~ It's not the stab in the back that kills you! It's when you turn around and see who's holding the knife ~

~~~

~Author's POV~

Aaradhya's hands trembled as she clutched the marriage proposal, her mind racing with possibilities. Panic clawed at her chest, but beneath it, a fire burned—an anger that had been smoldering for years. She would not let them dictate her life anymore. She refused to be a pawn in their twisted game.

The dim glow of the night lamp in her room barely illuminated her surroundings. She sat on her bed, the paper still in her grip, her heart pounding furiously.

'They think they can control me? Marry me off like I'm some doll or a puppet to be disposed of?' she thought.

Her entire life had been dictated by them—her choices, her very existence. But this? This was the final straw.

She had to get out.

The question was—how?

~

A gentle knock on her door startled her. Before she could respond, Aahan slipped inside, his eyes filled with worry. He held a tray of food, just like he always did when he knew she wouldn't step out of her room.

"You haven't eaten, Aaru," he said quietly, setting the tray down.

Aaradhya didn't answer. She just stared at the papers, her fingers curling into fists. Aahan followed her gaze and sighed. "I knew they'd do something like this. I just didn't think it would be this soon."

She turned to him, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't do this, Bhai. I can't stay here."

"I know," he said softly, sitting beside her. "And I swear, I will do everything to help you get out of this."

Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them away. "They won't let me leave. They made sure of that."

Aahan clenched his jaw. "We'll find a way. I won't let them ruin your life any more than they already have."

But before he could say anything more, his phone rang, an important call, he asked her to eat the food and he will be back in a moment after taking the call. 

Just when he had gone and she stared into space, a chilling voice echoed from the doorway.

"You really think he can protect you?" Suraj's voice was laced with mockery as he leaned against the doorframe. "Because I have other plans."

Aaradhya's blood ran cold. Their father stepped inside, his expression calm yet terrifying.

"You think we don't know you've been trying to escape?" He turned to Aaradhya with a smirk. "Go ahead, try running. But remember—if you do, Aahan pays the price."

Her heart pounded as she gripped whatever came into her hands. "What are you saying?" she whispered, fear gripping her.

Suraj leaned in, his voice dangerously low. "I can send him away, make sure he never sets foot in this house again. Or worse, I can ensure he never finds a good future. One word from me, and, his career, his life, everything—gone."

Aaradhya felt the world closing in around her. Her hands trembled as she tightened her grip on her hoodie. She knew he can do it as now Aahan is the one who had been trained for years for the position of CEO of the company their parents had, and anytime around this year he would be declared the next CEO. But she tried to argue with every bit of last hope inside her. "No... You wouldn't. He is your son."

Aditi's voice chimed in from behind. "Oh, we would. And your dear grandparents? Do you really think they'll be safe if you try to defy us?"

Aaradhya's breath hitched. "You're monsters," she whispered, eyes burning with unshed tears.

Suraj merely smiled. "We're parents, my dear. We only think what is good for our children. And you will do as you're told." A lie. for children, they said, but have they ever considered me as their child after that day.

They are so selfish and only think about money power and frame now that they are ruining their kid's life where did the sweet mother and caring father go, was the last thought in Aaradhya's mind when she saw them leaving from her room.

---

Siya the golden child of their parents' eyes. The perfect daughter, the obedient one. Now, she was also their puppet master.

Aaradhya wasn't surprised when Siya cornered her the next morning, her lips curled into a knowing smirk.

"Oh, sister," Siya cooed mockingly, "you really thought you could waltz back into this family and live on your own terms?"

Aaradhya didn't react, keeping her face blank. She knew better than to give Siya the satisfaction of seeing her anger.

"You think you have a choice?" Siya continued, stepping closer. "Mom and Dad have already decided. You're going to marry whoever they choose, and you'll finally serve some purpose in this family."

Aaradhya met her gaze, unwavering. "I'd rather die than let them control me."

Siya's smirk widened. "That's dramatic. But I promise you, sister, you won't be able to run this time. They'll make sure of it."

That evening, Suraj called her into his study again, this time with a final warning.

"You'll be engaged in two weeks," he said, his voice absolute. "You will not embarrass this family."

Aaradhya felt her blood run cold. Two weeks.

She was running out of time.

~~~

That night, Aaradhya sat in the darkness of her room, formulating a plan. She had no one, no contacts she could turn to for immediate help. But there was one person—her old professor from the university who had always supported her ambitions.

With shaky fingers, she sent an email, asking if there were any job opportunities abroad. A chance, a hope, something that could help her get out of this nightmare.

She didn't know if she would get a response. But she had to try.

Days passed, and with each one, the pressure from her parents increased. Her father made sure she had no access to communicate with the outside world. Every move she made was monitored. But she didn't loose hope, she messaged her university professor who had been in contact with her for some time about any job opportunities abroad.

