4100+ words

Tere bina guzra har ek pal ek sadi ke barabar tha,Aaj jab tu wapas aayi hai, toh jaise zindagi ek nayi roshni se bhar gayi hai.Tere bina, har khushi adhoori thi,Aaj phir se tu mere saath hai, toh jaise saari duniya hi khushiyon se bhar gayi hai

Author's pov:

Two months had passed since Yuvan's arrest, and life had slowly begun to return to a semblance of normalcy for Ashwin and his family. The once turbulent household, filled with anger, grief, and sorrow, now brimmed with quiet conversations, shared meals, and a sense of calm that had eluded them for so long.

Ashwin and Vikram had thrown themselves into their work, using the pain of the past to fuel their success. Their business, once rattled by Yuvan's schemes, had emerged stronger than ever. The two of them, now business partners, had built an empire together, using their combined intelligence and charm to rise to the top. In just two months, they had transformed their company into one of the most successful in the region.

They were constantly in the spotlight. Magazine covers, newspaper headlines, and interviews with major media outlets hailed them as the business world's most dynamic duo. Their impeccable style, sharp minds, and undeniable charisma made them the perfect team—always famous, always admired. They were seen as the epitome of what it meant to be successful, a perfect combination of brains and charm.

But beneath the polished veneer, there was still an unspoken void that lingered. Anshika's absence was a silent presence that clung to Ashwin's heart like a shadow.

Every success, every accomplishment, was tinged with the bittersweet memory of the woman who should have been by his side to share it with him.

Ashwin's office, for all its grandeur, still held little traces of her. On some days, as he sat at his desk, his mind would drift back to moments with her—her laughter echoing in his ears, her scent lingering faintly in his memories. He could picture her sitting across from him, teasing him about some business decision or scolding him playfully for working too late.

It was in these quiet moments, between meetings and conference calls, that Ashwin felt her absence most acutely. There were times when he would catch himself smiling at something she once said, only for the smile to fade as the reality of her loss settled back into his chest.

One evening, after a long day of meetings, Ashwin and Vikram sat together in Ashwin's office, enjoying a rare moment of quiet. The two men had grown even closer over the past months, their bond strengthened not just by business, but by the shared grief and responsibility of carrying on after Anshika's death.

"Can you believe how far we've come?" Vikram asked, leaning back in his chair and glancing out of the window at the city skyline. "Feels like only yesterday everything was falling apart."

Ashwin nodded, his gaze distant. "Yeah. We've built something incredible, Vikram. But there's always that part of me that wonders what it would've been like if she were here."

Vikram looked at him, his expression softening. "I know. She's missed every day, Ashwin. Not just by you, but by all of us. But look at what we've done. I think she'd be proud of you."

Ashwin let out a small, tired laugh. "Maybe. I just... I still think about her. I wonder if she'd have been happy with all of this. I can't help but feel like I let her down, like I didn't do enough to protect her."

Vikram shook his head, his voice firm but kind. "You can't blame yourself forever. We both know that Yuvan was responsible for everything that happened. You did everything you could to save her."

Ashwin looked down at his hands, his voice softer now. "I know. It's just... sometimes, it feels like success doesn't mean much when you don't have the people you love to share it with."

There was a silence between them for a moment, a silence filled with the weight of their shared losses. Vikram, always the optimist, reached out and gave Ashwin's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

You've got family. You've got me. And we'll keep moving forward. For her. For Anshika."

Ashwin nodded, taking in Vikram's words. He knew his friend was right. Life had moved forward, and so had he, but that didn't mean the memory of Anshika would ever fade completely. It was simply something he would carry with him, quietly and privately.

As the weeks turned into months, Ashwin and Vikram continued to grow their business, turning their company into a global powerhouse. They attended events, charity galas, and business conferences, always greeted with admiration and applause. But no matter how high they climbed, how successful they became, there was always a part of Ashwin that remained distant, reserved—a part that belonged solely to the memory of Anshika.

