2. "Him"

Krisha's Pov

"Aree bhench*d, yeh kaha se aa gaya?!" Kashvi almost yelled, staring at my phone.

(Bloody hell, where did he come from?)

"I did this," I said calmly. I know she will be shocked and concerned but it is important to do this because some people don't understand things.

She snapped her head towards me. "Are you out of your mind? What the hell did you just do?"

"I know exactly what I'm doing. Don't worry," I replied, unfazed.

"Don't worry?" she said, panicking.

I leaned back, a slow smile forming on my lips. "He was clearly loving this game, right? So I thought... why not give the poor guy a little more fun?." I said this remembering how he was troubling me. The main point is he messed with me.

She looked at me like I had grown horns."What are you planning to do?"

"Just something... that's going to be a lot of fun for me," I said, eyes gleaming.

"Look, don't do anything stupid. He's a really dangerous man, Krisha. Don't mess with him." she warned.

I smirked. "He's the one who shouldn't have messed with me." I said, rolling my hands across my chest.

She folded her hands dramatically and looked up."Hey Bhagwan, meri dost ko kya bana diya aapne."

(Oh God... what have you turned my friend into.)

I laughed softly. "Leave all this. We have to go shopping for the wedding, remember?" Her face lit up instantly, like nothing else in the world mattered.

"Ohhh yes! Let's go!"

We slid into the car, and I pulled out onto the road, the city blurring past us.

Twenty minutes later-

"Krisha, listen," she said suddenly, her voice tight.

"Hmmm," I hummed, eyes still fixed on the road.

"This Sourav is seriously getting on my nerves," she snapped, frustration spilling out.

"Your boyfriend?" I asked casually, like it didn't matter.

"No. Ex," she corrected sharply.

"When did you two break up?" I asked.

She rolled her eyes. "Did you seriously forget?"

"Relax, it was a joke," I chuckled. Teasing her was my favorite pastime and she knew it.

"Leave it," she muttered, turning her face toward the window, jaw clenched.

I glanced at her for a second before asking softly, "Okay... tell me. How exactly is he bothering you?"

"You know why we broke up. He's toxic so toxic," she said, frowning. I couldn't disagree. That boy had caused trouble for Kashvi before too, and because of him, her father barely spoke to her. It hurt her deeply, because all she'd ever wanted was good intentions and love, not chaos.

"Hmm," I hummed again.

"He keeps saying we should patch things up. I don't want to be with him, but he won't let it go," she said, anger dripping from every word.

I couldn't help but smile slightly. "Tell him you want to meet him," I said casually, though a little plan was already brewing in my mind. I just couldn't stand seeing her like this sad, frustrated... anything but herself.

She almost screamed. "WHAT?! Bhench*d, kya bol rahi hai tu?!"

"Pehle toh yeh gaali dena band kar," I said, making a face. Because I don't like to abuse or even listen to abuses, this girl always keeps abusing.

"Look at yourself what are you even saying?" she snapped.

"I've got this. Just call him and say you want to meet. Leave the rest to me," I said calmly. She eyed me suspiciously... then, after a pause, slowly dialed him.

At the mall, she whispered, "He's coming."

"Good," I said, parking the car with a smirk. "Now... let's go shopping."

"But... what about him?" she asked, her voice tight with nerves.

"He's late," I replied coolly, leaning back. "I don't wait for anyone." She nodded, trusting me or maybe just too flustered to argue.

We shopped like nothing existed beyond us lehngas, sarees, heels, jewellery. Two full hours passed.Then her phone rang. She answered... listened... and then-

"Krisha!" she screamed, clutching her head and collapsing onto the nearest bench. When she finally looked up, her eyes were wide, almost unrecognizable.

"Tu... tu gangster hai kya?" she stammered, eyes wide with shock.

I folded my arms, letting my smirk deepen just a little."Kya hua?" I asked, calm as ever, letting her panic hang in the air.

FLASHBACK

An hour ago.

"Hello, Karan," I said into the phone, my voice calm, while Kashvi was busy drowning herself in shopping bags.

"Yes, Krisha," he answered instantly.

