HAPPY READING 🌷

Dev's Pov

She was smiling, sitting too comfortable. And that did something to me.

Then her eyes met mine. And the color drained from her face.

So she recognized me. Good. A slow, dangerous satisfaction curled on my lips.

And then she turned and walked away.

Oh no, not this time. Not so soon.

I walked behind her. Before she could disappear, I caught her wrist and in one sharp motion pinned her against the wall.

Her breath hitched. Her big eyes widened. And my heartbeat stopped nearly. The way she looking fucking divine, there's no way my heartbeat would be at a normal pace.

Her back touched the wall, my arm caged beside her, my face inches from hers. Those same wide, startled eyes looked up at me, the eyes I had once ruined myself for.

For a moment, I forgot why I was angry. I only remembered how beautiful she is.

Words slipped out before I could stop them,

"Ye jo jannat ban kar utri hain aap... iska koi khaas maksad?"

But honestly I don't regret a single word because she's looking like a destructive goddess, a heaven all at a time.

(You've descended looking like heaven itself... is there a special reason?)

Her mouth parted in shock. I leaned more "Ya hume qatl karne ka irada hai?"

She was stunned too stunned to speak.

Ah. My words still affected her.

Her pulse was wild, I could almost hear it.

I leaned closer, lowering my voice.

"Saansen toh meri thamni chahiye... magar aahein aap bhar rahi hain."

(It should be my breath stopping... yet you're the one struggling to breathe.)

"A...aap," She couldn't even finish. God, I had missed making her lose words.

I bent nearer. "Hmm?"

She gathered herself somehow.

"Y-ye aap yahan kya kar rahe hain?" (what are you doing here?")

A smile tugged at my mouth.

"Ji... aapke deedar ke liye aaye hain."

(I came only to look at you.)

She shut her mouth instantly, glaring. That little angry face. I bit my cheek to stop myself from smiling at her cute act.

"Chhodiye mera haath!" (leave my hand)

I tilted my head.

"Ji toh aap hi batayiye... kya pakdein?" (so you tell me...what should I hold")

Her eyes flared. "kya.." She looked scandalized. Adorable.

But then something darker returned.

"Kya karne aayi hain aap yahan?" ( wjh you came here?" )

Because I had seen the man. His hand touching hers. And something murderous still lived inside me. I know she doesn't likes me but still I can't bear the thought of her roaming around a strange man and being not safe.

She tried moving away.

"Hatiye yaha se, Raasta chhodiye." (move away, leave my way)

I didn't move.

Then she snapped, "Fiancé hai woh mera. Shaadi hone wali hai humari."

Everything inside me went still.

Cold. Deadly still.

Before I could think, my hand moved to her waist and I pulled her hard against me.

"What... did you say?"

My voice didn't sound like mine. It sounded like a warning. But iam trying to not lose my temper. Not wanting to hurt her. Because I already acted reckless multiple times and that costs me almost her life. And I have no courage to loose her.

"Chhodiye mujhe...."

"Never." The words escaped raw.

Terrifying. I looked at the saree clinging around her.

The sky blue. The bangles. The bindi.

All for another man?

It made my blood burn.

"Toh ye saree... uske liye pehen kar aayi hain?"

(So you're wearing this saree for another man?)

I prayed she'd deny it.

She looked straight into my eyes and said,

"Haan. Usi ke liye." My grip tightened unconsciously.

(Yes for him)

She gasped. Then her voice broke,

"Aur aapko kya farq padta hai mujhse? Sirf dard dena jaante hain aap."

( And why don't you care. You only know how to hurt me)

That hit. Like a blade. Her eyes now started glistening. And then I realised, I ducking crossed my boundaries.

I released her. What was I doing? Again hurting her.

A tear slid down her cheek.

Instinctively I lifted my hand.

She slapped it away. I tried again.

She jerked away.

Again.

This time she let me.

And I wiped her tears.

Then she grabbed my collar. And shattered me.

"Kyu?" she whispered.

