48) Why is he so stubborn?

IT'S A DOUBLE UPDATE!

*plugs in earbuds*

*locks you all in a room before you start screaming*

*checks the lock again*

*runs away*

*comes back again to take a chocolate*

*runs for dear life*

Kiara's POV

Dhruv was here.

My nightmare was right there in front of me and there was nothing I could do.

My limbs started shaking and I felt extremely light-headed. A shudder wracked through my cold body and my palms turned sweaty.

"What the fuck is he doing here?" Arjun spat, venom dripping in his tone.

"Mind your language." Riya hissed. "This is my boyfriend you're talking about."

"What is happening here?" Both Mr. and Mrs. Singhania looked extremely confused as they sensed the thick tension in the atmosphere.

Dhruv stood there quietly, his lips curled in an evil smirk which only widened when his eyes flickered to me. His stare chilled me to my bones and I stood up on wobbly legs, clutching the back of Arjun's tee to seek any sort of comfort. On instinct, his hand shot out in front of me and I shifted closer to him.

"Hello, Kia." Dhruv sneered.

"Don't fucking talk to her, asshole." Arjun growled, his body shaking in anger and took a step forward but I held his outstretched hand. His gaze snapped to me and I shook my head softly, looking at him with worried eyes. His jaw clenched tight and he stopped, his hands balling into fists.

He stepped in front of me, completely hiding me from Dhruv's view. "Leave."

Riya came forward, scowling. "You can't talk to him like that."

Arjun ignored her, his raging eyes set on Dhruv. "I said LEAVE."

"Arjun," Mr. Singhania intervened as he glanced between him and Dhruv, "what is going on?"

Arjun's voice was cold as an iceberg when he forced the words out of his mouth. "He's the one who sent those people to hurt Kiara."

"What?"

"I just talked to the police. They confirmed it was him."

Riya gasped, her face outrageous. "Watch what you say. Karan didn't do anything."

"And who told you that? Your boyfriend?" Arjun mocked her, anger underlining his tone.

Mr. and Mrs. Singhania seemed in a dilemma as they didn't know whom to believe while Dhruv didn't even look slightly bothered, enjoying the drama unfolding in front of him.

"I can't deal with this shit anymore." Arjun muttered as he took out his phone, typing a quick message. He sent it to David, asking him to send the police here to arrest Dhruv. My hands tightened around his arm and he craned his neck to glance back at me.

"Can we leave? Please." My voice cracked as I tried to maintain my unaffected facade but the way his eyes softened when he looked at me, I knew I was failing miserably.

I didn't want to stay here anymore.

Nodding solemnly, he took my hand in his and we were about to walk out when Dhruv's voice stopped us.

"It has been a long time, hasn't it, Kia?"

Fear seeped into me and I didn't have the nerve to raise my eyes to him.

Arjun gripped my hand tighter as he rudely said, "I told you not to talk to her."

"I thought she would be missing her old friend."

My face turned pale at the snarky comment and I wound my other hand around Arjun's elbow, holding onto his arm as if my life depended on it.

I hated how smug he sounded. I hated how he still affected me. I hated how I still couldn't face him.

"What do-" Arjun faltered when his gaze landed on me. His face froze as he pieced two and two together. Realization dawned upon him when his eyes darted between me and Dhruv.

I gave a small nod in response, casting my eyes down in shame. "That's.. Dhruv."

When my gaze flickered back to Arjun, I swallowed a gasp. His whole demeanor changed. If he was angry before, he was furious now.

I might have already mentioned a few hundred times how scary Arjun was when he was angry.

Scratch that.

This was the scariest I had ever seen him.

The way his jaw clenched, the way his eyes darkened in rage, the way his muscles tensed. The simmering, cold fury radiating from him scared me.

"Arjun-" I tried to stop him but he was already striding towards Dhruv. Within a blink, Arjun's fist collided with his face and I gasped in shock. Riya screamed as Arjun landed another punch at Dhruv.

"Arjun, what are you doing!?" Mr. Singhania exclaimed loudly, rushing towards him.

"Had some old score to settle with him." He replied, glaring at Dhruv who was bent in a crouching position, holding his cheek.