"You need to take care of something," I said, explaining everything how that guy kept harassing Kashvi, trying to force a patch‑up. My jaw tightened as I spoke. I was furious. Part of me wanted to deal with him myself... but then I thought why dirty my own hands?

"So... you want me to beat him up?" Karan asked casually.

"No," I replied, my tone turning cold.

"Torture him."

Because beating him wouldn't change anything. People like him get beaten and still repeat the same filth. I wanted this lesson carved so deep into his mind that he'd never dare look at Kashvi or any girl with those disgusting intentions again.

There was a brief pause.

"Okay, Krisha. As you say," he said. Of course he would. He never said no to me. He wasn't just my PA, he was family. Our bond was chaos, madness, loyalty... and just a little too much fun.

"The rest is on you. You know what to do," I said calmly.

"Got it," he chuckled.

"Do exactly what I said. Bye."

I cut the call.

FLASHBACK ENDS.

I looked at Kashvi and said softly, "He'll never bother you again."

She stared at me, still completely stunned. "Thank you... but what did you do to him?" I pulled her into a tight hug, my voice calm against her ear. "Whatever needed to be done, is done. Don't stress anymore."

After we finally wrapped up shopping, Kashvi slumped into her seat with a tired sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the entire day. Bags of lehngas, sarees, heels, and jewelry sat piled beside her, a chaotic testament to our marathon spree.

"Drop me home," she murmured, her voice soft, almost fragile from exhaustion.

"Of course," I replied, sliding into the driver's seat and starting the car. The engine hummed quietly beneath us, a soothing sound after the day's whirlwind of noise, laughter, and chaos. The drive was calm, almost meditative. The city lights flickered past us, casting a gentle glow on the road and illuminating the quiet tension in both our minds.

My own body began to feel the exhaustion of the day, not just the physical fatigue of running from store to store, but the emotional drain-the chaos, the memories, the lingering weight of everything i had faced. It was a strange mix of relief and lingering adrenaline, a quiet moment of reflection that neither of us spoke about.

When we finally reached her house, Kashvi unbuckled her seatbelt and turned toward me, eyes weary but warm."Come inside," she said softly, her tone carrying an invitation, a comfort, a subtle plea for companionship.

"I'm really tired today," I admitted honestly, my voice low. "I'll come next time, I promise." But she didn't take no for an answer. She insisted, a gentle push, a quiet forcefulness that made it impossible to ignore her. I refused, shaking my head, but she tried again. I denied again. But before i could say anything else-

"Krishaaa!"

I stiffened. Richa didi was walking toward us, already smiling. She grabbed my hand firmly and pulled me out of the car. "No excuses," she said. "You're coming inside." I couldn't say no to her. So I walked in with them. Inside the house, everything felt warm and familiar. I greeted everyone politely.

"Good evening, aunty." Kavya Rajvansh smiled at me with affection. She always treated me like her own daughter. Beside her stood Advik Rajvansh, Kashvi's brother calm, gentle, and respectful, as always. I sat on the sofa, and within minutes, tea and snacks were placed in front of me.

"Aunty, you didn't have to-" I tried to refuse.

"No beta, have some tea," she said lovingly. They all loved me too much for me to say no.

"Why didn't you come for the roka?" Kavya aunty asked softly. I lowered my eyes.

"Actually, aunty... I was busy," I said with apologetic eyes.

She nodded slowly. "You're always busy beta." Before I could explain further-

"Work comes first, as always," Richa didi said, rolling her eyes.

I knew she was hurt. Not angry hurt. She loved me like her own sister, just the way she loved Kashvi. "Didi, I'm really sorry," I said gently, holding her hand. "I was stuck with some important files. But I promise, I'll be present for all the remaining rituals and functions. I won't miss anything." She looked at me seriously.

"You have to come, Krisha. Otherwise, I won't talk to you ever again." My face instantly lit up. I hugged her tightly.

"Abe," Kashvi interrupted, folding her arms dramatically. "I'm also here, you know?. You two are hugging each other so happily." I laughed.

"Jalkukdi kahi ki." She joined us, and for a moment, everything felt light.

We talked about wedding rituals, outfits, jewellery, and small details that mattered so much. Laughter filled the room. Time passed without us realizing it. When I checked the watch, it was already 8 p.m.

