Udaariyaan: Entangled Hearts ~ Chapter 13 on pg 4- Page 3

Chapter 7 (Tit for tat)

Morning – Kapoor House, Kitchen

Naaz entered the kitchen and was surprised to see Nehmat cheerfully cooking. "What are you making, Nehmat?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Everyone left early today. They said they'd grab breakfast outside."

Nehmat turned with a soft smile. "I thought I'd pack chole poori and suji ka halwa for lunch... it's Advait's favorite." A faint blush colored her cheeks as she realized Naaz was watching her with a knowing look.

Naaz moved closer and began helping with the preparations. "Looks like things are improving between you and Advait jeeju," she said lightly. "You're lucky, Nehmat. Not everyone gets a blissful married life."

At those words, Nehmat froze for a moment, Nikhil's confession from the previous day flashing in her mind.

Her tone turned serious. "Naaz... I need to talk to you."

Naaz, now on alert after the conversation with Nikhil, masked her emotions and replied casually, "Of course, Nehmat. Go on, what is it?"

Nehmat glanced around, lowering her voice. "Not here. Let's go to my room."

Naaz hesitated briefly, then nodded. Nehmat led the way, with Naaz following, her mind already spinning with suspicion.

Kapoor & Co. – Office

Nikhil arrived at the office, his eyes scanning the floor instinctively for one person—Mallika. Just then, his secretary approached with the day's schedule.

"These are your meetings for today, sir," she said, handing over the planner.

Nikhil glanced through the schedule, giving a distracted nod. As he was about to step into his cabin, the secretary added, "Also... Mallika submitted her resignation this morning."

Nikhil stopped in his tracks. "What?" he whispered, stunned.

He walked slowly into his cabin and collapsed into his chair, shaken. "She resigned... because I confessed my feelings to her?" he murmured to himself. "No... this can't happen. I can't lose her. I need her in my life."

His hands trembled as he reached for his phone. "I have to stop her before it's too late."

Randhawa House – Breakfast Table

Mallika sat at the dining table with her mother Renuka and brother Ekam, who was in uniform and preparing to leave for duty. As they ate, Ekam asked, "Mallika, aren't you getting late for office?"

Mallika, stirring her tea, replied calmly, "No, Bhai. I resigned."

Both Ekam and Renuka looked up in shock.

"You resigned?" Renuka asked, surprised. "But you always said you loved your job, that you wanted to stay with the company till retirement! Is this about Advait again?"

Ekam's gaze narrowed, visibly suspicious.

Mallika quickly shook her head. "No, Mom. It's got nothing to do with Advait. I just... I feel it's time to explore better opportunities. Maybe even abroad."

"Abroad?" Ekam frowned. "Since when did you want to leave India? You always dreamed of settling here, staying close to family. What changed so suddenly?"

Mallika opened her mouth to speak, but her phone buzzed with a new message. It was a voice note from Nikhil.

Her eyes widened slightly. "Excuse me," she said quickly, rising from the table and heading to her room with her phone.

Ekam watched her go, concern deepening in his eyes. "Something's not right," he muttered under his breath.

Mallika's Room – Randhawa House

Mallika opened the voice note with trembling fingers. Nikhil's voice echoed through the room—urgent, desperate.

"What are you doing, Mallika? Why did you leave the job? Are you trying to run away from me? Meet me at the Kapoor construction site—right now. If you don't come, I swear I'll do something you'll regret for the rest of your life."

As the message ended, Mallika's face turned pale. "Oh God, what is Nikhil thinking? Why is he doing this?" she murmured, panic rising in her voice.

She paced the room in turmoil. "Advait told me to stay away... I'm only trying to do the right thing. Why is Nikhil making everything so complicated? Should I meet him or not?"

After a few moments of inner conflict, Mallika stopped in her tracks. Her eyes firmed with resolve. "Fine. I'll meet him—just once. I'll explain clearly that nothing can ever happen between us. He's a married man, and this has to end."

She quickly got dressed and headed out of the room.

Outside – Randhawa House

As Mallika stepped out, Renuka and Ekam, still at the breakfast table, noticed her leaving in a rush.

"Where are you going now, Mallika?" Renuka asked, concerned. "Didn't you say you resigned?"

Mallika forced a casual smile. "Just some final paperwork to complete. I'll be back soon."

"I can drop you," Ekam offered, already rising from his chair.

"No Bhai," she interrupted quickly. "You'll be late for duty, and I've always gone alone anyway. I'll manage."

Without waiting for a reply, she hurried out. Ekam watched her suspiciously.

"She's hiding something, Mom," he muttered. "And if this has anything to do with Advait again, I swear I won't let him get away this time."

