VEILS OF ROSE

CHAPTER 3️⃣

🌟AUTHOR’S POV 🌟

Early morning—the phone rang loudly in Ishaan’s room, dragging him out of a deep slumber. Groaning in irritation, he answered, only to sit bolt upright as the frantic mumbling from the other side sent a chill down his spine.

He jumped out of bed, rushed into the bathroom, took the quickest shower of his life, and threw on the first set of clothes he could find. Grabbing his keys, he locked his apartment and sprinted toward the parking lot.

Driving with urgency, he dialled a number. After a couple of failed attempts, the call finally connected.

> “What the hell do you want this early in the morning?! I swear, if this is about joining the gym, I’ll kill you!” the voice on the other side grumbled.

“I’m texting you an address. Be there. ASAP,” Ishaan said, cutting the call before the other could even respond. Reaching his destination, he punched the elevator button repeatedly—like it would somehow speed things up.

The moment he stepped into the apartment—

He was pulled into a tight hug.

---

⏪ SOME TIME AGO...

When Noorie opened the door, she was stunned to see police officers standing outside.

Shocked, the other girls rushed to the door and mirrored her reaction.

> “We’re here to arrest the residents under charges of assault and attempted murder,” said the officer grimly.

> “WHAT?!” Roshni shrieked, making everyone—including the officers—flinch.

They explained that a complaint had been filed against Sara and Roshni.

Sara, calm as ever, stepped forward.

> “We’ll come with you peacefully, officers. There's no need to grab us.”

Impressed by her grace under pressure, they agreed. Sara reassured a trembling Asma, who was on the verge of tears.

> “Don’t worry. I’ll handle this.”

As they left, Noorie—visibly tense—tried calming herself while her grandmother bombarded her with calls. She promised Asma she’d come right back after informing Grandma. On the way, she called Ishaan, explained the situation, and asked him to stay with Asma until she returned.

---

Meanwhile, Asma—alone and frightened—was spiralling into guilt, blaming herself. Seeing Ishaan at her door broke her completely. She latched onto him, sobbing in his arms.

His Maara (yes, that’s what he lovingly calls her 🥺💖) was in tears, and it tore him apart.

Holding her close, whispering soothing words, he calmed her down.

Once she was composed enough, she told him everything—from Ajay's harassment to the false charges. Not a single detail was left out.

---

🔙 BACK TO THE PRESENT

Ishaan was livid.

> “Maara, why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“We thought it was under control. Sara warned him. We didn’t expect him to stoop this low,” Asma replied, equally furious.

> “It’s okay. I’m here now. Don’t worry. They’ll be out of the station soon,” Ishaan reassured her.