She forced a smile at him, but her lips quivered while he asked,

"So, who was it?" in a light tone of curiousity, completely oblivious to the storm raging inside her.

Her eyes darted to the man behind him, who was adjusting the gun with direct preciseness.

Her heart pounded more violently against her chest, and her palms became moist once again.

Tears pricked her eyes, and she whispered, "Let's get out of here. Now. Please." Her voice cracked with her desperation seeping through it. "My father has sent—"

The sudden buzz of her phone made her flinch.

Her breath hitched after she glanced at the screen.

Her hands started quivering when she read the message,

"I expected you'd be foolish. Now, your mother will have to pay for your stupid mistake, but you can still correct it."

Her stomach plunged.

Cold sweat trickled down her back while a suffocating fear wrapped itself around her.

Her mind screamed at her to think, to act, but she felt paralyzed from every corner.

Her eyes darted back to him, who was watching her intently. "What's wrong?" he asked, his brows now furrowing in concern.

"I..." Her voice broke and she continued reading the message.

"You have three minutes left. By 9:00, I want you to be back home and by ten, have already boarded the train."

The words became blurred because tears filled her eyes, but she blinked them away to maintain her composure.

Akash tilted his head, his gaze turning very soft. "Anita, what's going on? You're scaring me."

She bit her trembling lip, her nails digging into her palm as she forced herself to face him.

Her heart wailed at her to tell him the truth, but her father's warning echoed in her mind.

"I..." she started, her voice breaking.

She glanced at the man behind him again, whose finger was grazing the trigger of the gun.

Her gaze bounced to the other man behind the car, both of them ready to strike.

She swallowed hard and forced a shaky smile. "I have to tell you something."

"Okay," he said in an encouraging voice.

He stepped closer to her and wanted to hold her hands, but she immediately stepped back.

"I... I can't marry you," she whispered, her words barely audible yet loud enough to shatter her heart.

His smile faded for a while before he concluded she was only teasing him. "What are you saying?" He replied.

Her tears betrayed her and they streamed down her cheeks, regardless, she didn't dare wipe them away. "I... I've thought about it, and it's not the right decision. I... I don't think we're meant to be together."

His brows furrowed, and he shook his head, his voice filled with disbelief. "What you're saying doesn't make sense. What's going on? Did someone say something to you?"

She glanced at her phone towards the clock that was ticking down.

Two minutes left.

Her breathing quickened as more panic clawed at her throat.

"We can't get engaged, or marry." she said, her voice still trembling.

"No," he said firmly, stepping closer. "I don't believe you. This isn't you. Tell me what's really going on."

Her father's voice rang in her ears: "If I don't call my man within five minutes, he will pull the trigger."

She looked into his eyes, and yes, she wanted to tell him everything, but her fear for his life was stronger than her love.

"There will be no engagement. It's over," she repeated, her voice breaking slightly while she turned and started walking away.

He stood frozen for a moment, her words echoing in his mind. But then, something she had said earlier struck him like a bolt: "My father has sent..." where the rest of her sentence had been cut off by the buzz of her phone.

He quickly pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed the police station.

"Was Mr. Deshmukh released?" he asked.

"Hang on. Let me check the file," the officer on the other end replied.

He paced, his heart pounding as he waited.

His eyes stayed on her as she walked further away.

After what felt like an eternity, the officer came back. "No, sir. He's still in custody."

"Are you absolutely sure?" he replied.

"Yes, sir. I've just checked. Mr. Deshmukh has not been released."

Akash let out a slow breath, his grip on the phone tightening. "Thank you. I'll come by later to verify."

He ended the call, his gaze never leaving her retreating figure.

What's going on? he wondered. Is she teasing me? Or is there something she's not telling me?

Determined to get answers, he strode forward to catch up with her. "Anita!" he called, his voice firm but laced with concern.

She flinched at the sound of his voice but didn't stop walking.