Renuka looked worried, silently praying her children wouldn't be drawn into more chaos.

Kapoor House – Nehmat and Advait's Bedroom

Naaz stood with folded arms as Nehmat hesitated.

"What did you want to talk about, Nehmat?"

Nehmat took a deep breath. "Naaz... did Nikhil talk to you about... your relationship?"

Naaz stiffened, remembering the fight from the night before. "Yes. He did." Her tone sharpened. "And do you know who's responsible for all this mess?"

Nehmat looked down, already knowing what was coming.

"It's Mallika! Your so-called best friend. The one you always praised. Still feel the same about her now?"

Nehmat tried to keep calm. "Naaz, please listen. Nikhil told me everything—how things have been between you two. Don't you think... maybe, you've also been unfair to him?"

Naaz's eyes blazed. "Unfair? Wow, Nehmat! So now you're justifying Nikhil's betrayal just to make way for your best friend in his life?"

"I'm not justifying him, Naaz. I'm just saying... maybe you played a part in pushing him away."

Naaz laughed bitterly. "So I guess when Advait jeeju had an affair, that was your fault too?"

Nehmat flinched at the mention. "Naaz, don't compare our situations. My marriage with Advait began as a compromise. We were both lost, unsure. But it was never the same for you. Nikhil loved you—with everything he had—but you never respected that love."

Naaz's voice cracked with anger. "It's a husband's duty to keep his wife happy!"

"And what about a wife's duty?" Nehmat shot back. "To demand and demand until he breaks? No, Naaz. A wife is supposed to stand by her husband. Support him when he's trying his best. And you failed to do that."

Naaz was left speechless.

"I'm not here to attack you," Nehmat added softly. "I'm trying to help you see where things went wrong. So maybe, maybe there's a chance to fix it... if you want to."

Naaz's voice trembled. "And if I don't?"

Nehmat lowered her gaze. "Then I'll have to support Nikhil in his decision to separate from you."

Naaz's expression changed. Her eyes narrowed with fury as Nehmat turned and silently walked out of the room.

Left alone, Naaz's anger boiled.

"You made a mistake, Nehmat," she hissed under her breath. "You think you can destroy my marriage and walk away unscathed? I see the love in your eyes for Advait. I was the one who broke you and Ekam, who brought you into Advait's life. But now... now I'll make sure your story with Advait ends the same way mine with Nikhil did."

She clenched her fists, her face hardening into quiet vengeance.

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To be continued.

Chapter 8 (Family first or family reputation first?)

Naaz's Room – Kapoor House

Naaz stormed into her room, her eyes blazing with fury. She swept everything off her dresser in a rage, perfume bottles and hairbrushes clattering to the floor.

"To hell with their so-called friendship—Mallika and Nehmat!" she fumed. "Wasn't the lesson I gave them on my wedding day enough? And now they dare to come between me and Nikhil?"

She threw open her wardrobe, snatched her purse, and marched out with purpose in her stride.

As she descended the stairs, Rama and Neeru caught sight of her.

"Naaz, where are you going in such a rush?" Rama asked, startled. "What's the matter, child?"

Neeru added, "And what's with all this anger?"

But Naaz brushed past them without answering, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Rama and Neeru exchanged alarmed glances.

Just then, Nehmat entered the hall. She hesitated before softly saying, "I think you both deserve to know the truth about what's going on with Naaz and Nikhil."

Rama turned sharply toward her. "Truth? What truth?"

Nehmat hesitated for a moment, then confessed, "Nikhil has fallen in love with someone else... with Mallika. And she loves him too."

The air fell heavy. Rama's expression twisted in disbelief. "What?! Nikhil loves Mallika? Has he lost his mind?"

Nehmat, in a quiet voice, replied, "They both love each other genuinely. Maybe it's time we stop forcing people to stay in loveless relationships."

Neeru scoffed and crossed her arms. "Of course you would say that. After all, who in this house understands the pain of losing a lover better than you?"

Nehmat felt a sting in her chest but remained silent.

Rama stepped forward, her tone sharp. "Listen carefully, Nehmat. I've tolerated enough because of you. You manipulated my elder son, tore this family apart, and got my husband sent to jail!"

Nehmat's eyes welled up. "Mummy ji, please—"

But Rama silenced her with a glare. "Don't interrupt me! Let me make one thing very clear. I won't let you interfere in the life of my other son. For the sake of our family's dignity, Nikhil will remain married to Naaz. I don't care how much he claims to love Mallika."

Nehmat stood frozen, wounded by Rama's words, unsure of what to do next.

Kapoor & Co. Construction Site

Nikhil arrived, his eyes scanning the area anxiously. He pulled out his phone and called his secretary.

