ch 23 No more Arguments
Ashiana pushed the blanket away hurriedly, swinging her legs off the bed. The moment her feet touched the floor, her body wavered weak, unsteady.
"Oh my God, it's seven already..." she muttered breathlessly, eyes darting toward the clock. Panic flared in her chest. "I... I have to go home. Quickly."
she tried to stand, but her knees buckled. Aditya stepped forward to steady her, but froze at the sharp, warning glance from Aarav.
His voice cut through the air calm, cold, absolute.
"You're not going anywhere."
The words weren't a suggestion. They were law.
Meera frowned softly, stepping closer.
"Ashiana, you're too weak to even walk properly. Where are you thinking of going in this condition?"
her chest tightened. Panic clawed at her. Going home late always meant worse for her. her hand trembled as she clutched the bedpost, eyes flicking nervously toward Aarav. He hadn't moved an inch, yet his gaze pinned her like a hawk unyielding, merciless, daring her to try.
"B... but sir... I... it's important. I... I have to go... o-or else..." her voice cracked, panic lacing every word.
Meera's brows knit in alarm. "Or else what, Ashiana?" she asked gently.
Before you could answer, Aarav's tone sliced in, final and sharp.
"You're not leaving."
her breath hitched. His words coiled around her like chains, unbreakable. He took one step closer, his towering frame pressing you back without even touching you.
Ashiana swallowed her tears, forcing out a trembling protest.
"Dekhiye sir... a-ap kuch nahi samajhte... mujhe jana hoga... main yaha nahi reh sakti..."
"Then make me understand," he said, eyes burning with unspoken suspicion.
she tried to step forward desperation propelling her.
But Aarav moved.
His towering frame blocked the doorway, his presence overwhelming. One hand slid casually into his pocket, but the other rested lightly on the edge of the doorframe as if silently reminding her that no force on earth could push past him without his permission.
"Try," he said quietly, dangerously calm, "and take one more step."
In a single swift motion, his hand closed around her wrist firm, unrelenting, impossible to shake off.
"Bas." His voice was steel, low and commanding. "No more arguments."
He guided her back, unyielding, until she sat on the bed again. His presence loomed, his gaze locked on her, dark and knowing.
"You're not going anywhere tonight. Not when you look like this."
The finality in his tone crushed the last of her fight. she sank onto the bed, clutching the blanket, her voice dying in her throat.
Aarav didn't look away. His eyes stayed on her, sharp and steady, as he uttered his last command soft, yet carved in iron.
"Rest."
And this time... she obeyed.
he door clicked softly behind them as Meera stayed inside with you, and Aarav walked out into the hallway with Aditya at his side.For a moment, neither spoke.
The long corridor of the Malhotra mansion was quiet except for the steady patter of rain against the tall windows.
Aarav's hands slid into his pockets, his shoulders taut with the kind of tension only Aditya could read.
Aditya broke the silence, low and hard.
"It's confirmed. Bruises, panic—she's hiding hell in that house."
Aarav's jaw tightened. He watched the rain, then looked at Aditya as if weighing a verdict. His voice was a cold blade.
"No one breaks what belongs to me."
Aditya's mouth twitched—half-smile, all teeth.
"So—she's under your protection now?"
Aarav didn't answer with words. He let the quiet do the work, then spoke with the kind of calm that kills.
"Find everything. Neighbors. CCTV. Medical records. Who's been there, who looked away, who lied."
Aditya's tone went businesslike, efficient.
"Kabir and two men tonight. Raghav will pull the archives. I'll tail the brother. Legal preps in the morning."
Aarav's eyes narrowed, cold amusement in the corner of his mouth.
"Not yet. Make them comfortable. Make them believe safety. We'll tighten the noose slow—perfectly."
Aditya tapped his phone, already moving through the plan.
"All quiet. No leaks. Meera stays with her tonight. Raj to the nanny. We tell anyone who asks she's our guest."
Aarav's voice dropped, quiet enough that only Aditya heard the promise and the threat wrapped together.
"When we take them apart, they won't even remember how to breathe."
Aditya's nod was a razor.
"Consider it done."