This entire Chapter reveals their past and the present will resume in the next Chapter.
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Past:
Ishaan was in his final year of college when Pari joined as a first-year student. He was over the moon, thrilled that he would get to see her every day instead of waiting for the weekend family gatherings. Ishaan was already one of the most popular students on campus, admired by many and constantly surrounded by attention. Every girl wanted a chance to be in his circle, but he had no interest in them. His eyes were only ever on Pari.
The moment he spotted Mithun’s car pulling into the parking lot, Ishaan jumped out of his own vehicle. As soon as Pari stepped out, rolling her eyes at his enthusiasm, Mithun couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene. He patted Ishaan’s shoulder with a knowing smile.
“You’ve got your chance now, Ishu. But remember, keep your temper in check. I won’t be able to stop Pari—or your father—if you mess up again. Show her you truly care for her instead of going all alpha around her. Unlike us, she’s fragile and kind. She doesn’t yet know how fiercely men can protect and be possessive of their women. So be patient, my boy.”
Ishaan bobbed his head quickly, hugged his uncle in gratitude, and then sprinted after Pari. Falling into step beside her, he mumbled a soft, “Hi,” but she only gave him a small nod in response.
“I’ll take you to your class. Come with me,” he said gently.
Without waiting for her answer, he lightly hooked her little finger with his and guided her along the corridor. His heart soared when she didn’t pull her hand away. He could feel the stares of the other students around them—shock written on their faces. None of them had ever seen Ishaan hold a girl’s hand before. Smirking, he let their looks wash over him, silently declaring to everyone that she was his girl.
As they reached the doorway of her class, Pari slowly slipped her hand free and gave him a faint smile.
“You held my hand just to show your claim on me, didn’t you?” she asked softly, her eyes searching his.
Ishaan scratched his brow and let out a sigh before meeting her eyes.
“Pari, I’m not as bad as you think. Yes, I have anger issues—but that’s only because I care about you. I’m possessive of you because I can’t help it. Don’t you really understand what I feel for you? It’s been years, Pari. I’ve been by your side since we were little, running around as toddlers. Please, just give me a chance. I swear you won’t regret it. I’ll be the man you truly deserve. Just… one chance.”
Pari shifted uneasily, glancing around at the students staring at them.
“Ishaan, I hate unnecessary attention. All I want is to finish my degree peacefully. Consider this my request—if you can fulfill it, then maybe… maybe I’ll consider giving you a chance.”
Ishaan’s face broke into a wide smile at her words. He raked his fingers through his hair, looking very much like a man hopelessly in love.
“Of course, Pari. Let’s just be friends. I’ll help you around the college, but I won’t cross the line. No unwanted attention “
Pari gave a small hum of agreement before stepping into her class. Ishaan rushed back to his own, though his thoughts never left her for even a second.
In less than a month, rumors about Pari and Ishaan had already spread through the college. Jealous girls whispered cruelly about her, unable to stand the attention Ishaan gave her. A few boys, emboldened only because they feared Ishaan, dared to make snide remarks or glance at her inappropriately.
Pari clenched her jaw in frustration. When she spotted Ishaan at the canteen during break, she walked up to him and glared.
“Pari, is everything okay? You look upset. Did something happen?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Pari looked at him furiously, but noticing the students around, she simply walked away.
“Pari, wait! What happened? Please don’t ignore me,” Ishaan pleaded, hurrying after her. By the time they were away from the canteen, Pari spun around and gave him a deadly glare.
“I told you that I don’t want unnecessary attention. And now, the whole college is talking about us. The girls look at me like I stole you from them. This is exactly why I hate you, Ishaan. I can never have peace when you’re around.”
She turned to leave, but Ishaan grabbed her wrist in desperation. Pari immediately yanked her hand free with anger.
“I did nothing, Pari. I’ve never spoken to any girl since the first day I joined here—maybe that’s why they’re jealous. I’ve been discipline all this time because I didn’t want you to think I was enjoying college life with girls around me. How is it my fault if people are talking about us? Please, Pari…”
His voice broke as he tried to explain, but Pari refused to listen. She had always seen him in a different light, and once again, she stormed away—this time with a firm determination to avoid him forever.
