"When everything falls apart I want you to stay"

AUTHOR'S POV

It had been almost a full day since Ayushman had last seen Diyanshi. His thoughts were consumed with finding a way to bring her back and make up for all his mistakes. Meanwhile, Diyanshi was making her way back to Rishikesh.

"What should I do? I can't let her go away again," Ayushman asked Rihan, panic-stricken.

"Simply apologize to her and express how deeply sorry you are," Rihan responded.

"Will she really come back to me if I apologize to her and ask to go back to how we were? She would probably slap me in the middle of the road," Ayushman said.

Rihan's tone was incredulous as he asked, "So what are you planning to do? Kidnap?"

Ayushman, with a regretful expression, replied, "I really wish I could, but you know it's against the law."

"I just recalled something important from my legal studies."

"What?"

"Simply file for divorce."

"Are you out of your mind? I'm asking for your help, and it's frustrating that you're implying that I should make the same mistake of letting her go. I really need your support in this situation."

"Calm down and listen to me first.", Rihan suggested

"How am I supposed to calm down in this situation", Ayushman panicked.

"As per Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act, after filing the first motion seeking divorce through mutual consent, the parties have to wait for a minimum of six months and a maximum of 18 months before moving the second motion.", Rihan stated.

"It is highly probable that they will request us to remain living together for a period of 6 months before the divorce is finalized. I can't believe I didn't consider this possibility earlier." Ayushman replied.

Rihan's eyebrows furrowed as he leaned forward, a hint of worry in his voice as he carefully stated, "But there is an issue.'"

"What are you talking about?" Ayushman asked with a puzzled expression on his face.

"Section 10A of the Indian Divorce Act, 1869 requires that the couple must be separated for at least two years. During this period, the couple only needs to prove that they have not been living as husband and wife. In your case, you have been separated for three years.", Rihan stated worriedly.

Ayushman's initial excitement quickly faded away, leaving him feeling disappointed and deflated. 

"I've been thinking about a solution to our situation. What if we proceed under the assumption that Diyanshi is not aware of the two-year separation law? If she's unaware, then there would be no need to worry. We could instruct one of our lawyers to avoid mentioning it in court."

Ayushaman was consumed with worry as he nervously asked, "What if she finds out about this?"

"I'm sorry, but if it is destined to be this way, then there's nothing I can do. If it's not in the plans of your god for you two to be together, then no force can bring you guys together," Rihan solemnly stated.

Ayushman paused for a moment, furrowing his brows as he considered the situation. After a brief silence, he uttered decisively, "It's time to start preparing the lawyers now."

On the other hand, Diyanshi packed all her bags, booked a cab, and started to head out.

"Why are you even going in the first place? Just stay here. This is your home," her grandma argued. She pleaded with her granddaughter, trying to convince her to reconsider leaving.

"Dadi, I understand your concern, but I have a job there, so I need to go. Don't worry, I promise I'll keep coming to visit you," Diyanshi reassured her grandmother.

"Won't you meet your brother and others before going?", she asked.

"He just got married and will be very busy with his new wife. I don't want to disturb them. Meeting you before I go is enough for me," Diyanshi said.

"Take care of yourself and don't skip meals. I'll miss you", her grandmother said sadly.

After waving her grandmother goodbye Diyanshi headed towards the cab which she called and while she was about to open the door a hand stopped her. When she looked up she saw a familiar figure.

"What are you doing here?", she asked angrily.

"I need to talk to you about something", Ayushman said.

"We don't have anything to talk about. Let me go", she stated and pulled her hand from his hold, and opened the door of the cab.

"Let's get divorced", Ayushman said.

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THANK YOU FOR READING <3