Then louder,

"Kyu kar rahe hain aap aisa? Mujhe kehte hain door raho... phir khud aag mein kud kar bachane aa jaate hain!"

Her fingers clenched my shirt.

"Mujhse kehte hain nafrat karte hain... par mere ek aansu se haar maan lete hain!"

Her voice cracked.

"Chahte kya hain aap, Dev? Batayiye!"

After years. She said my name.

And I was lost. Her tears kept falling.

"Boliye! Kyu akela nahi chhodte mujhe? Kyu har baar laut aate hain meri zindagi mein?"

That was it. My last restraint broke.

I pulled her into my chest. Hard. Desperate.

As if she would vanish if I loosened my hold. She cried against me.

Hit my chest. Complained between sobs. But she stayed.

And I held her as if the world could end. Because maybe mine had.

After years, Her weight against my chest felt like home, punishment and salvation....al at once.

When she finally pulled away, emptiness tore through me instantly. Like peace had been loaned to me for a moment...and reclaimed.

She wiped her tears harshly. Lifted her chin.

And stabbed me one last time.

"I'm getting married. And don't you dare manipulate me this time."

Then she walked away.

And I,

I stood there like a man who had just watched his whole life walk out again.

Janisha's Pov

I walked away with unsteady steps, my heart stumbling harder than my feet.

What... just happened?

My breath wouldn't settle. My hands were still trembling.

Why does he always show up like this?

Why now? Why does he keep coming back into my life again and again?

And what was he even doing here?

No, there's no way he came just to see me. I refuse to believe that.

When I was in the ICU... hanging between life and death... he didn't come then.

So now suddenly he travels all this way... just for me?

I let out a bitter scoff. Lies. All lies.

But then... Those words.

The way he looked at me.

My heart clenched painfully.

Why does he say things like that... when he never intends to mean them?

My heartbeat was still uneven, completely out of rhythm.

That insane man... He has turned my life into chaos. And on top of that, Why did I say I have a fiancé?

I shut my eyes for a second, frustrated.

Have you lost your mind, Janisha? What am I even going to do now?

I reached the table.

Akash looked up at me, concern flashing in his eyes.

"Janisha? What happened?"

I didn't sit.

"I... I need to go, Akash."

My voice came out more rigid than I intended.

There was no way I could stay here.

My mind... my heart...everything was a mess. And worst of all, I had just hugged him. Why? Why did I do that?

"Why? Are you okay?" Akash stood up instantly.

"I... I'm not feeling well," I said, avoiding his eyes.

A lie. A very obvious one.

But I couldn't create a scene here. Not like this.

"oh, actually I have got this for you," he forwarded me a box wrapped in glitter sheets.

"Thank you so much," I replied though the box felt heavier than it should.

"I.. I don't want to come empty hand so..." he said gesturing towards the box. I really don't want to take it but what could I possibly say. And I don't want to create any kind of fuss here when that psycho is also present.

"okay. Come, I'll drop you."

For a moment, guilt twisted inside me. He didn't deserve this. He had been nothing but kind. But I didn't have the strength to explain anything.

"No, no... I came with my driver. He'll drop me," I said quickly.

"And... thank you. It was nice meeting you." He gave a small, polite smile.

"Take care. And text me when you reach home."

My steps paused for a fraction of a second.

Text him? I didn't even have his number.

And I wasn't going to ask.

I just nodded silently and turned away.

"Kisi aur ki zindagi mein phir se ulajhne ki himmat nahi hai mujh mein."

(I don't have the strength to get entangled in someone else's life again.)

And as I walked out, I could still feel his presence behind me.

Like a shadow.

Like a storm that never really leaves.

As I reached home, I walked straight inside without looking at anyone.

My eyes stayed down.

I didn't have the courage to face my mother.

Not now.

"Janu, how was the meeting? You came so early?" Mom's voice followed me.

"I... wasn't feeling well," I said, not turning, not stopping.

I just kept walking. Her footsteps came behind me.

"But you were fine in the morning..."

I exhaled sharply, irritation bubbling up without control.

