There were a hundred ways to wiggle out of this, her agitated brain told her as IG Police Shekhawat entered with Inspector Tiwari. For one, she could tell the truth that she had pushed Vivaan in self-defense. Either that or the real truth, that she had set a trap as Vivaan was becoming too dangerous a hazard and because of it, she was being pressurised into an unwanted marriage. IG Shekhawat was her Dad's schoolmate. It wasn't hard to convince him. It could be done if done right, her Dadaji won't be any wiser and the matter would be settled without causing him further heartache. Her heartbeat raised as she pondered the possibility when her fiancé's firm hand pressed on her shoulder.

"Don't even think about it," his dark eyes warned her. "A slight mistake and your Dadaji would pay the price."

Aditi sighed. What followed that was a farce. She was hardly asked any questions. Darsh stood next to her to make sure she was not unnecessarily hassled, but he need not have worried. The police showed no intention of doing anything of that sort.

Uncle Shekhawat looked more interested in congratulating the new couple rather than asking troublesome questions to put them on the spot. Inspector Tiwari, too, looked relieved, as he was finally rid of a menace called Vivaan Raisingh. He had brought a pre-written statement repeating everything her fiancé told her minutes ago. She gave it a cursory look before putting her signatures to make it official. It was all sorted, done, and dusted in less than five minutes. And with that, her fate was sealed. That statement meant she and Darsh were an intimate couple. She had to stay engaged, and eventually, get married too, there was now no way out of it.

"How is Vivaan?" she asked, feeling unusually low.

"Not very good," Uncle Shekhawat curled his lips. "There's some serious spinal damage that's rendered him completely paralyzed. Apparently, jumping on a rock from a height of twenty feet was not a very good idea."

Her eyes flicked to Darsh, who gave her a tiny nod. A theory was making rounds that a heartbroken Vivaan Raisingh had tried to commit suicide after losing the love of his life. Aditi shook her head. In all probability, that ridiculous rumor was started by her own ingenious fiancé.

"What do the doctors say? Will he.. recover?" She asked a question she had been holding for a long time.

"It's hard to say. The doctors here at least don't think so. They have advised to move him to Delhi or some other place for advanced treatment."

More like the doctors too couldn't wait to get rid of Vivaan, Aditi thought wryly.

"And Grandpa Raisingh? How is he taking it?" Her lips quivered as she made her final callous inquiry. She knew Grandpa Raisingh very well. A shrewd man like him would never believe in the suicide theory. Vivaan was his only grandson and Grandpa Raisingh won't rest until he found the real culprit.

"He... has a theory." The IG Police faltered as he gave her an appraising glance. "He has accused your fiancé of foul play. It seems they had an altercation last night at the party. Dalpat Raisingh has claimed that Darsh threatened him with Vivaan's life."

The temperature in the room suddenly dropped a couple of degrees. Aditi sat in stunned silence before a wave of panic shot through her heart. Pushing herself up on her elbows, she sat up straight, her body protesting pain as the final traces of anesthesia wore off. Her eyes narrowed to slits as they trained themselves on the surprised face of the IG Police.

"Grandpa Raisingh is lying!" she nearly screeched as her face turned a blotchy red. "Darsh was with me the whole time. It was I who..."

"Aditi! Calm down," Darsh's warning voice was suddenly in her ear, but she somehow didn't hear it. A white-hot nerve popped on her clammy forehead. The IG police looked taken aback, along with his Inspector who suddenly looked pale.

"Darsh is innocent!" She continued hotly. "It was, in fact, me who..."

"I say calm down, Aditi!" This time the voice was louder. "Relax! I have your alibi, they can't accuse me of anything."

He sat next to her with a tight arm around her shoulder, holding her in place. His firm fingers dug into her soft flesh, gently warning her not to say a word further.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

She gave him a furious look, then realized what she was about to blurt out. A bolt of renewed panic shot through her heart when he cupped her cheek with his warm hand.

"Hush...," his soft voice murmured caressing her gently. It was meant only for her, she knew only she could hear it. Her pupils slowly dilated as his gaze pinned on hers. "Everything is fine! There's no need to panic."

Everything was fine! The hum of his gentle words filled her heart banishing all her worries. His eyes gazed at her reassuringly as a shrowd of swirling mist fell on her engulfing her in its silken folds. She quivered then accepted its protective embrace. It was safe here, warm and cozy like her mother's gentle hug!

