The Ideal Stranger

Chapter 35: The Final Move

  The night was cool and quiet as Aanya made her way toward the old neighborhood. Her heart pounded in her chest, but her steps were steady. She had to play her part perfectly—show no fear, no hesitation. Kabir was watching her, waiting for her to come to him.

  As she walked down the familiar street, memories flooded her mind. She remembered playing here as a child, riding her bike past the old houses, waving to neighbors who had long since moved away. It was eerie now, walking through the empty streets, knowing that Kabir was somewhere close, hidden in the shadows.

  She reached the spot where they had both lived as children, her old house looming in the darkness. She stood there for a moment, her breath coming in shallow bursts as she waited.

  Then, she saw him.

  Kabir stepped out from behind a tree, his figure illuminated by the dim glow of the streetlight. He was older now, his face more hardened, but there was something unmistakable about him. The quiet boy she had once known was gone, replaced by a man who had spent years cultivating his obsession.

  "Aanya," he said softly, his voice carrying across the empty street. "You came."

  Aanya forced herself to remain calm, her eyes locking with his. "You wanted me to, didn't you?"

  Kabir smiled—a slow, unsettling smile that sent a chill down her spine. "I've always wanted you to. But you never saw me. Not until now."

  "What do you want, Kabir?" Aanya asked, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides.

  Kabir took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "I want you to understand. Everything I've done, it was for you. I've watched you, protected you, guided you. You belong to me, Aanya. You always have."

  Aanya's heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to back down. "This isn't love, Kabir. It's control. You've been controlling my life for years, but it stops now."

  Kabir's smile faltered, his expression darkening. "You don't understand. No one else can protect you like I can. Not Raj, not the police—only me."

  Aanya glanced around, knowing that Raj and the officers were watching, waiting for the right moment to intervene. She had to keep Kabir talking, buy them more time.

  "You're wrong," she said, her voice firm. "I don't need protection. I need my life back. And you need help, Kabir."

  For a moment, Kabir's expression softened, as if her words had reached something deep within him. But then, just as quickly, his eyes hardened again.

  "No," he whispered. "I won't let them take you from me."

  In an instant, Kabir lunged toward her.

  But before he could reach her, the street erupted in flashing lights and the sound of officers rushing forward. Kabir froze, his eyes widening in shock as Raj and his team surrounded him, their weapons drawn.

  "It's over, Kabir," Raj said, his voice steady but commanding. "You're not in control anymore."

  Kabir's eyes darted between Aanya and the officers, a wild, desperate look in his eyes. But he didn't move. He knew it was over.

  Aanya stood there, her heart pounding in her chest, as the officers moved in to arrest Kabir. She watched as they led him away, his head bowed in defeat, the once-powerful man now reduced to a broken figure.

  It was finally over.