'Rishabh.' Aashi ran behind him and now they are in the middle of the venue and in full public view. Aashi didn't care. He stopped but didn't turn. Aashi held his arm and made him look at her Everyone watched them seriously. Suchitra and Kajal glanced nervously at each other.

'Please, listen to me Rishabh, it is for you...Laila doesn't love you...I-' Aashi looked around searching for someone, - 'Prakash! Prakash.' She called.

No one came forward then one Junior informed that he left.

Aashi cursed her luck, she then looked back at Rishabh, - 'Please.' Her eyes pleaded him. Luckily, she saw his expressions soften as well.

'Rishabh.' Laila called sweetly, and his expression turned stern again.

'Don't touch him, you leach.' Laila said separating Aashi's hand from Rishabh's arm. Aashi glared at her as she held Rishabh's hand, entwining their fingers.

'Didn't I tell you, she is jealous of us. You didn't believe me. Now, see for yourself. You had always been with her and then seeing you with someone else, seeing someone else give you the attention you deserve, she flipped out. You weren't believing me but see now. She is obsessed with you.' Laila said sweetly. Rishabh stared at Aashi, she looked back at him briefly before looking at Laila. As Laila caught her gaze, she smirked. Aashi fisted her fingers tightly. She then looked back at Rishabh

'You trust her Rishabh? Or your best friend, who had been with you all your life.' Aashi said

'Don't listen to her, Rishabh, she is emotionally manipulating you. The truth is, even being with you all these years she doesn't know you the way I know you, that too in just a year.' Laila said.

Aashi's fingers relaxed as she said, - 'Rishabh, I was with you in all your ups and downs, I supported you, cared for you, motivated you, please don't do this. Once again, I am doing all this for you and not myself.'

'No, Rishabh, she is not. If she cared for you she would have known that your happiness is with me and she would have happily let us be. She is doing all this for herself.' Laila said.

'Rishabh please.' Aashi pleaded him

Rishabh looked terribly confused, he kept staring at Aashi with sad eyes.

'Baby, listen to me. Aashi has changed, she has become selfish.' Laila said softly

'Shut up you, b****.' Aashi said angrily, she launched forward and grabbed Laila's arms. Everyone gasped. Rishabh got alarmed. He was melting but this act of Aashi angered him.

'Stop playing with my Rishabh's life.' Aashi slapped Laila hard. Everyone gasped again.

'AASHI.' Rishabh held Aashi's arm and turned her around. Before Aashi could say anything Rishabh slapped her.

Everyone gasped again.

Aashi was stunned, she looked at Rishabh. Slowly, she held her cheek that burned. Rishabh looked shocked at his own action but quickly composed himself as Laila began crying loudly.

'Enough is enough Aashi.' Rishabh said taking Laila in his arms.

Aashi lowered her gaze feeling shocked and very, very hurt.

'Since last year I am noting your behavior, your irrational behavior. You are just blaming Laila for no reason. She has only been nice to you. And Laila is right, you are jealous and possessive that is why you weren't letting me commit to Laila when I wanted to. Aashi, I told you nothing can come between us but you...you created a big trench between us, a trench that will never fill. You have changed, Aashi. Please, leave Aashi, leave me and Laila alone, forever.' Rishabh said with tears glistened in his eyes. Aashi knew he was hurt, but he is on the wrong side.

There is silence, the entire hall watching them. Aashi felt embarrassed, she couldn't look up and face the crowd.

Laila had stopped crying but she clung to Rishabh. Slowly, Aashi bent down and picked up her purse. She felt very vulnerable as she felt all eyes on her. Kajal and Suchitra hurried towards her and gathered around her.

'Please leave – me - alone.' Aashi said. She turned around and walked away. Tears rolled down her cheeks, but she didn't bother wiping them. Rishabh watched her go, a lone tear escaped his eye. Once outside, Aashi called her father and waited for him.

Everything that happened just now buzzed in her ears. She placed her palm on her cheek, still, it felt warm. Aashi is sure there is a mark there. She hadn't expected Rishabh to slap her. She knew it was impulsive and unintentional but that moment, she realized that everything is over. If there was even one percent chance of them being together then that is over tonight. Aashi hated herself for doing so much for Rishabh, she hated herself for falling in love with him. Falling in love with someone she will never be with, ever.