𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐭�...

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Tu haath na aaya,
par saaya to tera mujhpe girta raha...

The morning after Adya and Aditya's wedding was supposed to be calm, but chaos had other plans—particularly in Lavika's room.

Her mother peeked into the slightly open door, shaking her head at the sight before her.

Lavika and Riva were tangled in the blankets, sleeping soundly after all the wedding madness.

"Lavika, get up! Ek din reh gaya hai yahan, phir vapas bhi toh jaana hai!" her mother called out.

Lavika groaned, burying her face in her pillow. "Maa, thak gayi hoon. Thoda aur sone do na..."

Her mother sighed, muttering something about her daughter always sleeping like a koala before leaving the room.

✮⋆˙

About twenty minutes later, the room was still peaceful—until the mattress dipped slightly.

A warm arm wrapped around Lavika's waist, pulling her into a firm yet gentle embrace.

A soft press of lips landed on her temple, lingering for a moment.

In her half-asleep state, she almost sighed into the warmth.

And then—her brain woke up.

Her eyes snapped open, and before logic could register anything, instinct took over.

She yanked her knee up and elbowed the intruder—hard.

A deep oof filled the room, followed by a loud thud.

"What the duck—Lavika!" came a very familiar groan.

She sat up abruptly, heart pounding.

There, on the floor, rubbing his chest with a pained expression, was Ishaan.

"What the hell are you doing in my room?!" she hissed, still gripping the blanket.

Ishaan winced, giving her a wounded look. "I was trying to be romantic, but you almost fractured my ribs instead."

Riva, now stirring beside her, peeked an eye open. "Did I just wake up to Lavika assaulting a man in our room?" she mumbled.

Ishaan pointed at her dramatically. "Exactly! Thank you!"

Riva yawned, rolling onto her side. "You deserved it. Who sneaks into a girl's bed at dawn?"

"I didn't sneak! I just... hugged her." Ishaan huffed. "And instead of a cute reaction, I got bodily harm."

Lavika narrowed her eyes. "Next time, knock."

Ishaan smirked, inching closer. "But where's the fun in that?"

She picked up a pillow. "Try it again, and I'll show you 'fun.'"

Laughing, he held his hands up in surrender. "Okay, okay—I'm leaving."

Just before stepping out, he threw her a playful wink. "But don't worry, sweetheart. I'll get my revenge."

The door clicked shut behind him.

Lavika exhaled sharply, still recovering.

Riva, now fully awake, grinned mischievously. "Sooo... when's the wedding?"

Lavika groaned, throwing a pillow at her next.

✮⋆˙

After shaking off the morning's chaos, the girls got ready.

Riva slipped back to her room, while Lavika dressed in a breezy pastel pink chikankari kurti with pearl earrings and her hair in soft waves.

She decided to find Ishaan, heading to his room.

Just as she knocked, the door opened, revealing Ivaan.

Lavika's lips parted slightly. "Oh... I didn't know you were here."

Ishaan, who was tying his watch strap, raised a brow. "What happened?"

Lavika hesitated, stealing a quick glance at Ivaan, before looking at Ishaan. "Can you come outside for a minute?"

Ishaan frowned slightly but nodded, following her into the hallway.

She turned to face him, playing with the end of her dupatta. "I'm sorry about earlier" she mumbled. "I didn't mean to... you know—attack you."

Ishaan watched her for a moment, then a slow grin spread across his face.

"Acha baba, kuch nahi hua mujhe. I'm okay, bache" he teased, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Then, before she could react, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.

Lavika's breath hitched.

"Chalo, ab jao dining table pe. Sab wait kar rahe hain." He smirked. "Main aur Ivaan bas aa rahe hain... phir kahin ghoomne jaate hain." His voice dropped slightly. "Sirf hum dono."

Her cheeks warmed, but she nodded quickly, stepping back.

Ishaan watched her go, a knowing glint in his eyes.

✮⋆˙

The table was filled with chatter and laughter as everyone enjoyed breakfast.

The girls started discussing their plan to explore Udaipur for one last time before leaving.

"Let's visit City Palace first" Riva suggested.

"And then the lake!" Meher added.

Lavika, sipping her coffee, hesitated. "You guys go ahead... I'll join a little later."

