The Darkest Hour Before Dawn.

Sunday Morning.

Radhika sat in the dim corridor, the sterile light above her flickering with an unsettling rhythm. The air was thick with the scent of antiseptic and a distant echo of laughter, muffled by the walls of the hospital. Outside, the world was alive with Diwali—a celebration she could only witness through the distorted windowpanes. The burst of firecrackers sounded like distant memories, fading into a haze. This was not the Diwali she had imagined, not the one she had known. But here she was, outside the operation theater, suspended between hope and despair, her thoughts spiraling into an abyss.

The sudden creak of the operation theater doors snapped her out of her daze. A voice, calm and composed, sliced through the fog in her mind. “Miss Radhika?”

She stood up, her legs barely supporting her weight, and turned to see Doctor Khanna. His face bore the calm expression of someone who had seen life and death too many times. Her heart raced as she searched his eyes for an answer, her own filled with unshed tears.

“Doctor, please, just tell me… is she okay?” Her voice cracked, the words escaping her like a fragile whisper.

Doctor Khanna gave her a reassuring smile, the kind that felt both genuine and detached, like an old friend who knew better than to promise too much. “Your prayers have been answered. Tanvi is out of danger.”

The relief that washed over Radhika was overwhelming, yet it felt incomplete, as if something vital had slipped through her fingers. “May I see her?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“Of course,” he replied. “In a while, after we move her to a private ward.”

Radhika nodded, though the time that followed felt like an eternity. Each minute passed in slow motion, her thoughts swirling like autumn leaves caught in a relentless wind. When the nurse finally led her to Tanvi’s room, Radhika took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay beyond the door.

“Calm down,” she whispered to herself, wiping away the tears that threatened to spill over. “You need to be strong for her. For Tanvi.”

The door creaked softly as she opened it, and the room greeted her with an eerie stillness. Tanvi lay on the bed, her face pale against the white sheets, her breathing steady but shallow. Radhika stepped inside, closing the door with deliberate care, hoping not to disturb the fragile peace that hung in the air.

“Di…”

The faint voice startled her, pulling her from the delicate silence. Radhika turned to see Tanvi’s eyes, half-open, struggling to focus. “Hey… hi. I’m sorry, did I wake you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“No,” Tanvi replied, her voice weak but determined. “I feel like I woke up from a long sleep.”

Radhika smiled softly, though the gesture felt hollow. “Not very long. Just six to eight hours, at most.”

Tanvi’s gaze grew distant, as if she were searching for something elusive in the corners of her mind. “Di, last night… last night is such a blur. I can hardly recall anything, but…”

Radhika’s heart skipped a beat. “But what, Tanu?”

Tanvi’s expression darkened, her breathing quickening as if she were drowning in an invisible tide. “I know, Di… I know what I did,” she whispered, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes. “I know I did something bad, something horrible.”

“No, Tanu, no.” Radhika’s voice was firm, her hands gently cradling Tanvi’s tear-streaked face. “You didn’t do anything; do you hear me? You did nothing wrong.”

“But I know I did, Di,” Tanvi sobbed, her words dissolving into a torrent of tears. “I dragged you into this mess… It’s all my fault. I’m guilty.”

Radhika’s grip tightened, her own tears blurring the edges of her vision. “Tanu, look at me. This is the last time you will ever speak of this; do you understand? Please, sweetheart, you have to trust me.”

Tanvi looked up, her eyes filled with confusion that seemed to mirror Radhika’s own. “Di, am I going to jail?”

“No,” Radhika whispered, her voice soft but resolute. “I’ve taken care of everything. No one is going to jail. You just have to have faith in me.”

Tanvi nodded, though the gesture felt more like a surrender than an agreement. Radhika held her close, the two of them lost in a moment where the world outside ceased to exist. The sound of firecrackers faded into silence, and the lights of Diwali were nothing more than distant stars, flickering in a sky they could no longer see.

Thursday.

Radhika’s fingers tapped nervously against her thigh as the train sped towards the city, her thoughts swirling in a chaotic dance of anticipation and doubt. The tension in her chest was not the uncomfortable kind, but rather a tight, electric excitement that made her heart pound a little faster. Today was the day. The day they would finally announce the winner of the “Best Employee Of The Year” award—the BEOTY, as everyone in the office liked to call it, with an emphasis that made it sound like "beauty." The thought of it made her stomach flutter.

Winning this award would change everything. It would mean a promotion, a six-figure salary, a stable job, and a life in New York City—dreams she had held close to her heart for as long as she could remember. This was the culmination of countless nights spent in the office long after everyone else had left, of sacrifices made and moments of doubt swallowed in the name of ambition. “It has to be me,” she told herself, almost as if repeating it enough would make it true. “It’s my time.”

