Chapter 4: The First Strike

Aaryan woke up at five in the morning. He had been dreaming of Ananya—the girl reaching out her hand, calling to him. Blood was leaking from her eyes. Aaryan tried to go to her, but his feet wouldn't move. He screamed, "I am not guilty!"

His pillow was soaked in sweat. His heart hammered against his ribs. Beside him, Raisa was asleep; her face was peaceful, a faint smile on her lips. Aaryan left the bed and went to the balcony. Dhaka was still slumbering—a few cars on the road, people sleeping on the sidewalks, and the dim glow from a distant minaret.

He lit a cigarette. The first drag made him cough. Smoking wasn't a habit, but he needed it today to cool his head.

His phone buzzed. A message from Zarif: "Check the files on the laptop."

Aaryan pulled out his phone and opened remote access to his laptop. A video appeared on the screen. It had been uploaded only ten minutes ago and shared in the university students' secret F******k group. The caption read: *“The true face of our Roll No. 4.”*

In the video was Aaryan. That night, three years ago. Standing in front of Ananya, his voice dripping with cruelty: "Your father will stay quiet. If not, your mother's photos will be out for everyone to see."

The video ended. Aaryan closed the laptop. His hands were shaking. Who did this? Tasnim. This was her first strike. The whole campus would know now. The teachers, the Principal—and most importantly, Raisa.

He returned to Raisa’s room. She was still asleep, her breathing slow and calm. Aaryan kissed her forehead and whispered, "Maybe today you won't recognize me. But I am the same man. Only the mask is falling off."

**7:00 AM, Penthouse Living Room**

Zarif and Mayra were already awake, staring at the video on the laptop repeatedly. As Aaryan entered the room, Mayra ran and hugged him. "Who did this to you?"

"I know who."

Zarif stood up, fire in his eyes. "Tell me who. I’ll burn their house down today."

"Burning it won't help. She came for revenge—for a mistake I made three years ago."

Mayra began to cry. "You blackmailed that girl? Why is there a video of it?"

"Because I was someone else then. I still am. But that girl is in the hospital now; she’s lost her mental balance. Her sister, Tasnim, has come for vengeance."

Zarif clenched his fists. "I’ll handle her."

"No. She is my enemy. I’ll handle it."

Just then, Raisa woke up. Rubbing her eyes, she walked into the living room. Seeing everyone’s faces, she knew something was wrong. "What happened?"

No one answered. Raisa walked to the laptop and watched the video. The color drained from her face. Her hands began to tremble. When the video finished, she stood in silence. Everyone’s eyes were on her.

"Who is this girl?"

"Ananya. I blackmailed her father three years ago."

"Why?"

"Because I needed to. Her father was close to the Chancellor."

Raisa closed her eyes, silent for a few seconds. Then she opened them and looked directly into Aaryan’s eyes. "Who are you, Aaryan? Are you even the man I love?"

"I am that man. You just didn't know the whole story. Now you do."

Raisa walked out of the room, slamming the door so hard the entire penthouse shook. Mayra followed her. Aaryan sat on the sofa, burying his head in his hands.

Zarif sat beside him. "Give her time. She’ll come back."

"I don't know if she will. But I know this—if I want to keep my empire, a lot of blood will have to be shed now."

**8:30 AM, University Campus**

When Aaryan arrived at the campus, the atmosphere had shifted. Where people used to move away in fear, they were now whispering. Some even looked him in the eye—they had found courage. The video had given it to them.

Aaryan headed toward the main office; the Principal had summoned him. On the way, he saw Tasnim. She was standing by the fountain, coffee in hand, a smile on her face.

Aaryan stopped. Their eyes locked.

"Good job," Aaryan said.

"This is just the beginning. The real game is yet to come."

"Do you think this video will finish me?"

"I don't. You’re strong. But the people around you? Are they that strong?"

Aaryan stepped closer, leaning into Tasnim’s ear. "Don't touch Raisa. This is my final warning."

Tasnim laughed. "I don't touch anyone. They touch themselves—after seeing your darkness."

Aaryan walked away without looking back, but Tasnim’s words echoed in his mind.

**The Principal’s Office**

The Principal sat in his chair, flanked by the class teacher Mr. Rahman, the Vice Principal, and the Chancellor’s representative. Aaryan opened the door and walked in. Every eye was on him.

