POV: Ashwin

By the time I drove back to the mansion that night, the world outside was quiet, as if it knew something had shifted beneath the surface.

A 'yes' had been spoken.

But no one knew the venom behind it.

Not even my parents.not even aaravi.

The gates swung open and I pulled the car into the driveway. Every part of me felt mechanical—foot on pedal, hand on gear, door swinging shut. But inside, I was on fire.

Aaravi’s father had offered me her hand like it was a golden opportunity.

And I’d taken it like a blade I intended to use.

Because this wasn't acceptance.

This was a plan.

A plan I never wanted to make.

Until Maya ended everything.

Until Aaravi pushed too far.

And now—this marriage would not be a union.

It would be my stage for the final act.

---

“Welcome home, Ashwin!” my mother called from the living room.

She was in her favorite silk saree, a warm peach shade, her hair freshly oiled, vermillion glowing in her parting.

My father was sipping tea with a business journal folded beside him. He looked up with expectant eyes.

I dropped my laptop bag and offered a small smile.

“I said yes.”

My mother gasped, rising. “You—you really said yes? Ashwin!”

She hugged me tightly, and for a moment, I stood stiff.

Then forced myself to pat her back.

“I knew it,” she beamed, pulling back. “I knew you’d understand. Aaravi is a perfect match. Rajasekaran anna and I spoke at length. You made the right decision, son.”

My father nodded with pride. “It’s a merger of minds and legacies. A win for both families.”

“Aaravi will be thrilled,” my mother added. “She’s always looked at you like the stars hung from your shoulders.”

I nodded slowly, gaze distant. “She did.”

But those stars were dead now.

---

Later that night, I stood in my room, lights off, city lights blinking outside the tall glass windows. I loosened my tie and let it fall to the floor.

Everything felt too tight. Even my skin.

When Aaravi had Maya’s way out of my life...

When she dared to corner the woman I loved with threats and lies…

When she tried to hurt her—directly or otherwise...

She lost any sliver of innocence I once attributed to her desperation.

I once thought she was just an obsessed girl, hopelessly in love.

Now, I saw her clearly.

Entitled. Strategic. Ruthless.

She thought love meant conquest.

So I gave her exactly what she wanted—me.

Not in devotion.

But in destruction.

I’ll ruin her

Loud. Unapologetic.

And she will thank me.

Because by then, she’ll finally know what it feels like to be used.

To be discarded.

Just as she did to Maya.

Just as she’s tried to do to me.

---

My phone buzzed.

A message from Aaravi.

“I’m so happy, Ashwin. I hope you are too.”

I stared at it.

Typed not

hing.

And then locked the screen.

Happy?

No.

But I’d give her something better.

Clarity.

Right before the fall.