Chapter Title: Jealous Hearts & Silent Promises
Kriti quickly wiped her tears and said stubbornly,
"I am not jealous."
Aksh smirked while looking directly into her eyes.
"Really?" he teased softly.
"Then okay... I'll go talk to some other girl. Bye."
He pretended to move away.
But before he could take another step, Kriti immediately held his hand tightly.
"Don't you dare talk to another girl!" she said angrily.
Aksh raised his eyebrow playfully.
"And if I do?"
Kriti's eyes again filled with tears.
"Then... then I won't talk to you again," she whispered emotionally.
She tried to leave from there, but Aksh suddenly pulled her back toward him.
"Stupid girl..." he whispered softly.
Before Kriti could say anything, Aksh hugged her tightly.
Kriti froze for a moment, then slowly held his shirt.
Aksh gently wiped her tears and said seriously,
"Never say that again, okay?"
Then he softly kissed her forehead.
Kriti silently nodded while Aksh smiled seeing her finally calm.
The cold beach breeze continued flowing around them, but for the first time in days, both hearts finally felt peaceful.
---
At Ridhima's Side...
Ridhima was sitting nervously in the living room.
"D-Dad..." she called softly.
Her father looked toward her lovingly.
"Yes, princess?"
Armaan also sat beside them curiously.
Ridhima took a deep breath.
"I want to tell you something."
Her mother smiled softly.
"Tell us, bachha."
Ridhima looked down shyly and finally confessed,
"Dad... Bro... Mom... I love someone."
Armaan's expression immediately changed.
"Who is he?" he asked in a rude tone.
Ridhima got slightly scared seeing his reaction.
"H-He is Aarav Malhotra."
"What?" Armaan said loudly.
Ridhima became nervous instantly.
But before Armaan could say anything else, her father calmly spoke,
"You love him?"
Ridhima slowly nodded.
Her father smiled softly.
"Then we accept your decision. Don't worry."
Ridhima's eyes immediately filled with happiness.
She quickly hugged her father tightly.
"Thank you, Dad!" she said happily before kissing his cheek.
Her mother smiled seeing her daughter so happy.
Armaan stayed silent, but inside he was already warning Aarav in his mind.
Finally, her mother spoke warmly,
"Okay, now enough emotional talks. Let's eat lunch."
Everyone moved toward the dining table and started eating together.
Though Armaan stayed quiet, he continuously thought about Aarav Malhotra.
---
At Abhinav and Anushka's Side...
Abhinav and Anushka were spending peaceful time together after lunch.
Anushka suddenly became serious.
"Abhi..." she called softly.
"Hmmm?" he replied while looking at her.
"What if Jack Jones does something again?"
Fear was clearly visible in her eyes.
Abhinav immediately held her hand reassuringly.
"Don't worry, bachha," he said softly.
"I'm always with you."
Anushka looked at him quietly and slowly nodded.
His words always made her feel safe.
---
At Shivansh and Adya's Side...
Adya was getting ready to leave.
Shivansh looked at her carefully and asked,
"So, where is my princess going?"
Adya picked up her bag and replied calmly,
"I'm going for an operation."
Shivansh immediately became serious.
He walked toward her and gently held her face.
"Okay," he whispered softly.
Then he kissed her forehead lovingly.
"Go safely."
Adya smiled faintly.
"Hmmm... bye. Take care, Mr. Devil."
Shivansh smirked slightly.
"You too, princess."
Adya left from there while Shivansh kept watching her until she disappeared from his sight.
And somewhere deep inside him, an unknown fear slowly started growing again.