The Rajput family had arrived at the party. They wanted to meet Shashi.

She approached them slowly, touched the feet of Mrs. Rajput, and then greeted Akriti and Sarthak politely. But her gaze… her gaze couldn’t help but rest on him.

His dark black aura seemed to pull her in. He looked at her intently, a small smile tugging at his lips, a glass of wine resting casually in one hand. Shashi tried not to ogle him, but neither could she lift her eyes away.

Just then, a girl stepped forward and extended her hand towards Shashi. The way she looked at Shashi — up and down, scanning — made her feel uncomfortable. Before Shashi could react, Aakash casually shrugged the girl’s hand away. She blinked, as if coming back to her senses. Finally, Shashi shook hands with her — her smile faint, her mind racing.

---

Shashi’s thoughts:

So… this must be his girlfriend. Ahh, so this is the one I was so eagerly waiting to meet.

He did right. I can see clearly — she’s beautiful. Perfect body, flawless curves… exactly what a man would pray for. She is flawless. I don’t doubt his decision.

And him? Of course, he’s no less. His body is sculpted, his sharp jawline cuts the light, those veiny hands—

Hey, stop it, you stupid girl! Don’t ogle him like that!

Her thoughts were shattered when she heard his voice.

“Umm… hi, Dr. Shashi.”

She looked at him with dark, stormy eyes. “Hello, Mr. Rajput.”

And for a moment, they got lost in each other’s gaze — only to be interrupted by Mr. Sarthak’s cheerful voice.

“Guys, I think we should let the new couple talk.”

Everyone nodded and drifted away, leaving the two of them standing face to face.

“Umm, I think…” he began.

“Sorry, but please excuse me,” Shashi cut him off sharply, before walking away — leaving him stranded in the silence he had created.

---

Aakash’s POV

I just wanted to apologize. But I think it’s hard to mend you, sweetheart.

No worries. I’ll make it up to you, baby girl.

She left, whispering something into Le-Yoon’s ear before walking out of the party. I wanted to breathe around her, but she had already gone.

Abhi toh mujhe mera sukoon mila tha, aur phir chala gaya.

(“I had just found my peace, and it slipped away again.”)

I had come to attend this party only for her. But now… now I needed to leave too.

Driving home, my thoughts still circled around her. My sweetheart. My torment. My only peace.

Sleep took me in her name.

---

Shashi’s POV

He is such a shameless man. Approaching me with a smile after insulting me? His heart wasn’t at peace, yet he stood there as if nothing had happened.

How can a man bring his girlfriend to meet his fiancée? This bastard!

I can’t breathe. How can he do this to me? What on earth have I done to deserve this?

God, I swear I can’t even look at myself. How can he affect me this much?

Mahadev, please… I don’t want this. If he loves someone else, let him be with her. Don’t make me a third wheel in their love story. Please, Mahadev, help me figure this out. I can’t… I can’t do this.

I don’t know how my life turned upside down in seconds. On one hand, he claims to hate me. On the other, his family wants me.

Mahadev, ab sab kuch aap par chhod rahi hu.

(“Mahadev, now I leave everything in your hands.”)

I know I should fight my battles… but I am not strong enough to handle this vulnerable situation.

Shiv ji, bas ek baar aur raasta dikhaiye. Mujhe batayiye main kya karun. Apne bacchi ko akela mat chhodna, Mahadev. Please help me.

(“Lord Shiva, just one more time, show me the way. Tell me what I should do. Don’t leave your child alone, Mahadev. Please help me.”)

First, he left me. And now… this man is leaving me too.

Am I such a bad child, Mahadev?

I swear, I’ve never done this to anyone. Then why me? Do I not deserve love?

Shiv ji, kya main itni buri hu?

(“Lord Shiva, am I really so bad?”)

Am I so toxic that no one wants to be near me?

I feel alone, Shiv ji. It hurts… it hurts in the worst possible way.

Your child can’t handle this anymore, Mahadev. She’s dying inside. She doesn’t feel alive.

__________________________________

I know, I know… this was a short chapter.

But from the next one, the story will take a new turn.

💌 Thank you for reading.

See you in the next update…