CHAPTER TWENTY : TEARS OF DOUBT
“Priya.”
“Hmm.” Priya hummed absentmindedly, her eyes glued to the pages of her book. She was so lost in the story that Aryan’s voice barely registered. The soft golden light from the bedside lamp bathed the room in warmth, its gentle glow reflecting off the pages like liquid sunlight. The rhythmic sound of turning pages filled the silence — calm, comforting — until Aryan’s voice broke through again.
“Did you say something?” he asked, his tone mild but tinged with confusion. He glanced at her from where he stood, amusement dancing in his eyes as he watched her so deeply absorbed in her book. A small smile curved his lips — there was something endearing about the way she got lost in her own little world.
“No, no… but maybe you say something,” Priya replied quickly, her tone rising slightly as she grew flustered. She blinked up at him, her expression bright and alert now, curiosity flickering behind her eyes. But inside, a quiet panic was growing. Why did he call me by my real name? Did he find out? The thought echoed sharply in her mind, stirring unease beneath her calm exterior.
Aryan didn’t seem to notice her inner turmoil. He held up a small, elegantly designed card with intricate golden borders and soft pastel detailing. “This is my and Priya’s wedding card,” he said, his voice light but carrying a trace of nostalgia.
Her gaze flicked to the card in his hand, and her breath caught slightly at the name printed there — Priya Oberoi. She forced herself to meet his eyes, masking her reaction with a soft smile. “You look so happy after finding it,” she remarked gently, her lips curving upward. The joy on his face was undeniable, his smile wide and genuine — and despite the confusion and tension in her heart, she couldn’t help but feel that warmth spreading through her too.
Aryan hummed in agreement, the corner of his lips lifting higher. “Are you feeling jealous?” he teased, his tone playful, eyes glimmering with mischief.
Priya’s smile deepened, though she tried to hide it by lowering her gaze back to the book. “I was asking because earlier you were angry with her… but now you’re so happy talking about it,” she replied, her tone teasing, but there was a subtle edge of genuine curiosity in her voice.
“Yaah… because now I want to say thank you to her,” Aryan said softly, his voice losing its playful tone. “Because if she didn’t run away that day, how could I have met you?”
His words lingered in the air, heavy and tender all at once. When their eyes met, the world seemed to still for a moment — only the faint hum of the ceiling fan and the soft ticking of the clock filled the silence.
“Yaah…” she murmured, her voice trembling slightly as she fought back a smile. His words wrapped around her like a blanket of warmth. Her heart fluttered — not with fear this time, but something far gentler, something that scared her in a different way.
After a pause, Aryan leaned slightly toward her. “By the way, are you free tomorrow?”
“Hmm,” she answered absentmindedly, her eyes softening.
“Then let’s go for shopping,” he said, a hint of excitement sneaking into his tone — the kind of excitement that came when he looked forward to spending time with her, away from the weight of their daily lives.
“Okay… but will you do me a favor before that?” she asked, her voice growing serious, tinged with a quiet expectation.
“Just order, Mrs. Khanna,” he replied playfully, his lips curling into a teasing smile. The way he said Mrs. Khanna made her heart skip; it carried an affectionate intimacy, a reminder that despite everything, she was his.
“Before we go shopping, will you take me to the set?” she asked, hesitant now, her voice careful — as though she was testing his reaction.
“Do you have a shoot tomorrow?” Aryan asked, brows knitting slightly in confusion.
“No… I just want to talk to Director Jully, about something,” she clarified, her voice steady but shadowed with something unsaid. There was a faint tension behind her calm — a conversation she needed to have, something unfinished she had to face.
“Okay,” he said simply, without a moment’s hesitation. Then, after a small pause, his tone softened into one of gentle care. “Now, put this book aside and go to sleep. You look so tired.”
A small, genuine smile spread across Priya’s face. “Okay,” she said quietly, closing the book and placing it neatly on the bedside table.
