CHAPTER 1

" Simar bhabhi and Roli bhabhi have to apologize from Shourya for unnecessarily blaming him when he's very clean and if not, then with Shourya I too will leave the house today" Jahnavi declared openly standing at the doorstep beside Shourya along with their bags packed up to leave instantly.

Simar and Roli were shocked by the declaration thinking how well Shourya succeed in manipulating Jahnavi that she was ready to leave the house with him, not only her but everyone else in the house is under control of his spell for they started asking them to apologize.

Simar was neutral at first but then looking at every one of them she slightly apologies to Shourya with a thought that if they are in the house Shourya won't harm Jahnavi much which won't be guaranteed if they leave and before she takes any firm step she has to be prepped enough with all the proofs so as no one can question her twice if she blames him again or say exposes him.

"See Jahnavi now Simar did what you asked right so please get inside, don't go now" Sujatha pleased her daughter with a slight satisfaction with her being, for now, her Janhavi won't leave the house.

"I'm satisfied by what Simar bhabhi said and hoping that she'll not raise any questions on my husband hereafter and will give him the respect that he deserves as a son-in-law of this house but, what about Roli bhabhi? " Jahnavi implored giving a questionous look at Roli others too turned to look at Roli who was standing in the middle of the living room, alone.

Roli squirmed at her place looking at so many gazes directly falling on her, every eye there holds different emotions in it and most of them were having anger in it for they think her as wrong, apart from them only Shourya's eyes were glittering with a victorious glint in them. She was feeling so weak all of sudden when she found none of them even for once asked her for an explanation instead of blaming her in return for trying to break the family. Keeping her determination firm she stood silently for she knew she is right in here.

Everyone who was waiting for Roli's apology had enough, Sujatha, Mataji, and Mausi looked at Siddhant and asked him to make his wife understand and ask for the apology. Siddhant nodded and moved to Roli and that was the moment Roli felt a hit in her being after watching her hubby in front of her not in the mind to support her but his family and Shourya. 

"Roli, see I don't know why are you doing this..."

"I'm sorry" Roli voiced it out without any emotions reflecting on her face, her eyes glistening with tears not because she was lost by Shourya but because she lost her husband's support. In all these while not for once he gives a second thought to the allegations she put on Shourya. She wasn't expecting others to give her a hand as she knows Shourya succeeded very wisely in wrapping whole family members in his sugary words but she was expecting Siddhant to be on her side at least for once.

Everyone was rejoicing the moment as Jahnavi with Shourya stepped inside the house with a happy smile on their face, all were happy and excited for its going to be Jahnavi's birthday... All were talking about the plans for the party except two people. one - Simar, her thoughts were wandering around trying to find out a plan to execute so that she can expose Shourya in front of everyone. Second - Roli, she didn't know what she wants to do now but her eyes were fixed on her husband who was happily sitting on the sofa beside Jahnavi wrapping his hand around her shoulder and probably asking for what gift she wants from him. A drop of tear threatened to down her eyes, she blinks frequently to hold them back but she failed, and to hide it from everyone she left the place silently and went to her room upstairs. Everyone saw her leaving but neglected her presence, Simar was about to go behind her sister but a stare from her husband Prem and others stopped her in middle. And Siddhant he saw her too but ignored thinking will see into it later.

Roli was standing near the window looking into the sky, tears were continuously wetting her cheeks and she didn't even care to wipe them off. Time passed by but she stood there itself, Siddhant entered the room and closed the door. Roli knew it was him, she can feel his presence.

Siddhant came and stood behind her, Roli didn't care to turn behind and look at him whereas Siddhant too didn't ask. He clears his throat gaining her attention then continued " why are you behaving like this Roli, I wasn't expecting this behavior from you, Why are you behind Shourya? He is changed Roli, he is not like before, can't you see how happy Jahnavi is with him so please hereafter don't interfere in my sister's life let her be happy with her husband"

"But Siddhant Ji, Shourya"

"No Roli, don't... Don't try to invade their life anymore and please tomorrow is her birthday and I'm requesting you to let it go smoothly " Siddhant warned her then moved to the bed to get some sleep and here Roli stood broken.

"Even I wasn't expecting this behavior from you, Siddhant Ji. I thought if not others you will believe in me, in your Roli but you didn't, Why? It's not Shourya who hurt me, it's you... It's you, Siddhant Ji, but don't worry soon I'll prove myself that I'm not wrong" She wiped her tears then laid down beside Siddhant, and today there was some gap in between them.

