38.
Vedansh Shekhawat went back to the council, pressing for negotiation once more.
This time, Aarav stood with him. Aarav gave his statement without faltering—presenting proof against his own mother and grandfather, laying bare every dark thread that had tangled their lives.
He handed over the toxicology reports too, the ones confirming the drugs that had been coursing through Shaurya's body for months.
The impact was immediate. Ozge's empire collapsed like a house of cards.
His men surrendered without a fight, and every last remnant of his power fell into Shaurya's hands.
The Vocarre convened, deliberated, and finally reduced his sentence to just ten days.
Whether it was because he was Shaurya Shekhawat—or because the combined glare of Vedansh and Aarav could have burned holes through stone—no one could say.
Now, Shaurya sat behind the council bars, locked away. The air was thick and still, the kind that made time crawl. Even the other prisoners, hardened by their own sins, stared at him in quiet disbelief. Shaurya Shekhawat, caged like the rest of them—it was a sight none had ever expected to see.
-----------------------
Aarav stared at his reflection in the mirror. His eyes drifted to the chain around his neck. He touched it, gripping it tightly, and let out a quiet sigh.
Just be fine, he murmured to himself.
The door creaked open, and Yug stepped in, carrying a tray.
"Should I come in?" he asked, a faint smile on his lips.
Aarav looked up and nodded. Yug set the tray on the table and handed Aarav a cup of milk. Aarav raised an eyebrow.
"I thought coffee was supposed to be brown. Is this some new variety?" he quipped, looking at the cup.
"Oh, shut up. There's no coffee powder in your apartment—fire your cook," Yug said, rolling his eyes. "But drink it anyway. You haven't been eating properly for three days."
"I'll drink it later," Aarav muttered, placing the cup back on the tray.
Yug noticed the chain and the ring glinting in the light and let out a small sigh.
"You need to go out for a change. Maybe head to the office, meet some people—they miss you," he said, taking a sip of his coffee.
"I'm really sorry, Yug. I know it's been hectic for you lately. I'll—"
"That's not what I mean, Aarav. I'm handling work just fine. Look at you—you look like a rat, seriously. Let's go out today, alright?" Yug said firmly. Aarav just nodded slightly. Yug stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"He'll be back soon. Don't worry," he murmured.
"But—"
"You don't have to say anything. I won't ever compare myself to Shaurya.
He's a part of your life, and we can't change that.
But you'll see him again when he comes back—and so will I.
I still have to ask him for you," Yug added, scratching the back of his neck.
"Woh pagal mera sir dhar se alag na krde"
Aarav's mind flickered to Shaurya. Would he even let Yug have this part of him? But it didn't matter right now. Because if Shaurya let him go this time, he was ready for it.
"Let's go to Rivaah today," Yug suggested.
"I'm not in the mood to drink," Aarav said.
"Come on. You don't have to drink—just meet the new bartender. I told him you like trying out new drinks," Yug coaxed.
"Fine. But just for a little while," Aarav relented.
"That's more than enough," Yug said with a smile, ruffling Aarav's hair. Aarav smacked his hand in playful protest.
------------------------
The bar was blasting with loud music. Rivaah was packed, the air buzzing with chatter and clinking glasses. Aarav and Yug stepped inside, weaving through the crowd, when they spotted none other than Ravi—sitting alone, nursing a drink.
"What's he doing here?" Yug muttered, glancing at Aarav.
Aarav shrugged and walked toward Ravi.
"Hey," he called out.
Ravi lifted his gaze, eyes heavy and red from drinking.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, then noticed Yug.
"Well, it's my bar, dude. You're asking us what we're doing here?" Yug chuckled.
Ravi shook his head and pushed himself up from his seat, starting to leave.
"Wait, why are you leaving?" Aarav frowned, stepping closer.
"I need to feed an old man, or he'll eat my head," Ravi said with a bitter smirk. Aarav realized he meant Vedansh.
"And Vayu? I never asked. Is he alright?" Aarav pressed.
"I took him back to Amritnagar. But why do you even care?" Ravi scoffed, his tone sharp.
"Why wouldn't I care? He's my nephew," Aarav said, confusion flickering across his face.
"Right... I thought you'd forgotten your family even exists," Ravi laughed dryly.
"Hey man, don't—" Yug started, but Ravi cut him off.
"Oh, can you please just shut your mouth? I'm talking to him," Ravi said, irritation clear in his voice. Aarav fell silent.
"It's funny, you talk about caring now, Aarav," Ravi continued, his voice rising to cut through the music. "Did you even care when you left everything behind? When you gave up everything and came here, went to a stranger, forgetting that you still had a family?"
"Do you think it was easy for me to leave everything behind—" Aarav's voice hitched. "I wouldn't have been able to move on if I kept seeing Shaurya's face," he argued, his hands clenching at his sides.
"Suit yourself, Aarav. There's no point in arguing with you anyway," Ravi replied sharply.
"You and I both know the truth—you're running from Shaurya because you're not strong enough to face reality.
Whatever you are now, whatever you do with this guy, it's just an escape.
But don't forget—you disappointed your family.
Your sister still talks about you every day.
Veer, your best friend... I still can't understand how you could forget him.
Rajmata... I don't even know what to say about her.
Everything's still the same, but you've changed, Aarav.
Even after all these years, no one could take your place—because Shaurya won't allow it. "
"Just try to understand me," Aarav whispered, tears brimming. "I couldn't live with him when he didn't want me anymore."
Ravi scoffed, shaking his head. "Then why did you guys get married, huh?
And don't think I'm on Shaurya's side—I know how wrong he was.
But you two... you're so immature, Aarav.
You don't even really know each other. You're both hurting, and you're hurting everyone around you.
So just stop spiraling. And stop fooling around with him—because your actions always say otherwise. Don't give him hope."
With a last glance at Yug, Ravi turned and left.
Yug looked down at Aarav, who was now staring at the floor, tears silently falling. He didn't say a word—he simply rubbed Aarav's back, letting him cry it out.
I want to replace this sadness of yours Aarav. Just allow me.