Aryan reached over and turned off the lamp, leaving only the soft light spilling in from the curtains. Priya lay back against the pillow, her heart a little lighter now, though her mind still whirred quietly beneath the calm. Aryan’s presence beside her — steady, familiar, safe — lulled her into a fragile sense of peace.
As she drifted toward sleep, one thought lingered in her heart. How much longer could she keep her truth hidden from him?
The sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow in the room. Aryan was sitting on the bed, already dressed and ready for the day, his eyes following Priya as she stood in front of the mirror, combing her hair. There was something serene about the way she moved, each stroke of the comb through her hair reflecting a routine that brought comfort to her morning.
“Riya, how long will it take you?” he asked, his tone light but tinged with the impatience of someone eager to start the day with her.
“Just five minutes,” she replied, her voice calm and measured as she continued to focus on her reflection, ensuring every strand of hair was in place.
“Okay, I’m waiting for you downstairs, come quickly” he said, standing up and smoothing out his shirt. He shot her a playful glance before heading towards the door.
“Okay,” she said with a smile, watching him leave the room. As soon as he was out of sight, she let out a small, contented sigh, feeling the warmth of his presence linger in the room.
Downstairs, Mrs. Khanna was sitting on the couch, sipping her morning tea. Aryan walked up behind her and, in a spontaneous gesture of affection, hugged her from the back. “Mom, we are going shopping,” he announced cheerfully, his voice filled with a childlike excitement.
“Nice, take care” Mrs. Khanna replied, smiling warmly. She was always happy to see Aryan in such a good mood. A moment later, Priya appeared at the top of the stairs, descending gracefully. She walked over to Mrs. Khanna, who leaned in to whisper in Priya’s ear, “It doesn’t matter if you’re late… Just enjoy”
“Mom,” she said softly, a slight blush coloring her cheeks, embarrassed by her mother-in-law’s teasing.
“Riya, let’s go” Aryan called out, already moving towards the door. Priya nodded and followed him, giving Mrs. Khanna a quick smile before stepping out.
That scene is already emotionally rich — it shows Jully’s helplessness, Priya’s compassion, and Aryan’s quiet support.
They arrived at the set after a short drive, the atmosphere buzzing with the energy typical of a film shoot. The crew moved around busily, preparing for the day’s work. As they parked, Aryan turned to Priya. “You go inside; I’ll wait for you here” he said, his voice carrying a note of support and understanding.
“Okay,” Priya replied, feeling a sense of reassurance in his words as she stepped out of the car.
Inside the set, Priya walked with purpose, her heart pounding slightly as she approached Director Jully. “Hello Mrs. Jully,” Priya greeted, trying to mask the nervousness in her voice.
“Oh, hey,” Jully replied, her tone friendly but subdued. There was a hint of something heavy in her voice, something Priya could sense immediately.
“I want to say something to you,” Priya began, her voice tinged with hesitation. She wasn’t sure how to approach the subject, but she knew it was necessary. She can’t work with Jake anymore after the yesterday’s incident. Priya wants to tell her that she is leaving this project.
“Me too,” Jully said, her voice softening, as if she had been waiting for this moment.
“Then you say first,” Priya offered, trying to gauge the situation.
“Riya, I am sorry,” Jully said, her voice filled with genuine regret.
Priya froze mid-step, confusion clouding her expression. “Why?” she asked, her heart skipping a beat. The sudden apology caught her off guard, and the unease in Jully’s tone made her chest tighten.
“I have to stop this shoot,” Jully explained, her face clouded with sadness. Her eyes darted toward the set — the unfinished props, the abandoned camera positions — as if the sight itself pained her.
“Stop?” Priya echoed, disbelief lacing her voice. Her fingers tightened around the edge of her dupatta. She hadn’t expected this — not after all the effort everyone had poured into this project.
