Bhadresh tightened his grip on Tina’s neck, his gun pressed firmly against her temple.

Ayush stood frozen, desperation etched on his face.

Amay and Digvijay halted their movements, their eyes scanning for an opening.

"Leave her," Ayush pleaded, his voice firm yet strained. "Tina ko involve karne ki zaroorat nahi hai."

("Leave her. There’s no need to involve Tina in this.")

Bhadresh let out a dark, guttural laugh. "Yeh khel Tina se shuru hua tha aur aaj iske saath khatam hoga."

("This game started with Tina, and today it will end with her.")

His fingers dug deeper into her neck, making her wince in pain and close her eyes.

"How dare you?" he spat at Tina. "How dare you free those girls? Mera itna nuksaan kara diya aur sochti ho ki main tumhe chod dunga? Kabhi nahi. I will kill you."

("How dare you?. How dare you free those girls? You've caused me so much loss, and you think I'll let you go? Never. You will die by my hands.")

Ayush took a cautious step forward, his hands slightly raised. "Stop right there," Bhadresh barked. "Tumhara ek kadam aur... main trigger pull kar dunga."

("Stop right there. One more step from you... and I'll pull the trigger.")

Amay glanced at Digvijay, who returned a knowing look.

Subtly, Digvijay began moving to the left, his steps slow and deliberate.

As he reached into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and, with all his strength, hurled it at Bhadresh’s leg.

The impact made Bhadresh stumble slightly, his grip faltering for a split second.

Seizing the moment, Ayush lunged forward, yanking Tina out of Bhadresh’s grasp and pulling her close.

Bhadresh, startled, turned his gun toward Digvijay, his eyes blazing with fury.

But Digvijay smirked, unfazed. "Abe buddhe," he mocked, "marne ki umar mein jail jaane ke kaam kyun kar raha hai?"

("Hey old man, why are you doing things that will land you in jail at your age?")

In one swift motion, Digvijay kicked at Bhadresh’s leg, causing him to lose balance.

The gun slipped from his hand and clattered to the floor.

Ayush, quick on his feet, dove for the weapon and stood, now pointing it directly at Bhadresh.

Bhadresh froze, disbelief plastered on his face.

He was cornered.

Amay stepped forward, his voice cold and cutting. "Mr. Rao, I don’t forgive traitors. Tumne meri construction ko barbaad kiya, you run an illegal business, aur upar se human trafficking? Get ready to go to hell—in the form of prison."

("Mr. Rao, I don’t forgive traitors. You destroy my construction, engaged in illegal business, and on top of that, human trafficking? Get ready to go to hell—in the form of prison.")

The faint sound of sirens grew louder, and within moments, the area was surrounded by police vehicles.

ACP Anushuman Reddy stepped out, his signature swagger evident.

Taking in the scene, he smirked. "Wow, maine zyada thrill toh miss nahi kiya, right?"

("Wow, I didn’t miss much of the thrill, right?")

Digvijay chuckled, amused by his friend’s entry. "Bohot nahi, bas popcorn lana miss kar diya," he quipped.

("Not much, you just forgot to bring the popcorn.")

Amay rolled his eyes. "You're the same as always—arrogant and the 'I'm the coolest' jackass."

Anushuman adjusted his goggles with exaggerated flair. "And you're the same as always, with your stoic face and intolerable asshole."

Before Amay could retort, Anushuman turned to Bhadresh. "Bhadresh Rao, you are under arrest for the collapse of the construction, human trafficking, and the attempted murder of Tina Agrawal." He motioned to his team. "Chaliye, naye mehmaan ko jail ki permanent sair karwate hain."

("Bhadresh Rao, you are under arrest for the collapse of the construction, human trafficking, and the attempted murder of Tina Agrawal. Let’s take the new guest for a permanent tour of the jail.")

Two officers stepped forward, snapping handcuffs onto Bhadresh’s wrists.

He struggled in their hold, his face a mask of rage, but his resistance was futile.

His gaze locked onto Ayush and Tina, his eyes burning with hatred.

