Ember of Destiny: The Oberoi - Singhania Saga

Impossible love

Aarushi held her ground, eyes blazing with determination as she responded sharply, "If you think I'm going to end this marriage easily, you're wrong. No matter what, I won't walk away. Call it my ego or stubbornness, but I will not let this end." Her words rang out with fierce resolve. "But don't mistake that for tolerance. I'm not going to spend my life putting up with you. In a few months, maybe years, we'll both find a way to end this, but until then, we're bound by this contract."

Dhir sneered, shouting, "Why would you destroy your life with me when you know full well I'll make it hell?"

Aarushi steadied herself, her voice quieter yet filled with conviction. "Because I know what's at stake. If we break this marriage, there'll be conflicts, rifts between our families. And my sister—she's in love with your brother. I can't risk her happiness or their future."

Dhir's expression flickered with surprise. "Dilisha and Rivaan?" he muttered, caught off guard.

"Yes," Aarushi continued. "So, we have no choice. We'll keep up this facade, for them. But make no mistake, I'll protect my company and my family—no matter what you do."

Dhir's eyes darkened, his tone turning menacing. "Fine. But this slap, this insult...I won't forget. I'll make you regret it every day. I'll break you, your company, your very foundation. Today, you humiliated me as my fiancée by dancing with random guy at that awkward moment, in front of everyone. My family's reputation was at risk because of you."

Aarushi clenched her fists, feeling trapped yet resolute. "Do whatever you want. I'll still stand by my responsibilities."

"Go to hell," he spat before storming out, leaving Aarushi in the silence, her heart racing with the gravity of their volatile agreement.

As soon as Dhir left, Aarushi's strong facade crumbled. She dropped to her knees, tears spilling down her cheeks as the weight of everything overwhelmed her. She whispered to herself, "Why, God? Why does it hurt so much? All I ever wanted was a little happiness...a chance to live freely without this constant pain." Her voice broke, laden with years of suppressed emotions. Memories of her difficult past flooded back, reminding her of the loneliness and heartbreak she had felt even as a child.

"I left home because no one believed in me. My parents thought I'd amount to nothing. They couldn't see my dreams, and I felt like I had no choice but to prove them wrong. But all those years, I kept hoping...hoping that someday, someone would come along who'd see the real me, beyond the walls I've built. I need someone who'd care, someone who'd see through this 'strong, heartless' image I've become."

She choked back a sob, feeling the rawness of her confession echo in the empty room. The truth stung more than ever: despite her strength, she was alone in a marriage that was more battle than bond. "And now...I'm falling in love with him. With the one person who seems bent on destroying me."

Her heart pounded painfully as she admitted this, even if only to herself. "He hates me, and every day, my heart keeps pulling me deeper for someone who can't see me, who doesn't want to see me." The tears came faster as she wrapped her arms around herself, wishing desperately for comfort, wishing that just once, she could be seen and loved for who she truly was.

Aarushi's whispered plea filled the empty room, her voice barely more than a breath as she clutched her chest, feeling the ache deep inside. "How can I love someone who doesn't even care? How...?" She squeezed her eyes shut, tears spilling out freely, her heart breaking under the weight of her unspoken longing.

"God, help me," she murmured, her voice shaking. "I feel like I'm dying inside." She tried to steady her breath, but the tears kept coming, the ache becoming almost unbearable. Her love, unreturned and unnoticed, felt like a cruel punishment, leaving her hollow and desperate for someone to see her pain and to hold her when she was at her weakest.

She clenched her fists, almost in defiance, as if trying to push the feelings away. But deep down, she knew: she wanted him to be the one who would finally understand her, who could love her for all that she was and all she had fought for. But as things stood, it was a wish she couldn't even say aloud—a fragile hope that felt like it was slipping further from reach

Aarushi sank slowly onto the cold floor, the weight of her sorrow pressing her down until she lay curled up, fragile and defeated. She buried her face in her hands, her sobs muffled but powerful, as if years of hidden pain were pouring out all at once. The relentless ache in her heart overwhelmed her, each tear a release of the burdens she'd been carrying alone for so long.

In that dark, empty room, she was finally honest with herself, letting down every wall and mask she had built over the years. Her chest heaved as she cried, memories of loneliness, betrayal, and longing resurfacing like old scars that still burned. She clung to the silence, to the emptiness, letting it absorb the broken pieces of her heart. For the first time in ages, she allowed herself to be vulnerable, hoping—praying—that someday, someone would see her as she truly was and cherish her battered soul.

But for now, she lay there, shattered and alone, the sound of her own heartbreak echoing around her, with nothing but her silent plea lingering in the air.

Meanwhile, Adhirit carefully folded the last of his clothes into his suitcase, his mind racing with thoughts of home. He knew he'd already missed out on precious memories and countless family moments, but tomorrow, he'd finally be there, a part of his brother's wedding. The excitement was mixed with a hint of regret—he wished he could have been there from the beginning, celebrating and standing by his family.

Once packed, he took a final look around his temporary apartment, locking up the life he'd been living far away. The trip to the airport felt long, filled with anticipation for the first glimpse of his family and the wedding festivities that awaited him. Soon, he'd be on that plane, soaring toward the life he'd missed, with India awaiting his return.

As Rivaan lay on his bed, he dialed Dilisha's number, his heart fluttering at the thought of hearing her voice. When she answered, he greeted her with a soft "How are you, babe?" But instead of a warm reply, he was met with a sleepy, irritated, "Of course, sleeping, duh. You're disturbing my beauty sleep, joker!"

Rivaan chuckled, brushing off her irritation. "Alright, alright, but listen, how about we go on a date tomorrow?"

Dilisha immediately sat up in bed, now wide awake. "A date? Tomorrow? Are you serious?"

"Yes, I'll text you the time and place. It'll be fun!" he said, half hoping she'd be excited.

"Are you out of your mind? Tomorrow is my sister's wedding! Maybe you don't have work to do but I have so much to do. My family would literally kill me if I left them hanging," she protested, imagining the chaos it would bring.

"Fine, but hear me out," Rivaan persisted, his tone playful. "You bring Aarushi bhabhi, and I'll bring Dhir bhaiya—it'll be a double date!"

She scoffed. "Yeah, right. I'm not about to drag Aarushi into this. I'm already scared of her enough!"

"Okay, okay," he relented. "What if you bring Drishti di? She can come with you!"

"She'd be a total third wheel," Dilisha said, already laughing at the thought.

Rivaan smirked. "Then it's perfect. My middle brother Adhirit is flying in tomorrow. He's single too. It can be a proper double date!"

She hesitated, thinking about it. "Fine. But only if Drishti's up for it. If not, you're on your own with my family, and I'm not taking any blame!"

They shared a few more laughs before saying their goodnights, with Rivaan grinning as he pictured their spontaneous plan coming to life. Finally, they hung up, both drifting to sleep with a hint of excitement about the day ahead.

..................................................................................................

THANK YOU FOR READING

NEXT CHAPTER SOON

HOPE YOU LIKED THIS ONE

STAY TUNNED

JUST VOTE AND LEAVE A BEAUTIFUL COMMENT HERE

WORDS COUNT = 1370

ASH