Shattered (Book #1 In Heart Series)✔️

Chapter 7: The Quarrel

Kritika and Aradhya rushed towards the car, their hearts pounding with anxiety. As they approached, their steps slowed, dread gnawing at their insides. The sight that greeted them was enough to send shock coursing through their veins. The once pristine car now bore the marks of a collision, its body twisted and battered.

Kritika's gaze darted around, searching for answers, until it landed on a sleek BMW parked behind their damaged vehicle. Anger flared within her, fueling her determination to confront whoever was responsible.

She stormed towards the BMW, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "You idiotic driver, come out from your bloody car!"

Aditya's ears pricked up at the sound of her voice, his irritation mounting with each word. Stepping out of his own car, he was met with the sight of a girl barely reaching his shoulders, her expression twisted in anger. Kartik and Aradhya watched anxiously, bracing themselves for the impending confrontation

With a deep breath to quell his rising anger, Aditya faced Kritika, his gaze cold and unwavering. "Listen, that was a mistake, but don't you dare raise your voice against me."

But Kritika refused to back down, her fury undiminished. "I have every right to raise my voice. You destroyed my favorite car! Do you even know how to drive?"

The tension between them crackled in the air, each word a spark igniting the flames of their confrontation. Aditya's patience wore thin as Kritika moved closer, her accusations like daggers aimed at his pride.

In a moment of reckless bravado, Aditya issued a challenge, his smirk tinged with arrogance. "If you think you're such a great driver, let's settle this with a race." This made her tongue tied. 

To escape from the situation, she spitted the next words. " "Um, why should I race against someone who can't even drive properly? And you know what, this car was a gift from my father on my birthday. It means a lot to me, and you've just destroyed it," Kritika retorted, her voice tinged with hurt as she ignored his previous remarks.

Aditya's retort was swift and cutting, his words laced with disdain. "Not only your car, but mine is also damaged. And you know what? This car cost about 50 lakhs, it's very expensive. Yet here you are, arguing with me over a car that's nothing but a worthless piece of junk," he spat out, his anger evident in every syllable.

Kritika's eyes widened in shock at the venom in his words, her heart stung by the cruel insult. Anger surged through her veins, and without hesitation, she seized his collar, her grip tight with fury. Kartik and Aradhya watched in shock, rushing towards them as the confrontation escalated.

"Not my car, your car is a worthless piece of junk!" Kritika exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion as she lashed out in response to his callous words.

Aditya glared at Kritika, his eyes flashing with anger. "Take your hands off me," he demanded, his voice low and threatening.

But Kritika stood her ground, her grip on his collar unwavering. Aditya's threat only seemed to fuel her defiance.

"Remove your hands, or there will be consequences," he warned in a menacing tone, his frustration evident.

Aradhya, sensing the tension escalating, intervened timidly, her voice trembling with fear.

 "Kritika, please, let go," she pleaded softly.

Looking at her friend's frightened expression, Kritika relented reluctantly, releasing her hold on Aditya's collar and stepping back, her eyes still ablaze with indignation.

Sensing the need to diffuse the situation, Karthik stepped in between them, his voice calm but firm. "Let's not escalate this further. We can sort this out calmly," he suggested, his gaze shifting between Aditya and Kritika.

Kritika directed her frustration towards Karthik, blaming him for the altercation. "Your friend started this. He's the reason things got worse," she complained, her tone accusatory.

Aditya clenched his fists, his anger simmering beneath the surface. Karthik noticed the tension in his friend and reached out to steady him, silently urging him to remain calm.

Turning his attention back to Kritika and Aradhya, Karthik offered a conciliatory gesture. "We apologize for the trouble. We'll do whatever it takes to make things right. Let's put an end to this," he suggested, his voice tinged with sincerity.

Aradhya, seeking to mend the rift, pleaded with Kritika to let go of her anger. "For me, Kritika, please," she implored, her eyes pleading.

Reluctantly, Kritika relented, her anger dissipating as she nodded in agreement. "Fine," she conceded, turning her gaze towards Karthik.

"So, what's the solution?" she asked, her tone softer now, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

"We'll repair the damage and return the car to you as soon as possible," Karthik replied, his tone apologetic, though it seemed to irk Aditya.

"Why should we do this?" Aditya interjected, his expression contorted in disdain.

Before Karthik could respond, Kritika chimed in, her smirk returning. "Your friend understands it was his mistake. Why can't you set aside your ego and accept responsibility?" she remarked, her words laced with a touch of sarcasm.

Aditya's temper flared, and he moved closer, but Karthik intervened, preventing any further confrontation.

"Let's stop this," Karthik urged, addressing both parties. "We'll repair the car. It's my promise to you, Kritika," he assured, using the word 'sister' to soften her stance.

Kritika's anger softened at the term of endearment, and she nodded in acceptance.

As Kritika turned to leave with Aradhya, Karthik hesitated, then offered a gesture of goodwill.
 "It's late. We can drop you off if you'd like," he suggested tentatively, casting a glance towards Aditya, who narrowed his eyes in response.

Before Kritika could decline, Aradhya jumped in, accepting the offer eagerly.

Smiling gratefully, Kritika agreed, and they made their way towards the car, leaving behind a tense atmosphere that slowly began to dissipate in the cool night air.