"Some truths hide behind bruises and discipline."
The rhythmic pounding of fists against the heavy bag echoed through the empty gym like a heartbeat. Sweat glistened on Veer's brow, dripping down onto the mat below. His breath was heavy, not just from exertion, but from the thoughts that refused to leave his mind.
Behind him, the instructor stood quietly, arms crossed, watching with the eyes of someone who had seen both battlefields and broken hearts.
For weeks now, Veer had been training harder than ever — not just to grow stronger, but to carry the weight of unspoken pain, unhealed wounds, and unanswered questions.
"Thank you," Veer finally said, breaking the silence. His fists slowly lowered, and he turned to face the man who had become more than just a mentor.
"For what you did at the school meeting… for standing up against Rohit's father and the principal."
The instructor gave a curt nod. "I've dealt with people like Rajeev Malhotra before. Men who believe their connections are stronger than the truth. I don't fear them."
"You said you've fought with him before," Veer said, tilting his head. "But you still showed up for me?"
The instructor looked away for a moment, his voice low and calm. "For you… And for Aryadhya. I couldn't let their arrogance silence what was right."
Veer hesitated, then took a step forward. "But I've known you for months now, and I still don't even know your real name. Who are you… Really?"
The instructor's shoulders stiffened. There was silence again for a moment, but this time it was filled with tension. He looked at Veer with eyes that seemed to have aged a hundred years.
"My name… is Rudra Shekhawat. But I don't expect that name to mean anything to you. Once, I was known for something else—something darker."
Veer stood still, sensing the weight of what was about to be shared.
"I wasn't always a gym instructor,"
Rudra began, his voice distant. "I used to be part of a mercenary squad. There were five of us — trained killers, soldiers for hire. We were brothers bound not by blood, but by war.
We were hired for missions no government would admit to — operations buried in shadows."
Veer blinked. The man standing before him had always been disciplined, powerful, but he had never imagined this kind of past.
"In our mercenary house lived my uncle, the one who raised me. His daughter, Anaya, was like my little sister. She was fearless, funny, and... a mirror image of Aryadhya.
Every time I look at Aryadhya, I see her. Same spark in the eyes. Same fire in her soul."
Rudra paused. His voice faltered for the first time.
"One mission… it went wrong. We were ambushed. Some of our own had sold us out. It turned into a bloodbath.
My team… my family… was wiped out. And Anaya… she was caught in the crossfire." He clenched his jaw. "She died trying to protect someone else."
Veer felt the pain settle in his chest like a stone.
"I tracked down the traitors one by one. I gave them the justice the world wouldn't. But when it was over… I had nothing left. No purpose. No home. Just a memory soaked in guilt."
Rudra took a deep breath. "I ended up in this city. Homeless. Starving.
I was lying outside a small building — the very gym you and I train in now. Aryadhya's father found me there. He didn't ask who I was or what I'd done. He just offered me food… and dignity.
Aradhya came the next day. She gave me a smile and a water bottle. That's the first time I smiled in months."
Veer's eyes burned with unshed tears. The stoic instructor he had trained with all this time… had carried a war inside him.
"I stayed. Learned to train others. Learned to live again. When I saw what happened to Aradhya, it felt like history was repeating itself. But this time, I wouldn't stand by."
Veer's fists tightened. "That's why you've been helping me."
Rudra nodded. "You remind me of myself—not in strength, but in what you're willing to fight for."
There was a moment of silence, thick with emotion. Then Rudra gave a dry smile. "Now, enough emotions. Your left jab still drifts when you're tired."
Veer chuckled through his tears. "You're unbelievable."
"Tomorrow. Full-contact sparring. You've earned it."
"I thought you said you were tired?"
Rudra smirked. "Postponing is a bad habit. Or did you forget that already?"
Veer smile ... yes, you are right.t
Just then, the door to the gym creaked open. Veer turned, wiping sweat from his brow, as Aradhya's father stepped in. The tired lines on his face and the heaviness in his gait made Veer straighten up immediately.
"Uncle?" Veer called, walking toward him. "Is everything alright?"
Aradhya's father gave a faint smile and a nod. "Hello, Veer. I just came from a meeting regarding some judicial formalities related to the case... a lot of paperwork, statements, and follow-ups. It's taking time..
Veer lowered his head in respect. "You're doing more than anyone, Uncle. Thank you."
Aradhya's father looked at him with gentle eyes, and then, with a slight smile, he added, "Also... I thought you should know. Aryadhya has completed her initial rehabilitation. The doctors say she's stable enough now — and today... she said she wants to meet you."
Veer's heart skipped a beat.
"Me? She asked for me?"
He nodded. "Yes. She's healing, slowly. But when she heard your name mentioned by the doctor, she… reacted. I believe she's ready to see you."
Veer felt the air thicken around him, equal parts anticipation and fear. "I'll go," He said, his voice trembling. "Thank you for telling me."