Days passed, and Pari kept her distance. Ishaan could do nothing but watch her from afar, helpless.
Pari, meanwhile, felt relieved when Varun treated her just like any other classmate. He never judged her or brought up Ishaan in their conversations. His easygoing nature comforted her, and soon they became friends, often hanging out together.
Every time Ishaan saw them smiling or sharing lunch, a sharp ache pierced his heart. Still, he tried to appear normal. He began socializing more with both boys and girls, though he always kept clear boundaries with the opposite gender. Slowly, the gossip about him treating Pari differently began to fade.
Yet, no matter where he went, girls still swooned over him. And for Pari, that became one more reason to resent him.
A few weeks later, Pari and Varun arrived at the auditorium for a rehearsal. Just as they entered, Pari’s eyes widened—she saw a girl clinging to Ishaan, her arms wrapped around him, their faces dangerously close as if they were kissing.
Pari’s heart sank. Without a second thought, she turned and rushed out of the auditorium.
Ishaan immediately shoved the girl away and sprinted after her. Catching up, he grabbed her wrist.
“Pari, please don’t jump to conclusions. Nothing happened. She tried to force herself on me. I swear, I would never cheat on you,” he pleaded desperately.
Pari yanked her hand free, her eyes burning with disgust.
“What you do, and with whom you do it, is none of my concern, Ishaan. Get out of my sight—and never cross my path again,” she muttered under her breath before storming away.
Ishaan returned to his old self and avoided everyone in college but his eyes followed Pari everywhere she went.
A few months later, Ishaan began hearing whispers around campus—rumors that Pari and Varun were dating. That was the breaking point. His temper flared, and one afternoon in the playground, he lost control and landed a punch squarely on Varun.
Word spread quickly, and Pari rushed to the scene. Her heart clenched when she saw Ishaan raining blows on Varun. Without hesitation, she shoved Ishaan aside and knelt beside Varun, helping him up.
“I’m so sorry, Varun. You had to endure this because of me. Let’s go,” she said urgently, trying to lead him away.
Before they could leave, Ishaan grabbed Pari’s elbow and yanked her back. Ignoring her protests, he dragged her behind the building. Pari struggled against his grip, panic in her voice.
“Let me go, Ishaan, You’re scaring me ” she screamed, but his hold only tightened as his hands clamped down on her shoulders.
“Why are you with him, Pari? The whole college is talking about you two. You were so worried when people spoke about us, but you’re not bothered when they spread rumors about you and that duffer?”
“Stop calling him that. He’s my friend, and I don’t think you deserve an explanation,” Pari shot back, glaring.
Ishaan raked his fingers through his hair and rubbed his face, fighting to calm down. His voice cracked with desperation.
“Pari, please… baby, stay away from him. I know you see him as just a friend, but what about him? What if he’s the one fueling these rumors? Don’t you see? That day in the auditorium—it was all planned by him. Maybe he wants your attention, Pari. He is not the person you think he is.”
But Pari ignored his words and turned to leave.
Ishaan pulled her back with sudden force, his hand gripping the nape of her neck. His voice was low, raw with frustration.
“Why can’t you see me for who I really am? Why can’t you see my feelings for you? You’re concerned about everyone else, you see the good in everyone—except me. I can’t stand that guy hovering around you all the time. Don’t expect me to watch him act all lovey-dovey with you. You hear me?”
His jaw clenched, his breath ragged as he lost control. Finally, he crushed her against him. He burying his face in the crook of her neck, showering her with kisses.
“Please, Pari… give me a chance, baby,” he mumbled, his voice breaking. His hands came up to cup her cheeks, and he leaned in, desperate to kiss her.
Pari pushed against his chest, but he wouldn’t budge. Just as his lips nearly brushed hers, he felt the wetness of her tears against his palm. He froze. Her tear-streaked face and the fear in her eyes shattered through his haze of anger.
