Chapter 1 The Last Chance
"Never make a decision when you're extremely happy or deeply angry, because such choices can lead to regret" Nandini said, looking at Navya.
"Do you regret choosing to leave him?" Navya asked.
Silence filled the dimly lit room as the two best friends, who always had something to talk about, found themselves lost in memories of the past.
"No, I don't regret leaving him," Nandini replied, her face clouded with sadness. "I'm just hurt that he never came back."
"Now what are you going to do about your situation? Any idea?" Navya asked, her face filled with worry.
"I'm planning to move away from here. I think if I go off the radar, he will finally leave me alone," Nandini replied.
"Where are you planning to move?" Navya asked.
"Coonoor," Nandini answered.
"But what will you do there? What about work? Do you have any opportunities?" Navya asked, almost yelling at her.
"I have some extended family living there. I spoke to my uncle, and he told me there's a requirement for a manager to oversee a chocolate factory. They also want to create a website to deliver products across India," Nandini explained.
"Recently, a major investment was made by a food production company from Mumbai. They decided to export the famous chocolates from Ooty and Coonoor. My uncle's friend saw it as a good investment and gave up the majority of his company shares. Now, I'm just going to take that chance and move there. Hopefully, I can finally escape all of this and live in peace," she continued.
"Nandini, I never question your decisions, but I think you should reach out to Malik. You know he can help you," Navya suggested.
"No, Navya, I don't think that's a good idea. If I ask him for help, it will only go one of two ways—either he helps me, satisfies his ego, and never lets me forget it, or he simply refuses. And I can't live with either of those outcomes," Nandini said as a tear rolled down her cheek. Wiping it away, she continued, "I don't want his help, nor his pity."
"Nandini, to be honest, I never thought Manik's love for you was ordinary. It felt like he was living just for you. I don't believe he could be so heartless," Navya said.
"I am not questioning his love for me," Nandini replied. "But for him, his ego was more important than me or our relationship. That's why he never came back. And that's why I don't want his help now." Her voice carried both anger and sadness as silent tears fell from her eyes.
"It wasn't just his ego, Nandini. Your stubbornness played a part too," Navya said after a pause. "And because of that same stubbornness, you're putting yourself in danger."
"Navya, I'm going to Coonoor. That's final. Nothing is going to change my decision," Nandini stated firmly.
"Your wish," Navya sighed. "Just try to get some sleep. Tomorrow, we can discuss the details and plan your move to Coonoor." She walked out, closing the door behind her.
I know Navya isn't happy about me leaving, but Manik's chapter is closed. I have no intention of reopening it. Right now, I have more pressing matters—like figuring out how to get away from Abhi first.
Lying on the bed, I tried hard to fall asleep, knowing tomorrow would be a long day.
Suddenly, my eyes shot open. I was drenched in sweat. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table and checked the time—3:13 AM.
I tried to go back to sleep but eventually gave up and walked to the window. The cold winter breeze brushed against my face as I looked out at the empty road, admiring the peacefulness of Bengaluru at night.
It's hard to leave this place—the city that has been my home. The thought that this is my last night here, that I may never return, weighs heavily on me. I can't come back, not while Abhi is here.
Tomorrow is my only chance. By tomorrow night, I must be out of this city.
Thanks to Navya's colleague, I've already booked my ticket. I paid in cash to stay untraceable. My flight to Chennai is at 9 PM, and from there, I'll travel by road to Coonoor.
Tomorrow, everything changes—either for better or worse. But I've made my decision. I have to leave this place. If I don't get out by tomorrow, Abhi will be back early the next morning. By the time he comes home, if I'm not there, he'll go straight to Navya. I have to escape before that happens.
Before leaving Navya's place, I hugged her tightly and said, "I'll call you once I reach Coonoor. And don't forget—call my number and pretend you don't know where I went. From here, I'll go to the office, and after work, I'll leave straight from there."
"I still don't understand why we can't go to the police," Navya asked.
"You know nothing changes. We went before—did anything happen? Did anything change? Before he ruins my life completely, I have to get out of here," I replied.
I left immediately for the office. As soon as I stepped out of the cab and started walking towards the entrance, my phone rang. My stomach dropped.
I picked up the call, and there it was—the voice I dreaded. The voice of the man I was running from.
"Hello," Abhi said.
"Hello, Abhi," I replied, my voice steady.
"Reached the office?" he asked.
"Yeah. You have my location—why are you even asking?" I said, trying to sound casual.
"That's not the point. What I don't understand is why you didn't inform me before going to Navya's place yesterday. And why do you need to meet her so frequently?" he asked, clearly annoyed.
"She's the only friend I have, thanks to you. And it had been a long time since I saw her. Besides, I did tell you before going," I replied.
"Anyway, just for today. From tomorrow onwards, I'll be there," Abhi said.
I stayed silent. Today was my last chance—my only shot at freedom.
"After office, go straight home. Don't roam around. I'll be watching," he warned.
"Yeah, I know. I'll go straight home," I replied.
"See you tomorrow, babe," he said.
"Yeah, see ya," I muttered before disconnecting the call.
Then, under my breath, I whispered, "Never."