"Cancel all my meetings for the day. I'm at the construction site for an important matter," he said curtly.

"But sir, what meeting—?" the secretary asked.

Before he could finish, Nikhil cut the call. He quickly checked his phone to see if Mallika had listened to his message. Seeing the blue ticks, his heart raced.

"I hope you come, Mallika," he whispered to himself. "Because this isn't just about today. It's about the rest of our lives."

Moga Police Station

Ekam was buried in case files when Naaz entered, her face a mask of cold resolve.

"Naaz? What brings you here?" he asked, standing up. "Is everything alright?"

"I need to file a complaint," she replied curtly.

Ekam gestured to a constable. "Please assist madam with filing the FIR."

"No," Naaz interrupted. "I want you to handle it personally."

Ekam frowned. "Me? Why?"

"Because the person I'm filing this complaint against... is connected to you," she said sharply.

Ekam's brows furrowed. Was she going to name Nehmat?

He led her to a seat and sat across from her. "Okay. Tell me what this is about."

Naaz leaned forward, voice taut with emotion. "In a marriage, if a husband falls in love with another woman, whose fault is it? The husband's or the wife's?"

Ekam blinked, startled by the vague question. "It's the husband's. He's the one who broke the commitment."

Naaz continued, her tone more biting now. "And if a woman knowingly falls in love with a married man, whose fault is that?"

Ekam's expression turned serious. "In that case, both are at fault. But I'd say the woman bears a greater responsibility—because she becomes the reason for a family falling apart."

Naaz smirked. "Then what if that woman... is your sister?"

Ekam stiffened. "What nonsense are you talking about? If this is another baseless accusation about Mallika and Advait, let me remind you—she ended that relationship herself!"

Naaz raised her voice. "Oh, I agree! Your sister may not have eyes for Advait anymore... but she has found love in his brother—my husband, Nikhil!"

Ekam reeled from the accusation, completely blindsided.

"What did you just say?"

Naaz's eyes burned with betrayal. "Yes, Ekam. Your sister is trying to ruin my marriage now."

Kapoor & Co. Construction Site – Seventh Floor

Mallika stepped out of the car and looked up at the massive, half-constructed building towering above her. She dialed Nikhil's number.

"Nikhil, I've reached. Where are you?"

"Come to the seventh floor," he said, his voice calm but firm.

Mallika glanced up anxiously. "Seventh floor? In this under-construction site? What is he up to now?"

Muttering a silent prayer, she made her way inside.

Moga Police Station

Ekam slammed his palm against the desk, the sound echoing across the room. "That's enough, Naaz!"

The constables looked up, startled. Ekam signaled them to return to work and fixed his gaze back on Naaz.

"Do you even realize what you're accusing my sister of?" he asked through clenched teeth.

Naaz crossed her arms defiantly. "Oh, I know exactly what I'm saying. And you should open your eyes to what your precious sister is doing behind your back."

Ekam's voice trembled with disbelief. "And what proof do you have?"

Naaz's words were sharp and swift. "Nikhil told me himself. Last night."

Ekam stood frozen. His mind struggled to process the accusation. His sister—Mallika—whom he had always seen as righteous and grounded, in love with a married man?

Naaz, sensing his hesitation, delivered her final blow. "If you doubt me, investigate your sister's actions yourself. And if you truly consider yourself a man of law, stop her before she destroys someone's marriage."

With that, she spun on her heel and walked away, leaving Ekam rooted to the floor, reeling in disbelief.

Kapoor House – Advait and Nehmat's Bedroom

Nehmat sat on the bed, mechanically folding clothes, her thoughts spiraling. Rama's and Neeru's harsh words still echoed in her ears. The pain of being blamed—again—for things she didn't do was weighing heavily on her.

Advait entered, searching through a stack of papers.

"Nehmat, you're here?" he asked casually, flipping through a folder. "I had to return—I forgot the file with the upcoming election reports. If I don't submit it today, my reputation—"

He didn't get to finish.

"Reputation! Reputation! That's all you ever think about!" Nehmat snapped, throwing a folded shirt onto the bed in frustration.

Advait froze, stunned by her sudden outburst. "Nehmat, I didn't mean to upset you. I just—"

"You just what?" she cut in, eyes blazing. "Where was your precious reputation when you were having an affair behind my back?"

Advait flinched. The words struck deep, leaving him speechless.

"Nehmat, that's in the past. I—"

"No!" she shouted. "It's only in the past because you decided it was. But my love for Ekam? That was the crime, wasn't it? That wounded your ego. Not your affair. That didn't touch your reputation."

Advait's lips parted, but no words came out. He stood defenseless.

