Udaariyaan: Entangled Hearts ~ Chapter 13 on pg 4- Page 2

Chapter 2 (Suhaag Raat)

Nehmat could hardly believe her ears. Her heart thudded violently in her chest, as if trying to catch up with the weight of the words she had just heard.

It wasn't the first time a man had said "I love you" to her. Before their marriage, Ekam had whispered those words to her often—during private moments filled with innocence and dreams of a shared future. But after their marriage... silence. Those words had faded into memory, lost to time and unspoken wounds.

And now, those very same words were being spoken by someone she had never imagined would utter them—Advait Kapoor.

"What... what did you just say?" she asked shakily, barely able to form the words.

Advait met her gaze with a slight smirk, though his voice trembled with sincerity. "You heard me right, Miss Nehmat Sandhu Virk—no, correction—Mrs. Nehmat Advait Kapoor. The Advait Kapoor, heir to the Kapoor Empire... is madly in love with you."

Nehmat froze.

She was stunned. She had always believed that Advait harbored feelings for her best friend, Mallika. Love had never seemed part of their equation—at least, not from him. Still seated on his lap, she carefully shifted away, creating a few inches of space between them. Her mind was already spiraling, her emotions a tangled mess.

Why am I not angry? she wondered. Why is there... a strange warmth inside me?

She wrapped her arms around herself as if to keep her thoughts from slipping out. I've only ever loved Ekam. I longed to hear those words from him. But now... what is this flutter I feel when Advait says them? What is happening to me?

Before she could untangle the confusion inside her, Advait leaned forward abruptly and pressed his lips to hers.

She stiffened at the unexpected kiss—but for a full minute, she didn't resist. She let him kiss her, his lips gentle, almost uncertain. Then, like lightning striking her core, realization hit. With a sudden jerk, she pushed him back, voice trembling with shock: "Advait!"

He staggered slightly but recovered quickly, undeterred. His eyes—fiery and intense—locked onto hers. In one swift motion, he grabbed her shoulders and drew her close before she could escape. His hand cradled the back of her head as he kissed her again, more fiercely this time, anchoring both their heads in place.

This time, Nehmat fought back. She pushed at his chest with all her strength—after all, she was the daughter of a boxer. She landed two sharp punches on either side of his chest.

But Advait held on, his lips still firm against hers, relentless yet not violent—just desperate, aching. Her punches began to lose strength. And then... something shifted. The fight in her arms faded. Her hands, once filled with resistance, slowly curled around his back, then slid upward to his neck, her fingers brushing through the rough stubble of his hair.

Without meaning to, she melted into the kiss.

Passion surged between them—raw, magnetic, uncontrollable. His lips crushed hers like he was trying to erase the space between them. The bristles of his unshaven face scratched her soft cheeks, leaving behind a delicious sting. She held his head tightly, not wanting him to pull away. Her lips moved over his, featherlight and trembling—like butterfly wings—until he could taste her breath and the faint sweetness of her lipstick.

Advait leaned in to kiss the small mole on her right cheek, just near her ear. Nehmat closed her eyes as he did so, feeling the warmth of his breath, the gentleness in his touch.

This time, she didn't pull away.

She didn't resist when his hands began to roam her body with reverent slowness. She simply let herself feel—his touch, his heat, his truth. There was no longer hesitation, no confusion—just two souls surrendering to the fire that had long been smoldering between them.

As their passion deepened, time slipped into stillness. The only sounds in the room were their ragged breathing and the soft, steady ticking of the clock on the nightstand.

Hours later

The shrill ring of an alarm jolted Nehmat awake.

Still wrapped in the warmth of the night before, she slowly opened her eyes. Her body, bare beneath the bedcover, stirred as she reached to silence the alarm.

And then—panic.

"It's already 8:00 A.M.!"

She gasped, clutching the sheet tighter around herself as the realization hit like a cold splash of water.

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To be continued.

The next part of this story is inspired by what Gauri @Destiny wrote in EDT few days back.

Chapter 3 (Love me or not?)