Instant regret washed over him. He loosened his hold immediately, guilt consuming him.
“Pari… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to force myself on you. I lost my patience. Please, forgive me. I’ll do anything for you,” he whispered, his voice trembling.
Pari shoved him away with all her strength, her hand flying across his cheek in a sharp slap. Without a second glance, she ran from the place, leaving Ishaan frozen. He stood rooted, his cheek stinging as hot tears slid down his face.
That night, Ishaan stumbled home drunk. The moment he entered, the thunderous echo of his father’s wrath filled the house. His siblings sat huddled in fear, their wide eyes fixed on him. And for the first time in his life, his mother refused to meet his gaze. The shame cut deeper than any wound.
Dragging his heavy steps, he made his way to his father’s study. Reyansh stood by the window, his back straight, his silence heavier than words. Ishaan braced himself, expecting a slap, a blow—anything. But instead, Reyansh picked up the car keys from the desk and gestured for him to follow.
Without protest, Ishaan obeyed. He slid into the passenger seat as his father started the car. The silence between them gnawed at him until he broke.
“Appa… please, scold me. Hit me. But don’t punish me with your silence. I know I crossed every boundary today, but I swear I didn’t mean it to happen that way. I don’t deserve forgiveness, but… I’m sorry.”
Reyansh kept his eyes on the road, his face unreadable. Not a single word escaped him.
They drove in silence until they reached the beach house. Reyansh got out and walked toward the shore, the night breeze tugging at his shirt. Ishaan followed behind, each step heavy, unsure of what awaited him.
For the first time, he saw his father not as the strong, unshakable man he had always known, but as someone burdened—someone who looked like he had lost something precious in his life.
Reyansh sat down on the shore, his gaze fixed on the endless waves. Ishaan quietly sat beside him, the silence heavy between them.
“I couldn’t hit you, Ishu,” Reyansh said finally, his voice low but edged with pain. “Because I am ashamed… ashamed that you’ve turned out like me—the man I once was, before I met your mother. I thought your mother and I raised you to be disciplined, different… but today you proved that blood doesn’t lie. You carry the same flaws in your veins. I am ashamed of myself, Ishu—that you inherited my gene.”
Ishaan’s eyes widened in shock at his father’s words. His throat tightened, and with trembling hands, he knelt before Reyansh, clutching his father’s hands desperately.
“Appa, no… please don’t blame yourself for what I did today. I’m sorry, it was me—just me. Don’t hold yourself responsible,” Ishaan pleaded, tears streaming down his face.
Reyansh turned his gaze to the sea, his eyes glistening. His next words made Ishaan’s heart stop.
“The night I met your mother for the first time… was the same night you and Ishi were born.”
Ishaan froze, his breath caught in his chest. His hands trembled violently as he shook his head in denial.
“Appa… please, don’t do this. I know—I know I’ve sinned, and I’ve realized my mistake. But don’t punish me by saying things like this,” he whispered, wiping his tears with shaking hands.
Reyansh let out a deep sigh, his voice breaking as he spoke.
“I was a total jerk back then, Ishu. A reckless playboy. My life was nothing but business and women. Power and sex—that’s all I cared about. Until I met your mother that night. She was on the road, in front of my car, terrified and helpless. For the first time in my life, I didn’t drive away. I saved her. And somehow… I couldn’t leave her alone.”
His lips curved in a bitter smile as he continued.
“That night, she gave birth to you and Ishi. I was the first person to hold you both in my arms. I didn’t know what was happening to me, but my heart… it felt a strange peace I had never known before. Your mother—she was an angel. I couldn’t let go of her, or of you two. I was greedy, Ishu. I wanted all three of you in my life. But it wasn’t lust. What I felt for your mother was something different… pure. When I found out she had no one in her life, no place to go, I took her to the mansion. First I gave her a place in my home… and before I realized it, she had taken over my heart. I stopped seeing other women. My entire world became your mother, you, and Ishi.”
His voice thickened with emotion, his eyes glistening in the moonlight.