Aradhya's father rested a hand on his shoulder. "She needs strength now, not explanations. Just be there.
"Sometimes presence speaks louder than words."
Veer nodded, trying to steady the storm of emotions rising in his chest.
Later that evening, at 5:00 PM, DB Mall
Veer stood outside DB Mall, straightening his t-shirt and adjusting his wristwatch, although he'd done it about five times in the last two minutes. The soft glow of the setting sun bathed the city in orange and gold hues, casting long shadows across the floor tiles. His heart thudded nervously.
He wasn't the same anymore — physically or emotionally. And today, he was going to meet someone who had been the reason for his transformation… someone who had once protected him when he couldn't protect himself.
Just then, a familiar voice called out.
"Veer?"
He turned sharply.
It was Aradhya's mother, holding Aryadhya by the shoulder gently. Aradhya was wearing a soft pastel kurta, and a fracture support belt wrapped around her left leg.
Her hair was tied back, and there was a quiet strength in her gaze, though a shadow of pain still lingered.
Veer greeted her mother politely, "Namaste, Aunty."
Aryadhya's mom looked at him, stunned.
"Are you… Veer?" she asked, her eyes wide in disbelief.
Veer smiled awkwardly. "Yes, aunty. It's me."
She blinked a few times, shaking her head with a smile. "
If your father and Aradhya's father hadn't shown me your recent photo, I wouldn't have recognised you at all. You've changed so much… So tall… So fit. Handsome too."
Veer rubbed the back of his neck, a little shy. "Just… working hard."
Behind her, Aradhya peeked from behind her mother's shoulder. Their eyes met.
Veer gave her a soft smile. She didn't smile back immediately but held his gaze for a few seconds. Then, slowly, her lips curved upward into a soft, tired smile.
They all entered the mall together.
After a few minutes of walking, they found a quiet food court corner, away from the main crowd.
Aradhya's mother helped her settle down and excused herself, saying, "I'll be back soon. Just going to the washroom."
Now it was just Veer and Aryadhya, sitting across from each other, the tray of momos and cold coffee between them.
There was an awkward silence for a second before Veer asked gently, "So... how's the rehabilitation going?"
Aradhya sighed, adjusting her leg brace slightly. "It's okay. Painful at times. Boring most of the time. But I'm managing."
"You're strong," Veer said, with quiet admiration.
She gave a sideways smile. "So I've heard."
There was another pause, but this time it wasn't awkward. It was more like both were absorbing the moment.
"I joined your gym," Veer said suddenly.
Aryadhya blinked. "Really?"
"Yeah. Right after…" he paused, "...after everything happened. I met your coach. Started training. It helped."
Aradhya nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm. That gym misses me?"
"Of course," Veer grinned. "Everyone keeps talking about you."
Aradhya chuckled. "Tell them I'll be back when I can kick again."
They laughed together, the first time since that dark chapter. It felt light, natural, almost like old times.
Veer then asked, "So… when are you coming back to school?"
Aradhya smirked and leaned back. "I have a medical certificate. So technically, I'm on rest. And unofficially, I'm on vacation and getting pampered."
Veer laughed. "Nice."
"But what about results?" he teased.
She raised her eyebrows smugly. "I still scored better than you, Motae"
Veer burst out laughing. "I'm not mota anymore!"
Aradhya bit her lip to hold back her smile, but failed. "True. Not gonna lie… You look… good now."
Veer's smile faded into something deeper — something emotional. The noise of the mall around them seemed to blur into the background.
Aradhya looked away first, fiddling with her straw. Her heart was racing.
What she didn't say was: She had always had a crush on Veer. From childhood — his innocence, his loyalty, his humour — she loved it all.
And now, looking at him, with fire in his eyes and determination in his soul, it made her heart flutter stronger than ever.
Veer, on the other hand, just felt grateful. Grateful that she was here, alive, talking, smiling.
He thought silently, Thank God she's okay… She's smiling again. That's all I needed to see.
But just as the warmth of that moment settled in…
A loud noise suddenly echoed from the food court area. Shouting. Tables are being dragged. A scuffle.
Two boys—probably older students—had started a fight near the escalator. People backed off, forming a wide circle. Security guards rushed in, but not fast enough.
Aradhya turned toward the noise and froze.
Her breathing grew shallow. Her eyes widened. Her body tensed.
The thuds of fists. The shouting. The rage. The echo of chaos—It all felt too familiar.
Her hands began to shake. The food tray slipped from her fingers. Cold coffee spilt across the table.
"Aradhya?" Veer asked, stepping closer.
She didn't respond.
"Ara… what happened?"
He gently reached to place his hand on her shoulder—
"Don't touch me!" she screamed, eyes flooded with panic and tears."Just… just call my mom … please just call her!"
Veer stepped back, stunned. His throat tightened.
Aradhya was now sobbing, her face buried in her hands. Her mother rushed over, confused and terrified.
And Veer…
He just stood there.
Watching.
Helpless.
Heartbroken.