As the officers dragged him away, Anushuman glanced back at the group. "Okay, guys, statement dene police station aa jaana." He put on his sunglasses and added with a sly grin, "Tab tak main naye mehmaan ke swagat ki taiyaari karwata hoon." With that, he turned and walked away.

("Okay, guys, come to the police station to give your statements. In the meantime, I'll prepare for the welcome of our new guest.")

Tina leaned into Ayush, her body trembling but her resolve strong.

Ayush held her tightly, whispering, "Ab sab thik hai. Tum safe ho."

("Everything is fine now. You’re safe.")

And as the sound of the police sirens faded, the weight of the ordeal lifted—justice, at least for now, was served.

At Amay's insistence, Ayush, Tina, Digvijay, and Amay made their way to Shekhawat Mansion.

Inside, Suman paced anxiously in the living room, her mind racing.

Her tense expression softened as she saw Amay enter.

A deep sigh of relief escaped her lips, and she called out for Tara and Anirudh.

Both quickly emerged from their rooms, their expressions equally concerned.

Seeing Amay’s disheveled appearance, his clothes and hair in disarray, Suman couldn’t contain herself.

Without a second thought, she rushed to him and enveloped him in a tight embrace.

The others watched, smiles forming on their faces at the sight of the warmth between the two.

Even Ayush and Tina couldn’t help but smile, their relief clear.

Amay chuckled softly, holding her tightly. "Suman, ab rone mat lag jaana."

("Suman, don't start crying now.")

She pulled back slightly, her face lighting up in a playful glare.

She slapped him lightly on the chest and said, "Very funny."

Then she turned her attention to Tina.

Before Tina could react, Suman had already walked up to her and pulled her into a hug.

"Are you okay?" Suman asked, her voice soft but concerned.

Tina, taken aback by the gesture, froze for a moment.

She hadn’t expected Suman of all people to hug her, especially after everything that had happened.

The weight of the past hung over her, and the kindness in Suman's embrace made her throat tighten with emotion.

She couldn’t find the words to respond immediately.

Amay watched this exchange, a proud smile tugging at his lips.

Seeing his wife show such kindness to others only made him admire her more.

As he observed Suman, Digvijay nudged him and said with a teasing grin, "Bas kar, kitna ghoorega, teri hi biwi hai."

("Stop it, how much are you going to stare? She's your wife.")

Amay’s smile widened, and he whispered, "Jaanta hoon, issliye toh nihar raha hoon."

("I know, that's why I'm admiring her.")

Digvijay chuckled, but the moment was tender.

Suman finally pulled away from Tina, giving her a reassuring smile.

Tina, still recovering from the unexpected embrace, smiled back, her voice steady as she said, "I’m fine. Thank you."

Suman nodded, her eyes warm. "It’s okay, Tina. You’re fine now. Everything’s okay."

Tina gave her a small nod, her emotions still stirred.

The awkwardness between them was gone now, replaced by a quiet understanding.

Suman then turned to Ayush. "How are you, Ayush?"

Ayush met her gaze, and for the first time in a long while, there was no tension between them. "I’m good," he replied, his voice calm and sincere.

She nodded in acknowledgment, a gentle smile on her face.

The past was no longer a barrier between them.

What stood before them now was something far more pure and magical—a new beginning.

Tara and Anirudh moved forward to hug Amay, their relief evident.

Amay, always the pillar of strength, reassured them. "Everything’s fine now."

As they all settled onto the sofa, Amay began explaining everything that had happened.

Shock and disbelief painted the faces of everyone present, but the weight of the situation didn’t escape them.

Suman’s heart ached as she looked at Tina, her thoughts racing.

How had she managed to endure all of this?

To have a father who wanted to kill his own daughter—it was heart-wrenching.

They continued to talk and catch up, but then Suman’s gaze shifted to the entrance, and she smiled. "Yeh lo, Aarushi bhi aa gayi."

("Here you go, Aarushi has also arrived.")

Everyone turned toward the doorway, where Aarushi stood.

