All rights reserved. No part of this content should be published without Author's permission.

CHAPTER:03

ADITI SHEKHAWAT

When I first shifted to Calonia. I thought I wouldn't be able to adjust since it's a new place, a new city
and on top of that I wasn't sure if I’ll be able to complete my study here or not but gladly I am in my
final year of graduation. I was anxious if people here would make fun of me since I am older than
them but they never made such comments. Another reason why everyone here is my friend..

“By studies we are all equal and come on, age is just a number.”
My friend said these words to me. Her name is Lyla. She is a Canadian and she has those beautiful
green eyes. “So you like the senior? Vardaan Chauhan?” I literally cover her mouth to stop her
excitement. Vardaan is an Indian and on top of that he is twenty five years old. So freaking my type.
“I don't want to propose to him like this, Lyla.” I said. Lyla is a Sunshine girl, she loves shopping and
having fun around.

“Don't propose to him until and unless you are not confirmed about his feelings.” I nodded at her
suggestion but I am pretty sure he likes me. “I know he likes me.” I say, slightly blushing and she
shifts towards me. “And how do you know?”

“Um…You know…last day..um..we—” She jumps on her seat clapping her hand as she yells. “You
kissed Chauhan!?” My eyes widened as I felt everyone's gaze on me. My face hearted as I grabbed her
hand and pulled her. “Shh! Don't be so loud and no we didn't kiss.” I said. I was this close from
kissing him, my first freaking kiss but he got a call from his mother. At this rate everyone in the
university will know about my date and…that's a problem.

“We went on something like a Date.” I said, making her giggle in awe. “It felt good and he is not like
the kid last time. He is a grown up man and on top of that, he bought me a bouquet of flowers.” I was
blushing even though I hate this. “I am so happy for you. We’ll go on a double date.” She said
clapping her hands then pulled out her phone. “Let me text him but wait—” She kept her phone on the
table and looked at me. Her eyes were serious and the smile from earlier disappeared. “Does he know
about…it?” She hesitated at once but I know she has no intention of hurting my feelings.

I shook my head, denying her questions. “Isaan is an asshole and it's better if he stays away from my
life.” Lyla's expression turned serious, and she nodded. “I get it. Well, let's just focus on the present
then. Vardaan seems like a great guy, and I'm sure he'll treat you well.” I nodded in agreement, feeling
a sense of relief even though I know they both won't stay quiet if they get to know about my dating
life.

I can easily handle Ishaan since I have Dad’s back but…I shook my thoughts, denying and assuring
myself that he is not coming back. “I hate how I used to like Ishaan.” Embarrassment washed over her
face as she recalled the old days. She used to like Ishaan because he is hot, has a good sweet voice but
when I told her how he stepped inside my bathroom while I was showering, she regretted everything.
Yes, I punched him that night too, making a black circle on his face.
Ishaan is a little boy but Abhay isn't. They are both twins but Abhay is dangerous. It's been two years
since I saw him, since he shifted to India because of work or because of me. I talked to Dad about
them, about how Ishaan is interested in me and how Abhay says he’ll make me his wife. It's crazy,
they both are sick and the same but Abhay…he gives me chills. Moreover he processes to trigger a
part of me..makes me fear him and he reminds me of my past. He isn't easy to deal with and unlike
Isaan he comes back to me even after I punched him twice.

Even Dad is scared of Abhay, that asshole is a crazy psychopath but as Dad said Abhay isn't coming
back anytime soon so until that, I’ll get married to a man I like and then shift from here. “Yeah, let's
just focus on the present.” Lyla smiled again and picked up her phone. “Okay, let me text him and set
up that double date!”

“Not now, I’ll propose to him first and then.” She nodded.

“Hey! Aditi, Wanna go on a ride?” I shook my head. “Not free today. Maybe next time, Raid.” I
yelled back, smiling and hopped down the stairs. I feel great today but this evening is freaking
annoying. Dad is going to ask me to dress up like a woman. He’ll ask me to not wear my jeans and
wear some annoying dress. And that party—I’ll have to make sure I don't speak too much, smile a lot
and dance with random strangers.

I shook my head as I headed towards the parking lot. My bike is parked there and I don't want Dad to
get late because of me. “Aditi!” Someone yells from behind and I looked at one of my batchmates.
“Ms. Smith wants to see you in her office.”

Ms. Smith, our professor, is a weird woman. She called me to have Dad’s number because she wanted
to have a conversation with him. A basic help she says.

