Rain poured over the city like the sky itself was mourning.
Arjun Roy stood outside the glass walls of the Grand Meridian Hotel, his reflection blurred by water and neon lights. Inside, laughter echoed. Champagne glasses clinked. Music played softly.
His girlfriend, Maya.
His best friend, Rohan.
Their engagement party.
Arjun's fingers trembled around the phone in his hand. The screen still displayed the message:
"If you don't believe me, come to the Grand Meridian. Suite 1908."
Anonymous.
Cruel.
Probably fake.
That's what he told himself.
But his feet had brought him here anyway.
Inside the suite, the lights were dim. The door wasn't locked.
Arjun pushed it open slowly.
And froze.
Maya stood close to Rohan. Too close. Her hand rested on his chest. Rohan's fingers were around her waist.
They weren't arguing.
They weren't confused.
They were smiling.
At each other.
For a moment, the world went silent.
Then Maya noticed him.
Her expression didn't change to guilt.
It changed to irritation.
"You weren't supposed to find out like this," she said calmly.
Rohan stepped forward. "It's not personal, Arjun. It's business."
Business?
Arjun laughed — a broken, hollow sound.
"I built that startup with you. I trusted you."
Rohan adjusted his expensive suit. "And I used that trust. Investors prefer one face. Not two."
Maya crossed her arms. "And I prefer power. Not struggle."
Each word stabbed deeper than any knife.
Arjun felt something inside him crack.
"You both used me?"
"Used?" Maya tilted her head. "No. We upgraded."
Ten minutes later, hotel security arrived.
Not to escort Maya and Rohan out.
To arrest Arjun.
Charges: Financial fraud. Embezzlement. Data theft.
All signed.
All documented.
All pointing to him.
Rohan had prepared everything.
Police handcuffs clicked around Arjun's wrists.
As they dragged him away, he looked back once.
Maya didn't look sad.
Rohan didn't look guilty.
They looked relieved.
Outside, lightning split the sky.
As the police car door slammed shut, Arjun whispered to himself:
"If I ever get another chance… I won't love. I won't trust."
The car drove off into the storm.
And somewhere in the darkness, someone was watching.
Watching… and smiling.