After a while, Ishan's eyes naturally closed, and he drifted into a deep sleep. However, Naina remained awake, her heart pounding with fear. She kept wondering if he might kill her. The room was silent except for the sound of Ishan's steady breathing.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed softly. Naina glanced at Ishan, ensuring he was still asleep, then carefully reached for her phone on the table, right next to his gun. With trembling fingers, she unlocked the screen and saw a message from Vansh. It had been three days since he last contacted her, despite the numerous messages she had sent.

Naina's eyes widened as she read Vansh's message "Your life has moved on, Naina. You should continue forward and not look back." Naina understood what he meant. He was gently telling her to let go, to stop trying to reach out to him. But she couldn't accept that. Her fingers hovered over the screen as she typed a reply: "Vansh, my life might have moved forward, but my relationship with you is different. It's special."

After a moment, Vansh responded: "Can we meet again?" Naina's heart raced as she read his message. She glanced down at Ishan, who was asleep, holding her like a child, his grip still tight. Her gaze then shifted back to her phone. She knew this might be her only chance.

She quickly typed back: "Yes, we can." Vansh immediately sent her a location.

Naina looked down at Ishan once more, her mind racing with thoughts of escape. She had to get out, she had to meet Vansh. But how would she manage it without waking Ishan?

After struggling with thoughts, Naina finally drifted off to sleep. When the morning light streamed into her room, she opened her eyes and found no one there. She looked around, but Ishan was gone. Questions flooded her mind-how did he come and leave without her noticing? In the fear and confusion of the night, she hadn't thought clearly.

She glanced at her side table and saw a rose with a note that read,

"You look beautiful even while sleeping."

Naina picked up the note, read it, and then set it back down. She brought the rose to her nose, inhaling its sweet scent. For a moment, she was lost in thought, wondering how Ishan managed to do all this. But she knew she couldn't let him get into her head.

Determined, she threw the note and rose into the trash. No matter how much attraction she felt, she wouldn't let it cloud her judgment. Today, she was supposed to meet Vansh, and she had to focus on that.

Naina headed to the living area, where Karan and Shalini were having breakfast. Seeing her, Shalini remarked, "You're up early today, dear."

Naina gave a small smile. "I woke up early."

"Come, have breakfast with us," Shalini invited.

Naina sat down, took a slice of bread, and began spreading butter on it. Karan looked at her thoughtfully before asking, "Naina, when do you plan to continue your studies? We were thinking about it. Whenever you feel ready, let us know."

Naina looked up, considering his question. "Whenever you think is right," she replied.

Karan smiled. "What do you want to study?"

"LLB," Naina answered quietly.

"That's a great choice," Karan said, genuinely impressed. "We'll talk to some universities for you. Just let us know when you're ready."

Naina nodded, feeling a bit lighter. As she reached for her bread again, their cat started making noise. She left her breakfast and went to feed the cat, who purred contentedly as she poured kibble into its bowl. Shalini and Karan watched her, noticing a change in her demeanor.

"Something's different about Naina today," Shalini whispered to Karan.

Curious, Shalini gently asked, "What happened to your lips, dear?"

Naina froze, remembering the events of the night before. She quickly came up with an excuse. "I had a pimple. I accidentally popped it."

Shalini accepted her answer, but Naina knew this was her chance to bring up Ishan. Yet, fear gripped her-what if Ishan retaliated like he did with Vansh's job? Instead, she chose a safer approach.

"Shalini aunty, can I talk to you about something?" Naina asked hesitantly.

"Of course, dear. What is it?" Shalini responded, concerned.

Naina took a deep breath. "Sometimes, I feel like there's someone else in the house. I get this strange feeling that someone is here."

Shalini and Karan exchanged worried glances. "What do you mean?" Shalini asked. "Why haven't we noticed anything?"

Karan, now visibly agitated, called the guard. "Madan, did you see anyone entering the house?"

The guard looked confused. "Sir, no one can enter. We keep watch around the clock."

Karan's anger surged. He turned to Naina. "Did you see anyone?"

Naina hesitated but finally said, "I didn't see a face, but I felt someone was in my room last night."

Both Shalini and Karan were stunned. Karan made a call, speaking in a low voice while Naina and Shalini waited silently. After the call, he reassured Naina, "Don't worry. We'll take care of it. Finish your breakfast."

As Naina continued eating, Shalini signaled to Karan, asking what the call was about. He motioned for her to wait. After breakfast, Naina retreated to her room. Once she was out of earshot, Shalini asked Karan again, "What was that about?"

"I spoke to someone who installs surveillance cameras," Karan explained. "We need to set up cameras inside the house for a while."

Shalini was taken aback. "Inside the house? What about our privacy?"

Karan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Shalini, we can't afford to lose another child."

Shalini understood the gravity of his words-the secret that Naina didn't know. After a moment's thought, she agreed. "Alright, let's do it."

As Naina got ready to meet Vansh, she felt a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Just as she was about to leave, her phone buzzed with a message. She picked it up and read the notification on the lock screen. The message, from an unknown number, read,

"In a hurry, love?"

Naina's heart skipped a beat. She knew it could only be from Ishan.