The next day everyone was happily enjoying the party except the two sisters, Jahnavi cuts the cake and fed everyone with happiness. She came with a piece of cake towards Simar too who accepted it without any problems and the next was Roli. Roli looked at everyone, her eyes landed on Siddhant who blinked his eyes asking her to accept it, and the next moment she opens her mouth which made everyone happy but somewhere she was not.

"Where's her gift Roli?" Siddhant asked as he'd didn't find the one near him nor with Roli.

"Oops sorry, that's in the car, I know where it is I'll bring" Roli spoke then sprinted outside, opening the backside door she was looking for the gift pack using the flashlight of the mobile.

Unknown to her a man came behind her and grabs her waist tightly from behind startling her, the mobile she was holding slipped from her hand and fell in the car.

She was about to shout in fear but he covered her mouth with his palms not letting her speak, She wriggled inside the strong grip trying very hard to come out of it but he was stronger than her. He neared her ears then whispered in a very crook voice " what do you think, it's over. No Roli... Let's see until when you'll be saved because the game has just begun"

Roli was horrified by the tone that falls in her ear it took her a while to digest what he was telling. She trembled quite violently in his grip in fear, sweat was dropping out her skin, she was scared so much. She knew that Siddhant is upset with her and isn't talking to her but now she needs him very badly, She knew whatever it is she'll be safe with him. That was the only thought that clouded her mind and the urge to go to Siddhant made her strong enough to probe her elbow so strongly in his abdomen's right making him winced in pain, he stumbled back giving a chance for Roli to take on the lead she turned coming out of his hold and was about to see his face but before that he pushed her on the ground with a force then sprinted off.

Roli falls and before her head hits the ground she puts her palms to gain the support, she screams in utter fear " Siddhant Ji"

Everyone heard her shout and came to her rescue, Siddhant was the first one to reach her as she expected he engulfed her in his hug giving her the relief she was waiting for. He rubs her back continuously whispering some words in her ear to make her calm down whereas others started bombarding questions at her. Taking her own time to relax she then lets out every detail of the happening having a tight hold on Sid's collar who was cupping her face by one and holding her tight by the other. The rage increased in Siddhant and others after knowing someone misbehaved with her. The thought of who it will be still was hanging in their minds after the men tried to find that man around the house but found none. Thinking to leave it for later all went inside. Siddhant brought Roli inside holding her tight in his embrace, she felt good that at least now he is with her. To lighten the mood Shourya asked people to continue the party and everyone accepted but for Roli to be honest she was not in a condition to continue, She wanted to rest inside her room in his embrace until her heartbeats come to normal, before she could mouth her wish Siddhant agreed for what Shourya has asked.

Roli looked at him for a while but then nodded ok for somewhere she knew all will may blame her later if she moves out of the place which may upset the birthday girl and her hubby. She left Sid's hand asking him for water. He nodded then went to bring a glass of water for her that was when Shourya came near her, She shuddered at her place noticing him somewhat closer to her but what scared her was the fragrance she could inhale by his strong perfume and no doubt it was familiar to the man who manhandled her outside a few minutes before. Her eyes widened in shock thinking ' could it be him? ' 

Before she could come to any conclusion Sid came back with water and offered her, she took it urgently and gulps it down, Siddhant rolled his eyes on her speed and asked slightly "you ok?"

"He... He" Roli was trying to let him know about the confusion she just had for him to be Shourya and she knew it can be him as he has a solid reason to be the one, but she stopped in the middle before taking Shourya's name for her mind went on a ride thinking ' will Siddhant Ji believe me if I say it was him, Shourya. Absolutely No... He won't believe me instead he will scold me for trying to frame him again... He will again stop talking to me... No, I don't want him to go away from me again... I won't tell him '

Siddhant cupped her face bringing her out from her reverie, he told " don't worry, he won't come here again, and even if he comes then we all are here ok... See all are here, me, prem, Shourya..."

"I'm fine" She mumbles before he says more, she felt cringed on hearing Shourya's name, not even in her rarest dream she would ask Shourya to safeguard her by any means even if he pretends to do so... She would want to die then being protected by him.

Siddhant didn't notice the inner turmoil she was in and nodded with a smile... Later in the night, all were sleeping peacefully except Roli, She was wide awake. Her mind was rewinding the incident that happened with her, her throat dried due to the heavy breathing, she was scared reliving that memory and she knew it was him. Her body trembles in fear when Shourya's voice echoed in her ear. She turned to her right and saw Siddhant sleeping peacefully, glancing at him for a few minutes tears left her eyes, and she murmured " why don't you believe me, Siddhant Ji, how can you believe Shourya more than me" she silently cries for a while then slept.

