Aadhya's POV
My whole body ached as I slowly opened my eyes, every movement feeling painfully heavy. I was trembling uncontrollably when I realized I was lying in someone's arms—Vivaan's. His arms were wrapped tightly around me.
"Vivaan…" I called softly. His eyes opened instantly, and his grip tightened.
"H-hey… why are you hugging me like this?" I asked, trying to move, but he didn't let go.
"No. Not until you calm down," he said firmly.
"I'm… calm," I replied weakly, but he only loosened his hold slightly. As my mind cleared, everything came rushing back. "Where is Kaal?" I asked. He didn't answer, just looked ahead. I followed his gaze—and saw Kaal lying motionless. My breath hitched.
"No… no…" I whispered, my body trembling harder. I looked at my hands—covered in blood. Flashes from past hit me all at once. I couldn't breathe. Vivaan quickly turned me towards him and pulled me into a tight hug.
"He's alive," he said softly. "He isn't dead." I looked at him, my voice breaking. "Did I… do that to him?" I asked. He must be confused.
He hesitated, then nodded. "Y-yes."
Tears streamed down my face as I broke down. "What's happening to me… I'm hurting people like a monster…" I cried. My breathing grew heavier, my body shaking uncontrollably.
Vivaan held me tightly as everything blurred. "I don't wantthis…" I whispered, and before I could hold on any longer, everything went dark as I collapsed in his arms.
Reyansh's POV
We rushed to the hospital the moment we heard. I came straight from school, and Bhaiyya came running from his office. We met downstairs, both of us tense. Vivaan had already called him and told him everything. At the reception, we asked for Aadhya, and they directed us to her room. As we walked down the corridor, I saw all of Section E standing outside. Silent. Serious. They moved aside without saying anything.
The moment I entered, my eyes went straight to her.
She was lying there… unconscious.
Bandages on her forehead, her lip cut, her hands wrapped.
My chest tightened.
But then my eyes shifted—
Vivaan.
He was standing beside her… holding her hand...
Why do you need to hold her hand?
For a second, I didn't react. Then I noticed—he was in a hospital gown too. Injured. Assigned to the bed next to hers. Bhaiyya called him, "Vivaan." He looked at us, but even then… he didn't let go of her hand.
"Vivaan, we need to talk. Just tell me what she did," Bhaiyya said, taking him outside.
I walked to her and sat beside her bed.
I just stared at her face.
So fragile.
So injured.
I hate seeing her like this.
But she brought this on herself.
Why does she have to interfere in everything? Why can't she just stay out of it?
…And still—
I couldn't hate her.
My hand moved on its own. I gently brushed her hair back, careful of her injuries.
She stirred.
I immediately pulled my hand away before she opened her eyes.
Her eyes fluttered open slowly.
The first thing she said—
"Where is Vivaan?"
I froze.
"Vivaan? He's outside… talking to Bhaiyya," I replied.
She stared at the ceiling for a moment, then looked at her hands.
And then—
"Reyansh… what did I do to your father before?"
My expression hardened instantly.
No.
Not this again.
"Did I hurt him like this before? Jivin… and now Kaal too…" she continued, her voice trembling.
"Did I—"
"Stop it!" I snapped.
My voice came out harsher than I intended.
"Stop asking questions."
Because if she didn't—
I wouldn't be able to control myself.
The door opened.
Bhaiyya and Vivaan walked in, followed by the others.
"What are you doing, Reyansh?" Bhaiyya snapped at me.
Vivaan and the others rushed to her.
"Are you okay?"
"Did Reyansh say anything?"
She just shook her head and closed her eyes.
Bhaiyya signaled me to step outside.
I followed.
Once we were out, he ran a hand through his hair, clearly stressed.
"Vivaan told me everything. She kept hurting him, didn't react, didn't listen… and in the end she doesn't even remember anything. That's not normal," he said.
I stayed silent.
"Why did you shout?" he asked.
"She keeps asking about that incident," I replied shortly.
He paused, then sighed.
"We need to show her to a psychiatrist soon."
I nodded slightly.
"You decide, Bhaiyya. You're her guardian," I said, my tone flat.
And then I walked away.
Because I didn't want to remember.
That incident…
It changed everything.
I was almost out of the corridor when I saw her.
For a second, I thought I was mistaken.
But no.
It was her.
"What is she doing here…" I muttered under my breath.
She was standing at the reception, talking to the nurse.
"Excuse me, can you tell me where Aadhya Verma is assigned? I'm her mother—Yami Mahajan," she said politely.
My jaw clenched.
Her eyes met mine.
And before I could react, she walked quickly toward me and pulled me into a hug. "Oh my God, Ryo…" she said emotionally.