As the train slowed to a stop, Radhika stood and took a deep breath. She decided to walk to the office today. The familiar rhythm of her feet on the pavement might help to calm her nerves, to ground her in the present moment. The cool morning air brushed against her face as she walked, each step bringing her closer to the possibility of a new future. “I’ve worked so hard for this. I’ve earned it,” she repeated silently, though her thoughts were clouded by the nagging awareness of her competition. Anisha and Shiv had also performed exceptionally well this year. “You’ve got tough competition, Radhika,” she muttered under her breath, a sigh escaping her lips as she approached the office building.

The usual buzz of the office was conspicuously absent when she entered. Instead, an eerie silence greeted her, broken only by the soft clatter of fingers on keyboards. The sight unsettled her. Mrs. Chatterjee, typically the heart of the office, always ready with a warm greeting and a morsel from her tiffin, was unusually quiet, her head bent over her desk, a smile exchanged but without its usual warmth. The tension in the air was palpable, a shared unease that made the walls of the office feel closer than they actually were.

Radhika settled into her chair, her fingers instinctively reaching for her mouse when a whisper from the next cubicle shattered the stillness. “Ready to lose, Radhs?” Shiv’s voice was light, teasing, but it held an edge of seriousness that made her smile.

“No, Shiv,” she replied with a grin, trying to match his tone. “Because I’m not going to.”

“Haha! We’ll see,” he winked at her.

“May the best man win,” she sighed, her hands returning to the keyboard, though her mind was far from focused on her work.

The silence was broken by the sudden entrance of Mr. Saxena, who strode into the office with his characteristic energy, a golden trophy gleaming in his hands. His presence alone was enough to command the attention of everyone in the room, and today, his entrance was met with a collective inhale as if the entire office was holding its breath.

“Oh my God, who died here?” he exclaimed, his eyes scanning the room with playful confusion. His words, though delivered with a smile, did little to ease the tension. He was the kind of man who exuded confidence, his Armani suit fitting perfectly, his every movement deliberate and commanding. He walked to the center of the room, the trophy held aloft like a prize, and all eyes followed him.

“So,” he began, his voice carrying the weight of the moment, “after much thought, I have finally decided the winner of the BEOTY award.” The anticipation was almost unbearable, the air thick with expectation. “Damn it, guys! You all should look at your faces right now! Priceless!” Mr. Saxena laughed, but the humor was lost on the room.

Radhika felt her heart hammering in her chest, the seconds stretching out painfully as Mr. Saxena drew closer to the announcement. Shiv leaned in, whispering, “Here it is, this is the moment.”

Radhika closed her eyes, her hand reaching out to grip his, her other hand’s fingers crossed tightly. The world seemed to pause, everything hinging on the next words out of Mr. Saxena’s mouth.

“And the winner of the BEOTY award is…”

“Please, God, please…” Radhika’s thoughts pleaded as she squeezed Shiv’s hand even tighter.

“Mr. Shiv Kumar!”

Her eyes snapped open to the bitter reality. It wasn’t her. The promotion, the dream of a new life, it was all slipping away, out of reach. She had lost not just the award, but the promise of a future she had been working so hard for. She stood frozen, a sad smile on her face as she tried to muster the strength to be happy for her friend. Shiv, feeling her disappointment, gently patted her back.

As he stepped forward to accept his award, she clapped, her hands moving almost mechanically, her smile barely holding back the tears that threatened to spill. The room erupted in applause, but the sound was distant, muffled, like she was hearing it through a thick fog.

“…and, Radhika Sharma,” Mr. Saxena’s voice cut through the haze, pulling her back to the present. She turned, her heart skipping a beat. Had she heard correctly? “Yes, guys. They need two people to work for them in NYC. And who is better than this hardworking duo, Radhika and Shiv, for this position. They truly deserve it. The trophy belongs to Mr. Kumar, but you, Ms. Sharma, are also getting promoted.”

The words hung in the air for a moment before they fully sank in. The room erupted once more, this time the applause loud and clear, her name echoing in her ears. This was actually happening. Her life was about to change in ways she had only dreamed of. She walked towards Mr. Saxena, her steps slow, as if she were walking on air, her eyes glistening with happy tears.

“You truly deserve this,” Mr. Saxena said as he shook her hand, a proud smile on his face. “You and Shiv have worked harder than anyone else in this office and made us all a fortune. So, well done, and congratulations.”

“Thank you,” Radhika managed to reply, her voice thick with emotion. She turned to her colleagues, the reality of it all finally hitting her. A grin spread across her face as she yelled, “I’m going to New York, baby!”

The office erupted in cheers and laughter, the tension of the morning melting away in a wave of celebration. Radhika stood there, soaking it all in, her heart swelling with a joy that she hadn’t felt in a long time. This was her moment. Her life was finally going to change.

Later that Evening, 

The evening sun cast long shadows across the city as Radhika sat with her friends at a small café near their office, the remnants of her sandwich resting on the plate before her. The day had been a whirlwind, and now, as the adrenaline began to fade, a quiet sense of satisfaction settled over her. She was lost in her thoughts when Swati’s voice broke through, full of warmth and pride.

