Ch-21 "I... I'm scared!"

Happy reading,

Let's start,

Kabir was driving the black SUV steadily through the congested roads of the city. Meera sat beside him in the passenger seat, her dupatta neatly draped. Her hands rested on her lap, fingers tangled nervously with each other, her eyes staring blankly out the window.

Traffic had slowed to a crawl, and eventually, the car came to a complete halt.

Kabir sighed, glancing at the jam ahead. "Bhabhi, today's traffic is insane… but don't worry, it'll clear soon."

He turned to her casually then stopped. His smile faded the moment he saw her face.

Her eyes were red. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks, unnoticed by her.

"Bhabhi?" he said softly, confused. "Are… are you crying?"

Meera quickly looked away, wiping her cheek, but the hurt was too visible to hide. She gave a small nod, not trusting her voice yet.

Kabir's heart sank. His carefree expression turned serious in an instant.

"Bhabhi, please… tell me what's wrong. Don't do this alone. What happened?"

Her voice cracked as she finally spoke, "Kabir… I don't know why… but today, I miss Maa and Papa so much. It's like I can hear their voices… see their faces. Everything feels so heavy."

Kabir stared at her, heart aching. There was a long pause before he responded, almost ashamed.

"I'm really sorry, Bhabhi. I wish I could take that pain away. I know this isn't fair… but this… I can't talk to boss about. You know how he is."

Then added, "But I promise you… the moment he’s back home, I will talk to him about letting you go back to college. He can't just lock you away like that."

Meera gave a weak smile, still staring out the window. "No, Kabir… don't say that. I don't have any complaints about Mr. Singhania."

Kabir wasn't convinced. "Bhabhi… what happened between you two today?"

Her breath hitched, and for a second, Kabir thought she wouldn't reply. But then she placed her hand gently on his cheek and whispered with teary eyes, "Nothing, Kabir. Really. Don't stress. Nothing happened."

He took her hand in his, softly holding it. "Bhabhi, I've known boss for years. So something has happened."

Meera tried to smile. "It was just a small misunderstanding… it'll pass."

Kabir still looked at her, clearly not convinced but unwilling to press her further. "Alright. If you say so, I'll believe you."

Meera nodded.

Moments later, Meera turned her head to look out the window again. A small puppy, thin and shivering, sat curled up beside a pole on the sidewalk, its eyes scanning each passerby with hope.

"Kabir… that puppy," she said softly. "He looks so hungry. Can you ask one of the guards to feed him something? Please?"

Kabir glanced outside and immediately nodded. "Bhabhi, you don't need to say please. You just command, I'll take care of it."

He grabbed his phone and called the security detail in the following car.

Within minutes, two guards stepped out of the back SUV, carefully approached the dog, and crouched to feed him biscuits and water.

Meera watched the scene unfold with soft eyes. Her lips lifted into a small, genuine smile a rare one that Kabir hadn't seen in days.

He saw that smile and exhaled in relief, a weight lifting from his chest. "See? Even your kindness has power, bhabhi. You don’t even realize it."

She didn't reply, just looked back out of the window quietly as the traffic finally began to move.

Kabir started the engine again, but this time he drove slower… careful… as if protecting something delicate beside him.

He glanced at her once more, thinking silently, "Boss, you have no idea what kind of precious soul you've brought into your life. Take care of her… or one day, we all might regret it."

After reaching the mansion, Meera didn't wait for anyone or say a word. Without meeting anyone's eyes, she quietly walked up the stairs, her footsteps slow, as if her body weighed more than usual.

She reached her room, shut the door softly behind her, and locked it.

Silence wrapped around her like a heavy blanket.

She didn’t turn on the lights. The darkness felt more familiar than the light today almost safer. The moonlight from the window cast a pale glow across the floor, but even that felt too bright for her shattered state.

Her legs trembled as she walked slowly toward the bed. Each step replayed what had happened earlier at college those filthy words, the unwanted touch, the suffocating fear. It looped in her head like a curse, refusing to fade.

She tried to breathe, but her chest felt tight. Her fingers were cold.

And then came the ache that ache the one that reached deep into her heart as her mind whispered the one name that always made her feel safe.

Papa.

She collapsed onto the bed, not bothering to fix the blanket or pillows. She turned to her side and pulled a pillow close, burying her face in it.

And then… she broke.

Her muffled sobs filled the room, echoing against the silence.

"Papa…" she cried brokenly. "I miss you. I miss you so, so much."

Her body shook with every cry as she hugged the pillow tighter, as if it could absorb the pain. "Your doll really needs you today. Please, just once… just once, come back."

Tears streamed endlessly as her voice cracked with each word. "I promise I won't talk back. I won't argue. I won't say anything rude again. Please… I just want to see you. Just for a moment."

She pressed her palm to her chest as though trying to hold her heart together. "You always said you could hear me without me saying anything… so please, Papa… hear me now."

"I need to tell you something. Something I can't say to anyone else… something horrible."

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "There was a man at college today. The way he looked at me… the way he tou…"

She choked on her breath.

"I didn't do anything wrong… I swear I didn't… but I was so scared."