"Sit down, Aaryan," the Principal said. The old fear in his voice was replaced by sternness. The video had emboldened them too.

Aaryan sat and looked around.

"I’ve seen the video," the Principal said. "What is your explanation?"

"The video is real. I blackmailed that girl."

Mr. Rahman flinched. He was the only one whose face didn't show shock, because he already knew who Aaryan was.

"What do you think the punishment should be?" the Vice Principal asked.

"Do whatever you wish. But I want to stay at this university. Because I will prove that I can change."

The Chancellor's representative shook his head. "This is shameful for the university. You should be expelled."

Aaryan stood up. The look in his eyes was different now—not a plea, but a challenge. "If you expel me, I will go to the media. I will tell them what happens in this university every day. How many teachers sell grades, how many students sell drugs, how many Principals take bribes for tenders. Are you sure you want that?"

The air in the room grew heavy. Silence followed. The Principal sat there, face pale.

Aaryan pushed back his chair. "I will not accept expulsion. I will stay here. And I will prove I’m not who I was. But if you do expel me, be prepared to face the consequences."

He walked toward the door. As he was leaving, he stopped. "Remember one thing—I have information on all of you. If I fall today, you all fall with me tomorrow."

The door closed, leaving everyone in the office turned to stone.

**12:00 PM, Penthouse**

Aaryan returned to find Raisa still in her room with the door locked. Mayra was sitting outside the door. Zarif was on the balcony, smoking.

Aaryan knocked on Raisa’s door. "Raisa, open the door."

There was no response.

"I know you’re angry. I know you’re hurt. But open the door. Talk to me."

Silence.

Aaryan leaned his back against the door and slid down to the floor. "Then I’ll stay right here. Until you open the door."

Minutes passed. Thirty minutes. An hour. Aaryan remained seated outside. Zarif brought him water. Mayra brought food. Aaryan didn't budge.

At 1:00 PM, the door opened. Raisa stood there, eyes swollen and nose red. She had been crying for hours.

Aaryan stood up and stepped toward her. Raisa raised her hand to stop him.

"Give me some time, Aaryan. I can’t digest all of this. Is the man I loved even real? Or is he just a mask?"

"He is real. But the mask is real too. I am both."

"I can't take both. I only want the good part. But you want me to take the whole thing."

"Then take it. Take all of me. The scars, the sins, the darkness."

Raisa looked down. She was silent for a few seconds, then looked up. "I will try. But you have to try to change too. Not for me, for yourself. Because if you stay on this path, one day you will be all alone."

Aaryan embraced Raisa. She was stiff at first, then she softened. Her face was buried in his chest, her tear-stained cheeks wetting his shirt.

"I want to change. But I don't know if I can."

"You can. Because you are Aaryan. And Aaryan doesn't believe in the word 'impossible'."

**4:00 PM, Campus Cafeteria**

Tasnim was sitting alone with a cup of tea. Farhan stood nearby. Aaryan arrived alone, having left Zarif outside.

"Came alone?" Tasnim asked.

"I don't need a crowd to talk to you."

Aaryan sat opposite her, staring into her eyes.

"I want to go to Ananya. I want to ask for her forgiveness."

Tasnim was stunned. She hadn't expected this. "What are you saying?"

"I’m serious. Give me the address of her hospital."

"Do you think going to her will make everything okay? She doesn't even recognize anyone anymore."

"I still want to go. I want her to see that the man who ruined her life is now remorseful."

Tasnim was silent for a moment. Then she pulled out her phone and shared a location. "Tomorrow at 10:00 AM. I’ll be there. Come alone."

Aaryan checked the location. "I’ll be there."

He stood to leave, but Tasnim stopped him. "Aaryan."

Aaryan turned back.

"If you truly hurt Ananya, I won't let you go. No matter who you are or how powerful you are."

"I know."

Aaryan walked out and looked at Zarif. "Tomorrow morning, we’re going to the hospital. Bring the car."

Zarif said nothing, only nodded.

**9:00 PM, Penthouse**

Raisa had cooked—pasta, salad, and red wine. The table was set with candles. Aaryan sat down, and Raisa sat opposite him. They ate in silence. After a while, Raisa spoke.

"Do you really want to change?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want to lose you. And if I stay the same, one day you will leave."

"Then change. Not for me, but for yourself. I will just be by your side."

