Long chapter ahead (almost 4000 words :p)
Author's POV

“Pl-please wake up, please,” Vidit pleaded, desperately trying to get Ritika to open her eyes.

Zeeshan quickly tackled that man, shooting him in the leg with his own gun.

“Tera hisab mai alag se karunga saale. Teri himaat kaise hui.” Zeeshan gritted his teeth, dropping a punch on his face. He instructed his men to make sure none of the tied men escaped and quickly walked back.
(I’ll deal with you separately, you bastard. How dare you?)

“We need to take her to the hospital, Vidit. Come back to your damn senses,” he shouted, trying to get Vidit to stop pleading.

“The ambulance is here. Let’s get both Ishika and Ritika to the hospital, we don’t have time to waste,” Dev said, gently picking up Ishika, making Zeeshan nod.

“VIDIT, LET’S GO. SHE NEEDS MEDICAL TREATMENT,” Zeeshan shouted. Vidit nodded in response, wiping his tears, quickly picking up Ritika in his arms.

Both Ishika and Ritika were transferred to the ambulance. Dev and Vidit understandably accompanied them.

“Double payment kardunga mai lekin ye dono 10 minute k andar hospital mei hone chaiye.” Zeeshan said firmly.
(Get them to the hospital within 10 minutes, I'll pay double,if necessary.)

The ambulance driver nodded. Though he hated being reminded of his job, he understood the emotions they must be going through. “Waise bhi raat hai sahab, 5 minute mei pohocha dunga, aap fikar na kare.”
(It’s late at night, sir. I’ll get them there in five minutes. Don’t worry.)

“Thank you,” Zeeshan replied gratefully.

Once the ambulance had left, Zeeshan walked inside, only to find Ayesha breaking down in her brother’s arms. His heart clenched at the sight of her tears.

But he had to stop himself. She needs him. His best friends need him. He cannot let himself lose control over his emotions.

“We need to head to the hospital. They won’t be able to handle it themselves,” Zeeshan said, walking toward them.

Adhvait and Sunaina nodded along with Ayesha. Wiping her tears, Ayesha took a deep breath, muttering, “I am fine. Let’s go.”

“I’ll drive. You should refrain from driving too,” Adhvait said, patting Zeeshan’s shoulder, who gratefully let him take charge.

Upon reaching the hospital, Adhvait quickly parked the car and they ran inside, looking for Dev and Vidit, who were pacing outside the adjacent OTs.

“Is everything alright?” Ayesha asked, her voice sore from all the crying.

“They’re operating. Someone please do the formalities. Vidit and I couldn’t do them,” Dev replied, his eyes still fixed on the closed door.

Vidit, on the other hand, hadn’t moved a single inch from where he stood, trying to catch a glimpse of Ritika, who lay lifeless on the bed while the doctors operated on her.

“Naina and I will take care of the formalities,” Adhvait said, sensing the tension. Sunaina nodded in agreement.

Zeeshan felt helpless. He couldn’t move his feet to console Vidit. He knew Vidit needed him, but he was scared. Scared because he didn’t want to fail again. Ayesha seemed to have understood his inner turmoil because she immediately walked toward him.

Her soft touch on his bicep made him snap out of his thoughts. Muttering softly, she gestured toward Vidit. “He needs you.”

Zeeshan nodded. Her gentle squeeze on his bicep gave him some courage he'd been lacking. The rest did not matter because his friend needed him.

Slowly walking toward Vidit, he took a deep breath before gently touching his shoulder. Vidit flinched badly before turning.

“She’ll be fine,” he whispered. Vidit, who was in desperate need of reassurance and support, hugged Zeeshan tightly, crying bitterly in his arms.

“Uske alawa mera iss duniya mei koi nahi hai Zeeshan, bol na usko.” Vidit muttered, his body shaking with tears. While Zeeshan consoled him, Ayesha made sure Dev had someone with whom he could share his feelings.
(I have no one else in this world besides her, Zeeshan, please tell her to wake up.)

“She’ll be fine,” Zeeshan said, rubbing Vidit’s back.

“Meri godh mei aankh band kari thi usne, mai nahi bhul paa raha woh. U-uski body thandi pa-padhni shuru hogyi thi you know,” vidit said, closing his eyes, trying to erase the image of Ritika losing consciousness in his arms.
(She lost consciousness in my lap. I can’t get that out of my head. Her body had started turning cold… you know?”)

“Sab theek ho jaega.” Zeeshan whispered. He didn’t know how to console him. He had no words to offer.
(Everything's going to be fine.)

Minutes turned into hours and hours turned into an entire day. Both Ishika and Ritika were being monitored closely as they had lost a significant amount of blood and were still in danger despite the surgeries. The doctors had clearly informed them that both Ishika and Ritika had to regain consciousness within 48 hours, or they might not survive. Although they were transferred to the ICU after their operations, the doctors strictly denied anyone permission to meet them.

