Aaradhana’s pov!

It was the next day, and I was still sulking. No, actually, I was downright furious.

Harshad had no right—no f*cking right—to meddle in my life. He had rejected my love, pushed me away, and made it clear that he didn’t want me. Then why the hell did he act like he owned me last night? Like my actions were his business?

The more I thought about it, the angrier I got.

"Aaru? What’s wrong?" Mom’s voice pulled me out of my storming thoughts. I was sitting at the dining table, aggressively stirring my coffee, glaring at it like it personally offended me.

"Momma, I was thinking of going on a road trip," I announced suddenly.

"A road trip?" Dad, who had just taken his seat across from me, looked up in confusion. "Where did this idea come from?"

"I just want to go," I said stubbornly, taking a sip of my now too-sweet coffee.

"Alone?" Dad’s voice immediately turned cautious.

"Of course not. With Ishu," I replied, rolling my eyes.

Dad sighed in visible relief. If Ishu was with me, no one in the family worried too much. Ishaan Mehta was practically an extension of my family, and everyone trusted him to keep me safe.

What they still refused to acknowledge was that I didn’t need anyone to keep me safe. I could protect myself. I was well-trained, for God’s sake. But arguing about that was like talking to a wall, so I let it go.

Just as I was about to push my road trip idea further, Mom gave me a once-over and wrinkled her nose. 

"Before planning any grand adventures, maybe you should consider brushing your teeth and taking a shower first?" She suggested extra sweetly.

"Excuse me?" I blinked at her. 

"And," she continued as if I hadn’t spoken, "perhaps you could change out of that ridiculous outfit into something presentable."

"Ridiculous? Momma, how dare you insult my kigurumi like this?" I gasped, clutching my chest in mock horror. 

"Because it is ridiculous," she said matter-of-factly, gesturing at my fluffy onesie with little bear ears.

I turned to Dad, looking for support. 

"Papa, do you hear this? Your wife clearly lacks taste. Buy her a couple of kigurumis, and I bet she’ll be wearing them even to court once she realizes how comfortable they are!" I said with a huff of annoyance.

Dad, who had been peacefully sipping his tea, suddenly looked like a deer caught in headlights. His gaze darted between my outraged expression and Mom’s unimpressed stare, as if debating which side to take.

"Uhh…" He cleared his throat, trying to be diplomatic. "Well, comfort is important…"

"Samar!" Mom snapped.

"But," Dad hurriedly added, looking panicked. "I also think being presentable has its place. You know… balance?"

"Traitor!" I gasped again, dramatically placing a hand over my heart. 

"Why am I always dragged into these debates?" Dad groaned, rubbing his temples.

"Because you married her and fathered me," I said smugly.

"And we both know whose side you should be on," Mom added with a knowing smirk.

Dad sighed deeply, muttering something about how he should’ve gone for a morning walk instead of entering this battlefield.

Mom and I exchanged victorious glances—of course, we were having fun at his expense. This was just a typical morning in our house.

For a moment, I forgot all about my heartbreak..

Still grinning from my victory over Dad, I leaned back in my chair and pulled out my phone. My road trip idea wasn’t just an escape—it was a necessity. I needed a break before I exploded from all the emotions bottled up inside me. And there was only one person I could count on for impulsive plans like this.

I dialed Ishaan’s number, and he picked up on the second ring.

"Finally! Some entertainment!" He drawled before I could even say hello. "Tell me you have something fun planned because I am this close to dying of boredom."

"How about an impromptu road trip?" I suggested, twirling my spoon between my fingers.

"Two words, Aaru—hell yes!" Ishaan didn’t even ask where or why, just like I knew he wouldn’t. That’s what made him the best partner-in-crime.

"On bike," I added, grinning.

"Obviously. Now, be ready in an hour. I am not waiting if you take forever to get dressed," he warned.

"Please, Ishu. I was born ready," I scoffed.

True to his word, exactly an hour later, Ishaan strolled into the Verma mansion like he owned the place, a backpack slung over one shoulder and his Ray-Bans perched on his nose. His usual cocky smirk was firmly in place as he pushed his shades up and gave me a once-over.

"You are still in your PJs," he deadpanned.

"I got distracted." I shrugged.

"Unbelievable," he muttered, shaking his head. "Go change before I leave without you."

"As if you would," I shot back before dashing off to get dressed.

This road trip was exactly what I needed. A getaway. A distraction. A break from everything—especially from him.

But when was it ever possible?
Just as we were about to step out, Preeti walked in.

I am still angry at her for bringing Harshad to the club..
“Aaru..” Preeti called softly.

“Please, Preeti. I trusted you yesterday.” I said.

“Sorry, Aaru. I didn’t call him there, trust me. I posted a couple of pictures and videos as my status. I didn’t expect him to behave like that..” Preeti said.

“Hmm…”

“But look at the brighter side. He just proved yesterday that he cares about you. He was behaving like a possessive boyfriend.” Preeti said excitedly and Ishu scoffed.

My heart skipped a beat! Was that what it was? Possessiveness?

“Don’t fall for it, Aaru.” Ishu whispered in my ears and I stiffened.

Exactly! I shouldn’t fall for it.

“It doesn’t matter anymore, Preeti.” I said, hardening my heart against the hope that threatened to bloom.

Preeti’s face fell upon hearing that. She was sweet. She had really hoped that her brother and I would get together. And she helped me throughout..

I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her in a quick hug.

“No matter what, we are friends, Preeti. And it will remain so.” I said and Preeti smiled.

“Are you guys going somewhere?” She asked, looking at us.

“Yeah. A Road trip..” I said..

“Oh my god, that sounds amazing! Where are you going?” Preeti's eyes widened in excitement.

“No idea. Just… wherever the road takes us.” I shrugged, adjusting the strap of my backpack. 

“As long as we are out of here in the next five minutes.” Ishaan grinned.

Preeti chuckled, but there was still a glimmer of sadness in her gaze. She wanted to say something—I could see it in the way she hesitated. But I wasn’t ready for another discussion about Harshad. Not now. Not ever.

With a final nod to her, I turned on my heel and strode towards the door. The warm morning sun greeted me as I stepped outside, casting golden light over everything. A cool breeze ruffled my hair, as if whispering promises of adventure and freedom.

This was it. A fresh start. A break from everything that had hurt me.

I wasn’t going to let my heart dwell on what could have been. Harshad had made his choice, and now, I was making mine.

I tightened my grip on my helmet and climbed onto my bike. The engine roared to life beneath me, the vibrations a stark reminder that I was still here, still moving forward.

“You ready, Aaru?” Ishaan pulled up beside me, revving his engine.

I took a deep breath, letting the anticipation of the open road replace the ache in my chest.

“More than ever.”

And with that, we took off, leaving behind the weight of yesterday and riding straight into the unknown.

A/N

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