And then, finally, her phone buzzed.

Her heart leapt when she saw the sender—her professor.

Call me immediately. I have an offer for you.

Hope surged in her chest. She wasted no time dialing his number.

"Aaradhya, I have a job opportunity for you in New York. It's not permanent, but it's a start. You need to be here in a week."

A week.

Her hands trembled. This was her chance.

But how would she escape when her family held all the cards?

As she thought of her plan, the door to her room burst open. Siya stood there, her arms crossed, a knowing look in her eyes.

"Planning something, dear sister?" she taunted.

Aaradhya's heart sank.

Siya knew. And that could only mean one thing—her parents would know soon too.

Time was slipping through her fingers.

She had to act fast.

And this time, failure was not an option.

~~~

Aaradhya clutched her phone tightly, her professor's words echoing in her mind. A job. A way out. But the moment of relief was short-lived—Siya had overheard her, and that meant her parents would find out soon.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She had to be smart. She had to be careful.

The Clock is Ticking.

That night, she carefully packed a small bag—just essentials. She couldn't risk taking anything noticeable. Aahan was the only one she could trust, but she knew if she involved him, he would be in danger too.

When morning came, the house felt different. There was an unsettling silence, like the calm before a storm. Then, as expected, her parents summoned her.

"You seem distracted lately," Aditi said with a fake smile. "Anything we should know?"

Aaradhya forced herself to stay calm. "No, Maa."

Suraj's sharp gaze locked onto her. "Really? Then explain why Siya heard you planning something over the phone."

A chill ran down her spine. She turned to Siya, who stood smugly beside them, arms crossed.

"You think you're so clever, don't you?" Siya sneered. "Trying to run away like a coward."

Aaradhya clenched her fists. "I am not a coward. I am surviving."

Suraj's expression darkened. "You will not leave. And if you even think about it, remember Aahan has a future to protect."

Her heart pounded. They were still using her brother against her.

Her Breaking Point, the one of the few people who cared about her existence.

Days passed, and the surveillance on her tightened. Siya was practically glued to her side, ensuring she didn't step out of line. Every night, Aaradhya stared at the ceiling, feeling suffocated, trapped.

Then, one evening, Aahan slipped a note under her door.

"Be ready. Midnight."

Her heart raced. He was helping her.

At exactly midnight, she tiptoed downstairs, careful not to make a sound. Aahan stood near the backdoor, holding a set of car keys.

"We don't have much time," he whispered. "Let's go."

But before she could take a step, the lights switched on.

Aditi, Suraj, and Siya stood there, waiting with some of the guards.

"You really thought it would be that easy?" Suraj's voice was filled with cold amusement.

Aahan immediately stepped in front of Aaradhya. "Let her go, Papa."

Suraj shook his head. "Not going to happen." Then, to Aaradhya's horror, he said something that made her more angry.

"You were so busy planning your escape that you didn't notice—your wedding has already been arranged," Aditi said smoothly. "The engagement is in a week."

Aaradhya felt the ground slip from beneath her.

"No... you can't do this," she whispered.

Siya smirked. "Oh, we already have."

Aahan grabbed his sister who was on the verge of breaking down, his eyes blazing with fury. "This is illegal! You can't force her into this!"

Suraj simply shrugged. "Watch me."

Aaradhya's chest ached with helplessness. But then—her phone buzzed in her pocket. She subtly glanced down. It was an unknown number, but the message made her heart stop.

"Your flight is booked. 5 AM. Be there."

Her professor had pulled through.

Now, she just had to make it.

And this time, she would not fail.

Taking a shaky breath, she forced herself to meet Suraj's cold eyes. "You can threaten me all you want, but I will never agree to this."

Suraj's jaw tightened, and he stepped forward. "You don't have a choice, Aaradhya."

Aahan clenched his fists. "You can't force her."

Aditi scoffed. "And what will you do, Aahan? Fight us? Don't be foolish."

Siya smirked, stepping beside their mother. "It's funny, really. You're always trying to save her, Bhai, but she always ends up right where she belongs—trapped."

Aaradhya's grip on the edge of her shirt tightened. Not this time.

Aahan turned to Aaradhya, desperation clear in his eyes. "Aaru, you don't have to do this. We'll find another way."

But Aaradhya saw the truth—there was no other way. If she stayed, she would be married off like property. If she tried to escape, Aahan would suffer.

Her mind raced. Think, Aaradhya. There has to be a way.

Then, an idea struck her. A dangerous, reckless idea.

She straightened her posture, masking her fear with cold defiance. "Fine. I'll marry whoever you want."

The room fell silent.

Aahan's head snapped toward her. "What?! No!"

Suraj's lips curled in satisfaction. "Good girl."