Aaryan took Raisa’s hand across the table and kissed it. His eyes showed exhaustion, regret, and love.

Raisa came over and sat on Aaryan’s lap, placing her hand on his cheek. "I love you. Scars, sins, and all. But can I ask one thing?"

"Tell me."

"Don't ever ruin someone's life again. Please."

Tears came to Aaryan’s eyes. He hugged her tight. "Promise."

That night, they weren't physical. They just talked. Aaryan told her about all his past sins. Raisa listened. Sometimes she stopped him, hugged him, and cried. They fell asleep at 4:00 AM, holding each other. Aaryan felt that maybe change was possible. Maybe it wasn't that hard if someone was by your side.

He was wrong. Because changing is the hardest thing of all. And harder still is escaping the shadow of old sins.

The clock struck 6:00 AM. Aaryan’s phone rang. An unknown number. He answered.

"Aaryan, it’s Tasnim. Are you coming to the hospital today?"

"I am."

"But come carefully. Ananya isn't doing well today. The doctor says any pressure on her could be dangerous."

"I’ll be careful."

He hung up. Raisa woke up. "Who was it?"

"Tasnim."

"I’m coming too."

"No. This is my battle. I have to fight it alone."

Raisa said nothing, just kissed Aaryan’s forehead. "I’ll be waiting right here."

Aaryan showered and got ready. White shirt, black pants. He combed his hair and looked in the mirror. The Aaryan of three years ago and the Aaryan of today—same face, but different people? Or the same?

He didn't know. But today, he was going to find the answer.

**10:00 AM, Mental Hospital**

The hospital was on the outskirts of the city. Surrounded by trees and silence. Upon entering, the smell of antiseptic hit him. Nurses walked in white uniforms. No laughter, no music. Only silence and the occasional scream of a patient.

Tasnim stood by the door, sunglasses on, wearing simple black clothes. She nodded at Aaryan. "Let’s go."

They walked through the corridor to the second floor. Room 204. The door read: *"Ananya Rahman."*

Tasnim opened the door. A girl sat inside by the window. She was wearing pajamas and a tunic. Her hair was messy, her gaze fixed on nothing. She held a doll in her hands, repeatedly tearing out its hair.

"Ananya," Tasnim went to her and took her hand. "Look, who’s here?"

Ananya lifted her head. Her eyes flickered to Aaryan for a moment, then back to the doll. There was no sign of recognition.

Aaryan went closer and knelt in front of her. "Ananya, I am Aaryan. Three years ago..."

Ananya suddenly screamed. She threw the doll at Aaryan. "Go! Get out of here! You’re a ghost! You eat babies!"

Tasnim hugged Ananya. Aaryan backed away. Tears were in his eyes. It felt as if someone was twisting a knife in his chest.

"I came to ask for forgiveness, Ananya. I didn't know..."

"I don't want to know!" Ananya screamed. "You’re all the same! All monsters!"

Nurses rushed in, trying to calm her. Aaryan fled the room. He stood against the corridor wall, his hands and entire body shaking.

Tasnim came out and stood before him.

"Now do you understand? How big the consequences of your actions are."

Aaryan wiped his eyes and stood tall. "I will do whatever I can. I’ll bear all the costs of her treatment. I’ll take her abroad, wherever the best treatment is."

Tasnim was shocked. "Are you serious?"

"I’ve never been this serious."

Aaryan began to walk away, exiting the hospital. He sat in the car outside. Zarif started the engine.

"What happened? You look like you just lost a war."

"I didn't lose a war. I lost to myself."

The car moved. Aaryan opened the window and looked out. Ananya’s screams rang in his head. That girl was mad because of him—because of his crime.

He closed his eyes and said to himself—"I will change. But asking for forgiveness won't be enough. I have to prove it. I have to show everyone that I am a new man."

But do old sins ever truly fade? Or do they follow a person for a lifetime?

Aaryan didn't know. But he wanted to find out.

His phone buzzed. A message from Raisa: "How are you?"

Aaryan typed back: "Not good. But I'll be okay if you're there."

Raisa's reply: "I’ll always be there. As long as you want me."

Aaryan pressed the phone to his chest and closed his eyes. The car sped toward the city, leaving behind the hospital, Ananya’s screams, and his old sins.

A new battle awaited him. With Tasnim, with the campus, and with himself.

And to win this battle, he would have to embrace his darkness. Not by running, but by facing it.