Chapter 63: Chapter Fifty Seven.

Hey, everyone!

First off, I want to thank you all for your patience. I know it’s been a while since my last update, and I owe you an explanation. So, here’s the full story—with both good and (potentially) bad news.

When I started writing this book last year, I wanted to get my work out there to a larger audience. To do that, I submitted it to a couple of writing platforms, hoping they’d take a chance on my story.

Unfortunately, the first two platforms rejected it, saying it didn’t meet their requirements. I won’t lie—it stung a little. But I wasn’t discouraged because I had something even better: you reader

The love and support I’ve received from all of you here mean more to me than any platform's approval. Knowing that you’ll enjoying my story keeps me motivated to continue writing, no matter what.

Now for the good news—things have taken an unexpected turn. One of the platforms I signed my other book with actually approved this book too! Honestly, I was shocked (in the best way possible). On top of that, an editor from a different platform—who happens to be a reader here—reached out to me and suggested I publish this book on their platform as well.

Here’s where things get complicated.

I now have two offers on the table—one from an exclusive platform and another from a non-exclusive one. If I accept the exclusive contract, it means this book will have to be taken down from Wattpad entirely. But if I go with the non-exclusive deal, I can keep the story here while publishing it on their platform too.

I’ve been torn about this decision, which is why updates have been delayed. On one hand, the exclusive deal could be a great opportunity for my writing path. On the other hand, I don’t want to let you guys down because this platform has been my home, and you’ve been my biggest supporters from the beginning.

At the moment, I’m leaning toward accepting the non-exclusive deal so I can keep sharing this story with you here. But I’d really love to hear your thoughts. Your opinions matter so much to me, and I want to make the best decision not just for myself, but for you all as well.

Also, should I let this one off and start publishing Trapped in an obsession web?

Let me know what you think in the comments!

Guys, Thank you so much for sticking with me through this journey.

Let's get back to the story🙂

P.s this chapter won't be long! Because I didn't want to update, I needed your guys to speak up first.

◇◇◇

The sound of commotion outside the lavish Madhav mansion pulled Mr. Madhav’s attention away from his phone call.

He placed his hand over the receiver and listened closely, his sharp eyes narrowing in suspicion.

“Keep the search going.” he instructed the person on the line before ending the call abruptly.

From across the room, Mrs. Madhav, who had been slicing an apple with quiet precision, glanced up.

Their eyes met, and though no words were exchanged, the tension was palpable.

“Give me back my daughter!” a voice thundered from outside.

Mrs. Madhav frowned and set down the fruit knife. Before either of them could react, Mr. Ahuja burst into the room, flanked by struggling guards who were doing their best to hold him back.

His face was a mask of rage, his breathing labored, and his glare fixed squarely on Mr. and Mrs. Madhav.

“Where is my daughter, you crazy, lunatic family?” Mr. Ahuja bellowed, his voice trembling with anger and despair. “What did you do to her?”

The guards tightened their grip on his arms, but Mr. Madhav raised his hand, signaling them to release him.

As soon as the guards let go, Mr. Ahuja charged toward him. “Give me back my daughter!” he shouted, his voice cracking with raw emotion.

Mr. Madhav remained calm, his expression unreadable as he stared down the frantic father.

“Please, Mr. Ahuja, you need to calm down.” Mrs. Madhav interjected, stepping forward in an attempt to diffuse the situation.

“Calm down? Tell your crazy son to bring Meera out now!” Mr. Ahuja barked, pointing an accusatory finger at her.

“She isn’t here.” Mr. Madhav said firmly. “Meera has been kidnapped.”

The words seemed to echo in the room, freezing Mr. Ahuja mid-step. His face twisted in confusion and disbelief.

“What?” he whispered, his voice almost inaudible.

“Meera has been kidnapped.” Mrs. Madhav confirmed, her voice heavy with sorrow.

“But don’t worry. We’re doing everything in our power to bring her back safely.”

Mr. Ahuja staggered slightly, his knees threatening to buckle under the weight of the revelation.

“W-why? Why my daughter?” he stammered, his voice quivering. “Who would do this?”

“Ranveer Luthra.” Mr. Madhav answered without hesitation, his tone laced with disdain.

The mention of Ranveer’s name made Mr. Ahuja’s eyes widen. His face darkened, his hands curling into fists as he clenched his teeth.

“This is all your fault.” he growled, his voice trembling with fury. “My daughter would never have been in this mess if it weren’t for your son and his obsession with her! Your son should’ve left her alone when it was clear she didn’t want anything to do with him!”

“Mr. Ahuja—” Mrs. Madhav began, stepping forward.

“No!” Mr. Ahuja snapped, cutting her off. “You think you can justify this? You think dragging an innocent girl into your criminal family is something to celebrate?”

“You’re upset, and rightfully so.” Mrs. Madhav said gently, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“But you have to understand—we love Meera. She’s not just some girl to us. She’s already a part of this family.”

“Part of your family?” Mr. Ahuja repeated bitterly.

“Yes.” she replied. “When Arjun first told me he wanted to marry, I couldn’t believe it. Marriage was never a word he entertained. But then I found out it was Meera—the same sweet girl I’d met at my husband’s birthday party, the one who captured my heart with her grace and humility. I knew then that she was the one meant for us.”