After a quick shower, Nehmat stood before the mirror, towel-drying her hair and mumbling under her breath, "I don't know how I ended up sleeping so late today... Rama Mom must be furious."

As she ran a comb through her damp hair, her mind drifted to her very first day at the Kapoor Mansion. She vividly remembered Rama's stern words: "You may have married into the Kapoor family, but you'll become my daughter-in-law in the truest sense only when you find a place in Advait's heart."

Nehmat's hand stilled. Last night's memories came rushing in—Advait's unexpected confession of love, the way he kissed her, the way they had come together as two souls letting go of the past, if only for a night.

Unconsciously, a soft smile curved Nehmat's lips. She blinked at her reflection in surprise, almost as if seeing herself for the first time. Why am I smiling? she wondered, startled by the warmth spreading in her chest. What is happening to me?

I've only ever loved Ekam, she reminded herself. For years, it was always him. I dreamt of hearing those words from his lips, of a life with him. But last night, when Advait had said those very words, she hadn't felt guilt or regret. Instead, there was something unfamiliar—something dangerously close to happiness.

"Could it be?" she whispered. "Is it possible... I'm falling for Advait?"

Shaking her head quickly, Nehmat stepped away from the mirror as though physically trying to escape her thoughts. "No. No, this can't be happening," she muttered. "I can't love anyone other than Ekam. Especially not someone who was in love with my best friend..."

Her mind pushed back—but her heart brought forth more memories.

Flashback:
She remembered the early days of their marriage—how forced and bitter they had been. Advait had resented her, blamed her for turning his life upside down. He had been distant, angry, cold.

And yet, somewhere along the way, something shifted.

When she was shattered after learning about her biological parents' deaths, it was Advait who stood by her, who took her hand and said gently, "You're not alone, Nehmat. My family is your family too."

It was he who guided her through the expectations of his household, who helped her win the hearts of every member of the Kapoor family.

It was Advait who uncovered the truth behind Shamsher's crimes—confessing not only his father's involvement in the Fatejo murder case but also his own. And in the end, it was Advait who defied everything, stood against his own father, and sent him to prison—all for her.

Flashback ends.

Nehmat returned to the present, her expression thoughtful, almost dazed.

He used to despise me. And yet... why did his behavior change so drastically? Why did he go to such lengths for me?

Her hand loosened, and the comb slipped from her grasp, clattering to the floor.

She stood still, eyes wide, mouth slightly open.

Could his feelings truly have changed? Just like mine are beginning to...? Was his confession last night real? Did he really mean it?

A sudden urgency filled her chest. I need to talk to Advait.

She quickly glanced around the room and realized she hadn't seen him since waking up. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Where's Advait?" she whispered, a hint of panic in her voice.

Kapoor House – Office Room

Advait paced restlessly across the length of the room, his brows knitted in turmoil. His thoughts were scattered, a war raging inside him as he struggled to come to terms with the night before. His fists clenched and unclenched by his sides, as if trying to release emotions too heavy for words.

Outside, Naaz happened to pass by and halted abruptly. Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of Advait through the slightly open door, pacing like a man on the edge. Something's off, she thought suspiciously. Advait never looks this rattled.

Curious—and driven by her ever-burning jealousy—Naaz crept closer, hiding just outside the doorway, careful not to make a sound. From her vantage point, she could see him, but he had no idea she was there.

Inside, Advait ran a hand through his hair in frustration. Guilt and confusion gnawed at him. His mind flashed back to the night before...

Flashback:
He recalled stumbling into their room, half-drunk, half-broken, pouring his heart out in front of Nehmat. The way he'd confessed his love... the desperation in his voice... the moment their lips met, and how one kiss spiraled into something neither of them had expected—something intimate, raw, and undeniably real.
Flashback ends.

With a surge of emotion, Advait slammed his fists down on the desk. The sharp bang startled Naaz, who instinctively backed away slightly, but remained hidden.

"I shouldn't have..." he muttered under his breath, his voice thick with self-reproach.

Naaz strained to hear. Shouldn't have what?

"I shouldn't have... gotten intimate with Nehmat," he finally said aloud, his voice breaking.