Fresh tears spilled as she curled into herself. "I can't tell Mr. Singhania. He'll be furious. I know him… he'll lose control. And I… I don't want more blood because of me."

"Please, Papa… come to me. Sit beside me, stroke my hair like you used to… tell me everything will be okay. Please."

Her voice faded into quiet sobs again, muffled against the pillow.

Her fingers trembling. "I wish I could hug you, Papa. I feel so alone."

A long silence followed only her breathing and occasional sniffles filled the room.

Eventually, her body gave up. Exhausted by emotion, Meera lay there quietly, eyes red, breath uneven. She whispered once more, as if hoping the wind might carry her words to another world "Please come… before I fall apart completely."

And with that, she closed her eyes, the image of her father burned in her memory… while the weight of fear, grief, and helplessness wrapped tightly around her like a second skin.

Downstairs, house buzzed gently with the arrival of Vansh and his mother. Roop, always the enthusiastic one, rushed upstairs and knocked lightly on Meera's bedroom door.

"Bhabhi… are you asleep?" she called out softly, her voice laced with care.

Inside, Meera was lying still, her tears still fresh on her cheeks. She startled at the knock and quickly wiped her face with trembling hands.

"N-no… I'm awake. What happened?" she managed to say, her voice faint but steady.

"Vansh bhaiya and aunty have come," Roop informed gently.

Meera closed her eyes for a second, took a shaky breath, and said, "Okay… you go. I'll come in a while."

Once Roop left, Meera turned on the lights slowly. The sudden brightness made her flinch.

She walked to the mirror, stared at her reflection. Her eyes were swollen, her face pale and visibly tired. She took a tissue, dabbed her tears again, fixed her hair, and softly whispered to herself, "You're strong, Meera. Don't fall apart now. Just smile… just for a little while."

Gathering herself, she headed downstairs.

As she reached the living room, her eyes fell on Vansh’s mother. She forced a small smile and walked straight to her.

"Maa… you came after so many days," she said, hugging her tightly, holding on just a bit longer than usual.

Vansh’s mother wrapped her arms around her, feeling the girl tremble faintly. She pulled back and looked at her carefully.

"Sorry, beta. I couldn't come earlier," she said, gently cupping Meera's cheek. "But what's wrong? Why does your face look so dull? Did something happen? Did Adi say something?"

Meera shook her head quickly, trying to dismiss the concern. "No, Maa… I'm just… not feeling well today."

Her mother-in-law’s gaze softened with concern. "You should rest, beta. But you must tell Adi to come home on time. You know your uncle? If he's even five minutes late, I keep calling until he walks in the door."

Vansh, sprawled lazily on the sofa, overheard the conversation and smirked. "Exactly! Learn something from your saasu maa."

He sat upright and raised a brow. "Anyway, do you even know where your beloved husband is right now?"

Meera blinked, unsure. "No… I don't."

Vansh tilted his head. "You should ask. At least pretend to care. He's your husband, after all."

Meera replied softly, "I'm sure he's out at work…"

Vansh scoffed playfully, but his tone carried a teasing edge. "Wah, Devi ji! Aapke charan kahan hain unhe chukar mein bhi itni sadbuddhi pana chahta hun."

He leaned forward, his grin mischievous. "You know junglee billi kahi aisa na ho ki ek din wo aaye aur kahe 'Baccha' inse milo ye hai meri dusri biwi mere bacche ki maa banne wali hai kyoki tum toh banogi nahi toh maine ise bna diya."

She said nothing. And then… without a word, she turned around and quietly walked away. Her steps were slow but determined. The silence she left behind was deafening.

Vansh's mother immediately turned to him and hit him lightly on the shoulder. "Was that necessary, Vansh? What was the point of saying all that? Couldn't you see her face? You've hurt my girl."

Vansh looked at the staircase where she had disappeared, his smile gone.

"Strange, Maa… she didn't even respond," he said, genuinely confused. "She always has a sharp reply. Today… she just left."

He rubbed the back of his neck, unease creeping into his chest. "Something's wrong… this isn’t her."

He turned to Kabir, who had just walked in and sat down. "Kabir… do you know what's going on with her? Did something happen?"

Kabir hesitated, his expression unreadable.

Vansh stared at him. "Kabir. Say something."

Then Kabir says, his voice low and tense, "I don't know what happened, bhai… Boss was in a terrifying mood today. First, he went straight into Dadi's room and just lost it. He threw everything, broke frames, lamps, shattered the glass cabinet… it looked like a storm had passed through. Then he stormed out and went to the showroom. And there… he smashed the diamond glass table with his hand, bhai. That thick, imported glass… completely shattered. His entire hand was bleeding."

He pauses, his throat tightening. "There was so much blood in his cabin, and then in the boardroom too… It was like a crime scene. Sab log shock mein the. He strictly told everyone no doctor, no first aid, no one touches him. Everyone was too scared."

Vansh's jaw clenches as his hands curl into fists.

Kabir continues, "Then Bhabhi came. I don't know what she said, how she did it, but somehow she calmed him. She didn't leave until she bandaged him completely."

