"In the battle between love and destiny, the heart often becomes the greatest casualty."

Riva was discharged from the hospital the next morning. Aarav insisted on taking her home, despite her reluctance.

“I don’t want you to be alone, Riva,” Aarav said as he helped her into the car.

“I’ve been alone all my life,” Riva replied with a faint smile. “I’m used to it.”

Aarav’s heart clenched at her words.

As they reached her apartment, Aarav’s eyes scanned the dimly lit, cramped space. He noticed the peeling walls, the broken furniture, and the emptiness that filled the air.

“Is this how you’ve been living?” Aarav asked, his voice laced with concern.

“It’s home,” Riva said softly.

Aarav’s gaze shifted to a picture frame on the wall—a photo of Riva with her father and younger brother, Aarush. Her father’s absence had left a void that Riva was now struggling to fill.

“You shouldn’t be going through this alone,” Aarav murmured.

Riva looked away, her eyes welling up with tears. “I chose this path, Aarav. I knew what I was getting into when I agreed to be the surrogate.”

Aarav stepped closer, his eyes burning with emotions he could no longer suppress. “But you didn’t choose to carry this burden on your own. You didn’t choose to fall in love with the baby growing inside you… or with me.”

Riva’s breath hitched.

“Aarav…”

“I know it’s wrong,” Aarav whispered, his voice trembling. “But I can’t stop these feelings. I can’t pretend that you don’t matter to me.”

Tears streamed down Riva’s cheeks. “I’m scared… scared of losing this baby. Scared of losing you.”

Aarav cupped her face gently, wiping her tears away. “You’re not losing me, Riva. I’ll fight for you… for us.”

---

The days turned into weeks, and Riva’s bond with Aarav deepened. They began meeting secretly, away from the prying eyes of the world.

Aarav would bring her home-cooked meals, accompany her to doctor’s appointments, and even read baby books with her.

It was in those quiet moments that Riva felt truly loved—something she had craved all her life.

But reality always found a way to shatter their fragile happiness.

---

One evening, as Riva sat on the terrace, her hands gently caressing her swollen belly, Aarav arrived with a warm smile.

“I brought your favorite ice cream,” he said, handing her a tub of chocolate fudge.

Riva chuckled. “You’re spoiling me now.”

Aarav sat beside her, his eyes softening as he watched her. “You deserve to be spoiled.”

Silence settled between them as they both gazed at the stars.

“Aarav,” Riva whispered, “what happens when this baby is born? Will you forget me?”

Aarav’s eyes darkened with pain. “How can I forget the woman who gave me the greatest gift of my life? How can I forget… that I fell in love with her?”

Riva’s heart shattered. She longed to be his, but the shadow of Tasha stood between them.

“I wish things were different,” she murmured.

“I’ll make them different,” Aarav said firmly. “I’ll talk to Tasha. I’ll end this marriage. I want to be with you, Riva.”

Riva’s eyes widened in shock. “Aarav… are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” Aarav replied.

---

But fate had other plans.

The next morning, Tasha stormed into Aarav’s office after hearing whispers around the college about Riva’s pregnancy.

“You’re spending too much time with that girl,” Tasha snapped.

“She’s carrying my child,” Aarav retorted. “And unlike you, she actually cares about this baby.”

Tasha’s eyes narrowed. “You’re forgetting something, Aarav. We signed a contract. Once that baby is born, Riva will have no rights over it.”

Aarav clenched his fists. “I’m not going to let you take this child and destroy its future the way you’ve destroyed ours.”

Tasha laughed coldly. “You think she loves you? She’s just a girl desperate for money.”

Aarav’s eyes burned with rage. “You never deserved this child, Tasha. And you don’t deserve me.”

---

Unaware of the storm brewing between Aarav and Tasha, Riva sat in her small room, her hands resting protectively over her belly.

A part of her knew that this happiness wouldn’t last.

But she also knew one thing for sure—she had fallen hopelessly in love with a man who could never be hers.

Or could he?