“I’m so proud of you, Radhs. A few years back, you were this introverted, small-town girl who hardly had the confidence to speak for herself. Life has been cruel to you, with an abusive father, a poverty-stricken household, a traumatizing childhood. But today, look at what you’ve made of yourself. You give us all hope.”

Radhika smiled, a bittersweet curve of her lips as she nodded, acknowledging the truth in Swati’s words while trying not to dwell too deeply on the past. She took another bite of her sandwich, letting the simple act of eating ground her in the present. The praise was nice, but she preferred to keep her emotions in check. There was still so much to do.

Before the moment could stretch into something uncomfortable, Shiv broke in with his characteristic energy, “Enough with the emotional talk now, come to the point. So, my dear Radhs, in honor of our winning this grand promotion,” he paused to laugh, “let’s party, guys! My folks are leaving town to see their relatives, and their big bungalow is ours to celebrate my—and, uh—yeah, Radhika’s success.”

Radhika shook her head, already feeling bored at the thought of it. Parties had never been her scene. The loud music, the mindless chatter—it all felt so far removed from the life she was trying to build. But Shiv was persistent.

“Oh, c’mon now, Radhs,” he pleaded. “I know you don’t like parties, but we’ve worked so hard for this, and we deserve to celebrate, okay? And anyway, two weeks from now, we’ll be gone. So let’s do this, one last time. Come on, don’t you dare make excuses to get out of this.”

Radhika sighed, knowing there was no escaping Shiv when he set his mind on something. “Okay, okay, calm down, Shiv. If it means so much to you, then I don’t mind a small party.” She offered a small smile, hoping it would satisfy him.

“And besides,” she added, “Tanvi’s coming from Dehradun to visit me for Diwali. You know how much she likes such parties. She’ll have some fun too.”

“Really? Tanvi’s coming here to Mumbai?” Shiv’s face lit up with genuine excitement. “It’s been ages since I saw her. What a delight she is.”

“That she is,” Swati agreed. “Can’t wait to see her.”

“And Radhs,” Shiv continued, “this is your party too, so feel free to invite anyone you like, okay? The more, the merrier! We’ll celebrate this Diwali with a blast!”

Radhika was about to respond when a voice cut in from behind her. “Really? You’ll be spending your Diwali here in Mumbai and not in Dehradun, with your family?”

She turned to see Anisha standing there, her arms crossed, a hint of judgment in her tone. Radhika’s voice hardened slightly as she replied, “No, Anisha.”

Anisha nodded, her expression unreadable, and then walked away without another word. Radhika felt a familiar pang in her chest, but she brushed it off. Swati leaned in, her voice soft with concern. “Hey, you know she doesn’t understand how you feel about this, right?”

“Yeah, I know,” Radhika murmured, more to herself than to Swati, as she took another bite of her sandwich, focusing on the mundane to keep her emotions at bay. Shiv, always eager to lighten the mood, rolled his eyes and groaned dramatically. “Errr, guys, again with the family talk. Cut it out now and tell me something—did you see how Mr. Saxena was smiling from ear to ear today? Looking at him, who would even think that his wife of 15 years divorced him just last week?”

“Oh God, Shiv! You are such a gossip queen,” Swati laughed, though she couldn’t deny the curiosity in her eyes. “But yeah, you do have a point.”

“I heard she caught him sleeping with someone from our office,” Shiv added, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

Radhika glanced around, her voice low but firm. “Oh, stop it now. It’s our boss you’re talking about. You’ll get us all in trouble.”

Shiv waved her concern away with a flick of his hand. “Oh, come on, Radhs. Everyone knows about the sexual harassment cases against him.”

“Which have proven nothing,” Radhika countered, “because he won them all.”

“Radhs,” Shiv said, his tone serious now, “he’s the CEO of this company, a successful businessman with a lot of money. The police are in his pocket. It’s no surprise he got away with it. I’m not even shocked that Mrs. Saxena left. It was high time.”

Radhika crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. “And why do you care so much about him, huh?”

“I don’t,” Radhika replied coolly, rolling her eyes at his persistence.

Shiv turned to Swati, as if for backup. “They say he molested a 15-year-old.”

“Allegedly,” Radhika interrupted, her tone sharp. “And besides, you know how these little brats are, using their privileges to frame rich, innocent men.”

“Innocent? Hah!” Shiv scoffed, disbelief in his voice.

“She’s got a point, man,” Swati chimed in, nodding thoughtfully. “As much as I sympathize with victims of sexual abuse, I’ve also known women who use this as a weapon against innocent men.”

“Yeah, but—” Shiv tried to protest, but before he could finish, Radhika lightly smacked the back of his head.

“Cut it out, Shiv,” she said, standing up. “Let’s go. Our lunch break is almost over.”

