Dev was completely shocked to learn that Shanty had been torturing Anika. The fact that they were cousins added to the complexity of the situation. Tears welling up in her eyes, Barfi Devi narrated the horrifying story of Anika's assault by Shanty.

Barfi Devi (with pain): Shanty,aap ki chacheri bhai, vah thi jisne uska jeevan narak bana diya tha. Usane usaka shoshan kiya, use blackmail kiya aur usaki shanti cheen li(your cousin, was the one who made her life a living hell. He exploited her, blackmailed her, and took away her peace.)

Dev's face twisted in a mix of disbelief and rage, his fists rolling up uncontrollably. The news broke a terrible secret in the family and hit him hard. He was overcome with sorrow when he realized that a close friend or relative could cause such suffering to a member of their own family.

Dev (angry): Vah aisa kaise kar saka? Hamen isake baare mein pehle kyun nahi pata chala(How could he do this? Why didn't we know about it earlier?)

Barfi Devi (helpless): Anika hamen is andhere se bachaane ki koshish ki. Usane akele hi bojh uthaya(tried to shield us from this darkness. She carried the burden alone.)

Dev and Anna were startled to learn of Anika's relationship with Shanty and her subsequent transformation into Laila. Desperate to make sense of it all, Barfi Devi related the agonizing events that happened behind closed doors.

Flashback:

Anika was pregnant with Shanty's child and Barfi Devi spoke to Anika on the betrayal. Cries and furious arguments filled the room. Anika begged for forgiveness, her tears a reflection of the internal conflict she was going through. Barfi Devi was unable to find comfort in her heart because of her conflicting feelings of betrayal and love for her daughter.

Barfi Devi (screaming): Aapane is parivaar ko sharmasaar kiya hai! Maine tum par bharosa kiya, aur tumne hame dhoka diya! Main tumhari or dekhna sahan nahi kar sakta(You've brought shame to this family! I trusted you, and you betrayed us! I can't bear to look at you!)

Anika's mood shifted as the argument got more heated. Laila was the persona that emerged from the once innocent and sweet girl when she was confronted with trauma or strong emotions. As Laila's fiery and violent character took over, the room descended into mayhem.

Laila (hysterical): Main tumhe mujhe tyaagane nahi doonga! Main tumhe apne bache ko nahi le jaane doongi(I won't let you abandon me! I won't let you take my child away!)

This painful incident was still fresh in Barfi Devi's memory, which is why she was reluctant to tell the truth. As Dev and Anna struggled to accept that Anika's actions were motivated by a mix of love, betrayal, and the internal conflict she was experiencing, the situation grew more complicated.

Dev (whispering to Anna): Anika kinaare kar diya gaya. Hamen aur adhik jaanane ki jaroorat hai, uske dard ko samjhane ki jaroorat hai(Anika was pushed to the edge. We need to find out more, understand her pain.)

Burdened by the truth, Barfi Devi went on with her miserable confession, narrating how she had planned Anika's marriage to Dev to keep her daughter safe from social criticism.

Barfi Devi (with a heavy heart): Main Anika ko hone vaali sharmindagi se bachana chahta tha. Maine use Dev ke saath shaadi ke liye majaboor kiya, yah ummeed karate hue ki isase use ek nayi shuruaat milegi(I wanted to protect Anika from the shame she would face. I forced her into marriage with Dev, hoping it would give her a fresh start.)

She continued by describing how Anika's emotions eventually became embedded in a web of contradictory feelings. Anika's feelings of enmity toward Anna grew as she spent more time with Dev and unexpectedly fell in love with him.

Barfi Devi (teary-eyed): Maine kabhi nahi socha tha ki isaka yah nateeja nikalega. Anika ko Dev se pyaar ho gaya aur main use takleef mein nahi dekh sakta tha. Lekin usaki raksha karne ki meri koshishon ne dard ko aur adhik badha diya(I never imagined it would lead to this. Anika fell in love with Dev, and I couldn't bear to see her suffer. But my attempts to protect her only fueled more pain.)

Dev and Anna, grappling with the complexity of the situation, listened intently, their hearts heavy with the weight of the revelation.

Dev (whispering to Anna): Use aisi zindagi mein dhakel diya gaya jise vah kabhi nahi chaahati thi. Hamen Shanty ko dhoondhana hai aur Anika ko nyaay dilaana hai(She was pushed into a life she never wanted. We have to find Shanty and bring justice for Anika.)