Nehmat's voice grew softer, but each word carried the weight of years of pain. "Now you're doing the same with your brother. You can't bear the thought of your reputation being tarnished if he leaves his marriage. But you're okay watching him suffer in a bond that's empty."

She gasped, breathless from the intensity of her emotions. Advait, concerned, rushed to offer her a glass of water. But when he held it out, she lifted her hand and silently refused. Instead, she stared directly into his eyes.

"Tell me something, Advait," she said, her voice trembling but steady. "What matters more to you? The image of your family... or the happiness of your family?"

Advait was struck dumb. He stood there, glass in hand, with no answer.

And in that moment, the silence between them spoke louder than any word ever could.

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To be continued.

Chapter 9 (The challenge)

Advait stood still, his fingers gripping the glass tightly, Nehmat's words echoing in his ears:

"What matters more to you—your family, or your family's reputation?"

It was a simple question on the surface, yet it shook the very foundation of a man who had built his identity on power, pride, and public image. For the first time, the invincible Advait Kapoor found himself cornered—not by political opponents, but by his own conscience.

He was pulled out of his reverie when Nehmat continued sharply, "You're not answering. You don't know the answer, do you?"

Advait looked up, defensive. "What kind of question is that, Nehmat?"

She gave a faint, bitter smile. "Exactly. You don't even want to find the answer, do you?"

He stared at her, speechless. Her gaze didn't waver.

"Fine then," she said, her voice firm and measured, "I challenge you, Advait Kapoor—go and find the answer to that question."

The words hit him like a jolt. "What?" he blinked, taken aback.

"I said," she stepped closer, lifting a finger toward him with steely determination, "until you figure out the right answer to that question—there will be no relationship between us. Not as friends. Not as husband and wife."

Lowering her hand, she turned to walk away, but Advait stopped her, frustration now bubbling to the surface.

"And why exactly do you think I should entertain this ridiculous challenge of yours?"

Nehmat turned her head slightly and replied coldly, "Because you're the future MLA, Mr. Advait Kapoor. And if a man can't make the right decisions for his own family, he has no business making decisions for the entire state."

Her words struck like arrows. Without waiting for a response, she stormed out of the room, leaving the door open behind her—both literally and symbolically.

Advait stood rooted for a moment, then suddenly hurled the glass in his hand across the room, shattering it into fragments that mirrored his own spiraling thoughts.

"Unbelievable!" he yelled. "Now I have to solve riddles to prove my love?"

He rubbed his face in exasperation, pacing the floor. "To hell with your challenge, Nehmat!"

But her words still rang in his ears—

"...until you find the right answer, there will be no cordial relationship between us..."

He gritted his teeth. "Damn it, Nehmat! After everything we've been through, after all those sleepless nights trying to find common ground, we finally became friends. We even..." He paused, the memory of their intimate night flashing before him.

His voice dropped to a whisper, filled with helpless longing. "I was ready to tell you how I feel... but now you're pushing me away with some absurd moral test?"

His thoughts spiraled.

"...for you, your affair didn't hurt your reputation, but my love for Ekam did..."

He narrowed his eyes. "What did she mean by that? Does she still love Ekam?"

Then, the memory of their night together returned to him—soft, intimate, unguarded. "No," he muttered. "If she still loved Ekam, why would she come that close to me? Why would she let me in?"

He dragged his fingers through his hair, groaning. "I swear, this whole mess is driving me insane! And all of it started because of Nikhil and Mallika!"

Resolute, he grabbed his phone. "Enough. I have to talk to Nikhil. Maybe understanding his chaos will help me untangle mine."

With that, Advait stormed out of the room, determined to find not just the answer to Nehmat's challenge—but perhaps, the truth of his own heart.

Kapoor & Co. – Construction Site, 7th Floor

Mallika stepped onto the 7th floor of the under-construction building, her heels clicking sharply against the unfinished cement. The cold wind swept across the open structure, tugging gently at her hair. At the far end, Nikhil stood near the edge, his hands in his pockets, staring into the distance—lost, broken, and aching.

She approached cautiously and stood beside him. He didn't turn, but his voice betrayed the emotions boiling within.

"So... you came," he said quietly, without looking at her.

Mallika folded her arms across her chest, her tone sharp. "Why have you called me here, Nikhil?"

He scoffed. "As if you don't know. After everything that happened yesterday, you still don't understand?"

"I honestly don't," she replied coldly. "You left me no choice, Nikhil. You've crossed a line. So stop with this emotional drama."

Nikhil turned toward her suddenly, his eyes searching hers with desperation. Without warning, he held her by the shoulders.

"Why did you resign, Mallika? Why are you running away from me? From us?"

