(Jeevika, haunted by her kidnapping and near assault, hopes for safety when Yash comes to take her from the women’s shelter. Her excitement turns to terror as goons attack her at Yash’s new mansion, blaming her for Gumna’s death, while Yash abandons her. Facing a menacing old man demanding a false statement against Inspector Abhay, Jeevika stays loyal to the truth. Abhay arrives, fighting off the attackers despite being shot, saving her. Back at the shelter, Jeevika reflects on betrayal, courage, and lost opportunities, inspired to act bravely like Abhay, while realizing the wisdom of her father’s advice about love and marriage. )
“Flame of freedom
.....
Jeevika stepped into the main hall where a few women were chatting in low voices. She moved to a quiet corner and pulled out her phone.
Her fingers trembled as she dialed a number.
“Hello? Hello?” a familiar voice answered.
Jeevika stayed silent. The pause stretched, heavy and aching.
Then, softly, the voice on the other end said, “Jeevu… my child.”
Her throat tightened. Without another word, she ended the call.
She quickly dialed another number.
“Hello, Advocate Khan?”
“Yes,” came the crisp reply.
“I… I want to file for divorce.”
A beat of silence on the line. “Alright. Come this evening.”
“Okay. I’ll be there,” she said, her voice steady now.
...
“What the hell, are you joking with me?” Mr. Khan slammed the file shut, his voice sharp.
Jeevika’s brows knit. “What happened?”
“This marriage certificate is fake,” he said coldly. “Your marriage isn’t valid.”
Her heart skipped. “What… what are you saying, sir? I was married in front of—”
Mr. Khan cut her off. “Your so-called husband—no, that bastard—tricked you. Legally, your marriage never happened.”
The truth hit like a stone to the chest. “Yash… why?!” Her cry tore through the quiet office.
She bolted from the chair, tears stinging her eyes. Two hour later, she stood at Yash’s door, pounding on it until it creaked open.
Yash’s mother stood there, face stiff. “What are you doing here?”
“Mammy, where is Yash?” Jeevika’s voice was trembling but firm.
“Leave my son alone. He’s married now.”
The words felt like a slap. “But… mummy, Yash—”
Her gaze drifted past the woman’s shoulder, freezing on the wall lined with wedding photos. Yash, garland around his neck, beaming beside another woman.
That woman now emerged from the kitchen, smiling warmly as she carried tea and snacks. “You must be…?”
Jeevika gave a hollow smile. “Nobody.”
She stepped back, turned, and walked away. At the gate, she yanked the mangalsutra from her neck and let it fall to the dirt.
In the back of an auto, she stared out the window, eyes burning but dry. “Aanandi Shelter,” she told the driver.
Then she pulled out her phone, dialed a number, and when the line picked up, she said in a steady voice, “I’m Jeevika. I want your help… and I want to finish my studies, ma’am.”
....
Jeevika sat at the computer, her fingers moving with steady determination as she filled out the online form for a bachelor’s degree.
“You’ve made enough mistakes,” she murmured to herself. “Now it’s time to fix them.”
Back at the shelter, she opened her trunk, pulled out every wedding photo, and tossed them onto the floor in a messy heap.
She struck a match—its flame dancing inches from the glossy smiles of a past she no longer wanted.
Her phone rang.
“Jeevika,” Advocate Khan’s voice came through, “you can still file a complaint against Yash.”
Her eyes stayed on the photos. “No. I don’t want to.”
She dropped the lit match into the pile. The flames flared, curling paper, melting plastic frames—turning memories into smoke.
...
Jeevika headed to the market for groceries.
Near the fruit stalls, she spotted Inspector Abhay checking his watch, glancing around as if he wanted to leave but was stuck there. The memory of him risking his life for her flashed in her mind, and she smiled quietly before moving on.
After buying vegetables and fruit, she started home—until a familiar face stepped into her path.
“You?” she gasped.
Yash stood there, smiling. He stepped closer. “My love… thank God you’re safe. I thought I’d lost you.” He reached for her hand.
Jeevika slapped him hard. “Don’t touch me.”
“I know I… handed you to those goons,” Yash stammered, “but I’m still your—”
“Shut up!” Her voice shook with rage. “You ditched me. Our marriage is—”
Yash laughed. “So you already know…” He grabbed her and forced her toward a nearby car.
Before he could push her inside, a strong hand yanked him back and a fist slammed into his jaw.
Inspector Abhay.
He threw Yash toward his team. “Arrest him!”
Abhay’s eyes stayed on Jeevika as he tied Yash’s hands. “Why do you keep ending up in danger? Can’t you meet me without a problem?”
“Thanks,” she whispered, tears in her eyes.
He handed her a handkerchief. “You’re safe now. But you should learn self-defence.”
She hesitated. “Yes… but—” She looked up. He was gone.
…
In another part of the market, Abhay jumped into his jeep, phone to his ear. “Yeah, I’m stuck in the market. I was following him, but I lost him—what? He’s planning to kidnap that girl again? What rubbish… shit!”
He jumped out of the jeep and sprinted down the street—straight toward where he’d met Jeevika moments before.
.....
Abhay’s chest tightened. She wasn’t there.
He sprinted toward Aanandi Women’s Shelter, every step pounding with one prayer—Save her, please, God.
Bursting through the doors, he went straight to the head lady. “Where’s Jeevika?”
The woman looked relieved. “Inspector sir, you’re here. A few men in police uniform came earlier. They said you’d sent them… that you’d called her. She left with them.”
Abhay froze. “I didn’t…” His voice hardened. He snatched up his phone. “Hello? That girl’s been kidnapped again—search the area. Block all exits! And after you save her, throw her straight into prison.”
“Crime… for stealing my mental peace,” he muttered, rage and worry mingling.
---
1. Will Jeevika finally break free from Yash’s betrayal and reclaim control over her life?
2. Can she stay safe when danger seems to follow her even outside the shelter?
3. Will Inspector Abhay reach her in time, or will she fall into her enemies’ hands again?
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