A moment passed in silence.

The Inspector cleared his throat and she was pulled back to her senses. She looked around puzzled. The men had hung their heads looking slightly embarrassed.

What just happened? She frowned to herself then glanced at Darsh in confusion. He pressed his lips with a knowing smile, then turned his attention to the men in the room.

"It is true, Mr. Shekhawat. I did have chat with Dalpat Raisingh at the party before Aditi arrived last night. His presence there was unwarranted and was stressing Dadaji out. I merely asked Mr. Raisingh to leave. There was nothing more to it. I have mentioned it in my statement. You can verify it with anyone present there at the time."

IG Shekhawat shook his head and gave him a reassuring smile. He was not born yesterday and could read the signs very well. Yet he was not bothered. The Raisinghs had been a thorn in his side for many years. He was only too happy to be rid of them. This couple had his blessings, and it looked like they needed them.

"Of course, Mr. Khanna. We are not pursuing that line of inquiry. In fact, this is an open and shut case - a simple case of an attempt to suicide." He got up from his chair and patted Aditi's head. "Take care, Aditi. I am glad you two found each other. Your parents would be happy if they were here today."

Wishing them well, the police finally took their leave. Darsh followed them but stopped at the door to give her an amused look.

Aditi slumped back, covering her flaming face with the crook of her arm. She couldn't believe it. It seemed like surprise was the order of the day.

*****

She was discharged that afternoon. She wondered if she'd see Grandpa Raisingh, but luckily he wasn't around. He must be scrambling, running from pillar to post, begging the police and doctors for help. As far as she knew, he was as alone and helpless as she herself was a mere twenty-four hours ago. Her heart went out to him. He was no less than her Dadaji and had loved her in his own way. She just wished it hadn't come to this.

The return journey was quiet. Mohit stared out of the window in subdued silence. He was Vivaan's friend since childhood and although he had an inkling about the fate of the marriage, he certainly hadn't expected Vivaan to end up like this. Her Dadaji too was somber. Vivaan's fate had shocked him too. And it was not easy to lose a lifelong friend like Dalpat Raisingh however twisted he was.

The only person least concerned was Darsh. His dark gaze kept finding her through the rear-view mirror. Swallowing a gulp, she shifted herself to stare out of the window.

The cool breeze was full of the scent of wet grass and mud. The last night had seen the first of the monsoon rains after a long wait. It brought her some relief, but her agitation stayed. Marriage! She had never thought of it as a real possibility, not until a week ago, not until a couple of days ago, hell, not even until this very morning when Darsh had told her what to do and stayed with her throughout to make sure she followed his script. Now that it was done, she knew she had no way to back out. It was inevitable, like a troll guarding a bridge that she had to face to get to the other side.

Her face went clammy despite the cool breeze. She wished she had more time. Marriage was a commitment she wasn't ready to make. It came with certain expectations, obligations that she wasn't yet ready to fulfill.

Her throat hurt as a slow ache built behind her eyes. Lost in her thoughts, they reached home. She limped out with Mohit's help but the three stories to her bedroom suddenly felt like a mountain. As expected, Darsh was there to help. Lifting her up with practiced ease, he carried her up to her room. Again, no one batted an eyelid. It was as if she was his responsibility already.

Entering her room, he gently placed her on the bed and arranged the pillows behind her. She watched him cautiously. She had to take this chance, probably her last chance, to straighten things out her way.

"Err... thanks for everything." She mumbled through her teeth. "But don't go getting ideas in your head. I had no choice. I only did it for my Dadaji."

He pursed his lips and stepped back from the bed. There was a moment of silence, then he shrugged. "I had no choice either. I respect your grandfather. This is the least I could do to save him from your stupidity."

"I told you I did what I had to do!" She flared in disbelief.

"And I told you you should have left it to me." His reply came ready.

They glared at each other, he - like a strict teacher chastising an errant child, she - like the defiant child caught in wrongdoing afraid of her punishment.

He smirked. "Good night, sweetheart. I hope you are haunted by nightmares of Vivaan Raisingh and the police. But if there is a little space, do dream about me too. Because like it or not, that's the one that's going to come true."

Giving her a parting nod, he bowed out. She gnashed her teeth, then pulled her covers up.

***** *****