Mallika quickly broke free of his grip, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and pain. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm not running from anyone. I resigned because I want to explore better opportunities... maybe abroad."

"Don't lie to me!" Nikhil snapped. "I know what we shared, Mallika. I felt it. You've fallen for me too. But you're shutting yourself off just because I'm married."

He reached for her hand, his voice softening. "Please, Mallika. Don't do this. Don't leave. Just admit what's in your heart—for once, say it out loud."

Mallika yanked her hand away, her eyes fierce now. "And what if I say there's nothing in my heart for you? What if I say I feel nothing for you, Nikhil?"

She took a step back and pointed toward the edge. "Will you jump? Is that what this is about? Then go ahead! Jump! If my rejection makes you want to end your life, do it!"

Nikhil stood frozen, stunned by her outburst. His eyes welled with disbelief.

Kapoor & Co. Headquarters

Advait stormed into the office building, scanning for Nikhil. He headed straight to his brother's cabin, only to find it empty.

Just then, Nikhil's secretary approached. "Sir, you're looking for Nikhil?"

Advait turned, nodding. "Yes. Where is he?"

"He left earlier for the Kapoor & Co. construction site. Said he had a meeting there."

Advait frowned. "Meeting? What meeting? There wasn't anything on the calendar."

The secretary scratched his head nervously. "I thought the same, sir. But he looked... distracted. This was right after he found out Ms. Mallika resigned."

Advait stiffened. So Mallika followed my advice and resigned. But this fool must've gone after her. And now their mess is sabotaging my life too.

He cursed under his breath and turned to leave when the secretary stopped him again.

"Sir—one more thing. Someone else came here to see Nikhil today... I directed him to the construction site too."

Advait turned back, irritated. "Who?"

The secretary hesitated. "ACP Ekam Randhawa, sir. He said it was urgent."

Advait's eyes widened.

"Ekam?" he whispered in shock. No. Not now. Not when everything is hanging by a thread.

His heart pounded with growing panic. If Ekam reaches there and sees Nikhil and Mallika together... this could explode.

Without wasting another second, Advait dashed out of the building, muttering to himself, "I have to stop this. Before it becomes a scandal."

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To be continued.

To be honest, I do like your story but I feel that Nehmat is wrong. Naaz is her sister and i feel she should have her interests over Nikhil. And again, I do feel that Naaz and Nikhil should work on their relationship. He did love her and she pushed him away. In a way, wasn’t Malika and him only pushed to each other because of the gap in their hearts? He is married and should have told this to Naaz and stayed away from Malika when those feelings developed. I do feel she is acting rational now and it’s understandable since her own sister isn’t on her side and would rather have her husband leave her for ‘true love’. She does love him and should be given a chance with him to work together and they could go to therapy and see what had happened wrong and grow together, not divorce for the ‘true love’ outside to come in. I feel Nehmat is wrong for that and Advait is coming from an understandable place. Still, I do love her scenes with Advait!

Originally posted by: Paulaonohi

To be honest, I do like your story but I feel that Nehmat is wrong. Naaz is her sister and i feel she should have her interests over Nikhil. And again, I do feel that Naaz and Nikhil should work on their relationship. He did love her and she pushed him away. In a way, wasn’t Malika and him only pushed to each other because of the gap in their hearts? He is married and should have told this to Naaz and stayed away from Malika when those feelings developed. I do feel she is acting rational now and it’s understandable since her own sister isn’t on her side and would rather have her husband leave her for ‘true love’. She does love him and should be given a chance with him to work together and they could go to therapy and see what had happened wrong and grow together, not divorce for the ‘true love’ outside to come in. I feel Nehmat is wrong for that and Advait is coming from an understandable place. Still, I do love her scenes with Advait!

Nehmat did try to talk to Naaz and try to make her understand about her mistake.

Nehmat had also told Naaz that if you do not accept your mistake and mend your relationship then I would have to support Nikhil and Mallika's relationship.

Nikhil did tell to Naaz that he loves Mallika and had also worked on his marriage several times but when his attempts failed he fell in love outside,

But yeah as you said he should have stayed away from Mallika by controlling his feelings and worked together with Naaz. I do agree with you over there.

Naaz I don't know if she should be be called completely rational, she is rational to a certain extent right now but later you will see more negative side of her because in my story she is the main antagonist.

However I am also trying to give a character development to Naaz through a redemption track because I would like to have a happy ending.

I loved your POV, as a writer it made me think how else could I have written this story.

Thank you so much. And yeah, i went back to read those scenes you mentioned!

Chapter 10 (Further Complications)

Kapoor & Co. – Advait's Office

Advait froze in place as Nikhil's secretary mentioned Ekam's unexpected visit.