Naaz's eyes widened in shock. What?! Nehmat and Advait... got intimate? But how? They don't even love each other... or do they?

Panic bloomed inside her. Her thoughts began to spiral. Does this mean Nehmat will now carry the next heir to the Kapoor legacy?

Flashback:
Naaz had always harbored a secret bitterness. It was Advait—not her husband Nikhil—who was the chosen heir to the Kapoor Empire. And when Nikhil had stepped away from politics, that resentment only deepened. To punish him, she had refused intimacy, making it conditional on him fulfilling her endless demands. No matter how hard Nikhil tried, she remained dissatisfied. Their relationship had been slowly disintegrating—and she didn't even realize how far it had drifted.
Flashback ends.

Her expression twisted into one of cold fury. No. I can't let this happen. I won't allow Nehmat to give birth to the next Kapoor heir. That position—that power—was meant for me, through my child. I have to stop this... now.

Without a second thought, Naaz stormed away from the door, her mind already hatching plans. She didn't bother to stay and hear the rest.

Back inside, Advait remained rooted to the spot, battling his emotions.

How am I going to face her now? he thought. What must she think of me?

Then, a sudden realization struck him. Wait... I was the one who was drunk. But Nehmat—she was completely in her senses. So why didn't she stop me?

His hand instinctively went to his chest, now sore from the punches she'd landed during his impulsive kiss. He winced, murmuring, "Ouch..."

She did try at first, he recalled. But when I wouldn't stop... she surrendered.

The ache in his chest was now matched by a new ache in his heart. Does that mean she feels something for me too? Or was it just a moment of weakness?

Torn and restless, he resumed pacing before finally coming to a decision. "I need answers," he said aloud. "I have to talk to her. I need to know what Nehmat truly feels."

Without wasting another moment, he headed toward their room.

Kapoor House – Nehmat and Advait's Room

Nehmat scanned the room for the hundredth time. The bed was empty, the bathroom door wide open, and there was no sign of Advait.

Where has he gone? I need to talk to him, she thought anxiously. Her heart pounded with anticipation, confusion, and a strange hope she didn't yet know how to name.

Just then, a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Her heart leapt.

She rushed to the door, expecting to see Advait. But her face fell in disappointment when she found Nikhil standing there, his expression grim.

"Nikhil?" she said, puzzled. "You...?"

Nikhil's voice was low and serious. "Bhabs, we need to talk."

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To be continued.

nyc ...infact a perfect cliffhanger.......pls try to post the next part quickly ...tq u

Please update your story love and compromise

Chapter 4 (Family problems)

Kapoor House – Nehmat and Advait's Room

Nehmat's heart sank slightly as she opened the door, expecting Advait but finding Nikhil instead. His expression was solemn, his eyes heavy with concern. It was rare to see him this serious.

"Nikhil?" she asked, surprised.

"Bhabs," he said quietly, "it's something serious. Can we talk inside?"

Although her heart was restless—still yearning to speak to Advait—Nehmat nodded and stepped aside. "Come in."

They both sat down, an uneasy silence filling the room. After a moment, Nehmat gently prompted, "What's wrong, Nikhil? You look troubled."

Nikhil exhaled a long, shaky breath, then met her eyes. "Bhabs... I want to divorce Naaz."

The words hit Nehmat like a bolt. She blinked, completely caught off guard. "What?" she said softly, stunned. "What are you saying, Nikhil? Don't you love her?"

"I did," Nikhil said, voice low and pained. "I loved her with all my heart... with everything I had. But now..." He trailed off.

Nehmat leaned forward. "But now what, Nikhil?"

He closed his eyes briefly, collecting his courage. Then, with a heavy breath, he spoke. "Now, I love someone else."

Nehmat stared at him in disbelief. "What...?"

Flashback:
The early days of Nikhil and Naaz's marriage had been warm, filled with affection and promises. But as time passed, Naaz's insecurities grew. She couldn't bear the attention Nehmat received in the Kapoor family as Advait's wife. She started comparing Nikhil to Advait—pushing him, pressuring him.

