Chapter 52: Chapter Fourty Seven.

"Are you absolutely sure, Meera?" Jiya asked as the two of them walked down the bustling school hallway.

Students milled around them, chatting and laughing, but Meera seemed disconnected from it all, her steps heavy and her face shadowed with worry.

She had confided in Jiya earlier about Veer’s sudden disappearance and her suspicions that Arjun was behind it. The weight of the situation clung to her like a heavy cloak.

"Ah.." Meera sighed deeply, her voice tinged with frustration and exhaustion.

"I don’t know what to do, Jiya. I’m just... so tired. I feel trapped. I can’t even go to the police because it’s pointless. Everyone’s scared of that man. Everyone!" Her voice cracked slightly, and tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away, refusing to let them fall.

Jiya stopped walking abruptly, placing a firm yet gentle hand on Meera’s shoulder.

"Meera, look at me." she said softly, her eyes scanning her friend’s face with concern.

Meera reluctantly turned to face her, and the sight broke Jiya’s heart. Meera looked utterly drained, her complexion pale and her eyes framed by dark circles.

The spark that usually lit up her features was gone, replaced by a look of sheer exhaustion and anxiety.

"Meera.." Jiya said again, her tone a mix of sympathy and worry.

"You’re working yourself too hard, and all this stress is eating you alive. Maybe... just maybe, Arjun doesn’t have anything to do with Veer’s disappearance. What if he’s just messing with your head?"

"Messing with my head?" Meera scoffed bitterly, shaking her head.

"Jiya, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Arjun, it’s that he doesn’t joke. He doesn’t play games or bluff or mess around. When he says something, he means it. Every single word." Her voice dropped to a whisper, her fear seeping into every syllable. "I’m so scared, Jiya. I just... I just hope he hasn’t done something to hurt Veer."

Jiya’s expression softened further, and without a word, she pulled Meera into a tight hug. Meera let herself sink into the embrace, her resolve cracking as she clung to her best friend.

The hallway noise faded into the background, and for a moment, it was just the two of them, sharing the weight of Meera’s pain.

"You’re so strong, Meera." Jiya murmured as she rubbed her back gently.

"Any other girl in your shoes would’ve crumbled by now. But not you. You’re fighting, even when everything feels impossible. You’re a queen, and I’m so proud of you."

Meera let out a shaky breath, her eyes shutting tightly as she fought back another wave of tears. "I don’t feel strong." she admitted, her voice muffled against Jiya’s shoulder.

"I feel like I’m breaking, Jiya. Like no matter what I do, I’m always a step behind. I just want all of this to end."

Jiya pulled back slightly, holding Meera by the shoulders and looking into her eyes.

"It will end, Meera. I promise. You’re not alone in this, okay? And Veer is fine."

Meera nodded slowly, her lips trembling as she tried to muster a small smile. "Thank you, Jiya." she whispered.

"Always." Jiya replied, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

♡♡♡

7:45 pm

Meera sat at her study table, the soft glow of the desk lamp illuminating her face as she fiddled with a pen in one hand.

Her phone was pressed against her ear as she spoke with Veda.

"And are you sure everything is okay, Veda?" Meera asked, her voice tinged with concern. She sighed, leaning back in her chair, already sensing something was off in Veda’s tone.

"Y-yes, everything is fine. I promise." Veda replied, but her voice wavered slightly.

Meera frowned, her intuition kicking in. "Veda, don’t lie to me. You sound... off. Tell me, is something wrong? Please don’t hide it from me."

There was a pause on the other end of the call, and Meera could almost hear the gears turning in her sister’s head as she debated whether to confess. Finally, Veda sighed.

"Di, trust me. I’m fine." Veda said, her voice firmer but still laced with hesitation.

"I-if something’s wrong, I’ll let you, Mom and Dad know. I promise."

Meera exhaled heavily, tapping the edge of the desk with her fingers.

She knew her sister too well—Veda was stubborn and fiercely private, even when she needed help.

And knowing about Varun’s obsession with Veda, Meera couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at her.

"Alright." Meera said reluctantly. "Just remember, we’re only one call away. If anything happens, don’t hesitate to call, okay?"

"Yes, Di, I will." Veda replied, her tone softening. "By the way, has Veer called yet?"