Without opening the message, she quickly switched off her phone. Her hands trembled slightly, but she was determined not to let fear consume her. She needed to see Vansh, to get some clarity and comfort. Steeling herself, she headed out of her room.

Walking down the corridor, she spotted one of the maids. Approaching her, Naina asked politely, "Can I borrow your phone for a moment? I need to make a call."

The maid handed her the phone, and Naina dialed Vansh's number. As the phone rang, she took a deep breath, hoping for a moment of peace in an otherwise turbulent day.

Vansh responded promptly, and Naina quickly explained, "Actually, my phone isn't working, so I borrowed the maid's phone. I'll come to the address you sent." Vansh agreed, and Naina began descending the stairs.

As she reached the living area, her eyes fell on Shalini and Karan, who were engaged in a hushed conversation. Shalini noticed Naina and called out, "Where are you going, dear?"

Caught off guard, Naina hesitated for a moment before responding, "Aunty... actually, I'm going to meet Vansh."

Shalini's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Who's Vansh?" she asked. Without thinking, Naina blurted out, "My boyfriend."

The room fell silent. Shalini and Karan exchanged a glance, visibly taken aback. They hadn't expected Naina to rekindle any ties from her past, fearing that it might lead her away from them. After a pause, Shalini asked, "Is he the same friend you met three days back?"

Naina nodded. Karan, after a moment of contemplation, spoke gently, "We don't want to stress you, but please take care of yourself. Go with a bodyguard, okay?"

Shalini seemed surprised by Karan's suggestion but quickly understood his reasoning. They both knew that forcing Naina into anything might backfire, possibly driving her further away.

Naina agreed, sensing their concern but determined to meet Vansh. She left the house with a bodyguard and the maid's phone in hand, hoping to find some clarity in her meeting with Vansh.

Naina arrived at the address Vansh had sent her, only to find it was a hotel. She hesitated for a moment but then walked inside, instructing the bodyguard to wait near the entrance. Approaching the front desk, she quietly asked if someone named Vansh had checked in. The receptionist handed her a key and told her the room number.

Naina climbed the stairs, her heart pounding as she made her way down the corridor. She finally found the room and knocked softly. The door opened almost instantly, revealing Vansh standing there. She managed a small, nervous smile and softly said, "Hye." He stepped aside, inviting her in.

Once inside, Vansh gestured for her to sit on the bed while he fetched a glass of water. Handing it to her, he watched as she drank, then asked bluntly, "How do you know Ishan Mehra?"

Naina's eyes widened slightly. She took a moment before replying, "He's the son of a family friend."

Vansh leaned against the table, his eyes narrowing. "Then how do you know him so well?"

Naina swallowed hard, then confessed, "He says he likes me. That's why he's doing all this, to make you jealous. That's all."

"And the kiss?" Vansh pressed, his tone serious.

Naina felt her palms sweat. "It was just a cheek kiss," she explained, "He was exaggerating everything."

Vansh sighed deeply, moving to sit beside her. He looked at her intently, his voice calm but firm. "Do you have any idea how powerful Ishan Mehra is? He could destroy me in an instant if he wanted. If he has feelings for you, I should probably step aside."

Naina's heart sank. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Vansh, he can't do anything to you," she said, her voice shaking slightly.

Vansh looked away, then back at her, his expression unreadable. "Alright, I believe you." He took a long pause before saying ..."But would you marry me?"

Naina's breath caught in her throat. "Marriage?" she echoed in disbelief.

"Yes," Vansh confirmed, his tone resolute.

Naina hesitated, fear gripping her. "I can't, Vansh...not now. You know I'm scared of marriage."

"It's just me, Naina," Vansh said softly. "You've known me for so long."

But Naina was visibly distressed. "I need to talk to my family first," she stammered. "I can't make this decision alone."

Vansh nodded slowly. "Alright."

After a moment of silence, Naina stood up. "I think I should go now."

As she turned to leave, Vansh grabbed her hand, pulling her close. "Can I kiss you?" he asked, his voice low.

Naina's heart raced. She had never been physically intimate with Vansh, and the sudden closeness frightened her. "Vansh..." she whispered, her voice trembling.

His grip tightened momentarily before he let go, a look of frustration crossing his face. "You always make me wait," he said bitterly. "Even before your parents' death, you were like this."

Naina stepped back, her eyes filling with tears. "But...Vansh?" she said, her voice breaking.

Vansh's expression hardened. "You're nothing but a piece of broken glass," A rich family adopted you... and now a madman is after you too," Vansh said angrily.

Tears filled Naina's eyes as she slowly said, "I never asked for any of this, Vansh. My family was taken away from me. Don't you know that I became an orphan too?"

Vansh laughed bitterly and said, "Huh, your life is all about enjoyment... and look at me, I don't even have a job." Naina didn't know that the love Vansh once had for her had long faded; he was only pretending to be good, and this truth began to slowly reveal itself to her.

Naina fell into a deep shock. She never expected that Vansh would throw such harsh taunts at her, especially when, in her eyes, he had always been such a good boyfriend. Tears streamed down her face. She turned toward the door, trying to open it, but found it locked. Panic set in as she looked back at Vansh. "The key, please," she pleaded.