Blinded by love, Nikhil sacrificed his dreams—abandoning his passion for fashion design to take on responsibilities in the family business, just to make Naaz happy. He worked tirelessly, trying to prove himself.

But no matter what he did, Naaz was never satisfied. Her taunts cut deep. "You'll never be like Advait. You're just a loser," she would say.

Their arguments became frequent. On one such morning, after a particularly harsh exchange, Nikhil arrived at the office emotionally drained. His secretary reminded him about the interview for a new employee. Nikhil asked her to send the candidate in.

As he waited, Naaz's harsh words echoed in his ears.

"I gave up my dream of becoming a fashion designer for her," he thought bitterly.

"You should be glad you didn't," Naaz had snapped. "You would've been a failure anyway."

Tears welled up in his eyes. He whispered to himself, "Was it really foolish... to dream of being a designer?"

And then, a calm, clear voice came from behind: "No, it's not. If that's where your heart lies, you should absolutely follow it."

He turned around, startled, to see the woman who would soon change everything.
Flashback ends.

Back in the room, Nikhil continued, "For the first time in so long, I felt seen. She didn't judge me, didn't compare me. She simply understood me. Her words stayed with me. They gave me strength to respect myself again, to live without constantly proving my worth."

He paused.

Nehmat, her concern deepening, asked gently, "But don't you still love Naaz, somewhere?"

Nikhil shook his head, the hurt in his eyes now replaced with a quiet resolve. "I thought Naaz was my world, Bhabs. But her constant disrespect—towards me, my feelings, my dreams—it slowly pushed me away. I didn't even realize when... when I stopped loving her."

Flashback:
Nikhil found himself increasingly drawn to the new employee. Her presence comforted him. Her kindness felt like a balm. He began to notice her smile, her encouragement, the way she believed in him when no one else did. One day, he saw her laughing with a male colleague and felt an unfamiliar pang of jealousy.

For a moment, he imagined storming over, confronting the man... but he shook off the thought quickly, startled by the intensity of his feelings.
Flashback ends.

Nehmat brought him back to the present. "Then what happened, Nikhil?"

He turned to her, his voice firm, vulnerable. "I don't know when or how it happened, Bhabs. But somewhere along the way, all my love for Naaz faded. And I... I fell for the woman who respected me. Who saw me."

Nehmat's heart pounded with growing unease. As worried as she was about her sister's marriage, she couldn't ignore Nikhil's pain.

"Who is she?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Nikhil looked up at her, eyes filled with a storm of emotions—fear, guilt, longing.

He was about to answer.

Outside Nehmat and Advait's Room – Kapoor House

Advait reached the door of his bedroom, his heart pounding—not with nerves, but anticipation. He was ready to talk to Nehmat. Ready to bare his soul.

Just as his hand reached for the doorknob, his phone buzzed in his pocket. With a sigh of irritation, he pulled it out and glanced at the screen.

A name flashed across it—one he hadn't expected.

He reluctantly answered, "Hello?"

The voice on the other end was sharp and insistent. "Advait, we need to meet. Now."

Advait frowned. "I'm sorry, this isn't a good time. I have something important to handle."

But the voice persisted. "This is important. It's about something that could destroy everything if not addressed right away."

A heavy silence followed. Advait hesitated, torn between the urgency in the voice and the conversation he desperately wanted to have with Nehmat.

Finally, with a reluctant sigh, he relented. "Fine. Tell me where."

As he turned away from the door, he cast one final glance back at it—at the person waiting on the other side.

"I'll be back, Nehmat," he whispered. "We still need to talk."

And with that, he walked away.

Later – A Quiet Park

Advait stood beneath a large tree, the sky overcast, a breeze stirring the fallen leaves around his feet. His jaw was clenched, his expression unreadable.

A figure approached slowly.

He didn't wait for her to speak. "I told you already—whatever was between us ended long ago. There's nothing left. Whatever I did... whatever I said... it was never real."

The woman stopped just a few feet from him. The camera slowly panned to reveal her face—Mallika.