Dev and Anna immediately reported the entire frightening news to the police, driven by their desire to bring justice to Anika. They revealed the horrible reality about Shanty, emphasizing the familial connection and the fact that he was Aarti's nephew.

Dev (firmly to the police officer): Shanty Aarti ka bhatija hai, aur usne Anika ko is had tak sataaya ki vah ise aur sahan nahi kar saki. Hamen ise khatm karna hoga aur sunishchit karna hoga ki use isake parinaam bhugatane pade(is Aarti's nephew, and he tormented Anika to the point where she couldn't bear it anymore. We need to put an end to this and make sure he faces the consequences.)

Detective Sharma(questioning a club patron): Kya aap us raat ki ghatanaen yaad kar sakte hain jab Anika, jise Laila ke naam se bhi jaana jaata hai, aakhri baar club mein dekhi gayi thi(Can you recall the events of the night Anika, also known as Laila, was last seen at the club?)

Club Patron: Haan, mujhe woh yaad hai. Laila hamesha aakarshan ka kendr rahi. Us raat, vah kuch udaas lag rahi thi, jaise koi cheez use pareshan kar rahi ho. Vah dance to kar rahi thi, lekin usaka man kahin aur lag raha tha(Yeah, I remember her. Laila was always the center of attention. That night, she seemed a bit off, like something was bothering her. She was dancing, but her mind seemed elsewhere.)

Detective Sharma: Kya aapne dekha ki koi use pareshan kar raha hai ya koi jhagda ho raha hai(Did you notice anyone bothering her or any altercations?)

Club Patron: Mujhe lagata hai, vahan yah ladka tha, Shanty. Vah use pareshan kar raha tha, jabardasti usase baat karne ki koshish kar raha tha. Aisa lag raha tha maano unaka koi itihaas ho(There was this guy, Shanty, I think. He was pestering her, trying to talk to her forcefully. Looked like they had some history.)

The police continued to gather information from witnesses who provided crucial details about Shanty's involvement and Anika's state of mind on that fateful night.

Detective Kapoor(speaking with a fellow dancer): Kya Laila ne kabhi apne samne aane vaali pareshaniyon ya dhamakiyon ka jikr kiya(Did Laila ever mention any troubles or threats she was facing?)

Fellow Dancer: Vah manch par hamesha muskurati rahati thi, lekin manch ke bahar vah mujh par vishwas karati thi. Usane Shanty naam ke ek ladke ka jikr kiya jo samasyayen paida kar raha tha. Kaha ki vah koi rishtedar hai ya kuch aur(She was always smiling on stage, but offstage, she confided in me. She mentioned a guy named Shanty who was causing problems. Said he was a relative or something.)

Detective Kapoor: Rishtedaar? Interesting. Kya vah usase dari hui lag rahi thi(Relative? Interesting. Did she seem scared of him?)

Fellow Dancer: Haan, bhayabheet. Jaise vah phans gayi ho. Vah sirf nach karna aur aajeevika kamaana chaahati thi, lekin yah ladka use akela nahi chodata tha(Yeah, terrified. Like she was trapped. She just wanted to dance and make a living, but this guy wouldn't leave her alone.)

Anika found herself at a secluded spot near the club, away from the vibrant dance floor. Shanty, fueled by a toxic mix of rage and obsession, cornered her into a dark alley.

Shanty(angrily): Tum mujhe anadekha nahi kar sakati, Anika! Tum mere ho(You can't just ignore me, Anika! You belong to me.)

Anika(nervously): Please, Shanty,main koi pareshani nahi chaahata. Mujhe rehne do(I don't want any trouble. Let me be.)

Ignoring her pleas, Shanty grabbed her forcefully and shoved a drink into her hands.

Shanty: Ise pee lo! Yah aap ko dheelaapan door karane mein madad karega(Drink this! It'll help you loosen up.)

Anika, feeling cornered and desperate to escape, took a few sips under his relentless pressure. The alcohol mixed with her fear, creating a toxic cocktail that clouded her senses. Shanty, driven by his malicious intentions, continued to exert control over her vulnerable state.

Anika(panicking): Main ye nahi chaahata. Please mujhe jaane deejie(I don't want this. Please, let me go.)

