I Became His Replaced Bride

Chapter 23

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Future,

Date-16/11/24

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"Aashna, run! Please!" Kalpit's voice broke through his labored breathing. The darkened streets offered no clarity; he could barely see. Yet, he had no choice but to press on. Lives were at stake—his and Aashna's. It was unimaginable that they had found themselves in this dire situation. All they had wanted was to uncover the truth about their past and untangle the web of messy relationships. The revelations had shaken him to his core, leaving him paralyzed with disbelief.

"I... I can't run anymore," Aashna's voice was hoarse and barely a whisper. Her legs ached with a desperate need for relief, and her lungs burned from overexertion. She longed to collapse and let the tears flow. The haunting truth that had emerged was unbearable; her entire life had been a lie. Driven by greed and ambition, those she was supposed to trust had betrayed and ruined her.

Kalpit tightened his grip on Aashna's hand, pulling her forward with renewed urgency. It was the dead of night, and the streets lay empty and covered in darkness. Not even a stray dog roamed. Yet, they were being pursued by the ghosts of their past, shadows of which they had no knowledge of. These monsters hungered for their blood and death.

Suppressing the palpable fear that threatened to overwhelm him, Kalpit focused on the immediate task: they had to escape. The house was just a few meters away. "Aashna, just a bit further. Please, hang on. We're almost there. Then we'll be safe. We've come this far—"

Before he could finish, Aashna stumbled with a cry, her fall echoing in the silent night. The sound surely alerted their pursuers. Kalpit immediately lifted the panting Aashna to her feet. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" He frantically checked her for injuries.

Aashna pressed her lips together, fighting back tears of desperation. She had reached her breaking point. The relentless past days had taken their toll, and she couldn't help but wish they had never uncovered the truth about their past.

Kalpit hugged her tightly. "I'm here. You're not alone."

Aashna sniffled, clinging to him. Kalpit wiped her tears and nodded grimly. It was time to go. Aashna nodded back. Just as they were about to move, a noise caught their attention—a sharp click from behind them. Their hair stood on end, and their hearts pounded in their chests.

They turned slowly, their hearts stopping at the sight. Goons with guns, the very monsters they had feared, stood before them, weapons aimed at their heads. Kalpit gripped Aashna's hand tightly. She froze, her eyes wide with terror.

They were caught. God, they were caught—and now they were going to die!

"Enough with the running! Surrender, or we'll kill you!" the lead goon with a sinister mustache growled.

Aashna closed her eyes, the dread weighing heavily in her veins. Aarav's face flashed behind her eyelids, smiling fondly. The sight ignited a fierce anger within her. She opened her eyes and screamed, "Tell Aarav to go to hell! I'm not afraid of him anymore! He can't fool me!"

The goon scoffed, "We don't care! Be good little bitches and come with us!"

Aashna gripped Kalpit's hand, adrenaline surging through her veins, ready for a fight or flight. Kalpit's voice was steely, "Tell Aarav I'm ashamed of him! I thought he was my best friend, not the perpetrator who ruined our lives! We're not coming back!"

Aashna shot Kalpit a look of intense resolve, nodding, "I hate him!"

In an instant, Kalpit and Aashna sprinted in the opposite direction. The goons swore and gave chase. As they neared the looming building, their destination, hope surged within them. They could hear the goons' cries: "Stop! The boss wants you back!"