"I only pretended to love you," Advait continued, his voice cold. "And I only did it because my father wanted me to. It was all a lie."

Mallika's face fell, her eyes a mix of pain and disbelief.

Meanwhile – Nehmat and Advait's Room

Nehmat's voice trembled with urgency. "Nikhil, I asked you something. Who is she? Who is the woman who came between you and Naaz?"

Nikhil hesitated for a moment. Then, with a breath of resignation, he replied, "It's Mallika, Bhabs. Your best friend."

Nehmat froze. Her eyes widened in disbelief as her entire body went still.

Mallika?

The name echoed in her mind like a thunderclap.

Narrator (Voice-over):

Little did Nehmat and Advait know that while they stood at the threshold of discovering each other's feelings...the past was clawing its way back into the present.
Their growing bond was about to be tested by secrets, betrayals, and entangled loyalties.

What began as a forceful marriage...was slowly turning into love.

But fate wasn't done with them yet.

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To be continued.

Chapter 5 (Hurdles of a loveless relationship)

Kapoor House – Nehmat and Advait's Room

Nehmat sat stunned, reeling from Nikhil's confession.

"Mallika?" she whispered, barely able to process the name. "But... she ended our friendship on the day of my wedding. She misunderstood my relationship with Advait. I never imagined... that she would be the reason for the breakdown of my sister's marriage."

Her voice trembled as she continued, "But Nikhil, does she... feel the same way about you?"

Nikhil looked away, his silence heavier than any words.

In the Park

Advait stood stiffly, his arms crossed, visibly irritated. "So? Are you going to tell me what was so urgent that you had to drag me here?" he snapped. "If this is about us—whatever we had—then let me make it clear again. It was fake. Every bit of it. I only pretended to love you because my father asked me to."

Mallika shook her head, her voice calm but heavy. "This isn't about you, Advait."

Advait narrowed his eyes. "Then what is it about?"

"It's about your brother."

"Nikhil?" Advait asked, his brows furrowing. "What about him?"

Mallika clenched her fists and closed her eyes for a moment, summoning courage. "Nikhil and I... we've grown very close. Advait, I think I've fallen in love with your brother."

Advait looked at her in disbelief, a scoff escaping his lips. "What? What did you just say?"

She nodded slowly. "Yes. I'm in love with him."

Flashback – Mallika's Perspective

"I was desperate to escape the chaos of my life—my father's sudden death, my brother's shattered relationship, and... my broken heart. I needed a distraction. When I saw that Kapoors & Co. had a job opening, I was hesitant. I didn't want to cross paths with you again. But then I reminded myself the company was run by Nikhil."

"On my first day, I was surprised to learn that Nikhil and I shared a common passion—fashion design. That one shared interest became our bridge. We became friends. And in time, he began confiding in me, telling me about the cracks in his marriage, the pressure, the loneliness."

"One day, I found him in his cabin, utterly worn out after a fight with Naaz. He had slumped back in his chair, eyes shut, forbidding anyone from entering. But I didn't listen. I walked in anyway."

"I gently placed my fingers on his temples and said, 'Relax, Nikhil. Don't let her words break you. You will make a name for yourself—your talent will shine. You don't need validation from anyone.'"

"He slowly opened his eyes and looked at me. Then, he reached out, held my hand, and said, 'How do you understand me so well? I don't know what I'd do without you.'"

"I was stunned. For a few seconds, I just stood there, caught in his gaze. Then I pulled my hand away and left the room."

Flashback ends.

"That was the moment I knew," Mallika whispered to Advait. "Whatever feelings I once had for you... they'd shifted. I was falling for your brother."

Advait's face darkened. "So what happened next? Did you start an affair with my married brother behind everyone's back?"

Mallika didn't respond.

Kapoor House – Bedroom

Nehmat pressed, "Nikhil, does Mallika reciprocate your feelings?"

Nikhil's eyes clouded with memory.

Flashback – Nikhil's Perspective

"Bhabs, I wasn't brave enough to confess at first. But one day, I saw her laughing with one of the male employees. I don't know what came over me—I saw red. I immediately called her into my cabin."