"Mumma please... I'm not okay. And this saree...." I tugged at the pallu in frustration, "I just want to take it off. It feels so heavy."

"Saree?" she frowned. "But you really liked this saree..."

I stopped for a second, then resumed walking.

"Now I don't.". My tone was flat. Cold.

"Haan haan, ab asaani se mil gayi hai na..." she muttered, a little taunt slipping through,

(Now that you got it easily...)

"Pehle toh chahiye thi..." (Earlier you wanted it so badly...)

Something snapped.

I turned around abruptly.

"Mumma please!" My voice rose before I could stop it. Her eyes widened.

"Haan, chahiye thi pehle!" I said, my throat tightening,

(Yes, I wanted it before!)

"Par koi us waqt kyun nahi deta mujhe kuch?"

(But why does no one give me anything when I actually need it?)

"Jab mujhe zarurat hoti hai... jab main chahti hoon..."

(When I need it... when I want it...)

My voice trembled, but didn't stop,

"Har koi baad mein aata hai... mujhe tadpaane ke baad... aur phir wahi cheez de deta mera dil marne ke baad.!"

(Everyone comes later... after letting me suffer... and then gives me the same thing!)

"Mujhe us waqt kyun nahi milta... jab main chahti hoon?"

(Why don't I get it when I actually want it?)

Silence. Heavy. Sharp. Mom stood frozen.

And that's when I realized,

I wasn't talking about the saree. Tears filled my eyes instantly.

I went too far.

"I... I'm sorry..." I whispered, my voice breaking.

Without waiting for a response, I turned and rushed into my room, shutting the door behind me.

I walked straight into the bathroom and peeled the saree off like it was suffocating me.

Like it carried everything I didn't want to feel. I stepped under the shower.

Hot water hit my skin, but it did nothing.

My heart feels heavier. I closed my eyes. But all I could see was him.

His eyes. His voice. His touch. And that's suffocating me.

After a while, I stepped out, changed into a simple t-shirt and trousers.

The mirror reflected someone I barely recognized.

I felt... guilty.

I shouldn't have spoken to Mom like that.

She didn't deserve it.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of my room.

"Mumma?" I called softly, walking towards the living room.

But my steps froze. My voice died in my throat. Someone was sitting there.

Mom turned towards me.

"That's why I was calling you... but you weren't listening."

But I couldn't hear her anymore.

My eyes widened. My heartbeat stopped.

Because sittiny there,

Was him.

Dad was sitting right in front of him.

And him...

Dev.

"Arey Janu, come... see, Dev is here!" Dad said casually.

My throat went dry. I barely nodded.

For a second, my feet refused to move... but somehow, I walked and sat beside Dad.

I could feel it. His gaze. Burning into me.

"How was your meeting?" Dad asked.

I looked up and met his eyes.

He was already staring at me. Waiting, Watching and Judging. I straightened slightly.

"It was nice," I said, my voice calm... but my eyes held fire.

If he's here... Then he better understand,

I don't need him.

"Really?" Dad asked again, a little surprised.

I turned to him and smiled sweetly.

"Yes, Dad. He's really a gentleman. He knows how to treat a girl... how to be soft."

Every word. Deliberate. Thrown straight at Dev. Like arrows.

I saw it, That flicker in his eyes.

Good.

Mom's face lit up.

"I'm really happy!" she said.

And then,

"Okay, so let's take it further. I'll talk to my friend."

My head snapped towards her.

Wait. What?

My smile faltered.

No.

No, no.

But what could I say now? In front of him?

When I had just tried to prove that I've moved on?

"Oh... but isn't it too early, Mom?" I tried to sound casual.

"Arey, but you said you liked him!" she replied instantly.

I blinked.

Oh my poor mother...

I only said he's a good man.

Why do mothers jump straight to shaadi?

"No, but let her think more. It's just one meeting," Dad stepped in gently.

I almost sighed in relief.

My lovely dad...

But Mom wasn't done.

"Ohho, we're not marrying her off right now!" she said dramatically.

