It had been six days since Anita and Akash had seen each other.

He had intentionally given her space because he wanted her to have enough time to plan the gift for his birthday properly.

She was at work and her head was bent over her desk as she scribbled down a recipe that had randomly come to her mind, when a knock chimed at the door.

She looked up and saw Muhammad standing there with a file in his hand.

"You're here?" she spoke with a smile and setting her pen down. "Come in, please."

He returned her smile and walked in then took a seat across from her desk. "How have you been?" he asked after he settled comfortably.

"Perfect, and you?" she replied.

"Good. I brought you this!" he said, placing the file on the desk.

"What is it?" she asked, taking the file and opening it curiously.

Her smile instantly faded when she saw the words Akash Kapoor's Past boldly written on the cover page.

"Why? Just what is your problem with Akash?" she closed the file and tossed it aside, her gaze turning sharp after they landed on him.

"As your friend, it is my duty to inform you about his past. He's not the right choice for you,"he said calmly.

"Who is then? Who is the right choice for me according to you?" she asked, her voice low but firm while trying to maintain her composure.

His expression turned serious and he exclaimed. "Anyone but him. He carries a history that could destroy your future. I don't want you to regret it."

Her hands clenched the edge of the desk as she could no longer contain her anger. "I don't need you to decide my future for me, Muhammad. I've chosen Akash, and nothing you say or do will change that. Stop being jealous for God's sake."

His expression hardened. "Why don't you understand that you're making a mistake? He's not who you think he is. This isn't about jealousy or trying to control your life—it's about protecting you!"

She stood abruptly, and her chair scraped against the floor. "Protecting me from what? From happiness? From love? Akash is the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I won't let anyone, anyone no matter who he or she is, ruin it for me."

He rose as well, and his voice raised slightly. "You're blind. You're so caught up in the fantasy of love which he created around you that you're ignoring the truth. He has secrets, things you deserve to know."

"And what gives you the right to decide what I deserve? You're my friend, a friend I didn't even wanted to accept because Akash's friendship is more than enough for me. You insisted, and I accepted you, but this is crossing the line!" She pointed at the file with anger simmering in her eyes.

"I'm trying to help you!" he exclaimed calmly.

"No, you're trying to sabotage the one good thing in my life!" she snapped back. "This is too far. I've warned you already. If you can't support me and my choices, then I don't see how we can continue this friendship."

Her words hit him like a blow.

He stared at her quietly in shock then took a step back, his face clouded with disappointment. "You'll regret this. One day, you'll see I was right. Akash isn't a good man for you."

Without another word, he walked out of the office, leaving her standing there, her chest still heaving with anger.

After the door closed behind him, she sank back into her chair, staring at the file she had tossed.

She reached for her phone and dialed Akash's number.

The moment he answered, his voice on the other end was enough to calm her mind.

"Anita?" he spoke. "I'm a bit busy. Can we speak later?"

"Yes," she replied and put the phone down, staring blankly at the file Muhammad had left behind.

Her heart lurched.

Part of her wanted to throw it away to prove her trust in Akash. But another part of her, the one haunted by Muhammad's words, hesitated.

"What if he's really hiding something though?" she muttered to herself while grabbing the file from where it fell.

Unable to resist, she opened it.

Her eyes skimmed over the pages.

Some things were useless information—old business failures, family disputes—but then her gaze landed on a photograph clipped to a report of a very beautiful woman.

Beneath the photo was the name: Priya Malhotra.

Her breathing stopped after she began to read.

Ex-girlfriend of renowned business man, Akash Kapoor whose relationship ended after pregnancy termination. Financial compensation: ₹25,000,000.

Her hand flew to her mouth while bile rose in her throat.

The report detailed their relationship in details. Priya had fallen in love with him, but when she became pregnant, he insisted on terminating the pregnancy, stating clearly that he was "not ready to ruin his life."

The words were like knives.

"I'll ensure you're compensated. But don't think this changes anything—our chapter is over."

"It's your body, but it's my reputation."

Anita stared at the page in horror, her tears blurring the ink.

She flipped to the next page, where receipts and bank statements confirmed the payout. Attached was a screenshot of a message from Priya to him.

"You've betrayed me, Akash. Your money can never erase what you've done."

Anita felt the walls closing in around her because she believed he was kind and caring.