"Anita, stop!" he demanded, quickening his pace. When he finally reached her, he gently grabbed her wrist, turning her around to face him. "What are you doing? What's really going on?"

Her eyes darted away, refusing to meet his. "I told you, Akash. It's over. Let it go."

"Don't lie to me," he said softly but firmly. "I know your father isn't out of jail. So what is really happening?"

Her head snapped up, and she tried to pull her wrist away, but his grip, though gentle, held her firmly.

"Anita," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Please. Tell me the truth."

"The truth is, there will be no engagement. It's over," she said, but then whispered quietly, "But I love you more than my life. I love you more than life." her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and right there, he understood—something was deeply wrong.

Whatever was driving her actions wasn't of her own will.

The phone call she'd received wasn't just any call.

He nodded, watching her as she continued walking away with her shoulders hunched.

Instead of chasing her further, he returned to his car.

His mind raced with questions as he drove wanting to reach her home before she did. He needed answers.

When she arrived, she froze at the sight of his car parked in front of the house.

Her breath thumbed, and a wave of relief washed over her.

She ran toward him just as he stepped out of the car.

Without a word, she threw her arms around him, holding him tightly as if he were her lifeline.

"My father is out of jail," she murmured against his chest.

He stiffened, pulling back to look at her. "What? That's impossible. I called to check—"

"He lied to you," she interrupted, her voice cracking when her tears spilled over. "He wants your life if I don't obey him."

"What?" he exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief.

His hands instinctively gripped her shoulders. "What are you saying? Why does he want to hurt me?"

Her gaze darted around nervously, as if expecting danger to appear at any moment. "He knows about us—about the engagement. He doesn't want it so he's forcing me to leave you. And if I don't, he'll..." Her voice broke as she choked on a sob.

He cupped her face gently, forcing her to meet his gaze. "No one is taking you away from me. No one," he said firmly, "I don't care who he is or what he thinks he can do. You're mine, so I'll protect you. Always."

"But, Akash... he has men watching us," she whispered, glancing over her shoulder anxiously. "I've seen them. They're armed. I can't let you get hurt. Please, just let me go."

"Never," he said with persistent resolution. Before she could protest, he pulled her back into his arms.

"But was it through the phone he contacted?"

"Yes, he called. Then he sent me a message. Wait," she said, and drew back and she pulled out her phone.

Unlocking it, she showed him the message.

His eyes scanned the screen, his expression darkening with every word. "How did he get access to a mobile in jail?"

"He's not there," she whispered. "I know he isn't. No one can keep him there for long. He said my wedding has already been arranged. This tells you he's out. He's free."

"Marriage?" his voice rose, his anger barely contained. "To whom? Isn't Rajiv dead?"

"To someone else," she replied. "I don't know who."

"But I called the station." he interjected, his jaw getting clenched. "They confirmed he's still there. Were they lying?"

"Yes," she insisted. "He's not there."

He stepped back, his hand raking through his hair. "Come with me,"

*****

"This is his cell!" the inspector declared, gesturing to the small, dimly lit space.

Akash and Anita exchanged uncertain glances before stepping closer.

Inside, Mr. Deshmukh lay stretched out on the cold, hard floor, snoring in sleep like he had no care in the world.

"Father!" Anita voiced out.

He stirred before his eyes blinked open.

For a moment, his gaze fixed on her before shifting to Akash. The hatred in his glare was unmistakable. He sat up slowly with a disdainful smirk curling his lips.

"Well, well," he began with contempt. "What a surprise, Anita. Tell me, to what do I owe this visit? Have you come to gloat about your so-called freedom?"

"I know you have the connections that let you do whatever you want, but at least respect my privacy," he added with a sneer. "Sleep is sacred, you know. Waking someone up like this is inconsiderate. It ruins a man's peace. I've told you this in the past."

"Who gave you a phone?" Akash's sharp tone cut through the room.