"Okay," I said quietly, standing up. "I should leave now."

"I'll drop you," Advik said at once, almost too quickly.

"No, it's okay," I replied softly. "I brought my car."

He nodded, but his voice faltered just a little. "Oh... okay."

He was a good man. A complete green flag in every possible way. I knew-felt-that he had feelings for me. Anyone could see it in the way he cared, the way he stayed, the way he looked at me like I was something precious. But I had never been in a relationship. I had never loved anyone. And deep down, I knew I couldn't love him either not the way he deserved. He deserved someone who could give him everything time, warmth, vulnerability, love without hesitation. And I... I couldn't even give myself that much.

After saying goodbye to everyone and wishing them good night, I left. Almost an hour later, I reached home. I parked the car, opened the gate, and stepped inside.The hall lights were on. Shaurya and Priya were sitting together, watching television. The sight pinched my heart-but I stayed silent.

I walked upstairs to my room, opened the door, and closed it behind me. The moment I was alone, I jumped onto my bed.

"Ugh... I'm so tired today," I whispered. I changed into comfortable clothes when there was a knock on my door. I opened it to find a servant holding a tray with coffee.

I smiled faintly. Dadi.

"Keep it on the table," I said. He placed the tray on my study table and left. I closed the door, picked up my book, and returned to bed. Coffee in one hand. Book in the other.

My eyelids grew heavy. And somewhere between warmth and words I fell asleep.

Morning came with a strange calm.

I woke up refreshed, but my mind was already sharp, alert dangerously focused. After freshening up, I stood in front of the mirror and dressed myself with precision. Black leather bottoms hugged my legs perfectly, paired with a sleek black shirt. I layered it with a long leather jacket, adding to the cold aura I carried so naturally now. My long hair was pulled back into a high ponytail-neat, tight, untouchable.

Today was officially my day off. Not because I wanted rest. But because I had an important meeting. With him.

Yes-the same message echoed in my head again: "I’m coming to Delhi, darling. Be ready, to meet me." He had been my stalker back in Mumbai.

A man who followed me everywhere.

Sent filthy, disgusting messages.

Crossed every boundary without fear.

I ignored him then. I ignored him because I didn't care. I didn't waste emotions on people who didn't matter.

But now?

Enough was enough. This time, he had crossed the line. And messing with me Messing with Krisha Mehta Was the biggest mistake of his life. I already had a plan. I had asked him to meet me the moment he arrived in Delhi. I chose my place. My secret spot. A place no one knew about. Except me and Karan.

A slow smirk curved my lips."Ab maza aayega," I muttered under my breath.

Just then-

"Aree laddo, uth gayi?" Dadi's cheerful voice filled my room as she walked in.

I was sitting on my bed, files spread in front of me, already halfway into work mode.

(Aree laddo, you're up already?)

"Haan ji," I replied softly. "Now I have to leave. I've got a meeting." She frowned.

"But you told me you won't go to the office today." she asked me in confusion.

"Yes, darling," I said gently, getting up and giving her a side hug. "I won't go to the office. But I have some things to handle."

She smiled and lovingly caressed my head. "Oh, acha. Chal, ab neeche chal. Nashta kar le sabke saath."

(Oh, okay. Come on, now go downstairs. Have breakfast with everyone.)

I sighed. "You know na, I don't eat at the dining table with them," I said, kissing her palm.

She stopped and looked at me with pleading eyes. "Krisha, please. Just today. For me... eat with everyone."

I pouted. "Darling, no na..."

"For me," she said again, her voice cracking slightly. Tears shimmered in her eyes, and my heart clenched painfully at the sight.

"Okay, okay... fine," I said quickly, my voice giving in. "Don't cry."

Her face lit up instantly. "Jee baat, mera sher puttar!"

I narrowed my eyes at her. "You know, you always win by bringing out the tears. You know I can't stand seeing you cry."

She chuckled knowingly. "Haan, tabhi toh tu maan jaati hai."

We walked downstairs together, our steps slow, wrapped in a quiet familiarity. Before anything else, I headed straight to the home temple. I folded my hands, closed my eyes, and bowed my head, letting the calm settle into my bones. Dadi placed prasad gently into my palm.

