Chapter 24 - Scars of the past

As Roshni and Ayan exchanged their vows, their love seemed destined to last a lifetime 💕. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

Harleen's phone buzzed, shrill in the silence. She hesitated, then picked up the call 🤙.

"Who is this?" she demanded, her voice firm.

The voice on the other end was low and mysterious. "It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is what I have to say."

Harleen's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"

"If you want to know the truth about Jasmine's death, meet me behind the marriage hall. Come alone."

Harleen's heart skipped a beat. She felt a chill run down her spine.

"I'm on my way," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As she turned to leave, Vivan grasped her hand, his eyes filled with concern.

"You love running away, don't you?" he asked, his voice tinged with sadness.

Harleen's voice trembled. "I have something important to take care of. Let me go."

Vivan's gaze searched hers, and he saw the fear lurking in her eyes. He released her hand, and Harleen fled, leaving Vivan wondering what secrets she was hiding 🤔.

Harleen stepped into the dimly lit alley behind the marriage hall, her heels clicking on the pavement 🌃. She glanced around, expecting to see someone, but the alley was deserted 🤔. A faint smile played on her lips as she wondered if someone had played a prank on her.

But her amusement was short-lived. Her mind began to wander, and she thought about Jasmine. Only she and Roshni knew the truth about Jasmine's past 🤐.

Just as she was about to leave, a voice whispered from behind, "I'm here." Harleen spun around, her eyes widening in shock 😱.

The boy standing before her was none other than Abhir, Jasmine's former love interest. Harleen's mind reeled as she stuttered, "Y-you're...Abhir."

Abhir's eyes locked onto Harleen's, his gaze intense. Harleen felt a shiver run down her spine as she asked, "You're Abhir? Jasmine and you were in love, weren't you?" 💔

The air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken secrets, as Abhir's eyes seemed to cloud over, lost in thought 🤯.

Abhir's mind wandered back to the day he met Jasmine at his sister's wedding 💒. She was the wedding planner, and he was immediately drawn to her innocence and charm. Jasmine's middle-class upbringing was a far cry from his own wealthy background, but he couldn't deny the connection they shared.

As he reminisced, Abhir's thoughts were filled with the image of Jasmine in her pink 🩷 attire - a matching frock, heels, earrings, and bracelet that made her look like a porcelain doll. Her naivety was captivating, and Abhir found himself smitten.

But amidst the romance, a strange encounter left Abhir with doubts 🧐. A boy had approached Jasmine, claiming to be sent by her best friend, Roshni. Jasmine had been taken aback, asking if Roshni had indeed sent him. The boy's affirmative response had seemed suspicious, and Abhir couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

As Abhir's thoughts returned to the present, he couldn't help but wonder if he had misjudged the situation. The uncertainty still lingered, a nagging feeling that refused to dissipate 🤔.

Jasmine hesitated, but the boy's persuasive words led her further away from the wedding venue. Abhir trailed behind, his eyes fixed on Jasmine's retreating figure.

The boy stopped the car 🚗 in front of a dilapidated mansion, its walls shrouded in darkness. Jasmine's unease grew as she demanded, "Why have you brought me here? Roshni wouldn't ask me to come to a place like this."

As she tried to open the car door, she realized it was locked 🔒. Panic set in as the boy stepped out and dragged her towards the crumbling entrance.

Jasmine struggled, her voice echoing through the deserted streets. "Let me go! Leave me alone!"

Just as all hope seemed lost, Abhir burst onto the scene, his determination etched on his face. He charged towards the door 🚪, but it refused to budge.

Undeterred, Abhir kicked the door with all his might, the wood splintering under the force. The sound of shattering wood echoed through the night air as Abhir stormed inside, ready to face whatever dangers lay within 💥.

Abhir's eyes scanned the room, his gaze locking onto Jasmine as she stood frozen, surrounded by menacing figures. One boy reached out to grab her, but Abhir burst into action, his fists flying.

He seized the boy's wrist, twisting it until he cried out in pain. Abhir sent him crashing to the floor, his eyes never leaving Jasmine's terrified face.

Just as he reached her side, a glint of steel caught his eye. A boy lunged at Jasmine with a knife 🔪, but Abhir was quicker. He yanked Jasmine into his arms, shielding her from harm.

The knife sliced through the air, biting deep into Abhir's hand. He gritted his teeth, his vision blurring for an instant. Blood oozed from the wound, but Abhir didn't flinch.

Jasmine's eyes met his, filled with horror and gratitude. Abhir's heart swelled, his feelings for her crystallizing in that moment.

With a fierce cry, Abhir charged at the attackers, his fists pummeling them into submission. When the last boy fell, Abhir turned to Jasmine, his chest heaving.

Tears streamed down Jasmine's face as she flung her arms around Abhir's neck, holding him close. Abhir's shock gave way to realization – he was deeply in love with Jasmine.