Suman explained, "Aarushi called me. She was tense, so I called her here."

Ayush smiled warmly, nodding at his sister. "It’s okay, Suman. Accha kiya, come Aaru."

("It's okay, Suman. Good that you called her. Come, Aaru.")

Aarushi smiled in return and made her way toward the group.

She greeted Tara and Anirudh warmly before settling down beside Tara.

The room was filled with an air of quiet contentment as everyone was together, safe and sound, after the turmoil they had faced.

DIGVIJAY'S POV

I leaned back against the plush sofa, a rare, easy smile playing on my lips as I watched the lively chatter around me.

It wasn’t often that I found myself in such a warm, familial atmosphere, and I was enjoying the relaxed camaraderie.

The Shekhawat mansion buzzed with conversation and laughter, a stark contrast to the high-stakes world I usually operated in.

Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps caught my attention.

My gaze shifted to the entrance, and my amusement froze for a moment, replaced by something I couldn’t quite define.

A girl stepped into the room, her presence immediately commanding my attention.

It didn’t take long for me to realize who she was—Aarushi, Ayush Agrawal’s younger sister.

We had spoken on the phone just hours ago, but seeing her in person was an entirely different experience.

Her beauty was striking, but it wasn’t the kind that demanded attention—it was quiet, understated, and utterly disarming.

She radiated a kind of innocence and purity that felt almost otherworldly to me.

As she stepped further into the room, her curious eyes darted around, taking in the unfamiliar faces.

There was a hint of nervousness in her expression, likely due to the tension surrounding her brother, yet there was a certain grace in how she carried herself.

When Aarushi greeted Tara aunty and Anirudh uncle, her soft, timid voice reached my ears, and I felt my breath hitch, as though her words had stolen the air from my lungs.

I watched, spellbound, as she moved with delicate steps, her worry for her brother evident in the way her eyes sought him out.

She smiled warmly at Suman bhabhi and exchanged pleasantries with Amay, who responded with a small smile of his own.

I found myself strangely envious of their easy interaction, though I couldn’t understand why.

Ayush motioned for Aarushi to sit beside him, and she nodded obediently, her small frame sinking into the sofa beside her brother.

My eyes never left her.

The way she fussed over Ayush, her concern evident in the small creases on her forehead, tugged at something deep within me.

She smiled at the others when they spoke, and that smile... it was like the first ray of sunlight breaking through a cloudy sky.

I found myself completely captivated by her.

It wasn’t just her beauty—though it was undeniable—but something about her presence felt magnetic.

There was a warmth, a genuine care for those around her, and an innocence that made the chaos of the world seem distant.

I had always been a man who lived in the moment, avoiding attachments and long-term commitments.

My life had been filled with fleeting relationships, none of which had left a lasting mark.

I had never believed in the idea of spending a lifetime with one person, often dismissing it as a naive fantasy.

But as I sat there, unable to take my eyes off Aarushi, I felt something shift within me.

I didn’t know what it was or what it meant, but I knew one thing for certain—her presence was unlike anything I had ever experienced.

And for now, I was content to bask in the quiet joy of simply watching her, my heart unexpectedly lighter in her presence.

DIGVIJAY'S POV ENDS

AYUSH'S POV

I gripped the steering wheel tightly as the car moved steadily through the quiet streets.

The dim streetlights cast a warm glow over the otherwise dark road, but my mind was far from the present.

My thoughts were trapped in that moment—etched into my memory—when I saw Tina held at gunpoint.

Fear.

Raw and paralyzing.

I had never felt anything like it before.

The image of her standing there, vulnerable and terrified, haunted me.

My heart had stopped in that instant, and the weight of it still lingered in my chest.

For the first time in my life, I truly understood what it felt like to fear losing someone—not just anyone, but her.

I glanced sideways at Tina, her profile softly illuminated by the glow of passing streetlights.

She was leaning back against the headrest, her gaze fixed on the window, lost in her own world.

She looked calm now, but I couldn’t shake the memory of her face from earlier—the fear, the helplessness.

My fingers tightened around the wheel as a shudder ran through me.