Shanty(smirking): Jo main tumhe deta hoon, tum use chaahana seekh jaoge(You'll learn to want what I give you.)

As Anika's mental state spiraled, Shanty's manipulation took a toll on her sanity. This traumatic encounter marked the beginning of her descent into mental disturbance, leaving lasting scars on her psyche.

Present:

The forensic team meticulously combed through the alley where Shanty had forced Anika into a vulnerable position. Every inch of the darkened space was scrutinized for potential evidence that could help build a case against Shanty.

Forensic Expert 1(examining the area): Hamen kisi bhi sambhavit deeene nishaan ya ungaliyon ke nishaan ekatr karane ki aavashyakta hai(We need to collect any possible DNA traces or fingerprints.)

Forensic Expert 2(using a flashlight): Sangharsh ya jabaran pravesh ke kisi bhi lakshan ko dekhen(Look for any signs of struggle or forced entry.)

As they examined the surroundings, they found a discarded bottle that likely contained the drink Shanty had forced Anika to consume.

Forensic Expert (collecting the bottle): Yah saakshy ka ek mahatvapoorn tukada ho sakata hai. Aaie ungaliyon ke nishaan aur padaarthon ke kisi bhi nishaan ke liye isaka vishleshan karen(This could be a crucial piece of evidence. Let's analyze it for fingerprints and any traces of substances.)

The team meticulously gathered samples, preserving the potential evidence for further analysis in the lab.

Forensic Expert 1(noting details): Hamen yah jaanchana hoga ki aas paas koi suraksha kaimare hain ya nahi. Aas-paas ke pratishthaanon ke phutej atirikt jaanakaari pradaan kar sakte hain(We'll need to check if there are any security cameras around. Footage from nearby establishments could provide additional insights.)

They scoured the vicinity for security cameras, hoping to find visual evidence that would corroborate Anika's account of the forced encounter.

The investigators gathered in a room, staring at the screens displaying footage from various security cameras in the area. They carefully reviewed the footage, hoping to catch a glimpse of the events that led to Anika's torment.

Detective 1(pointing at the screen): Aaie gali ke pravesh dwar ke paas is kaimare par dhyaan kendrit karen. Yah Shanty ko uske paas aate aur usake saath jabaradasti karate hue pakad sakata hai(Let's focus on this camera near the alley entrance. It might capture Shanty approaching and forcing her.)

Detective 2(observing the footage): Kisi bhi sandigdh gatividhiyan par najar rakhen. hamen ghatanaon ki ek samay rekha shaapit karane ki aavashyakata hai(Keep an eye on any suspicious movements. We need to establish a timeline of events.)

As they meticulously reviewed the footage, they noticed Shanty approaching Anika and engaging in a heated exchange.

Detective 3(noting the time): Yahaan aap dekh sakate hain ki Shanty khud par kuch peene ke liye dabaav bana rahi hai. Vah Anika ke akaunt se mel khaata hai(Here, you can see Shanty pressuring her to drink something. That matches Anika's account.)

Detective 1 (leaning in): Is anubhaag ko badhaen. Hamen usake chehre ka spasht drshy chaahiye(Enhance this section. We need a clear view of his face.)

The team utilized advanced video enhancement tools to get a closer look at Shanty's face, aiming to identify him conclusively.

Detective 2(revealing details): Hamaare paas usake chehare ka spasht chitr hai. Aaie ise chehare ki pahachaan databases ke madhyam se chalaen aur dekhen ki kya hamen koi mel milata hai(We have a clear shot of his face. Let's run it through facial recognition databases and see if we get a match.)

In the interrogation room, Detective 1 and Detective 2 sat across the table from Aarti, Shanty's aunt. A sense of tension filled the room as they prepared to question her.

Detective 1: Aarti,Shanty ke kaaryon ko samajhane ke liye hamen aapake sahayog ki avashyakta hai. Kya aap hamen bata sakate hain ki kya aapako Anika ke saath usaki sanliptata ke baare mein pata tha(we need your cooperation to understand Shanty's actions. Can you tell us if you were aware of his involvement with Anika?)

Aarti(nervously): Main...mujhe nahi pata tha ki vah nuksaan pahuncha raha hai. Unhone mujhe Anika ke baare mein kabhi kuch nahi bataaya(I... I didn't know he was causing harm. He never told me anything about Anika.)

