Fated Affection

Chapter 18

Rohan's anger flared. He grabbed her shoulders. "What's wrong with you, huh? Whenever I try to connect with you, you act like I have splinters on me. But with Aarav, Mom, even your new college friend, you're happy. Why?"

Aisha winced. "Rohan, you're hurting me. Let go."

"Not until you answer me. Goddammit, you're driving me crazy!" he shouted.

Aisha replied, "I can't understand you, Mr. Raichand. Whenever I think you're not the person I thought you were, you prove me wrong. Every damn time. I'm stuck with you only because of my family."

Rohan's anger intensified. "Oh, is that so? Then you're going to be stuck with me for your entire life," he said, taking her clothes from her. "You can't go anywhere. I won't allow you."

Aisha, trying to get her clothes back, yelled, "Who are you to allow me what to do and what not to do?"

Rohan replied coldly, "Your husband, whom you're stuck with for your entire life." He threw her clothes on the floor and went for a shower.

Aisha sat down, tears filling her eyes. "He's a complete monster," she thought, feeling trapped and overwhelmed.

At the breakfast table, everyone was quietly having their meal. After finishing, Mr. and Mrs. Raichand headed off to their respective tasks. Aisha turned to Aarav and asked, "Aarav, will you please drop me to college today?"

Aarav replied, "Alright, but what about Rohan? Isn't he supposed to drop you off?"

Aisha responded, "He has some stuff to do, so he can't today."

Aarav nodded, "Okay then, let's go."

Rohan overheard the conversation and, while he outwardly ignored them, fumed internally. "Just wait, Miss Aisha Grewal. I will take my revenge tonight," he thought to himself, a determined glint in his eyes.

Aarav and Aisha arrived at the college, chatting about mundane things to keep the mood light. As they approached the main entrance, Aisha spotted Meera waiting for her.

"Hey, Aisha!" Meera waved enthusiastically.

"Hey, Meera! This is my brother-in-law, Aarav. Aarav, this is my new friend, Meera," Aisha introduced them.

Aarav smiled politely. "Nice to meet you, Meera."

Meera grinned. "Nice to meet you too, Aarav. Aisha's told me a lot about you."

Aarav raised an eyebrow playfully. "All good things, I hope."

Meera laughed. "Of course!"

Aisha nudged Aarav. "Alright, you two, I've got to get to class. Thanks for the ride, Aarav."

"No problem, Aisha. See you later," Aarav said, giving Aisha a quick hug before heading back to his car.

Aisha and Meera walked towards their class together. Meera glanced back at Aarav as he drove away. "Your brother-in-law seems nice."

Aisha nodded. "He is. He's like a little brother to me, always looking out for me."

Meera smiled. "That's sweet.

Meanwhile, back at the Raichand house, Rohan was seething. He couldn't believe Aisha had asked Aarav to drop her off instead of him. He paced around his room, trying to come up with a plan to confront her later.

That evening, after a long day at college, Aisha returned home, feeling a mix of excitement and exhaustion. She shared her experiences with Aarav on the way back, and he listened intently, happy to see her so enthusiastic.

As they entered the house, Rohan was waiting in the living room, his expression unreadable. Aisha felt a shiver run down her spine, anticipating the confrontation.

Aarav, oblivious to the tension, said, "Aisha had a great first day, Rohan.

They went to their rooms. In Rohan and Aisha's room, as Aisha placed her bag on the shelf, Rohan took a step closer to her. "Why didn't you let me drop you off this morning?" he asked, his voice tense.

Aisha met his gaze, her own anger bubbling up. "I am not accountable to you."

Rohan's eyes flashed with a mix of hurt and frustration. "Aarav is not your husband, Aisha. I am. You should have asked me."

Aisha crossed her arms, trying to keep her voice steady. "I don't want to argue with you, Mr. Raichand."

Rohan took a deep breath, trying to control his temper. "Aisha, what is this 'Mr. Raichand'? Why have you started addressing me like that again?"

Aisha replied angrily, "Really? You're asking me this?"

With a calm demeanor, Rohan said, "Alright, I want to sort things out, so please, let's talk."

Aisha pushed him away. "There is nothing that can be fixed between us now," she said, turning to leave.

As Aisha turned to leave, Rohan grabbed her hand from behind and said, "Please, Aisha. You're affecting me. I don't know what this is, but I've never felt like this for anyone. Please, if you have any complaints, any frustration with me, let's just talk it out."

Aisha turned towards him and said, "Alright, but this is the last chance I'm giving you, Rohan."

"I... I promise I won't disappoint you," Rohan said earnestly.

Aisha continued, "You have to understand that what we have is different from my other relationships with your family members. I need time and space to accept this."

Rohan, holding her hand, got down on his knees in front of her. "I understand that now, and I assure you, I won't force anything on you anymore."