Her friends exchanged knowing looks.

"Ahem, ahem" Riva coughed dramatically. "Tera kahi aur plan ban gaya hoga?"

Lavika rolled her eyes. "Kuch bhi."

The elders chuckled, approving their outing. "Bas jaldi aana, kal nikalna bhi hai."

As everyone dispersed to change, Lavika went back to her room.

She slipped into a white floral midi dress, paired with dainty heels and soft curls.

The dress was simple yet elegant—perfect for the evening.

Meanwhile, Ishaan opted for a black button-down with the sleeves rolled up, paired with beige trousers and his signature watch.

Effortlessly handsome.

✮⋆˙

They drove to a secluded lakeside spot—away from the city's buzz.

The golden hues of the sunset reflected on the calm water, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

Ishaan parked the car and turned to her. "Perfect place, hmm?"

Lavika hummed, stepping out and walking toward the lake.

The breeze played with her hair as she gazed at the view.

Ishaan leaned against the car, watching her. "What are you thinking?"

She turned slightly. "That I'll miss this."

A flicker of something passed through his eyes, but before he could respond—

Her phone buzzed.

Lavika frowned, checking the caller ID.

It was an unknown number.

Ishaan noticed her expression. "Who is it?"

She shook her head. "I don't know."

Before she could decide, the call ended.

But a message popped up.

Unknown: Miss me?

Her heart skipped.

Ishaan's jaw clenched as he noticed the shift in her expression. "Lavika?"

She forced a smile, locking her phone. "It's nothing."

Ishaan wasn't convinced. He stepped closer, his voice low. "You know I don't like lies, sweetheart."

Before she could answer, the phone buzzed again.

This time, another text followed.

Unknown: I know you're back in India. We need to meet.

Her stomach twisted slightly.

Ishaan reached for her phone instinctively, but she pulled it back, shaking her head. "It's not important."

His jaw clenched. "Then why do you look so uneasy?"

She exhaled, debating for a moment.

Finally, she said, "It's... Kabir."

The moment the name left her lips, Ishaan's entire demeanor shifted.

His expression hardened, his hands sliding into his pockets as if restraining himself.

"Kabir?" His voice was calm—but dangerously so.

She nodded, biting her lip. "We were friends in university. He... we lost touch after I left for my internship."

"And now he suddenly texts you after all this time?" Ishaan's gaze burned into hers.

"I—I don't know why."

Ishaan let out a sharp exhale, looking away for a second before fixing his eyes back on her. "Do you want to meet him?"

Lavika blinked at the question. "What?"

"Do you. Want. To meet him?" he repeated, voice slow but firm.

She hesitated. "I mean, he was a good friend—"

Ishaan let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Right. A 'friend' who just happened to text Miss me? the moment you're back."

Lavika crossed her arms. "You're overreacting."

Ishaan's lips curved into a smirk that didn't reach his eyes. "Am I?" He stepped even closer, his scent and warmth wrapping around her. "Let me make one thing clear, bache—" His fingers traced her wrist, tilting her chin up. "I don't share what's mine"

Her breath hitched. "Ishaan—"

Before she could finish, another buzz interrupted.

Ishaan didn't even wait this time—he took the phone from her hands and read the new message aloud.

Kabir: I'm coming to Udaipur tomorrow. See you soon, Lavs.

Ishaan's grip on the phone tightened.

Lavika's heart pounded. "Ishaan, give it back—"

But he wasn't listening.

His gaze was locked on the message, his entire body tense.

"Let him come" Ishaan finally said, his voice dangerously soft.

He handed the phone back, brushing his thumb over her knuckles as he did. "But sweetheart, be very sure of what you want—because I won't stand in the background while some 'friend' tries to claim something that's already mine."

Lavika sucked in a sharp breath, her pulse racing.

Ishaan took a step back, his smirk returning, but this time, there was a challenge in his eyes.

"Enjoy your last night in Udaipur, bache" he murmured, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Because tomorrow's going to be interesting."

✮⋆˙

Next day,

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the palace, the remnants of the wedding celebrations still lingering in the air.

Guests were preparing to leave, their laughter and farewells filling the space.

Lavika stood near her parents, helping them with the final arrangements, when Ishaan walked over, his presence commanding as always.