They all stood up, gathering their things as the weight of the conversation lingered in the air. Outside, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting the city in a golden glow. Radhika walked ahead, her thoughts already drifting back to the impending move, to Tanvi’s visit, to the party she would have to endure.

She pushed the door open and stepped outside, taking in a deep breath of the cool evening air. Two weeks, she thought. Two weeks until everything changes.

Friday.

The next morning, Radhika stepped into the office, her heart heavy with the knowledge that this was her last day. The usual din of chatter and laughter filled the air, and as Mrs. Chatterjee greeted her with a warm smile and offered her breakfast, Radhika felt a pang of sadness. She was going to miss these people—their quirks, their kindness, and even their annoying habits. At least Shiv would be with her in New York, a small piece of home in a foreign land.

As she walked through the office, she couldn’t help but notice Mr. Saxena’s cabin. Her gaze lingered on the door, her mind suddenly flooded with memories she had tried so hard to suppress. She had to take care of a few things before she left, and this was one of them.

Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door. “Sir?” No response. She hesitated for a moment before pushing the door open. “I’m coming in, Mr. Saxena.”

Inside, she found him sitting behind his desk, his chair turned away from the door. When he finally turned to face her, Radhika was struck by how tired he looked. His eyes were puffy, his face etched with the lines of a sleepless night—or maybe, she thought bitterly, he had been crying. It was strange to see him like this, the man who had always exuded such control and power, now reduced to this fragile state.

“Radhika, come in,” he said, his voice flat. “Tell me, how may I help you?”

Radhika stormed in, her anger flaring up as soon as she saw him. “First of all, stop texting me! I told you, Vikram, I want nothing to do with you after that night!”

“Radhika, shut up,” he snapped, his tone harsh. “You know you’re not supposed to call me by my name in this office.”

“That’s what’s bothering you right now, Vikram? Me calling you by your name?” she shot back, her voice rising with each word. She could feel the anger bubbling up inside her, the anger she had been trying to keep at bay for so long.

“Calm down,” he said, trying to soothe her. “If we get caught, it’s not just my job that’s at stake here. At least not more so than yours. You’re going to NYC in a few weeks. Do you want to lose that opportunity just because you’re angry and want to yell in my office?”

Radhika stared at him, her chest tightening with a mix of hurt and fury. “I cannot believe you,” she said, her voice trembling. “What was I supposed to do, Vikram? Neeta walked in, and you—you stood there, like a coward, and made me the villain! You told her I forced you into this? How dare you?”

“Radhika—”

“No!” she interrupted, pushing him away with all her strength. “After everything we’ve been through together, you stand there in front of your wife and make me the villain? I loved you, with all my heart! I accepted you with all your flaws, all those disgusting accusations against you, which—now that I think of it—might even be true.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy with accusation. She could see the flicker of something—guilt, perhaps—in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by anger. “Look, I’m not sitting here to take your tantrums, alright? God, give me a break,” he yelled, frustration seeping into his voice.

Radhika took a step back, her body trembling with the force of her emotions. “It’s over, Vikram,” she said, her voice cold and final. “I never want to see you again. Thank you for everything. Goodbye.”

“Radhika, wait—Radhika!” Vikram’s voice followed her as she stormed out of his cabin, but she didn’t stop. She couldn’t. Not now.

She left the office soon after lunch that day. There was no point in lingering, no reason to prolong the inevitable. Tanvi’s train was arriving in the evening, and Radhika needed time to prepare—both physically and emotionally. She needed to clean, to bathe, to rid herself of the stench of betrayal that clung to her like a second skin.

As she rode home, her thoughts kept circling back to Vikram, to their heated exchange. “Did I overreact?” she wondered, her mind replaying the scene over and over again. But then, the anger would return, reminding her that she deserved better. She had always deserved better.

When she arrived at the station, Radhika spotted Tanvi immediately. Her younger sister’s presence was like a balm to her wounded soul, a reminder that there was still good in her life. “Di…” Tanvi called out, her voice sweet and familiar.

“Tanvi! Oh my god! Tanvi!” Radhika sprinted towards her, pulling her into a tight hug. “Di… you’re choking me,” Tanvi said, her voice muffled against Radhika’s shoulder.

“Oh, shut up, you,” Radhika teased, releasing her sister. “Let’s get out of here. The cab’s waiting for us.”

As they settled into the cab, Radhika couldn’t help but smile at Tanvi’s presence. Her sister was a lifeline, a connection to the innocence and love that Radhika had lost somewhere along the way. “Are you hungry?” she asked, her voice gentle.

“Not so much, no,” Tanvi replied, leaning her head against Radhika’s shoulder.

“Really? Well, I have dinner ready for you at home, okay?” Radhika nudged her, trying to lighten the mood.

“It’s your favorite—Chinese food,” she added, hoping to see some excitement in Tanvi’s eyes.

