Shadow of Desires

Chapter 18-

"Even if the stars fade, you belong to me."

-Morning at Roy's

Shakuntala walked into the room, noticing Aditya sleeping on the couch. She shook him gently.

Shakuntala - "Aditya, tum yahaan raat bhar soye ho? (Aditya, you slept here all night?)"

Aditya stirred awake, his confusion turning to alarm.

Aditya - "Where? Where is Meher?"

Shakuntala - "Meher didn't come. I remember she sent me a message, but I was sleeping and I forgot to Inform you."

Aditya's face flushed red with fury. He jumped up, his anger palpable.

Aditya - "How? How could she not come? Why didn't she tell me?"

He began throwing items around, his rage uncontrollable.

Shakuntala - "Aditya, itna gussa mat karo. You need to understand that sometimes things don't go as we expect."

Aditya - "Samajhna? Do you know I didn't sleep all night!"

Ignoring her, Aditya stormed out of the house. Shakuntala followed him, concerned. He was joined by Dadi and Diya as they reached the Khanna residence.

Aditya - "Kahan hai Meher? Tell me immediately."

Rajesh- "Aditya, calm down. What happened?"

Anjali - "Aditya?? Why are you so frustrated?"

Arjun - "What's going on??"

Neelam - "Wo.."

Aditya - "Tell!"

Neelam - "Meher apne kamre mein hai, lekin.."

Aditya rushed up to Meher's room, flinging open the door. He found her getting dressed.

Aditya - "Why didn't you come last night? I stayed awake all night without you."

Meher looked up, her gaze cold.

Aditya - "Meher, please tell me why didn't you come? And if you wanted to stay why did you not text me?"

Meher - "Aditya, you need to understand that this marriage is just a convenience. I am your wife lawfully not spiritually "

Aditya's anger flared. He grabbed her wrist and pushed her against the wall, his eyes burning with intensity.

Aditya - "Even if the stars fade, you will belong to me. You need to understand this."

Meher - "Aditya, your anger is uncontrollable. Tum aise nahi keh sakte."

Aditya - "Control? Every word from you has turned my life into hell!"

Meher - "I didn't ask for anything from you, nor do I need your love."

Aditya - "I can't bear my life without you."

Meher - "I don't want your anger and this deceitful marriage."

Family members tried to intervene, but Aditya was resolute.

Arjun - "Aditya, itna gussa galat hai. Tumhe samajhna chahiye. (Aditya, this much anger is wrong. You need to understand.)"

Aditya - "This is my wife and my matter; it may be difficult for you to understand. Please step away."

They hesitated but eventually backed off, afraid of his rage.

Meher - "Your love and anger are both causing me pain)"