"Sir, ACP Ekam Randhawa came here earlier, asking for Nikhil. He seemed... furious."

A chill passed through Advait. Why would Ekam be looking for Nikhil? Could it be—has he found out about Nikhil and Mallika? But how?

Trying to keep calm, he asked, "Did he say why he wanted to meet him?"

The secretary shook his head. "No, sir. But his tone—he looked extremely agitated."

Advait's mind raced. So it's true. He knows. First Nikhil and Mallika mess with my life, and now Ekam is jumping into the chaos too? I need to stop this madness before everything spirals out of control.

Without another word, he bolted out of the office. The secretary stood dumbfounded as Advait dashed out.

Kapoor & Co. – Construction Site, 7th Floor

Mallika stood at the edge of the 7th floor, breathing heavily after her confrontation. Nikhil stared at her, shattered.

"What... What do you mean?" he asked, voice trembling. "Are you saying you don't love me?"

Mallika's expression hardened. "Yes, Nikhil. I don't love you. Whatever you thought was between us... was just your imagination. Go back to your wife. This... whatever this is, ends here."

She turned to leave.

But Nikhil lunged forward, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back. "No, Mallika! I know you're lying. Just look me in the eyes and say it. Tell me you don't love me!"

She yanked her hand free, breathing furiously, her voice cold as steel. "Fine. I don't love you, Nikhil Kapoor."

With that, she turned and walked away quickly, blinking away the tears threatening to spill.

Crushed, Nikhil staggered back, each step laced with disbelief. His foot met empty air—he had unknowingly reached the edge of the building. With a cry, he slipped and tumbled over the ledge, barely managing to catch the edge with his hands.

"Mallika!!"

She spun around, stunned, and screamed when she saw him hanging by a thread over a sheer drop.

"Oh my God—Nikhil!"

Rushing to him, she knelt and reached out, straining with all her might to pull him up. "What the hell is wrong with you? Have you lost your mind?!"

Nikhil struggled to speak, gasping. "I-I didn't... I tripped—"

"Just shut up and hold on!" she cried, heaving him with every ounce of strength she had.

With a final pull, she dragged him to safety. They both collapsed on their knees, gasping for air. Mallika's chest heaved with exertion and rage. Suddenly, she began pounding his chest.

"Are you insane?! What were you trying to prove? That you'd die just because I rejected you? What if I had been late?!"

Nikhil gently caught her wrists, holding her still. "Why does it matter so much to you, Mallika? Why would it hurt you if something happened to me?"

Tears burst from her eyes as she finally crumbled. "Because I love you, Nikhil Kapoor! I do love you, damn it!"

Nikhil's heart skipped. Without hesitation, he cupped her face and rained kisses across her cheeks, forehead, and lips. "I knew it. I knew it."

Suddenly, a booming voice echoed across the floor.

"Nikhil Kapoor!!"

Both froze and turned around—only to see ACP Ekam Randhawa standing at the entrance, his eyes blazing with fury.

"Bhai?" Mallika whispered, stunned.

Ekam stormed forward and seized Nikhil by the collar, delivering a resounding slap across his face.

"You filthy coward! How dare you touch my sister?!" he roared, slapping him again.

"Bhai, stop! Please listen—" Mallika tried to intervene, but Ekam shoved her aside in anger, too blinded by rage to register her words.

Kapoor House – Kitchen

Back at home, Nehmat stood in the kitchen, absentmindedly stirring a pot of dal, her mind swirling with guilt.

Maybe I went too far. I dumped all of Rama Aunty and Bua Ji's accusations on Advait. He didn't deserve that. I should've controlled my anger...

Suddenly, the boiling dal splashed onto her hand. "Ahh!" she hissed, flinching at the burn.

Worried, she muttered, "I should call him. I need to clear this up."

She picked up her phone and dialed Advait's number, but it went straight to voicemail. "Out of coverage area?" she whispered, her worry deepening. "Where are you, Advait?"

Kapoor & Co. – Construction Site

Ekam continued to beat Nikhil mercilessly as Mallika tried to restrain him, sobbing.

"Bhai, please! Listen to me—he didn't force anything on me—I love him!"

But Ekam was beyond reason.

Suddenly, another voice thundered across the floor.

"ACP Ekam Randhawa!!!"

Ekam stopped mid-punch and turned to see Advait Kapoor, standing with clenched fists and fire in his eyes.

Mallika and Nikhil froze.

Advait marched forward, his voice cold and firm. "That's enough."

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To be continued.

