Stolen The Mafia King's Heart - Mishbir FF

Chapter 48

MISHTI'S POV

The college canteen was unusually quiet that morning, save for the low hum of murmured conversations and the clinking of spoons and cups. I sat in my usual corner, absently twirling the promise ring around my finger. It felt heavier than usual as if it carried all the weight of the decisions I wasn't ready to make.

The same ring Abir had slid onto my finger that fateful night—when everything shattered. When I'd seen the man I loved become someone else entirely.

I sighed deeply, glancing at my watch. It was almost 9 AM, and Ishita was late as usual. She'd promised to meet me here before the exam, it was the last exam of my last semester at the college, and now, I was left alone with my thoughts.

The memory of Abir's last words swirled in my mind. "Ten days, Mishti. That's all I'm giving you." Ten days to decide for us. About him.

The idea felt ridiculous. He wasn't offering me a choice; he was cornering me into one.

I glanced at the promise ring again, the small diamond glinting in the light. My chest tightened with a confusing mix of emotions. I still loved him. But could I really embrace the darkness that surrounded him?

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ABIR'S POV

My plane landed at 5 AM, the tires screeching against the tarmac. Despite the exhaustion that clung to me after days of meetings and negotiations, my mind was razor-sharp, my focus singular: Mishti.

I'd given her ten days, and now I was back to get my answer.

As the car sped, I rested my elbows on the armrest, my fingers steepled beneath my chin. Aarnav sat beside me, scrolling through his phone, but I could feel his occasional glances like he was waiting for me to explode.

"She's at her college," one of my men informed me over the message.

A sliver of relief washed over me. She hadn't run away. But it was short-lived as my chest tightened with impatience. Would she say yes? Was Mihir trying to sway her?

"Relax," Aarnav muttered, noticing my clenched fists.

I shot him a sharp look. "You know I can't relax. Not when it comes to her."

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MISHTI'S POV

The sound of my phone buzzing on the table pulled me from my thoughts. Abir's name flashed across the screen, and my stomach knotted. My fingers hovered over the screen before I finally answered.

"Mishti," his voice came through, firm yet soft, laced with a mix of anticipation and something darker. "I'm outside your college. Come out. We need to talk. The 10 days are over!"

I froze. He was here. Already.

"I can't right now, Abir," I said, keeping my voice as steady as possible. "I have an exam. We'll talk after."

"I'll wait," he replied without hesitation. "But don't make me wait too long."

The line went dead before I could respond. I stared at the phone, a chill running through me.

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ABIR'S POV

I waited outside her college for hours, leaning against my car, watching the students filter in and out. But my eyes were fixed on one person, and when she finally appeared just after 1 PM, my breath hitched.