Vansh's eyes flicker.

"And after that," Kabir says with a sigh, "Boss took her phone and said that until he says otherwise, she won't go back to college. Bhabhi didn't even argue. Like she'd given up today."

Vansh slams his palm on the table, eyes blazing. "And you're telling me this NOW?!"

Kabir flinches. "Bhai… I didn't get the chance. It all happened so fast."

Vansh’s mother gasps. "So much happened? And you didn’t inform us? Is my Adi okay?!"

Kabir shakes his head, frustrated. "There wasn't even a second to call, aunty. And honestly… Boss wasn't just hurt physically. He looked like something inside him had snapped."

Vansh growls, "Maa, I'm telling you… this time Adi's getting it from me. You know what he promised me? That he won't make Meera cry. Ever. And today…"

He storms away a few steps before turning around again. "You know what hurts the most? She didn't even say anything. That girl hides her storms like they don't exist."

Kabir says, voice thick with emotion, "Bhai, you have to talk to him. Please. Bhabhi… she was crying like a child."

Vansh walked up the stairs, his steps growing heavier with each stride as his mind kept replaying Kabir's words. When he reached Meera's room, he found her standing silently by the window, arms crossed, her face pale, eyes lost in the horizon.

He slowly walked towards her, then gently opened his arms, his voice soft yet full of warmth, "Come..."

She turned around, her eyes glassy. For a second, she just looked at him searching. Then, wordlessly, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him tightly. Vansh held her protectively, his hand rubbing her back in slow circles.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, voice thick with guilt. "I never meant to hurt you. I was just trying to cheer you up, that's all."

Meera didn't respond, her fingers just clutched the back of his shirt tighter. Her silence spoke louder than anything.

Vansh gently cupped her face, lifting it slightly so he could see her properly. "What happened, hmm? Why are you so quiet?"

She looked away but didn't move from his arms.

"Don't you trust me?" he whispered, a hint of hurt in his tone. "I swear, if Adi said anything to upset you, just tell me. I'll scold him, beat him. You know I will."

Meera looked into his eyes, finally speaking, her voice almost a whisper, "I'm not upset with Mr. Singhania... It's something else. Something I'm scared of."

Vansh frowned. "What is it? Tell me."

"Promise me you won't tell anyone," she said, hesitant and vulnerable, searching his face for sincerity.

"I promise," he said without blinking. "Tell me, Meera. I'm here. I won't say a word. I just want to understand you."

That was all she needed someone who wouldn't just listen, but understand. She finally told him everything that had happened in college.

Vansh's body tensed with every word, his jaw clenched, eyes dark with rage. "He did that? That bastard! How dare he I swear to God, Meera, I’ll kill him!"

Meera instantly grabbed his arm, shaking her head. "No! This is why I didn’t tell Mr. Singhania. I knew both of you would react like this. Please, Don't do anything."

"You’re asking me to stay quiet knowing what he did to you? Meera, how can I…" His voice cracked with frustration.

"Please...," she whispered.

Vansh looked at her for a long moment, then exhaled, cupping her cheeks gently. "Alright... I won't do anything. I won't go anywhere. But only on one condition you stop crying. Promise me you won't shed another tear over this jerk."

Meera nodded slightly. "Promise."

"And you'll come downstairs now," he said softly, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "Mom's waiting for you. Let's eat something, hmm?"

She nodded again, and he led her out of the room with his arm around her shoulder.

As they reached the last step, Vansh teased, trying to lighten the mood, "You know... if you keep crying like this, Adi will learn to come home on time every day out of pure fear."

Meera looked at him, confused for a second, then let out a small laugh.

He stopped her gently.

Vansh stood beside her, his tone gentle but firm. "Beta, being innocent is a beautiful thing… but never let that be your weakness. The world isn't always kind. If you don't learn to draw boundaries, people will start thinking you're weak."

She lowered her gaze, fidgeting with the end of her dupatta.

He continued, "I know you don't like Adi's anger, his decisions, the way he sometimes handles things. But crying won't help. You need to stand up to him. If he raises his voice, you raise your eyes. And if it ever comes to it…"

He paused, a teasing smile appearing, "give him a tight slap. You're his world, Meera. If you slap him. He'll probably just stand there and take it. He won't raise his voice. He might even hold your hand and say sorry. That's how much power you have over him. Tell him to control his anger. he becomes a completely different man around you. You just need to use that strength."

Her eyes widened, unsure if he was serious."

Vansh's voice turned firmer now, laced with a brother-like authority. "Meera… if one day, because of your silence… because of your softness… you lose the person who was supposed to be yours, you'll regret it more than anything. Don't let your silence cost you your happiness."

He looked at her intently. "And where is he, haan? Why do you not even know where your husband is this late at night? You're his wife. Whether you accept it or not, you are. And yet, you didn't even ask him where he went?"

She blinked rapidly, her chest tightening with unshed emotions.

"You should ask him. You should demand to know. It's your right."

"Beta, I can't ask you to leave. If you walk away, mera bhai mar jaega. And that's something I will never let happen. You are his Jaan... and he... he is mine."