“Actually, Jake dropped this project,” Jully said softly, her voice cracking. She looked down for a moment, unable to meet Priya’s eyes. The disappointment in her tone was palpable, and Priya could almost feel the weight of the burden Jully carried.
“So, what will you do now?” Priya asked, her concern slipping through her calm tone. She had worked with Jully long enough to know how much this film meant to her — it wasn’t just a job, it was her dream.
“Now I will release it like this,” Jully replied, her voice resigned but determined. She straightened her back slightly, trying to hold onto her composure.
“But it’s not ending,” Priya pointed out, her brows knitting together in confusion. Her mind immediately began to run through the story — all the emotions, the arcs, the scenes that needed closure. “A story without an ending…” she murmured softly, more to herself.
“I need you for its ending,” Jully said, her eyes locking with Priya’s — pleading, hopeful, desperate.
“Me… How can I help you?” Priya asked, her voice trembling slightly with bewilderment. She took a small step forward, torn between confusion and sympathy.
“Now I have to make it a sad ending,” Jully confessed, her voice heavy with sorrow. The sadness in her tone made Priya’s heart ache — it was as if Jully was mourning the loss of her own story.
“How?” Priya asked, though deep down, a cold realization began to creep into her chest. She had a sinking feeling she knew where this was going.
“Just the scene is, he came to know about your truth, so he left you,” Jully explained, her voice dropping lower with every word. Even saying it aloud seemed to hurt her.
“But…” Priya hesitated, her throat tightening. She pressed her lips together, her gaze falling to the floor. The story had always meant something personal to her — every emotion in it felt connected to her real life in strange, painful ways. The thought of performing a heartbreak now felt too close, too raw.
“Riya, please, you’re my last hope… If you don’t do this, I will be at a great loss,” Jully pleaded, her eyes glistening. There was no pride in her tone anymore — only desperation.
Priya exhaled slowly, torn between her discomfort and her empathy. “But without Jake, how’s it been possible?” she asked, still trying to find a reasonable way out.
“I will edit it. You just please shoot your scenes,” Jully said quickly, her eyes wide with hope that Priya would say yes.
The sincerity in her words melted Priya’s hesitation. After a short pause, she nodded faintly. “Okay… Okay… I’ll,” she said at last, her voice quiet but steady.
Jully’s face immediately lit up with relief. “Thank you so much,” she said, clasping Priya’s hands in gratitude. Her voice trembled — a mix of exhaustion and joy — and for the first time that morning, she smiled. Priya returned the smile softly, her heart lighter knowing she could ease Jully’s worry.
Once Jully went to prepare the scene, Priya pulled out her phone and dialed Aryan’s number. The moment she heard his voice, her exhaustion seemed to melt away. She quickly told him everything that had just happened — Jully’s decision, Jake’s exit, and her own reluctant agreement.
“So, are you going back home or the office?” she asked, her tone a blend of relief and weariness.
“Umm… today I didn’t have any work, so how’s it if I see your shoot?” Aryan suggested, his voice light with curiosity and warmth. She could almost picture the teasing smile on his face.
“It’s a great idea, please come inside,” Priya said, a genuine smile breaking across her face. After everything that had happened, the thought of Aryan being there — watching her, supporting her — brought her a quiet sense of peace.
As she ended the call, she took a deep breath and glanced at the empty set around her. The cameras were still, but for the first time in hours, she felt ready. Whatever scene awaited her, she knew Aryan’s presence would give her strength to face it.
A few minutes later, Aryan walked onto the set. The low hum of the lights and quiet chatter of the crew filled the air, but the moment he stepped in, a few heads turned — his calm presence had a way of commanding attention without effort.
“Hello, Aunt Jully,” he greeted, his voice warm and familiar.
Jully’s face instantly brightened. “How are you, my boy?” she asked affectionately. She had known Aryan for years — he was almost like family to her. There was always a certain steadiness about him, a comfort she could rely on in the chaos of production.
