PART-5:"Between love and power"

Tears filled his eyes as he thought, "All my life, I wished never to see tears in single person eyes… but today, I saw them in hers."

It broke his heart.

He had never known the warmth of a family—no parents, no relatives, no one to call his own. From the moment he became aware of the world, he had been a part of this gang—a world where love had no place.

But for the first time, he truly understood what love was… only after marrying her.

He hadn’t married her out of love. It was a means to escape the police. Yet, her love… her innocence… her gentle care—they changed him completely.

And before he realized it, he had fallen for her.

He loved her so much that even the slightest pain on her face was unbearable. He couldn’t stand to see her hurt.

That’s why he kept his distance.

That’s why he stayed as far away from her as possible.

He was afraid.

Afraid that if his love for her grew any stronger, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself. Afraid that their love might cross a line… a line he couldn’t afford to cross.

Because he knew—his life was uncertain.

He could die today. He could die tomorrow. He had no future. And if she ever bore his child, that child would be trapped in a life of endless suffering.

He didn’t want that.

He would rather have her cry for a few days, move on, and marry a good man—someone who could give her the happiness she deserved.

So he did the only thing he could.

He became cruel.

He pushed her away, treated her harshly, hoping she would hate him. Hoping her love for him would die.

But every tear that fell from her eyes felt like a dagger to his soul.

And with every drop of her sorrow, Raju was drowning in regret

The next morning…

After a sleepless night filled with tears, Meghana stood in front of the mirror. Her eyes, red and swollen. Her face, dull and lifeless.

She was getting ready for work, but the usual spark in her was missing.

She was always the one who smiled, the one who spread joy wherever she went. But today… she looked completely broken.

Watching her like that, his heart clenched. A part of him ached to wipe away her pain. But then—his purpose, his hatred, his past—everything came rushing back.

So he hardened his heart.

Walking up to her, he said coldly, "Remember what I told you."

Meghana lowered her head and silently walked out of the apartment.

Outside, her beloved dog waited for her.

Usually, she would run to it, hug it, shower it with love.

But today…

She didn’t even look at it.

Without a second glance, she walked away toward her office—leaving behind not just her pet, but a part of herself.

Even the dog noticed the change in her.

The usual warmth, the excitement in her steps—it was missing.

Silently, it followed her, hoping that maybe… just maybe… she would show it some love at their usual spot.

When they reached the place where she always fed it, the dog wagged its tail eagerly, waiting for her touch—for the affection she never failed to give.

But today…

She simply took out the food from her bag, placed it down, and walked away without a word.

The dog happily wagged its tail, finishing its meal quickly.

But by the time it looked up…

She was already gone.

As soon as Meghana left, Raju set out to meet his gang. He contacted them like always, speaking to each one, including his closest friend. But his friend immediately sensed something different about him.

Approaching Raju, he asked, "Are you okay? Is something wrong?"

Raju quickly brushed it off. "No, nothing at all."

His friend wasn’t convinced. "You don’t seem like yourself. The fearless, confident Raju I knew is missing. If something is troubling you, just tell me. I’ll help you."

Raju hesitated, looking around at the people nearby. Then, grabbing his friend’s hand, he led him to a quiet, isolated spot. And there, unable to hold back any longer, he poured his heart out, revealing everything… and broke down in tears.

His friend was stunned. Love? In their gang, love had no place. It was a weakness, an emotion they never entertained. Yet, here was Raju—one of their strongest—shattered because of it.

More than just a shock, it was a realization. This love, this one feeling, had shaken their entire toxic gang to its core. Looking at Raju, his friend couldn't help but wonder…

"How did you let this happen, raju

As soon as Meghana left, Raju set out to meet his gang. He contacted them like always, speaking to each one, including his closest friend. But his friend immediately sensed something different about him.

Approaching Raju, he asked, "Are you okay? Is something wrong?"

Raju quickly brushed it off. "No, nothing at all."

His friend wasn’t convinced. "You don’t seem like yourself. The fearless, confident Raju I knew is missing. If something is troubling you, just tell me. I’ll help you."

Raju hesitated, looking around at the people nearby. Then, grabbing his friend’s hand, he led him to a quiet, isolated spot. And there, unable to hold back any longer, he poured his heart out, revealing everything… and broke down in tears.

His friend was stunned. Love? In their gang, love had no place. It was a weakness, an emotion they never entertained. Yet, here was Raju—one of their strongest—shattered because of it.

More than just a shock, it was a realization. This love, this one feeling, had shaken their entire toxic gang to its core.

With this love his toxic gang was beaten into pieces.

So their friend tell's Raju how did you do this kind of thing even though you are aware of everything.

"How did you let this happen, Raju? You, of all people, knew better.

"You know it’s going to take a long time for our gang to rise again. What if she tells someone the truth before that?" his friend asked, concern laced in his voice.

Raju smirked. "That won’t happen. Do you really think I’d let things slip out of control? Until our gang is fully back in power, I’ll stay by her side and handle everything. Trust your friend."

His friend studied him for a moment before nodding. "I trust you, Raju… but not her. If anyone tries to stop us from rebuilding our gang, I won’t hesitate to eliminate them—even if it’s her."

And said "Well I have faith in you but always keep an eye on her".

With that, he turned and walked away.

His friend watched him go, his lips curling into a sly smile. But the moment Raju was out of sight, that smile vanished. His jaw clenched, his eyes burned with rage, and without thinking, he slammed his fist against the wall, his frustration echoing in the empty space.

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