Mr. Ahuja’s glare faltered as he listened to her heartfelt words.

“I even came to your home.” she continued.

“I saw the way you looked at my son—with distrust, with judgment. And I understand why. You see him as a criminal, a man with no moral compass. But you don’t know him like I do. Arjun isn’t a criminal. He’s a protector. He fights for justice, even if it means walking a path others can’t understand.”

Tears welled in her eyes as she spoke. “When Meera comes into this family, she won’t just be marrying Arjun. She’ll be gaining a family that will love and cherish her as much as you do.”

For a moment, the room was silent, the tension hanging thick in the air.

Mr. Ahuja’s shoulders sagged, his anger giving way to the overwhelming fear and sorrow of a father who felt powerless.

“I just want my daughter back.” he whispered hoarsely.

“And you will get her back.” Mr. Madhav said, his voice firm and resolute.

“This isn’t just your fight anymore. It’s ours too. And I promise you, anyone who dares to harm Meera will pay dearly.”

◇◇◇

Meanwhile.

The dimly lit motel hallway was eerily quiet as a young man, appearing to be in his late twenties, ascended the creaky staircase.

He moved cautiously, his senses tingling as if something was amiss.

His eyes darted around, scanning the shadows, but he dismissed the feeling and continued toward his room.

Reaching the door, he pulled out his keys, his movements hurried yet precise.

He unlocked the door and pushed it open, but the sight waiting inside made his blood run cold.

Arjun stood in the middle of the room, his tall, imposing figure bathed in the pale light filtering through the curtains.

His expression was cold, his sharp eyes locked on the young man with a menacing intensity.

The young man froze, his breath catching in his throat. Panic set in, and he instinctively turned to flee, but his path was blocked.

Karan stepped into the doorway with a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes, trapping him inside.

“W-who are you people?” the young man stammered, backing into the room as his wide eyes darted between Arjun and Karan.

“Just your friendly neighborhood visitors.” Karan replied, his voice calm yet laced with menace. The smirk on his face was anything but reassuring.

The young man began to tremble, his fear evident. Karan advanced slowly, his presence exuding both confidence and danger.

He placed a firm hand on the man’s shoulder, causing him to flinch.

“Relax.” Karan said, his tone deceptively gentle. “We’re not here to hurt you.”

The man’s eyes flicked to Arjun, who hadn’t moved an inch.

His presence alone was suffocating, and the cold fury in his gaze sent a chill down the young man’s spine.

“But.” Karan continued, his voice dropping slightly, “if you don’t cooperate…” He gestured toward Arjun with a tilt of his head. “You see him? Yeah, he’s not as patient as I am.”

The young man swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing visibly.

“You’ll cooperate, right?” Karan asked, his hand squeezing the man’s shoulder just enough to emphasize his point.

“W-what do you want?” the young man managed to choke out, his voice shaky.

Arjun finally spoke, his deep, commanding voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

“We want answers.” he said, taking a step closer. The intensity in his tone left no room for argument.

The young man stumbled back until his legs hit the bed, forcing him to sit down.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.” he stammered, his hands trembling as he raised them in a defensive gesture.

“Don’t play dumb.” Karan said, his smile fading. “We know you’re Jacob. We know you work for the Khan Company. And we know you had a part in transporting someone important to us.”

Jacob’s face paled, and he shook his head vehemently. “I don’t know anything about—”

Before he could finish, Arjun grabbed a nearby chair and dragged it across the floor, the screeching sound making Jacob flinch.

He sat down, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, his piercing gaze never leaving Jacob’s face.

“You’re going to tell me where Meera is.” Arjun said, his voice low and dangerous. “And if you think lying will save you, think again. Because the moment I find out you’re not being honest…” He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “I’ll make you regret it.”

Jacob’s lips quivered as he tried to form words. “I-I didn’t have a choice.” he finally blurted. “They—they hired me to drive, that’s all! I don’t know where they took her!”

Arjun’s jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. “Names.” he demanded. “Who hired you?”

“It was Mahira!” Jacob said, his voice breaking. “She’s the one who planned everything. She and Ranveer Luthra—they’re the ones calling the shots!”

Karan exchanged a quick glance with Arjun, both men’s expressions hardening.

“Where did you drop her off?” Arjun pressed.

“I-it was an old warehouse, near the docks.” Jacob stammered. “I swear, that’s all I know! Please, I’m just the driver!”

Arjun stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. The sudden movement made Jacob flinch again.

“If you’re lying...” Arjun said, his voice deadly calm, “I’ll make sure you never drive anything again.”

“I’m not lying! I swear!” Jacob pleaded, tears forming in his eyes.

Karan stepped back, pulling out his phone and typing quickly.

“We’ve got what we need.” he said, giving Arjun a nod.

Arjun turned to leave, but not before leveling one last glare at Jacob.

“Pray you’ve told the truth. For your sake.”

With that, he strode out of the room, Karan following close behind. Jacob collapsed onto the bed, his body trembling with relief and fear.

The door slammed shut behind them, leaving him alone to grapple with the consequences of his actions.

♧♧♧

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