, "Ishani beta, ab tum hi samjhao main toh thak gayi samjha kar (Ishani beta, now you explain to her cause I'm tired of explaining)."

Ishani said while chewing, "Okay, aunty... but I swear, now I'm also full. I literally can't eat one more bite."

Niharika chuckled softly. "No, no... eat, eat. You're a good girl, na? So eat."

Ishani looked at Niharika with puppy eyes.

Then Niharika's mom sighed and said, "Okay, okay... now I won't force you."

After they finished eating, Niharika's mom asked, "So now what's your plan? Where are you planning to go in Rajasthan?"

Niharika looked straight at her and said firmly, "Amma, I didn't come here for a vacation. I'm here to meet Appa... and after that, I'll go to Chennai. And I think... now is the time to meet him."

Niharika's mom looked at her with a slightly worried expression.

Niharika gently placed her hand over hers. "Amma, why are you so tense? Don't worry... I'm here, na. When Appa sees me, he'll be happy. I swear."

Her mom sighed softly. "I know that, Niharika... but the thing is how will I take you to the hospital? If anyone sees you, it could create problems. And if anything happens to you... me and your dad won't be able to live."

Niharika looked at her calmly and said, "Amma, why are you worrying so much? I'm Niharika Rathore... daughter of shaktiraj Rathore. No one can do anything to me."

She paused slightly, then continued confidently, "And even if someone sees me and suspects something... I have a plan."

Her mother looked at her, confused.

Niharika said while making her relax. "I'm one of the top gynecologists in India. Of course I'll be meeting other doctors I'll walk into that hospital as a doctor... professionally."

Her eyes softened slightly.

"And then... I'll meet Appa too."

She leaned back a little.

"No one will know."

*************************

In hospital...

She walked through the corridor, her steps calm, composed...

"I'm really glad to meet you, Dr. Dikshit," she said politely, walking beside the older man.

The man smiled warmly. "No, Dr. Niharika, I should be the one saying that. I feel honoured that you came all the way to this hospital to meet me."

Niharika gave a small nod, her eyes scanning everything around her guards, restricted areas, tension in the air.

"By the way, Dr. Dikshit... can I ask you something?" she said, her tone casual, but her eyes sharp.

"Yes, yes, of course."

"Why is there so much security outside the hospital? I mean... it's not normal. Is there any serious case?"

The doctor sighed slightly. "Yes, you guessed right. Rajasthan's CM has been admitted here. His condition... is not very good. The security is for him."

"Oh..." she nodded slowly.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the file she was holding.

"And now? Is he okay?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.

"A little stable," the doctor replied. "But honestly... he's under extreme stress. Maybe he saw or heard something shocking. It directly affected his brain. He needs complete rest... no stress at all."

For a moment

Her vision blurred.

But she blinked.

Controlled.

Masked.

"If you don't mind... can I see him?" she asked softly. "Maybe I can help. Or at least understand something."

The doctor looked at her, then smiled. "Of course, Dr. Niharika. Maybe you can actually help."

Her eyes lit up just a little.

"Thank you so much."

They walked toward the room.

Security stood outside.

The doctor spoke to them, and they allowed niharika in.

The moment she stepped inside

Her world stopped.

A man.

Lying on the bed.

Strong but still.

Weak.

Pale.

Nothing like the man she knew.

"Dr. Niharika... he is the patient. Mr. Shaktiraj Rathore."

Her breath hitched.

Tears rushed to her eyes

But she turned her face instantly, wiping them before anyone could notice.

"Oh..." she whispered.

"Mr. Rathore, wake up. Someone has come to meet you," the doctor said.

Slowly

He opened his eyes.

Weak... but still sharp.

"Who came...?" he asked, his voice low, yet holding authority.

Niharika stepped closer, then whispered to the doctor,

"Dr. Dikshit... can I talk to him alone?"

"Of course."

The doctor left.

Silence filled the room.

He looked at her.

"Who are you? My new doctor?" he asked.

That was it.

The tears she had been holding back for hours

Finally fell.

He frowned slightly, trying to sit up. "What happ"

Before he could finish

She rushed forward, helping him sit properly.