The next day, Siddhant has to leave for a meeting abroad. She was scared to let him go. It was another thing that Siddhant don't believe her in matters with Shourya but she does know that she'll be safe only with him. She chose to be the one to drop him off at the airport, Siddhant was first reluctant to it but later allowed. It was the nighttime when both exited the house, Siddhant did give her a comforting goodbye but with a warning to not interfere in Jahnavi and Shourya's matters. She nodded but she knew she would, how can not she... First, she wanted to expose Shourya to save Jahnavi but now, she wants to expose him so that her hubby can believe her not him.

She was coming back from the airport when the car stopped unexpectedly, the driver knew it won't be easy to get it done soon so he made Roli sit in the cab, and according to her it moved to their house but after an hour or so she opened her eyes to find herself on the ground in the middle of the forest, her head was paining so much she wasn't able to remember anything that has happened but when she realized she's stuck and is in danger her body trembles in fear she shouted on the top of her voice " Is anybody here, please help me"

Soon there was a man in front of her having a hoodie on the face, a lighter in his hand which plays music when lit. The music was piercing in her ear scaring her, she lost her voice for the moment after he approaches her, As he reached a little more closer she knew it was him from the fragrance, she pulled herself backward away from his reach and he laughs at her attempt... He bends closer to her face and was very satisfied with the fear in her eyes " oh Roli bhabhi, are you scared, of me?" Waiting for her response when he got none he spoke again " you should be"

The raised tone of his voice sends the terror in her body she clutches her fist so tight to have control of herself.

"Look around where you are, there is no one to save if I burn you to death none will know" He threatened her with his rugged but calm voice bringing the lighter near her face, close enough to let her feel the warmth of the fire.

This scared her to the fullest, she already felt dead due to it the only wish she wanted was for Siddhant to come back to her and save her but somewhere she knew he can't come.

"Run"

Roli shrinks her eyebrows after hearing his word, she took a moment to register what he just said.

Shourya chuckled seeing her confused face he was enjoying this state of hers. He smirks wide then lets out his desire " how can you think I'll give you this simple punishment, naah... So let's have some fun what say, dear bhabhi... Go, go run and save yourself if you can"

Roli didn't know if she can save herself or not but she ran away from there until she finds the road and to her surprise, he didn't follow her. Taking it as a chance she went to the home only to find Siddhant there tending to Shourya along with others, who seem to be sick.

Her mind blasts due to the confusion thinking how come Shourya be here and over that Siddhant Ji didn't he went abroad for the meeting.

"Siddhant Ji" She whispers 

Everyone looked at her she was looking completely worn out her face was pale and she was scared. Siddhant ran to her before she slumps down due to weakness. "Roli, Roli what happened" he asks taking her in his arms.

She moves more closer to him knowing she's safe there, weepingly she narrated whatever has happened, Siddhant clenched his jaw in anger he asked in a high tone " who was he?"

"Shourya" She whimpered hoping at least one person in the house should believe her.

All eyes were wide in shock hearing the name even Simar's, she wasn't expecting her to take his name. Shourya came near her then with his sweet tone he says " bhabhi please what have I done to you that you are blaming me for this crime"

All nodded with him breaking her strength to stand for herself against him, She looked at Siddhant and he nodded no " no Roli, he can't be you might have misunderstood, he was with us only from the time I'm back from the airport "

That's it she lost all her strength she has when her husband supported the person who had just killed her. She closed her eyes in distress and cries aloud then faints in Sid's arms. She was taken to the room doctor was called, treated her wounds, and prescribed the medicines informing all that She is stressed and to take care of her... All slept even Siddhant vowing himself to find the person who has hurt her but not for even once he thought it to be Shourya.

The morning was a little stressful for all as Roli has opted to be silent after none believed her, if anyone asks her regarding it she won't reply for she knew what is the use when no one will believe her how much they should know she has already told them, her silence tempered Siddhant but he couldn't see the blankness in her eyes.

The police were called, Roli recited everything like last night with a blank face except Shourya's name for she was asked not to... Her family has asked Siddhant to make her understand and not say anything about Shourya so she kept quiet.

"Do you doubt anyone?" The police inspector asked.

Roli's eyes instantly went to Shourya who has a smirk on his face whereas all eyes were on her, inspector's eyes traveled the direction she was looking at and no doubt he found that man fishy, before voicing out anything she looked at her family and everyone nodded no seeing Siddhant doing the same she downed her head and nodded no.

