Ashes of a Broken Heart

Chapter 8: A New Home, Hidden Agendas

The car pulled up in front of Karan's apartment building, and Tejasswi stared up at it with mixed emotions. Moving in with Karan felt like a huge step—one that could either bring them closer or complicate everything. But she had made her decision, and now, there was no turning back.

Karan, leaning casually against his car, noticed her hesitation. "Dar lag raha hai?" he asked, his voice teasing, but there was something unreadable in his eyes.

Tejasswi forced a smile, shaking her head. "Nahi, bas... naya phase hai na, thoda ajeeb lag raha hai."

"Don't worry," he said, his tone almost too smooth. "Sab theek ho jayega."

But beneath that smile, something darker lingered. Karan had his own plans. This was more than just Tejasswi moving in—it was the next step in his quiet, brewing revenge. He glanced over at Rohan, who stood by, giving him a subtle nod. Rohan knew the plan, but for now, they'd both play the part of supportive friends.

Inside Karan's Apartment

As they entered the apartment, Meera and Rohan were already there, waiting to help Tejasswi settle in. The energy between Meera and Rohan had changed lately—there was a closeness, a tenderness in the way they looked at each other.

"Yeh lo, tumhara naya ghar," Rohan joked, handing Tejasswi a set of keys with a wink. "Welcome to the madhouse."

Meera smiled, stepping forward to hug her best friend. "Teju, I hope yeh naya chapter tumhare liye acha ho."

Tejasswi hugged her back, feeling a little more at ease. "Mujhe bhi yahi umeed hai, Meera."

Karan watched the scene quietly, but his eyes softened as they landed on Meera. Over time, he had started to care for her like a sister. Whatever plans he had against Tejasswi, Meera would always be safe from his games.

"Waise Meera, tum bhi yahan aa jao, aur tumhare naye 'boyfriend' ke saath yehi settle ho jao," Karan teased, earning a mock-glare from Meera.

Meera blushed at the 'boyfriend' comment, glancing at Rohan, who couldn't stop grinning. "Chup karo, Karan," she muttered, though there was no hiding her smile.

Rohan, taking the opportunity, wrapped an arm around Meera's shoulder, his grin turning mischievous. "Kya, Meera? Ab jab officially couple ban gaye hain, to Karan ko pata chalna to tha."

Meera rolled her eyes but didn't protest as Rohan pulled her closer. It was clear now—their relationship had shifted into something deeper, something real. Rohan genuinely cared for Meera, and Karan, despite his own agenda, was happy for them.

"Tum dono ki chemistry dekh kar lagta hai film bana do," Tejasswi teased, but there was warmth in her voice as she saw how happy Meera was.

Karan's Revenge Plan in Motion

As the evening went on, Tejasswi and Karan started getting used to sharing the space. But the tension between them was still palpable. Every time their eyes met, there was something electric in the air—an undeniable pull that neither of them fully understood yet.

Later that night, after Meera and Rohan had left, Tejasswi was in her room, unpacking her things when Karan knocked on the door. He stepped in, casually leaning against the frame.

"Sab theek lag raha hai?" he asked.

"Haan, sab set ho raha hai," she replied, glancing up at him.

Karan's eyes scanned the room for a moment before he moved closer, his expression softening just a little. "I know yeh sab sudden lag raha hai... but I meant what I said. Tum yahan safe ho, Tejasswi."

Tejasswi gave him a small, genuine smile. "I know, Karan. Tum pe bharosa hai."

The irony wasn't lost on Karan. She trusted him—completely unaware of the storm he was brewing. He felt a pang of guilt for a second but quickly brushed it aside. This was about revenge. And no matter how much he had started to care for her, he wouldn't let those feelings derail his plan.

Rohan and Karan's Silent Understanding

Downstairs, Rohan and Karan shared a quiet drink after helping Tejasswi settle in. Rohan was the only one who knew the full extent of Karan's plan.

"Tejasswi ko aise ghar le aana... this was part of the plan, right?" Rohan asked, his voice low as he leaned back on the couch.

Karan nodded, his gaze distant. "Haan, sab kuch perfect chal raha hai."

Rohan glanced toward the stairs, where Tejasswi had disappeared. "Woh bohot trust karti hai tum par."

Karan's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond right away. He stared into his glass, the weight of Rohan's words hanging in the air.

"Main yeh sab kar raha hoon us wajah se jo usne mere saath kiya tha," Karan finally said, his voice hardening. "Par Meera... she's different. She's not part of this."

Rohan nodded in agreement. "I know. Meera ka mazak nahi hai. She's important."

But there was something else too. Rohan wasn't just playing along with Karan's revenge anymore. His feelings for Meera had become real. And even though he was still Karan's supporter, his priorities had shifted. Meera's happiness mattered more to him now.

Karan could sense it too. He glanced at Rohan, and for a moment, there was a silent understanding between them. They both cared about Meera—and neither of them would let her get hurt.

"She's like a sister to me now," Karan added, his tone sincere. "Meri plans Tejasswi ke against hain, Meera ke nahi."

Rohan smiled slightly. "Good. Kyun ke agar tumne uska dil toda, to main tumhara tor dunga."

They both laughed at that, the tension easing, but beneath the jokes, the truth was clear. Rohan's feelings for Meera were real, and Karan wouldn't stand in the way of that.