She slammed the file shut and pushed it far away from her.

She then stood up from her chair, and grabbed her bag.

She couldn't stay in the office anymore as her mind was too clouded, and her heart too heavy.

She needed to leave to clear her head and escape the suffocating weight of what she'd just learned.

As soon as she stepped outside, the fresh air hit her like a slap.

It didn't help.

After stopping a tricycle, she climbed in.

The ride home was silent except for the buzz of the engine.

When she got home, she went straight to her room without a word to anyone.

Already, her mother and sisters had gone to the market, and Divya was at work.

The emptiness matched the void she felt in her chest.

She shut the door behind her, locked it, and collapsed onto her bed.

After curling into a ball, she buried her face in her pillow and let the tears fall freely. The sobs wracked her body and she clutched the pillow tightly.

Her mind replayed the words from the file.

She cried harder, her tears soaking the fabric of the pillow.

How could she reconcile with him after what she'd read? How could someone so loving with her have been so heartless to another?

The questions kept coming, each one more painful than the last, and there were no answers—only her tears.

••••

It was evening, long past the time she usually returned home.

Her mother's face looked worried as she dialed her number again, but it went unanswered because her phone was on silent.

Divya sat cross-legged on the couch, her own worry beginning to grow. "Maybe she's at the restaurant? She's been planning Akash's surprise birthday dinner. Maybe she's staying late with him," Divya denoted, trying to calm her mother's anxiety.

Her mother sighed uncertainly. "Let me call Akash then to confirm if they're together."

She scrolled to his number and pressed the call button.

The line rang, each second of silence deepening her tension.

He answered after the second ring.

"Good evening, Mother!" His cheerful voice overate the line.

"Evening, son. Are you by any chance with Anita?"

"No. Why? Isn't she home already? It's past her closing time," he replied, his tone shifting to concern.

"You both aren't together?" she whispered with worry creeping into her voice.

"No, we're not. Have you called her? Have you checked her room?" he asked quickly.

"We haven't checked her room yet. I'll do so now," she said while rising from her seat.

"Please let me know if she's not there," he exclaimed, his own worry evident.

"Sure, son!" she assured him before heading upstairs to the room.

When she reached the door, she turned the knob, but it refused to open.

"Anita? Are you in there?" she called out, knocking lightly because she never locked her door unless she was home.

"Anita, are you okay?" she knocked again.

Hearing no response, she pressed her ear to the door trying to listen for any sound.

"Anita, answer me!" she called, her voice rising in concern.

A soft, muffled sniff came from inside.

Her heart slumped and she tried the knob again, shaking it harder.

"Divya! Come here!" she yelled in panic.

Divya rushed up the stairs. "What's wrong?" she enquired.

"She's in there, but she's not responding. The door is also locked!"

Divya stepped forward. "Anita? Open the door!" she called, banging on it loudly.

Inside, Anita stirred slightly, her swollen eyes barely opening.

She had cried herself into exhaustion, and her energy to respond was drained.

"Divya, call Akash with my phone! Tell him to come quickly!" her mother instructed, and she nodded.

Meanwhile, her mother frantically continued to bang on the door. "Anita! Please open the door!"

Divya called Akash, and he picked up almost immediately.

"Did you find her?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.

"She's in her room, but the door is locked, and she's not answering us!" she explained.

"I'm on my way. Keep trying to speak to her!" he said before hanging up.

Meanwhile, Anita's mother continued knocking desperately. "Anita, please! Whatever is wrong, don't shut us out!"

Inside the room, she blinked slowly, her mind fogged from exhaustion.

The banging on the door started to stir her fully awake.

She sat up weakly, wiping her tear-streaked face after their voices registered in her head.

With trembling hands, she walked to the door and unlocked it.

Her mother pushed the door open immediately and froze upon seeing her disheveled state.

Her eyes had become red and swollen.

"Anita!" her mother gasped, rushing forward to hold her.

"I'm fine," she whispered while taking a step back.

"Fine? You've been crying alone in here! What's going on? Talk to me!" her mother muttered while holding her shoulders gently.

Divya walked in too, and expressed worriedly. "What happened to you, Anita?"

She shook her head, trying to force a smile. "It's nothing. I was just... tired."

Before they could speak further, Akash's voice echoed from downstairs. "Where is she?"