As I approached my bike, I saw Raid leaning against it, his arms crossed and a playful grin on his
face. “Come on, Aditi, just one ride? It'll be fun, I promise!” I shook my head, trying to hide my
annoyance with a smile. “Not today, Raid. I've got to get going.” Raid raised an eyebrow. “You're not
even going to tell me where you're off to in such a hurry?”

I sighed, knowing I couldn't avoid him that easily. He is a friend and If I curse him in Hindi, he’ll
know. Ask why? Because I taught him Hindi words…The dirty one. “I've got a party to attend, okay?
And I don't want to be late.” He chuckled, signing in disappointment. Raid is a man with no morals,
for him life is his morals. He loves to ride recklessly…like me. I would've dated him but he’s a young
man.

“Ah, one of those fancy parties. Good luck with that. Get a guy at that party, have sex and settle well.”
My eyes widened as I laughed at his funny idea. “Parties are no fun.” I replied and he nodded, passing
me my helmet.
“It is fun. Just a room and a man in your case. Don't forget to carry a condom, these days.. don't trust
man.” I laughed again and walked towards him. “Look at you, Adi. I am hell serious.” I shook my
head, laughing like a mad woman. “And why do you think someone will be interested in having a one
time with me?” “Because you’re sexy, hot and a perfect meal.” I nodded, not really impressed with his
response but I did eat the distance in between us.

“And are you interested in this meal?” I asked him, tiptoeing so I could reach his height. He is
wearing some hard perfume that tickles my nose but I shoo off the urge to sneeze. “Hm?” I heard him
gulp as he looked into my eyes. A little forward and I can kiss him. “Wanna try me?” He says and I
burst into laughter stepping back. “Oh my god, Raid…” I laughed, my hands on my hips as I sat on
the ground trying to control my laughter.

“How could I-i f-fall into your trap?” He questioned himself. “Think about it at night.” I replied and
stood on my feet. Walking towards him, I laughed and signed him to shift from my bike. “I’ll take my
Revenge.” He said and I winked at him. “Always welcome, darling.” As I hopped on my bike and
started the engine, Raid called out, “Aditi!” I turned my gaze towards Raid but it wasn't him who
called out my name…It was Isaan.

He is holding a cigarette in his hand and walking towards me. “Go. I need to talk to her.” He said to
Raid and I rolled my eyes. Once Raid was out of the sight, I stepped down the bike, keeping my
helmet and folded my arms across my chest. Ishaan’s gaze falls on my chest when I roll my eyes and
say. “What do you want, Ishaan? I am busy in my life unlike you.”

Isaan smirked, taking a drag on his cigarette. “Oh, I can see that. You're always busy with him, aren't
you?” He nodded then took a step forward towards me. I raised an eyebrow, knowing that he messed
up. I curled my hand into a ball ready to hit him if he laid his dirty hands on me. “Are you sure you’re
going on a ride with him? Or do you plan to ride him?” I am not even surprised at his words. Woah!
Great.

I scoff taking a step towards my step brother as I say. “Whether I ride my bike or him, It shouldn't be
your concern, brother. Do use the dustbin to throw the trash stored in your skull.” He chuckled, ready
to raise his hand on me when I grabbed his arm, twisting it behind him as I pushed his front towards
the car opposite to us. Stepping closer to him, I whisper. “I am not impressed by you, Ishaan. Old men
and brothers are not my type so…Keep yourself away from me.” I left him with a jerk and took a step
back.

“I don't care. You are not my sister, Dad must've lied to you. You are Virendra’s daughter not my
Dad’s.” He turned towards me, rubbing his hand where I assaulted him a moment ago. His nose flared
as I saw him grinding his teeth. “The DNA test was no lie. We both did one at our respective places.”
I speak.

“Okay fine. Just heard you like someone and is going to propose to him. Is it true?” He asked and I
practically gasped at the speed of the news. “I’ll talk to Dad about it.”

“You thought you’ll have se—” I raised my fist, ready to punch him when someone grabbed my fist.
Adrenaline rushed through my veins, aayer of chills covering my body when my eyes met his.
“Abhay..” I whispered as he brought my fist closer to his lips kissing it and I flinched.
“Don't…touch me,” I say, grinding my teeth and pulling my hand from his hold. Rubbing my fist on
my jeans, I looked at him. Abhay's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his gaze intense. “Aditi,
don't be like that. I'm just trying to help.” I took a step back, my heart racing. “You're not helping,
Abhay. You're making things worse.” I am scared of him, so scared that his gaze reminds me of that
day.