Hauling him up by the collar, he slammed Dhruv against the wall. "That was for hurting my wife."

Dhruv groaned in pain and Arjun left him with a jerk, stepping back.

"I'm going to complain to the police." Riya screeched as she ran to Dhruv's side. She helped him stand properly and then snapped her head to Arjun. "How dare you hit my boyfriend?"

Arjun shoved his hands in his jeans pockets, his eyes never leaving Dhruv. "Why don't you ask your petty boyfriend what he did to deserve it?"

Dhruv looked up, clenching his jaw and lunged on Arjun. An alarmed shriek left my lips and I covered my mouth with both hands as they fell on the ground.

God, what was happening?

Mr. Singhania immediately called for security and four guards barged in. They had a hard time trying to break the fight because none of them were ready to back down.

Finally, the guards managed to pull Dhruv back while they didn't even dare to risk a glance in Arjun's direction.

After a long mental debate with myself, I decided to approach my angry husband. He was panting as he wiped the blood trickling down the side of his mouth with the back of his hand and I noticed the cut near his lips. There was a faint bruise on his forehead and his tee was a bit crumpled but other than that, he looked fine. Dhruv's condition was much worse as Riya fussed over his injuries. He had a black eye, his cheek was swollen and his lower lip had split open.

I know this isn't the time but Arjun will make an excellent boxer.

"Arjun?" I whispered, cautious of his mood. He turned around swiftly and I flinched at the sudden movement. His shoulders relaxed and his face softened as he took in my scared figure.

Just then, police arrived and Arjun straightforward gestured towards Dhruv.

"Here's your culprit, officer. Karan Sehgal. Take him."

"What? You can't do that." Riya protested as the officer handcuffed Dhruv. "Dad! Stop them. Karan hasn't done anything wrong."

"Arjun, are you really sure it was him?" Mr. Singhania looked highly dubious.

"Ask the police, dad. I'm not going to waste my time to explain anything to her." Arjun threw a dirty look at Riya who looked ready to kill him if given the chance.

Without another word, Arjun held my hand and steered me out of the mansion, away from the mess. We reached his car and he turned to me. He cupped my cheek, distress written all over his face. "Are you okay?"

His hands were warm against my cold, numb skin and my lower lip trembled as I shook my head, tears prickling my eyes. His lips parted in helplessness but before he could say anything, I hugged him. His arms wrapped around me in a nanosecond and he held me close to him.

"I want to go home." I sniffled after a few seconds, tears streaming down my face.

"As you say, princess." His lips brushed against the side of my forehead.

The whole ride back to home passed by in a blur. Arjun was eerily quiet and I didn't have the courage to talk. I was still hoping that I would wake up from this horrible dream. The only thing that was stopping me from breaking down was Arjun's hand in mine. He would squeeze it every now and then, his thumb rubbing soothing circles at the back of my hand.

While we were in the elevator, I couldn't stop worrying about his injuries. The cut had stopped bleeding but it still looked painful. My heart sunk and I looked away, struggling to stop the dam of tears that was ready to burst once again.

For God's sake, stop crying!

I couldn't help but feel guilty that he got hurt because of me.

As soon as we entered the penthouse, I caught hold of his wrist and made him sit on the couch. Rushing to the bathroom, I returned with the first-aid box.

"I am fine." Arjun waved a dismissed hand in air and I kept the box on the table with more force than necessary.

"No, you're not." I tried to be stern but there was a slight tremor in my voice. I sat beside him and looked inside the box.

"Are you worried about me, princess?"

My head whipped to him and I gave him an incredulous look. That infuriating devil had the audacity to smirk like he solved the mystery of Area 51 and aliens.

I hit his chest. "Of course, I am worried, you devil."

"Oww." He winced in pain, touching where I had just hit him and I immediately retraced my hand, gasping aloud.

Shit.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry." I apologized, berating myself for being so careless. "Does it hurt? Why di-" I stopped when I saw him biting his lip and struggling to contain his laughter. My mouth dropped open and he burst out laughing when he saw my dumb-founded expression.

I stared at him gobsmacked, at a loss of words.