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight as they shared a tender hug 🫂. Gently, Abhir lifted Jasmine into his arms, cradling her as he carried her out to his car 🚗.

Abhir navigated the car through the quiet streets, Jasmine still sobbing softly beside him. He pulled over in front of a quaint ice cream parlor 🍨 and stepped out to purchase a cone.

Returning to the car, Abhir gently opened the door and knelt beside Jasmine. With tender hands, he fed her the cold treat, his voice soothing. "Nothing happened, Jasmine. Just calm down."

As the sweetness seemed to calm her nerves, Abhir resumed driving. Jasmine's tears gradually subsided, replaced by a faint smile.

"Abhir, that's my house up ahead," Jasmine said, pointing to a cozy residence.

Abhir pulled over, and Jasmine turned to him, her eyes still glistening. "I'll get down here. Thank you for saving me."

Abhir's face softened. "It's okay. Take care, Jasmine. Bye."

With a gentle smile, Jasmine stepped out of the car and walked towards her house, Abhir watching her go before driving away into the night 🚗.

The next day, Roshni, Harleen, and Jasmine set out on a leisurely drive, the warm sun casting a golden glow over the landscape 🌞. As they cruised along, Jasmine recounted her harrowing encounter with Abhir, leaving out no details.

Roshni and Harleen exchanged knowing glances, their eyes sparkling with intrigue. "The way you describe him, Jasmine, it's clear he's head over heels in love with you," Roshni teased.

Jasmine blushed, her cheeks flushing pink. "Enough, guys. Let's drop it."

As the evening drew to a close, the trio headed back home, the car's headlights illuminating the darkening road. The clock on the dashboard read 9:00 PM, the night air growing cooler by the minute ❄️.

Suddenly, without warning, another car slammed into theirs, sending their vehicle careening out of control 🚗. The impact was brutal, leaving Roshni, Harleen, and Jasmine dazed and disoriented.

As they struggled to regain consciousness, three figures emerged from the other car. But instead of offering aid, they merely glanced at the trio's battered vehicle and turned back to their own car 🚗.

Without a word, they sped away into the night, leaving Roshni, Harleen, and Jasmine to their fate. The only sound was the creaking of twisted metal and the faint hum of crickets in the distance 🌃.

Tragedy struck in the car accident, claiming Jasmine's life. Harleen and Roshni, though injured, were rushed to the hospital 🏥, fighting for their lives.

Meanwhile, Abhir was oblivious to the heart-wrenching news. He had been busy transforming a room into a romantic haven, adorned with candles, flowers, and a stunning bracelet bearing the inscription "Jasmine + Abhir = Abhijas" 💎.

Abhir's heart swelled with excitement, envisioning Jasmine's reaction to the surprise. But his world came crashing down when his friend delivered the devastating news: Jasmine had perished in the car accident.

Abhir's eyes widened in horror, his body shaking uncontrollably. He crumpled to the floor, surrounded by the shattered remnants of his dream. The room, once a symbol of love, now lay in ruins, a testament to his shattered heart 💔.

Days blended into nights as Abhir drowned his sorrows in wine 🍷, unable to escape the agony that consumed him. His friend's words echoed in his mind: "You're destroying yourself while Jasmine's murderer roams free."

The revelation ignited a fire within Abhir. His sole purpose became finding Jasmine's killer, driven by a burning desire for justice. The wine 🍷-fueled haze began to clear, replaced by a steely determination to uncover the truth.

Harleen and Abhir sat together, their eyes brimming with tears. Unbeknownst to them, Vivan stood hidden, listening intently, his own eyes welling up with emotion.

Harleen's voice trembled. "Did you find out who...who did it?"

Abhir's gaze turned cold, his voice laced with a hint of mystery. "I did. I'm here for that reason."

Harleen's curiosity was piqued. "Who was it?"

Abhir's response sent a chill down Harleen's spine. "The car that crashed into yours...it belonged to Ayan and his friends, Rahim and Mohim."

Harleen and Vivan exchanged shocked glances.

Abhir's eyes seemed to cloud over, his voice barely above a whisper. "Mohim and Rahim were brothers...I've already taken care of them. Only Ayan remains."

As Abhir spoke, a faint trickle of blood appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Harleen's concern deepened. "Abhir, what's wrong? Let me take you to the hospital."

Abhir's smile was tinged with sadness. "I have cancer...last stage. Hospitals can't help me now."

He paused, his gaze locking onto Harleen's. "Just go tell Roshni what I said."

As Harleen hesitated, Abhir tossed her a memory card. "Proof...of everything I've told you."

Harleen's eyes widened. "But Abhir, I—"

Abhir's voice was firm. "Go! I won't survive without Jasmine anyway...you can't save me."