The forced alliance (Completed)

Race against time

Abhimaan and Aradhyaa exchange worried glances as Rajat reveals more about Emma's disturbing past. They sit across from him in the dimly lit bar, tension thick in the air.

**Abhimaan**: (voice low, controlled) "What do you mean she gets like this with your exes?"

**Rajat**: (shakes head, leaning forward) "Emma's not... normal. She has this idea in her head that any woman I get close to becomes a threat to her. When I told her about you, Aradhyaa, and how you'd been doing so well in the media world... I guess that’s when she latched on."

**Aradhyaa**: (voice trembling) "But why me? Why does she think I’m a threat?"

**Rajat**: (sighs) "Because you're successful, independent, and happy. That's everything Emma wishes she was. She sees in you what she wants to be, and it twists her mind. She’s always been jealous and obsessive. It was the same with my exes. But she’s never gone this far before."

**Abhimaan**: (clenching fists) "So, this isn't the first time she’s done something like this?"

**Rajat**: (shaking his head) "No. She’s been warned before at her previous jobs, but no one took it seriously enough. Until now, I guess."

**Aradhyaa**: (looking at Abhimaan, fear creeping into her eyes) "So what now? What if she comes after me again?"

**Abhimaan**: (determined) "We won’t let that happen. We’re going to the authorities. She needs help, and you need protection."

**Rajat**: (nodding) "I agree. Emma’s unpredictable, but maybe if you act fast, you can stop her from doing something worse."

Abhimaan stands up, his protective instincts kicking in. He places his hand on Aradhyaa’s shoulder, squeezing it gently.

**Abhimaan**: "Let’s get out of here. Rajat, if you hear anything else, you let us know immediately."

**Rajat**: "I will. Be careful."

---

Later that night, Abhimaan and Aradhyaa sit on the couch in her apartment. The weight of the situation presses heavily on them, but Abhimaan stays strong for her.

**Aradhyaa**: (quietly) "I never thought my life would come to this… being followed, feeling unsafe in my own home."

**Abhimaan**: (softly) "I won’t let anything happen to you, Aradhyaa. I’ll do everything I can to protect you."

Aradhyaa nods, grateful but still anxious. She picks at the corner of a pillow on the couch, her mind racing.

**Aradhyaa**: "I think I should go to the police tomorrow. But... do you think they’ll take this seriously?"

**Abhimaan**: (firmly) "They have to. We’ll bring all the evidence we have – Rajat’s testimony, the files from her previous jobs, everything. I’ll come with you."

**Aradhyaa**: (tears welling up) "Thank you, Abhimaan. For everything."

He pulls her into a hug, holding her tightly as her tears soak into his shirt.

---

Meanwhile, across town, Emma sits in her dark apartment, her eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep. The room is cluttered with newspapers, magazines, and photos – all of Aradhyaa. Emma’s fingers trace the edges of one photo, her mind lost in a haze of obsession.

**Emma**: (muttering) "She doesn’t deserve this. I do. I should have her life."

Her eyes flicker to her phone, and after a moment of hesitation, she dials a number.

**Emma**: (whispering into the phone) "I need your help... I want her gone."

---

The next morning, Abhimaan and Aradhyaa walk into the local police station, determined to take action. After a brief wait, they meet with **Inspector Malik**, a sharp-eyed officer with years of experience.

**Inspector Malik**: "So, you’re saying this Emma has been stalking you and possibly has a history of similar behavior?"

**Abhimaan**: "Yes. We have a witness, Rajat, who was involved with her, and we’ve also collected records of her past incidents at other jobs."

**Inspector Malik**: (leaning back in his chair) "Stalking cases are tricky, but if what you’re saying is true, we can definitely start an investigation. We’ll look into her background and make sure you’re protected."

**Aradhyaa**: (nervously) "Thank you, Inspector. I just want to feel safe again."

**Inspector Malik**: "Don’t worry, Miss Aradhyaa. We’ll do everything we can."

---

Back at her apartment, Emma watches as a car pulls up outside. A tall, shadowy figure steps out, looking up at her window. She smiles to herself, knowing that soon, she’ll have the help she needs to make her move against Aradhyaa.

The figure walks into the building, heading up the stairs to Emma’s door. When it opens, he steps inside without a word. Emma looks up at him, her eyes gleaming with madness.

**Emma**: "It’s time."

---

Meanwhile, Aradhyaa tries to focus on her work at the media house. She sits at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen. The past few days have taken a toll on her, but she’s determined not to let fear control her life.

Her new colleague, **Kiran**, notices her distress and walks over.

**Kiran**: "Hey, Aradhyaa. You okay? You seem a little off today."

**Aradhyaa**: (forcing a smile) "Yeah, I’m fine. Just… a lot on my mind."

**Kiran**: (concerned) "If you ever need to talk, I’m here. We’re all a bit like family here, you know."

**Aradhyaa**: "Thanks, Kiran. I appreciate that."

Kiran gives her a supportive smile and walks away, leaving Aradhyaa alone with her thoughts.

---

As the days go by, Abhimaan continues digging into Emma’s past, trying to uncover more about her connection to Rajat and her growing obsession with Aradhyaa. His frustration mounts as he hits dead end after dead end.

**Abhimaan**: (talking to Aarav on the phone) "I’m missing something, Aarav. There has to be more to this."

**Aarav**: "Just keep digging. We’ll find something eventually."

**Abhimaan**: "I hope you’re right. I don’t like how quiet it’s been lately."

---

One evening, after a long day at work, Aradhyaa is walking home when she senses someone following her. Her heart races, and she quickens her pace, glancing over her shoulder every few seconds.

Just as she turns a corner, she comes face to face with the shadowy figure from Emma’s apartment. He blocks her path, a menacing grin on his face.

**Man**: "Miss Aradhyaa, we need to talk."

**Aradhyaa**: (terrified) "Who are you?"

**Man**: "That doesn’t matter. What matters is that Emma’s not done with you yet."

Aradhyaa’s breath catches in her throat as she realizes just how dangerous the situation has become.

---

As Aradhyaa struggles to escape the man’s grasp, Abhimaan, still at home, feels a sudden unease. His phone buzzes, and he sees a message from Aradhyaa – a single word: **"Help."**

Without wasting a second, Abhimaan grabs his keys and rushes out the door, his heart pounding as he races to save her.

---