“Fine,” Aryan replied casually, his eyes drifting across the set — the soft glow of the lights, the quiet focus of the camera crew, and the faint rustle of scripts being adjusted.
“When did you come?” Jully asked, genuinely curious, her tone light.
“Just now,” Aryan said, his gaze finally settling on Priya. She stood at a distance, speaking softly with the makeup artist, her reflection caught in the dressing mirror. Something about her posture — calm yet heavy — tugged at him.
“Riya, get ready quickly,” Jully said, turning toward Priya.
“Okay,” Priya replied with a small nod, her voice composed. She glanced once toward Aryan — just a brief flicker of acknowledgment — before heading toward the dressing room.
Aryan watched her leave, noticing how she clutched her dupatta slightly tighter than usual. There was something in her eyes — not nervousness, but a quiet storm gathering behind them.
When she returned, the transformation was seamless. Riya — or rather, Priya — no longer looked like herself. She was her character now — fragile, heartbroken, and searching for something she could never quite grasp.
As the shoot began, the air grew still. The camera rolled, and Priya slipped into her role effortlessly. But with each line she spoke, her voice trembled with a weight that wasn’t scripted. Every pause, every tear, every look carried a depth that came from somewhere real.
Her words echoed across the set, and for Aryan, watching from the corner, it was like seeing her heart unfold in front of everyone. She wasn’t acting — she was feeling. The story on screen — the loss, the betrayal, the pain of being left behind — all seemed to strike too close to home.
Jully leaned forward in her chair, her expression softening. Even the crew had gone silent. The scene had taken on a life of its own.
And then, as the final line left Priya’s lips, her voice cracked — not because of the script, but because her emotions betrayed her. The tears that rolled down her cheeks weren’t glycerin. They were hers — raw, unfiltered, real.
“Cut!” Jully’s voice broke the spell, firm yet gentle.
The silence that followed was heavy. Priya blinked, her lashes wet, as if waking from a trance. She touched her cheek, feeling the warmth of her own tears, realizing what had just happened.
Aryan stepped forward unconsciously, his brows furrowed with concern, but he didn’t speak. He just watched her — the woman he loved — standing under the harsh white lights, fragile yet breathtakingly strong.
Jully exhaled, both moved and worried. “Perfect take,” she murmured to herself, though her eyes stayed on Priya a second longer, recognizing that those tears came from something far deeper than the scene required.
“Riya, you’re outstanding,” Jully said, her voice brimming with genuine admiration. She had watched countless actors over the years, but something about Priya’s performance had pierced straight through the surface — it wasn’t just acting; it was truth.
“Thank you,” Priya replied softly, her voice trembling under the weight of emotion. She quickly wiped her tears, but her hands wouldn’t stop shaking. The applause she heard in Jully’s tone didn’t feel like triumph — it felt like a release she hadn’t been ready for.
Aryan, who had been standing quietly near the edge of the set, finally stepped forward. His eyes lingered on her tear-streaked face, and a proud smile curved his lips. “You’re really outstanding, Mrs. Khanna,” he said, the warmth in his voice wrapping around her like a gentle embrace.
“Thanks,” Priya murmured, meeting his gaze for a brief moment. Something about the way he said her name — with that mix of pride and tenderness — sent a quiet ache through her chest. Her heart fluttered, but her mind was still tangled in the emotions of the scene she’d just lived.
“Is it done now?” Aryan asked, turning to Jully. His tone was calm but curious, as if he was eager to take Priya away from the intensity of the lights and cameras.
“Hmm,” Jully nodded, still looking at the monitor, her eyes distant but satisfied. “That was perfect.”
“Shall we go now?” Aryan asked, his gaze drifting back to Priya. His voice was gentle, almost careful — as if he didn’t want to pull her out of the moment too quickly.
“Let me change my clothes first,” Priya said, her voice subdued. She managed a small smile before walking toward the dressing room. The soft click of her heels faded down the hallway, leaving Aryan and Jully alone in the quiet hum of the studio.