Despite the restrictions, Vidit and Dev did not leave the hospital premises except to freshen up. They slept on uncomfortable hospital chairs and ate whatever was brought to them by Ayesha and Zeeshan, who stayed with them equally, being their strength through it all.

It was around 3 a.m. that day when a nurse rushed toward them, informing them that Ishika had woken up. A doctor was checking on her, and she might be transferred to a general ward soon.

The others and Dev, who had been desperate to hear this news, rushed to the ICU, trying to peek inside the room just to get a glimpse of Ishika. Vidit, on the other hand, waited anxiously for Ritika. Ayesha had called Ritika’s parents earlier, and they were on their way as well.

“Miss Ritika’s guardian?” a nurse announced, looking around the cold waiting room. Vidit, who had been sitting in anticipation, stood up, hopeful to hear good news.

“The doctor would like to meet you,” she said before walking into the doctor’s cabin across the corridor.

Vidit quickly followed her, entering after knocking on the door. The doctor nodded at him, gesturing for him to sit before saying, “Miss Ritika is out of danger. Her vitals are stable now. However, because we had to give her a high dose of anesthesia due to the location of the bullet near her chest, she will remain unconscious for a day or two.”

“Can I meet her now, doctor?” Vidit asked, finally allowing himself to breathe in relief.

“Not right now. We will transfer her to the general ward in a few hours. After that, you may stay beside her for as long as you want,” the doctor replied with a smile. It was rare for him to witness such a pure bond of love in this generation.

Looking at Vidit and Dev reminded him of his own younger days with his girlfriend (now his wife.)

“Thank you,” Vidit said gratefully. The doctor nodded reassuringly before Vidit walked away, this time with a smile.

Ayesha and Zeeshan, who had returned from Ishika’s ward to give Dev and Ishika some privacy, waited for Vidit’s response, their hearts racing in anticipation.

As soon as Vidit reached them, he immediately hugged Zeeshan, breaking down into tears of relief and happiness.

Ayesha’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at him. Zeeshan hugged him back, asking, “Is she okay?” Vidit nodded wordlessly, making Ayesha and Zeeshan breathe a sigh of relief.

After a few hours, Ritika was transferred to a private ward next to Ishika’s. Ishika, who had woken up earlier, was instructed to take much needed rest as she had lost a lot of blood, and Dev, who did not leave her side even for a minute, made sure she complied.

Vidit, on the other hand, waited for his love to wake up, softly muttering “I miss you” and “I love you.” He ensured that no noise was made in the room. Even though Ritika was under the effect of medication, he did not want anyone disturbing her. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful to him.

Ayesha and Zeeshan, meanwhile, sat in the waiting room, giving both couples much needed privacy.

“You should rest,” Zeeshan said softly, caressing Ayesha’s hand entwined with his.

She wordlessly rested her head on Zeeshan’s shoulder before saying, “Sometimes, I feel life would have been different if I had died in that accident instead of my parents.” Her words slipped out so casually that it pinched Zeeshan’s heart, thinking about the pain Ayesha must be carrying while watching her loved ones suffer on hospital beds.

“That’s not true, aayat,” Zeeshan replied, tightening his grip on her hand slightly.

“Why are you so sure?” she questioned, playing with the ring on Zeeshan’s finger.

“I am sure of one thing. My life would have been useless without your existence because I can neither imagine my life without you nor do I want to,” he replied softly. Ayesha closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears threatening to fall.

“Everyone is in danger, Zeeshan, and I feel it is my fault. They are being dragged unnecessarily into my mess. I do not deserve them,” she whispered.

“That’s wrong, Aayat. The only person at fault is that coward, not you, not them, not us. I would bring all the happiness to your feet if that is what it takes to make you believe that whatever nonsense you are convincing yourself of is completely false,” Zeeshan said, his voice soft yet firm, only for her.

“Smjhi aap?” he questioned when she simply cuddled closer to him without saying a word.
(Do you understand?)

“Mhm.”

“Kya smjhi aap?” he asked, a smile threatening to form on his face.
(What did you understand?)

“Ki ye sab meri galti nahi hai aur aur jo bhi mai soch rahi hu woh galat hai,” she muttered, still playing with his ring.
(That it's not my fault and whatever I have been thinking is wrong.)

“Good. Because the next time you think about something like this, I am going to do something unforgettable, something unexpected that will shut you and that always running brain of yours up easily,” he whispered near her ear, his breath fanning against her skin and making goosebumps rise.

