SWNOVELXO Chapter 21: Shattered Trust
Vivan turned to Ayan and whispered, "I'll get the soft coldrings 🍺." Ayan nodded and replied, "Get two from the wetter ❄️."
Roshni and Harleen, who were sitting nearby, overheard the conversation. Harleen spoke up in a slow, husky voice, "Sounds like Ayan and Vivan are at it again 😏."
Roshni smiled and chimed in, "No worries, I'll ask the wetter for two soft coldrings as well 🍺." Vivan's eyes sparkled with mischief as he said, "You can forget about Roshni now. It was all just an act, anyway 🤔."
Ayan's expression turned thoughtful, and he replied, "I don't know why, but being with her felt... nice 😊." Roshni's eyes widened in shock as she heard Ayan's words, and her heart began to sing 🎶.
As she sat there, lost in thought, Roshni's mind replayed her encounters with Ayan, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest 💖.
Harleen's voice was laced with concern as she asked, "Roshni, what's wrong? You seem lost in thought." Roshni shook her head, attempting to brush off the feeling. "Nothing, let's just enjoy our coldrings."
Just then, a group of shady-looking men walked in, their eyes fixed on Roshni. They sauntered over to her table, their intentions clear. Roshni and Harleen exchanged a wary glance, sensing trouble brewing.
As they tried to leave, one of the men grabbed Roshni's hand, pulling her back. Roshni's eyes flashed with anger as she slapped him across the face. "Mind your manners!" she spat.
Vivan and Ayan's eyes widened in surprise as they took in the scene. "That's Roshni's voice!" Vivan exclaimed. Ayan's gaze locked onto Roshni, his expression a mix of concern and admiration.
The man Roshni had slapped snarled, raising his hand to strike her back. But before he could, Ayan intervened, grabbing the man's wrist and holding him back. Roshni's eyes met Ayan's, a spark of gratitude flashing between them.
Vivan rushed to Harleen's side, asking, "Are you okay? Who are these people? Why are they after you?" Harleen shook her head, her voice firm. "You shouldn't get involved in this."
But Vivan's eyes narrowed, his jaw set in determination. "But..." he began, before trailing off. Instead, he joined Ayan in taking down the attackers, their movements swift and precise.
As the fight subsided, Ayan pinned one of the men to the ground, his eyes blazing with anger. "You're not going anywhere," he growled, his grip tightening.
Roshni's gaze remained fixed on Ayan, her heart racing with emotions.
Ayan's eyes narrowed as he demanded, "Tell me, who sent you? 🤔" The boy remained silent, his eyes darting around the room. Ayan's voice took on a menacing tone, "If you don't speak up, things won't end well for you 😬."
The boy's eyes widened, and he stammered, "I-I was sent by your dad... to kidnap Roshni 😱." The room fell silent, with Vivan, Harleen, Roshni, and Ayan all looking at each other in shock 😮.
Ayan's face turned pale, and he took a step back, his eyes fixed on the boy. The boy, sensing his chance, turned and ran 🏃♂️. Ayan's gaze followed him, before slowly turning to Roshni.
Roshni's eyes locked onto Ayan's, and she took a step closer to him. Her voice trembled with anger and pain, "Why didn't you tell me? 😤" Ayan's eyes filled with tears, and he took a step back, his hands raised in defense.
Roshni's hands clenched into fists, and she advanced on Ayan, her voice rising, "Your dad sent those men to kidnap me! 😱 And now you're trying to save me? Why? 🤔" Ayan's eyes overflowed with tears, and he whispered, "I'm sorry, Roshni... I didn't know 🙏."
Roshni's face twisted in anguish, and she grabbed Ayan's collar, her voice cracking, "You're sorry? 😭 You're sorry for ruining my life? 🤯" Ayan's eyes met Roshni's, and he saw the depth of her pain and anger. He knew he had to make things right, but he didn't know how 🤔.
Roshni's voice trembled with rage as she spat, "Ayan, what's going on? 🤯 You're in cahoots with your dad, aren't you? 😱" Ayan's eyes widened in protest, and he whispered, "I didn't do it, Roshni... 🙏"
But Roshni was beyond consolation. Her hand flashed out, slapping Ayan's right cheek with a resounding crack 👋. Vivan rushed forward to intervene, but Ayan held up a hand, stopping him.
Roshni's eyes blazed with fury as she hissed, "How could you do this to me? 😤" Her hand flashed out again, slapping Ayan's left cheek with equal force 👋.
With a slow, deliberate motion, Roshni turned and walked away, her head held high 💁♀️. Harleen followed closely behind, her eyes fixed on Roshni's retreating back.
Vivan hesitated for a moment before turning to Ayan, who stood frozen, his cheeks stinging from Roshni's slaps. With a sympathetic glance, Vivan nodded and stayed with Ayan, the two of them watching as Roshni and Harleen disappeared into the distance 👋.