He paused, his voice tightening. "You can call me selfish if you want. Maybe I am. But what can I do? I've seen him struggle to breathe without you. I can't watch him in that condition, beta."

His eyes softened. "I know he gets angry... too easily. But you only you can calm him down."

Her voice came out soft, almost broken. "Unke gusse ka naa aap kuch kar sakte hain aur naa main."

Vansh let out a light, helpless chuckle, "Accha tu mere saamne mere bhai ki burai kar rahi hai."

Instead, her reply came, "Aur aap tabse mere saamne mere pati ki burai kar rahe hain uska kya..."

Vansh raised his eyebrows in mock offence, his tone teasing yet knowing. "Ohh... Aapka pati, huh..."

He leaned back slightly, a grin playing at the corner of his lips. "Itni si line mere bhai ke saamne bhi bol diya kar."

She looked at him. Vansh patted her head gently, and together they walked toward the dining table still fragile, still healing, but holding on.

Vansh glanced at her, then turned to his mother with a gentle tone.

"Maa, please… feed Meera."

His mother immediately picked up on his tone. "Where are you going, beta?" she asked, worry creeping into her voice.

"Nowhere, Maa. Just to the study for a bit." He left without waiting for further questions.

Inside the study, his steps were hurried now, matching the storm building inside him. He picked up his phone and dialed. The line connected on the first ring.

"Adi, come home. Right now," Vansh said, voice low and tight.

"What happened? Is the Baccha okay?" Aditya's voice sharpened instantly.

"I didn't call for questions. Just do what I said," Vansh replied coldly.

Aditya went quiet for a beat. Then simply said, "I'm on my way."

He disconnected the call and turned to Isha, who was seated beside him. "Isha, I have to go home. Vansh called. He never calls unless it's urgent."

Isha frowned. "Adi, we're almost at the site. The diamonds are just minutes away let's finish this. Please."

Aditya's jaw clenched, but his tone remained calm. "You know I never ignore him. If he's called, it means I have to be there, now. You head home. We'll leave in the morning."

Without another word, he stepped out of the car, walked back to the security vehicle behind them, and personally opened the door for Isha.

"Sit," he said gently, almost like a request cloaked in command.

Isha hesitated, noticing the blood seeping through the fabric of his shirt. "Adi… your hand is bleeding…"

"I'll handle it, Isha. Don't worry." He gave her a reassuring nod. "Just go home safe. That's all I want."

She looked at him for a moment longer, then wrapped her arms around him tightly in a short but heavy hug. There were no goodbyes, just silence.

Aditya leaned into the car and told the driver, "Take her home straight. No stops. I'm assigning full security details."

He ordered eight backup cars to tail Isha, ensuring her safety, then finally slid into the driver's seat of his own vehicle.

Moments later, as he sped through the silent highway under the dark sky, his car was suddenly ambushed. A black SUV appeared behind and started firing. Bullets hit the side of his car, cracking the glass and denting the metal.

Aditya's jaw clenched. Blood still dripping from his injured hand, he gripped the steering wheel with one hand and pressed the accelerator harder.

He didn't flinch. He didn't slow down.

Swerving expertly through traffic, he avoided a collision and took a sudden U-turn, throwing off the attackers. His body throbbed with pain, but he didn't stop until he reached home.

As his car screeched into the house driveway, the guards ran toward him.

"Boss!" one shouted. "Your car's been hit! There are bullet marks everywhere are you okay?"

Aditya stepped out, wiping blood from his hand with a handkerchief. "I'm fine. Just a small attack."

Another guard came forward. "Boss, where's your security team?"

He replied without hesitation, "I sent them with Isha. She needed them more."

"But Boss..."

Aditya raised his hand, stopping further questions. "Don't argue. Strengthen the perimeters. I want double security around the house. Nobody goes in or out without my permission."

He stepped inside the house, his heartbeat still racing, eyes frantically searching for one face Meera's. And there she was sitting quietly at the dining table, her eyes lowered, while his mother gently fed her with a tenderness only a mother could offer.

Aditya paused, his chest rising and falling heavily. The moment his gaze met Meera, something within him calmed. He shut his eyes briefly, almost like a silent prayer of relief she's okay.

He walked toward them, trying to steady his breath.

His mother noticed his disheveled state. "Adi," she said, placing a hand on his arm, "what is all this, beta? What did you do today?"

He bent slightly, whispering a soft, "Sorry, Maa."

She frowned, brushing his damp hair back. "Why are you sweating so much?"

He shifted his gaze to Meera, gave a small smile and said, "Just needed to breathe, Maa."

Aditya turned to his mother. "Where's Vansh?"

"Probably in the study."

He nodded. "Okay. And please… feed my wife well today," he added softly. "She shouldn't be weak…"

With one last glance at Meera, he walked off toward the study, his face now hardening with purpose.

Inside the room, Vansh sat in a dimly lit corner, one leg crossed over the other, his hand gripping the armrest of the chair tightly. As soon as Aditya stepped in, Vansh's sharp eyes followed him like a hawk.