"She was confused. She asked me why I was behaving so oddly. I blurted out that I didn't like her being so friendly with other men. She was surprised and said, 'You're not my brother, so why does it matter?'"

"And that was it. I broke. I told her everything—that she meant more to me than Naaz ever had. That she was no longer just a friend."

Flashback ends.

Nehmat gasped. "And what did she say?"

In the Park

Mallika stood quietly before Advait. "I didn't say anything when Nikhil confessed. Even though I wanted to. Even though my heart was screaming that I felt the same. I couldn't. I reminded myself—he's married. He belongs to someone else."

"I ran out of the room without saying a word."

Advait let out a slow, relieved breath. "Good. At least you had the sense not to encourage his immature feelings."

He stepped closer, his tone sharp. "Let me make myself clear, Mallika. Stay away from Nikhil. I won't let him ruin his marriage, or our family's reputation, because of your unresolved emotions."

Mallika's voice trembled. "I will try, Advait. But I don't know how long I can keep pretending. I truly love him."

Advait scoffed. "True love? First, it was me. And when you couldn't get me, you conveniently shifted your affections to my brother?"

Mallika's eyes welled up. "You won my mind, Advait. But Nikhil... he won my heart. There's a difference."

Advait's expression turned to stone. He had heard enough.

"I've had enough of your drama, Mallika. Your brother has already caused irreparable damage in my life. I will not allow you to do the same to my brother."

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed off.

Mallika stood there, rooted to the spot, her tears falling silently as she watched him walk away.

Kapoor House – Nehmat and Advait's Bedroom

Nikhil looked Nehmat straight in the eyes, his voice filled with quiet conviction.
"Bhabs, I'm certain Mallika has feelings for me too. Isn't it only right that we be together?"

Nehmat inhaled sharply. "And what about Naaz? My sister? She's your wife, Nikhil."

Nikhil's expression hardened with frustration and pain. "It was Naaz who pushed me away, Bhabs. She never respected my love or my efforts. She constantly belittled me. So tell me—is it really wise to remain in a relationship where love no longer exists?"

Nehmat fell into thoughtful silence, his words stirring old wounds. She found herself remembering the early days of her own marriage to Advait—how they were trapped in a lifeless bond, suffocated by misunderstandings and bitterness. How both of them had felt more like strangers than spouses.

She looked at Nikhil. "Give me some time," she said finally, her voice calm but firm. "I'll think it through and do what's best for everyone involved."

Nikhil's face softened with relief. He reached out, gently clasping her hands. "I knew you'd understand, Bhabs. That's why I came to you. I trust your judgement."

Nehmat smiled faintly and patted his cheek reassuringly. "Now go get some rest. It's been a long day."

Nikhil nodded and left. Nehmat stood alone, her thoughts in turmoil.

"Whom do I stand by—my sister or my best friend?"

Kapoor House – Nikhil and Naaz's Bedroom

As Nikhil opened the door to his room, he was stunned by what greeted him.

The room was dimly lit, glowing with flickering candlelight. Red roses adorned every corner. It looked like a romantic fantasy—like a scene he had once longed to live.

And then he saw her.

Naaz stood before him, a candle in hand, dressed in the same nightwear he had gifted her long ago—his favorite. The one she had once refused to wear.

She walked towards him slowly, her voice soft and sultry.
"Isn't this the night you've always dreamed of, Nikhil?" she whispered, brushing her lips near his ear.

He froze.

Just as she leaned in to kiss him, Nikhil stepped back and gently, but firmly, pushed her away.

Naaz stumbled slightly, shocked. "Nikhil? What's wrong with you? Haven't you always wanted this? Isn't this what you kept begging me for?"

Nikhil turned away, battling his emotions, before answering with restrained fury.

"I can't... I won't do this anymore."

"Why not?" she demanded, her voice rising in confusion and hurt.

He spun around and shouted, "Because I love someone else!"

Naaz stood rooted, stunned and speechless, as the truth crashed over her like a wave.