I pushed her away instantly.
She stumbled back, clearly shocked. "What happened?" she asked, confused.
"What happened?" I repeated, my voice cold. "Why are you here?"
She blinked at my tone.
"I just… wanted to tell her some good news," she said softly. "I'm getting married."
I let out a dry, almost disbelieving laugh.
"Again?" I asked, staring straight at her.
She raised an eyebrow, slightly offended.
"You know she won't be happy to hear that," I said firmly. "You know that."
There was a brief silence.
"Just… don't go to her right now," I added, my tone hardening. "She's not in the condition to face you."
Because I knew—
If Aadhya saw her now…
It wouldn't end well...
Aadhya's POV
Next day.
I was sitting on my bench, quiet. Not because of what happened yesterday… but because it felt like my mind wasn't even mine anymore. Like someone had switched it off. I wasn't thinking, not feeling properly either—just… there. I'm still having nightmares about it. It's pretty scary.
Suddenly Avi popped up in front of me out of nowhere, grinning like an idiot and showing off his chocolate. I forced a small smile. He sat beside me, still smiling, but I couldn't match his energy. My thoughts kept drifting somewhere I couldn't even understand.
Nikansh came and sat beside my chair. Without saying anything, he took my hand and started massaging it gently. I smiled a little. It actually helped. For a moment, I felt… grounded. Then voices from behind started buzzing, people talking, laughing—but it all felt distant. Like noise I didn't care about.
"Good morning," Dj suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
When did he become second Avi?
"Good morning…" my voice came out soft, almost weak. My whole body still hurt from yesterday. Like I had been thrown off a building and landed straight on iron. My lip and forehead were bandaged. I had removed the hand bandage earlier—it was distracting—and tied my hair in a ponytail.
Vivaan walked in.
He looked at me for a second.
Just one second.
Then went to his place.
I didn't understand that look.
Nikansh smiled at me again. "Why are you so quiet?"
"Nothing… just tired," I replied.
Classes started. Ended. In between, Avi kept calling me just to flash stupid smiles. Dj kept showing random things on his phone. I didn't understand what was wrong with them. Or maybe… what was wrong with me.
Lunch break came.
I stood up slowly to help Krish, but my body protested instantly.
"Adi, you rest," he said firmly.
Honestly… I was thankful.
I'm sure he must be scared what if I burned the class while cooking.
I sat back down, staring blankly until they called me. I went and sat with them. Avi instantly took the seat beside me, still smiling like nothing was wrong.
Krish placed a full plate in front of me.
Too much.
It felt this is going to be my last meal. Why that much.
"I-it's too much… remove some," I said softly.
I couldn't even use my hand properly—it hurt. So Avi, without asking, picked up the spoon and started feeding me like a kid. I just ate quietly, drifting again.
His spoon stopped mid-air while he started talking about the festival. I didn't even notice. Dj raised his spoon from the other side, trying to feed me too. I shook my head slightly.
I didn't feel like eating anymore.
I stood up slowly.
"Hey Adi, where are you going?" Avi asked.
Everyone looked at me.
"Just… washroom," I said and walked away. What now? Am I supposed to report them everthing.
Inside, I stood in front of the mirror.
I looked… terrible.
Tired. Exhausted. Bandaged.
"Great… perfect timing before the pageant," I muttered.
Not like I was going to win anyway. Riya or Yuvika would obviously win.
I turned and started walking back.
Suddenly—
My head felt heavy.
Like something was pressing down on it. What's the load?
I held the wall for support. Waited a few seconds.
It passed.
"Okay…" I whispered.
But just as I reached near the classroom—
Everything went heavy again.
My vision blurred.
My body tilted forward.
I thought I was going to fall—
But a hand caught me.
Strong.
Firm.
Wrapped around my waist and pulled me back.
I looked up.
Vivaan.
He was staring at me.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
I blinked.
Huh…?
I nodded quickly and walked inside, sitting on my bench like nothing happened. When did he come outof nowhere?
Others were gathered behind, probably planning something again. I didn't care.
My head felt heavy again.
I rested it on the bench.
And fell asleep.
Dj woke me up when the teacher came.
The rest of the day felt the same.
Blank.
I just stared at the board, not understanding anything.
Not even trying.
School ended.
I was about to leave when Vivaan suddenly blocked my way.
I looked at him, confused.
"Dheeraj, you take her home. And Avi—you too. Accompany her while going and coming," he said firmly.
They nodded.
I just stood there.
What… was wrong with him?
He walked away without another word.
Nikansh followed, lightly stroking my head as he passed.
And I just stood there—
Confused.
Something was definitely not right..... what's new..?