THE BET THAT BROKE HER
Again, Mumbai...
hopeless insaan
This is my new story
hopeless insaan
After mafia's professor wife
The rhythmic sound of the train echoed through the compartment as Aaradhya Varma sat beside the window, her head resting against the cold glass.
Outside, mountains had long disappeared.
Fields had disappeared.
Even the peaceful silence of Himachal Pradesh had been left behind.
Now only one destination remained.
Mumbai.
The city she had promised herself she would never return to.
Her fingers tightened around the edge of her dupatta.
Four years.
Four whole years.
Four years since she had left this city with tears in her eyes and a broken heart in her chest.
And now she was returning.
Not because she wanted to.
Because life had brought her back.
Anisha / fl's aunty
A soft voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Aaradhya?"
Aaradhya Verma/fl
She turned.
Anisha / fl's aunty
Her aunt was looking at her with concern.
"You have been staring outside for hours."
Aaradhya Verma/fl
Forced a smile.
"I'm fine, Masi."
Her aunt sighed.
She knew that smile.
The smile Aaradhya wore whenever she wanted to hide her pain.
Outside the window, the scenery rushed by.
Mumbai was getting closer.
Siddhi looked away.
Maybe some wounds never heal.
Maybe some memories never leave.
Slowly, she closed her eyes.
And the past came rushing back.
Sonalika Verma/ fl's mom
"Aaradhya!"
A loud voice echoed through the house.
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Immediately stood up from her bed.
"Coming, Maa."
She hurried downstairs.
Sonalika Verma/ fl's mom
Her mother, Sonalika, was already waiting.
"What took you so long?"
Aaradhya Verma /fl
"Sorry, Maa."
Sonalika Verma/ fl's mom
Her mother rolled her eyes.
"Today is your first day of college. At least try not to embarrass us."
The words stung.
But Aaradhya stayed silent.
She was used to it.
At that moment, Tripti entered the dining room.
Beautiful.
Confident.
Everything Aaradhya wasn't.
Tripti Verma/fl's sister
Looked at her sister from head to toe before speaking.
"And listen."
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Looked up.
Tripti Verma/fl's sister
"Don't follow me around in college."
Tripti continued.
"I don't want people thinking we're together all the time."
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Lowered her gaze.
"Okay."
Arnav Verma/ fl's brother
Just then Arnav entered.
His college bag hanging from one shoulder.
He glanced at her
"One more thing."
Aaradhya looked up again.
"If someone asks, you're my cousin."
Aaradhya Verma /fl
For a second, she thought she had heard wrong.
"What?"
Arnav Verma/ fl's brother
"I said cousin."
Arnav shrugged.
"No need to tell everyone you're my sister."
Aaradhya felt something tighten painfully inside her chest.
But before she could speak, he had already walked away.
Tripti followed him.
Both laughing.
Leaving Aaradhya standing alone.
As always.
An hour later.
Aaradhya stood outside the college gate.
Her heart was racing.
Students were everywhere.
Laughing.
Talking.
Taking selfies.
Making friends.
While she stood alone.
Nervous.
Awkward.
Invisible.
She adjusted the strap of her bag and slowly stepped inside.
The campus was huge.
Much bigger than she had imagined.
She kept her head down and continued walking through the crowded corridor.
Her hands were sweating.
Her heartbeat was getting faster.
Don't fall.
Don't embarrass yourself.
Don't attract attention.
She repeated those words inside her mind.
Unfortunately...
Fate had other plans.
Aaradhya collided with someone.
Her books slipped from her hands.
The world tilted.
She lost her balance.
A gasp escaped her lips.
She was about to hit the floor.
But she never did.
A strong arm wrapped around her waist.
Pulling her back.
Stopping her fall.
Everything froze.
The noise.
The crowd.
The corridor.
Everything.
Slowly...
Very slowly...
Aaradhya looked up.
And found herself staring into a pair of dark eyes.
For a moment, she forgot how to breathe.
The boy looked at her silently.
One hand still around her waist.
The other holding her shoulder.
Making sure she wouldn't fall.
Neither of them spoke.
Neither of them moved.
And neither of them knew...
That this accidental collision was about to change their lives forever.
Aaradhya Verma /fl
25
Professor
Brown skin
kind soft hearted
Had past
Have trust issues
Tripti Verma
26 current in flashback 22
elder Sister of Siddhi
Egoistic
Extra , love to show off
Arnav Verma
27 currently 23 in flashback
Elder brother of fl
Love his sister Tripti not siddhi
Love cars
Bestfriend of 2nd ml
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2nd ml
27 currently 23 in flashback
Hate fl
Rich
CEO in his dad's company
Love cars
elder sister Shanaya Suryawanshi
Young brother ( secret 🤭)
Aaradhya Verma/ fl
21
Kind sweet and innocent
Love her family
but no one loves her
Had crush on her brother's bestfriend
Trust easily
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Then I'll start with my dramatic real love story 🥱
The Challenge
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Let's start
Aradhya's heart was still racing.
The boy's hand was still around her waist.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then reality hit her.
Aaradhya Verma /fl
She immediately stepped back.