“Really? That’s nice,” Tanvi said, her tone flat, before she leaned back against her sister. “I’m just a bit tired, that’s all.”

Radhika pulled her closer, running her fingers through Tanvi’s hair. “Go to sleep. I’ll wake you up when we get home.”

Tanvi nodded, closing her eyes as she drifted off to sleep in Radhika’s arms.

Back at the apartment, the familiar smell of Chinese food filled the air. Radhika had prepared everything Tanvi loved—noodles, dumplings, sweet and sour chicken. As they sat down to eat, Radhika could see the exhaustion in Tanvi’s eyes, the toll that life had taken on her.

“Tanu, I’ve something to tell you,” Radhika said, trying to sound casual. “I got a promotion, and I’m moving to NYC in two weeks.”

Tanvi’s reaction was immediate—her face lit up with excitement, her eyes wide with surprise. “Oh my god, Di! NYC? That’s huge!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat.

“Calm it down, girl,” Radhika laughed. “My neighbors might barge in if you scream like that.”

But Tanvi couldn’t contain her excitement. “Oh my god, Di. NYC! That’s amazing!” Then, as the reality of it sank in, her smile faltered. “But... NYC is much farther than Mumbai,” she said, her voice trembling. “Will you be visiting?”

Radhika reached out, wiping away the tears that had started to fall down Tanvi’s cheeks. “You dumb kid,” she said, her voice soft and comforting. “You really think I’m going to leave you here, alone? No, dumbass. I’m taking you with me! We’re both going together!”

Tanvi’s eyes widened in shock. “Oh my God! Uh-uh-okay. Okay!” she stammered, still trying to process what she had just heard. “But what about Dad?”

“Don’t worry about him,” Radhika said, her voice firm. “I’ll take care of it. Okay now, wipe your tears. Tomorrow is going to be a good day. We’re going to a small party, and I’ll make sure you have fun.”

“Party! Oh my God, wow!” Tanvi exclaimed, her excitement returning in full force.

“Yeah, you remember Shiv, don’t you? It’s at his parents’ house,” Radhika explained.

They finished dinner in companionable silence, both lost in their own thoughts. For Radhika, it was a moment of clarity—a brief respite from the chaos of her life. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but as long as she had Tanvi by her side, she felt she could face anything.

As they crawled into bed that night, Radhika couldn’t help but think back to the life they had left behind. The memories of their abusive father, the nights spent huddled together in fear, the promises they had made to each other to escape that hell. And now, after all these years, they were finally free.

Or at least, they would be—once they left for New York.

But even as she held Tanvi close, listening to the sound of her breathing, Radhika couldn’t shake the feeling that the past was not yet done with them. There were ghosts that still haunted her, shadows that lurked in the corners of her mind. She had escaped them once, but now, as she prepared to leave everything behind, she couldn’t help but wonder if they would follow her across the ocean, to a new city, a new life.

“Not if I can help it,” she whispered to herself, pulling Tanvi closer. “Not if I can help it.”

Saturday Night.

8:30 P.M.

At the Party,

Radhika and Tanvi stepped out of the Uber, the night air thick with humidity, and the distant sound of music already filling their ears. Shiv’s parents owned a sprawling estate just outside the city, far enough to escape the constant noise but close enough to still be reachable. As they walked toward the gate, the pounding beat of the music grew louder, sending vibrations through their feet. The heavy bass and flashing lights were a stark contrast to the quiet and somber mood Radhika had been in all day.

Radhika pushed the door open, her eyes narrowing in disappointment as she took in the crowded room. The scene was a cacophony of colors, lights, and people—definitely not the intimate gathering she had been led to expect.

“Didn’t you say it was going to be a small party?” Tanvi teased, raising an eyebrow as she scanned the packed room.

Radhika sighed, feeling a sense of dread creep in. This was supposed to be a distraction, something light-hearted before everything changed. But now, all she could think about was how wrong this night felt.

“Radhs! There you are!” Shiv’s voice boomed over the music as he appeared seemingly out of nowhere, his arm already grabbing hers and pulling them toward the bar. “Come on in! Enjoy yourselves!”

Radhika barely managed a smile as Shiv dragged them through the crowd. “Hey, Tanvi, how are you?” he asked, his voice jolly, clearly in full party mode.

“I’m good, bhaiya. How are you?” Tanvi responded politely.

“Haha! I’m fine—but whoa, Radhs, what’s wrong with you?” Shiv asked, his cheerful demeanor faltering as he noticed her grim expression.

The music was blasting, the lights were too bright, and Radhika’s anxiety was growing. “I thought you said it was just going to be a few people. This is our whole office, Shiv!” she snapped, feeling the tension in her body rise.

Shiv laughed it off, waving a dismissive hand. “Loosen up a little, Radhs. It’s just people from our office. Look, your favorite boss, Mr. Saxena, is also here.”