"Aunty, Uncle" he said smoothly, his hand resting lightly on Lavika's lower back, sending a shiver up her spine. "I was thinking... Lavika and I will stay back for one more day."

Lavika's head snapped toward him. "What?"

Ishaan ignored her, his gaze fixed on her parents. "We'll book a different hotel and return tomorrow."

Her mother's eyes twinkled. "Oh? A little extra time together, hmm?"

Lavika flushed. "Maa—"

Her father, too, seemed pleased. "That's fine, beta. Just take care and call us once you reach to your new place"

Before Lavika could protest, Adya smirked knowingly. "Enjoy, you two."

Ishaan chuckled, leaning slightly toward Lavika and murmuring, "See? Everyone agrees."

She narrowed her eyes at him but said nothing as their families left, leaving just the two of them.

She turned to him the moment they were alone. "What was that, Ishaan?"

He tilted his head. "That, sweetheart, was me making sure I'm there when your little friend shows up."

She exhaled, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

Ishaan's smirk deepened. "And yet, you're still here."

✮⋆˙

The sunset painted the sky as Lavika and Ishaan arrived at the meeting spot.

The grand architecture of the City Palace stood tall behind them, but the beauty of the place did little to calm the storm brewing in Ishaan's eyes.

Kabir was already waiting.

Dressed in a crisp black shirt, sleeves rolled up casually, he leaned against one of the marble pillars.

His lips curled into a smirk as soon as he spotted Lavika.

"Well, well. Look who finally decided to see me" Kabir drawled, his gaze flickering over her before settling on Ishaan. "And look who she brought along."

Ishaan's jaw tightened. "You've got ten minutes. Say what you need to and leave."

Kabir chuckled. "Relax, man. We're just catching up." His eyes drifted back to Lavika, lingering a little too long. "Damn, Lavs. You look even better than I remember."

Ishaan shifted closer to her, his body a silent warning.

Lavika crossed her arms. "What do you want, Kabir?"

Kabir exhaled dramatically. "So cold. And here I was, thinking we had something special."

Ishaan scoffed. "Special?"

Kabir smirked. "Yeah. You know, back in university, Lavika had this way of making a guy feel like he was the only one who mattered." He chuckled, shaking his head. "So many nights, so many conversations. You'd flirt just enough to keep us all on edge, but never cross the line."

Lavika's stomach twisted in disgust. "That's not true."

Kabir leaned in slightly. "Isn't it, though? You were every guy's dream, Lavs. And trust me, we all had our fair share of fantasies." His voice dropped lower, his eyes gleaming with something dark. "Wonder if you still play that game with him too."

Ishaan moved before Lavika could react.

In a swift motion, he grabbed Kabir by the collar, shoving him back against the pillar.

"You must have a f*cking death wish" Ishaan growled, his voice lethal.

Kabir laughed, even as he winced. "Touched a nerve, did I?"

Ishaan's grip tightened. "Say one more word about her—just one—and I'll break your fucking jaw."

Kabir smirked. "Why? Scared you'll hear something you don't like?" His gaze flickered to Lavika. "Tell me, Lavs, does he know how many of us wanted you? How many of us thought—"

Ishaan didn't let him finish.

His fist collided with Kabir's face, a sickening crack echoing through the courtyard.

Kabir staggered, cursing, blood trickling from his lip.

Lavika gasped, stepping forward. "Ishaan—"

Ishaan didn't even glance at her. His eyes were locked on Kabir, fury radiating off him in waves.

"You don't talk about her like that" Ishaan said, his voice dangerously calm. "You don't think about her like that."

Kabir wiped his lip, chuckling. "Guess I hit a soft spot."

Ishaan clenched his jaw, stepping closer again. "You don't exist for her anymore. And if I ever hear your name in her life again, I won't stop at one punch."

Kabir's smirk faltered.

Lavika stepped between them, placing a hand on Ishaan's chest. "He's not worth it" she said softly.

Ishaan exhaled sharply, his muscles tense beneath her touch. But after a moment, he relented, stepping back.

Kabir scoffed. "Guess some things never change. Still got men fighting over you, huh?"

Lavika's eyes darkened. "No. I have one man who knows my worth."

