YOU AND ME

Amina

The sun is high in the sky, bathing everything in golden light as Ayush and I stroll through the cobblestone streets. The cool breeze from the nearby river tickles my skin, and Ayush's hand fits perfectly in mine, like it always does. The past night felt magical, intimate, but now it's a new day, and we’ve decided to explore this beautiful place together.

Ayush stops to take a picture of an old monument, his lips curling into a soft smile. I can’t help but lean in and give him a quick peck on the cheek. He grins at me, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me closer.

“You’re making it hard to concentrate, you know that?” he teases, his eyes playful.

“Good,” I reply, laughing softly. “It’s our honeymoon. You’re not supposed to be concentrating on anything but me.”

Before Ayush can reply, my phone rings. I glance at the screen and see Amira's name flashing. Smiling, I answer.

“Amira! How’s everything going?”

Her face lights up on the video call. “Hey, you two lovebirds! How’s the honeymoon going?”

Ayush leans in, his face filling the screen. “It’s perfect. Exactly what we needed.”

Amira grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Good to hear. Just checking in, making sure you’re not missing home too much.”

Ayush chuckles. “We’re good, Amira. But tell everyone to stop calling us.”

As if on cue, my phone buzzes again—this time, it's Rohan. Ayush groans playfully, rolling his eyes.

“Rohan, really? We’re on our honeymoon, man!” Ayush says after answering.

“Just making sure you’re not bored without us,” Rohan’s voice comes through the speaker, laughing. “How’s it going, Amina?”

“It’s perfect,” I reply, smiling. “Now stop bothering us!”

Ayush hangs up and barely a moment passes before Raj calls. We both burst out laughing.

“Raj! Dude, enough!” Ayush says, his voice filled with mock frustration. “This is our honeymoon. No more calls, okay? We’re shutting off our phones.”

I smile, shaking my head. “We’ll be back in three to four days, okay? Relax and stop calling!”

Ayush grins, holding his phone up as if to make a point. “Phones off, I swear!”

We laugh together, turning off our phones and slipping them into our pockets. Ayush kisses my temple softly as we continue our walk, hand in hand. The world around us seems quieter, more peaceful now that the calls have stopped.

We pass by quaint little shops, the smell of fresh flowers and local spices filling the air. The buildings here have a charm that’s hard to describe—old-world elegance meets nature’s beauty. Every corner we turn, there’s something breathtaking, and it feels like we’re in our own little world.

At one point, Ayush pauses as someone approaches him—a worker from the resort, dressed neatly and speaking with a polite tone.

“Sir, if I may have a moment of your time. It’s about a business matter that requires your attention.”

Ayush frowns slightly, but nods. “Alright, give me a minute.”

I touch his arm, smiling softly. “Go ahead. I’ll explore a little more. I’ll meet you at the bridge after you’re done, okay?”

Ayush squeezes my hand. “Are you sure?”

I nod. “Of course. Take your time. I’ll be fine.”

With one last lingering look, he heads off to deal with the business matter, while I make my way toward the bridge. The water beneath it is calm, reflecting the clear sky like a mirror. The bridge itself is old but sturdy, a picturesque sight with vines creeping up the sides.

I stop halfway across, leaning against the railing and taking in the view. The peace of the moment washes over me, and I close my eyes, letting out a soft sigh. This place is so beautiful, so serene.

But then I hear footsteps—heavy, purposeful.

I turn, expecting to see Ayush returning, but my heart freezes when I see a group of men approaching. Their faces are hard, their movements deliberate, and the weapons they’re carrying make my blood run cold.

Panic floods through me. I turn the other way, but my escape is blocked by Kavya—her presence alone makes my heart pound even faster. She’s flanked by more armed men, her face twisted with a cruel smile.

“Kavya?” I whisper, my voice trembling. “What are you doing here?”

She smirks, stepping closer, her eyes dark and filled with malice. “I told you to pray I don’t get out of jail, didn’t I?” Her voice is venomous, dripping with hatred. “Well, I did. And now, Amina... your clock is ticking.”

My legs feel weak as fear grips my entire body. I instinctively wrap a hand around my stomach, my mind racing with thoughts of my baby. No. Not now. Not like this.

“Kavya, please...” I stammer, my voice cracking. “I’m pregnant. You don’t have to do this. Please, just leave me alone.”

Her smile only widens, pure malice in her eyes. “Oh, Amina... it’s too late for that.”

She signals to her men, and they step forward. My heart races as I try to back away, but there’s nowhere to go. My mind screams at me to fight, to protect my baby. I try to push past one of the men, but he grabs my arm, holding me down.

“Kavya, don’t!” I beg, tears spilling from my eyes. “Please, don’t do this. I’ll do anything. Just don’t hurt my baby!”

But Kavya isn’t listening. She pulls out a syringe, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “I guess this is the end of the road for you, Amina,” she says coldly.

I thrash against the men holding me, panic consuming me as she approaches with the syringe. No, no, no... I can’t let this happen!

I try to kick, to scream, to break free, but it’s no use. Kavya comes closer, and I feel the cold metal of the syringe near my stomach.

“I’ll make this quick,” Kavya says, her voice a sickening whisper.

But before she can inject me, I scream out, desperation clawing at my throat. “Ayush!”

The men tighten their grip, and with a chilling command from Kavya, they drag me toward the edge of the bridge.

“No! Please!” I cry, my body trembling as they force me toward the railing.

“You should have stayed out of my way, Amina,” Kavya says, her voice devoid of any remorse.

With one final push, the men shove me off the bridge.

As I fall, the world blurs around me, the cold wind rushing past. My heart pounds, my hand outstretched toward the sky.

“Ayush!” I scream his name one last time, my voice a plea as I plunge toward the river below.