Here I am, worried sick for him. And he's busy laughing like I cracked the funniest joke of the century.

The nerve of this gorgeous, annoying devil.

"You-you!" I hit him again but he laughed loudly.

I stood up, huffing and stomped my foot on the ground. "You know what? Fuck you."

"I know you want to." His smug tone had me gaping like a frog as I considered choking him to death with bare hands.

You'll leave fingerprints. Wear gloves.

"Go to hell!" I screeched and whirled around, ready to march in my old room and curse my obnoxious husband till the end of time when his hand enclosed around my wrist.

"Come here." Chuckling, he surprised me when he pulled me in his lap. "I was just messing with you."

I sucked in a sharp breath, getting flustered at how close he was and how his breath fanned over my neck. I looked anywhere but him in a poor attempt to hide my heated cheeks but my traitor heart wasn't ready to co-operate with me.

"You need to tend to me before you go." He handed me the first-aid box and I stood up stiffly, choosing to sit beside him rather than his surprisingly very comfortable lap.

I was afraid that I would somehow end up hurting myself instead of helping him if I was this close to him. My brain refuses to function properly in his vicinity and I always make a fool of myself.

Arjun stared at me. I stared at the first-aid box. The box stared back at me.

Okay. What am I supposed to do now? Play doctor?

"Antiseptic." He told me with an upward twitch of his lips, humour dancing in his eyes.

I looked at him with wide eyes and then nodded, my eyes shifting back to the box.

Right. Antiseptic.

I took the bottle and poured some antiseptic on a cotton ball. I was going to apply it to his cut when my concerned gaze flitted to Arjun. "Don't worry, it won't hurt much."

He looked almost amused as he studied me in slight bewilderment.

Giving him a reassuring smile, I held his hand and squeezed lightly. "Everything is going to be okay."

His gaze slowly flickered to our hands and then back at me as he probably questioned my sanity but I tightened my hold on his hand.

"Ookayy." He said slowly, still giving me the are-you-sure-you-don't-need-a-psychatrist look.

"Hold my hand tightly if it hurts too much."

His brows dropped in a blank look. "It's just a small cut. You're not performing a surgery on me."

I ignored him and applied the antiseptic, being extremely careful. He rolled his eyes. "I'm not dying, princess."

I glared at him and he shut up, averting his eyes. I dabbed the cotton against his cut a little harder this time and he hissed in slight pain.

Suffer now. You asked for it.

He was quiet after that and I proceeded to apply ointment on his forehead in peace.

Look how cute he is when he's silent a-

His face neared mine, his eyes shining with mischief. "You look really hot when you're angry."

Never mind.

I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from blushing and gushing over his flirting skills.

This guy could flirt anywhere, anytime.

Hold yourself together.

Punching his arm lightly, I laid my head on his shoulder begrudgingly.

"I hate you." I grumbled.

I could hear the smile in his voice when he said. "I beg to differ."

Colour bloomed on my cheeks and my heart beat picked up speed so I changed the topic.

"What was the need to punch him?" I asked quietly.

His mood turned serious. "He deserved it."

I raised my head from his shoulder, frowning. "What if something happened to you?"

Arjun rolled his eyes. "Relax. Nothing happened."

"But what if he hurt you?" I voiced out my fear and then shook my head. "Just because he had hit me doesn't mean you wi-"

"He WHAT?" His eyes widened in disbelief and I bit my tongue.

I never told him Dhruv had slapped me.

Fuck.

I shouldn't have said that. I shouldn't have said that.

I tried to look anywhere but him as I stumbled for an answer but he held my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes.

"What did he do?" He stressed on each word and I shivered at the dangerous look in his eyes.

"He s-slapped me. Once."

He gritted his teeth but his face was calm. Lethally calm. And I damn well knew the look on his face.

I stood up almost immediately, blocking his way. "No."

Arjun raised from the couch, barely restraining his anger. "He's not going to get away with hurting you."

"Arjun, please."

"You're still defending him after everything he did to you?" His eyes shone with outrage.

"I'm not defending him. I am worried about you. I can't see you hurt."

"Do you trust me?"