"What happened?" Aditya asked, shutting the door behind him. "You called me like the world was ending."

Before Aditya could blink, Vansh stood up, fury in every step. He grabbed Aditya by the collar and slammed him onto the sofa, pinning him down with rage radiating off him.

"You promised me, didn't you?" he growled, his voice shaking with emotion. "You said you wouldn’t make her cry."

Aditya looked up at him, stunned. "When did I make her cry? What are you talking about?!"

Vansh's hand moved swiftly to the holster inside his jacket. He pulled out his gun and pressed it against Aditya's chest.

"Adi, every time you pretend you're innocent after creating a mess… I feel like putting a bullet in you. You think your sorrys will fix everything?"

He pushed harder. "I told you control your damn anger in front of her! You lost it again today, didn't you?"

Aditya's voice cracked, guilt rising in his throat. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt her!"

Vansh exhaled, disgusted. He stepped back, shaking his head, and slumped into the chair, gripping his forehead.

Aditya picked up a water bottle, held it toward him silently.

Vansh smacked it away.

Aditya slowly sank to his knees in front of him. "I said sorry. I lost it… it won't happen again, I swear."

There was a long pause.

Then Vansh took out his phone and called, "Kabir."

Within moments, Kabir entered, his face tense. "Yes, bhai?"

Vansh looked between the two of them, his voice grim. "Rohan is dead."

Aditya looked at him. "What…?" he whispered.

Kabir's eyes widened. "Bhai… when did this happen?"

Vansh let out a bitter chuckle. "You two are acting like you didn't know."

"I didn't!" Aditya shouted. "Why would I?!"

Kabir stepped forward. "Bhai… if you suspect someone, please tell us. You know we'd never hide the truth."

Vansh stood up slowly, walking toward the window. "I don't know who did it yet. But I swear to you both, I will find out."

He turned, his expression stone-cold. "And if it turns out… that it was one of us" he looked from Aditya to Kabir "…then we better pray Meera never finds out."

His voice dropped, deep and deadly. "Because she's already breaking on the inside. If she finds out we're behind this… we might lose her for good."

The room fell into silence, the weight of his words sinking into their bones.

Vansh stepped forward, his gaze piercing. "You didn't kill Rohan?"

Aditya's eyes darkened. "No, I didn't."

Vansh raised his hand. "Then place your hand on my head and say it."

Aditya frowned in disbelief. "What nonsense is this, Vansh? Why would I lie to you."

Vansh's voice was cold, laced with hurt. "Because I trust you, Adi. But your anger? I don't trust that. Do it… just once. For me."

There was a beat of silence. Aditya looked into his brother's eyes, then slowly raised his hand and placed it on Vansh's head. "I swear on you, I didn't do it. I really don't know who did."

Vansh turned to Kabir. "What about you? Did you kill Rohan?"

Kabir looked shocked. "No, bhai. I didn't even go near him."

Vansh's jaw clenched. "You didn't. He didn't. And I didn't. Then who the hell did?"

Aditya snapped, "Why does it matter? He's gone. Good riddance."

Vansh's voice dropped, laced with venom. "Because he was our enemy. Kyoki wo humari Meera ke peeche pada tha. Iss kamine ko mara kisne kahin wo kisi ke peeche toh nahi pada tha. You know I hate that fucking basterd.

Aditya muttered, "Then it's good he died. Otherwise, I swear, I would have ripped him apart."

Vansh smirked, but his eyes were still burning. "Yeah? If not you, I would've done it myself. That bastard would've begged for mercy."

Kabir added, his voice cold, "If not you two, I swear I would've done it. Bhabhi was crying like her soul shattered… and boss you lost it today. All because of that scum."

Aditya exhaled sharply. "It's over. He's dead. Let's end this."

But Vansh wasn’t done. "No. This isn't over. I want to know who killed him. Rohan was a manipulative, cunning man. Usko kisi aise insaan ne mara hai jo bahut shatir hai. Jisne uske murder ko sucide mein convert kiya hai."

Kabir's brows furrowed. "Where did they find the body?"

Vansh looked at them both. "In Meera's college."

Aditya froze. "What?"

Vansh nodded. "Yes. That's why I thought maybe… it was you. And tell me this why did you stop Meera from going to college."

Aditya ran a hand through his hair. "Because she wasn't okay."

Vansh asked again, "And her phone? Why did you take it from her?"

Aditya growled, "Because she doesn't even use it!"

Vansh stared at him, disappointed. "That's exactly where I felt something was wrong."

Aditya clenched his fists. "So now I'm the villain?"

Vansh's voice softened just a little. "No… but your orders, your anger, and your control. And right now, Adi, I need the truth. Not just for Meera… but for all of us."

Vansh said firmly, "No matter what happens, Meera should never find out about this."

Kabir nodded in agreement. "You're right, bhai. She's already been through enough."

Aditya let out a frustrated sigh. "What sort of senseless plan is this? If the girl goes to college, she's bound to find out anyway. What then?"

