Chapter 31: Chapter 28

The cool breeze welcomed them as they stepped out of the dance hall. Gauri and Siya let out exaggerated groans, dragging their feet.

“I can’t take another step,” Gauri declared, clutching Rudra’s arm dramatically.

“Same here,” Siya chimed in, leaning against the wall. “These heels are a menace. I feel like I’ve been walking on knives.”

Rudra glanced around and spotted two wheelchairs stationed beside the suggestion box. His lips curved into a mischievous grin.

“Perfect!” he announced, pointing to the wheelchairs. “Our chariots await, ladies!”

Gauri’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I’m so in!” She dashed toward one of the wheelchairs, her fatigue magically forgotten. Rudra followed, pushing her with playful enthusiasm.

“Hold on tight, ma’am!” he said in an over-the-top chauffeur’s voice, zipping around the pavement.

Gauri squealed with laughter. “Faster, driver! And take the scenic route!”

They zoomed past, shouting random phrases and cracking jokes loud enough to attract a few curious glances from passersby.

Siya and Raghav stood back, watching the duo. Siya covered her mouth to stifle her laughter, while Raghav’s deep chuckle filled the air.

“They’re ridiculous,” Siya said, shaking her head.

“Ridiculously entertaining,” Raghav added.

As they began walking, Siya suddenly stumbled. Her heel snapped with a sharp crack. She wobbled for a moment before catching herself on Raghav’s arm.

“Damn it!” she muttered, glaring at the broken shoe.

Without a word, Raghav crouched slightly and scooped her up into his arms. Siya let out a startled gasp, her hands instinctively clutching his shoulders.

“What are you doing?” she asked, her voice tinged with panic.

“Carrying you,” he replied simply, his tone resolute.

“Put me down!” she protested. “I can walk!”

“No, you can’t. Not with that broken shoe,” he said firmly, his eyes fixed ahead.

“Raghav, seriously—”

“Siya, stop arguing. Just let me help you,” he interrupted, his voice softening but leaving no room for debate.

Siya sighed, her cheeks burning as she settled into his arms. She kept her gaze averted, her heart racing at their unexpected closeness.

They reached the pavement where Gauri and Rudra had finally stopped their antics. Gauri clapped her hands when she saw them.

“Wow, Siya! Talk about a knight in shining armor,” Gauri teased, winking.

“Romance alert!” Rudra added, smirking. “Raghav, you should’ve shared this idea with me earlier. I could’ve impressed Gauri.”

Raghav ignored him, placing Siya gently on a nearby bench. “Wait here,” he said, glancing at her briefly before disappearing down the street.

“Where’s he going?” Siya asked, looking at Gauri.

Gauri shrugged. “Maybe to find a horse and carriage for his princess?”

Siya groaned, her face flushing. “Please stop.”

A few minutes later, Raghav returned with a small bag. He knelt in front of Siya, pulling out a pair of simple yet elegant flat shoes. Without saying a word, he reached for her foot.

“Raghav, you don’t have to,” Siya said, pulling back slightly. “I can wear them myself.”

He looked up at her, his gaze steady. “I know you can. But let me do it, please ?”.

Something in his voice made Siya freeze. She nodded hesitantly, letting him slip off her broken heel. His hands were gentle as he guided her foot into the new shoe, his fingers brushing against her ankle briefly.

“There,” he said, standing up. “Good as new.”

Siya looked at him, her heart skipping a beat. “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” he replied with a faint smile.

Behind them, Gauri clutched Rudra’s arm dramatically. “Oh, how romantic! Rudra, why don’t you ever do things like this?”

Rudra grinned. “I would, but you keep stealing wheelchairs instead.”

They all burst into laughter, the tension melting away.

As their laughter echoed in the night, a shadowy figure stood in the distance, face wet with cries, unnoticed.

Noorie was leaning against a lamppost, her face buried in her hands. She sobbed quietly, her shoulders shaking.

She watched the group, her gaze lingering on Raghav. The way he looked at Siya, the way he cared for her—it was overwhelming. Memories flooded her mind, memories of a time when Raghav’s smiles were meant for her, when his words were soft and filled with affection for her.

“I lost him,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “I pushed him away, and now… he’s gone.”

The guilt was unbearable. She had let her jealousy, greed and insecurities ruin everything. And now, Raghav had found someone else. Someone who brought light into his eyes in a way she never could. “This wasn’t a relationship. It was a compromise. Only I paid for this” , Raghav’s words ringed in her mind.

As her sobs grew louder, she failed to notice a figure lurking in the shadows nearby. A pair of cold, calculating eyes watched her every move. The stalker stepped closer, staying hidden in the dark, their presence menacing yet deliberate.

Noorie’s cries continued, oblivious to the danger creeping closer. The night seemed to grow colder, the air heavy with unspoken tension.

And as the laughter of Raghav, Siya, Gauri, and Rudra faded into the distance, Noorie stood alone, consumed by her overwhelming emotions, unaware that she was no longer truly alone.