Detective 2(pressing further): Anika daava hai ki Shanty ne use prataadit kiya aur aisa lagata hai ki isase usaki maanasik sthiti par asar pada hai. Kya aapane Shanty mein koi asaamaany vyavahar dekha(claims Shanty tormented her, and it seems to have affected her mental state. Did you notice any unusual behavior in Shanty?)

Aarti(hesitant): Khair, vah haal hi mein aur adhik gupt ho gaya hai. Lekin mujhe laga ki yah sirf saamaany kishoravay ki baat hai(Well, he did become more secretive lately. But I thought it was just normal teenage stuff.)

Detective 1(raising an eyebrow): Saamaany kishoravay mein kisi ko manasik kasht ki had tak peeda dena shaamil nahi hai. Kya usane kabhi Anika ya Dev ke khilaaf kisi shikayat ka jikr kiya tha(Normal teenage stuff doesn't involve tormenting someone to the point of mental distress. Did he ever mention any grudge against Anika or Dev?)

Aarti:(pausing): Nahi, unhone is baare mein kabhi kuch nahi kaha. Mujhe nahi pata tha ki vah aisi cheezon mein saksham hai(No, he never said anything about that. I had no idea he was capable of such things.)

Detective 2(leaning forward): Aarti,hamen saty ki avashyakta hai. Shanty ke kaaryon ke gambheer parinaam honge. Yadi aap jaana kari chip aate hain, to aap doshi ho sakate hain(we need the truth. Shanty's actions have serious consequences. If you withhold information, you could be complicit.)

The detectives continued their interrogation, probing for any information that could shed light on Shanty's motives and actions. Aarti, caught in a difficult position, had to decide whether to reveal the truth or protect her nephew.

As the detectives pressed Aarti for more information, she realized the gravity of the situation. Taking a deep breath, she decided to reveal the truth.

Aarti(sighs): Theek hai, theek hai. Shanty... use Dev se dvesh tha. Ateet se kuch jise usne kabhi jaane nahi diya(Okay, okay. Shanty... he had a grudge against Dev. Something from the past that he never let go.)

Detective 1(intrigued): Kaisi naaraaz agi? Aisi teevr kaarravaiyon ke peeche kya kaaran ho sakata hai(What grudge? What could have triggered such intense actions?)

Aarti: Yah paarivarik maamala hai. Shanty ke Papa aur Dev ke Dad ke beech paarivarik vyavasaya ko lekar matabhed the. Shanty apane Papa ke patan ke liye Dev ko doshi thahar aati hai(It's a family matter. Shanty's father and Dev's father had conflicts over the family business. Shanty blames Dev for his father's downfall.)

Detective 2(writing notes): To, yah ek pratishodh hai. Lekin Anika ko nishana kyon banaya jae(So, it's a vendetta. But why target Anika?)

Aarti(guilt-ridden): Shanty usaka maanana ​​tha ki Anika ko pareshaan karke vah paroksh roop se Dev ko chot pahuncha sakata hai. Usane socha ki isase Dev ko vah dard milega jisaka vah hakadaar hai(believed that by tormenting Anika, he could indirectly hurt Dev. He thought it would bring Dev the pain he thinks he deserves.)

Detective 1(nodding): Yah mahatvapoorn jaanakaari hai. Kya Shanty ke paas Anika ki maut se koi vishesh yojana ya sambandh tha(This is crucial information. Did Shanty have any specific plan or connection to Anika's death?)

Aarti(hesitant): Main...mujhe Anika ki maut ke baare mein nahi pata. Unhone kabhi bhi mere saath aisi koi yojana saajha nahi ki. Usake Anika ko sataane ki baat to main hi jaanati thi(I... I don't know about Anika's death. He never shared any such plans with me. I only knew about his tormenting Anika.)

Anna, engrossed in getting ready, felt a subtle vibration from her phone. Curious, she checked her messages and discovered a series of unsettling texts from an unknown sender.

Unknown Sender: I see you, Anna. Your beauty is mesmerizing.

Anna, uneasy and feeling a chill down her spine, showed the messages to Dev.

Anna(worried): Dev,in sandeshon ko dekho. Koi mujhe dekh raha hai(look at these messages. Someone is watching me.)

Dev(concerned): Kya? Mujhe dekhane do(What? Let me see.)

