Between The Lines: An OS/TS/SS Collection | AbhiMaan

3 ~ Maafi

A/N:  This OS is an alternate approach to Armaan questioning why Abhira can't trust Ruhi. Also, this OS would kickstart the much-needed redemption arc for Ruhi, which is taking accountability for her mistakes, owning up and apologising for it.

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Armaan was unsettled after Abhira's demand for justice.

So, he decided to confront Abhira once again after the court session. In the court, Abhira had requested for Driver's License cancellation and also attend a driving safety program which was mandatory (taken from 1st OS).

Although he was happy that Ruhi didn't go to jail, he kind of wanted to confront Abhira. He sees Abhira go to his special spot and follows her.

After catching up to her, he asks, "Abhira, I requested you to withdraw the case, right?"

"Yes, but withdrawing it would mean injustice to my client. See, we have so many accident cases -most of them are hit-and-run, and the accused are being let go with a fine and they aren't jailed. You know about the Mumbai Porsche hit-and-run? How the accused's parents used their money and power to bring their son out of jail-"

"But, this isn't a hit and run."

"I know. Ruhi did it accidentally. But, to let her go without some punishment would set a bad example for others. And what if she did it again?"

"Why are you so skeptical about her, Abhira? I already-"

"Armaan, sit. I'll tell you a story."

"Okay."

"Imagine us four, but in opposite roles."

"Huh? What?"

"You-Me and Rohit-Ruhi. Interchanged."

"I don't understand. Tell me clearly."

"You and Ruhi knew each other and wanted to marry each other, right?"

"Yes, at that time. Like, when we met and talked."

"Imagine me and Rohit like that or worse, we were in a relationship. We loved each other, he asked me to marry you because you were his brother and didn't want to hurt him. I lead you on until you find mine and Rohit's secret and run away."

Armaan's jaw was wide open.

"Now, put me in Ruhi's place, Rohit in your place and Ruhi in my place. What do you get?"

Now it clicks for Armaan. Rohit, if he were Abhira's ex, would've prioritised her over Ruhi (like he did), which would've made her insecure, upset and hurt. Also, if Rohit chose Abhira over Ruhi in terms of friendship and a confidante, that would've hurt her too.

He finally realises how he had wronged, and hurt Abhira and he is shaken by that. All the more, he also realises that Rohit indeed had run away because of him and Ruhi. He hid the truth, Ruhi was behind him always, asking about her broken heart and feelings. Wait. She did tell him about 

These words kept ringing in Armaan's mind. The more he thought about it, the more he realised that Abhira was right.

He had hurt her and destroyed her over the past 10 months, but she always rose, just like the Phoenix.

Everything hit Armaan at once. How he behaved with Ruhi ever since her marriage to Rohit and how he started behaving when Abhira went against Kaveri in a false case.

He had indeed prioritised his brother's wife because she was his ex (or so)? 

Although Abhira had gone to get them ice-cream, she failed to notice that Ruhi had overheard their conversation.