#52 The Choice is Yours

Ash fell to his knees, pleading with Neha. "Please, Neha, listen to me! I swear I didn't do anything. I beg of you, don't do this!"

Neha's expression remained cold, unforgiving. "You took advantage of me, exploited my trust."

Akash's eyes welled up with tears. "Please,"

"You'll get none from me. You'll pay for what you've done."

"But what did I do, Neha? Tell me! What did I do to deserve this?" Akash begged.

"You know exactly what you did. Don't play dumb with me."

"Neha! I'm telling you, I didn't do anything! Please..."

Neha cut him off. "Enough! You've had your chance to speak."

Akash's voice shook. "Neha, please... don't do this. I'll do anything... just don't ruin my life."

Neha's eyes glinted with triumph. "Oh, I think you'll find that your life is already ruined, Akash. But, I'll give you a choice: either you pay me 10 lakh rupees, or I'll make sure you rot in prison for the rest of your life. The choice is yours."