Chapter 11 (Fix everything)

Kapoor & Co. Construction Site – Rooftop

Advait stormed forward and wrenched Nikhil free from Ekam's grasp, fury burning in his eyes. He grabbed Ekam by the collar and shouted, "How dare you lay a hand on my brother?"

Ekam, equally enraged, caught hold of Advait's collar in return. "Do you even know what your brother was doing with my sister?!"

Advait scoffed, "Before pointing fingers at my brother, maybe ask your sister to stay in her limits! There must be something questionable in her character if she's running after a married man!"

That was the last straw.

Ekam's fist crashed into Advait's jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground. Blood trickled from Advait's lip as he staggered up, wiping it with the back of his hand. Without hesitation, he punched Ekam in the gut, growling, "And how dare you touch my brother?!"

The rooftop turned into a brutal battleground, the two men exchanging vicious blows. Each punch came with bitter accusations—each blaming the other's sibling for crossing boundaries.

Mallika and Nikhil desperately tried to pull them apart.

"Veere, stop it! What are you doing?!" Nikhil pleaded, holding his brother back.

"Bhai, please, enough! Let's just go!" Mallika sobbed, tugging at Ekam.

After a struggle, the siblings managed to break the fight. The two men still tried to lunge at each other, shouting curses through bruised faces.

Ekam turned to leave, holding Mallika's hand. But just as they reached the exit, he paused and whirled around.

"Mr. Advait Kapoor!" he barked.

Advait glared back, breathing heavily.

"Tell your brother to stay away from my sister. If he so much as looks at her again—he won't live to see another day!"

Advait snapped, "Keep your sister in check, I'll deal with my brother!"

They exchanged deadly stares before Ekam turned on his heel, dragging Mallika with him.

Advait turned to Nikhil. "Well? Do you need a written invitation to leave?"

Nikhil opened his mouth to speak, but Advait raised a finger sharply, silencing him.

"Not. A. Word."

Nikhil obeyed and started to follow. But before walking away, he turned once more to glance at Mallika. She too looked back, eyes filled with sadness and longing—until Advait's voice sliced through the moment.

"Nikhil!"

Their eye contact broke. Nikhil quietly followed his brother.

Kapoor House – Living Room

Advait stormed into the house, fury crackling in his voice.

"Mom! Bua! Nehmat! Naaz! Where is everyone?!"

Nikhil followed behind, silently, head bowed, bruises fresh and visible. Rama and Neeru rushed in first, followed closely by Nehmat, Naaz, and the house staff.

Everyone gasped at the battered state of the brothers.

Rama ran to them, alarmed. "What happened to you both? Were you in an accident? Why are you bleeding?"

Advait, his voice razor-sharp, snapped, "Ask your precious younger son what happened. He's the reason for all of this!"

Rama rushed to Nikhil and cupped his face, scanning his injuries. "Nikhil, beta, tell me. What's going on? Who did this to you?"

But Nikhil remained silent, shame written across his face. He couldn't meet her eyes.

"Nikhil?" Rama's voice trembled. "Say something! Who hurt you?"

Advait, now fuming, grabbed Nikhil by the collar. "You had no shame doing it—why the hell are you ashamed of saying it now?!"

Everyone froze in shock. Rama quickly pulled Nikhil away from Advait.

"Enough!" she shouted. "Advait, just tell us what happened. We're all losing our minds here!"

Advait clenched his jaw, fists tightening. After a heavy pause, he muttered, "Ekam Randhawa caught your son... playing rangrasiya with his sister."

The room fell into stunned silence.

Rama's eyes widened. Her lips quivered. Then, without warning, her hand shot across Nikhil's face in a loud, sharp slap. Gasps echoed through the room.

Nikhil stood frozen, his cheek burning.

Nehmat looked away, guilt-stricken.

Advait's anger dimmed into regret.

Naaz, standing behind them all, allowed herself the smallest, coldest smile.

Randhawa House – Mallika's Room

Ekam stormed into the house, dragging Mallika behind him. He shoved her onto the bed with a force that made her stumble and fall, tears already streaming down her cheeks.

Renuka, alarmed by the commotion, rushed in. Her eyes widened when she saw her daughter in tears and her son bloodied and fuming.

"Ekam! What's going on? Where did you find her? And why are you so furious?" she asked, panic lacing her voice. Then she noticed the bruises on Ekam's face. "And these wounds—what happened to you?"

Ekam's voice thundered through the room. "Forget about me, Mom. Ask your beloved daughter what she's been up to!"

Renuka turned toward Mallika, confused and horrified. "What are you saying?"

Ekam spat out the truth with disgust. "She's having an affair—with Nikhil Kapoor!"

Renuka reeled as if struck. Her hand went to her forehead in disbelief. Then, her shock turned to fury.