Radhika’s stomach dropped. Her eyes darted to the other side of the room where Vikram stood, nursing a drink. He hadn’t noticed her yet, but the sight of him sent her into a tailspin. She wasn’t ready to face him—not after everything that had happened.

As Radhika’s thoughts spiraled, Shiv pulled Tanvi onto the dance floor, where Swati joined them. The room buzzed with life, but Radhika felt more isolated than ever. She sat at the counter, staring into her drink, trying to muster the strength to get through the night.

“Whiskey on the rocks, huh? That’s how I like my drink. You pick up habits soon, Radhika.”

Radhika froze. She recognized that voice instantly. Vikram was standing beside her, his breath heavy with the stench of alcohol. She turned to see his bloodshot eyes glaring at her with a mix of anger and desperation.

"You know, she’s got your eyes- your fiery hazelnut eyes, your sister. She looks just like you,” Vikram spoke, the smell of alcohol pouring out of his mouth.

“What do you want, Vikram?” she managed to ask, her voice wavering as she tried to distance herself from him.

“Am I so disgusting to you now that you can’t even spare me a look? Is that how it is now? You slu—Slut!” Vikram’s words slurred together, his voice rising in anger.

“I don’t have time for this nonsense, Vikram,” Radhika said, trying to keep her voice steady as she got down from her chair and attempted to walk away.

Before she could escape, Vikram grabbed her arm, pulling her into a dimly lit corner of the room where no one could see them. His grip was painfully tight. “Let me go, you drunkard! Ah! Vikram, you’re hurting me! Leave me!” she yelled, struggling against him.

Vikram shoved her away, his face twisted in rage. “Who even wants to keep you near them, you dirty whore! You’ve ruined me! You’ve ruined my life! And I can’t wait for you to leave this country and go rot anywhere the hell you want. Do you think you got this job because of your talent and skills? Bullshit! This is your reward for letting me sleep with you. But look at what happened now. My wife has left me all because of a dirty slut like you! I’m going to make your life a living hell in NYC!”

The words hit Radhika like a sledgehammer. The room seemed to close in on her as she tried to process what he had just said. Her hard work, her dedication—was it all meaningless? Was she nothing more than a pawn in his twisted game?

Unable to bear it any longer, Radhika grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the bar and fled to the balcony. The music and laughter behind her faded as she stepped out into the cool night air, but Vikram’s words echoed in her mind, relentless and cruel.

“This is your reward for letting me sleep with you!”

“I’m going to make your life a living hell!”

She couldn’t stop thinking about it, couldn’t stop the tears from falling as she took swig after swig from the bottle. The alcohol burned its way down her throat, but it did nothing to numb the pain. Her vision blurred as she leaned over the balcony, gasping for breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her.

She had to leave. She couldn’t stay here another moment. She had to find Tanvi and get out. Now.

Staggering back inside, she began searching for her sister, weaving through the crowd as the room spun around her. Her head pounded, and her heart raced as she pushed open door after door, desperate to find Tanvi and leave this nightmare behind.

Finally, she reached the last room on the floor and pushed the door open. The scene before her stopped her cold.

Tanvi was lying on the bed, half-naked and barely conscious, her eyes fluttering as she fought to stay awake. Radhika’s breath caught in her throat as she saw the bloodstain on the bedsheet.

She dropped to her knees, unable to process what she was seeing. Vikram lay on the floor, covered in blood, his lifeless eyes staring up at the ceiling.

Radhika’s mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. What had happened here? What had Tanvi done?

She shook herself out of her shock and crawled over to her sister. Tanvi’s skin was hot to the touch, her breathing labored. She needed help—immediately.

With trembling hands, Radhika hoisted Tanvi up and half-carried, half-dragged her out of the room. As she reached the hallway, she noticed Swati at the end of it, distracted by Aneesha and some others, oblivious to the commotion. No one had seen them yet; everyone was too caught up in their own world, intoxicated and carefree. The loud music had drowned out everything else.

Radhika acted quickly, grabbing a large jacket from the coat rack as she passed by and draping it over Tanvi to hide the bloodstains. Her heart pounded in her chest as she hurried down the stairs and out of the house, shielding her sister from prying eyes.

The cool night air hit them as they stumbled to the curb. Radhika frantically waved down a taxi, her mind racing with fear and confusion. The driver, barely paying attention, assumed they were just another pair of party-goers calling it a night.

As they sped towards the hospital, Radhika clung to her sister, her thoughts spiraling out of control. “He’s dead. Vikram’s dead. Tanvi killed him.” The words echoed in her mind, filling her with dread.

“It had to be self-defense,” she told herself, trying to make sense of the chaos. “Just look at her. She’s barely dressed or conscious. That scum must have tried to hurt her. And she defended herself. Oh, my god! My poor sister. That asshole! How dare he try to touch her. This is all my fault. I should have never come here.”

Tears streamed down her face as she hugged Tanvi tighter. The conversation with Shiv and Swati in the cafeteria came rushing back to her.

