HIS OBSSESSION (BOOK-1)

Chapter : 6

Confrontation & Confession

Confiding In Eachother

In the posh outskirts of Lucknow, two newly married couples sat face to face, the air thick with tension. Each was consumed by their own thoughts, struggling to find the words to break the silence.

Akash's mind raced with the echo of his brother's accusatory voice and the whirlwind of his sudden marriage. Across from him, Payal's thoughts were a blend of maintaining her innocent facade, the fortune of marrying into wealth, and the burning desire to sever the bond between the brothers. Most of all, she wanted to retaliate against Khushi for today's humiliation, with interest.

Finally, they broke the silence simultaneously, both desperate to address the icy atmosphere. Akash, signaling to his wife, leaned forward, hands clasped, giving her his undivided attention.

Payal, despite her scattered thoughts and the fear gnawing at her, leaned back, letting tears fall freely. With a voice trembling with a mix of emotion and deception, she began her calculated tale. "Akash ji, today was not supposed to be like this. I lost control and showed a side of myself I'm not proud of. When Khushi's parents died and she came to live with us, I was happy to have a little sister. But soon, everyone-my own family-started comparing me to her, praising her beauty, talents, and charm. I felt invisible, inferior. Khushi's pranks, combined with those constant comparisons, shattered me. I don't know when it started, but I began to dislike her. Maybe she wasn't entirely at fault, but I couldn't forgive her."

She paused, letting her words hang in the air before continuing. "Before meeting you, Khushi's late nights caused tension in my traditional family. They couldn't accept her behavior, and eventually, she was kicked out. Initially, I was upset, but mostly, I was relieved. Today, seeing her act as if everything was perfect, I snapped."

She moved closer, gripping Akash's hand. "Believe me, if I'd known she was your brother's wife, I'd have handled it differently. I'm sorry, Akash ji. Please, don't be angry." She broke into sobs, begging for his forgiveness.

Akash, ensnared by her fabricated story, pulled her close. "It's okay. Everyone makes mistakes. I've made plenty, and you've accepted me with all my flaws." He stroked her hair gently. "I love my siblings, especially my brother. We owe everything to him-our success, our lifestyle. He's my idol. Seeing his disappointment today shattered me. Please, don't let this happen again. It takes courage to be honest. I promise to always stand by you. But you must resolve things with Khushi. My brother wouldn't marry someone cruel. Trust me, Payal. Forgive her and move on. We need to be a family without misunderstandings. I'll help you every step of the way. Just trust me. Can we do this together, Payal?" He rested his head on her shoulder, seeking her agreement.

Payal, smiling through her tears, hugged him tightly. "Yes, we'll do it together," she whispered. Yet, in her mind, she seethed with anger and vowed revenge against Khushi. She would tear apart the bond between Akash and his brother, no matter the cost.

Reminiscence and Renewal

In another part of Lucknow, amidst the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant laughter of children, Arnav and Khushi walked hand in hand. The park, though slightly renovated since their youth, still held the same familiar charm. The trees, with their sprawling branches, created a canopy of memories. This was the place where their friendship had blossomed, transforming from a childhood crush into a deep, abiding love. Every corner of this park had witnessed their shared moments, from their first hesitant conversations to their tearful parting.

As they walked, the couple halted at a particularly nostalgic spot, a place that seemed to breathe with the echoes of their past. The old bench under the banyan tree, the playground where they used to chase each other, and the small pond where they had once tossed stones, all stood as silent sentinels to their history.