Ishaan smirked at that, his hand slipping around her waist as he pulled her closer. "And trust me, sweetheart, he's the only one who matters."

Kabir's expression twisted with something bitter, but he said nothing.

"Now, get the f*ck out" Ishaan muttered.

With a final glare, Kabir turned and walked away, disappearing into the night.

Lavika let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

Ishaan turned to her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Are you okay?"

She looked up at him, her heart still racing. "Yeah."

His fingers grazed her cheek. "He won't bother you again."

She smiled softly. "I know."

✮⋆˙

The moment Kabir disappeared into the shadows, the tension between Lavika and Ishaan didn't dissipate.

If anything, it thickened, wrapping around them like a suffocating mist.

Ishaan's fingers twitched at his sides, his body still humming with unchecked fury. Lavika could feel it radiating off him, raw and unfiltered.

She swallowed, stepping back slightly. "Ishaan..."

He didn't move, his gaze still locked on the direction Kabir had gone.

Then, suddenly—

"Tell me the truth, Lavika." His voice was quiet. Dangerous.

Her brows furrowed. "What?"

His jaw clenched, his light brown eyes flashing with something unreadable. "There's more, isn't there?"

She hesitated. "Ishaan, I—"

"Don't lie to me." He turned to face her fully now, his presence towering over hers.

His fingers brushed against her wrist, but this time, the touch wasn't soft. It was possessive. "Did he ever cross a line with you?"

Lavika sucked in a sharp breath, her heart pounding.

She knew exactly what he was asking.

Her silence was enough of an answer.

Ishaan's eyes darkened. "He did, didn't he?"

Lavika looked away, the ghosts of memories clawing their way back.

Kabir.

His words.

The way he used to look at her, like she was something to be owned, something to be played with.

The nights she had ignored his messages, the uncomfortable moments when his hands would linger too long during casual touches in university. The way he had cornered her once, after a party—

She shuddered.

"I never told anyone" she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought... I thought it was just how guys were. That I was overreacting."

Ishaan let out a slow, measured breath.

Then he laughed.

But it wasn't amused—it was cold, hollow.

"Overreacting?" he echoed, stepping closer. "That fucking bastard was preying on you, and you thought you were overreacting?"

She looked up at him. "Ishaan, stop—"

"No" he snapped, his eyes burning into hers. "You don't get to ask me to stop. You should have told me."

Lavika exhaled shakily. "What would you have done, Ishaan? Traveled back in time to kill him?"

His gaze didn't waver. "Yes."

Her stomach twisted.

He was serious.

She reached for his hand, trying to anchor him back to reality. "It's in the past now."

His fingers tightened around hers. "Not for me."

There was something terrifying about the way he said it.

Like he had already made a decision.

Like Kabir's fate had been sealed the moment he dared to speak Lavika's name again.

"Ishaan" she whispered. "Don't do anything reckless."

He let out a humorless chuckle, tilting his head slightly. "I'm already being too f*cking reasonable, Lavika." His knuckles grazed her jawline, tilting her face up. "But tell me something..."

Her breath hitched as his thumb brushed over her lips.

"Did he ever touch you?"

Lavika froze.

She had spent years pretending that memory didn't exist.

But the way Ishaan was looking at her—like he already knew the answer—made her stomach churn.

Her silence shattered the last thread of restraint he had left.

Ishaan's entire body tensed, his hands curling into fists.

"He touched you?" His voice was eerily soft. "Tell me exactly what he did, Lavika."

She shook her head. "No. I don't—"

"Tell me."

She exhaled sharply. "It was one night. After a party. I wasn't even drunk, just tired. He offered to drop me home, and I—" She swallowed. "I thought he was safe."

Ishaan didn't breathe.

"He stopped the car midway" she continued, forcing the words out. "Said he just wanted to talk. That he missed me. That he—" Her voice cracked.

Ishaan stepped impossibly closer, his warmth engulfing her, but she could feel the ice in his touch.

"Did he hurt you?" he asked.

She hesitated. "Not physically."

Ishaan's nostrils flared.

"But he tried."

Her eyes burned.

"He leaned in" she admitted. "Grabbed my wrist when I tried to pull away. I told him to stop, but he—" She let out a shaky breath. "He said I owed him."

Ishaan's fingers flexed, like he was seconds away from breaking something.

