The news of Kirti’s fragile condition and Naira’s involvement spread quickly. When Kartik Ambani heard about it, he cut his business trip short and returned home. At just 25, Kartik was already a towering figure in the corporate world, a self-made billionaire who had earned his place among experienced tycoons. Known for his sharp business acumen and commanding presence, he was often referred to as a “miracle.”

But behind the polished exterior of Kartik Ambani lay a complex web of emotions, most of which revolved around Naira Goenka—his childhood best friend, former fiancée, and the girl he had once bullied mercilessly.

A Shared Past

Kartik and Naira had grown up together, inseparable as children. Their mothers, close friends, had dreamed of uniting their families through marriage. It was a bond sealed with a promise, one that Kartik and Naira had both initially embraced, their youthful affection blossoming into the beginnings of love.

But everything shattered after the incident.

Naira’s departure from the family not only broke her relationships but also severed the bond she shared with Kartik. He had been angry, confused, and consumed by guilt—emotions he didn’t know how to process. Instead of supporting her, Kartik had joined in Kairav’s bitter crusade, bullying Naira in an attempt to mask his own pain.

It was a decision he regretted deeply, but by the time he realized it, Naira was gone.

Kartik’s Arrival

When Kartik arrived at the hospital, his presence was impossible to ignore. Heads turned as he walked in, exuding confidence and authority. But his calm demeanor faltered the moment he saw Naira.

She was standing outside Kirti’s room, her white coat slightly rumpled, exhaustion evident on her face. She looked up when she felt his gaze, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

“Naira,” Kartik finally said, his voice softer than he intended.

She blinked, her expression unreadable. “Kartik.”

The tension between them was palpable, and it didn’t go unnoticed by Kairav, who emerged from the room at that moment. His face darkened when he saw Kartik and Naira together.

“You’re back,” Kairav said curtly, ignoring Naira altogether.

“Of course I’m back,” Kartik replied. “How’s Kirti?”

“She’s stable,” Kairav said, his tone clipped. “No thanks to some people.”

Kartik frowned, glancing between his best friend and Kairav. He didn’t need an explanation to understand the undercurrent of resentment in Kairav’s voice—it was the same bitterness he had once harbored toward Naira.

A Confrontation with Naira

Later, as Naira prepared to leave the hospital, Kartik found her in the parking lot.

“You’ve changed,” he said, his voice steady but laced with an edge of curiosity.

She turned to face him, her expression guarded. “People tend to change when they’re pushed to their limits.”

Kartik hesitated, unsure of how to bridge the gap between them. “I heard about Kirti. What you did for her today… it was impressive.”

“Spare me the compliments, Kartik,” she replied, her tone cold. “You don’t owe me anything, and I don’t owe you an explanation.”

“Maybe not,” he admitted. “But we do need to talk—about everything. About us.”

“There is no us, Kartik,” Naira said firmly. “Not anymore.”

Her words stung more than he expected.

Kartik’s Inner Struggle

As Kartik watched Naira drive away, memories of their past flooded his mind. He thought about the girl who had once been his best friend, the girl he had secretly loved but never had the courage to protect.

He had failed her when she needed him most, and now, standing in the shadow of her strength, he realized just how much he had lost.

But Kartik Ambani was not one to give up easily.

“She’s changed,” he thought. “But so have I. And I’m not letting her slip away this time.”

Determined to make amends, Kartik resolved to stay by her side—even if it meant facing the truth about their broken past.