“In no time, the bond between us grew so strong that you and Ishi wouldn’t stay without me—and I was no different. I realized I had fallen in love with your mother. You and Ishi became my world. I was ready to give up everything for the three of you. We were so happy… like a family.”
Ishaan’s grip on his father’s hands tightened as Reyansh’s voice wavered.
“I proposed to your mother, but she wasn’t ready to accept me. I knew she loved me, but her insecurities held her back. So I gave her a choice—either let me adopt you and Ishi legally and live as co-parents, or accept me as her husband. She gave me the legal rights to be your father.”
Reyansh swallowed hard, his jaw tightening as painful memories resurfaced.
“Later, we had to fight a custody battle against that bastard—the man who trapped your mother in the name of marriage. But that was when the truth came out. You and Ishi… you were already my children. Mithun got the DNA reports. I was shocked—because I never met your mother before the night I found her.”
Ishaan stared at him, stunned, unable to process. Reyansh’s eyes darkened with rage and sorrow.
“We discovered the truth. That bastard had drugged both me and your mother on their so-called honeymoon in the Maldives. Your mother suffered from haphephobia… and when I realized that I was the reason, I broke, Ishu. I had a nervous breakdown. I couldn’t bear anyone touching me—except you and Ishi. Your mother… she suffered in silence. And yet she forgave me. We healed together.”
“Love isn’t simple, Ishu,” Reyansh said quietly, his gaze still fixed on the waves. “Love never comes without pain. I’ve given everything to your mother, but I could never forgive myself for not saving myself for her. She deserved the best, and she believed I was the best thing that ever happened to her… but I know the truth. I know what I was before I met her. The only thing I am proud of is that I was patient enough to win her heart. It wasn’t easy for your mother to accept me—especially when she knew everything about my past.”
He sighed deeply before continuing. “I know you’ve love Pari ever since you were a boy, even before you understood what love really meant. But as I said… love isn’t easy, and it doesn’t come without pain. I love Pari as much as I love you and all my children. That’s why I’m telling you this. You and Pari both need space from each other. Maybe distance will teach you how to behave around her… and maybe it will give her the chance to see you in a different light.”
Reyansh’s tone hardened, though his eyes shimmered with sorrow. “I don’t want you near Pari—not for now. If she is meant to be in your life, nothing will stop that. But for now, leave the country. Build yourself. Become the man she can one day look at without hatred in her eyes. If you go against my decision, you’ll be the only one responsible for whatever happens—but don’t expect me to watch you disturb her again.”
He turned his face away for a moment before lowering his voice. “After all these years, tonight I saw that same hurt in your mother’s eyes—the same one she had when she first discovered I was the man who ruined her life. Don’t ever let her know I revealed our secret to you. You owe her no explanation and bear whatever punishment she throws at you. She has every right to do. You betrayed every one of us “
Ishaan sat frozen, struggling to process the weight of everything he had just heard. He had always seen his parents as the perfect, loving couple. Learning the truth of their painful past pierced his heart like a blade.
Reyansh stood, sliding his hands into his pockets, his jaw clenched. “If you think I don’t deserve your mother, Ishu, then go ahead and hit me. But know this—I will never let her go. She is my everything.”
Tears welled in Ishaan’s eyes as he rose to his feet. He threw his arms around his father, sobbing against his neck.
“I’m sorry, Appa… I’m so sorry. You’re not the reason—I failed you. Please forgive me. I’ll do as you say. I’ll leave the country, I’ll become the man she deserves. And even if she never wants me in her life, I won’t force her. I’ll love her silently, all my life. She is my everything too, appa.”
Reyansh’s eyes glistened as he wiped his own tears and patted Ishaan’s back.
They returned home that night. Ishaan fell at his mother’s feet, but Vaishu walked away with bleeding heart.
Ishaan sought forgiveness from his Mithun uncle and Kajal aunty as well. And the very next day, he left the country.
Pari received only a single message from him: “SORRY”
Later, Ishika told her that Ishaan had been sent to London.
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A/N:
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