Kapoor House – Nehmat and Advait's Bedroom

Advait returned to the room, closing the door gently behind him and turning the latch. He spotted Nehmat standing silently by the window, lost in thought.

Sensing his presence, she turned slowly to face him.

Their eyes met—and in that brief exchange, memories from the night before washed over them both. The vulnerability. The closeness. The kiss.

They both blushed and looked away. And then, in perfect unison, they said,

"I need to talk—"

Advait gestured for her to speak first, hoping—perhaps assuming—she was about to share her feelings.

But Nehmat's words caught him off guard.
"Nikhil and Mallika need our help."

Advait blinked in disbelief. "You know about them?"

"Nikhil spoke to me today," Nehmat replied. "And you?"

"I met Mallika... a few hours ago," Advait admitted.

"Then she really does love him, doesn't she?" Nehmat asked softly.

Advait nodded. "She does. But I told her to stay away from Nikhil. To not interfere in his marriage."

"What?" Nehmat gasped. "Why would you say that—especially when you know your brother loves her too?"

Advait's expression turned rigid. "Because he's married. He made the choice to marry Naaz. Whatever consequences he's dealing with now are a result of that decision. He should face them."

Nehmat's eyes narrowed with restrained fury.

"So you're saying it's better to live in a marriage with no love than to end it with honesty?"

Advait was taken aback, stunned into silence by her words.

Nehmat's voice softened, but her gaze didn't waver. "You, of all people, should understand what it means to live in a loveless marriage. You hated me for entering your life, and I resented you just as much. But with time, things changed... because we gave each other space to feel, to heal. Maybe Nikhil and Mallika deserve that chance too."

Advait looked down, conflicted—because she was right.

And it wasn't just about Nikhil and Mallika anymore. It was about them too.

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To be continued.

Chapter 6 (A second chance)

Kapoor House – Nehmat and Advait's Bedroom

Advait stood frozen, stunned by Nehmat's words—"It's better to end a loveless marriage than to stay trapped in one."
Her voice echoed in his mind, stirring emotions he had buried deep. His thoughts spiraled.
Is that what she wants? Is she saying we should part ways too?
His mind instantly flashed back to their shared night—the vulnerability, the intimacy, the unspoken confessions.

"Then what was that moment between us? Just a lapse in judgment? A mistake?" he thought, his heart sinking.

Nehmat's voice snapped him out of his daze.
"Advait? Are you even listening to me?"

He blinked, startled. "What... what did you mean?"

Nehmat looked him straight in the eyes, her tone calm but firm.
"I meant that when love ceases to exist in a marriage, staying in it only suffocates the people involved."

Her words pierced through him like a blade. Advait was pulled back to the earliest days of their marriage—the cold silences, the bitter fights, the resentment in both their eyes. He had once yearned to end it, to be free of what felt like a forced bond. He recalled his desperation back then to push Nehmat away, and even worse, his reckless choice to seek solace in another woman—Veronica.

"I was no different from Nikhil..." he thought bitterly. "I ignored Nehmat's sincerity, her efforts to make this marriage work. I insulted her love for Ekam, not realizing I was already falling for her—and that jealousy blinded me."

He clenched his fists, guilt coiling inside him.
"Why did I do that? But I've changed now... Haven't I? Nehmat changed me. She softened me, made me human again. I love her now—deeply. Don't I deserve another chance?"

He looked up, his voice tinged with hesitation. "So are you saying... Naaz doesn't deserve another chance to save her marriage?"

Nehmat paused, thoughtful. "That depends on both Nikhil and Naaz, Advait. A relationship deserves a second chance only if there is mutual love. If only one person is fighting for it, then there's no point in holding on."

Her words hit him with force—mutual love.

Advait stood there, silently absorbing every syllable. His heart wrestled with the fear that perhaps, despite his feelings, Nehmat didn't feel the same. Her concern seemed centered on Nikhil and Naaz, but what about them?

Unable to take the turmoil any longer, Advait muttered, "I need some air," and abruptly turned toward the door.

Nehmat watched him leave, confusion flickering in her eyes as she tried to understand the emotions behind his silence.