Some days, Ashwin would find himself sitting alone in his office, staring out at the world beyond the glass walls, wondering what could have been. And yet, in those moments, he would also feel a strange sense of peace. He had loved Anshika, in his own way, and he had avenged her. He had done everything he could to honor her memory.

And though the pain of losing her would never fully heal, Ashwin had found a way to live with it, to continue moving forward. Because somewhere, deep down, he knew that Anshika wouldn't want him to dwell on the past forever. She would want him to live—to find joy, to find love, to keep moving forward.

So that's what Ashwin did. He moved forward. He lived. And though he carried the weight of her memory with him, he no longer let it hold him back.

He was Ashwin—the man who had loved, lost, and survived. And that, in itself, was enough.

Ashwin's pov:

(Author's note: I am not good at writing lovely dovely things :) sorry)

I blinked a few times, the blurry morning light casting soft hues across the room. I felt warmth beside me, the kind of comforting presence I had longed for in the darkest corners of my mind. My arm was draped over something—no, someone. My heart stilled as I looked down, and there she was.

Anshika.

Her hair spilled across the pillow, her face peaceful in sleep. My breath hitched, and for a moment, I couldn't move. It was her. Really her. Every part of her was so vividly real, from the curve of her cheek to the soft rise and fall of her chest. My mind raced. This had to be a dream. It had to be.

I murmured softly, barely daring to believe it. "I wish... I never wake up from this dream." My voice was hoarse with emotion, and before I could stop myself, I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. She felt so real in my embrace. I held her tightly, like she might slip away at any second. My head rested on her shoulder, and I breathed her in, her familiar scent filling my senses—so intoxicating, so comforting. God, I'd missed this. I'd missed her.

She stirred, her body shifting slightly under my touch, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. My heart clenched at the sight. She was here. Right here. I held her tighter, afraid to let go, afraid that if I did, she would disappear like she had so many times before in my mind.

I closed my eyes, whispering into her hair, "I need you, Anshika... I need you so badly." My words were heavy with all the emotions I'd kept bottled up for months—the regret, the pain, the longing. I could feel the warmth of her skin, and it felt like coming home. "I want everything back. Your smile, your touch, your voice... everything."

I could feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes, but I didn't care. If this was a dream, I was ready to stay in it forever. My lips brushed her forehead as I kissed her softly, and for the first time in what felt like forever, my heart felt full.

Just as I was lost in the warmth of her embrace, completely entranced by the moment, I heard a cough from the doorway.

"Ahem..." Viyaan's voice cut through the room like a blade. I jerked my head up, my arms still wrapped tightly around Anshika. My eyes met his, and he was standing there with an amused smirk plastered across his face.

I groaned, rolling my eyes. "At least not in my dreams too, dude!" I muttered, pulling the blanket up as if that would shield me from the embarrassment. Anshika, flustered, quickly buried her face under the blanket, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Viyaan raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Ahem, sir, this is your problem. You're busy doing your... romance things with the door unlocked." He smirked. "And, by the way, yes—this isn't a dream."

My heart stuttered. Wait... what? This wasn't a dream?

Before I could process what he said, Vikram entered the room with a swift kick to Viyaan's butt. "Dude, seriously? You just interrupted the first time I saw Ashwin like this," Vikram grumbled, rolling his eyes before mimicking my words. "I wish... I never wake up from this dream."

I groaned and threw a pillow straight at him. "Shut up!" I barked, heat rushing to my face as they both laughed. But the laughter quickly died down when I realized what Viyaan had said.

I stared at him, eyes wide. "Wait. What did you say?" I glanced down at Anshika, who was still hiding under the blanket, peeking out just slightly to see my reaction.

Viyaan grinned. "This is not a dream, Ashwin. She's really here."

My heart skipped a beat. My mind spun, trying to grasp the reality of it. I gently pulled the blanket down, revealing Anshika's face. She smiled shyly, her cheeks pink, and I reached out to touch her, my hand trembling. Her skin was soft, warm... real.

