(Kishori’s spark dimmed; she no longer looked like the cheerful girl her friends knew. When pressed about her proposal, she whispered, “It’s all over,” before breaking down alone in her room. Meanwhile, Manav tried to distract himself at the disco, but his eyes searched only for her. When Kishori arrived, nervous and withdrawn, he tried reaching her, yet she avoided him, leaving with a heavy heart. Later, she quietly packed her bags, telling her friends she must leave for her cousin’s wedding. But her faint smile and cryptic words left them shaken—especially when she refused to inform Manav herself. Now ahead)
The Price of Truth
Kishori dragged her luggage to the hostel gate, only to freeze in surprise. Manav was standing there, waiting.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice caught between shock and nervousness.
Manav smiled, taking the bag from her hands and loading it into the car’s dicky.
“Come. I’ll drop you at the bus terminal.”
Without another word, Kishori slipped into the passenger seat. Silence hung heavy as Manav started driving.
“This car…” Kishori said quietly, running her fingers across the seat.
“It’s my dad’s,” Manav replied casually, though his eyes remained on the road.
After a moment, Kishori asked, “How did you know I was leaving?”
Instead of answering directly, Manav shot back, his tone edged with hurt, “Why don’t you ever dare to tell me anything?”
Kishori lowered her gaze and remained silent.
The car slowed near the terminal’s parking area. Manav got out, unloaded her luggage, and handed it to the bus conductor. Then he turned to Kishori, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Enjoy the wedding… and miss me a lot.”
Kishori opened her mouth, but no words came. Her throat tightened, and all she could do was watch him.
The bus door closed, and slowly, it began to move forward. Kishori’s eyes blurred with unshed tears.
Manav’s smile faded as he turned away, walking back into the dimly lit parking area, his shoulders heavy with the weight of unspoken feelings.
....
Kishori stood before the small cottage, her heart racing. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the wooden door open.
Inside, her uncle sat hunched over, his face buried in his hands.
“Uncle! What happened?” Kishori’s voice trembled as she stepped closer.
The old man looked up, startled. “What… what are you doing here?”
Tears welled up in Kishori’s eyes. “Uncle, what is happening? How can you allow this?”
Before she could say more, he rushed forward, dragging her into the inner room and shutting the door. His voice shook.
“Don’t come outside. I can’t even save your elder sister… and now you’ve come here too.”
Kishori’s grief erupted into anger. “Uncle! I warned you before—not to get involved with those people. But you never listened! And now… they’ve put their dirty eyes on Ketki di!”
The old man lowered his head, ashamed.
Kishori’s voice broke with rage. “How could you agree to that marriage? Ketki di is your own daughter, Uncle!”
Suddenly, a girl rushed in and clasped her hand over Kishori’s mouth. Her eyes were wide with terror, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Please,” she whispered urgently, “speak softly. They are always nearby. If they hear you… you will be in danger too.”
Kishori froze, her chest heaving. Words failed her. She fell silent—but inside, her decision was already burning bright.
She wouldn’t sit quietly anymore. She would act.
.....
Kishori sat alone in the dim room, her phone buzzing in her hand.
“Have you arrived safely?” the message blinked.
Her lips softened into a small smile. She quickly typed back, “Yes. Thanks for your help, Manav.”
After that, silence. No more messages came. Kishori covered her face with her hands, trying to bury her storm of emotions. Then, without making a sound, she slipped out of the mansion.
On the roadside, she hailed an auto. Her voice was firm. “Police station.”
Minutes later, she stood at the inspector’s desk. Her palms were sweating, but her resolve was iron.
“I want to file a complaint against—”
The inspector leaned back in his chair, smiling in a way that froze her heart. “Against me?”
Kishori blinked in shock. “What… how can you…?”
The inspector laughed coldly. “Money has power, my love. After your sister Ketki marries Jyan Singh, you’ll be next. That’s already decided.”
Kishori’s fists clenched. Fury surged, and she raised her hand to slap him—
But her uncle rushed in, grabbing her wrist. “Stop!”
The inspector smirked. “Dear uncle, isn’t it better? Both sisters in the same household. Your worries will end.”
“Shut up!” Kishori screamed, struggling against her uncle’s grip. She tried to lunge at the inspector, but her uncle dragged her out.
Outside, his face twisted with rage. With a brutal crack, he slapped her across the cheek and shoved her into a side room. The door slammed shut, the lock clicking into place.
Aunty and Ketki rushed toward the room, panic written on their faces.
Inside, Kishori banged on the door with both fists, shouting, “Let me out! Uncle, let me out!”
From the hallway, her uncle’s voice thundered. “I told you both—don’t tell her anything! But you disobeyed me. Now Shakti singh’s eyes are on her too. Are you happy now? Prepare the car! Tomorrow she goes back to her hostel. Otherwise—”
His words trailed off as he stormed outside.
Ketki and aunty stood frozen near the locked door, tears spilling down their faces. Inside, Kishori kept pounding on the wood, her voice breaking with desperation… but her determination burning brighter than ever.
...
Kishori collapsed against the door, her fists raw from pounding. Her throat burned from shouting, but no one came. No phone, no landline, no way to call for help—only the suffocating silence of captivity.
After what felt like hours, the door creaked open. Her uncle loomed there, his face grim. Without a word, he forced a cloth between her lips and bound her hands tightly.
“Enough of your drama,” he muttered.
Aunty and Ketki, their faces pale with helplessness, carried her out. Despite Ketki’s trembling hands, they shoved Kishori into the back seat of the car. She twisted, fighting the ropes, muffled screams echoing into the night, but nothing freed her.
Uncle slid into the driver’s seat, turning the key—
But the headlights fell upon a massive jeep blocking the narrow road. The engine roared, and the air grew heavy.
All faces froze in terror.
....
1. 🚨 Who is inside the jeep—an enemy come to claim Kishori, or an unexpected savior?
2. 💔 Will Kishori’s courage be enough to fight against family betrayal and power-hungry men?
3. 🔥 Can Manav reach her in time, or will fate pull them even further apart?
Want to know what happens next? Keep reading "WHISPERS OF HEARTS"
