Chapter 16: Vikram’s Game

Aradhana couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The days following her conversation with Reyansh had been a whirlwind of emotions. She had said yes to giving their relationship a chance, but the lingering doubts from the past still weighed heavily on her heart. And now, with Reyansh’s proposal still fresh in her mind, she felt more uncertain than ever.

She spent the next few days trying to focus on her work, attempting to shut out the voices in her head that kept telling her there were more layers to uncover. The tension between her and Reyansh, though softer now, hadn’t completely dissipated. She could see the way he was trying—his gestures, his words, but something still felt incomplete.

As the weekend approached, Aradhana decided to take a break and meet up with Mohit, her best friend and confidant. Mohit had always been her rock, the person she turned to when everything felt like it was spinning out of control. They met at their usual café, a quiet place in the heart of the city that held memories of their school days and long talks about everything and nothing.

"How are you doing?" Mohit asked, his eyes studying her as she sat down. His usual carefree expression was replaced with concern. "You’ve seemed off lately."

Aradhana sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "I don’t know, Mohit. Things with Reyansh are... complicated. I thought I was ready to move forward, but every time I think I’ve figured things out, something new comes up. It’s like I’m constantly being pulled in different directions."

Mohit raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Is it about his father? Or is there something else?"

Aradhana hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words. "It’s more than that. Reyansh wants to marry me, but I can’t help but feel like I’m not seeing the whole picture. I know there’s more about his family—his past—that he hasn’t told me. And lately, there’s been this... strange tension whenever we talk about it."

"Do you think he’s hiding something from you?" Mohit asked, leaning in closer.

"I’m not sure," Aradhana replied, her voice low. "But I can’t ignore the feeling that there’s more to his relationship with his family than he’s letting on."

Just as she was about to continue, a figure stepped into the café. Vikram Kapoor.

Aradhana’s stomach tightened. She hadn’t seen Vikram in years, but she recognized him immediately. Vikram had been a distant acquaintance in their college days—always lurking in the background, his presence often unnoticed but not unwelcome. She had never paid him much attention then, but something about his demeanor now made her uneasy.

"Aradhana," Vikram said, his voice smooth as he approached their table. "I didn’t expect to see you here."

She forced a smile. "Vikram, what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same," he replied, flashing a charming grin. "But it seems like you’re busy. Mind if I join you?"

Aradhana exchanged a quick glance with Mohit, who gave her a silent nod. She gestured for Vikram to sit, her curiosity piqued. "Sure, take a seat."

As Vikram settled in, his eyes seemed to linger on her for a moment longer than necessary, an unreadable expression on his face. "I’ve been hearing a lot about you lately, Aradhana," he said casually. "And about your... relationship with Reyansh."

Her pulse quickened. "What are you talking about?" she asked, trying to mask the unease in her voice.

"Well, it’s hard not to hear things in a city like this," Vikram continued, his tone almost too casual. "Especially when certain people—let’s just say, they don’t mind sharing their opinions about what’s been going on between you and him. I’ve heard some interesting stories, things that Reyansh might not have told you."

Aradhana’s heart skipped a beat. "What kind of stories?"

Vikram leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Let’s just say I know a few things about Reyansh’s family. Things that might make you question whether you really want to get involved with him. Or if you’re ready for the kind of life he can offer."

Mohit shot Aradhana a concerned look, his hand subtly resting on the table, ready to intervene if needed. "Vikram, what are you trying to imply?" he asked, his voice firm.

Vikram shrugged, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I’m not implying anything. I’m just telling you what I know. You can take it or leave it, but I wouldn’t want you to make any rash decisions, Aradhana."

Aradhana’s mind raced, but she refused to let Vikram’s insinuations get the better of her. "I think I’m fine without your advice, Vikram," she said coolly. "If you’re done spreading rumors, we’ve got other matters to discuss."

For a moment, Vikram looked like he might push further, but then he smiled—a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Suit yourself. But just remember, Aradhana, the truth has a way of coming out. Especially when you least expect it."

With that, he stood up, leaving them in an uncomfortable silence.

As the door to the café closed behind him, Aradhana felt her heart pounding in her chest. What had Vikram meant? What kind of stories was he talking about? And why did it feel like he knew something Reyansh had been keeping from her?

She turned to Mohit, who had been watching her intently. "I don’t like this, Mohit. There’s something wrong. I don’t know what Vikram’s game is, but I can feel it in my gut."

Mohit nodded, his face serious. "We need to find out what he’s talking about. This is more than just a simple coincidence."

Aradhana felt a chill run down her spine as she stared at the empty door Vikram had just walked through. The truth was indeed coming to the surface—but how much of it would she be able to handle?

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