Beyond The Palace Walls| ONGOING

Chapter - 17

Meera took a deep breath, letting the warmth of Karanveer's living room envelop her. She looked up at him, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Kaka, hume samajh nahi aa raha ki kya ho raha hai," she said, her voice trembling. "Hum khoye hue aur bhramit mehsoos kar rahe hai"
("Uncle, I don't understand what's happening," she said, her voice trembling. "I feel lost and confused.")

Karanveer's expression softened, and he pulled her into a gentle hug. "Tell me, child. Kya hua?"
(What happened?)

Meera hesitated, then began to pour out her heart. She told him about Agastya, about their moments together, and about the feelings she couldn't ignore. She shared her fears and doubts, her sense of duty and responsibility.

Karanveer listened attentively, his eyes filled with compassion and understanding. When Meera finished, he took her hands in his.

"Meera, tum Khushiyon ki hakdaar ho," he said. "Don't let anyone or anything dictate your heart. Follow your feelings, and trust that the universe will guide you."
(Meera , you deserve happiness)

Meera smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. For the first time in weeks, she felt a sense of peace.

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Agastya's eyes flew open, his heart racing as he gasped for air. He was drenched in sweat, his sheets tangled around him. The memory of Abhyant and Vanika's faces haunted him.

As he sat up, his head spun, and he rubbed his temples. What time was it? He glanced at his phone - 7:00 AM. He had overslept.

Suddenly, fragments of last night's events came flooding back. The drinks, the laughter, Meera's smile...and then, the blur of emotions and confessions.

Agastya's eyes widened as he remembered his words to Harshith.

He threw off the covers and got out of bed, pacing around the room. What had he done? He couldn't believe he had revealed his feelings to Harshith, of all people.

Agastya stopped pacing and looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes were bloodshot, his hair disheveled. He looked like a mess.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm down. He needed to talk to Meera, to explain himself. But what would he say? And what if she didn't feel the same way?

Agastya's mind was a whirlwind of emotions as he stumbled to the bathroom to start his day, unsure of what lay ahead.

He quickly freshened up, trying to shake off the lingering emotions. Harshith was still fast asleep, oblivious to Agastya's turmoil.

Grabbing a coffee, Agastya headed straight to his office, hoping to distract himself with work. As he sat at his desk, his receptionist buzzed him.

"Sir, aapse milne koi aayi hai."
(Sir, has someone come to meet you)

Agastya's heart skipped a beat. Could it be Meera? He eagerly got up from his chair, smoothing his clothes.

But when the door opened, Rakhi walked in, a sly smile spreading across her face.

"Agastya, baby. We need to talk."

Agastya's excitement turned to disgust. "What do you want, Rakhi?"

Rakhi sauntered closer, her voice dripping with malice. "Mujhe pata hai tumhe Meera pasand aa rahi hai. You're still pining for Meera, aren't you?"
(I know that you like Meera)

Agastya's anger flared. "What business is it of yours?"

Rakhi's smile grew wider. "Oh, it's very much my business. Dekho, Meera tumhara istamaal kar rahi hai, Agastya. She's playing you like a fool."