The Blood That Was Not Mine
Chapter- 4
The car slows to a stop beside the empty riverside road. The water glimmers under the pale moonlight, the night air carrying a faint chill. The world feels far away from the party, the whispers, and the man’s cruel words.
Riaan switches off the engine, leaving only the soft sound of the river in the background. Aira stares straight ahead, still wrapped in his jacket, her fingers clutching the fabric as though it’s the only thing keeping her together.
Riaan Malhotra ( Ml)
(quietly, breaking the silence):
"You can yell at me if you want. I can take it."
Aira Mehra ( Fl)
(not looking at him):
"Why would I yell at you? You’re not the one who lied to me for eighteen years."
Riaan Malhotra ( Ml)
(leaning back, watching her):
"No. But I am the one who brought you here instead of back to the mansion. Which means I’m keeping you away from answers. You might hate me for that."
Aira Mehra ( Fl)
(finally turning to him, her voice shaky):
"I don’t hate you. I just… I don’t know who to trust right now."
Her voice cracks on the last word, and before she can hide it, a tear slips down her cheek. Riaan doesn’t say anything — he just watches, his expression unreadable, but his eyes softer than usual.
Riaan Malhotra ( Ml)
"Trust me for tonight. Just tonight. No questions, no pressure. Just… breathe."
Aira Mehra ( Fl)
(letting out a bitter laugh):
"Breathe. Easier said than done."
Riaan Malhotra ( Ml)
(shrugs slightly):
"Then sit here and cry if you need to. Or scream. Nobody’s around."
For a moment, she just stares at him. And then the dam breaks. She buries her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking as sobs escape.
Aira Mehra ( Fl)
"Everything’s fake… my birthday, my family… even the way they were looking at me tonight. Like I’m some… stranger in my own home."
Riaan Malhotra ( Ml)
"You’re not a stranger. You’re still Aira. The same girl who beats Kiara in every debate, the one who trips over her own shoes but still walks like she owns the place."
That earns him a weak, tear-streaked laugh. She glances at him through blurred vision.
Aira Mehra ( Fl)
"You remember that?"
Riaan Malhotra ( Ml)
(half-smile):
"I remember everything that matters."
They sit in silence for a while, the sound of the river filling the space between them. Then Riaan opens the glove compartment and pulls out a small paper bag.
Riaan Malhotra ( Ml)
"Chocolate. Emergency supply. Works better than half the advice people give."
Aira Mehra ( Fl)
(sniffles, accepting it):
"You keep chocolate in your car?"
Riaan Malhotra ( Ml)
"For Kiara. And… apparently for you."
She takes a bite, and for the first time all night, she feels a flicker of warmth in her chest.
Aira Mehra ( Fl)
(softly):
"Thank you, Riaan. For not letting me be alone."
Riaan Malhotra ( Ml)
(looking straight at her):
"I told you — someone should care. And until you figure out who’s lying… I’ll be that someone."
The words linger in the air, heavy and sincere. Aira doesn’t know if she can trust anyone right now — but for tonight, sitting here by the river with him, she feels just a little less broken.
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