Aarya stepped back slowly.
Her heartbeat was out of control.
This wasn't Kabir.
Not anymore.
The way he stood… the way he looked at her…
Cold.
Sharp.
Dangerous.
"Kabir…" she whispered.
No response.
Only that smile.
That unnatural, twisted smile.
He took another step forward.
"Don't call that name…" he said calmly.
Aarya's breath hitched.
"…he's not here right now."
Silence.
The words hit harder than any attack.
Aarya clenched her fists.
"You're lying."
Kabir tilted his head.
Amused.
"Am I?"
Before she could react—
He disappeared.
For a second.
Gone.
Aarya's eyes widened.
"What—?!"
And then—
A strong force hit her from the side.
She was thrown back, crashing onto the ground.
Pain shot through her arm.
"Aah—!"
Kabir stood a few feet away.
Calm.
Unbothered.
Like it meant nothing.
"Your weakness…" he said slowly,
"…is the reason this curse exists."
Aarya forced herself up.
Her body trembling.
"That's not true…"
Kabir laughed softly.
"You really believe that?"
He walked closer again.
Slow.
Controlled.
"You push people away…"
Another step.
"…but you still want them to stay."
Aarya's eyes widened.
Because those words…
They were true.
And that made them hurt more.
"You created this…" he whispered.
"…and now you're scared of it."
"Stop!" Aarya shouted.
Her voice shaking.
But strong.
For the first time—
She didn't look away.
"I didn't choose this!"
Kabir stopped.
Right in front of her.
His eyes locked into hers.
"But you're still feeding it."
Silence.
Heavy.
Unbearable silence.
Aarya's breathing became uneven.
"What do you want…?" she asked slowly.
Kabir smiled.
"Simple."
He leaned closer.
His voice dropping to a whisper.
"Break."
Aarya froze.
"Lose control…"
His eyes darkened.
"…and I'll disappear."
Aarya shook her head.
"No… that's a lie…"
Kabir's smile widened.
"Then let him die."
Her heart stopped.
Because she understood.
If she didn't give in…
Kabir might never come back.
But if she did…
The curse would grow stronger.
And everything would get worse.
Chapter 17 Suspense:
Kabir suddenly grabbed her wrist.
Tight.
Cold.
Painful.
Aarya gasped.
"Choose… Aarya…"
His voice echoed darkly.
"Me… or him…"
Her eyes widened.
Because she realized—
This wasn't just a fight anymore…
It was a choice.
And either way…
She was going to lose someone.