Shattered (Book #1 In Heart Series)✔️

Chapter 16: Sweta's hope

Priya was waiting for Abhimanyu to discuss Aditya's recent behavior. After some time, Abhimanyu entered the room, exhausted from the day. He noticed Priya's pensive expression and frowned as he sat beside her.

"Priya, are you okay?" Abhimanyu asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Abhi, I need to talk to you about something important."

"What is it, Priya?"

"It's about Aditya," Priya began, and Abhimanyu's frown deepened.

"What about him?" he asked. Priya then recounted the conversation between Aditya and Swetha.

"I don't understand, Abhi. Why does he react so strongly whenever we bring up marriage or mention a girl?" Priya said, her voice filled with worry.

"Don't worry, Priya. I'll talk to him," Abhi reassured her. With that, they both went to sleep.

 Kritika's POV

I stood in front of the Singhania mansion with my luggage, ready to stay until Daadi recovered. Yesterday's awkward moment with Aditya made me nervous, but I had a job to do and promises to keep. I sighed, picked up my luggage, and rang the bell. Within seconds, Ahana opened the door, grinning as she hugged me.

"Kritika, I've been waiting for you. Come in!" She pulled me inside. Swetha aunty and Priya di emerged from the kitchen.

"Kritika, come and sit here," aunty said. I nodded and sat on the couch, placing my luggage aside.

"Would you like something to drink?" Priya di asked.

"Just a glass of water, please." She nodded and went to the kitchen.

Thank God that gorilla isn't here.

Just then, Priya di returned with the water. I thanked her and started drinking.

"Good morning, Mom." I looked up to see Aditya, dressed in his office attire. I choked on my drink, coughing violently.

"Oh my God, Kriti, are you okay?" Ahana rushed over. Swetha aunty patted my back until I stopped coughing. Aditya watched the scene with a smirk. I glared at him and turned away.

Oh God, he caught me staring at him

"Ma, I'm heading to the office. See you later." He looked at me and snapped his fingers. "Hello, Ms. Doctor. Do your job well, okay?"

I stood up, glaring at him. "I know what to do. You don't have to teach me." Without another word, he left.

"Ahana, I'm going to Daadi's room," I said. She nodded, and I took my bag and headed upstairs.
I was engrossed in my favorite novel when I heard a groan. I looked up to see Daadi stirring. I quickly set my book aside and approached her. She woke up, looking around before her eyes landed on me. She shrank back.

"Go... go away," she murmured. I held her hand gently, trying to calm her.

"Daadi, relax. I'm Abhi bhai's friend. I was here yesterday too." She didn't react. "Would you like to go outside for some fresh air?" She smiled slightly and nodded.

"First, you have to listen to me, okay?" She nodded again. "Close your eyes and count from one to ten, then from ten to one." She followed my instructions, and I sighed in relief.

After completing some therapy exercises, she fell asleep due to the medication.
I locked the door and went downstairs to find my trolley bag. As I searched, I bumped into something hard.

Where did this come from?

I rubbed my forehead and looked up to see Aditya glaring down at me. I gasped and turned to run away, but he grabbed my arm and pulled me toward him. I stumbled, looking up at him in fear.

"What are you doing here?" he asked coldly.

"N-nothing," I stammered, glancing around. Thank God no one else is here.

"Nothing? Then why are you here?" He released my arm, and I rubbed it, feeling the sting.

"I was looking for my trolley bag," I said. He raised an eyebrow.

"Trolley bag? Why?"

"Because I'm staying here. I need clothes to change into," I said, shrugging.

"You can't stay here," he said, his tone menacing.

"I will. What are you going to do about it?" I challenged. He looked at me intently, his eyes drifting to my lips, making me gulp. Is he going to...

A voice interrupted us, and he stepped back. I turned to see Priya di standing there with a teasing smile.

"What were you two doing here?" she asked.

"Uh... Bhabhi, I came to get an important file. Excuse me." Aditya quickly left, leaving me alone with Priya.

"Traitor," I muttered.

"Kritika," she called.

"Di, I was looking for my bag when he showed up," I explained.

"Oh, your bag is with Ahana. She took it to her room," Priya said.

"Okay, Di. Thanks." I hurried upstairs, relieved.

Now, where is Ahana's room?

I was searching for Ahana's room when Aditya walked by with a file. Giving me a brief look, he walked past me.

"Stop," I called, and he halted.

"What?" he barked.

"Can you please guide me to Ahana's room?" I asked, fiddling with my dupatta.

"Straight, turn left, first door on the right," he said curtly before walking away.

He's really a rare species.

Third Person's POV

Priya spoke to Swetha about Aditya and Kritika's interactions.

"Priya, are you sure about this?" Swetha asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Yes, Ma. I've seen it. Adi was looking at her with... some emotions," Priya replied.

"Kritika is a nice girl, and I like her," Swetha said thoughtfully.

"Yes, Ma. She would be perfect for Adi. She could completely change him," Priya said excitedly.

"I hope so, Priya. I miss my old Adi so much," Swetha said, tears brimming in her eyes.