“I would like to ignore this and focus on my sleep instead,” she replied, closing her eyes while keeping her head on his shoulder and her hand entwined with his. He chuckled softly at her response, stopping himself from teasing her further.

Both Ayesha and Zeeshan peacefully savored each other’s company, so comforting that Ayesha unknowingly fell asleep in his arms and Zeeshan was simply happy that she found his presence safe enough to rest and sleep soundly in his embrace.

On the other hand, Adhvait and Sunaina, who had come to check on them, saw them lost in their quiet embrace, with Ayesha sleeping peacefully and Zeeshan looking at her from time to time with a serene smile.

Sunaina’s heart felt at peace, as if it knew that her eshu was in the right hands and that Zeeshan Kapoor would keep his promise.

But Adhvait’s brows furrowed in annoyance, clearly not pleased to see his younger sister with a man he knew nothing about.

“What are your intentions with my sister? Why are you sticking to her like a leech?” Adhvait questioned as soon as they stood in front of them, glaring at their entwined hands without hesitation. Sunaina chuckled internally, she'd expected this reaction from him.

Zeeshan, who had been lost in admiration, looked up and sighed before replying softly, “Now is not the time for such an important discussion, but let me assure you, my intentions with her are as pure as they think devotion is.” He knew this might lead him into trouble, but he was a brother too, and he spoke only what his heart urged him to say, that is, the absolute truth.

This time, Sunaina chuckled out loud, loud enough for Adhvait to hear. He looked at her with a betrayed expression, silently asking for support because Zeeshan’s calm words and unwavering eyes had left him speechless.

Sunaina merely shrugged in response, indirectly telling him that he was on his own. Zeeshan, on the other hand, looked at them in confusion.

Clearing his throat, Adhvait said, “Don't stick to her like a whipped idiot in front of me warna Mai hatapai karlunga.”
(Don't stick to her like a whipped idiot in front of me or else I'll start a fight with you.)

His warning was hilarious, to say the least. Though Zeeshan and Sunaina tried very hard not to laugh, she failed to hold it in. Zeeshan nodded sincerely, even though all of them knew that nothing was going to stop him.

Ayesha's POV

It has been two days since Ishika and Ritika were declared out of danger. Now both of them are under their family’s care and love.

Though Ritika is still unconscious, she is healing internally, and that is what matters to us.

Today, Ritika’s mother and my bhabhi were in charge of staying with the girls, forcefully sending Vidit bhai and Dev to get some much needed sleep.

They were strictly denied permission to enter the hospital premises for 24 hours. So I too decided to finish my incomplete task along with Zeeshan, of course.

“Let’s go,” Zeeshan said as he parked in the parking area of the farmhouse I had been using earlier for my team meetings.

I wordlessly followed him, allowing him to guide me with our hands entwined.

“Where are they?” Zeeshan asked the guards, who stood at attention as we walked toward them.

“In the basement, sir,” he replied. We nodded before walking downstairs to the basement where those 11 pathetic minions of Karan Reddy lay, deprived of everything, including a single drop of water.

“Haanji kaisi lagi humari mehmaan navazi aap sabko?” I said, taking charge because today my body was in desperate need of some action.
(So, how did you all like our hospitality?)

They were barely awake due to the lack of energy in their bodies. I gestured toward one of our men, who nodded before throwing ice cold water on them.

Making them flinch badly, “ woh socha aap log teen din se nahae nahi toh thoda madad kar du.”
(Oh, I just thought to help you guys since you couldn't shower for the last three days.)

I could hear Zeeshan chuckling beside me.

“Khair chalo ab goli kisne chalai thi chup chaap aage aa jao,” I said, looking around and waiting for someone to step forward.
(Anyways, who shot my friends? Come out.)

No one did.

As expected.

Zeeshan was about to step forward to do something, but I immediately held his hand before muttering, “No.” He wordlessly stepped back with a nod.

“Zeeshan, do you know how many bones there are in a human leg?” I asked leisurely, walking toward the iron rod lying in a corner.

I was going to take my time breaking them, making sure I gave them a taste of what hurting my people feels like.

A slow, painful death? No. Just a punishment. Because I do not take the law into my own hands, but I am certainly not a strict law abiding citizen either. I simply know how to find a few loopholes, useful enough for me to remain myself.

“How many?” Zeeshan asked, amused.

“Thirty. But for them, the answer will be different. You know why?” I said. My voice was firm as the sound of the iron rod dragging against the floor echoed through the silent room.

“Why?” Zeeshan asked again, seemingly entertained by the situation.

“Because I will make sure I break them today, broken just enough for them to never walk again,” I said, merely stating a fact with a slow smile forming on my face.

Their eyes visibly widened as they looked at each other. My sharp eyes did not miss the sweat trickling down their foreheads, their trembling fingers, and the subtle shake of their heads, a skill I learned while working as a CBI officer.