"Of course, I do. It's him I don't trust. I don't want you to end up in any trouble."

He disregarded everything I said and settled his cold glare on me.

"Move aside."

"Why can't you just listen to me?"

Why doesn't he understand I want nothing to do with Dhruv anymore?

He didn't deem it important to answer me and tried to step aside but I didn't let him.

"You're not going anywhere."

"Watch me." He shot back, his face stoic.

Why is he so stubborn?

"You're being the same arrogant jerk you were when I met you."

"Great." He mocked. "Then I suppose it doesn't matter what I do."

I took a deep breath even though I was a step away from wrestling him down to the floor. My voice was firm when I spoke again. "Don't. Just... don't."

But I knew him. I knew him very well. I knew he wasn't going to listen to me.

And as I predicted, he was about to walk past me when I nearly shouted. "Why don't you understand I don't want you getting hurt?"

"So, what if I get hurt?" He yelled in frustration, whirling around to face me.

That pissed me off more than I expected.

He had lost his mind.

"Well, I'm extremely sorry for being a considerate person." I snapped harshly, sarcasm lacing my tone. "Sorry for not being an emotionless asshole. Sorry for giving a damn about you and caring about what happens to you."

"Why? Why do you care?" He retorted and I finally lost it.

"BECAUSE I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU, IDIOT." I screamed back at him without missing a beat.

.

.

.

Silence.

Thick, shocked silence.

I froze. So did Arjun. And I'm pretty sure my heart did too.

My eyes widened to the size of saucers and I slapped a hand over my mouth in horror.

I just called him an idiot!

You also said you're in love with him, by the way. But pfft, minor details. Never mind, let's continue with the more important thing. *gasp* You called him an idiot, oh my god.

It took my sloth brain a few seconds to interpret the situation and when it did, the ground slipped from beneath my feet and my jaw dropped on the floor.

Shit.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

Holy freaking shit!

Where. Is. The. Fucking. Filter?

I would rather prefer setting myself on fire than face Arjun after this.

What the actual fuck, Kia?

As far as I remember, this is not how love confessions go.

Forget about being sweet and romantic, I called him an idiot. I could literally imagine God and his angels gawking at me from heaven.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the new episode of 'Why Kiara Singhania needs a damn filter in her mouth'.

A weird sound escaped the back of my throat as I stood there, still as a statue. My eyes were ready to roll out of my sockets while my brain had short-circuited and shut down completely. My lungs had stopped pumping oxygen in my body and my poor, small heart was beating into overdrive, ready to go in a cardiac arrest anytime.

This wasn't how it was supposed to happen.

Even the pathetic poem seemed like a better option than this.

Arjun was glued to his spot as if someone had paused him, his expression giving nothing away. I wasn't sure if he was breathing. Hell, I didn't even know if I was breathing!

"I.. I-" I tried to make a run for the kitchen in my panic but Arjun snapped out of his trance in time and caught my wrist before I could make the great escape, spinning me around to face him. Holding my hand against my back, he pulled me to him and I screwed my eyes shut.

"What did you say?" He breathed out, his hot breath fanning over my face and I shuddered at the intensity in his voice.

I didn't dare to look at him and his fingers tightened around my wrist as he pressed me further into him. My breath hitched when he repeated his words, his voice urgent. "What did you say?"

Can someone please turn me into a snake so that I can slither away from here?

I opened my eyes slowly and looked at Arjun. His eyes were wild, a million emotions brewing in them and my breath stuck in my throat at the way his black orbs were gazing at me. I gulped, my mouth as dry as sand paper.

It was too late to make up a lame excuse and make a bigger fool of myself. So, I braced myself for what was about to come.

"I love you." I croaked, my voice barely above a whisper.

It was so quiet that I could hear my own heartbeat. My heart hammered wildly in my chest as I waited for him to say something. Anything.

After what seemed like a lifetime, Arjun let out a shaky breath and touched his forehead to mine. "Say it again."

My knees turned into jelly at the desperation in his voice. A spark of hope ignited in my chest and I inhaled deeply.

"I love you." I bumped my nose with his and my eyes fluttered close on their own accord, our breaths intermingling.

