𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐞

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒘𝒐

POV : BHUMIKA

As I sat in the car with Aarav, the noise of engines filled the air. We turned our heads and saw hundreds of black cars speeding towards us, forming an unyielding barrier. My heart pounded in my chest as confusion and fear gripped me. I glanced at Aarav, who was equally bewildered.

"We have always loved and supported each other, no matter the situation"

Suddenly, the doors of the cars flew open, and two familiar figures emerged: our fathers. Aarav's dad and my father-two of the richest men in India and lifelong business rivals-had hated each other long before we were born. They had no idea about our relationship, but it seemed the moment of reckoning had arrived.

"Aarav!" his father shouted, storming towards our car.

He yanked the door open, grabbed Aarav's hand, and dragged him out. Without a moment's hesitation, he slapped him hard across the face. "Do you know what you're doing?"

The sting of his slap echoed through my mind, but Aarav stood his ground. On the other side, my father pulled me out of the car, his face a mix of anger and disappointment. "I can't believe you would do this after knowing everything about that boy's father," he scolded.

I looked at him, my eyes wide with hurt, but I couldn't muster a single word in my defense. Aarav couldn't stand by and watch me take the blame. "It's not her fault," he interrupted, stepping between me and my father. "We love each other. That's all there is to it."

My father's eyes narrowed. "Don't you dare connect your name to my daughter," he spat. "I won't have it."

Aarav's father bristled at his tone. "Watch your mouth when you talk to my son," he warned, his voice dangerously low.

My father, always known for his hot temper, turned his fury back on Aarav. "If you come close to my daughter again, I will destroy you. I will ruin your entire family, your father, your mother and everyone who's close to you."

Something inside Aarav snapped at the threat against his mother. I saw a surge of rage upon his face. His fists clenched, and I could feel the blood pounding in his temples. But before he could react, I stepped in, grabbing my father's hand and pulling him away.

"I'm sorry, Dad. This won't happen again," I pleaded. He shoved my hand away and stormed back to his car. I followed him, casting a worried glance back at Aarav as I climbed into the backseat.

As our car drove away, my father taunted me relentlessly. My heart ached, but my thoughts drifted back to the first time I met Aarav. It was our first day of college, and I had always been the top student in school. I walked into college confident and poised, only to find my top spot taken by a tall, fair-skinned boy with striking features-Aarav.

I remembered how I had glared at him when the results were announced, my pride wounded. I had admired his determination, but I saw him as a rival, someone who threatened my hard-earned status.

"How could you beat me?" I had demanded, my voice shaking with anger.

He had shrugged, trying to keep his cool. "I just did my best."

"Your best?" I had scoffed. "I don't buy it."

Despite my anger, I couldn't help but be intrigued by his fiery spirit. As the weeks went by, our rivalry simmered, turning into a grudging respect and eventually, something more.

Now, as I sat watching him argue with his father, I knew those days of petty rivalry were far behind us. Our love had grown strong, but the feud between our fathers was a shadow that loomed over us, threatening to tear us apart.

Later that night, as I lay in bed, my mind replayed the events of the day. I could still feel the sting of my father's words and the weight of Aarav's father's threats. But more than anything, I remembered the look in Aarav's eyes as he was pulled away-full of fear, sadness, and a silent plea for us to find a way through this.

The next morning, I sent a text to Aarav: "Meet me at our usual spot after college. We need to talk."

College passed in a blur. I couldn't concentrate, my thoughts consumed by the confrontation and the uncertain future of our relationship. As the final bell rang, I rushed to our meeting place, a secluded spot behind the library where we often went to escape the world.

Aarav was already there, pacing anxiously. He looked up as I approached, his eyes reflecting a storm of emotions.

"Aarav," I began, my voice trembling. "What are we going to do?"

He took my hands in his. "We'll figure it out, Bhumika. We have to. I won't let our fathers' hatred ruin what we have."

I sighed, leaning into him. "I just wish they could see how much we love each other. Why can't they let go of their rivalry?"

"It's not just a rivalry, Bhumika," he said, choosing his words carefully. "It's years of bitterness, broken deals, and personal grudges. But that doesn't mean we can't find a way."

We stood there in silence for a moment, drawing strength from each other. And the silence broke, Aarav assured me, "No matter what happens Bhumika, I'll be the one to marry you!"

I giggled, feeling a bit lighter despite the heavy situation.

Aarav squeezed my hands. "Bhumika, we need to be strong. We can't let them dictate our future."

"I know," I replied softly. "But what if they never accept us? What if they continue to fight?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Aarav said. "For now, we need to stand together."

Before I could respond, Aarav's phone rang. He looked at the screen, his expression shifting to one of alarm. "I need to take this," he said, stepping away to answer the call.

I watched him as he listened, his face growing paler by the second. Without a word, he ended the call and started walking away briskly.

"Aarav, what happened?" I called after him, but he didn't respond. Panic rose within me. "Aarav, where are you going?"

He turned briefly; his eyes filled with urgency. He rushed off, leaving me standing there, bewildered and anxious.