Vikram, who hadn't said a word yet, simply nodded, picking up the car keys without any further exchange.

The two of them walked outside together, the silence between them almost palpable.

As they got into the car, Vikram started the engine without a word, and the car pulled out of the driveway. Meher stared out of the window, avoiding looking at him, while Vikram's hands gripped the steering wheel a little too tightly.

Neither of them seemed eager to break the uncomfortable silence, but the weight of unsaid words hung heavily between them.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Vikram spoke, his tone steady but with an edge of authority,

"Aaj company ki 25th anniversary ki party hai. Sab honge vaha... media bhi." (Today is the company’s 25th anniversary party. Everyone will be there... including the media).

Meher felt his words hanging in the air, and before she could respond, he continued, "Tum mere saath chalogi." (You'll come with me).

She turned her head slightly, eyeing him with a mix of disbelief and defiance.

"Aur agar main na chalun toh?" (And what if I don’t?) she challenged, her voice calm but with an undertone of resistance.

Vikram’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as he replied, his eyes still focused on the road.

"Yeh zaruri hai, Meher. Tumhe pata hai, sab sawaal poochte hain. Media ko jawab dena hoga." (It’s necessary, Meher. You know how people talk. We’ll have to answer to the media).

Meher let out a sharp breath, shaking her head slightly. "Hmm, okay."

They had been labeled the “power couple” ever since their marriage, but the truth was far more complicated.

After all, the world only saw what it wanted to. Many had trolled Meher, calling her names for marrying her best friend’s husband.

But did they know anything? No.

As they sat in complete silence, Meher's phone chimed with a notification, drawing Vikram’s attention.

She opened the message, and something in her expression immediately shifted.

Her face grew pale, and a light sheen of sweat began to form on her forehead.

Vikram noticed the sudden change,but he decided to ignore.they reached her office as meher get out and wnt inside her office vikram looked at meher going inside and think of something and drove off from there towards his office.

Inside her cabin, Meher’s hands trembled as she looked at the message again.from the same number as the worst possibility crossed her mind:

Could it be him? She immediately hired a private detective, instructing him to find out who was behind this .

Her gut churned, knowing she couldn’t afford any mistakes this time.

She quickly messaged her brother, Arjun, with a sense of urgency: Meet me this afternoon. I need to talk to you.

Going to her parents was out of the question; they had never approved of her marriage to Vikram.

The last thing she wanted was to reignite those old arguments.

That afternoon, Meher met Arjun at a secluded café. As she entered, she spotted him already seated, arms crossed, concern evident on his face.

"Meher," Arjun greeted, his voice calm but filled with worry. "Kya hua? Tum itni stressed kyun lag rahi ho?" (What happened? Why do you look so stressed?)

She sighed, taking a seat across from him.

"Bhai, sorry tumhe aise urgently bulane ke liye... but something serious has happened," she began, her voice shaky. She told him about the message and the photo, fear creeping into her tone as she voiced her worst suspicion.

"Mujhe dar hai ke yeh voh hai..." (I’m scared it might be... him.)

Arjun’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "Voh? Par voh toh—" (Him? But he’s—)

Meher shook her head, her frustration evident. "Pata nahi, bhai. I don’t know." (I don’t know.)

Arjun clenched his fists, anger flashing across his face. "Let me handle this, then."

Meher inhaled deeply, trying to regain her composure. "Nahi, bhai. Baat sirf meri nahi hai. Bahut cheezen judi hain... and I can’t risk it." (No, bhai. This isn't just about me. There’s too much at stake.)

Arjun looked at her, his expression softening, concern taking over his anger. "Tumne yeh sab kuch bohot der se akeli uthaya hai." He paused before adding,

"Main hamesha tumhare saath hoon." (You've been carrying this burden alone for too long. I'm with you, always.)

Meher smiled weakly, grateful for his unwavering support.

"I’m sorry bhai kal jo hua- Shanaya ne mujhse ek wada liya tha... uski beti Aarvi ko sambhalne ka. Usse darr tha ki uske baad Aarvi ka kya hoga. Isiliye maine yeh decision liya."

Arjun’s expression softened further, understanding the weight she had carried.

"Its okay leave it but-khair main hoon tumhare saath, har kadam par." (Its okay leave it but-nvm I’ll be with you, every step of the way.)

Meher felt a sense of relief wash over her, knowing that at least she didn’t have to face this alone. Her brother’s words gave her strength.

As the night approached, Meher began getting ready for the anniversary party.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror, adjusting her dress. Her thoughts briefly drifted back to the conversation with Arjun earlier that day, but she shook them off, her resolve hardening.

She wouldn’t let anyone intimidate her. She had faced worse.