Chapter 9: Showdown at the Edge of Fate

The more the barrage cheered, the worse I felt.

I paced the tiny hostel room, fists clenched, the voices in my head relentless. Rain sounded like drums, my heart thudding in time.

In the end, I couldn’t help it—I found the bar where they were.

My feet moved on their own, carrying me through flooded streets, dodging rickshaws. I didn’t care that I was soaked—I just needed to find her.

I searched room after room. The manager eyed me, but I flashed some cash and got in. I opened doors, calling her name, more desperate with every second.

Until I heard urgent moans outside a private room.

The sound stopped me cold, like a slap across the face. My stomach twisted, breath coming short and sharp.

"Priya, Priya..."

Kunal’s voice, thick with longing and regret. I knew what I’d find inside.

My heart felt like it was pierced by a thousand needles. Tears fell uncontrollably.

I wiped my face, but they kept coming. I’d never cried like this—not even when my dadi passed away.

I’d imagined this scene a thousand times, but the pain was worse than I could have guessed.

No amount of bravado could protect me now. I felt exposed, raw, like an open wound.

I kept telling myself,

She’s just someone who can’t control herself. I don’t care.

I repeated it like a mantra, but it didn’t dull the ache.

Wiping my tears, I turned the doorknob.

The metal was cold, my hand shaking. I hesitated, steeling myself.

If I saw it with my own eyes, maybe I could finally let go.

I pushed open the door, my heart bracing for what waited inside. Sometimes, to really let go, you have to watch yourself break.