Moments later, he appeared at the door, his worried gaze locking onto her.

"Mother, I am tired. Please leave me, I want to rest," she whispered, and she turned her face away from him.

Her mother was about to speak, but Akash interrupted gently, "Don't worry. I'm here," he told her, turning to her mother with a calm expression.

"Please, all of you should leave," Anita repeated firmly.

Her mother exchanged a concerned look with Divya, but with a reluctant nod, she left the room, followed by Divya.

Once the door closed behind them, Akash stepped forward, but before he could approach her, her voice, heavy with exhaustion exclaimed, "I said everyone. That includes you."

He stopped and his brow furrowed with concern because he had never seen her like this. "Anita, has your father threatened you again? What is it this time?" His voice was soft but edged with worry.

He reached for her shoulders, but she quickly stepped away, her eyes flickering with anger after she met his.

"Leave me alone," she whispered, the tiredness in her tone undeniable.

"I'm not leaving until you tell me what's going on. Who said something to you?" He took a tentative step closer, while she closed her eyes tightly, trying to push back the emotions threatening to spill over openly.

"No one has said anything. I want space to think," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

"Think about what?" he asked, his concern deepening. "First things first, who made you cry? Tell me who made you cry, and I will bring the world crumbling down on him."

He reached out, gently cupping her cheeks, his thumb brushing away the tears that had begun to fall again. But as his touch came closer, she stepped away again, and avoided his gaze.

"Don't touch me," she murmured, because his touch only worsened the ache she was trying to keep hidden.

He was upset when she pulled away, but he still calmly spoke, "I can't help you if you won't let me in."

"Will you force me to share everything with you?" she exclaimed. "Why should I be the only one transparent when you've never been with me? Leave me alone. I'm not obligated to tell you everything. Our relationship isn't even official yet. I don't owe you anything!" she snapped.

He was taken aback by her sudden outburst. His eyes even widened in shock because he had never seen her so angry, so he didn't know how to react.

He took a step back, his hands raised in a calming gesture. "Okay, I didn't mean to upset you," he said, his voice turning soft and placating.

He was at a loss for words, but finally, he found his voice. "What is it that I've never been transparent about?" he asked, his tone calm and even. "If there are things I haven't shared about myself, it's because you've never asked. Ask me anything, and I'll answer you right away."

"Did you ask about my past? Did I not share it without you ever asking?" her voice shook with frustration while her eyes stared at his with rage.

He furrowed his brows with confusion flickering across his face. "If you wanted to know about that, I would have definitely told you. To me, it's no longer important because the past—"

"You think it's no longer important because you never loved me as much as I loved you!" she interrupted, her voice rising. "Do you even know what I feel now? What I've been going through?"

His jaw tightened, but he kept his tone steady. "Is it because of my past that you're questioning my love for you?" he asked, his gaze turning sharp. "Fine, let me tell you everything. Yes, I was in relationships in the past. Many, in fact. I never pretended to be a saint to you because I know I'm not. But those relationships ended years ago, Anita. I haven't been with anyone for a long time—not because I couldn't—but because I lost interest in love. Until you...."

His voice softened and he stepped closer to her, his vulnerability showing for the first time. "You're the reason I wanted to believe in love again. If my past is haunting you, I'll erase it. I'll do whatever it takes to prove to you that my heart belongs to no one else but you now."

"Oh really? What changed after you met me? I'm curious."

"A feeling I never felt awakened in my heart..." he replied earnestly, his tone loosening up while he stepped closer.

But she stepped away, and replied. "You were not truthful to me. I have to think about us again. I honestly doubt I can marry you now."

He stared at her with disbelief written all over his face. "Is it a crime now to have a past?" His voice rose from frustration.

"It's not about having a past!" she shot back. "It's about hiding it, about pretending it doesn't matter when it clearly does! You're not the man I thought you were. I need time to reevaluate everything."

His lips tightened into a thin line while his expression hardened. "So that's it? You're willing to throw everything we've built away because you can't handle that I had a life before I met you? People have flaws and mistakes. We all do. Even you..."

"I don't need you to lecture me," she snapped. "I know my worth. And I can't be with someone who doesn't think I deserve to know the truth from the beginning."

His eyes capped while he nodded. "Ending things without a valid reason, seriously?"