“Oh, I am going to have the time of my life,” Zeeshan said, grinning while leaning back in the chair he had brought from God knows where and when.

“I will make sure you do, baby. This is going to be such a stress relief,” I said, cracking my neck before the actual show began.

Zeeshan's POV

“I’ll make sure you do, baby. This is going to be such a stress relief,” she said, cracking her neck as if she were preparing for a playful match.

But what truly caught my attention was that she called me baby.

She had not realized it, but I did. And it made my heart skip several beats at once.

“Last chance. Use your mouth or I am going to use my rod. I am free today, anyway,” she warned, perhaps for the last time. None of them stood up, as expected. Karan Reddy’s men, when it was their turn to accept defeat, were just like him, stubborn and persistent.

“Let’s do it then,” she said, chuckling sarcastically as she tied her luscious hair into a ponytail. She nodded to our men, who on cue dragged forward the man who had given us false information about being the last one.

“Jhoot bole kauwa kaante suna hai aapne?” she asked, kneeling in front of him. Her voice was menacingly cold, the kind that had shocked me at first. But then again, she is Ayesha Mehra.
(Have you heard of 'There’s a price for lying.')

“Let me go, please,” he pleaded, his eyes filled with tears.

“Oh, I will. But first,” she said before smacking the rod loudly against his leg. His scream echoed through the room, but she stood there unfazed. “Apna price lekar nahi jaoge aap?”
(You should have your price before leaving.)

“N-na-AHHHHH,” he shouted as another hit followed.

“Tumara boss na bohot bada harami hai tumhe pata hai,” she said as she struck his legs for the third time.
(Your boss is a bastard, do you know that?)

“Usse pata tha maut k muh mei bhej rha hai woh, lekin fir bhi bhej dia.” Another hit followed.
(He was aware he was sending you to die, but he still did.)

“Swaad hai na prashaad?” she asked, kneeling in front of him again. He instinctively tried to move back, but his legs failed him.
(Isn't it tasty?the price?)

She looked at me. I could see a flicker of regret in her eyes, but I nodded at her, reassuring her that she was doing nothing wrong. Though I wanted to walk to her, snatch the rod from her hand, and hide her in my arms, I did not. This was her battle, and I wanted her to fight it.

“Drag him away,” she ordered. Our men complied, dragging the man away as he cried loudly like a child.

“Now who shot my friends?” she asked, walking toward them as they visibly trembled.

“H-He,” one of them stuttered, pointing toward his partner whose eyes widened. The desperate shake of his head gave away the truth he had been trying to hide.

“Oops, ye toh apne hi bande ki chugli kardi aapne,” she said, chuckling sarcastically and nodding at our men, who dragged forward the man being accused.
(Oops, he accused his own partner.)

“NO. HE’S LYING.” He was not lying. He was the same man I had shot earlier after he shot Ritika.

“Oh?” she chuckled, kneeling to his level. “The wound in your leg says otherwise. Aren’t you the same guy my man shot?”

Her man? Hell yes! Only hers.

I simply leaned back, unfazed, my lips curving into a proud smirk because I was in love with a tigress, and I would not want it any other way. In fact, I had partially trained her to become one.

For the next few hours, she took her time breaking every single bone in their legs, ensuring none of them would ever attempt to stand again. And the man who shot Ritika and Ishika? She made sure he would regret living from this day forward.

Every strike of hers felt like revenge for the pain her girls are enduring at this moment, the pain Dev and Vidit went through watching their love lie on hospital beds with multiple wires attached to their bodies, the pain their families suffered. She avenged all of them, and I let her.

Because why not? Karan Reddy started it, and I can vouch that my girl will make sure it ends properly. And if she stumbles, I will make sure it ends exactly the way she wants it to.

Once she was done, she asked someone to bring a piece of paper and a pen, her gaze cold and emotionless.

As one of our men handed her the paper, she walked toward me and leaned closer. She placed the paper against my chest and scribbled something on it while I sat there, letting her use me however she pleased.

My eyes followed her every move, her confidence, the mole beneath her eye, the hand resting on my chest to steady the paper, and the other hand writing on it. Everything about her fuels something inside me, more than she could ever imagine.

My hands itched to pull her onto my lap, but I was aware of my boundaries and her comfort. So my eyes traced every curve, every detail my hands longed to touch.

Once she finished, she patted my shoulder and threw a wink my way before walking off.

She knew she had set me on fire, and she was proud of it, just the way I like it.

“Make sure you very lovingly drop them at their homes with this sweet note,” she said with a wide smile. I chuckled at her words and at the note that read-

“Count your days, Pookie.”

Oh, how I love this girl.

Hanji, how was the chapter?