Promise Of Love - A Forced Marriage (L&M #2) [COMPLETED]

SHOT 44

As they made their way back home, Mithran held Chaahat's hand tightly, reminding her that no matter what the future held, they had each other, and that was enough to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The moment was broken by the shrill ringing of Mithran's cell phone.

He looked at the caller ID and found an unknown number on the screen.

He picked up the call and heard a familiar voice from the other side.

"Dhruv Khuranna?" Mithran asked and Chaahat felt her entire body freezing at that moment.

Mithran's expression shifted from surprise to a mix of emotions - surprise, disbelief, and a touch of apprehension. Chaahat's heart raced, and she held her breath.

Mithran was quite surprised by this call. Dhruv was his childhood friend. Dhruv's father and his father were best friends. After Dhruv's father's demise, they shifted to Dhruv's maternal family and eventually they lost contact. Recently, they met at a cafe and exchanged pleasantaries.

Mithran's mind raced as memories of his childhood friend flooded back - their shared laughter, innocent escapades, and the bond they once held.

"Hey, Mithran. Is it a good time to speak?" Dhruv asked casually.

"Of course. Is there a problem, Dhruv?" Mithran asked curiously.

"No, no. I just wanted the address of the place where Uncle Madan stays now. How is he recovering?" Dhruv asked.

"He is getting better now. I will send you the location, Dhruv." Mithran said.

"That would be great. Thank you!"

"When are you planning to visit?" Mithran asked.

"I am not sure yet. I have some pressing meetings to attend, regarding the merger with Khodas. Whenever I get a break, I will go meet him." Dhruv said.

"Okay, cool. Will send you the location." Mithran said and hung up the call.

He quickly sent the location and turned to find a completely disturbed Chaahat.

"Chaahat? Is everything alright?" Mithran asked with a frown.

"Can we leave, Mithran. I am a bit tired." Chaahat said, avoiding eye contact.

Mithran could sense that something was bothering Chaahat. Probably the same thing that has been bothering her since her return from the office. She might have momentarily forgotten about it during the dinner and the walk afterwards. But while I had been on the phone call, she might have remembered it again.

Mithran cursed himself for not ignoring that call. He could have just given a call back the next day.

While driving the car, in an attempt to ease her and take her mind off whatever is bothering her, Mithran decided to tell her about the phone call he received.

"It was a childhood friend of mine who phoned just now. Dhruv Khurana. You might know him. He is your boss' best friend. In fact, Dhruv and VK are launching a joint venture. An exclusive wedding boutique. Haa! Who am I talking to? You must be a part of the new venture, right?" Mithran asked, believing that he was taking her mind off whatever was upsetting her. He had no idea that the topic he was speaking about was only making her more uneasy.

"Yeah.." Chaahat said in an off handed manner. She just wanted the conversation to end quickly.

"Well, Dhruv's father and Appa were best friends since childhood. Uncle Rajath passed away when we were ten. After that, Dhruv moved away with his mother's family. Recently, I met him a couple of times, but couldn't have a proper conversation. Anyways, the friendship we shared is long lost. But I am sure, Appa would love to meet him. He and Uncle Rajath shared a very strong bond. Actually, Amma and Dhruv's mother were also pretty close. My grandfather worked for Dhruv's maternal grandfather. And Amma had known Dhruv's mother since forever. I wonder why they never stayed in touch after Uncle Rajath passed away." Mithran kept talking.

Chaahat wanted to scream. She was feeling very suffocated.

Chaahat's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Mithran's words only added to her unease, as they unknowingly delved deeper into a past that was intricately connected to her own current predicament.

She tried her best to engage in the conversation, to focus on what Mithran was saying, but every word felt like a weight pressing down on her chest.

She wanted to confess, to open up about the truth that had been haunting her. But the words remained trapped within her, as fear and guilt held her back.

Mithran noticed her distress, and though he was trying to lighten the atmosphere, he couldn't help but pick up on the tension emanating from her. He glanced at her, concern etched on his features, and then decided to change the subject.

"Hey, you know what? Let's not talk about this anymore. It's been a long day for both of us. How about we play some light music and just enjoy the drive back home?" Mithran suggested with a warm smile, hoping to bring back the ease and comfort between them.

Chaahat managed a small smile, grateful for his attempt to alleviate the heaviness that had settled upon them. She nodded, and he started playing his favourite playlist. The familiar tunes began to fill the car, and for a brief moment, it seemed like the troubles that had been plaguing them were pushed aside.

As the car glided through the night, Chaahat found herself lost in her thoughts, torn between the past and the present. The weight of her secret was unbearable, and she realised that she could no longer keep it hidden.

One day soon, it is going to burst in front of her eyes.

The pain, the humiliation, the disgust.. Everything is going to come back.

The thing she was running away from is now standing in front of her and mocking her. As if taunting her.

Chaahat's inner turmoil intensified with each passing moment, her heart racing as the weight of her secret threatened to consume her. The rhythmic beat of the music did little to calm her nerves as they drove through the night.

Mithran glanced at her, sensing the change in the atmosphere.

"Chaahat, are you sure you're okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

She mustered a weak smile, trying to hide her distress.

"Yeah, Mithran, I am just a bit tired. Maybe it's the long day catching up with me."

He nodded understandingly, but Chaahat could tell he wasn't completely convinced. Guilt gnawed at her as she struggled to maintain her composure.

In the midst of her internal battle, a sudden jolt of realisation struck her. Dhruv Khuranna's name had triggered a series of events that had brought her past to the forefront. The, very past she had been trying to escape.

And now, she had to confront it, no matter how painful.