"I-I'm sorry."
She bent down and quickly started gathering her books.
"I wasn't looking where I was going."
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
The boy looked at her coldly.
"Clearly."
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Froze.
Her fingers tightened around her books.
"S-Sorry."
Arnav Verma/ fl's brother
Just then another voice came.
"What happened?"
Arnav walked towards them.
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
Pointed at Aradhya.
"Your cousin bumped into me."
Arnav Verma/ fl's brother
Looked at her.
"The first day of college and you've already started creating scenes?"
Arnav Verma/ fl's brother
Shrugged.
"Whatever."
Then he looked at her.
"Who are you anyway?"
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Nervously clutched her books.
"I am a first-year transfer student."
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
Nodded.
"Okay. Now go."
The boys walked away.
Aradhya stood there for a few seconds.
Watching him leave.
She didn't know why.
But she couldn't stop looking at him.
A few minutes later...
Aradhya entered her classroom.
Every seat was occupied.
Every face was unfamiliar.
She felt even more nervous.
Just then the professor entered.
The entire class became silent.
professor
His eyes landed on Aradhya.
"You are the new student?"
Aaradhya Verma /fl
"Yes, sir."
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Walked inside.
professor
"Introduce yourself."
Dozens of eyes turned towards her.
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Hands became sweaty.
"My name is Aradhya Verma."
???
A boy immediately raised his hand.
"Verma?"
The entire class looked interested.
"Are you related to Arnav Verma?"
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Remembered her brother's warning.
She forced a smile.
"I'm his cousin."
???
"Oh."
The boy laughed.
"That's surprising."
？？？
Another student added.
"Where is he and where are you?"
The class laughed.
Aradhya's cheeks burned with embarrassment.
She quietly sat down on the only empty seat.
The teacher continued the lecture.
professor
After a while he made an announcement.
"Students, tomorrow evening there will be a grand celebration."
The class immediately became excited.
"Our university is completing fifty years."
Cheers erupted.
"So everyone is expected to attend."
The entire classroom started discussing outfits, plans and excitement.
Only Aradhya sat quietly.
Nobody was talking to her.
Or at least that's what she thought.
Mitali Thakur
A cheerful voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Hi."
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Looked up.
A beautiful girl was smiling at her.
Mitali Thakur
"I'm Mitali."
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Blinked.
"I am Aradhya."
Mitali Thakur
Smiled.
"Can we be friends?"
Aaradhya Verma /fl
For a second Aradhya couldn't believe it.
Nobody had ever approached her first.
Nobody.
"Friends?"
Aaradhya Verma /fl
A small smile appeared on Aradhya's face.
"I'd like that."
Neither of them knew...
One was looking for friendship.
The other was looking for Arnav.
When Aradhya reached home that evening...
Her face turned to the side.
Shock filled her eyes.
She slowly looked up.
Her mother was glaring at her.
"Maa?"
Tripti Verma/fl's sister
Folded her arms.
"I told you."
Aaradhya Verma /fl
"Told us what?" Aradhya whispered.
Tripti Verma/fl's sister
Scoffed.
"First day of college and you're already chasing boys."
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Eyes widened.
"What?"
Tripti Verma/fl's sister
"I heard about what happened with Atharva."
Aaradhya Verma /fl
"It was an accident!"
Sonalika Verma/ fl's mom
"Enough."
Her mother interrupted.
"Can't you stay within your limits?"
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Tears gathered in Aradhya's eyes.
"I didn't do anything."
Sonalika Verma/ fl's mom
Her mother laughed bitterly.
"You keep embarrassing us."
Tripti Verma/fl's sister
Tripti rolled her eyes.
"Maa, leave her."
Sonalika Verma/ fl's mom
Immediately her mother's expression softened.
"My doll."
Tripti Verma/fl's sister
Smiled.
"I need a new dress for tomorrow's party."
Sonalika Verma/ fl's mom
"Of course."
Her mother smiled.
"Call your father. He'll transfer the money."
Aradhya silently watched everything.
The difference in treatment.
The difference in love.
The difference in everything.
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Gathering her courage she asked softly,
"What should I wear tomorrow?"
Arnav Verma/ fl's brother
The room became silent.
Then Arnav entered.
"You aren't going."
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Froze.
"What?"
Arnav Verma/ fl's brother
"You heard me."
Tripti Verma/fl's sister
Immediately spoke.
"Brother, let her come."
A strange smile appeared on her lips.
"We'll enjoy together."
Aradhya didn't understand why.
But for some reason...
That smile made her uncomfortable.
Later that night...
Aradhya sat alone in her room.
A notebook rested in her lap.
But instead of studying...
She was thinking about someone.
Atharva.
His eyes.
His voice.
His face.
Without realizing it, her pencil began moving.
Slowly.
Carefully.
A pair of eyes appeared on the paper.
Atharva's eyes.
A smile appeared on her lips.
Her first crush had already begun.
The next evening...
The university celebration was in full swing.
Music echoed through the campus.
Students laughed.
Lights decorated every corner.
Aradhya stood beside Mitali.
She wore a simple red dress.
