Ek Villian

Chapter 12 (A Storm of Fate)

In the Past

It had been one year and two months since Ayush and Guru's marriage. Ayush had recovered well and now only needed to go for monthly checkups. Together, they had built their own little paradise. Today, Guru was getting ready for an interview—a step towards leaving his past behind and starting fresh. Ayush was happy that Guru could now focus on something other than him. But at the same time, he was also worried.

Even though Ayush was fine now, He knew Guru needed someone other than him, someone who would stay with him and not leave him alone.

Science had advanced significantly, and through IVG (In Vitro Gametogenesis), it was possible for Ayush and Guru to have a baby—one that carried half of Ayush's genes and half of Guru's. But they needed a surrogate. For the past two months, without telling Guru, Ayush had been secretly visiting hospitals in search of a surrogate mother.

But today was Guru's interview, and Ayush could clearly see his nervousness. Like a good husband, he boosted Guru's confidence.

Guru (showing his outfit): "Is this okay?"Ayush: "You look like a hero. If I were the interviewer, do you know what I'd do? (whistle) Wait. Let me get curd and sugar for good luck."

As Ayush went to the kitchen to mix sugar in the curd, his phone rang.

Ayush:"Hi, Dr. Prema."Prema: "Ayush, we have found a surrogate for your baby. Also, your reports are in. They confirm that you can have a baby. Ayush? Are you there?"

Hearing this, Ayush went into shock. He couldn't say anything. He looked at Guru, who was getting ready outside. This news brought both happiness and fear.

Ayush: "Doctor... Will my illness have a negative effect on my baby?"Prema: "No, Ayush. Your baby will be completely fine. But I'm concerned about you. Ayush, I don't think your body is strong enough to handle this. You've just entered remission. Your body is still very weak."

While listening to Dr. Prema on the phone, Ayush was feeding curd and sugar to Guru with a smile—hiding his worry so that Guru wouldn't notice anything.

Dr. Prema: "I think you should tell Guru about this and the risks involved. He will be the father of this child too. He has a right to know. You both must make this decision quickly."

Ayush was driving Guru to his interview, but his mind was occupied with Dr. Prema's words. He was so lost in thought that he missed Guru's office.

Guru: "Ayush, what are you doing? It's behind us!"

Guru looked at Ayush and started getting out of the car.

Ayush: "Listen. Best of luck."Guru: "Hmm."

Once Guru left, Ayush took a deep breath. He knew that Guru had noticed his distress and that when he came back home, he would definitely ask questions. But Ayush wasn't sure if he was ready to tell him the truth yet. So instead, he went to his father, Aadesh.

Aadesh: "Ayush, are you sure you want a child? Did you tell Guru?"Ayush: "I will tell him. I'm just afraid... that if he thinks something might happen to me because of this baby... he'll try to stop me."Aadesh: "But his fear is justified, dear."Ayush: "But this life that I have—because of Guru—is playing hide-and-seek with death. It has to end someday. Then my Guru will fall back into darkness. He'll need someone to hold his hand and bring him back into the light. And that someone will be our child."

Aadesh smiled and handed Ayush a Ganpati idol.

Aadesh: "My child, light and darkness are both a part of life. Now, He (Lord Ganpati) will show you the correct path. His blessings—and mine—are always with you."

By the time afternoon arrived, Ayush was heading home with the Ganpati idol. Near his house, a few children were playing. As he approached, his jeep suddenly drifted. Ayush managed to save both the kids and the idol.

Nearby, some construction work was going on, and an electricity worker was laying down wires. Ayush reversed his car and went to complain about the issue. The worker's name was Rakesh Mahadkar.

Guru's interview went exceptionally well. Excited about his new job, the first thing he did was call the most important person in his life—Ayush.

Guru: "Hello! Do you want to hear the bad news first or the worst news?"Ayush: "Huh?"

Guru, walking on the footpath, continued—

Guru: "The bad news is that you'll have to live without me every day... from 9 to 5. And the worst news is that I won't be able to live without you... from 9 to 5.

I got the job, Ayush! I got the job! I'm independent now!"

Ayush: "Guru, there's something I have to tell you."Guru: "Tell me."Ayush: "No. Come home first."Guru: "Tell me now. I'm on my way home."Ayush: "No... come home first."

Guru was overjoyed and eager to rush home and hug Ayush. But then, he heard Ayush scream.

Ayush (angrily): "Hello! How did you get in?"Guru (concerned): "Ayush?"Ayush: "What are you doing?!"Guru (worried): "Ayush, who's there?! Ayush! What happened?!"Guru (panicked): "Listen, whoever you are—you are my enemy."Ayush (screaming in pain): "Guru!"Ayush (begging): "It's not his fault. Please let him go! Ayush! Listen! Let him go!"

Guru froze. His worst nightmare was happening in real time. He started running like a madman. He couldn't think, he couldn't process—it was as if time had stopped.

When Guru reached his building, his legs gave out. He collapsed onto the ground, his breathing ragged. A crowd had gathered—and at the center of it lay Ayush, unconscious, covered in blood.

Guru's world shattered.

The person for whom he had given up everything—God couldn't take him away.

Somehow, with trembling hands and unsteady legs, Guru lifted Ayush and rushed him to the hospital.

Sitting outside the ICU, Guru still couldn't comprehend how he had managed all of this.

Aadesh arrived and asked about Ayush's condition. Only then did Guru snap back to reality. Blood wasn't just on his clothes anymore—it was in his eyes.

Guru asked Aadesh to stay with Ayush.

Then, he walked out.

The heavy rain poured down as Guru reached the cremation ground.

He swore—

"Until I find the one who did this, I won't go near Ayush. I won't live in peace, and I will make his life worse than hell."