I didn’t just fear for her life in that moment.

I feared for my own, too.

Because the thought of losing her was unbearable.

I had never expected to find myself here—with her, of all people.

Our marriage hadn’t started with love.

It was born out of circumstances, out of convenience.

But somewhere along the way, Tina had become a part of my world, a constant presence that I had grown to depend on without realizing it.

I couldn’t imagine life without her now.

The realization hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me stunned.

When had this happened?

When had her presence become so integral to my own sense of stability?

Another glance at Tina.

She hadn’t moved, her head still resting lightly on the seat, her face serene but distant.

I couldn’t help but steal these small glances, as though checking to make sure she was really there, that she hadn’t slipped away like a fleeting dream.

The car ride passed in silence.

I had nothing to say, and yet my mind was loud with unspoken words, unprocessed emotions.

Each glance at Tina only deepened my resolve.

I would never let anything happen to her again.

I would do whatever it took to protect her, to keep her by my side.

As we neared the house, I let out a slow breath, trying to steady the whirlwind inside me.

For now, I wouldn’t speak of my fears or my realization.

But in my heart, something had shifted irreversibly.

Tina wasn’t just a part of my life anymore—she was my life.

And losing her was no longer an option.

AYUSH'S POV ENDS

The Agrawal house loomed with an unusual tension as Ayush, Tina, and Aarushi stepped inside.

The living room lights cast a harsh glow, accentuating the storm brewing within.

Ayush’s eyes immediately fell on his parents.

His father, Bhupendra, sat on the sofa, his face devoid of expression, while his mother, Meena, paced back and forth, her face contorted with anger.

Two suitcases sat near the entrance, an ominous sign of what was to come.

Meena’s gaze snapped to the doorway as the three entered.

Her expression darkened further at the sight of Tina.

Without a word, she strode toward her with furious determination.

Ayush stepped forward, alarmed. "Kya hua, Mom?"

("What happened, Mom?")

Meena ignored his question entirely.

In one swift motion, she raised her hand, aiming to slap Tina.

But before her hand could connect, Ayush intercepted, gripping her wrist firmly.

Tina flinched, startled by the sudden escalation, her body instinctively moving back.

Ayush stood tall in front of her, shielding her from the onslaught. "Yeh kya kar rahi hai aap?" he asked, his voice firm yet tinged with disbelief.

("What are you doing?")

"Haath chhod mera, Ayush!" Meena snapped, glaring at him. "Tujhe pata bhi hai ki teri barbaadi ki wajah yeh ladki hai!"

("Let go of my hand, Ayush! Do you even realize that this girl is the reason for your ruin?")

Ayush didn’t budge.

His grip remained steady as he responded, his tone cold and resolute. "Mom, meri barbaadi ki wajah Tina nahi hai."

("Mom, Tina is not the reason for my ruin.")

"Lekin iska baap toh hai!" Meena hissed, her anger unrelenting. "Aur kya pata, iss ladki ne bhi apne baap ki madad ki ho! Yeh iska saaman hai," she spat, pointing to the suitcases. "Isse abhi issi waqt ghar se nikal! Vaise bhi, tum dono ki shaadi teri marzi ke bina hui thi. Tu toh isse apni biwi bhi nahi maanta. Toh iss rishte ka koi matlab nahi hai! Nikal de isse apni zindagi se!"

("But her father is! And who knows, maybe this girl helped her father too! This is her luggage. Get her out of this house right now! Anyway, your marriage to her happened without your consent. You don't even consider her your wife. So this relationship has no meaning! Get her out of your life!")

Her venomous words ignited a fire within Ayush.

His body tensed, his fists clenched at his sides.

He could feel the anger bubbling, threatening to spill over.

"Tina kahin nahi jaayegi," he declared, his voice unwavering.

("Tina isn't going anywhere.")

Meena stared at him, bewildered. "Tu pagal ho gaya hai? Itna sab hone ke baad bhi tu iski side le raha hai?"

("Have you gone mad? After all this, you're still taking her side?")

