"In the Shadow of Roses"

Avni's POV:

The evening was meant to be a sanctuary—a brief escape from the shadows that had loomed over Avni's life. Her friends had organized a movie night to celebrate their impending graduation, a moment of joy they all desperately needed. Laughter echoed through the room, the flicker of the screen casting warm light on their faces. It should have been perfect.

But beneath the surface, Avni was fighting a battle no one could see.

The night before, she had been violated. The man she had once trusted had crossed a line that could never be uncrossed. His touch, once familiar, had become foreign and terrifying. The memory haunted her, each laugh from her friends a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her.

As the movie played, Avni's mind drifted. She tried to focus on the screen, to immerse herself in the comfort of her friends' presence, but the images from the previous night kept intruding. She clenched her fists, willing herself to stay composed.

Her friends noticed her distraction. Meher nudged her gently. "Avni, are you okay?"

Avni forced a smile, masking the storm within. "I'm fine," she lied, her voice betraying her.

They didn't press further, respecting her space. But the concern in their eyes didn't go unnoticed.

Avni felt a chill crawl up her spine. She didn't know he was watching, but she could feel it—a sense of being observed.

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After the movie, as the credits rolled, Meher clapped her hands. "Alright, graduation fashion show in 3, 2, 1! Avni, what are you wearing? Something stunning, I hope!"

Avni managed a weak chuckle. "Oh, I haven't even thought about it. Probably just a simple dress. Nothing too elaborate." The thought of celebratory attire felt hollow, almost mocking.

"Nonsense!" exclaimed Priya, another friend, pulling out her phone. "We need something unforgettable! It's our big day! How about that emerald green dress you tried on last month? It looked incredible on you."

"Or a power suit, Dr. Avni!" Meher chimed in, grinning. "To announce your grand entry into the medical world!"

Avni forced herself to engage, picking at a loose thread on the sofa cushion. "Maybe… maybe I'll go with something classic. White, perhaps." The idea of blending in, of disappearing, held an unexpected appeal. She listened to their excited chatter about fabrics and styles, their optimism a stark contrast to the heavy silence in her own mind. A part of her yearned to join their carefree discussion, to genuinely care about hemlines and accessories, but the shadow of Abhimanyu's presence clung to her, dulling every bright spark of joy.

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As the night wore on, she excused herself, retreating to her room. The moment she opened her door, a gasp caught in her throat. A magnificent bouquet of deep red roses lay on her doorstep, their vibrant color almost bleeding into the dimly lit hallway. The sight of them, instead of bringing joy, sent a shiver of dread down her spine. Nestled amongst the petals, a small, elegant card bore her name in a familiar, unsettling script.

Her hand trembled as she picked it up. The scent of the roses, usually comforting, now felt cloying, suffocating. She opened the note, her eyes scanning the words that seemed to coil around her like a snake.

"My dearest Dr. Avni," it read in Abhimanyu's elegant handwriting, "I hope you enjoyed your evening. I saw how lovely you looked, even if your smile felt a little… distant. Don't worry, my love, I'll bring it back. You belong to me, and that will never change. Not now, not ever."

Avni crumpled the note in her fist, the beautiful roses suddenly appearing menacing, a symbol of his insidious reach. She threw the card onto the bed as if it burned her touch. She then walked to the window, staring out at the city lights, trying to make sense of the chaos in her mind.

She had survived the night, but at what cost? She wouldn't let him win.

This night, meant to be a celebration, had turned into a reminder of her strength. She had endured, and she would continue to endure. The road ahead was uncertain, but she would walk it on her own terms.

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Abhimanyu's POV:

Outside, hidden in the shadows, Abhimanyu watched. The soft glow from the window cast the silhouettes of figures moving within. He saw Avni there, her face a little too still, a little too pale amidst the laughter. A flicker of annoyance pricked at him. She was supposed to be happy. He had his men positioned, just out of sight, ensuring she wouldn't do anything stupid like she did with Rohit. She felt his presence, he knew it. That subtle shiver that ran through her when he was near, even unknowingly. It was a sign of his obsession, a delicious affirmation. "In that moment, he vowed to revere her as one would a goddess—cherishing her with unwavering devotion and honoring her with every breath."

His phone vibrated in his hand. It was a message from one of his men confirming Avni was now in her room. Good. He then opened his phone and dialed. 'Ethan,' he said, his voice calm, almost cordial, though an edge of steel lay beneath it. "Regarding Rohit Sharma. Is he still… comfortable?" He paused, listening. "Excellent. I want him in the basement in ten minutes. Tell the boys to prepare. He deserves some special treatment tonight. He was quite close earlier, wasn't he? We need to ensure he understands the consequences of coming closer to what's mine." A chilling smile stretched across his face as he ended the call.

Abhimanyu's world thrived on control, on the unbreakable tether that bound Avni to him—but what if that tether snapped? What if she slipped through the shadows, vanished from his grasp?

The thought was enough to ignite a slow-burning fire behind his eyes. He didn't just want her. He needed her. And no one—no one—could outrun what was coming.

Because when the storm breaks, it will consume everything in its path.

And nothing will ever be the same.