He is not the one and yet…yet it scares me. I looked around, the four walls making me feel
claustrophobic. I never felt so but the presence of my step brothers are making me feel so. “I am going
home.” I said turning to walk when Abhay’s words makes me freeze on my way. “With that bike?
No.” I turned to face him.

Don't be scared of him. You’re a brave girl and you know how to fight. “No, I’ll—” He raised his
hand in the air, cutting me off as he stepped forward, eating the distance between us. “If you want me
to drag you with me..in my car. You’re welcome, little sister. Remember, you don't want to ruin your
image here?” He pulled out his hand from the pocket demanding for the bike keys as I looked at my
feet handing him the keys.

Abhay snatched the keys from my hand, his fingers brushing against mine in the process. I pulled my
hand back quickly, not wanting any contact with him. I hate it, I hate them. I hate everyone except my
Dad. “Get in the car, Aditi,” he said, his voice firm and commanding.

I hesitated for a moment, but then I knew I had no choice. I walked towards the car. Abhay opened the
door for me, his eyes holding a power, telling me that he’ll always control me.

As I got in, I saw Ishaan watching us from a distance, a sly grin spreading across his face. I knew I
was in trouble. If Ishaan knows about Vardaan then I am pretty sure Abhay knows that too and I don't
want Vardaan to get hurt.

Abhay got in beside me, starting the engine with a roar. “Buckle up, little sister, we're going home,
together.” I rolled my eyes on his words, cursing him and my fate. I have to do something and I am
not sitting like this while my step brothers are behind me. “I heard you like a boy?” There we go.

“No, not really.” I said and he nodded, turning the steering wheel as he headed out of the university.
“Great to hear. It must be a rumor that says you were on a Date with someone.” I turned to face him, a
smile across my lips because obviously I don't want my future husband to get expelled from the
university. “What the fuck are you talking, Abhay. Date and me? Sounds like a joke.” I laughed and
he joined me. “Exactly as I said. Nevermind, I know you’ll not betray me.” He said and I smiled.

Well forget about the betrayal big brother, I’ll fucking put poison on your favourite dish before you
die. Favourite because…I can be kind enough to let you enjoy your favourite meal for the last time.

The party I thought would be boring was a little better thanks to the mask they provided us. The party
happens to be of an Indian businessman. Dad’s friend and his son is cute. The bodycon dress I am
wearing is annoying. It stops above my knees and the best part is boots. Not that I am uncomfortable
wearing revealing dresses but the bodycon dress is.
Gladly Abhay is busy with the businessman, Dad too while Dad didn't bring Ishaan along with him.
Good decision and I know he did that because of me. I am glad how they made sure to give Indian
vibes. It's great. “Hi,” I turned my heel looking at the man standing in front of me. He is wearing a
blue suit, a red bow and his hair is fine. “Hello.” I replied. I know him, he’s the chairman’s son. “You
look gorgeous, Aditi.” I smiled at his compliment. At least it doesn't sound dirty like Abhay’s.

“Thank you.” Kunal smiled back at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “So, how are you enjoying
the party?” I smiled looking around, trying to play it cool. “It's okay, I guess. I wasn't really looking
forward to it, but the mask is kind of fun.”

Kunal chuckled. “Yeah, my dad's idea. He wanted to make it a bit more interesting.” I nodded,
glancing around the room. “It's definitely done that.” Kunal followed my gaze, his eyes scanning the
room before returning to me. “So, what do you think of the music?”

I hesitated, not wanting to be rude. “It's...different.” Kunal laughed. “Yeah, my dad's taste in music is
a bit...unique.” I smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. He is adorable. “Yeah, that's one way to put it.” He
smiled a little before handing me the glass filled with Orange juice. “I hope you enjoy the food…”
This time I cut him off midway. “Your father's idea?” He laughed, shaking his head. “No, I planned
it.” I nodded, smiling.

As we shared a conversation I couldn't help but notice how easy it was to talk to Kunal. He was
charming and funny, and didn't make me feel uncomfortable like Abhay did. Maybe this party
wouldn't be so bad after all. No, I have no feelings for him, he’s good as a friend. Just then, Abhay
appeared at my side, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Kunal. “Aditi, can I steal you for a minute?” I
hesitated, not wanting to leave Kunal's company since having a conversation with Abhay in private
can be a bad idea too. “I'm kind of in the middle of a conversation here.”