"We'll just fix the engagement before she leaves for hostel. Then after her exams, we'll decide the wedding date!"

I stared at her.

Horrified.

Maa... seriously?

Internally, I was screaming,

"Meri zindagi ka wedding calendar bana diya aapne!"

(You've literally scheduled my wedding life!)

Dad turned to me.

"Janu... is it okay for you to get engaged next week?" My heart dropped.

This is it. Say no.

Say something.

But my eyes, Betrayed me.

They flickered... towards Dev.

No.

I won't give him that satisfaction.

He'll think I'm refusing because of him.

Never.

I forced a smile.

And nodded. "Okay."

Dad relaxed instantly.

And inside me?

Chaos.

"Kaha phas gayi main..."

(What have I gotten myself into...)

If Veer bhai was here, he would have saved me. But no.

Of course not. How can god give me a full peaceful day.

"Meri mummy ka bas chale toh kal hi shaadi karwa dein meri."

(If it were up to Mom, she'd marry me off tomorrow.)

God.

What is this mess?

"Sab log apne pair pe kulhadi marte hain... aur main toh seedha kulhadi pe pair maar aayi hoon."

(People usually hit their own foot with an axe... I've gone ahead and placed my foot on the axe myself.)

My mind kept cursing me nonstop.

Meanwhile, my parents happily started telling Dev about the engagement... about the "rishta."

And Dev? He just sat there.

A tight-lipped smile on his face.

Controlled. But his eyes,

They weren't calm.

Not even close.

As if he was holding himself back from something.

Good.

Let him feel it. Let him burn.

For once.

And for the first time,

Seeing him not okay...

Gave me a strange, bitter satisfaction.

Author's Pov

Janisha stood up abruptly and walked towards her room.

Her steps were fast, almost rushed, as if she was running away from something she couldn't face. Behind her, her parents remained seated, already lost in their conversation.

But she could feel it.

His gaze. Burning into her back.

Heavy. Unrelenting.

Still, she didn't turn.

Not even once.

Dev stayed back for a moment, finishing the discussion with her father about work, his tone calm, controlled... as if nothing had happened.

As if he hadn't just heard about her engagement.

As if it hadn't shattered something inside him.

Then suddenly, he stood up.

"I'll take your leave," he said, picking up his phone.

Rajeev and Rashi nodded, distracted, already discussing Janisha's future.

Dev walked out. But not towards the exit.

His steps changed direction.

Long. Sharp. Determined.

Straight towards her room.

Without knocking, he pushed the door open. Janisha, who was standing in front of the mirror, froze.

Her reflection met his eyes.

And for a second, Her breath stopped.

A shiver ran down her spine.

But she straightened immediately.

Composed. Guarded.

"What the hell are you doing in my room?" she snapped, turning around,her eyes blazing.

Before she could say more, He crossed the distance between them in seconds.

And grabbed her arms pulling her towards him.

"What the.." she gasped.

"Shh... don't," his voice came low.

Calm. But dangerous.

Terrifyingly controlled.

"I think you've forgotten something, Janu," he said, his eyes locked onto hers,

"I don't share what's mine."

Her anger flared instantly.

"Stay away from me!"

"No," he replied without hesitation.

"Never."

His grip tightened not hurting, but firm.

"I've already given you too much time... too much."

Her breath hitched as he pulled her closer. Too close.

"Three years," he continued, his voice tightening,

"Three years I've been burning in this... and now you're just going to walk away and marry someone else?"

His jaw clenched.

"No. Not happening."

Her eyes filled, but her voice didn't break.

"Stop it, Dev."

"No, Janu," he said, shaking his head slightly.

"The moment you walked back into my life... you've already chosen your fate. I've liberated you more than you needed, Three years. Whether you admit it or not. But now put this in your brain, there's no way I'm leaving you!"

Tears gathered in her eyes now.

"You already left me," she said, her voice shaking but firm.

"So don't stand here and act like you have any right over me."

Something flickered in his eyes.

But it didn't stop him.

"That's my mistake that I've let you go ," he said slowly.