Meera froze. The mention of Veer sent a sharp pang through her chest. Her brows furrowed, and she hesitated before answering.

"Veda, I th—" Meera stopped mid-sentence as a loud banging echoed from the front door. She sat up straighter, her heart skipping a beat.

"Di? What was that?" Veda asked, her voice rising with concern.

"I... I don’t know." Meera whispered, glancing toward her bedroom door as the sound came again, this time louder and more urgent.

"Where’s Dad? And Mom?" Veda pressed, her panic matching Meera’s growing dread.

"They’re out.." Meera replied in a hushed tone. "A friend of Mom’s just gave birth, so they went to visit her."

Another loud bang reverberated through the house, followed by the doorbell ringing incessantly.

Meera’s heart pounded in her chest as adrenaline surged through her veins.

"Di, please hide! Don’t go to the door." Veda pleaded desperately.

Meera clenched her jaw, her grip tightening on the phone. "I’ll be fine. I’ll call you later."

"No, wait, Di—" Veda’s voice was cut off as Meera ended the call.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Meera rose from her chair and stepped out of her room. The hallway was eerily silent except for the occasional ringing of the doorbell. She crept down the stairs slowly, her eyes fixed on the front door as her mind raced with possibilities.

As she passed through the living room, her gaze fell on a heavy lamp. Without a second thought, she picked it up, holding it tightly in her shaky hands as she approached the door cautiously.

The banging resumed, more urgent than before.

"Meera? Meera, please open up!"

Meera froze, her breath catching in her throat. The voice was familiar, achingly familiar. She blinked in shock, her grip on the lamp loosening.

Dropping the makeshift weapon, she rushed to the door and flung it open.

Standing there, battered and bruised but alive, was Veer.

Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of him—his face pale, his clothes disheveled, and his eyes filled with desperation.

"Veer?" Meera whispered, her voice barely audible as tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn’t stop herself. she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him tightly, burying her face in his chest.

Veer froze for a moment, then returned the embrace, holding her just as tightly. His hands trembled as they ran over her back, as though assuring himself that she was real. He sniffed her hair, taking in the faint scent of Vanilla that always lingered around her.

"Oh God, Veer." Meera said, her voice breaking. "What happened to you?"

She pulled back slightly to examine him, her eyes scanning his battered face. Bruises marred his cheekbones, a fresh cut stretched along his jaw, and a bandage wrapped around his head. His movements were stiff, and he leaned heavily to one side, clearly in pain.

"Arjun." Veer muttered, his voice laced with a mix of anger and exhaustion.

Meera’s heart sank at the mention of the name. She knew exactly what that meant, and guilt immediately overtook her.

"I’m so sorry, Veer." she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I should’ve told you about Arjun sooner. I should’ve warned you about what was happening—"

"Meera." Veer interrupted softly but firmly.

His hands cupped her face gently, and she froze under his touch. His eyes, though bloodshot and tired, bore into hers with an intensity that silenced her.

"I know." he said, his voice low but steady.

Meera blinked, confusion spreading across her face.

"What?" she asked softly. "You knew? But... how? I didn’t tell you anything."

Veer sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Can we go inside? I’ll explain everything."

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded, offering him a faint smile. "Of course. Come on, let me help you."

As she turned to guide him toward the house, the rumble of a car engine pulling up to the driveway made her freeze.

The sound was abrupt, and it sent a chill down her spine. Veer stiffened beside her, his muscles tensing as they both turned to look.

A sleek black car had come to a stop at the curb. Meera’s heart pounded as she watched the driver’s door open.

Out stepped Arjun.

He was dressed... Casual almost unlike him..But it was the look in his eyes that made Meera gasp audibly.

Those dark eyes, sharp and unyielding, locked onto her and Veer like a predator spotting its prey.

"Meera." Arjun called, his voice smooth but dangerous.

Veer’s entire body went rigid, his hands instinctively pulling Meera closer to him. She could feel the heat radiating from him, a tension so palpable it made the air around them heavy.

"Stay behind me." Veer said through gritted teeth, his voice low and protective.

Meera’s eyes darted between the two men. Arjun’s calm demeanor only heightened the storm brewing in his gaze, while Veer’s seething anger was practically vibrating off him.