Dev examined the messages, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern.

Unknown Sender: You can't escape my gaze, Anna. Every move, every breath, I'm there.

Dev: (angry) Yah ghrnit hai. Hamen yah pata lagana hoga ki isake peeche kaun hai(This is sick. We need to find out who's behind this.)

Anna and Dev decided to report the messages to the police and take measures to ensure Anna's safety. The mysterious sender's messages had injected a sense of fear into their lives, and they were determined to uncover the identity of this unwelcome observer.

As days passed, the mysterious messages became more intense, and Anna's fear heightened. The unknown sender seemed to be growing increasingly obsessed with her, making vague but menacing remarks about her daily life.

Unknown Sender: I know where you are, Anna. You can't hide forever.

Anna, now genuinely scared for her safety, confided in Dev about the escalating situation.

Anna(nervous): Dev,ye sandesh kharaab hote ja rahe hain. Mujhe aisa mehsoos ho raha hai ki har jagah mujh par nazar rakhi ja rahi hai(these messages are getting worse. I feel like I'm being watched everywhere.)

Dev(protective): Hamen turant police ko shaamil karane ki jaroorat hai. Ye to had ho gaye(We need to involve the police immediately. This has gone too far.)

Detective Sharma, leading the investigation, found himself caught in a web of twisted connections between Anika and Anna's obsessions. The eerie coincidence between Anika's disturbing past and the unknown sender's fixation on Anna raised suspicions of a deeper conspiracy.

Detective Sharma(scratching head): Yah jitana hamane socha tha usase kaheen adhik jatil hai. Anika ka ateet aur Anna ko likhe ye sandesh... ye kisi na kisi tarah jude hue lagate hain(This is more complex than we thought. Anika's past and these messages to Anna... they seem related somehow.)

Shaking with terror, Anna glimpsed the face of the mysterious man revealed—and to her horror, it was none other than Shanty, Dev's cousin and Aarti's nephew. The realization that her stalker was real made the room feel like it was closing in on her.

Anna(gasping): Shanty?Yah sambhav hi kaise hai(How is this even possible?)

A wave of danger that made the tension in the room apparent was unleashed by Shanty, who smiled threateningly as he revealed his true intentions.

Shanty(smirking): Oh, Anna,mere pyaare chachere bhai ki poorv patni. Tumane socha tha ki tum mujh se bach sakate ho? Tum meri ho, aur main yah sunishchit karoonga ki tum ise kabhi mat bhoolo(my sweet cousin's ex-wife. You thought you could escape me? You're mine, and I'll make sure you never forget it.)

Anna was left exposed and imprisoned as Shanty advanced closer to her, creating an environment that was filled with fear. The police carried on with their inquiry without realizing that a deadly conflict was taking place, and that the threat was growing right under their noses.

Shanty's dark fixation reached a terrible peak when he walked into his personal space and revealed a room covered with countless pictures of her. The walls were a haunting collage, a twisted shrine to his infatuation.

Shanty(menacingly): Tum dekho, Anna, tum mujhse bach nahi sakate. Main tumhe dekh raha hoon, tumhaare tukade ikattha kar raha hoon aur ab tum yahaan ho. Hamesha ke liye(You see, Anna, you can't escape me. I've been watching you, collecting pieces of you, and now you're here. Forever.)

Anna, paralyzed with fear, felt a wave of revulsion at the realization of Shanty's disturbing fixation on her. The room echoed with her silent screams as the situation spiraled into an unsettling darkness.

Anna(whispering): This can't be real...

Shanty, reveling in the torment he inflicted, continued his menacing advance, creating an atmosphere suffused with dread and desperation.

He forces himself on her. .As Shanty's evil plans grew stronger, the room turned into a struggle for survival. Anna experienced a flash of panic as she realized she was in her attacker's grasp. The door burst open, showing an enraged Dev racing to her rescue just as things looked hopeless.

Dev(roaring): Hat jao usase(Get away from her!)

The eerie serene of Shanty's awful shrine was broken by a violent struggle. In reaction to the urgency, police rushed into the room and saw the chaos that was taking place in front of them.

Police Officer: Freeze! Drop the weapon!

Shanty, realizing the gravity of his predicament, attempted to resist arrest, intensifying the conflict. The room became a cacophony of shouts, grunts, and the clatter of a desperate struggle for justice.