She marched to the bed, pulled Mallika up by the arm, and began to strike her. "How could you, Mallika? How could you bring such shame to our family? Haven't we endured enough dishonor with your father's scandal?"

Mallika sobbed, "I tried, Mom! I tried to bury my feelings, to suppress them. But I couldn't... I fell weak."

Renuka was livid. "What is it about those Kapoor boys? First Advait broke you, now his brother? Is that where your dignity lies?"

Mallika broke down. "I didn't love Nikhil for his money or power, Mom. I loved him because... because he filled the emptiness Advait left behind."

Ekam and Renuka looked at her in disbelief.

Ekam took a sharp step forward, his voice ice-cold. "Enough. From this moment on, whatever I say—you will do. No arguments, no questions. Do you understand?"

Mallika nodded through her tears.

Without another word, Ekam and Renuka left the room. Mallika collapsed onto her bed, muffling her sobs into her pillow.

Kapoor House – Living Room

Rama's voice cut through the silence like a whip. "Unbelievable, Nikhil! Wasn't your father's betrayal enough that now you are following in his footsteps?"

Nehmat, frustrated, moved to speak, but Neeru quickly tugged her arm to keep her quiet.

Rama advanced, glaring at her youngest son. "You fought so hard to marry Naaz—remember that? You chose her! And now, what? You're bored of her? So you think it's alright to chase someone else?"

Nikhil stood motionless, ashamed, head bowed. Nehmat and Advait exchanged sympathetic glances, while Naaz stood smugly on the sidelines, pleased with the unfolding chaos.

"You listen to me carefully," Rama continued, her voice quivering with rage. "Naaz is your wife. You will stay with her. You will make this marriage work—no matter what it takes. Do you hear me?"

Nikhil nodded silently.

Nehmat, disheartened, quietly turned and left the room. Advait watched her go, then followed behind.

Meanwhile, Neeru leaned in and whispered venomously to Rama, "Your son has turned into a joru ka ghulam. Did you see how he went running after his wife?"

Rama turned and shot Neeru a deadly glare before walking away. Neeru trailed behind her, still grumbling.

Now only Nikhil and Naaz remained. He looked up at her with apologetic eyes, but Naaz didn't offer a word—just turned and left, her expression cold and unreadable.

Left alone, Nikhil let out a weary breath and limped slowly to his room, weighed down by guilt.

Advait and Nehmat's Bedroom

Nehmat entered first, her emotions in turmoil. She began aggressively rearranging books and cushions—an attempt to distract herself from everything that had just happened. Her back was turned to the door.

Advait entered quietly and knocked. She didn't respond.

He stepped in, about to touch her shoulder, but paused—remembering the challenge she'd given him. He sighed deeply and said, "I know... we're not husband and wife, or even friends, until I find the answer to your question. But Nehmat, I swear I was trying to figure it out... when everything fell apart."

Nehmat froze momentarily, but then continued tidying the table.

Advait moved closer. "Can't we just... talk? At least as the elder siblings of Naaz and Nikhil?"

That struck a nerve.

She spun around, eyes blazing. "Do you think I want to break Naaz's marriage? You think I'm trying to ruin my sister's life?"

Advait blinked, thrown off by her intensity.

"I tried, Advait," Nehmat continued, her voice trembling. "I spoke to her. I begged her to understand Nikhil, to stand by him. But she didn't want to. She just... refused."

Advait said nothing.

Nehmat pressed on, her voice softer now. "A marriage only works when both people fulfill their roles—when they support each other. Otherwise, they live in misery... just like we did all this time."

Both fell silent, stunned by the weight of her words.

Nehmat, realizing what she'd said, backtracked nervously. "I didn't mean... I mean, what I meant was—"

Advait gently took her hand. "I understood exactly what you meant." He paused, searching her eyes. "And I want to ask you something."

Nehmat nodded slightly, unsure.

"Just give me one day. One day, Nehmat. I'll fix everything."

She studied his face, saw the sincerity in his eyes, and gave a small nod.

Advait turned and walked away.

Nehmat stood still, heart pounding, staring at the door he had just exited through.

She whispered to herself, "I truly hope you do fix everything soon, Advait... because whether we admit it or not, all of this... it's affecting us."

------

To be continued.

Loving the flow of this story!! You have kept Naaz's character true to herself.

Your Mallika seems more intelligent than the one in the show.

Originally posted by: Irshita

Loving the flow of this story!! You have kept Naaz's character true to herself.

Your Mallika seems more intelligent than the one in the show.

Tell me one thing honestly? Was my Kanik love angle a bit too much?

I mean I had tried my best not to take an ema route and still give them a love story, but was it too much?