Her Nightmare | Last Date 30/07/2025

| 5 |

P A R I N I D H I

F L A S H B A C K

"So, what's the plan? Going to miss me?" I teased Ajit playfully as we stepped out of the cab at the airport.

"Of course," he replied with a smirk, adjusting his bag on his shoulder. "But I'll be back before you even realize I'm gone."

"Oh, really? We'll see about that," I quipped, my tone light despite the unease stirring in my chest. "Just don't forget to call me when you land."

"Wouldn't dream of it. You'll be the first person I call," Ajit assured me, pulling me into a warm hug.

"Good, because I'll be waiting," I said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

"Go home safely, and take care of yourself, Pari," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "I love you."

"I know," I whispered, my voice soft as I watched him disappear into the bustling airport crowd.

Exiting the airport premises, I hailed a cab and headed home. The unease from earlier lingered, gnawing at the edges of my thoughts, though I couldn't place its origin.

Upon arriving home, I found Rahul pacing frantically, his face pale and streaked with sweat. Without hesitation, I rushed to him, gripping his trembling shoulders.

"Rahul, what's wrong? What happened?" I asked urgently, my own heart beginning to race.

His voice trembled as he blurted out the horrifying truth. "Di... Anshika. Devansh's sister. She—she tried to kill herself. She's in a coma now... after surgery."

The words struck me like a blow.

Until now, Devansh Agnihotri had been nothing more than an arrogant, wealthy figure in the distance—a man I had no reason to think about. But hearing this, I realized how little I truly knew about him or his family.

I pulled Rahul into an embrace, his shaking form clinging to me as I tried to console him. "It's going to be okay," I murmured, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me.

But before I could process anything further, I heard heavy footsteps approaching. The sound grew louder, more ominous, each step sending a jolt of unease through me. Assuming it was my mother returning from the temple, I moved to open the door.

Instead, it flew open with a deafening crash.

Standing in the doorway was Devansh, flanked by a group of his men. His dark eyes scanned the room before settling on Rahul. The rage burning in his gaze was unmistakable.

Instinctively, I stepped in front of Rahul, shielding him from Devansh's wrath.

Our eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, something unexpected crossed Devansh's face—shock, maybe even distress.

A wave of sadness swept across his features, softening his hardened expression. It left me momentarily stunned, bewildered by the sudden shift.

But just as quickly as it appeared, the vulnerability vanished. Devansh's eyes closed briefly, and when they reopened, they burned with fury once more.

He raised his gun, aiming it directly at me.

My breath caught, and I froze, my heart pounding so loudly I thought it might burst. Before I could react, his men seized me, dragging me away from Rahul.

"Let go of me!" I screamed, thrashing against their hold. "Don't touch me!"

Devansh shot a glance at his men, and they immediately released me, stepping back like puppets obeying their master's unspoken command.