"This... isn't a dream?" I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

Anshika shook her head, biting her lip to keep from smiling too widely. "No, Ashwin. It's real."

The world seemed to stop spinning, everything else fading into the background. I was no longer in some fantasy. She was here, alive, and smiling at me.

I pulled her closer, burying my face in her hair, my heart thudding so loudly I was sure she could hear it. I didn't care that Viyaan and Vikram were standing there grinning like idiots. I didn't care about anything except for the fact that she was here, in my arms, where she belonged.

Vikram, being Vikram, couldn't resist breaking the moment again. "I mean, if you guys are done with the cute stuff, we have work to do. But hey, don't let us stop you from your little reunion," he teased.

I didn't even look at him, too focused on Anshika. "You're really here..." I said again, as if saying it would make it sink in.

She nodded softly, her fingers brushing against my cheek. "I am, Ashwin. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

Finally, I laughed—really laughed, from the deepest part of my soul. "Thank God," I whispered, pulling Anshika in for another hug, never wanting to let her go. I could feel her warmth, her breath against my neck, and for a moment, I forgot everything—except her. But then reality hit me again, like a sudden wave.

I pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes, my brow furrowing. "But how?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper, filled with confusion. "You were dead, Anshika. I saw you... they told me—"

Before I could finish, both Viyaan and Vikram chimed in, their voices loud and playful as they said in unison, "Flashback."

I stared at them incredulously. "What? What are you talking about?"

Vikram grinned. "You'll want to sit down for this one, Ashwin. We've got a bit of a story to tell."

!!!Flashback!!!

Author's pov:

It all started the night Anshika was taken to the hospital, fighting for her life. Ashwin had been pacing outside the operating room, lost in his own grief and anger, expecting the worst. The doctor had emerged, his face grave, and for a second, it felt like the entire world had stopped.

But just as he was about to speak, Vikram and Viyaan, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward and took doctor to a corner.

The doctor cleared his throat. "She's stable for now," he said, and Vikram and Viyaan looked at each other with relief. "But she's not fully recovered yet. There are still risks. She will need time—perhaps months—to fully heal. Any more stress or trauma could be dangerous for her."

Ashwin was ready to rush in, to see her, to hold her, but Vikram held me back. "Wait, Ashwin," he said, his voice serious in a way I rarely heard from him.

"What are you talking about? I need to see her!" I demanded, but Viyaan stepped forward as well, putting a hand on my shoulder.

Viyaan called Vikram and looked at Ashwin, just to be sure that he is not listening.

"We need to protect her, Vikram," Viyaan said softly. "Yuvan isn't done. You know that. If he realizes she's still alive, he'll come for her again. He won't stop until he gets what he wants."

Vikram nodded and said "What do we do?" Viyaan waited for a moment but then he got an idea. "I guess we should lie to Ashwin for Anshika's safety let's ask doctor for a favour!" 

Vikram looked at him in confusion "About?". Viyaan said "We will ask doctor to lie that we lost Anshika so that she can be somewhere safe and Ashwin will also get to know her importance."

Vikram hesitated but nodded "Alright let's do this!"

...

"I'm sorry," the doctor said, his voice a low hum as if coming from a distance. "There was nothing more we could do."

The words hit Ashwin like a blow. I froze, realizing the gravity of the situation. "What are you saying?" Ashwin asked, his voice thick with emotion.

At that moment, Ansh entered the room. He was Anshika's older brother and had arrived with a look of grief in his eyes. His sister had been caught in this storm of hatred and revenge, and he needed answers.

"Is she...?" Ansh's voice trembled as he tried to ask about Anshika's condition, barely holding back tears. "Can I... can I take her back with me? Away from this hell?"

Viyaan shook his head gently and motioned for Ansh to sit. "Ansh, listen to me carefully. Right now, the best thing we can do for her is to hide her, to make Yuvan and Ashwin believe she's gone, so that no more harm comes her way."

Ansh blinked in confusion. "Hide her? What do you mean? Where?"

