Shattered (Book #1 In Heart Series)✔️

Chapter 15:Aditya's unexpected anger

5 Years Ago, London
 Aditya's POV

After finishing my MBA, I took charge of Singhania Enterprises. Through relentless hard work, I propelled our company into the top five globally. Along with the company's success, my own popularity soared. Many companies sought partnerships with us, and women began to take an interest in me, often throwing seductive looks my way. Yet, I remained indifferent, wishing for someone who would love me for who I truly was.

Then, one December night, I met Samaira. She was a medical student, an orphan, and incredibly bold and beautiful. What captivated me most was her indifference to my looks—a rarity among the women I encountered. Intrigued, I started to pursue her, much to her irritation. But I enjoyed every moment of it.

Over time, I fell deeply in love with her. After much persistence, she agreed to a coffee date. From then on, we spent more time together, and I found myself enchanted by her childish innocence and simplicity. On Valentine's Day, we confessed our love for each other and decided to take our relationship to the next level. I knew she was the one for me and planned to introduce her to my family soon.

However, I received an important business offer from Australia and had to leave. Both of us were heartbroken at the thought of being apart, even for a short time. I promised her I'd return within a week and left for Australia with a heavy heart.

After successfully closing the deal, I returned to London, eager to share the news with Samaira. I called her to inform her of my return, but there was no answer. For two agonizing days, she was missing. In a state of panic, I filed a police report. The next day, I received a call from the police informing me that they had found a girl in a dire condition. I rushed to the scene and saw my beloved Samaira, battered and naked under a sheet. My world shattered. She had been brutally raped for five days, her internal organs severely damaged. The doctors gave her a mere 5% chance of survival.

 Third Person's POV

"Karthik, you know she... she died in front of me. If I hadn't left..." Aditya broke down, tears streaming down his face. Karthik hugged him tightly, tears in his own eyes. He felt a deep sorrow for his friend, who had been living with such immense pain.

"Adi, please, stop crying." Karthik rubbed his back, trying to comfort him. Aditya wiped his tears and looked down, his anguish palpable.

"Adi, I had no idea you were suffering like this all these years. I'm so sorry for what I said." Karthik's voice was filled with regret.

"It's okay, Karthik," Aditya said quietly.

"Did you find out who did it?" Karthik asked cautiously.

"No, it was meticulously planned. I live with the guilt of not being able to bring justice to Samaira." Aditya's fists tightened in frustration.

"Don't worry, we'll find out. And was this why you were beating the punching bag?" Karthik asked, though he suspected there was more to the story.

Aditya looked down again. "No, it's not just that..."

"Then what?"

"I... I tried to kiss Kritika." Aditya closed his eyes, ashamed.

"You what?" Karthik was stunned, understanding now why Kritika had been acting so strangely.

"Did you kiss her?" Karthik asked hesitantly.

"No, thank God." Aditya looked horrified at the thought.

"Then what's the problem?"

"I felt like I was betraying Samaira. That's why I took all that anger out on you. But thank God nothing happened." Aditya rubbed his face, still tormented by his actions.

Just then, Karthik's phone rang. It was Shwetha. Aditya raised an eyebrow as Karthik answered.

"Yes, Aunty?" Karthik said.

"Beta, is Aditya with you?" Shwetha asked.

"Yes, Aunty."

"Okay, tell him to come home soon."

"Sure, Aunty." He hung up and turned to Aditya.

"What happened?" Aditya asked.

"Aunty wants you home soon. I think she has something important to say." Aditya nodded, and they both stood to leave.

"Karthik, please don't tell anyone about my past," Aditya said earnestly.

"Aditya, you can trust me. I won't say a word." Karthik assured him. They headed towards their cars.

"Should I drop you off? You've been drinking," Aditya offered.

"Relax, I'm sober enough to drive," Karthik smirked. Aditya chuckled and started his car.

Aditya parked his car and entered the mansion. He found his mother, Swetha Singhania, waiting anxiously.

"What happened, Mom?" Aditya asked, sitting beside her.

"Adi, I wanted to discuss something important with you," Swetha replied.

"Yes, Mom?"

"Today, my best friend Latha called. She has a daughter who is an architect..."

"Mom, stop. I know where this is going, and I'm not interested," Aditya interrupted, irritation creeping into his voice.

"Adi, you're 27 now. It's time for you to get married," Swetha insisted.

"No, Mom, I'm not interested in marriage right now. I'm only 27."

"But why, Adi? Even Abhi got married at your age. Why can't you?" Swetha asked helplessly.

"I don't want to get married, that's it," Aditya declared, struggling to keep his anger in check.

"But Adi..."

"Stop it, Mom!" Aditya shouted. "I told you, I will not marry anyone. Please, don't bring this up again." He stormed out of the room, leaving Swetha in shock and tears.

Priya, who was heading to the kitchen, witnessed the scene and rushed to console Swetha.

"Ma, please stop crying," Priya soothed her, rubbing her shoulders.

"Priya, did you see how he behaved?" Swetha sobbed, and Priya hugged her tightly.

"I saw, Ma. Don't worry, I'll handle it," Priya assured her. "I should talk to Abhimanyu about this," Priya thought, looking down at Swetha, who continued to cry.