Aryan crossed his arms, exhaling softly before glancing at Jully. “When will this release?” he asked, curiosity glinting in his eyes.
“Next week,” Jully said, a spark of excitement cutting through her fatigue. Despite the setbacks, she sounded hopeful — like she could finally breathe again.
“I’m really excited about this,” Aryan said, smiling genuinely. His eyes flicked toward the corridor where Priya had gone, his voice softening unconsciously. “Especially after seeing that performance… I don’t think anyone else could’ve done it better.”
Jully smiled knowingly. “She gives her soul when she acts. That’s why it feels real,” she said, her tone laced with quiet respect.
A few moments later, Priya returned, now dressed in her simple casual clothes — the traces of her character wiped away, though her eyes still shimmered with the emotion she hadn’t yet let go of.
“Let’s go,” she said softly, her voice steadier now.
Aryan nodded, walking beside her.
“Bye,” they both said in unison to Jully.
“Take care, you two,” Jully replied warmly, waving as they left.
As Priya and Aryan stepped out of the studio, the evening air greeted them — cool, calm, and comforting after the heavy stillness inside. For a moment, Priya tilted her face upward, breathing deeply, as if trying to let go of the character she had carried so deeply within her.
As they sat in the car, Aryan asked, “If you want, we can go shopping now” His tone was considerate, offering her the option to continue with their original plan.
“No, I’m feeling tired” Priya replied, her voice barely above a whisper. The day had taken more out of her than she expected, and all she wanted now was to rest.
“It’s okay” Aryan said gently, understanding her need for rest as he started the car. As they drove, Priya stared out the window, her thoughts swirling with the day’s events. The scene she had just filmed played over and over in her mind, her fears slowly taking hold. ‘What if today’s scene comes true?’ she thought, her heart clenching with anxiety. ‘What if he leaves me after knowing the truth?’
Her thoughts were interrupted when Aryan’s voice broke through the silence. “What are you thinking?” he asked, glancing at her as he drove.
“N-Nothing” Priya stammered, not looking at him. She didn’t want him to see the fear in her eyes, the doubt that was slowly consuming her.
Aryan noticed the tension in her voice and the way she avoided his gaze. Concerned, he pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned to face her. “Riya, are crying?” he asked, his voice soft and filled with concern.
“No” Priya replied, still avoiding his eyes, her voice wavering slightly.
“Then look here,” Aryan said, his voice gentle but insistent. When she didn’t respond, he reached out and gently cupped her face, turning her to face him. His heart ached as he saw the tears in her eyes. “What happened?” he asked, his voice filled with worry as he gently wiped her tears away.
“I was just…” Priya began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the words. How could she explain the fear that had taken root in her heart?
“Don’t tell me you’re still thinking about the scene” Aryan said, a small smile playing on his lips as he tried to lighten the mood.
“Yeah I was” Priya admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Riya, It’s just a fake story,” Aryan said, his voice gentle but firm. He wanted to reassure her, to take away the fear he saw in her eyes.
“But what if it happens in real life?” Priya’s voice was a soft murmur, tinged with a vulnerability that she rarely let show. Her eyes darted away from Aryan, unable to meet his gaze as her heart pounded in her chest.
“And why do you think so?” he asked, his voice low and soothing, though laced with confusion. He searched her eyes, trying to decipher the source of her anxiety. Priya hesitated, her mind racing. She thought, ‘Because there is such a secret of my life that you do not know, and I am afraid that after knowing it, you will leave me’ But she couldn’t bring herself to say the words out loud. The fear of losing him, the man she loved more than anything, was too great. Instead, she stayed silent, her heart heavy with the secret she continued to keep.
❁𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑❁
❀𝕴𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊 𝖎𝖙!❀
♡ 𝙳𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝙻𝚒𝚔𝚎, 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 ♡
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