Hey Madhav, I prayed silently.

Today... I won't spare that stalker.

Just bless me.

At the dining table, servants served breakfast. I took a sandwich and ate quietly. Shaurya was sitting beside me. He had no idea how much he hurt me every single day. My mind drifted back to the past.

When he used to play with me in the park. When he made my braids with his clumsy hands. When he applied lip gloss on my lips when I was just six. I remembered that day clearly. A boy pushed me in the park. I fell and started crying. Shaurya only twelve at that time punched that boy so hard his lips started bleeding.

"Don't you dare hurt my Krishu," he had said. And now? Now he barely spoke to me. I missed him. I missed my bhaiyu. He is once my protector now he's just a stranger.

"Krisha, nashta kar," Dadi said softly. "Kya soch rahi hai?" I snapped out of my thoughts. Reality hit hard. Nothing was the same anymore.

(Laddo, have your breakfast... what are you thinking?)

"Krisha," Shaurya said suddenly, "I need your help with some files. You're good at that." I wasn't surprised, he only ever came to me when he needed professional help.

"Okay," I replied calmly. "We'll talk later. I have some work."

"Krisha, it's important," he said, his tone serious.

"Later, please," I said coldly, focusing on my sandwich and deliberately ignoring him.

Then came her voice.

"Krisha, are you stupid?" Priya snapped, rolling her eyes. "He needs your help and you're acting so rude. Are you out of your mind?" I felt irritation crawling under my skin. I hated her presence-every word she said made me feel suffocated, trapped between them.

"Priya, ruk ja," Dadi intervened firmly. "Bhai behen ki baat hai. Beech mein mat aa."

(Priya stop, this is between brother and sister. Don't get in the middle.)

Priya's face twisted with anger. "Dadi, you always take her side," she said sharply, raising her voice. "You're just like her. She pushed everyone away, and now you want to do the same." Dadi froze. Her face turned pale. She was shocked-hurt beyond words. Priya always spoke like this to her. And that was it. I stood up abruptly.

"Enough."

Everyone looked at me. Judging. Cold.

"How dare you talk to her like that?" I said, my voice loud and furious.

"Tum chup raho," Priya snapped, folding her arms.

I lost it. "I'm warning you, Priya," I shouted, pointing my finger at her. "If you ever speak to Dadi like this again, I'll forget that you're my father's daughter." My voice shook with rage. "Mind your tongue. Stay within your limits. Otherwise, I'll pull your tongue out myself." The room plunged into a dead, terrifying silence. No one dared to stop me. No one even breathed.

I turned and walked away angry, shaking, burning from the inside out. I hated everything. I hated every relationship that tied me down. I hated the word family. And most of all I hated how deeply it all hurt.

As I walked away in anger, my hands were shaking. I've never been good at controlling my rage especially when someone dares to speak against my people. I don't spare them. Never have. And Priya... I already hated her. That day, she just handed me more reasons to hate her, to hate this so-called family.

Funny how families turn into strangers. Sometimes strangers understand you better, listen better, care better. This family? It felt hollow. Toxic. Broken. And my anger my hatred was justified. I love my Dadi. She's my world. And how dare Priya talk to her like that? How dare no one stop her? Everyone just seat there, silent. Bloody cowards.

After some time, I called Karan. He had already reached that secret spot. When I arrived, we met briefly-no words needed. Half an hour later, the place was empty.

The hall stood silent, heavy. I sat alone on a chair placed right in the center. The sky outside had turned dark, clouds rolling in, thunder murmuring in the distance rain was coming. The weather matched my mood perfectly.

Then he arrived. That bastard. The stalker who had been haunting my life for far too long. As he stepped inside, his eyes landed on me-sitting there, calm, unmoved, in complete control. He walked closer, confidence dripping from his every step.

"Hey darling... so finally I meet you," he said, his voice laced with filth, a disgusting smirk on his face.