"I gave you my heart, but you lied to me! This is a very valid reason. You didn't tell me about Priya —"

"I never lied to you! You didn't ask." he roared, his voice shaking the room. "But you know what? If this is how you want to end things, I'll make it easier for you. I'll never contact you again. Know that I don't chase after people who think so little of me."

She froze in shock, tears streaming down her face, but she didn't say a word.

Her silence only enraged him further. "Thank you for making my birthday memorable. I hope you find whatever you're looking for. Just don't come back to me when you realize it wasn't worth throwing us away."

He turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

The sound echoed through the room and she flinched.

••••

He drove aimlessly through the city, his grip tight on the steering wheel.

His mind replayed their fight over and over again.

Her words cut him deep. "You were not truthful to me. I doubt I can marry you."

He slammed his hand on the steering wheel, but the sound startled him.

He pulled over to the side of the road and leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes as he wondered,

I gave her everything. I was ready to spend my life with her.

It was very rare, but again, tears sting his eyes.

He brushed them away quickly, forcing himself to breathe deeply.

If she didn't want him, then he had no choice but to respect her decision.

But the pain of losing her was something he wasn't sure he could recover from.

He started the car again, driving away.

****

She sat on her bed, staring at the ceiling with a stubborn expression.

Her tears had dried, leaving behind a hardened mask of determination.

To her, ending things with him was necessary, even if it felt like a blade twisting in her heart because he lied to her.

How could she trust someone who keeps secrets?

She rationalized her decision over and over, trying to silence the small voice in the back of her mind that whispered she'd overreacted. She ignored it.

I did what I had to do. He wasn't completely honest, and that's a red flag I can't ignore.

Meanwhile, he parked his car in front of his house.

He remained inside, gripping the steering wheel tightly as he replayed their fight in his head.

Her words, her tone, the way she dismissed everything they'd built together—it all felt like a betrayal.

He had tried to explain himself, but she didn't listen.

Her accusations had cut him deep, especially because Priya's story was nothing but fabricated lies meant to hurt him. That's why he didn't want to discuss it. If she wanted to know anything from his past though, he would have gladly shared it.

His phone buzzed, and he hoped it was her. But when he saw Raghav's name on the screen, he answered with a sigh.

"Happy birth...."

"Is it important? If no, I'm tired." he cut him off flatly.

"Bro, you good?" he questioned with concern.

"No," he admitted, his voice heavy. "Anita ended things. Over lies, Raghav. Lies."

"What lies?" he asked sharply.

"She learned about Priya, that story that kept going around that made me look like a heartless monster," he explained bitterly. "But it's not true. Yes, Priya was in my life years ago, but it was nothing like what she thinks. We broke up because we weren't compatible, and that was it."

"And Anita didn't believe you?"

"No. I didn't want to explain. But she ended things even before giving me the chance to, and then I got angry too."

"She will calm down, don't worry. She will contact you."

"I don't know." Akash muttered while leaning back in his seat. "But after what happened, I don't want someone who doesn't trust me. If she believes lies over me, what kind of relationship would we even have?"

"But I didn't expect this from her," Raghav exclaimed. "After everything you've done for her—buying her the shares to make her a shareholder in the restaurant, paying 50% of her salary out of your own pocket. And yet, because of a lie? In fact, so what if it was even true? Is it not the past?"

He sighed deeply. "I didn't do those things expecting anything in return," he whispered calmly. "I did them because I love her. I still love her. That hasn't changed just because she ended things."

"But don't you think she deserves to know? If she knew the sacrifices you've made for her, maybe she wouldn't have been so quick to judge you."

Akash shook his head firmly. "No. She must never find out. I didn't do those things to earn her gratitude or to use them as leverage. I did them because I wanted to see her succeed and make her life easier. Whether we're together or not, I'll keep paying her salary. That's not going to change."

"You're too good for her, Akash. She doubted your love, believed lies over you, and now she's walked away. Why keep holding on?"

Akash's jaw tightened and his eyes stared out the window. "Because love isn't about conditions. It's not about what she does or doesn't do for me. I loved her for who she is, and that doesn't vanish overnight. But I'll respect her decision. If she doesn't want me in her life, I won't force it."

"But won't this hurt you in the long run?"

He gave a small, bitter smile. "It already does. But I'll be fine. I've faced worse in life. If this is what she thinks is best for her, I'll accept it."

____