Vansh turned to him, a bit sternly. "You've already decided she won't go to college, right? Then at least try speaking with her for once. Tell her gently not to go for a few days. Not everything needs to sound like an order."

He gently whispered, "Shh… baccha's coming."

Vansh muttered under his breath, arms crossed with mock irritation, "You've started dreaming with your eyes open these days."

Aditya shot him a sharp glare, raising a single finger to his lips, silently commanding him to shut up.

Within moments, Meera walked into the room, as her eyes scanned the space.

Aditya glanced at Vansh, who quickly mouthed a sheepish "Sorry" before pretending to look innocent.

Aditya's expression instantly softened as he turned to Meera. "What happened, little one?"

She looked around hesitantly and murmured, "Uh... I… my book. I think I left it here."

Aditya walked over to her, tucking her hair behind her ear, his tone tender. "You're tired, baccha. Maybe your book can wait. You should rest for a while, hmm?"

Kabir nodded, backing him up. "Yes, bhabhi. Rest will do you good. You'll feel better."

Meera tilted her head, studying their expressions. "Why do you all look so serious? Did something happen behind my back?"

Aditya chuckled softly, trying to lighten the moment. "No, jaan. It's just that Vansh was saying the most boring things in the world. We were dying of boredom."

He gave Vansh a quick glance and winked, trying to change the topic smoothly.

Vansh huffed in mock anger. "Yes, beta, your husband says such exciting things. Please take him away before I actually lose my patience and throw him out myself."

Aditya laughed, "Come, Jaan. I don't even want to waste my time with him."

He took her hand to lead her out. But as she took a step forward and wobbled slightly, he instantly lifted her into his arms.

She gasped, gripping his shirt. "Mr. Singhania..."

He smiled mischievously, holding her tightly. "Hmm..."

She looked at him and said nothing.

As he carried her, Meera peeked over his shoulder. Vansh and Kabir stood behind, They both were smiling, silently grateful that she didn't sense the storm brewing just beneath their light banter.

Vansh even gave her a thumbs up.

Once out of sight, Aditya's voice dropped to a softer, sincere tone. "I'm sorry, baccha… I stopped you from going to college. I thought…, I didn't realize it made you feel caged."

She didn't respond, her fingers clutched the fabric of his shirt tighter.

"You were upset... That's why I'm saying no college for a few days. Not because I'm stopping you again, but because you need peace. Take time for yourself, please?"

Meera remained silent but leaned her head against his chest, her heart full of unspoken emotions.

When they reached the room, Aditya gently placed her down on the bed as if she were made of glass. His fingers lingered on hers, his eyes searching her face.

He didn't want to make her uncomfortable. He knew this was a big step for her, and he wanted her to feel safe, no expectations, no pressure.

"Baccha, You rest now, hmm? If you need anything - anything at all - just call me, okay?" He tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear as he stood up to leave.

He turned, ready to leave the room quietly, giving her the space she needed.

But she was deeply scared about something.

And then he felt.

She held his hand for the first time stopping him. Her voice was barely a whisper. "Mr. Singhania… won't you stay?"

His world stopped.

She never asked him that before. Never held his hand like this - not out of fear, but if her own choice.

He was shocked. By the trust behind that touch.

He paused, turned back, and looked at her - really looked at her - then free hand gently cupping her cheek.

"You... want me to stay?" he asked, his voice barely audible, almost afraid he'd misheard her.

She nodded slowly, still not meeting his eyes.

Something inside him melted. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, his voice laced with emotion. "I'm not going anywhere, okay..."

He sat down beside her, just as his mother walked in with a warm smile.

"Adi beta… I was about to sleep, but I thought I'd stop by and see you both."

Aditya stood up and hugged her softly. She noticed the slight swelling on his hand and frowned, taking it gently in hers. "What have you done to yourself again? You and this anger… it's not a good thing. Look at her… my girl's face looks so dull and tired. You need to take care of her properly."

Aditya smiled guiltily, "Okay, Maa…"

She walked to Meera, sat beside her, and lovingly kissed her forehead.

"Beta… please try to stay happy, hmm? You’re not alone anymore. And listen - if he ever gets angry or starts acting tough, just call me immediately. I'll deal with him."

Meera gave a faint smile, eyes slightly moist. Something about the motherly warmth broke through her wall of silence.

"I'll go change," Aditya said and headed to the bathroom.

His mother turned to Meera again before leaving, holding her hand gently. "You don't look like my Meera today… the one who could shut everyone up with just one glare. What happened, beta? Why does your silence feel so heavy?"

Meera lowered her gaze. "I don't know, Maa… maybe I'm just tired. My head hurts, I just feel a little off. Maybe I'll sleep and feel better."

"Okay, beta… you rest. I'm here if you need anything."

She left. Meera lay down but sleep refused to touch her. Her eyes stared at the ceiling, lost in thoughts that wouldn’t leave her alone.

He stepped out of the bathroom, a towel around his neck, shirtless his skin still glistening with droplets of water. His sharp jawline, perfectly sculpted abs, and solid biceps made him look like a Greek god. The soft lighting from the room only highlighted his raw masculinity.