Abhay's smile was tight. Hiding his urge to hit me behind that fucking smile. “It's important.” I
sighed, excusing myself from Kunal. “Sorry, I'll catch you later.”

As I followed Abhay across the room upstairs, I couldn't help but wonder what he wanted. And why
he looked so annoyed. While Abhay was walking ahead of me, I picked up a knife from the side table
and held it in my hand…just in case and slowly slipped it into my handbag.

“What's up?” I asked Abhay, trying to sound casual despite my growing unease. I was shivering, I
could feel goosebumps on my skin but stay cool and never let him step into your bonus. “I need to
talk to you about something,” he said, his voice low and serious.

“Yes?”

“Dad will talk about your marriage with Kunal. Reject it.” I lift my eyebrow, trying to read his
expression and his plan. If I were Abhay, I would do my best to stop my father from talking to Kunal’s
dad and also stop the bride aka me. “Why?” I asked him, knowing his answer.

Abhay took a few steps further towards me, leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Because
I want everyone to see how beautiful you are. And I want you to know that you're mine. You’ll be my
wife.” This motherfucker is crazy, Oh god! What the fuck did I do to have this trouble.
My heart raced as he gazed at me, his eyes burning with lust and obsession. The urge to claim me no
matter what. “Abhay, I don't know what you're talking about, but can you put a pause on
your…obsession.” I said, trying to keep my voice steady and low when he grabbed my hands, his hold
tight as I looked on the third button of his shirt. “You think I am joking? I am so freaking in love with
you, Aditi. I’ll give you everything you want. You love bikes…I’ll give you plenty.” He says.

“You want to buy me with bikes?” I want to ask this to him but I can't speak. I feel as if I have lost my
ability to talk exactly like three years ago when I woke up from Coma. My vision blurs as I lift my
eyes looking at him, he is speaking something but I can't hear. Ever since I woke up from a coma,
sometimes I lose my ability to hear, no one knows this except for Virendra Shekhawat, Doctor John,
Dad and me. Like doctor John says, it happened because I injured a part of my brain that night.
Mostly I gain my hearing ability in eight to twelve hours but sometimes it goes to twenty four hours
straight.

Abhay shaks me but I can't hear him..or anything. Abhay nodded his head as I looked at him clueless.

“I am not your toy, you ASSHOLE. GET YOUR ASS AWAY FROM ME.” Yell this to him, Aditi, tell
him and run away.

I nodded at whatever he said before he walked away leaving me alone in the room and I looked at his
disappearing body. Picking up my bag, I rushed outside the room in a random direction. At first I
walked, my heels must've clicked on the floor..I love that sound but I can't hear anything right now so
I began to run in the corridors.

I don't know. I run, removing the mask as if Abhay is right behind me. I stopped, breathing through
my mouth. My hands curled around the railing as I looked at the sky. The moon was full overhead,
casting a silver glow over everything.

I sob, trying to stop myself from crying but I can't help. It hurts, what did I expect from life? Let me
live at ease—a life in which I have a man who loves me, a sweet family. Everyone from my batch has
done something in their lives, some got married, they have kids..and I…I am struggling. I..I have
brothers who want me..and If..if I deny..they’ll ruin my life.

Why the fuck did you let me go when you have me a life worth death? I should've died that night.
After a good cry, I decided to go and find Dad, tell him that I can't hear and I need to go back to the
house. I turned around and almost jumped when I saw a dog in front of me. He’s huge and is looking
at me. I am afraid of dogs. I throw my purse at him, not hurting him but trying to shoo him and he
douche it. Gripping on the railing, I shift back when the dog steps towards me with his predator steps.
“Go away,” I say and I guess he just barked.

I can see his sharp teeth and the moment he jumped towards me I took a step back, my grip on the
railing suddenly loose and my body went to the other side of the balcony. Within a second, I was
hanging from the balcony. The dog looks at me while I am this close from leaving my hand. Just go.
Don't tell me he’s friends with Abhay.

“Help!” I yell, it's weird to speak when you can't hear but right now only this can help me. “Help!”
Maybe I'll die. My grip on the railing was getting loose. Just when I was about to give up, I felt a
strong hand grip my wrist. I look up to see a stranger holding my hand. He is wearing a mask that
covers his half face but the way our eyes met, I felt a cold wave hit me.

“Please…h-help.” I murmured. I can see his lips moving, he is speaking something but as usual I can't
hear him. A tear slipped my eyes. “Die.” My eyes widened as I heard him speak before he left his
hold on my hand and I can feel him smile while I fall down.