And then she heard it—a low, guttural sound emanating from Veer. Her breath hitched as realization hit her.

He growled. Did she hear right?

"Veer?" Meera whispered, her voice trembling.

But Veer didn’t respond. His jaw clenched, his fists balled at his sides, and his glare locked onto Arjun, who was now slowly approaching them.

Arjun smirked, his hands casually slipping into his pockets as he closed the distance.

"Veer." he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. "What a surprise. I didn’t expect you to survive so long. I must be losing my touch."

"Arjun." Veer spat, his voice venomous. "You should’ve finished the job when you had the chance."

The tension between the two men was suffocating. Meera felt like she was caught in the middle of a storm, the air crackling with unspoken threats.

"Let her go." Veer growled again, his voice low and dangerous.

Arjun’s gaze flicked to Meera, softening slightly before hardening once more.

"Oh, Veer." he said, shaking his head. "You still don’t get it, do you? Meera isn’t yours to protect. She’s mine. She’s always been mine."

Meera felt Veer’s grip tighten protectively around her, and she knew this confrontation was only going to escalate.

Her mind raced as she tried to think of a way to defuse the situation, but she couldn’t move or speak.

"Enough!" Veer snarled, stepping forward slightly, shielding Meera with his body.

Arjun stopped in his tracks, his smirk widening into a full-blown smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

"You want to play hero, Veer?" he said, his voice turning cold. "I mean for a cruel selfish bastard like you, i'm a bit...Shocked."  He smirked.

"Enough! Please, stop this madness!" Meera’s voice rang out, trembling yet firm, as she stepped out from behind Veer, her hands raised as if to halt the escalating tension.

Arjun’s piercing gaze immediately locked onto her.

For a moment, everything else seemed to fade as his eyes softened, but the storm within them was still brewing.

Without realizing it, he began walking toward her, his strides purposeful, his focus entirely on Meera.

Veer, however, wasn’t having it. His arm shot out, pulling Meera back against him protectively. His grip on her waist was firm, bordering on painful.

"Stay back!" he snarled, his voice raw with anger. "She’s not yours, Arjun. She’s mine! She has always been mine!"

The words stunned Meera. She looked up at Veer, confusion and disbelief etched across her face.

"Veer, what are you saying? You’re hurting me!" she whispered, her voice strained as his grip tightened further.

But Veer wasn’t listening. His rage was consuming him, his focus solely on Arjun.

"V-Veer, stop, please.." Meera pleaded, her voice tinged with pain now. "You’re hurting me!"

Before she could plead again, a fist came flying. Arjun’s punch landed squarely on Veer’s jaw with a sickening thud.

The force sent Veer stumbling backward, and Meera, startled by the sudden movement, lost her balance and collided against the door with a gasp.

Pain flared through her shoulder, but before she could react, she felt a strong arm loop around her waist, steadying her.

Her breath hitched as she realized it was Arjun. His hold was firm but gentle, his body shielding her as though she were the most precious thing in the world.

"Are you okay?" Arjun’s voice was low, a rare moment of softness that almost made her forget the chaos unfolding around them.

Meera nodded hesitantly, her heart pounding not just from fear but also from the intensity of the moment.

Veer groaned as he pushed himself back to his feet, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. His expression was a mix of fury and something darker—something Meera had never seen in him before.

"I’ll kill you.." Veer growled, his voice deep and guttural. His eyes, usually warm and kind, were now wild and unrecognizable.

Meera’s heart clenched. This wasn’t the Veer she knew. The gentle, caring man she had grown to like, replaced by a man consumed by rage and jealousy.

"Veer, stop this!" Meera shouted, stepping forward, but Arjun held her back, his arm tightening around her protectively.

"Don’t." Arjun warned, his voice cold and commanding. "He’s lost control. Let me handle this."

"Handle it?" Meera spat, glaring at him. "You started this, Arjun! This is all because of you!"

Arjun’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he focused his attention back on Veer, whose fists were now clenched at his sides, his body tense like a coiled spring ready to strike.

"You’ve already lost, Veer." Arjun said, his voice calm but menacing. "Meera doesn’t belong to you. She never did. And she never will."

"Shut up!" Veer roared, charging forward.

