The dimly lit warehouse echoed with tense whispers and muffled footsteps as Arjun, Aarav, and Abhishek navigated their way through the shadows. Aarav's sharp gaze scanned the area while Abhishek silently signaled the position of Riya's guards. Arjun moved with purpose, his face a mask of determination. The chaos outside, orchestrated by Mayank and his men, provided the perfect distraction.
As they neared the main chamber, Arjun froze. A muffled cry reached his ears, faint but unmistakable. It was Sia.
"She's here," Arjun whispered hoarsely, his heart pounding.
Aarav placed a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "We'll get her out. Stay focused."
The three moved swiftly, taking down guards silently, their teamwork seamless. Finally, they reached the room where Sia was being held.
Sia's Rescue
Arjun burst into the room, his heart shattering at the sight before him. Sia was tied to a chair, her face pale, her body slumped forward as if all the life had been drained from her.
"Sia!" Arjun's voice cracked as he rushed to her side, untying the ropes with trembling hands.
Aarav and Abhishek covered the room, ensuring it was secure.
"Sia, wake up. It's me," Arjun whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He gently cradled her face, his eyes searching for any sign of life. Her eyelids fluttered weakly, and she let out a faint groan.
"I'm so sorry," Arjun murmured, his guilt overwhelming him. "This is all my fault. I should have protected you. I should have trusted you."
Sia's lips moved, but no words came out. Arjun pressed his forehead to hers, tears streaming down his face. "I love you, Sia. I've been a fool, blind to what was right in front of me. I let my pride and insecurities come between us. I'll never make that mistake again."
Riya's Arrival
The door creaked open, and Mayank entered, flanked by his men. They dragged a struggling Riya into the room, her hands bound tightly behind her back.
"Well, well," Mayank said, his tone mocking as he shoved Riya forward. "Look who decided to join the party."
Riya's glare was venomous. "You think you've won?" she hissed. "This isn't over."
Arjun rose to his feet, his expression dark as a storm. "You," he said, his voice low and dangerous, "are the reason for all this pain. You've hurt the one person who means the most to me. And for what? Your sick obsession with control?"
Riya laughed bitterly. "You're a fool, Arjun. You and everyone else. Sia has everyone wrapped around her finger, playing the victim."
"Enough!" Aarav snapped, stepping forward. "You're done, Riya."
Abhishek added coldly, "You'll pay for everything you've done."
The Tables Turn
As Mayank's men moved to secure Riya further, she lunged suddenly, snatching a gun from one of the guards.
"Stay back!" she screamed, pointing the weapon at Sia and Arjun.
The room froze. Aarav and Abhishek raised their hands, trying to calm the situation, while Mayank cursed under his breath.
"You think you can take everything from me?" Riya's voice was shrill, her hand shaking as she held the gun. "I won't let her win!"
Arjun stepped in front of Sia, shielding her with his body. "If you want to hurt her, you'll have to go through me," he said firmly.
"Arjun, don't!" Sia whispered, her voice breaking.
"Shut up, both of you!" Riya snarled, her eyes wild. "You don't get to decide how this ends."
And then, she fired the gun.
Bang!
Time seemed to slow as the deafening sound echoed through the room. Arjun's horrified eyes widened as he felt himself being shoved aside. His heart plummeted when he saw Sia clutch her shoulder, blood staining her dress.
"Sia!" Everyone shouted, Arjun reached to her, catching her as she stumbled, her face contorted in pain.
Riya's lips curled into a smirk, her eyes gleaming with twisted satisfaction. "Serves her right," she sneered.
But before she could relish her moment of triumph, another loud bang reverberated through the room.
Riya gasped, her smirk vanishing as the gun flew from her hand. She staggered backward, clutching her arm, blood dripping from a fresh wound. Her eyes darted toward the figure standing behind her.
It was Harish Mehta. His jaw was clenched, and his gun was still raised, smoke curling from the barrel. His expression was steely, his voice calm but menacing as he said, "This ends now, Riya."
Riya stared at him, her face pale with shock. "Dad? What... what are you doing here?"
"Cleaning up your mess," Harish replied coldly, his gaze filled with disappointment. "I warned you not to let your hatred consume you. But you've gone too far this time."
Riya tried to protest, but Harish silenced her with a sharp look. "Enough. Look around you, Riya. This isn't powerâit's destruction. You've become a monster." Then he Stares at his little daughter in guilt.
Arjun, holding Sia close, growled, "Monster doesn't even begin to cover it." His voice was laced with fury, but his attention quickly returned to Sia, his hands trembling as he pressed against her wound to stop the bleeding.
"Sia, stay with me," he pleaded, his voice breaking.
Sia winced but managed a weak smile. "I'm... I'm okay, Arjun. Don't let her... hurt anyone else."
"Don't worry about that," Aarav said, his voice sharp as he and Abhishek secured the room, ensuring the remaining guards were subdued. "She won't get another chance."
Mayank stepped forward, his face grim. "I told you, Riya. You've angered the wrong people. This is over."
Riya glared at him, her defiance faltering as Harish motioned for his men to take her away.
As the chaos settled, Harish turned to Arjun. "Get her to safety. I'll deal with Riya."
Arjun nodded, his focus entirely on Sia. "You're going to be okay," he whispered, his voice softening as he gently lifted her into his arms.
"Arjun," Sia murmured, her fingers weakly gripping his shirt.
"Shh," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I've got you now. And I'm never letting go."
With a final glance at the subdued Riya, Arjun carried Sia out of the warehouse, his heart heavy with guilt but filled with determination.
Tonight had been a nightmare, but he vowed that he would do everything in his power to heal the woundsâboth hers and his own.