But then, she took a step closer, lowering her voice so only her parents and Siya could hear. "But if I'm going to be a married woman, you should know something—once I'm married, you will have no control over me. I will be someone else's responsibility. Do you really think you can still threaten me then?"

Aditi's expression faltered. "What are you—"

"I'll be free from you." Aaradhya's voice was eerily calm. "And you can never use me again."

Siya's smirk vanished.

Suraj's hands fisted.

She had hit a nerve.

Aahan quickly realized what she was doing and played along. "She's right, Papa. Once she's married, she won't be your problem anymore."

Aditi and Suraj exchanged uneasy glances.

Siya, however, wasn't ready to lose. "So what? That's the point, isn't it? To get rid of her?"

Aaradhya turned to her sister with a slow smile. "But I will choose what happens after marriage. And I will ensure that I take everything that belongs to me."

Siya froze. "What?"

Aaradhya took a step closer. "I may have been the unwanted daughter, the neglected sister. But I am still the eldest daughter of this family. Do you really think I won't have a claim to the Thakur legacy after marriage?"

Siya's face paled.

That was it. That was their weakness.

Suraj had never truly acknowledged Aaradhya, but legally, she was still their daughter. And if she got married into the right family, she could challenge Siya's standing.

Aditi stiffened. "You—"

Aaradhya cut her off. "If you really want to get rid of me, let me go. Otherwise... I'll make sure I become your biggest regret."

Silence.

Then, to Aaradhya's utter disbelief—Suraj laughed.

"You've grown some spine, haven't you?" His voice was almost amused. "Fine, go. But don't think you can ever cross me, you'll be begging to come back right after you get out of the house this instant."

Aditi's expression twisted with anger, but she remained silent.

Siya, on the other hand, was seething.

Aahan immediately grabbed Aaradhya's wrist. "Come on, Aaru."

They turned and rushed out before anyone could change their mind.

As they stepped outside, Aaradhya took in a deep breath, her heart hammering. I did it. I got out.

But she knew this wasn't over.

Siya wasn't the type to accept defeat.

And they... never let go of what they believed belonged to them.

They were on their way to the airport.

Then—her phone rang.

It was her mother.

"Aaradhya, Dadaji collapsed. We're taking him to the hospital."

Her entire world froze.

Dadaji? The only person who had ever stood by her?

Without thinking, she told Aahan to turn the car. She was panicking. Aahan caught her wrist. "Aaru, wait. It could be a trap."

Tears filled her eyes. "Bhai, what if it isn't?"

He clenched his jaw, hesitating. He knew their parents were capable of anything. But if there was even a small chance Dadaji was truly in danger...

"We'll go together," Aahan said, taking a u turn to reach the hospital.

And just like that—her carefully planned escape was shattered.

~

At the hospital, Aaradhya saw her grandfather lying weakly on the bed, hooked to machines. Her grandmother sat beside him, her frail hands trembling.

Aaradhya broke.

She rushed forward, tears streaming down her face. "Dadu..."

His eyes barely opened. "Aaru... beta" he whispered.

Aahan stiffened beside her. He could feel the trap closing in.

And then, Suraj's voice cut through the room like a blade.

"So, you were planning to go, weren't you? Then why are you back?"

Aaradhya turned, her breath catching in her throat.

Her father stood at the doorway, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Beside him, Siya smirked, twirling a strand of her hair.

Aahan immediately stepped in front of Aaradhya. "Dad, this is not the place for this."

Suraj ignored him. His gaze locked onto Aaradhya. "You have two choices. Leave and watch your grandfather suffer. Or stay and finally be an obedient daughter."

Aaradhya froze.

Aahan's fists clenched. "You can't do this!"

Suraj's smirk widened. "Can't I? You think the hospital bills pay themselves? You think his treatment runs on fresh air?" He took a step closer. "We hold the power here. Not you."

Aaradhya's knees felt weak. "You're lying... Are they not your parents how can you be so selfish..."

"Try me."

Aahan lost control. "You're disgusting! You would use Dadaji's life to control her?!"

Suraj turned to him, his expression turning dark. "And you? Are you ready to risk your future for her? Because if she leaves, I will make sure you are sent abroad—somewhere far away. Where you'll never see her again."

Aahan paled.

Aaradhya's heart shattered.

She had fought all her life. But now, they had taken everything she loved and twisted it into chains.

Dadaji's life.

Aahan's future.

Her only two reasons to keep going.

She felt numb.

She knew what they wanted.

"I'll stay," she whispered.

Aahan's head snapped toward her. "Aaru, NO!"

She smiled bitterly. A smile of defeat.

"I can't let them take you away, Bhai."

Aahan's eyes burned with helpless rage. "They'll destroy you!"

She looked down. "They already have."

And just like that—Aaradhya's last hope was crushed.

~~~