I didn't want to open my eyes, I was too scared of his reaction.

There was a faint brush of something soft against my lips when the doorbell rang.

My eyes flew open and I almost banged the head of whoever was at the door for interrupting the moment.

Who the fuck invented doorbell?

Couldn't they wait?

We turned our heads sideways in the direction of the door. I was still in Arjun's arms so he took a step back and left my hand while I started plotting the death of whoever decided to visit us at this time in the night.

Arjun went to open the door and I followed him, only to find two cops and David standing at the doorstep. They were the same cops who were there at the mansion to arrest Dhruv.

David looked solemn, which was nothing new, but I had a feeling the matter was pretty serious.

"What is it, officer?" Arjun asked.

"Mr. Singhania, you're under arrest."

WHAT?

"Excuse me?"

"Your sister, Riya Singhania filed a complaint that you harassed her boyfriend. We have to take you into custody."

I was going to kill Riya.

"You'll have to come to the police station with us." The officer informed Arjun.

This couldn't be happening.

"But-"

The other officer stepped in my direction, reaching out for me. "As for you ma'am, w-"

Arjun extended his hand, effectively stopping him from walking any further.

"No one touches her." His edgy, hard voice reverberated in the silent hall. "The complaint was filed against me and I'm coming with you. Keep my wife out of this."

"Arjun-"

He shook his head with a meaningful look when I tried to interfere.

"David, stay with Kiara."

David gave a curt nod in response. My heart thudded in fear as Arjun stepped over the threshold and faced me.

"I'm fine." He blinked in assurance. "Call Sid. He will handle the situation."

No, no, no.

With one last look, he left with the police and I called Sid without wasting any time. He said that he would be here in ten minutes.

My anxiety only grew with each passing second as I moved around the hall restlessly, fumbling with my phone.

"Sir will be completely fine, ma'am. You don't need to worry about it." David said. "I have already contacted his lawyer and he is on his way to the police station."

I nodded thankfully at him. It did ease my worries but only to a small extent.

I can't relax until he's back.

All I wanted for tonight was a peaceful dinner but seemed like God had other plans. From having dinner with my in-laws and coming across Dhruv to confessing my feelings to Arjun in a rather outrageous-and-not-usually-preferred manner (please don't try this at home) and now Arjun going to the police station, the past three hours were a rollercoaster ride.

Was someone filming a TV drama on me and forgot to inform me? That would explain the unexpected turns and twists that kept coming my way.

True to his word, Sid reached the penthouse within 10 minutes and I had never been so glad to see him.

"How the hell did this happen?" He exclaimed as soon as he walked in.

I explained everything to him and he swore loudly, running a hand through his hair.

He took out his phone. "I need to go to the police station."

My anxiety was on peak and waiting around until Arjun came back wasn't going to help my case.

"I'm coming with you." I told Sid and he whipped his head to me.

"Do you want to see Arjun behind the bars?" He screeched hysterically.

"What?"

"If I bring you with me, Arjun will kill me without a second thought and get himself thrown in jail."

I rolled my eyes. "Sid-"

"Look at this poor guy." He pointed at David who suddenly looked quite alarmed. "How will you feel when Arjun fires David only because he let you go against his order? He will be on the streets!"

David now seemed extremely concerned, his doubtful gaze resting on Sid.

I propped a hand on my waist, staring blankly at the drama queen. "Are you done?"

"I guess."

"Arjun won't do any such thing." I said.

Sid still looked unconvinced and I sighed. "Look, I will make sure he doesn't kill you."

"And doesn't fire David." I added after a pause. "Can we please go now?"

Sid bit his lip, contemplating his options. "Okay. And while you are at it, make sure you carry some poison with you. If it comes to the worst, I'd rather chug down a whole bottle of poison than die by Arjun's hands."

I face-palmed.

"David, inform Mr. Singhania if he doesn't know about this yet. Ask him to reach the police station directly."

"On it, sir."

"Come on." Sid motioned me to move and I donned one of Arjun's hoodie over my top because of the cold air outside.

We left in haste and my anxiety kept growing to the point where I completely blanched, unable to form a proper thought in my mind.

