Love or Compromise?

Chapter 10

Further Complications

Kapoor & Co. – Advait's Office

Advait froze in place as Nikhil's secretary mentioned Ekam's unexpected visit.

"Sir, ACP Ekam Randhawa came here earlier, asking for Nikhil. He seemed... furious."

A chill passed through Advait. Why would Ekam be looking for Nikhil? Could it be—has he found out about Nikhil and Mallika? But how?

Trying to keep calm, he asked, "Did he say why he wanted to meet him?"

The secretary shook his head. "No, sir. But his tone—he looked extremely agitated."

Advait's mind raced. So it's true. He knows. First Nikhil and Mallika mess with my life, and now Ekam is jumping into the chaos too? I need to stop this madness before everything spirals out of control.

Without another word, he bolted out of the office. The secretary stood dumbfounded as Advait dashed out.

Kapoor & Co. – Construction Site, 7th Floor

Mallika stood at the edge of the 7th floor, breathing heavily after her confrontation. Nikhil stared at her, shattered.

"What... What do you mean?" he asked, voice trembling. "Are you saying you don't love me?"

Mallika's expression hardened. "Yes, Nikhil. I don't love you. Whatever you thought was between us... was just your imagination. Go back to your wife. This... whatever this is, ends here."

She turned to leave.

But Nikhil lunged forward, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back. "No, Mallika! I know you're lying. Just look me in the eyes and say it. Tell me you don't love me!"

She yanked her hand free, breathing furiously, her voice cold as steel. "Fine. I don't love you, Nikhil Kapoor."

With that, she turned and walked away quickly, blinking away the tears threatening to spill.

Crushed, Nikhil staggered back, each step laced with disbelief. His foot met empty air—he had unknowingly reached the edge of the building. With a cry, he slipped and tumbled over the ledge, barely managing to catch the edge with his hands.

"Mallika!!"

She spun around, stunned, and screamed when she saw him hanging by a thread over a sheer drop.

"Oh my God—Nikhil!"

Rushing to him, she knelt and reached out, straining with all her might to pull him up. "What the hell is wrong with you? Have you lost your mind?!"

Nikhil struggled to speak, gasping. "I-I didn't... I tripped—"

"Just shut up and hold on!" she cried, heaving him with every ounce of strength she had.

With a final pull, she dragged him to safety. They both collapsed on their knees, gasping for air. Mallika's chest heaved with exertion and rage. Suddenly, she began pounding his chest.

"Are you insane?! What were you trying to prove? That you'd die just because I rejected you? What if I had been late?!"

Nikhil gently caught her wrists, holding her still. "Why does it matter so much to you, Mallika? Why would it hurt you if something happened to me?"

Tears burst from her eyes as she finally crumbled. "Because I love you, Nikhil Kapoor! I do love you, damn it!"

Nikhil's heart skipped. Without hesitation, he cupped her face and rained kisses across her cheeks, forehead, and lips. "I knew it. I knew it."

Suddenly, a booming voice echoed across the floor.

"Nikhil Kapoor!!"

Both froze and turned around—only to see ACP Ekam Randhawa standing at the entrance, his eyes blazing with fury.

"Bhai?" Mallika whispered, stunned.

Ekam stormed forward and seized Nikhil by the collar, delivering a resounding slap across his face.

"You filthy coward! How dare you touch my sister?!" he roared, slapping him again.

"Bhai, stop! Please listen—" Mallika tried to intervene, but Ekam shoved her aside in anger, too blinded by rage to register her words.

Kapoor House – Kitchen

Back at home, Nehmat stood in the kitchen, absentmindedly stirring a pot of dal, her mind swirling with guilt.

Maybe I went too far. I dumped all of Rama Aunty and Bua Ji's accusations on Advait. He didn't deserve that. I should've controlled my anger...

Suddenly, the boiling dal splashed onto her hand. "Ahh!" she hissed, flinching at the burn.

Worried, she muttered, "I should call him. I need to clear this up."

She picked up her phone and dialed Advait's number, but it went straight to voicemail. "Out of coverage area?" she whispered, her worry deepening. "Where are you, Advait?"

Kapoor & Co. – Construction Site

Ekam continued to beat Nikhil mercilessly as Mallika tried to restrain him, sobbing.

"Bhai, please! Listen to me—he didn't force anything on me—I love him!"

But Ekam was beyond reason.

Suddenly, another voice thundered across the floor.

"ACP Ekam Randhawa!!!"

Ekam stopped mid-punch and turned to see Advait Kapoor, standing with clenched fists and fire in his eyes.

Mallika and Nikhil froze.

Advait marched forward, his voice cold and firm. "That's enough."

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To be continued.