The forced alliance (Completed)

we won

As Abhimaan races through the streets, his mind is flooded with thoughts of Aradhyaa. The urgency of her single message propels him forward, faster than he’s ever driven before. His heart pounds in sync with the roaring engine of his car as he heads toward her.

Meanwhile, Aradhyaa stares at the shadowy figure, her breath shallow, hands trembling. The man inches closer, his grin widening as he steps into the glow of the streetlight.

"You really thought you were safe, didn’t you?" he taunts, his voice chilling.

Aradhyaa tries to move back, but her feet feel glued to the ground. Her thoughts flash to Abhimaan – his strength, his protective nature, and how safe she feels with him. She grabs her phone tighter in her hand, praying he’s on his way.

Just when the man makes a move toward her, a car screeches to a halt at the curb. Abhimaan rushes out of the driver’s seat, his eyes wild with fear and fury.

"Get away from her!" Abhimaan growls, his voice laced with dangerous intent.

The man hesitates for a moment, sizing up Abhimaan, before sneering. "You think you can save her? Emma’s not done."

Without waiting for a response, Abhimaan lunges at him, pushing the man back. The two men grapple briefly before the stalker finally breaks free and takes off into the night.

Abhimaan quickly turns to Aradhyaa, pulling her into his arms.

"Are you okay?" he breathes, his voice thick with concern.

Aradhyaa, shaken but relieved, nods. "I am now," she whispers, burying her face in his chest. His warmth, his heartbeat—everything about him calms her down.

---

Later that evening, Abhimaan and Aradhyaa sit together in her living room, the adrenaline of the night still pulsing through their veins. The soft glow of the lamps fills the room, casting warm shadows on their faces. Abhimaan hasn’t let go of her hand since they got back.

"How are you feeling?" he asks gently, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

Aradhyaa looks at him, her eyes full of gratitude. "I was terrified, Abhimaan. But you came for me. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t."

He cups her face in his hands, his thumb gently brushing her cheek. "I will always come for you, Aradhyaa. Always."

For a moment, the world falls away. It’s just the two of them, sitting in the quiet intimacy of the night. Abhimaan leans in slowly, his breath warm against her lips, and then he kisses her softly. The kiss is gentle, but filled with all the emotions they’ve been holding back—fear, relief, and something much deeper.

As they pull back, Aradhyaa’s eyes shimmer with unshed tears. "Abhimaan," she whispers, her voice trembling. "I... I think I’m falling for you."

Abhimaan smiles softly, resting his forehead against hers. "I’ve already fallen for you, Aradhyaa. I just didn’t realize how deep until now."

---

The next few days pass in a blur of emotions and police reports. Inspector Malik keeps them updated on the investigation into Emma and her accomplice, but Abhimaan and Aradhyaa are more focused on each other.

Abhimaan stays by Aradhyaa’s side, refusing to leave her alone for even a moment. They find comfort in each other’s presence, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

One evening, after a particularly long day, they decide to take a walk through the city. The night air is cool, and the streets are quieter than usual. Abhimaan holds Aradhyaa’s hand as they stroll, their steps in sync.

"You know," Aradhyaa says softly, glancing up at him. "Even with everything that’s happened, I feel... safe with you."

Abhimaan looks down at her, his eyes filled with warmth. "You make me feel like I have a purpose," he says, squeezing her hand. "You’re everything to me now."

They stop by a small park, sitting on a bench beneath the glow of a streetlamp. The world feels peaceful for the first time in days, and they savor the moment of quiet.

"I never imagined my life would lead me here," Aradhyaa admits, leaning her head on his shoulder. "But I’m glad it did."

Abhimaan tilts his head to rest against hers. "Me too."

The silence stretches between them, but it’s comfortable, filled with the unspoken understanding of two people who have been through the worst together. Abhimaan turns to face her, gently lifting her chin with his fingers.

"I love you, Aradhyaa," he says, his voice steady and sure.

Her heart swells at his words. "I love you too, Abhimaan."

They kiss again, this time deeper, more passionate—an affirmation of everything they’ve fought through and everything they’ve yet to face. In that moment, all the chaos, all the fear, seems to melt away, leaving only the two of them, intertwined in the warmth of their love.

---

As days turn into weeks, Emma’s shadow begins to fade from their lives. The police manage to track down her accomplice, and soon, Emma is taken into custody. The weight that’s been hanging over Aradhyaa finally lifts, and she’s able to breathe again.

But through it all, Abhimaan stays by her side. Their love grows stronger, more intense, as they move forward together—partners in life, in love, and in whatever challenges the future might bring.