"Ok, then let me take your leave, be careful until we find the culprit" The inspector said and left the house before giving a glance at Shourya.

At night all were in their room sleeping even Roli too but she stirred in her sleep after the same music falls in her ear. She woke up scared and her eyes recognized the shadow behind the window, She shivers visibly, She turned her gaze to Siddhant who was sleeping beside her immediately she reached his hand for support and held it tight disturbing his sleep.

Siddhant woke up hurriedly after feeling the tug on his hand, he saw Roli who was shivering in fear. He pulled her to his chest, hugged her as much tight as he could " Roli, hey what happened "

"Siddhant Ji that, he... He... He is here"

"Who? "

" Shourya " She whispered, her voice was shaking in fear.

Siddhant sighed then mouthed very slowly " not again"

Roli didn't hear him, he cupped her face and looking straight into her eyes he spoke "I'm here, with you" Roli nodded with a relief that he is here before she can respond more he says "and, it's not him"

That from him made her shut her eyes again, he didn't believe her again, fresh tear found their way. Siddhant wiped those and hugged her again, she just holds him and sobbed in silence. That music that went off abruptly still has its effect on her and she didn't have it in her to fight with Siddhant and make him believe that it's him.

Days passed by, Roli has chosen to be silent for the maximum of the time she was with family, she had tried many times to say that it's Shourya but none beloved her... It was the time when she was alone in the room and to her misfortune Shourya was there on the doorstep of her room unknown of it she continued her talk...

"Are you sure you have proof against Shourya"

This alerted Shourya and he hides himself more just to know what all she is talking about, his fist curls up in anger seeing Roli has been plotting against him all the while.

After talking for a little more Roli got herself ready and left the house and behind her left Shourya.

Two hours went and there was no trace of her nor did of Shourya and no one even noticed this. The men of the house were early that day except for Siddhant, he was supposed to go abroad but as the flight got delayed that day he came back home and the attack on Roli didn't let him go again so to cover it up he was staying in the office late.

As all entered behind them entered police almost panting and asked "Where is Mrs. Bhardwaj"

"Don't know" Everyone whispered after noticing that she is missing.

"And where is Shourya?" That was the second question which sent slight terror on their face as he was missing too. "It was him only who was attacking Mrs. Roli all these while, she told me about him that day itself unknown to you all, today she was supposed to meet a person who was going to provide her with the proofs while going she called me to tell about it and before she could say the address her phone went unavailable, and I guess her life is in danger"

All were numb in shock hearing what all he said, processing every detail inside them Prem slightly says " why didn't she tell any of us that she was going there"

"As if any one of you had believed her" He mocks at them, everyone's face fell remembering that she was telling it's him but none considered it "at least now don't waste the time and let's find her first"

All ran outside to search for Roli trying to call Siddhant too but he wasn't responding. Tracking down her last location they finally found her but in a bad state, Shourya was holding her from back targeting the gun oh her head after he saw police found him, They were near the cliff and beside them already there was a dead body probably of the person who wanted to meet Roli.

Police cautioned him to leave her but Shourya didn't, he warned everyone that he will kill Roli too if anyone tried to go near them.

All were pleading to leave Roli but Shourya was adamant not to. Prem took a little opportunity and was about to go near him but unfortunately, Shourya saw him, he holds Roli tighter pushing the gun tip more into her skin he pulled the trigger taking everyone's breath. Roli was already so scared and hearing him pulling the trigger made her feel dead at that instant but to her relief, the gun came to be empty. All sighed long seeing her safe but not for so long as he pushed Roli down the cliff.

Shourya laughed at his success while everyone was numb at their place in shock until they heard Roli's voice asking for help. They ran to see her lying on the obliquely sharp ground with the support of a tree branch.

It gave them little relief seeing her alive, Roli's all the weight was only supported by her hold making her hand pain so much. The persons above were trying to find a way to get her up but Roli for her she is losing her strength, in that instant everything flashes in front of her eyes from the time all it started and how no one believed her not even Siddhant, her eyes were shedding the tears of pain she looked up again and found everyone but him... He didn't come even though she has messaged him the purpose and the address of the venue still he isn't here, he didn't believe her even once. Before texting him she knew he won't believe her still she was expecting him to be here if not in her support but he can come to stop her, right? And he didn't. She closed her eyes in pain and left the only support she was holding.

"Roliiiii" Shouted everyone after seeing Roli is sliding down the cliff.