INTO THE LION'S DEN
The following morning, Aarohi woke up to a heavy heart. She had barely slept, her mind swirling with thoughts of how her life had changed drastically overnight. She couldn't shake off the feeling she was walking on a tightrope, every step she took threatening to send her into an abyss.
After freshening up, Aarohi decided she needed to speak with Vedant. She had to try to explain herself, to make him understand that she hadn't intended to hurt him. But deep down, she feared that her words would be met with nothing but cold indifference, or worse, anger. But she was confused about how to reach Vedant. When, suddenly, a knock was heard on her room's door. She asked the person to come in. It was one of the staff named, Sunita
"Bhabhi, apko dadaji niche nashte par bula rahe hain"
Nodding her head affirmatively, Aarohi answered that she was coming. The maid left and Aarohi changed into a chiffon yellow saree contrasting it with a white blouse. Leaving her hair open, adorned with her mangalsutra and sindoor in the partition of her hair, she completed her look with a small black bindi.
As she stepped out of her room, the mansion was eerily quiet. The staff moved about with downcast eyes, and the family was seen to be seated all together for breakfast. Aarohi made her way to the dining, but there was no sign of Vedant. The air felt heavy with unresolved tension, and her nerves were on edge.
Noticing Aarohi, Ashok asked her to settle down on the dining for breakfast.
Aarohi took a seat beside Vedika, Vedika softly smiled and passed her the plate of omelette and bread. Taking a piece of flatbread and omellete to her plate, as she was about to tear the piece of flatbread, Awasthi said
"Waha mera beta, tumhare wajah sey yeh ghar chorke chala gaya aur tum yaha paranthe khaye ja rahi ho"
Aarohi put back the piece of flatbread and sat silently, watching Pradeep said
"Awasthi, kaise baate kar rahi ho? Ved to pehle sey hamare sathe nahi rehta na? Isme is larki ka kya kasoor hain? Ki uske mu sey uske niwale chin rahi ho?"
"KYA KAR RAHI HOON ? MERA BETA, WAHA THIK SEY KHAYA HO GAYA YA BHI NAHI AUR YEH WAHA JAAKE USKO MANANE KI WAJAI YAHA PARANTHE THUSS RAHI HAIN!"
Hearing this everybody was shocked, but couldn't say anything cause they were also aware of what kind of anger Vedant has, Aarohi who was quiet till now said
"Auntie, ap fikar na kare, main unhe manake wapas le aungi"
Then, Aarohi looked at Vedika asking her to Aarohi, nodding at Aarohi, Vedika called a car and asked the driver to take Aarohi to Vedant Penthouse.
Gathering her courage, Aarohi decided to go to Vedant's penthouse. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for the inevitable confrontation.
The car took Aarohi to a luxurious-looking apartment, the driver informed Aarohi to press floor 25, it would directly take her to Vedant's floor.
The elevator ride up to Vedant's private floor seemed to stretch on forever. Each second felt like a lifetime, the silence amplifying her anxiety. When the doors finally slid open, she stepped into the dimly lit space, her heart pounding in her chest.
The penthouse was bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun, filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The cityscape stretched out before her, but Aarohi barely noticed. Her eyes were drawn to Vedant, who stood by the windows, his back to her, a half-empty glass of whiskey in his hand.
"Vedant ji..." Aarohi's voice was hesitant, almost a whisper.
Vedant didn't turn around. He took a slow sip of his drink, the silence stretching unbearably between them. When he finally spoke, his voice was cold, devoid of any emotion. "Why are you here?"
Aarohi swallowed hard, trying to steady her voice. "Mujhe apse baat karna hain. To explain—"
"Explain what?" Vedant cut her off, finally turning to face her. For a moment, his brain stopped functioning watching the ethereal in front of him, but he composed himself and soon
His eyes were cold, distant, and filled with contempt. "That you betrayed me? That you lied to everyone? What's there to explain, Aarohi?"
YOU ARE READING
Mere Piya
General Fiction"Tajali Ho Jo Teri, To Ratian Jagi Meri Rahian Mil Ke Pyar Se Zameen Asman" He was my sister's fiance. My sister was supposed to get married to him, but what happened in this short span of time, I'm standing behind him taking pheras What will happen...