Everything about him made my skin crawl his cheap grin, his gaze, the way his eyes scanned me without shame. His dressing sense? Ewwww. That tight skinny pant and a plain white shirt cheap, tacky, and honestly painful to look at. I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes. Everything about him screamed bad taste, and it only made my disgust grow stronger. I didn't even want to look at him, but I had to. This lesson needed to be delivered properly.

He had messed with the wrong person.

The biggest mistake of his life.

"Yeah," I replied coolly, eyes scanning him from head to toe. "Finally, I meet you too." I stayed seated, legs crossed, unbothered. Today wasn't a day for anger it was a day for control.

I'm not someone who hurts people for fun. But anyone who messes with me or innocent people, I make sure they pay. He stepped closer, too close, lifting his hand as if he had the right to touch me. I jerked my face away instantly.

His gaze was filthy full of disgust and entitlement. It dragged over me slowly, from my face to my throat, lingering where it shouldn't, then lower, shameless and invasive. I saw him shake his head slightly, like I was some object he had the right to inspect and the disgust crawling up my spine only grew stronger.

"So," he said smugly, "stand up. Let me sit there." He said it with a smirk on his face, clearly believing he was in control. Poor thing. No, I thought coldly. You've got it all wrong. I was the one holding the reins. I was the one in control-and he was about to realize it the hard way.

"Oh, okay," I said, a slow smile curling on my lips. I nodded slightly to the man behind him. A chair was placed. He sat down, legs crossed, looking utterly foolish. I almost laughed-but I held it in.

"Let's get straight to the point," I said, leaning forward slightly, resting my arms on my thighs. My eyes locked onto his dangerously calm.

"Oh, impressive," he said. "Fine. Straight to the point. I want ten crores." For a second, I stared at him. Then I laughed. Loud. Mocking. Unfiltered. He said it so casually, like it was nothing. Ten crores. For a moment, I almost laughed man, seriously? You really think you're worth that much? It was ridiculous... but then again, expected. People like him always overestimate their worth, especially when they think they have the upper hand.

"Shakal dekhi apni?" I said it mockingly and burst out laughing, rolling my eyes. Bro, what the fuck? Ten crores from me? This had to be a joke. My laughter wiped the smirk right off his face.

"Is this some kind of joke? Why are you laughing?" he snapped, anger dripping from his voice. He tried to stand up-and froze. A sharp jolt shot through him as I pressed the trigger in my hand. The chair crackled to life, sending electricity straight through his body. His scream ripped through the hall, loud enough to echo off the walls.

I watched calmly. He tried again. Another attempt to rise another violent shock. His scream came again, louder this time, raw with panic. I pressed the trigger once more as he struggled, his body jerking helplessly against the chair. Over and over, the current surged, his cries filling the empty space. I didn't flinch. I didn't look away. I enjoyed it.

"Shhh... don't try to stand," I said casually as I rose from my chair and walked toward him, my steps unhurried, deliberate.

His face flushed red rage, fear, humiliation all mixing together. "Wh-what are you doing?" he stammered. "Are you out of your mind? Don't-don't do anything"

My jaw clenched as I looked down at him. I didn't answer. Instead, I planted my foot against his chest, pressing just enough to make the message clear. He gasped, the air knocked right out of him, panic flashing across his face. One sharp kick and the chair tipped-he went down hard, sprawled on the cold floor.

I moved closer again, crouching beside him, my presence suffocating. Slowly, deliberately, I brought the knife to his neck-not cutting, not rushing just enough for him to feel the cold promise of it.

"What were you saying?" I asked quietly, my voice tight with restrained fury. "I couldn't hear you properly back then."

"Are you mad?" he whispered, sweat pouring down his forehead. "Put it away... please." I watched his eyes wide, trembling, finally stripped of that disgusting confidence. He tried to move back, inch by inch, but fear had already rooted him to the floor. And in that moment, I saw it clearly. All that was left was a man who finally understood what it meant to cross the wrong person.

"Now you want ten crores?" I asked coldly. The disgust in his eyes shattered, replaced by pure fear. He was scared of me and I won't lie, I liked that shift. I pressed the knife just a little, enough to make him gasp, enough to remind him how close he was to the edge. Then I pulled back. In one sharp move, I tossed the knife aside, grabbed him by the collar, and slapped him hard. The sound echoed in the hall, loud and final.