Meera lay on the bed, lost in her thoughts, her eyes fixed on the ceiling but her heart elsewhere. When she sensed his presence, she slowly turned her head.

He walked up to her and handed her his t-shirt gently, voice low and affectionate. "Jaan… can you help me?" he asked, showing his injured hand, bruised and slightly swollen.

Meera blinked, coming out of her daze. She sat up quietly, took the t-shirt, and helped him wear it with slow, careful movements her fingers brushing against his skin. For a moment, neither of them said a word.

He looked at her, eyes softening.  "Thank you, jaan." Then, pressing a light kiss to her forehead, he added, "I'll be right back, okay? Stay here."

She nodded faintly, not trusting her voice.

Aditya walked to the mirror, ran his fingers through his damp hair, setting it just the way he liked. He picked up his favorite perfume from the dresser and sprayed a little on his collar, glancing back once as she was still silent, her expression unreadable.

The moment the door closed behind him, Meera stared at the ceiling and whispered to herself, "Mr. Singhania, I want to tell you everything… but your anger scares me. I can't. I don't know how. What should I do?"

Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked up again and said, "Kanha… you changed my life, you took me away from my parents. Still, I kept praying to you, kept talking to you… but what happened today… I will never forgive you for this. Why did you do this to me, Kanha?"

A moment later, he stepped out and walked toward the study. Vansh was sitting on the couch, scrolling through something on his tablet.

"Vansh," Aditya began, his voice heavy with guilt, "I think I got too angry today… maybe that's why she's so upset. I shouldn't have let my temper affect her."

Vansh let out a sigh, looking at him seriously, "Idiot… couldn't you hold back a little? I've told you before don't lose your temper in front of her. She's already carrying too much inside her."

Aditya looked down, regret flickering in his eyes. "I hate it… when I see fear in her eyes because of me."

Vansh placed a hand on his shoulder, his voice softer, "Don't hate yourself just go to her. Whether she says anything or not, she needs you. Just be near her."

Aditya sighed, leaning back against the doorframe. "Hmm. I know."

There was a short pause before Vansh glanced up with a smirk, "Anyway, you seem totally uninterested in figuring out who killed Rohan. I mean, he was our enemy. At least we should’ve had the chance to finish him ourselves."

Aditya scoffed, "He's dead. Doesn't matter how or who killed him it's over. Not our problem."

Vansh leaned forward, his tone serious now. "Let me find out for my own satisfaction. You know who's handling the case?"

Aditya raised a brow. "Who?"

"Dad," Vansh said with a crooked smile.

Aditya chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, great. We didn't kill him."

"Yeah," Vansh said, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes, "I'm relieved we didn't but somewhere inside, I wish we had."

Aditya straightened up, his voice firm yet distant. "Whatever it is… I'm going to her. She needs me more than our enemies do right now."

He turned to leave. "Good night."

Vansh glanced at Aditya, said calmly, "Wait you stay here, I need to talk to Meera for a moment."

Aditya raised an eyebrow but didn't question him. "Okay," he nodded, trusting Vansh as always.

Vansh walked toward the bedroom, his footsteps slow and steady, as if mentally preparing himself. He paused at the door and knocked gently.

Inside, Meera was lying on the bed, blankly staring at the ceiling. Hearing the knock, she stirred, slowly pushed herself up, and sat on the bed.

"Who is it?" her voice was soft, almost lifeless.

"It's me," Vansh answered.

She stood up, adjusted her dupatta. "The door is open," she said, barely above a whisper.

Vansh entered and immediately noticed her swollen eyes, the way her fingers were nervously fidgeting. He walked to her, stopping just a step away, and his voice dropped into a serious, protective tone. "Meera… listen to me very carefully."

She looked up at him, eyes glassy and tired, lips parted as if ready to speak but unsure what to say.

"If you're even thinking of telling Aditya about what happened today... stop. Please. Don't even let the thought form again."

She frowned, confused and scared. "Why?" she asked, voice shaking.

He muttered under his breath, "Wo toh waise hi mar gaya usko pta chla to uske poore khandan ko maar dega."

Meera gasped softly. Her voice barely left her throat. "What…?"

Vansh change his words. "I mean, wo usko bhi maar dega aur uske poore khandan ko bhi aur ye sab tu nahi chahti na isliye mat btana."

Tears welled up again in her eyes, but she tried hard to blink them away. "But… what if Mr. Singhania finds out later? You know he always figures things out eventually."

Vansh says with smile, "And if he does find out later, just tell him to talk to me first. I'll handle it. Alright?"

There was a pause. Vansh looked at her with a brother's concern. His voice grew gentle. "And Beta… these tears? No more. I know what happened today was brutal, emotionally, mentally but I need you to know this: I swear on everything I have, nothing like that will ever happen to you again. You're not alone in this."

Vansh continued, "I know healing takes time. I'm not asking you to smile right now. But just… try to breathe. Try to lighten your mood a little. Right now."

Vansh's tone softened a little, trying to offer reassurance. "Because… right now, his focus isn't on this situation at all. His entire attention is on you, Just you."