Vikram jumped in. "We'll move her to a safe place. Somewhere no one would think to look. It'll give her time to heal without the threat of Yuvan hanging over her head."

Ansh's eyes narrowed. "And Ashwin? You're going to let him believe she's dead? How is that fair?"

They could see the concern and anger on Ansh's face, but Viyaan remained calm. "Ashwin needs to learn what he really cares about," he said. "He's been torn between love, anger, and guilt for so long. This time apart... it'll make him realize what truly matters."

Ansh still looked unconvinced, but after a long pause, he finally nodded. "If it's for her safety... I trust you. But he's going to hate you for this."

Vikram smirked. "Yeah, well, that's a risk we're willing to take."

!!!Flashback ends!!!

Ashwin's pov:

I sat there, stunned, as the pieces of the story fell into place. My chest tightened, a mix of relief and anger swirling inside me. They had planned everything. Every moment of my grief, my heartbreak—it was all because they were trying to protect her.

"Wait, so you... you let me believe she was gone? Just so I could figure out what I should care about?" I asked, incredulous, my gaze darting between Vikram and Viyaan.

Viyaan shrugged, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "It was for your own good, Ashwin. You were so blinded by everything—by your own pride, your guilt, your anger. We thought... we thought if you believed she was truly gone, maybe you'd realize what you had all along."

I shook my head, laughing bitterly. "I can't believe you guys. I thought I lost her. I thought... I thought she was gone forever."

Vikram stepped forward, his expression softening. "We knew it was cruel, but it was the only way, Ash. And look where it got you. You realized how much you love her. You realized what you were missing."

I glanced at Anshika, her eyes filled with emotion as she nodded in agreement. "I didn't know if I would ever be able to come back, Ashwin. I didn't know if I'd survive. But I'm here now. And we're here."

I took a deep breath, still reeling from everything I'd just learned. But looking at her, at the way her eyes sparkled with life and love, I knew one thing for sure—I was never going to let her go again.

Pulling her close, I whispered, "I don't care about anything else anymore. I just need you. Your touch, your smile, your laugh, everything... I just want you."

Vikram grinned behind us, interrupting the moment as he always did. "Well, isn't that a happy ending?"

Viyaan shot him a look, smirking. "Let's just hope Ashwin keeps the door locked next time."

I couldn't help but laugh. Despite everything, despite all the lies and the heartbreak, I had her back. And I wasn't going to lose her again.

Not this time.

Behind me, I could hear Vikram muttering something about romance and Viyaan shushing him, but it didn't matter anymore. I had her back, and nothing could ruin this moment.

Not even my idiot friends.

Vikram, never missing a beat, grinned at me. "So, Ashwin," he smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously, "you want us to close the door and leave you two alone?"

Before I could say anything, Anshika, her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, bolted out of bed, moving faster than I thought was humanly possible. "You guys are impossible!" she huffed, looking for an escape.

But before she could make it to the door, Viyaan and Vikram jumped into action. They locked the door with a triumphant click, sealing us in. Anshika stopped in her tracks, staring at the door in disbelief.

Behind her, I could hear Viyaan laughing hysterically, clearly proud of their "master plan." "Mission accomplished!" he called out, his voice muffled through the door.

I shook my head, a grin spreading across my face despite the ridiculousness of the situation. "Really? You two are unbelievable," I called back to them.

Anshika shot me an incredulous look, her eyes wide with mock horror. "Are they always like this?" she asked, her voice dripping with playful frustration as she buried her face in her hands.

"Unfortunately, yes," I replied, stepping closer to her and wrapping my arms around her waist, pulling her close. "But I guess I'm kind of stuck with them."

She giggled softly, leaning into me, the tension easing as she rested her head against my chest. "I guess we both are."

The sound of Viyaan and Vikram's muffled laughter continued outside the door, but I didn't care. Nothing could ruin this moment. Not even them.

For the first time in months, I felt whole again. Holding her in my arms, everything else faded away.

