THE IInd DECISION

49. Danger ahead

Ashi woke up that morning with a bright smile, her heart fluttering with excitement. It was  a day before her birthday! She had been waiting for this day for months, planning how she would treat herself. The recent truth she had uncovered about her sister, Navya, haunted her like a shadow. The weight of betrayal and unanswered questions drained her more than her captivity.

Each passing second was suffocating. But one thing gave her hope—Ayyan.

When Ayyan found her, his fury was like a wildfire, burning everything in its path. He took care of her personally, his every touch filled with unspoken words. His gaze held a storm of emotions—anger, guilt, and something deeper.

And slowly, she began to heal.

A week later, Ashi finally found the strength to step out of bed. The sunlight streaming in through the curtains felt warmer, softer, as if it had been waiting just for her.

She stretched, inhaling deeply before looking at Ayyan, who was watching her closely.

"You're back," he murmured, a small smile playing on his lips.

Ashi nodded. "Yes. And I'm not going to let anything break me again."

Ayyan's fingers brushed against hers, a silent promise passing between them.

But deep down, she knew—the battle wasn't over yet.  The city outside was alive, and the golden rays of the sun peeked through her curtains, reflecting her cheerful mood.

After getting ready in a gorgeous pink dress, she grabbed her purse and rushed out of her apartment, stepping into the vibrant streets.

First stop? Shopping.

She strolled into a high-end boutique, her eyes scanning the latest fashion collections. She tried on a few dresses, twirling in front of the mirror, her excitement growing with each purchase. Next, she moved to the jewelry section and found the perfect pair of silver earrings that sparkled under the store lights.

"Happy Birthday to me," she whispered, grinning as she admired herself in the mirror.

After an hour of retail therapy, she stepped out of the store, her bags hanging from her arms, feeling on top of the world. That's when she noticed a small boy standing at a roadside stall, counting a few crumpled notes in his tiny hands. He hesitated before pointing at a chocolate bar. The shopkeeper frowned.

"This isn't enough," the man said gruffly.

Ashi felt her heart melt. Without a second thought, she stepped forward and handed the shopkeeper a few extra bills.

"Here, give him whatever he wants," she said with a warm smile.

The little boy's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude.

"Thank you, didi," he said, flashing a shy grin before running off with his chocolate.

Ashi turned to pick up her shopping bags when—

A sudden chill ran down her spine.

A hand clamped over her mouth. Her world spun as a strong, pungent smell filled her nostrils. She struggled, kicking wildly, but the strength of the arms around her overpowered her. Her head became heavy, her vision blurred, and darkness swallowed her whole.

The last thing she could do before everything went black was scream one name—

"Ayyan!!!"

Ashi gasped awake, her breath coming in ragged bursts. She found herself lying on a hard, cold bed in a dimly lit room. The air smelled of damp wood and something metallic—blood? Her hands trembled as she tried to sit up, but her head throbbed painfully.