Before he could reach them, Arjun pushed Meera gently behind him, stepping forward to meet Veer’s attack head-on.

Their bodies collided in a flurry of punches and grunts, the sound of fists connecting with flesh echoing in the night.

Meera stood frozen, her hands trembling as she watched the two men, tearing each other apart, one she hate and the other emerging a new personality she had never seen in him before.

It was a mess!

"Stop it! Both of you, stop!" she screamed, her voice breaking, but neither man paid her any attention.

Arjun’s movements were calculated and precise, his experience in fights evident.

Veer, on the other hand, fought with raw emotion, his punches wild but powerful.

As the fight dragged on, Meera couldn’t take it anymore. She ran forward, placing herself between the two men just as Veer swung his fist again.

"Meera, move!" Arjun barked, his voice laced with urgency.

"No!" she shouted, her arms outstretched to block them. "This has to stop! Right now!"

Veer froze, his fist inches from her face, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. Arjun stepped back slightly, his eyes scanning her for any sign of injury.

"Are you both out of your minds?" Meera yelled, her voice shaking.

The silence that followed was deafening. Veer’s expression faltered, guilt creeping into his features as he lowered his fist.

Arjun’s eyes softened, but his body remained tense, ready to react if Veer made another move.

"I can’t do this anymore." Meera said, her voice barely a whisper now. She stepped away from both of them, her eyes glistening with tears.

Her words hung in the air, cutting deeper than any punch could.

"Meera, wait...please... I-I—" Veer's voice cracked, his desperation evident as he stumbled forward, trying to reach her.

But Meera didn’t turn around. Her voice was cold and restrained, laced with exhaustion.

"Veer, go home." she said, keeping her back to him. "You’re hurt. You’ve already gotten more injuries tonight. And honestly...I don’t want to talk right now."

The words hit Veer like a blow. He stopped in his tracks, staring at her, His face twisted with a mix of hurt and anger. His fists clenched, his bruised knuckles trembling.

For a moment, it looked like he was going to protest, to push further, but then something in him gave way.

With a heavy sigh, Veer turned and limped toward his car. His shoulders sagged, his movements slow and labored.

Without another word, he got in, started the engine, and drove off into the night, leaving Meera standing alone in the cold.

But she wasn’t truly alone.

Arjun remained where he was, silent and unmoving, watching her every move like a shadow.

"Meera..." he began, his voice unusually soft, almost vulnerable. He took a step forward.

Slap!

The sharp sound echoed through the quiet street as Meera’s hand connected with his face. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her eyes blazing with fury and despair.

"Leave me alone, Arjun!" she shouted, her voice trembling but fierce. "I will never, never want you. Not now, not ever!"

Arjun didn’t flinch, his face stoic even as a red mark began to bloom on his cheek.

His dark eyes bore into hers, but for the first time, there was no smirk, no arrogance. Just silence.

Meera’s voice broke as she continued, tears streaming down her face.

"If you ever come near me again, I swear, I’ll end it. I’ll kill myself if that’s what it takes to get away from you. Maybe then—maybe then—we can both live our separate lives."

Her words hit harder than any slap could. Arjun’s expression shifted, the faintest flicker of pain crossing his features.

For the first time, the unshakable, ruthless man appeared...wounded.

He took a step back, his jaw tightening, his hands balling into fists. Without a word, he turned and walked away.

Meera watched him go, her breath hitching as she tried to process the weight of what had just happened. Her knees felt weak, but she refused to crumble, not now, not in front of him.

Just as Arjun reached his car, he stopped. His body was tense, his shoulders heaving as if struggling to contain the storm inside him.

Then, with a sudden burst of fury, he swung his fist into the car’s window.

Crack!

The glass cracked, the sharp sound making Meera jump.

"Arjun!" she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she saw the blood dripping from his knuckles.

But Arjun didn’t even flinch. His face was stone-cold, his jaw clenched so tightly it looked as though it might break.

Without sparing her another glance, he opened the door, got into the car, and sped off into the night.

Meera stood there, her heart pounding in her chest, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. The icy wind whipped around her, chilling her to the bone, but she didn’t move. She couldn’t.

For a moment, all was silent except for the sound of her own shaky breaths.