"Call Rohan." Sid said as he drove like a car racer, making me double-check my seatbelt.

I tried his phone but it went straight to voicemail. "He is not picking up."

Sid banged the steering wheel in annoyance, a string of colourful words leaving his mouth.

Although Sid was driving very fast as if he had a race to win, this was probably one of the longest car rides of my life.

Finally, those torturous moments were over and we reached our destination after god-knows-how-many-minutes. I sprinted out of the car as if it was on fire and we entered the police station hurriedly.

Relief flooded through my body when I saw Arjun sitting on a chair opposite the officer's desk, unharmed.

He is alright.

"What the heck!" Sid came to a sudden halt and I looked at him in confusion.

"What is it?"

"What the hell is Meera doing here?"

"Wha-"

Sid pointed at the girl standing beside Riya, sneaking glances at Arjun every now and then.

That was Meera?

Great. Excellent. Per-fucking-fect.

As if today wasn't bad enough.

That was all I needed. A late-night encounter with my husband's ex when the said husband is in custody and I'm dressed like a homeless crackhead.

Slow claps for my fate for playing so well.

"Why is she here?" Sid asked, more to himself and suppressed a shiver. "God give me strength to deal with the witch." He ushered me to the officer's desk.

A man stood beside Arjun who, I'm assuming, was his lawyer. Even Riya had brought a lawyer with her and it took everything in me to not pick up a chair and throw at her with full force.

Our footsteps caught everyone's attention and their heads turned to us when we arrived.

"What-" Arjun stood up, astonished. "I told you to stay home."

Sid immediately pushed me forward, throwing his hands up in surrender and I shot him a glare, facing Arjun again. "I wanted to come."

He pursed his lips and I could see he wanted to say something but changed his mind at the last moment and nodded curtly.

"What is that fox doing here?" Sid whispered, eyeing Meera like she would turn into an animal anytime.

Arjun rolled his eyes, sitting on the chair again. "Meera is a friend of Karan. She's the one who convinced Riya to file a complaint."

Change of plans. I was going to commit two murders tonight.

"Riya! What are you doing?" Mr. Singhania stormed inside the police station with an angry frown on his face. Riya was surprised at his sudden appearance but masked her feelings with a monotonous face.

Now that's what you call an entrance.

"My boyfriend got hurt because of him, dad." She narrowed her eyes at Arjun. "If you can't do anything about it, I will."

I would punch this girl in the face. Hard.

Meera chose to remain quiet and it was good for her otherwise I would have straddled her to death by now. I refused to look in her direction, keeping my eyes firmly on others.

"Are you kidding me?" Mr. Singhania was furious. "Karan is a criminal. Or did you forget everything the officer told us back at home?"

How thick-headed can a person be?

"After everything you got to know about him, you still came here and pressed charges on your brother?"

"You don't have to worry about that." The police officer interrupted. "Mr. Arjun only needs to pay a small fine."

"That's it? Just a fine?"

Although Arjun was unexpectedly calm with Riya's behaviour, I was one step away from shooting her straight in the head. Even if I went to prison for it, it would be worth it.

"Riya, that's enough!" Mr. Singhania's voice thundered and she looked away, her eyes red in anger.

"It was just a scuffle, ma'am." Arjun's lawyer explained. "Nothing big. On the other hand, we have enough evidences against Karan Sehgal. He has been spotted in various CCTV cameras where he can be seen talking to the guy who broke in Mr. Singhania's penthouse."

"But why did they break in?" I asked.

"I had brought a property in Mumbai a few weeks ago." Arjun said. "It was supposed to be a joint project. Karan and I were going to make a seven-star hotel on the land. The deal was supposed to be finalized on my birthday but got cancelled at the last minute."

"The papers you were talking about," Arjun glanced at me, "they were the property papers. He wanted those."

"Where is he now?" Sid asked.

"He is in the interrogation room. We need to question him." The officer said.

I don't think I can handle this.

There was a dull, throbbing ache at the back of my head and I took a step back, rubbing my arms anxiously.

Arjun saw my condition and stood up, placing his hand on the small of my back. "How about you wait outside while I clear the mess?"