Vansh didn't move. He stared at her, his face devoid of emotion. "You let Ishan Mehra kiss you," he spat, his words laced with venom.

Naina's sobs grew louder. "It wasn't my choice!"....she screamed and then slowly said "Why are you not understanding vansh can't you see by my way of saying that I'm not lying to you" she cried. "He kissed me suddenly. I didn't want it."

In a fit of rage, Vansh grabbed a glass from the table and hurled it against the floor, shattering it into pieces. "I don't care anymore," he said, his voice filled with anger. "After our marriage, I swear you won't be able to resist me, Naina."

A cold shiver ran down Naina's spine. She felt trapped, the weight of Vansh's words suffocating her.

Suddenly, loud banging echoed through the room, startling Naina. She stepped aside as the door burst open, revealing Ishan Mehra standing there. Naina's heart sank; she knew things were about to take a dark turn. Her voice trembled as she whispered, "Ishan..."

Ishan's eyes were locked onto Naina, burning with fury. His white shirt, with a few buttons undone, revealed a gleaming chain underneath, and his folded sleeves showcased his powerful, confident demeanor. His hair fell slightly over his forehead, adding to his intense presence. Vansh, seeing Ishan, visibly shrank in fear. "Ishan sir... you're here?" he stammered.

Naina, still in shock, shifted her gaze from Ishan to Vansh, astonished at how quickly Vansh's bravado had vanished in Ishan's presence. Just moments ago, Vansh had seemed so strong, but now he was trembling like a frightened child.

Ishan's gaze shifted back to Naina, his voice commanding, "Eyes on me." Naina, terrified, slowly met his intense stare. Vansh, who had been standing close to her, became a focal point of Ishan's anger. "Step away from her," Ishan ordered. Vansh immediately moved back as if obeying a master's command.

Naina's heart was pounding, a mix of fear and disappointment swelling within her. She had always believed Vansh was the strongest person in her life, the one who would protect her. But now, seeing him cower before Ishan, her heart ached with disillusionment.

Ishan took a step closer to Naina, his voice menacingly calm. "You thought turning off your phone would keep me from finding you?" Naina, backing away, bumped into Vansh, who instinctively grabbed her shoulders to steady her. She turned to look at Vansh, who, for the first time, looked her in the eyes with a reassuring glance.

"She is my girlfriend," Vansh declared, standing his ground.

Ishan's smirk widened, a chilling expression that sent shivers down his spine. "Do you think I care ?" he sneered, stepping closer.

Vansh's temper flared. "Who do you think you are? Just because you're a powerful man doesn't mean you can take someone else's girlfriend."

Ishan's smirk faded, replaced by a dangerous glint in his eyes. "And who do you think you are to stop me?" he retorted. "Do you really think I came here for a casual visit? Of course not. I came to take what I want. And your title as her boyfriend? It means nothing to me."

Naina stood frozen, her mind racing. The room felt suffocating, the tension between the three palpable. She realized that the battle wasn't just about her anymore; it was about control, power, and pride.

Vansh, driven by desperation, tightly gripped Naina's waist, pulling her closer. The pain in her eyes mirrored the pressure on her waist as she whispered, "Vansh,... gentle." But his grip only tightened, a desperate attempt to assert dominance.

Ishan's fury boiled over. His eyes, already burning with rage, darkened further as he took a menacing step forward. "Leave her," he commanded, his voice a deadly calm. Vansh, defiant, held on tighter. Naina winced in pain, her soft plea for Vansh to ease up barely audible over the tension thick in the air.

In a flash, Ishan pulled a gun from behind his back and fired a warning shot into the floor. The echo of the shot silenced the room, and Vansh, paralyzed with fear, released Naina, stepping back in shock. Ishan closed the distance between them in seconds, landing blow after blow on Vansh with a brutal efficiency that left no room for retaliation.

Naina, terrified, rushed to intervene. "Noo, stop!" she cried, her voice breaking as she tried to pull him back. But Ishan's fiery gaze snapped to her, his voice a low growl, "Back off." The sheer intensity in his eyes froze her in place, tears streaming down her face as she watched helplessly.

Vansh, in a final act of defense, managed to land a punch on Ishan's face, causing blood to trickle from the corner of his mouth. Ishan wiped the blood with the back of his hand, a sinister smile playing on his lips, before gesturing to the bodyguards stationed outside. They stormed in, grabbing Vansh and holding him firmly.

Naina, sobbing, pleaded with Ishan, "Please, stop this. Let him go." But her words fell on deaf ears. Ishan, his grip unyielding, seized Naina's wrist and pulled her close, his voice cold and final for vansh, "If I ever see you near her again, I'll bury you right here."

With that, he dragged Naina out of the room. She struggled against his hold, her cries echoing down the corridor, "Let me go, please! Ishan, let me go!" Her pleas faded as they disappeared down the hallway, leaving a battered Vansh and a room filled with the aftermath of chaos.

"Never,"

was all Ishan said as he threw Naina into the back seat of the car with an almost mechanical precision.

Hope you like it Words - 2986