Anshika looked up at me, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "So, aren't you going to the office?" she teased, her lips curving into that familiar smile that always made my heart race.

I glanced at her, then shook my head, tightening my grip around her. "Not leaving you anymore, Anshika," I murmured, my voice resolute. "Not for anything." I hugged her even harder, pulling her impossibly closer, like if I held her tight enough, I could make up for every moment I had lost.

And then, without a second thought, I whispered those three words. This time, I didn't hesitate, and I didn't second-guess myself. "I love you, Anshika," I said softly, my voice thick with emotion. "And this time, I mean every word."

Her breath hitched, her eyes searching mine, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop spinning. The tension between us, the emotions simmering just beneath the surface, felt like a current, pulling us closer together. She gazed up at me, her eyes shimmering with something I hadn't seen before—something vulnerable, but full of love.

Then, that soft smile appeared, the one that used to drive me crazy, the one that now made me feel like I had everything I'd ever needed. She raised her hand slowly, fingers brushing against my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. "I love you too, Ashwin," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, yet filled with so much warmth and sincerity that it almost undid me.

Her words hung in the air, a melody that seemed to drown out everything else, filling my heart with a kind of peace I hadn't known in so long. For the first time in what felt like forever, I could breathe again, knowing she was here—really here—and that she loved me.

I held her closer, letting the silence between us settle, not wanting the moment to end. But then, with a playful glint in her eyes, she broke the quiet. "So now what?" she asked, her tone laced with a hint of mischief.

I leaned back slightly, giving her a teasing look. "Well, we are alone, locked in this room," I said, my voice low and suggestive, watching as her eyes widened slightly before she quickly turned away, trying to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks.

"Stop," she mumbled, her lips curving into a shy smile, refusing to meet my gaze. But I knew what was going through her mind. She could try to play coy, but her body language betrayed her.

I couldn't help but laugh softly. "Come on, show me your monkey face," I teased, leaning in closer, making her giggle as she playfully pushed against my chest.

"Stop teasing me!" she said, though her laughter belied her words. She tried to get up, standing on wobbly feet, clearly trying to escape my playful taunts. But I wasn't about to let her go that easily. As soon as she turned her back on me, I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her back toward me, making her yelp in surprise.

Before she could protest, I lifted her effortlessly and tossed her back onto the bed. Her laughter filled the room, but it was quickly silenced when I leaned down, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. This time, I didn't hesitate, didn't second-guess myself. I didn't kiss her forehead or her cheek—I went straight for her lips, pouring every ounce of emotion, every moment of longing, into that kiss.

Her body melted into mine, her arms wrapping around my neck as she kissed me back with equal intensity. It was electric—our connection, raw and unguarded, as if everything we'd been holding back for years was finally unleashed. I could feel her heart racing against my chest, her fingers tangling in my hair as I deepened the kiss, unable to get enough of her.

The world outside the room ceased to exist. It was just us, tangled together in that moment, our lips moving in perfect sync, like we had been waiting for this for a lifetime. I could feel her smile against my lips, and it only made me pull her closer, never wanting to let go.

When we finally broke apart, we were both breathless, her forehead resting against mine, our lips barely inches away. She looked up at me through half-lidded eyes, her cheeks flushed, her breath coming out in soft pants. "Ashwin," she whispered, and the way she said my name—it was like she was speaking directly to my soul.

I brushed a strand of hair away from her face, my thumb grazing her cheek as I looked at her, feeling like the luckiest man in the world. "I'm never letting you go again," I murmured, kissing the tip of her nose, and then her lips again, softer this time, more tender, but still filled with the promise of everything we had yet to explore.

And in that moment, I knew—this wasn't just about love. This was about having everything I never knew I needed, and never wanting to let go.

Author's Note:

I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter with its mix of twists and heartfelt moments! This is my first time diving into a more romantic chapter, and I truly hope it resonated with you. If you loved this part, don't forget to check out the next chapter—and let me know if you'd be interested in a part two of this book, with even more romance and thrills!

Thank you so much for reading!