"Because he knows you're upset.  And he blames himself for losing his temper, and honestly, that's a blessing for now. And you know him if he sees you like this for long, he'll start asking questions. And once that happens…"

He gave a half-smile, trying to lighten her heart. "Well, we both know your husband's brain isn't normal. It's not just sharp it's dangerously sharp when it starts working. That idiot's brain is a weapon and more deadly than a gun."

A tiny smile touched Meera's lips despite herself. That line 'his mind dangerously sharp' reminded her of the way she used to, calling him her 'dangerously clever husband.'

Vansh gently patted her head. "There it is… my brave girl."

He stepped back toward the door. "Alright. Try to get some rest. Good night."

"Good night," she whispered, her voice soft.

Aditya returned to the bedroom quietly and found Meera still awake, her eyes slightly moist. He went closer and asked gently, "What happened, Jaan?"

She looked at him, her voice whispering, "I'm scared…"

He immediately sat beside her, cupping her cheek, "Why jaan? I'm here, na?"

She murmured, "I don't know… I just… I can't sleep…"

Without another word, he lay down beside her, wrapping her safely in his arms and whispering, "Then sleep now… I'm right here."

A few moments passed in silence before Meera whispered again, "Mr. Singhania… my head's hurting a lot…"

Aditya looked her instantly, worried, "Should I call the doctor? Wait one minute, I'll get you medicine, you'll be fine…"

But before he could move, she held onto him tightly and said, "No! Medicine tastes too bitter…"

He chuckled softly at her childish tone, brushing her hair back, "Then should I call the doctor?"

She pouted, "Even he'll give me bitter medicine, Mr. Singhania…"

He tilted his head and smiled, "So then?"

Meera whispered, "Just run your fingers through my hair… I'll fall asleep. You know, whenever my head used to hurt, Papa would do that. And I'd sleep peacefully…"

Aditya's heart softened at her words. He gently pulled her closer, his fingers slowly gliding through her hair, soft and comforting. She closed her eyes as he whispered, "You're safe now… just sleep…"

She slowly drifted off to sleep in his arms, the pain fading with every stroke of his touch, as his presence became the healing she needed.

The room was dimly lit, wrapped in silence, broken only by the soft hum of the AC. Aditya lay beside her, gently running his fingers through her hair, like she had asked. With every stroke, her breathing slowed, eyelids growing heavier.

After a few minutes, she had finally drifted off to sleep, curled against his chest like a fragile bird that had finally found its nest. Aditya watched her silently, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek, his heart full but his mind quietly disturbed wondering what was haunting her lately.

He exhaled and closed his eyes, tightening his arm protectively around her.

But barely ten minutes had passed when her body suddenly tensed.

Her hands, which were resting against his chest, suddenly clenched into fists. Then, before he could react, she gasped and clutched his t-shirt tightly as if holding onto him for dear life. Her breathing turned shallow, her brows furrowed.

Aditya opened his eyes immediately, sensing the change. He looked down, "Baccha…?" he whispered gently, his voice laced with concern.

She didn't respond.

Her eyes were shut, but she was shaking slightly. A whimper escaped her lips as she whispered in her sleep, "Please don't please… don't… I'm scared…"

Aditya's heart dropped. He quickly sat up halfway, holding her tighter.

"I'm here, Jaan… it's okay… you're safe. Shhh…" he whispered, brushing his hand up and down her back soothingly.

She slowly opened her eyes, panic-stricken, as if waking from a nightmare. Her eyes scanned the room rapidly before landing on him.

"Look at me… Baccha..."

She stared at him for a second, her voice trembling as she asked, "Adi... mujhe kuch hoga toh nahi? I... I'm scared."

His expression melted into one of deep concerns. He cupped her face with one hand as his thumb gently stroked her cheek, "Why, jaan? Why are you so scared ? It was just a dream, nothing more. I'm right here... I'm not going anywhere. You're safe, hmm..."

She didn't say a word just buried her face into his chest and sobbed silently, still holding his t-shirt tightly in her fists.

He held her close, kissed her hair, and whispered again and again, "Shh… calm down okay I'm here…"

His t-shirt was now damp from her tears, and he cared about calming the storm that had come to haunt her in the middle of the night.

Study room,

Kabir also walked out of the room, leaving Vansh alone in the quiet study. The moment the door clicked shut, Vansh's phone buzzed. He picked it up casually, but within seconds, his eyes widened.

"What? She did this?" he asked, his voice suddenly low and sharp. He stood up, heart pounding, pacing to the window. "But how…? Her expression... I mean..."

He pressed the phone tighter to his ear, the muscles in his jaw tightening. "No, no… listen to me very carefully," he whispered, looking toward the door as if someone might overhear. "Adi must not find out about this. Understood? This can't reach him."

The moment he ended the call, he let out a shaky breath, running his fingers through his hair, his mind racing.

"Thank God Adi didn't take interest in this," he muttered. "If he had… I don’t even want to imagine what he would've done. And I need to save her at any cost."

He clenched his fists, trying to stay calm, but the weight of the information was too heavy. His eyes flicked toward the photo frame on the table.