"Appa!" she shouted, her voice breaking. "You always act so strong, na? You're sick, and still this stubborn!"

He froze.

"...What did you say?"

Her eyes widened.

"You just called me Appa... didn't you?"

She couldn't stop anymore.

Her hands trembled as she slowly removed her mask.

The moment he saw her face

His eyes softened instantly.

"...Niharika?" he whispered.

That was enough.

She broke.

"Appa!" she cried, hugging him tightly.

His hand slowly moved to her hair, caressing it gently.

"My child... how are you, my princess?"

"How can I be fine?" she cried. "How can your princess be fine when her superhero is not okay?"

He gave a weak chuckle. "Who said I'm not fine? I'm perfectly okay."

She pulled back, glaring at him through tears. "Really? I can see how 'fine' you are."

"I'm angry at you, Appa. Really angry. No one told me you were sick. You're in the hospital, and I didn't even know?"

"I'm fine, Niharika. You're overthinking."

But then

His expression changed.

Serious.

"First tell me how did you come here?" he asked sharply. "Why did you come to Rajasthan? I kept you away from this place your whole life. Did anyone see you? Did you come with security? What if someone"

"Appa!" she snapped.

He stopped.

"Please stop panicking. I'm fine. No one knows anything."

He looked at her.

Then he slowly nodded.

"You're fine... yes... no one can harm you..."

But she didn't relax.

"Appa... from childhood, I've seen you worried for me. You always kept me away from this state. I thought it was because of your enemies."

She paused.

"But this... this is something else."

Her voice softened.

"You're scared. And you never get scared."

He looked at her silent.

Niharika looked at him, her voice trembling but laced with a teasing smile.

"Were you hiding something from me... or did something happen like in movies? Dad, please tell me the truth am I not your daughter? Did you find me somewhere, and now my real parents have come to take me away?"

Her father stared at her for a moment, completely baffled.

"What? When did this even happen? And why don't I know about it?" he said, frowning. "What the hell are you talking about, Niharika? Why would you even think something like that?"

His voice softening but still firm.

"You are my daughter. Mine and your beautiful mother's. Our own product... our intelligent yet sometimes very foolish child."

Niharika let out a small chuckle, her eyes glistening.

"I know, Appa... my stubborn Appa. I know I'm your daughter. I know I belong to you and Amma."

She paused, her smile turning faint, almost fragile.

Her father shook his head and chuckled softly..

"My princess.."

She laughed through tears. "I know, Appa. I was just trying to make you smile."

He chuckled.

"And did it work?"

She nodded. "Yes. But I don't want a temporary smile... I want a permanent one, Mr. Shaktiraj Rathore."

He smiled faintly. "Okay, Dr. Niharika Rathore."

Then

Silence again.

"Now tell me the truth," she said softly. "The one you're hiding from the whole world."

His smile disappeared.

"Appa... I know you share everything with Amma. But this... you hid even from her, didn't you? Because you can't see her in pain."

Her voice broke.

"So give that pain to me."

"I promise... I'll handle it."

Tears filled his eyes.

One tear escaped.

She froze.

"Appa..." she whispered, holding his face, "you never cry. No matter what happens... you never cry. Please... don't hide anymore."

She took his hand and placed it on her head.

"Appa, apko meri kasam... please tell me the truth."

He closed his eyes.

Then said slowly

"Hold your heart, Niharika. This truth... will change your life."

Her eyes widened.

"I'm not scared... when I have you."

He looked at her.

"My daughter is strong."

(Sometimes later)

After some time...

She walked out of the room.

Her face was calm.

But her eyes

Held a storm.

A tear slipped

But she wiped it before it could fall.

"You're strong, Dr. Niharika Rathore," she whispered to herself. "As strong as your Appa believes."

Slowly

She removed her mask.

A small, controlled smile appeared on her lips.

"Now you don't need to hide anymore."

She threw the mask into the dustbin.

"And don't forget to smile... you deserve it."

And without looking back

She walked away.

_________________________

Hope you all loved the chapter! If you truly enjoyed it, don't forget to show your love in the comments and lot's of live my lovelies..