"And look what you did with it."

Her anger exploded.

"I'm not your possession. And I'm definitely not someone who will tolerate this toxic behavior from you! Don't you dare to act like a psycho in front of me. I'm not your puppet to bear all these toxic tantrums of yours"

For a second, Silence. Heavy.

Then,

He smirked.

A dangerous one.

"Should I show you how much I own you?" as he said his hand trailed over her waist inside her tshirt. Her breath became uneven.

"Dev!" Her voice came as a warning because the way her body is reacting, it's shameful for her.

"What jaan?" He said slowly grazing his hands over her bare Waist. He leaned forward, and before she could comprehend her eyes shut instinctively. His breath fanning over her lips. He examined her face, the way her body still metled in his, the way he still has the same effect, it somehow made his chest swell in proud.

Then suddenly his voice came. "See even now your body knows whom it's belongs!" He said and suddenly her eyes snapped open. He smirked at her and shame burnt into her veins.

"Leave me," she hissed struggling in his hold.

"You really think you can just walk away?"

Her chest rose and fell rapidly.

"Yes," she shot back.

"And I will leave."

He only tightened his hold. "DON'T SAY THAT WORD,"

Suddenly she pushed him and a sharp slap landed over his cheek. His head jerked to other side. Her anger flared in embarassment and helplessness. "You deserve this, don't you dare to say that you owe me! You are nothing but a pathetic past." She spit.

He didn't say anything but the smirk was wiped off.

"I hate you, Dev Ranawat," she said, her voice sharp, cutting.

"And I will marry Akaa."

Before she could finish, His hand moved.

He stepped closer, his voice dropping into something darker.

"Say his name again," he said quietly,

"and I swear... I will wipe his bloody existence from this fucking world."

Her eyes widened. Not in fear.

In anger and shock.

"I hate you," she repeated, her voice trembling now.

"You're nothing but a mistake I survived."

That hit. Hard..

"I fucking hate you monster Ranawat," she spat.

His smirk back. "But I won't hate fucking you, Jaan!" He said and before she could react. He pulled her closer so close that she could feel his lips over hers but it's not a kiss. She closed her eyes tightly. He looked at her face, so close, so his. Without any hesitation, he leaned, not to her lips but to her neck.

Her chest heaved.

As Janisha realised, his lips over her neck, she took a shaky breath, her hand shot up to push or maybe hold his shoulder. His teeth grazed there, sucking and biting. She hissed a little. As he backend, he smirked proudly at the mark he had given her.

He looked at her with unhinged madness while she looked at him with pure hate and anger. She pushed him and he let her.

"You're insane."

"ONLY for YOU, Love!" he said proudly.

"That's not love, that's a bloody sin. You're a sinner, monster Ranawat," she spat her anger and his eyes twinkled.

"And YOU ARE MY SIN JAAN," He said making her blood boil.

She again moved her hands to slap, but suddenly he grabbed her hands and twisted it behind her back while pulling her towards his chest.

"DON'T, unless you want these marks over your whole body, Jaan!" He said pointing the hickey proudly, he currently marked over her neck. Her eyes widened.

And then he smiled like a psycho. Before she could react, he leaned and kissed her same hands that slapped him. Earlier .

"You became so weak. Eat something, build yourself strong or how will you bear my love, Jaan," he said leaning and she stood too stunned by his words.

He looked back at her face. Something darker.

Colder. Years of love.

Hurt. Ego.

Misunderstanding.

All standing between them. Then he stepped back. Finally.

"I'll leave for now," he said.

His voice was calm again. Too calm.

"But don't get too comfortable with this... distance."

He walked towards the door.

Paused.

Without turning, he added,

"This isn't over. I'll come to make you mine, again" And then he left.

Janisha stood there.

Frozen. Her hands trembling.

Her heart racing uncontrollably.

Anger. Pain. Confusion.

All crashing inside her at once.

She touched her face, still warm from her own tears.

"Why..." she whispered to herself.

But there was no answer.

Only silence.

And the echo of his words lingering in the room.