"Aapko poori baat nahi pata," Ayush shot back, his voice rising slightly. "So please, bina poori baat jaane, aap meri biwi pe ilzaam nahi laga sakti."

("You don't know the whole story. So please, without knowing everything, you cannot blame my wife.")

Meena froze, stunned by his words.

Aarushi, standing silently to the side, couldn’t suppress a small smile.

She was proud of her brother for standing up for Tina.

Meanwhile, Tina, who had been watching silently, felt a surge of warmth and admiration for Ayush.

She hadn’t expected him to defend her with such conviction, but now, as she gazed at him, all she could feel was love.

Meena, however, wasn’t ready to back down. "Theek hai, tu isse nahi nikalega na?" she said, her voice dripping with venom. "Koi baat nahi. Main nikal deti hoon."

("Fine, you won’t throw her out, right? No problem. I’ll throw her out myself.")

She grabbed Tina’s wrist, yanking her toward the door.

Tina stumbled slightly, the sudden force catching her off guard.

But before Meena could pull her any further, Tina felt a tug on her other hand.

She turned, her eyes widening as she saw Ayush holding onto her.

"Mom, leave her," Ayush said, his voice dangerously calm.

Meena refused to let go, her grip tightening.

"I. SAID. LEAVE. HER HAND. MOM."

The weight of each word, delivered with icy precision, made Meena flinch.

Reluctantly, she released Tina’s hand, recoiling slightly from her son’s anger.

Ayush took a deep breath, attempting to steady himself. "Aapko pata bhi hai ki yeh sab Bhadresh Rao ki wajah se hua hai? Tina ki koi galti nahi hai."

("Do you even know that all this happened because of Bhadresh Rao? Tina is not at fault.")

He turned his gaze toward his father, who had remained silent throughout. "Aur aap? Aapko kuch nahi kehna, Papa?"

("And you? Don't you have anything to say, Papa?")

Bhupendra looked up, his expression heavy with guilt. "I’m sorry, beta. Inn sab mein jitni galti Bhadresh Rao ki hai, utni meri bhi hai."

("I’m sorry, son. In all of this, as much as Bhadresh Rao is at fault, so am I.")

Meena’s confusion deepened. "Yeh aap kya keh rahe hain?" she demanded.

("What are you saying?")

Ayush let out a bitter chuckle. "Itna confused kyun hai aap? Aapke pati ne bataya nahi ki Bhadresh Rao ke human trafficking business mein unki madad kaun karta tha?"

("Why are you so confused? Didn’t your husband tell you who was helping Bhadresh Rao in his human trafficking business?")

He pointed toward his father, his words sharp and cutting. "Yeh. Aapke pati."

("This. Your husband.")

Meena’s face turned pale.

Aarushi gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock.

Ayush continued, his voice laced with bitterness. "Meri aur Tina ki shaadi issi wajah se hui thi. Kyunki Bhadresh Rao ne aapke pati ko blackmail kiya tha. Agar Tina ki shaadi mere saath nahi hui, toh woh inhe expose kar deta."

("My marriage to Tina happened because of this. Bhadresh Rao blackmailed your husband. If Tina didn’t marry me, he would’ve exposed him.")

Bhupendra looked down, shame etched into every line of his face.

"Aaj ke baad koi Tina pe ilzaam nahi lagayega," Ayush declared, his voice steady and firm. He turned to Meena, his eyes blazing. "Tina biwi hai meri. Aur pyaar karta hoon main isse. Aur khabardar jo aaj ke baad kisi ne iske saath badsaluki ki, toh mujhse bura koi nahi hoga."

("From now on, no one will accuse Tina. Tina is my wife. And I love her. And beware, if anyone mistreats her from now on, no one will be worse than me.")

Without another word, Ayush took Tina’s hand in his and led her toward their room.

Tina followed silently, her heart full, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

Meena stood rooted to the spot, stunned into silence.

Bhupendra remained seated, the weight of his actions pressing down on him, while Aarushi smiled softly, proud of her brother for taking a stand for his wife.

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