Photo by Florian Marette on Unsplash

This story is about Neha Sharma, who works at an NGO dedicated to serving the underprivileged. There, she interacts with her colleague Mukesh Singh. Unbeknownst to her, Mukesh secretly harbour’s feelings for Neha. Despite his reserved demeanour, time reveals the truth.

Neha is aware that Mukesh already has a girlfriend, and this realization has dampened her hopes. Despite this, she continues to interact with him, finding solace in their conversations. Mukesh, in turn, patiently addresses all her problems.

When someone is unilaterally attracted to another person, it's as if no one else exists. Neha finds herself in this situation, grappling with her feelings for Mukesh. Despite knowing that he already has a girlfriend, she persists in her efforts to make the impossible possible. She even goes out of her way to help him in the slums, a task that wasn't originally hers. But perhaps, in doing so, she hopes to create a connection beyond mere assistance.

Neha Sharma is originally from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. She currently resides in a girls' hostel in Delhi. Although she shares a room with a roommate, she prefers not to engage in conversation with her. Neha has developed a sense of mistrust due to constantly hearing about various cases at the NGO where she works. As a result, she only knows Mukesh and his friends by name. It seems her trust is heavily dependent on him.

Mukesh Singh was well aware that Neha had feelings for him, so he began using her. However, Neha remained oblivious to Mukesh's ulterior motives, believing he genuinely cared for her. Despite being in a serious relationship, Mukesh continued having other affairs, skilfully managing them without anyone suspecting. Sometimes, the discarded cards fall exactly as he intends.

It seems Mukesh Singh has quite the knack for managing situations. Despite being in a serious relationship, he continues to have affairs, all while skilfully keeping them hidden. Neha, on the other hand, is blissfully unaware of his true intentions. As they venture into the club scene together, Neha is willing to go to great lengths to spend time with him. People at the club often mistake the superficial for the genuine, and Mukesh takes full advantage of this. He not only enjoys the company of Neha but also brings along his friends, leaving Neha to foot the bill. Neha will eventually need to realize the truth, even though she may not be ready to face it just yet. As Mukesh spins his web of words, Neha unwittingly follows along.

Neha Sharma has now started drinking alcohol with Mukesh and his friends. After just a few sips, she gets tipsy and leans into Mukesh's arms. Publicly, Mukesh maintains a clean image and avoids any inappropriate behaviour. However, he has realized that Neha will do whatever he suggests. Consequently, he invites her to his flat, and she willingly goes along, trusting him. As their relationship deepens, Neha becomes more attached, and it seems Mukesh might be developing feelings for her too.

Neha has no idea that Mukesh is subtly revealing her vulnerabilities to his friend, who is diligently recording all the information. Mukesh's intention seems to be manipulating Neha, but little does he know that the same friend might use this recorded information against him.

Neha Sharma goes to meet Karan Khanna one day, and when she meets him, Karan listens to Mukesh's entire recording. Hearing the recording, Neha becomes quite anxious. Seeing her distress, Karan tries to console her, but at that moment, Neha remembers that trusting anyone in this city is not advisable. So now, Neha pretends in front of Karan as if she is developing feelings for him. She declines when he asks about recording the conversation.

Mukesh now asks Neha to accompany him wherever he goes, and Neha politely finds excuses to decline, ensuring that Mukesh doesn't suspect anything

As Mukesh sits in front of Karan, he narrates everything that happened between Neha and him. Meanwhile, Neha sits in her hostel room, tears streaming down her face as she listens to the recording through her headphones. She feels utterly lost—unsure of what to do. She can’t confide in her family or any friends, and she’s completely shattered.

Neha has become extremely reserved at the office. However, whenever Mukesh approaches her, she smiles and engages in conversation. Days pass, and recordings keep arriving. Karan believes that all his efforts for Neha will eventually pay off. This cycle continues for about three months.

One day, when Mukesh tried to force Neha, she finally revealed the truth: she had been secretly listening to all the recordings he shared with Karan. Mukesh was terrified upon hearing this. Neha warned him that she had evidence and would file a complaint. Mukesh realized that if she reported him, his life would be ruined. Despite his efforts to make Neha understand, she remained unwilling to listen or comprehend.

Mukesh, in a state of panic, goes to Karan’s house with his friend. There, they engage in heated arguments, with Karan refusing to support Mukesh. Instead, Karan assures Neha of his support. The situation takes a toll on Mukesh, pushing him toward depression. Eventually, his friend takes him away from there.

Karan goes to meet Neha to share the truth, and as he explains, Neha thanks him and starts to leave. This revelation leaves Karan in shock. Neha tries to ask him something, but she quickly informs him that just as Mukesh played with her feelings, she did the same with his. She warns Karan not to contact her anymore; otherwise, she’ll file a complaint. Upon hearing this, Karan realizes it’s best to keep his distance in this matter.

Mukesh’s friend’s car is parked outside Neha’s hostel. The friend calls Neha, saying he wants to talk to her. Although Mukesh isn’t physically present, he’s hiding in the car. When Neha arrives and spots Mukesh, she turns to leave. But the friend stops her, urging her to get into the car. Despite their attempts at reconciliation, Neha remains firm. Eventually, they drive her back to where she was. Just as Neha is about to step out of the car, Mukesh’s friend tells her that Mukesh wants her dead. Without hesitation, Mukesh delivers a powerful slap to Neha, leaving her stunned, and then drives away.

Neha is standing on the road, tears streaming down her face. She feels completely blank, unable to comprehend what is happening. Is this the effect of those two slaps, her family, or her own image? All these questions ended with her decision to leave the city and return home. 

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