Mr. Deshmukh's smirk widened while he leaned back against the wall. "A phone?" he repeated. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't play games with me!" he snapped, stepping closer to the bars. "You called Anita. You sent her messages. Who gave you access to a phone?"

"Ah, so that's what this is about," he spoke. "Interesting accusation. Do you have proof? Because I assure you, I haven't left this cell."

"Stop lying!" she interjected, "I heard your voice! You threatened me with Akash!"

His expression turned amused. "Did I? Or did someone else? You'd be amazed at how many people share my sentiment when it comes to your friend."

"Inspector," Akash turned to the officer. "I need to know if he's had visitors or access to communication. This isn't a joke. My life was at risk!"

The inspector frowned. "We monitor all visitors and possessions. It's unlikely he would have a phone."

"Unlikely isn't impossible," he countered.

Mr. Deshmukh chuckled darkly from inside his cell. "You think you're so clever, don't you? But you're wasting your time here. If I wanted to destroy you, I wouldn't need a phone to do it."

Anita stepped forward, and folded her hands before him, "You've never been a father to me, not once in my entire life. But this one time, just this once, I'm begging you—let me live my life in peace. I know you'll never give me your blessings, and I've made my peace with that. The least you can do is stay away from me. Stop meddling. Stop ruining the little I have."

His lips curled into a mocking smile, and he released a low laugh. "Why would I be bothered about your pathetic little life? I've disowned you. You are dead to me. But don't think for a second that disowning you means I've stopped being a husband to my wife or a father to my other children. I will not let them follow in your disgraceful footsteps."

****

Akash pulled up in front of her house, but neither of them made a move to step out of the car. He turned to her, his gaze turning soft and filled with affection, then confessed. "I love you. May no evil eye ever come between us. I promise, we'll have a happy life together."

She smiled softly, "Forget my father. Unless it's your life, my mother's, or my sisters' at stake, nothing can separate us. I won't let anything come between us."

His face lit up with a bright, boyish grin. "That's all I needed to hear," he said, his voice filled with contentment.

After a brief pause, he added, "By the way, my birthday is next week. I'm telling you in advance because I'm curious about what gift you'll get me."

"Next week?" she echoed with a smile

He nodded, leaning slightly closer. "Yep, next week. And I hope you'll make it unforgettable."

Her smile widened and she shook her head, already brainstorming ideas to make it special. "Without a doubt. I'll make sure it is memorable,"

He smiled while taking her hands gently in his. He pressed a light kiss to her fingers, his eyes never leaving hers, then spoke. "Take care of yourself,"

"You too," she whispered, her heart racing and she slowly withdrew her hands.

Just as she was about to open the car door, he caught her wrist again,.

"Our kiss?" he asked with a playful smirk.

Her eyes immediately fell shyly to her lap, and she whispered. "That chance has expired. But I promise you, on our wedding night, you can have it for as long as you want. I won't say no."

His smirk widened into a grin. "Don't tempt me to call a priest and conduct our marriage tonight," he said. "Because, honestly, my patience is thinning with every passing day."

Her face burned with shyness while she quickly averted her face, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. "How do you remain so comfortable talking about things like this?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

He chuckled, "Why wouldn't I be? You're going to be my wife. Already, you're not a stranger; you're my best friend, and soon, you'll be my other half. And just so you know," he added with a huge grin, "we'll consummate our marriage on our wedding night. So, don't exhaust yourself too much during the wedding. We'll save the energy for the night."

Her cheeks flared an even deeper hue of red and she reached for the car door to leave, but before she could leave, he caught her hand again.

"That night will be special for us, I promise."

"Good night, Akash," she murmured hastily, and she tried once more to leave the car, however, he leaned closer, and whispered, "I'll never have a good night until you're lying on my chest."

His words were too much for her to bear, so she tugged her hand free and bolted out of the car.

He leaned back in his seat, watching her with an amused smile as she ran.