Love In Shadow

Enemies to Lovers

Adarsh stood in the doorway like a man clinging to the last thread of a fraying dream, folded his hands, voice cracking as he begged, "Athai... please. Just once. Let me see her. I'll leave right after."

Yashvi's mother stood firm, her eyes sharp enough to cut through hope. "No, Adarsh. Enough is enough. Leave before things get worse."

He shook his head, words tumbling out like broken pieces. "Please... I am not here to fight. I just... I need to see her. One time. Just one."

Her jaw tightened, but before she could speak again, a sound floated down the staircase.

A soft, shaky whisper. "Maa..."

His heart slammed against his ribs. That voice. That single syllable. It was enough to resurrect every dying piece of him.

He rushed up the stairs two at a time, hope swelling in his chest like a wild tide that he didn't even hear Yashvi's mother calling after him, "Adarsh... wait! Don't go up!" but he was already too far gone, already drowning in the chance that destiny had finally opened a door for him.

But halfway up, he froze.

At the top of the staircase, framed in the pale hallway light, stood. He was never ready to see.

The color drained from his face.

His foot slipped on the step.

And Adarsh collapsed to his knees.

His breath broke, one painful piece at a time. Tears spilled silently, tracing slow, trembling paths down his cheeks.

What he saw... was enough to shatter him.
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What do you think Adarsh saw at the top of those stairs?

Was it something that shattered his hope... or someone who changed everything?

Will they ever find their way back to each other?

Why did Yashvi's mother try to stop him?
What secret is she hiding?
If love is still alive between them, is it strong enough to survive what he just saw?
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