Nothing expensive.
Nothing fancy.
But she looked beautiful.
Mitali Thakur
"You look pretty."
Mitali smiled.
Aaradhya Verma /fl
Blushed.
"Thank you."
"I love your dress too."
Mitali Thakur
Laughed.
"Obviously. I'm rich."
Both girls giggled.
Meanwhile...
Across the venue...
Atharva sat with Arnav and their friends.
???
One of the boys suddenly smirked.
"Atharva."
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
"Hmm?"
???
"We have a challenge for you."
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
Raised an eyebrow.
"What challenge?"
???
The boy pointed towards Aradhya.
"See that girl in red?"
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
Immediately recognized her.
"The one who bumped into me?"
???
"Exactly."
The boy leaned forward.
"You have two months."
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
Smirked.
"So?"
???
"Make her fall in love with you."
The boys laughed.
"And if you succeed..."
The boy twirled his car keys.
"My new sports car is yours."
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
Looked interested.
"But after two months it won't be new."
The boys burst out laughing.
???
The boy shook his head.
"Then I'll buy you whichever model you want."
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
Smiled.
"Deal."
Arnav Verma/ fl's brother
Frowned.
"I don't think this is right."
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
Immediately looked at him.
"Come on."
"She's your cousin."
"You can help me."
Arnav Verma/ fl's brother
Sighed.
After a few seconds...
He nodded.
"Fine."
Atharva smirked.
Neither of them knew...
What started as a simple challenge that night...
Would one day destroy an innocent girl's heart.
And bring a storm into all of their lives.
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memories
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Let's start
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
Smirked.
"Two months."
???
The boy placed his car keys on the table.
"Two months and the car is yours."
Atharva Suryawanshi/ 2ns ml's
Extended his hand.
"Deal."
The challenge had begun.
None of them knew...
This wasn't just a challenge.
It was the beginning of a tragedy.
A tragedy that would leave one girl broken for years.
Anisha / fl's aunty
"Aradhya."
A gentle voice interrupted her thoughts.
Aaradhya Verma/fl
Slowly opened her eyes.
Her Masi was sitting beside her.
Anisha / fl's aunty
"We've reached."
For a moment Aradhya looked confused.
Then she saw the train.
The station.
Mumbai.
The flashback disappeared.
Reality returned.
Anisha / fl's aunty
Smiled softly.
"Come on. Eat something. You haven't eaten anything since morning."
Aaradhya Verma/fl
Looked at the food.
She picked up a bite.
But before she could eat...
Aaradhya Verma/fl
Voices echoed in her mind.
"You're dark."
"You embarrass us."
"Don't tell anyone you're my sister."
"I hate you."
"It was all a challenge."💭
Aaradhya Verma/fl
Her grip tightened.
Suddenly she wasn't hungry anymore.
She quietly placed the food down.
"I'm fine."
But she wasn't.
Not even close.
The car stopped outside the Verma house.
Aradhya stared at the gate.
The same gate.
The same house.
The same memories.
Her chest felt heavy.
She stepped out.
The moment her feet touched the ground...
Aaradhya Verma/fl
The voices returned.
Louder this time.
"You should never have been born."
"You ruined everything."
"I hate you."
She froze.💭
Anisha / fl's aunty
"Aradhya."
Her Masi shook her shoulder.
Anisha / fl's aunty
"Come inside."
Aaradhya Verma/fl
Nodded.
And walked in.
The first person she saw was her mother.
Sonalika Verma/ fl's mom
Looked at her.
Her expression didn't soften.
Not even after four years.
Instead she said:
"Don't start behaving like before again."
Aaradhya Verma/fl
Smiled weakly.
The first thing she heard after returning home...
Wasn't a welcome.
It was a warning.
Aaradhya Verma/fl
Phone rang.
"Hello?"📲
professor
"Professor Aradhya Verma?"📲
professor
"Your transfer has been approved."📲
Aaradhya Verma/fl
A small smile appeared on her face.
professor
"You may join from tomorrow."📲
Aaradhya Verma/fl
"Thank you."
The call ended.📲
Tomorrow.
A new beginning.
Or so she thought.
Unknown Location
A dark room.
Several officers stood around a table.
Files.
Photographs.
Evidence.
The atmosphere was tense.
officer
One officer spoke.
"We believe only one person can handle this mission."
A tall figure stood silently.
His face hidden in shadows.
officer
"This case involves powerful people."
"University connections."
officer
"A murder mystery."
"And a criminal network."
officer
The officer continued.
"We need evidence."
"We need results."
...
The shadowy figure finally spoke.
His voice was calm.
"I'll handle it."
The officers exchanged looks.
Relief visible on their faces.
officer
One of them smiled.
"We knew you'd say that."
The man stepped forward.
For the first time, his sharp eyes became visible.
Dangerous.
Cold.
Unreadable.
The officer saluted him.
...
A small smirk appeared on his lips.
Then the officer spoke the name.
The name that would change Aradhya's life forever.
officer
"Officer Ekansh Shurovanshi."
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Hope you'll like this chapter
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Don't worry next chapter's are going to be spicy
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