𝘼𝙧𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙚 (𝙄𝙢𝙡𝙞𝙚 & 𝘼𝙧𝙮𝙖𝙣)

Chapter Twenty Six

Imlie's POV

'Aditya!' I signalled to him to keep quiet, but he wasn't having it.

'Ex-husband defending his ex-wife. What a lovely scene.'

'Stop it, please! I heard everything you said to her earlier, but I kept quiet because you were hurting. I don't know what you heard, but Imlie wasn't sleeping.' Aditya continued speaking.

'She was about to run into the building when I stopped her. It was too late, and she passed out seeing the building engulfed in flames.'

Everywhere was quiet for a few moments until Narmada maa broke the silence by clapping.

'So, the two of you orchestrated this plan to kill my son.' She said, and I shook my head. I was hurting from not being able to find Aryan, I didn't want to stand here and listen to such nonsense.

'I know anything I say now, you won't believe me, and it's fine. I don't know what lies Malini told you, but let me make one thing clear.' I stated and stared into her eyes. 'I care about Aryan so much that I would never dream of doing that.' I replied and walked away.

I got back to the site and looked at the burn ground. I started to search the site again maybe I missed something. I kept walking in circles until I stumbled on something at the corner. The fire had gotten to that side, but the place wasn't badly burnt.

I bent down and used my fingers to pick up the object. It was Aryan's watch. I rushed to the police and they put it in a plastic bag.

******

It has been five days since the accident and no trace of Aryan. We've searched nearby areas and buildings but to no avail.

The police concluded he was dead and eaten by wild animals because we saw a piece of his shirt with blood on it.

I was dumbfounded and inconsolable. I cried every night and my mum told me it wasn't my fault.

I blame myself for crossing paths with him. He would be better off without me. I cause pain to everyone I crossed path with.

Narmada maa was right. I destroy families and rob them of their happiness. The Tripathi's were happy until I entered their lives.

Arpita and Narmada have left for the city today. Aditya will be leaving tomorrow, and Malini looks like she doesn't have any plans of leaving.

I found that strange, but I was grieving and didn't think too much about her.

Aryan's POV:

'Please don't go.' I pleaded with my hands folded in front of her, but she refused to listen. She dragged her luggage to the front door, took one last look at me, and stepped out.

Imlie, come back! Imlie, don't leave me!

'Wake up, it's a dream.' I heard a voice say and someone gently tapping me.

I opened my eyes and closed them immediately because of the light. I slowly opened them until my vision got clear and settled on the person sitting beside me.

'Who are you?' I asked, looking around frantically and moving away from her.

'I'm kamla, I saved your life.' She smiled at me.
'It's a miracle you survived. You inhaled a lot of smoke and got some burns on your back.'