"But I pushed him away" she said quickly, as if that would make it better. "I got out of the car. I walked home."

Silence.

Then—

"I'm going to kill him."

Lavika's breath caught. "Ishaan—"

"I mean it" he murmured, his voice like ice. "I'm going to end him."

She grabbed his wrist. "You can't—"

His eyes flickered to hers. "Watch me."

Before she could stop him, he turned on his heel and started walking in the direction Kabir had left.

"Ishaan!"

But he wasn't listening.

Because Kabir hadn't just disrespected her today.

He had violated her memories.

And for that—

Ishaan was going to make sure he never breathed her name again.

✮⋆˙

His every step calculated, determined.

His rage was no longer just simmering—it was a f*cking storm brewing beneath the surface, ready to tear apart everything in its path.

Lavika rushed after him, her heartbeat deafening. "Ishaan, stop—please, just listen to me!"

He didn't stop.

Instead, he pulled out his phone, his fingers moving swiftly over the screen before pressing a number she had never seen before.

Ishaan's pulse steady—controlled.

The familiar weight of rage settled over him like a second skin, but his voice? Ice-cold. Calculated.

The call connected.

No greetings. No hesitation.

Just silence.

Then—

"Didn't think I'd be hearing from the Reaper again."

A slow smirk tugged at Ishaan's lips, but it didn't reach his eyes.

"Code Black Veil."

A pause.

Then a low whistle. "Fuck. That serious?"

Ishaan's jaw ticked. "I need a delivery."

"Target?"

"Kabir Bhatnagar."

A dark chuckle echoed through the receiver. "Poor bastard. What's the brief?"

Ishaan's fingers curled into a fist. "I want him in my area by 10 PM tomorrow. Breathing—but barely."

"And the message?"

Ishaan's gaze flickered to Lavika.

Her wide eyes, the way her breath hitched—fear, not for herself, but for him.

His voice dropped lower. "Tell him the shadows never forget."

The man on the other end let out an amused hum. "Reaper, you disappeared for fourteen months. Thought you left the game."

Ishaan exhaled slowly, his fingers flexing at his side.

"I did." A beat of silence. Then, his voice turned lethal. "But someone touched what's mine."

A pause.

Then—"Understood. Consider it done."

The call ended.

Lavika's breath was shaky. "Ishaan, no."

He slid his phone into his pocket, his expression unreadable. "It's already done ,darling."

She grabbed his wrist. "Please. Call it off."

His gaze locked onto hers, his voice soft but unyielding. "Why? So he can walk around freely while you live with the weight of his hands on you?"

She swallowed. "I—I don't want you to do something reckless because of me."

Ishaan let out a low chuckle, but there was no humor in it.

"Sweetheart." His fingers brushed against her jaw, tilting her chin up. "You don't understand."

Her pulse raced. "What?"

His smirk faded, replaced by something darker.

"This isn't about revenge." He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her skin. "This is a lesson."

Her stomach twisted. "Ishaan—"

He pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. "I warned you, didn't I? I don't share."

Her lips parted, but before she could respond, he added—

"And darling, I sure as f*ck don't forgive."

She had never seen this side of Ishaan.

Not like this.

His fingers flexed around the phone before he slid it back into his pocket, his face unreadable.

Then he turned to her.

And she flinched.

Something in his eyes flickered. "You're afraid of me."

Lavika's throat was dry. "Ishaan..."

"You should've told me." His voice was softer now, but no less dangerous. "Why did you hide it from me?"

Tears stung her eyes. "Because I knew you'd react like this! Because I knew you wouldn't let it go!"

He let out a humorless chuckle, shaking his head. "Let it go? Lavika, he touched what's mine. This is the outcome he will face."

"No" she choked out, grabbing his arm, desperation seeping into her words. "Ishaan, please! Don't do this! Aaj aakhri baar tha... aage se nahi hoga—I promise! Just leave it!"

He looked at her for a long moment, his fingers gently tracing the edge of her jaw.

Then, his voice dropped to a whisper.

"You don't make promises for men like him."

She shuddered.

Because she knew, deep down—

There was no stopping Ishaan Agnihotri.

Not when it came to her.

And not when the devil had just returned to collect his due.

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Word count- 3751

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