Anna(pleadingly): Dev, please...

Driven by a wave of protective fury, Dev defeated Shanty and made sure Anna was safe. The assailant was quickly taken down by the police, which attempted to restore some order to the otherwise chaotic scene.

Shanty sat in the poorly lit questioning room, his eyes a volatile mixture of dread and arrogance. With a determined and serious expression, the police officers started their rigorous questioning.

Police Officer (firmly): Shanty,aap gambheer aaropon ka saamana kar rahe hain. Hamaare paas aapako Anika aur Anna dono ke utpeedan se jodane ke saboot hain. Vaarta prarambh karen(you're facing serious charges. We have evidence linking you to the harassment of both Anika and Anna. Start talking.)

Shanty(defiantly): Aapake paas mujh par kuch bhi nahi hai. Ye sab ek setup hai(You've got nothing on me. This is all a setup!)

Police Officer(leaning in): Hamen gavaahon ke bayaan, tasveeren aur sandeshon ka ek samooh mila hai. Yah aapake liye acha nahi lagata(We've got witness statements, photographs, and a trail of messages. It doesn't look good for you.)

As the interrogation unfolded, Shanty's facade of arrogance began to crack. The relentless probing by the police officers aimed to unearth the truth behind his twisted motives.

Shanty (nervously): Maine kuch nahi kiya! Yah sab galat fehmi hai(I didn't do anything! It's all a misunderstanding!)

Police Officer (skeptical): Aap hamase yah ummeed karate hain ki hum us par vishvaas karen? Aapake dwara banae gae shrine, chitron, sandeshon ke baare mein bataen(You expect us to believe that? Explain the shrine you've built, the pictures, the messages.)

Autopsy Revelation:

Anika's lifeless body was carefully examined by the forensic team in the cold, dry corpse room. The pathologist went over every detail in great detail, trying to figure out why she died the way that she did.

Pathologist(noting observations): Ekaadhik choten aur sangharsh ke sanket. Maut ka karan dam ghutna prateet ho raha hai(Multiple contusions and signs of struggle. The cause of death appears to be asphyxiation.)

As the study went on, a terrifying flashback surfaced, exposing Shanty's evil deeds that ultimately resulted in Anika's untimely death.

Flashback:

Anika was cornered by Shanty in a remote place, feeling helpless and tormented. Amidst the intense strain, Shanty's perverted obsession took a sinister turn.

Shanty(menacingly): Tumhe mera hona chaahiye tha,Anika(You should have been mine, Anika.)

Anika, terrified, tried to escape, but Shanty's malevolence knew no bounds. The struggle unfolded, escalating to a horrifying climax.

Anika(pleading): Please,bas mujhe jaane do(just let me go!)

Shanty (deranged): Tum meri ho, Anika. Kisi aur ka nahi(You're mine, Anika. No one else's.)

The struggle intensified, leading to the tragic moment of asphyxiation that claimed Anika's life. Her pleas echoed in the silent flashback, capturing the harrowing reality of Shanty's heinous act.

Present:

Back in the morgue, the pathologist concluded the autopsy, revealing the painful truth of Anika's demise.

Pathologist: Gala ghontane ke kaaran dam ghutana. Sangharsh ke sanket ek hinsak muthbhed se mel khaate hain(Asphyxiation due to strangulation. The signs of struggle align with a violent encounter.)

Dev's Unspoken Care:

When Anika was still a stranger to Dev during the early days of their forced marriage, a caring side of him showed through. Even in these unusual circumstances, he could not help but want the best for her.

Flashback:

Anika sat alone in the dimly lit room, her eyes reflecting the distress within.

Dev(softly): Anika,tum theek ho(are you okay?)

Anika(teary-eyed): Mujhe ye shaadi nahi chaahiye. Mujhe apane parivaar ki yaad aati hai(I don't want this marriage. I miss my family.)

Dev, feeling a pang of empathy, sat beside her.

Dev: Main samajhta hoon ki yah aapake liye kathin hai. Lekin hum isamen ek saath hain. Yadi aapako kisi cheez ki aavashyakta ho to bas mujhe bataen(I understand this is hard for you. But we're in this together. If there's anything you need, just let me know.)

As days passed, Dev noticed Anika's struggles and tried to ease her discomfort.

Dev(handing her a cup of tea): Shaayad isase madad milegi(Maybe this will help.)

