The war had begun-silently, strategically. One player from the shadows, another from the heart.

-×-

Shantivan - Arnav's Study

Arnav sat at his desk, the manipulated photos spread before him. His eyes burned with rage, but not at Khushi-never again.

He picked up his phone and dialed Aman.

Arnav (low and sharp):

"Trace the sender. CCTV footage from the front gate. And I want details-every courier entry from the last twenty-four hours."

Aman (on call):

"Got it, ASR."

He hung up and clenched his fist.

Arnav (to himself):

"Tumne galat chaal chali, Shyam. Ab meri baari hai."

(You played the wrong move, Shyam. Now it's my turn.)

-×-

Gupta House - Afternoon

Khushi was helping Buaji fold clothes when her phone buzzed.

Text from Arnav:

"Need to talk. Urgent. Can I come over?"

Her heart thudded.

Khushi (aloud, to herself):

"Jab bhi lagta hai sab theek ho raha hai, koi toofan aa jaata hai."

(Every time things start to get better, a storm follows.)

She texted back:

"Come after 5. Buaji and Amma will be out for temple."

-×-

Later - Gupta House Terrace

Khushi waited, nervously twisting her dupatta. The wind was restless-just like her thoughts.

Arnav arrived. His expression was unreadable.

Khushi:

"Kya hua, Arnav ji? Sab theek hai?"

(What happened, Arnav ji? Is everything alright?)

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he pulled out the envelope with the photos and handed it to her.

Khushi's hands trembled as she flipped through them. Her breath caught in her throat.

Khushi (shocked):

"Yeh... yeh sab toh jhooth hai! Photoshop kiya gaya hai!"

(This is all a lie! These are doctored!)

Arnav (calmly):

"Mujhe pata hai."

(I know.)

She looked up, stunned.

Khushi:

"Aapko... vishwas hai mujh par?"

(You... trust me?)

He nodded.

Arnav:

"Is baar dil ki suna hai, Khushi. Dimaag ki nahi."

(This time, I listened to my heart, not my mind.)

Tears welled in her eyes, not from fear or anger-but from relief.

Khushi (softly):

"Shukriya..."

(Thank you...)

Arnav (stepping closer):

"Par ab yeh sirf hum dono ka mamla nahi hai. Shyam ne jo kiya hai... uska anjaam main tay karunga."

(But this isn't just between us anymore. What Shyam has done... I will end it.)

-×-

Shantivan - Later That Night

Anjali sat alone in her room, going through baby name books. Her face lit up with hope and innocence.

Arnav stood at her door, watching quietly.

Arnav (in thought):

"Di... mujhe tumhara bharosa todna padega. Par sirf tab, jab tumhare liye behtar ho."

(Di... I may have to break your trust. But only if it means protecting you.)

He turned away, silently.

-×-

Shyam's Secret Hideout - Next Morning

Shyam flipped through his notes when the door burst open.

Arnav walked in.

No words. Just storm.

He slammed Shyam against the wall.

Arnav (furious):

"Tumne phir meri biwi ko ganda dikhane ki koshish ki. Ab toh sirf ek hi raasta bacha hai-tumhara sach sabke saamne lana."

(You tried to malign my wife again. There's only one option now-to expose your truth.)

Shyam (snickering):

"Tum meri Di ko sach bologe? Tumhara apna ghar toot jaayega!"

(You'll tell my Di the truth? You'll break your own home!)

Arnav (coldly):

"Di ka ghar jhooth par bana hai. Aur jhooth lambe waqt tak tikta nahi."

(Di's home is built on lies. And lies don't last long.)

He walked away-but not before turning back.

Arnav:

"Tayyar rehna, Shyam. Agla chaal tum nahi, main chalunga."

(Be ready, Shyam. The next move is mine.)

-×-

To be continued...

Next up: Chapter 11: Toote Bharose Ka Insaaf

By

Muskan Tarway

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