"Kitne logon ke saath yeh sab kiya hai tune?" I demanded, my voice low but lethal. I slapped him again hard. He stumbled back, blood seeping from the corner of his lips. Still, no answer. Not a single word.

(How many people have you done this to?)

So I slapped him again. And again. Each strike carried the weight of everything I already knew the truth he was too scared to admit. How he blackmailed girls, trapping them with their own pictures, destroying lives like it was nothing.

Every second, I wanted to punish him more. Make him feel even a fraction of the fear he'd forced on others. But I stopped myself. I wouldn't lose control not now. I took a breath, steadied my hands... and then gave him one final slap.

"Yaad rakh," I said coldly, my voice steady but deadly, "agar yeh sab tune dobara kiya na aagli baar mujhse zyada bura koi nahi hoga." I shot him a death glare, one that promised consequences far worse than fear. Then I straightened up and called Karan over, my patience officially over.

(Remember, if you do this again this time no one will be worse off than me.)

"Le jao isse yahan se," I said flatly. Karan nodded without asking a single question. He grabbed that bastard firmly, dragging him away like the trash he was.

Just then, my phone buzzed. Dadi.

The moment I saw her name, something inside me softened instantly.

"Haanji, Dadi," I said gently. My voice changed without effort because she was my world. I know I say it again and again, but I can't help it. I loved her that deeply. For her, I could do anything.

"Kahan reh gayi hai, Krisha? I'm waiting for you" she asked, concern wrapped in softness.

"I'm free now, Dadi," I replied calmly. "It'll just take some time the house is quite far from here."

"Achha," she said. "Main wait karungi. Jaldi aana, theek hai? Aur apna khayal rakhna."

(I'll wait. Come back soon, okay? And take care of yourself.)

"Ji, Dadi," I smiled softly.

The call ended. I took one last look at the hall the chaos now settling, the mess finally handled. I met Karan's eyes briefly.

"Take care of it," I said quietly.

He nodded.

Without another word, I turned around, walked to my car, and drove away.

As I drove on, the evening had already surrendered to darkness. The sky was heavy with thick, unmoving clouds, casting everything in a dull, lifeless gray. There wasn't a single soul in sight no cars, no people, nothing. The world around me felt eerily silent, as if time itself had slowed down, holding its breath.

The air was thick and uneasy, pressing against my skin, threatening something it never quite delivered. It wasn't raining, yet the atmosphere carried the same weight as a storm about to break oppressive, restless, suffocating. The sky hung low, undecided, as if it couldn't choose between exploding in fury or staying painfully quiet.

A fierce wind ripped through the trees lining the road, making the branches sway violently. Leaves rustled and scattered, scraping against the ground and slamming into each other, filling the emptiness with sharp, chaotic sounds. The wind whipped past my car, cold and relentless, carrying an unsettling energy that matched the chaos churning inside me.

As I drove ahead, a car suddenly appeared from the opposite side, blocking my path. I slowed down instinctively, confusion creeping in. Who is this now?

I pressed the horn once. No response.

Again. Still nothing.

The car didn't move an inch. Its headlights flickered on, off, on, off sending an uneasy chill down my spine. Irritation bubbled up inside me. The road was completely empty, silent except for the low hum of my engine. Just two cars stood there mine, and that black Thar, parked like it owned the road.

Annoyed, I pressed the horn again, longer this time. Nothing. My patience snapped. I turned off the engine and stormed out of my car, the wind brushing harshly against my face.

The road stretched empty in both directions, not a single other vehicle in sight. It felt unreal like the world had narrowed down to this moment, this place.

I took a few steps forward, eyes fixed on the Thar, my mind racing with questions. I had no idea who was inside. No idea why they'd stopped me like this.

Then suddenly-

the doors opened. A man stepped out Him.

And something inside me flinched. A sharp, instinctive warning rippled through my body. My grip tightened, my senses went alert, every nerve screaming that this wasn't normal. The air felt heavier now, thicker, as if it had shifted the moment He appeared. I stayed where I was, unmoving, watching Him closely knowing, deep down, that whatever this was... it wasn't random.

_____________****_____________

To be continued...

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