“He’s a successful businessman, and I’m a nobody in front of them. How will I ever protect Tanvi from these monsters?”

After the Party,

Diwali night had transformed the city into a canvas of vibrant lights and fireworks, but the hospital was a stark contrast—a chaotic sea of faces and noise. Radhika felt the crushing weight of the world on her shoulders as she stood amidst the crowd, desperately trying to stay calm.

The government hospital was bustling with activity, its staff overwhelmed by the flood of intoxicated revelers who had poured in after the celebrations. The doctors and nurses moved with a weary efficiency, their focus on treating the never-ending stream of patients rather than questioning how they had arrived in such a state. The chaos provided a perfect cover, and no one paid much attention to Radhika and Tanvi as they entered.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, a nurse approached with a wheelchair. Tanvi’s grip on Radhika’s fingers was so tight that the nurse had to gently pry her hand away. “Di, I’m sorry. I let you down. I’m so sorry, didi,” Tanvi mumbled before being wheeled away for a checkup.

The words cut through Radhika like a knife, but she had no time to dwell. “I’ve got to save Tanvi from these monsters,” she thought fiercely. “I cannot let her go to jail. She does not deserve this. If worst comes to worst, I’ll take all the blame on me, but I won’t let them ruin her life.”

After completing the hospital formalities, she made her way back to Shiv’s house, anxiety gnawing at her every step. The Diwali celebrations outside seemed a cruel joke compared to the turmoil she was enduring.

As she entered the house, an unsettling silence greeted her. The party was over, and the normally bustling space felt eerily empty. “That’s weird. It’s just 1:30 a.m. Shiv’s parties never end so early. Where is Shiv? I didn’t see him before I left. Something’s wrong,” she thought, her panic mounting. “There’s a dead body in Shiv’s room. What if he finds the body? What am I going to say to him? How is he going to react?”

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Radhika walked cautiously towards the room. She opened the door slowly and froze. Shiv stood in front of Vikram’s body, clutching the BEOTY trophy. His face was a mask of guilt and fear.

“I did it... I killed him,” Shiv said in a voice barely above a whisper, his eyes wide with terror.

Radhika’s mind raced. “Wh-what? Shiv, what are you saying?”

“I— I don’t know what came over me,” Shiv stammered, his voice trembling. “He—he put something in Tanvi’s cola. I was too drunk to notice at first, but I followed them. He was all over her. I pushed him away, but he hit his head, and I didn’t know what to do. He attacked me, and I—I fought back with this trophy. I hid in the washroom when I heard you coming. I was panicking. I didn’t think of anyone else but you and Tanvi. He died, Radhs. I killed him.”

Shiv collapsed to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably. Radhika rushed to him, pulling him into a hug, her own tears mingling with his. “Thank you, Shiv. Thank you so much. You saved her.”

“I’m so scared, Radhs. They’re going to come for me. No one will believe me, and they’ll put me in jail,” Shiv cried into her shoulder.

“No!” Radhika said firmly, her resolve hardening. “I won’t let that happen. You and I are going to New York in two weeks, and that’s happening. We’ve got to deal with the body.”

“Wh-what?” Shiv gasped, his fear palpable.

“C’mon, get up. We have a mess to clean,” Radhika ordered, her voice taking on a determined edge. Shiv, still shaking, nodded and followed her instructions. “You’ve got to dress up like Vikram,” Radhika continued. “Hurry up!”

Shiv hurried to his cupboard and donned a black blazer similar to Vikram’s. Radhika grabbed a cap and handed it to him, along with a pair of plastic gloves from the storeroom. They carefully moved Vikram’s body, making sure not to get bloodstains on themselves.

Radhika retrieved the car keys from Vikram’s belongings and directed Shiv to get the car. Once the body was in the backseat, she gave Shiv his final instructions. “You have to take his car deep into the woods, near the lake, and crash it. It has to look like an accident. There are CCTV cameras on the road, but your disguise will make it look like Vikram was driving and it was a drunken accident. I’ll meet you at the hospital. Nobody should know I was here.”

Shiv nodded, determined. “Don’t worry, Radhs. It’ll be done. I’ll take care of it.”

Radhika stayed behind, preparing to clean the blood in the room. She got paper towels and bleach from the storeroom and set to work. After scrubbing the floor with paper towels and soaking it in bleach, she cleaned it with detergent and water. She almost forgot the bloodstained trophy but remembered just in time. She cleaned it thoroughly with bleach and detergent, then replaced the stained bedsheets with fresh ones.

She took the bloody sheets and remaining trash outside and burned them in the backyard. Watching the fire consume the evidence, she felt a bitter satisfaction. “You deserved this, Vikram. You scumbag,” she muttered, wiping a tear from her cheek.

With the evidence gone, she took a taxi back to the hospital, her mind racing with worry. She arrived and settled in the waiting area, her thoughts consumed with the impending meeting with Shiv.