"Okay."

He gave me a small smile.

"I'll come with you." Sid joined me and we walked out. I was grateful for his company because I didn't want to be alone right now.

"You okay? He asked.

"Just a bit stressed out." We found a secluded corner and leaned our backs against the wall.

I took deep breaths, glancing at the sky.

All of a sudden, Sid groaned like he had been shot. When I looked at him questioningly, he gestured towards Meera who was coming in our direction.

What does she want now?

"Here comes the crazy hag." He muttered, looking like he would donate all his organs just to get out of here.

"Hey, Sid." Meera smiled widely when she approached us. "How are you? It's been a long time. I missed you."

Sid sneezed loudly and then rubbed his nose. "Sorry, I'm allergic to bullshit."

As an unexpected giggle burst out of my lips, I covered my laugh with a cough and her sharp eyes shot to me. She hid her embarrassment with an arrogant sneer, her gaze raking down my figure. "So, you are the wife?"

I cocked my head at her snobby tone, keeping my head high.

"I'm the girlfriend." She extended her arm for a handshake.

"Ex-girlfriend." I reminded her in a sharp tone, folding arms across my chest and glaring at her hand like it was some communicable disease.

She arched a brow, her face twisting in an ugly emotion. "Getting possessive, are we?"

My lips spread in a sickly-sweet smile.

"Well, I have to keep an eye out for all the witches hunting my man out there." I sighed dramatically. "You know how it is."

She was caught off-guard with my retort and tried to reduce the damage by stating proudly, "Don't forget he was with me before you."

"And still would have been if you didn't run away with his money." I paused, tapping a finger on my chin and pretended to think. "Or maybe not. You know how much Arjun hates trash."

Her eyes widened and she glared at me, enraged. "I will always be better than you."

"Clearly, that's why the ring is on my finger." I raised my left hand, showing off my wedding ring which glittered in the moonlight.

Her face turned red and there would have been smoke coming out of her ears if she was a cartoon.

Bitch, I took classes from the roast queen Maahi herself. You'll have to try better than that.

Sid was having the time of his life and looked ready to bring pom-poms and cheer for me.

Meera tried to speak but nothing came out of her mouth as she stood there gaping, struggling to come up with a good comeback.

You messed with the wrong person, honey.

"Do you need some water for your burn?" Sid offered in mock sympathy, the cheeky smile never leaving his face.

"You-" She stopped when she saw Arjun coming out of the police station. She straightened herself, opening her mouth to talk to him but Arjun walked straight to me, completely ignoring her.

Holding my chin, he took me by surprise as he kissed me softly and I lost all sense of reality for a moment. It took me a few seconds to come back to Earth as I blinked in a daze.

"You okay, princess?" He asked, brushing away some hair from my face.

I nodded smiling.

"Come on. Let's go home." He held my hand and entwined our fingers.

I was ready to get away from this mess and have a good night's sleep when Meera spoke again and I nearly hurled a brick at her.

"Don't you want to know who the traitor is?"

Arjun craned his neck to her, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Traitor?"

"Come on, Arjun. Don't be gullible. Do you really think that Karan planned everything on his own?"

Arjun and Sid exchanged glances.

"And what makes you think we will believe you?"

"I don't have any reason to lie." She shrugged. When she saw she had successfully caught our attention, she continued. "How do you think Karan knew that you had kept the property papers at your house? Unless," She drawled, "someone told him."

"Stop beating around the bush. If you know who's the traitor, tell us."

She adjusted her hair, taking her time to deliver a dramatic dialogue and I resisted the urge to break her teeth.

I need to find a proper burial site first.

"Where is Rohan, by the way?" Her gaze wandered around. "I don't see him here. Quite surprising, isn't it? His dear brother was in trouble and he wasn't here."

My eyes widened and a terrified gasp left my lips.

No.

It can't be.

Her gaze landed on me and she smirked. "He didn't pick up the phone, did he?"

👀

*still running for dear life*

*gunshots*

*hysterical screaming*

*gunshots intensify*

*screaming intensifies*

Until next update-

*screeches as a sharp knife flies past her*