Anika, surprised by the gesture, took the tea and managed a small smile.

Despite the circumstances that brought them together, Dev's innate kindness compelled him to provide a semblance of comfort to Anika. The unspoken moments of care became a testament to the complexity of their relationship, a blend of forced proximity and unexpected compassion.

Present:

As Dev reflected on those moments, a deep sense of sorrow washed over him. Anika's tragic end left an indelible mark, and despite the lack of romantic love, he couldn't help but feel the weight of her untimely demise.

Anna's Lingering Fear:

The traumatic encounter with Shanty had left Anna emotionally scarred and engulfed in fear. The mere thought of him sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn't shake off the haunting memories of that dreadful night.

Flashback:

Shanty's menacing presence, his relentless pursuit, and the nightmarish assault were etched into Anna's mind.

Anna(whispering to Dev): Main is dar se bach nahi sakata, Dev. Yah aisa hai jaise vah hamesha dekh raha ho(I can't escape this fear, Dev. It's like he's always watching.)

Dev, feeling a surge of protectiveness, held her close.

Dev: Main tumhe kuch nahi hone dunga, Anna. Hum milkar isaka saamna karenge(I won't let anything happen to you, Anna. We'll face this together.)

Present:

Anna's fear was palpable, a constant shadow that lingered even in the safety of her own home. The security measures seemed insufficient against the overwhelming anxiety that gripped her. Dev, sensing her distress, became determined to shield her from any potential harm.

Dev: Anna,main tumase wada karata hoon, vah dobara tumhare kareeb nahi aaega. Hum har saavadhaani baratenge, police ko shaamil karenge aur sunishchit karenge ki usane jo kiya usake parinaam use bhugatna paden(I promise you, he won't get near you again. We'll take every precaution, involve the police, and ensure he faces the consequences for what he did.)

Dev recognized the seriousness of the situation as he consoled Anna. In spite of causing Anika physical suffering, Shanty's acts had left Anna feeling uneasy and gloomy for a long time.

As the wheels of justice started to spin, Shanty was forced to deal with the fallout from his horrible deeds. The legal system acted quickly to guarantee accountability and made it clear that these kinds of acts would not be accepted.

There was a sense of anticipation in the courtroom as Shanty was put on trial for his crimes. The defense team made a strong case by describing the details of the attack and Anika's tragic end. Even though the memories plagued Dev and Anna, they were committed to seeing justice served.

Prosecutor: Your Honor,saakshy spasht roop se peedita ke saath ki gaye kroorata ka sanket dete hain. Hum aaropiyon ke liye adhiktam saja ki maang karate hain(the evidence clearly indicates the brutality inflicted upon the victim. We seek the maximum penalty for the accused.)

As the proceedings unfolded, Shanty's defense attempted to downplay the severity of his actions. However, the weight of evidence was overwhelming, leaving little room for doubt.

The day of reckoning arrived, and the courtroom was filled with a mix of emotions. Dev and Anna, along with Barfi Devi, were present, hoping for a verdict that would reflect the gravity of the crime.

Judge: Shanty,aap is adaalat ke samaksh ek nindaneey kaary ke aaropi hain jisase apooraneey kshati hui hai. Adaalat ne saakshyon par saavadhaanipoorvak vichaar kiya aur aapako doshi paaya(you stand before this court accused of a reprehensible act that has caused irreparable harm. The court has carefully considered the evidence and finds you guilty.)

Shanty(protesting): It wasn't supposed to be like this!

Judge: Silence! Aapake kaaryon ki gambheerata aur peediton ko hue dard ke maddenajar, yah adaalat aapako kauravas ki saja sunaati hai, yah sunishchit karate hue ki doosaron ki suraksha ke liye aapako samaaj se baahar kar diya jae(In light of the severity of your actions and the pain inflicted upon the victims, this court sentences you to a term of imprisonment, ensuring that you are removed from society for the safety of others.)

As the sentence was pronounced, a mix of relief and satisfaction washed over Dev and Anna. Justice, though unable to undo the past, had been served, providing a semblance of closure for the victims and their families.

Author's Note: Hi everyone, this was my last chapter for a long time because I am going on vacation to India in a couple of days. I will be returning on August 29th. Please take care of yourself and have lots of fun the next two months. Sending all my love, Esha