Kapoor House – Nikhil and Naaz's Bedroom

Naaz staggered back, her voice trembling. "What... what did you just say?"

Nikhil looked her in the eye, steady and unflinching. "You heard me, Naaz. I love someone else."

Her face contorted in disbelief and rage. "How dare you say that to me, Nikhil? Didn't you love me once?"

Nikhil's voice rose—not in anger, but in long-buried pain. "How could I fall in love with someone else? Maybe you should ask yourself what made me fall out of love with you. Ever since our marriage, all you ever cared about was more—more money, more status, more fame. You never cared about me. About what I wanted. You never even tried to understand my dreams."

Naaz's eyes narrowed. "You're blaming me?"

"I'm blaming the truth," Nikhil replied coldly. "You didn't marry me for who I am. You married into this family for the name and the riches. And after that, all you did was compare me to Advait Veere, push me to become someone I'm not, while trampling on my passions and calling me a failure."

Naaz's voice dropped to a bitter whisper. "So who is she? Who is this woman who gave you what I couldn't?"

Nikhil hesitated, guilt flickering across his face. He looked down, as if ashamed to utter the name.

"Speak up!" Naaz snapped. "You had the courage to cheat, now at least have the guts to tell me her name!"

Nikhil finally said, softly, "Mallika."

Naaz stumbled back as if slapped. "Mallika?" Her eyes widened with fury and disbelief.

Her mind reeled back to the past—to the wedding day when she had manipulated Mallika into leaving the venue and severing ties with both Nehmat and Advait. Her lips trembled.
Is this her revenge? Is Mallika trying to destroy my marriage in return for everything I did to her?

"No," Naaz murmured, clenching her fists. "I won't let this happen. I'll never let you be with her. Do you hear me? Never."

Nikhil looked at her calmly, his voice firm. "Do whatever you want, Naaz. I'm not scared of you anymore. I know one thing—whatever happens, Nehmat bhabs will be on my side."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Naaz reeling—staring after him in stunned silence.

Kapoor House – Living Room

Nikhil stormed into the living room, frustration evident in his gait. As he turned a corner, he found Advait standing there, lost in thought.

"Veere? What are you doing here this late?" Nikhil asked, surprised.

Advait turned, startled out of his thoughts. "I should be asking you that. Why are you out of your room at this hour? Shouldn't you be trying to sort things out with Naaz?"

Nikhil blinked. "How do you know things are falling apart between me and her?"

Advait let out a half-smile, tinged with sadness. "Come on, Nikhil. I'm your elder brother. I know what's going on in your life even before you do. Now tell me—what's stopping you from making it work? Wasn't it you who insisted on marrying Naaz, no matter what we said?"

Nikhil looked down, a shadow of guilt crossing his face. "It's too late, Veere."

Advait frowned. "Too late? Why?"

Nikhil took a breath, then said quietly, "Because there's no love left between us. And without love, there's no point in holding on. Staying in a marriage without love only suffocates the ones in it."

Those words struck Advait like a lightning bolt.

His mind went blank.

No love. Suffocation. A loveless marriage...
Those were the same words Nehmat had spoken earlier.

As Nikhil quietly excused himself and walked off toward the kitchen, Advait stood rooted to the spot. A storm raged within him.

Does Nehmat feel the same? Is our relationship just a fragile bond of responsibilities, devoid of real love in her eyes?
Was that night just a moment of weakness? Does she love me—or am I clinging to a hope that doesn't exist?

He looked toward the staircase leading up to their room.

If she doesn't love me... is there even a second chance for us?

Advait felt a weight settle in his chest. One he wasn't sure he'd be able to lift.

--------

To be continued.

I am really enjoying this story! Thank you for continuing!!

Originally posted by: Irshita

I am really enjoying this story! Thank you for continuing!!

Honestly, thanks a lot to you and all others who are reading my story.

When I first started this story I never thought people would read it.

Because, Ani's stories are much much better and I have always felt Ani is a better writer than me she has a natural sarcasm added in her stories.

But seeing you people having read the different parts of this story really boosts my spirits.

Thank you all!❤️