Accepting Reality

Part 33 - Delhi and Sydney (Last Part)

This is the last and longest update of the story. There will be a short Epilogue tomorrow as well. Enjoy the story!

********************************************************************

The tension in the dimly lit warehouse was suffocating. Khushi's heart raced as she struggled against the ropes that bound her to the cold, steel bed. The faint hum of machinery and distant voices added to the chilling atmosphere. Naani, her face pale with fear, was helplessly watching from the corner, her eyes wide with horror as Sheetal, with a twisted smile, loomed over Khushi.

Sheetal: "So, Khushi, you must be wondering why this is happening to you."

She laughed bitterly, her voice dripping with venom.

Sheetal: "It's simple, really. Your husband killed my child, and now I'm going to kill his. An eye for an eye, don't you think?"

Khushi's mind raced. She knew she had to buy time. Arnav would be here soon, she just had to hold on. She looked up at Sheetal, her eyes went wide with fake terror, trying to appeal to whatever humanity might be left in her.

Khushi: "Please, Sheetal. You don't have to do this. I had no idea about Arnav's past. I swear, I hate him just as much as you do! I only want my child to be safe. I'll give you anything—money, freedom—just don't hurt my baby."

Sheetal: "You think I care about money? This isn't about that. It's about justice. Arnav took everything from me, and now, I'm going to take everything from him. I'm going to destroy his future, just like he destroyed mine."

Khushi: "You don't understand. My marriage to Arnav, it's a sham. A contract marriage. He drugged me, just like he did to you. I'm not on his side. I was just a pawn in his game. I want out, but I need my baby. Please, Sheetal, I'm begging you."

Sheetal hesitated, her grip on the syringe tightened. Khushi's words seemed to resonate with her, but the madness in her eyes was still there.

Sheetal: "Do you really think I'm that stupid? You might hate him, but you're still carrying his child. And that's enough reason for me to make you suffer."

Just as Sheetal raised the syringe, filled with anesthesia, ready to inject Khushi, a loud crash echoed through the warehouse. The door burst open, and Arnav stormed in, his eyes were wild with panic and fury. Behind him, the police moved into position, ready to act.

Arnav: "Sheetal! Step away from her now!"

Sheetal spun around with blazing eyes full of rage as she faced Arnav.

Sheetal: "It's too late, Arnav! You ruined my life, and now I'm going to ruin yours! You deserve to suffer! What all did I not try, I tried to kill you in a car crash initially, then in St. Tropez but you escaped, that stupid Preetika was also not successful in ruining you, so I finally had to come myself."

Khushi, seeing her chance, slowly began to work her wrists free from the ropes. She was terrified, every muscle in her body screaming for her to run, but she knew she had to wait for the right moment. Arnav's arrival had distracted Sheetal's men, and they were all focused on him now.

Arnav: "Sheetal, don't do this. You've already lost everything. Don't make it worse for yourself. Leave my wife now."

Sheetal caught sight of Khushi slowly getting up from the bed, her hands finally free.

Sheetal: "Oh no, don't!" she hissed, and with a swift motion, she lunged at Khushi, syringe in hand.

But just as she was about to reach her, Naani, with a burst of strength, pulled Khushi away, sending her tumbling to the side. Khushi barely managed to keep her balance, leaning against the wall, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The police rushed in, but before they could reach her, Sheetal, in a final act of desperation, grabbed Naani and pushed her towards the tray of medical supplies. Without hesitation, she plunged one syringe into Naani's arm, and then, injected herself with a double dose. Naani collapsed to the ground, her body was convulsing from the poison coursing through her veins. Khushi who was overwhelmed with fear and shock, fainted, her body crumpled to the floor as she clutched her stomach, trying to protect her unborn child.