Shiv drove into the woods, the isolation of the deep forest amplifying his inner turmoil. The darkness of the night enveloped him, only pierced by the distant bursts of Diwali fireworks. As he reached the secluded lake, he crashed the car into a tree, creating a dramatic scene of destruction. Smoke billowed from the engine as he dragged Vikram’s body from the backseat and placed it in the driver’s seat. With a final, resolute push, he sent the car into the lake.

As the car sank slowly, the water swallowing it as smoke and flames danced above the surface. Shiv made sure to position himself in front of the CCTV cameras along the road, ensuring that the footage would show Vikram’s distinctive attire, masking Shiv’s identity. Once the car was fully submerged, Shiv watched, his emotions a chaotic mix of guilt and relief, before making his way back to the main road. Exhausted and emotionally drained, he caught a bus to the city.

As he looked out of the window, the cool night breeze brushing against his face, he felt the weight of the darkest hour before dawn. The journey ahead was long, and the future uncertain, but for now, he could only focus on reaching the hospital and reuniting with Radhika.

Radhika waited at the hospital, her thoughts a whirlwind of anxiety and anticipation. She looked up at the clock, wondering if Shiv was on his way. The night had been a blur of chaotic decisions and desperate actions, but she knew they had to stick to their plan. No matter what happened next, she had to ensure that Tanvi and Shiv were safe. The hours ticked by, each moment fraught with tension and uncertainty, as the Diwali festivities continued outside, a stark contrast to the turmoil within.

2 Weeks Later.

The morning sun filtered through the airport windows, casting a warm glow over the bustling terminal. The sense of urgency was palpable as Tanvi's voice echoed through the crowd. “Di, hurry up! We’re gonna miss the flight!”

Radhika, still caught in a final embrace with Swati, waved reassuringly. “Chill out, Tanvi. Let her say goodbye to her best friend,” Shiv said, his voice calm but tinged with a hint of amusement.

Radhika hugged Swati tightly. “I’m going to miss you so much!”

Swati returned the embrace with equal fervor. “I’m going to miss you too! And remember, you call me whenever you need to talk. Don’t forget me!”

Radhika chuckled, shaking her head. “How could I ever forget you?”

Swati laughed, pushing her gently towards the security check. “Alright, enough sentimentality. You’re going to be late if you don’t hurry.”

They entered the terminal, only to be met with the news of their flight being delayed. Radhika let out a frustrated sigh. “Ah, damn it! I would’ve spent a little longer with Swati.”

Shiv tried to lighten the mood. “Let’s get something to eat.” He pointed towards a Starbucks café. They made their way to the counter, ordering coffee and sandwiches before settling into their seats. The café’s TV was tuned to the news channel, and the sound of the anchor’s voice soon caught their attention.

“After extensive investigation, the police have confirmed that Vikram Saxena died in a drunken accident. Although some of his business partners have contradicted this statement, suggesting that Mr. Saxena had numerous enemies, both distant and close, the police have concluded the case as closed and classified it as an accident,” the news anchor reported.

Radhika’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced nervously at Shiv, who was staring intently at the screen. His expression was unreadable. Then she looked at Tanvi, who seemed to be avoiding eye contact, her gaze fixed on her coffee.

The anchor continued, “Vikram Saxena’s sudden death has raised eyebrows, but police sources indicate that no foul play is suspected. His recent erratic behavior and the pressures of his business dealings might have contributed to a tragic lapse in judgment. Friends and colleagues have mentioned that Vikram had been increasingly isolated, with some speculating that his recent divorce had taken a toll on his mental state.”

Radhika exhaled softly, relieved yet wary. The mention of Vikram’s ex-wife brought a fleeting thought to her mind—Anjali. She had been a shadow in Vikram’s life, a figure who had quietly retreated after their separation. Word had it that Anjali had left the country soon after the divorce, seeking solace far from the storm that was Vikram’s life. She had remained unbothered by Vikram’s fate, content to leave the past behind as she moved on to a new chapter of her own.

Radhika squeezed Shiv and Tanvi’s hands gently, her voice steady but warm. “Come on, let’s go. Our new life awaits us.”

They rose from their seats, the weight of their recent past still lingering but overshadowed by the promise of a fresh start. As they walked towards their gate, Radhika stole a final look at the café’s TV, which was now showing Diwali festivities—a stark contrast to the stormy journey they had just endured.

The future was uncertain, but Radhika was determined to embrace it. The echoes of their past would forever be a part of them, but the journey ahead promised the chance to rebuild and heal. The world might never know the full truth behind Vikram’s death, but in Radhika’s heart, it was clear: it was karma, destiny, or simply a tragic twist of fate that had sealed Vikram’s end.

As they moved through the crowded airport, Radhika kept reminding herself of their escape from the darkness and their leap towards a new beginning. The storm had passed, and now, as the dawn of a new day broke through, they were free to start again—together.