Chapter 20 | Restless in heart

इश्क़ जुनूँ जब हद से बढ़ जाए

इश्क़ जुनूँ जब हद से बढ़ जाए

हँसते-हँसते आशिक़ सूली चढ़ जाए

इश्क़ का जादू सर चढ़कर बोले

इश्क़ का जादू सर चढ़कर बोले

खूब लगा लो पहरे, रस्ते रब खोले

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

Raghuvendra POV

As I gaze lingered on Aashika as she checked Mihir's vitals, laughing at his silly questions and playful banter. I couldn't help but be drawn to her warm smile and kind eyes. A sense of peace washed over me, a feeling I couldn't quite explain.

As i watched her interact with Mihir, I wondered how someone could be so generous to a stranger. Maybe it was because she was my son's doctor, but the way she spoke to him, with such genuine care and concern, seemed different.

I found himself captivated by her gentle nature, her ability to make Mihir laugh and feel at ease. It was as if she had a gift, a way of connecting with people that went beyond mere professionalism.

My thoughts swirled with confusion. I didn't know what to make of these feelings, this strange sense of calm that settled within him whenever he looked at Aashika. I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on Mihir's happy chatter, but my gaze kept drifting back to her.

Aashika, oblivious to my scrutiny, continued to chat with Mihir, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She was a ray of sunshine in the sterile hospital room, and I found myself drawn to her light, like a moth to a flame.

I found myself staring at Aashika again, my thoughts drifting to her kindness and warmth. But before I could get lost in those thoughts, my mother's voice broke the spell.

"Raghuvendra, have you seen how humble she is? How patiently she handles Mihir?" she said, her eyes shining with admiration. "I adore her, she's an exceptional person."

I felt a pang of...something. I couldn't quite place it. But I quickly pushed it aside, telling myself I couldn't trust anyone except Mihir. I'd been burned before, and I wouldn't let my guard down again.

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Yes, mother, she's a good doctor," I said, my voice neutral.

But my mother's words lingered in my mind. Humble, patient, exceptional...the adjectives swirled in my head, making me feel...uneasy.

I pushed the thoughts away, focusing on Mihir's laughter and Aashika's smile. I couldn't let myself feel anything for her. I had to protect myself, my son. Trust no one, that's what I'd learned.

But as I glanced at Aashika, I felt that pang again, that spark of...something. I quickly looked away, telling myself I was being ridiculous. I couldn't afford to feel anything for anyone. Not again.

Mihir's voice broke the silence, "Papa, come see! My beauty is here!"

I turned to see Aashika smiling at Mihir, and my heart skipped a beat. Mihir continued, "She's an angel, Papa. I like her so much!"

Aashika's eyes met mine, and I felt a jolt of electricity. But before I could process it, she spoke up, her voice firm and authoritative. "Mr. Singh, Mihir's operation is tomorrow. You need to be here with him, no matter what."

Her tone irritated me, and I snapped back, my words laced with sarcasm. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize my presence was so crucial. Please, do tell me more about how I'm supposed to prioritize my son's health over my 'so-called' work."

Aashika's expression didn't flinch, but her voice dripped with sarcasm. "I'm just reminding you, Mr. Singh, so you don't get too caught up in your own importance. We wouldn't want you to miss this opportunity to be a father."

And with that, she turned and left, leaving me speechless. I stood there, my mind reeling, wondering what had just happened. Her words stung, but a part of me knew she was right. I had been so caught up in my own world, I'd forgotten what truly mattered.

"What just happened?" I muttered to myself, still trying to process the exchange.

I woke up to the same haunting dream, the one that had been plaguing me for what felt like an eternity. But as I sat up in bed, trying to shake off the fear, a name flashed in my mind - Aashika. Just the thought of her calmed me down, like a balm to my frazzled nerves.

I tried to shake off the lingering fear, but my mind kept drifting back to her. I couldn't explain why, but Aashika's presence in my thoughts soothed me. I felt my body relax, my muscles unclench, as I let her calmness wash over me.

After a few moments, I got out of bed, ready to face the day. I got dressed, had a quick breakfast, and headed out to the car. My driver, Raj, greeted me with a nod as I settled into the backseat.

As we drove to the office, my mind wandered back to Aashika my love my angel. Her mare thought creates clams around me. And why did she have such a profound effect on me? I didn't have the answers, but I knew I wanted to find out more.

The fear that I inspire in others. It's a beautiful thing. As I step out of my car and into the office, I can feel the weight of my presence settling over the employees like a shroud. They scurry about, eager to avoid my notice, lest they face my wrath.

I revel in their terror. It's a heady feeling, knowing that I hold such power over them. A smirk spreads across my face as I watch them hurry to their desks, their eyes darting nervously towards me.

I am the devil, after all. And this is my domain.

With a sense of satisfaction, I enter my cabin and take a seat behind my desk. I press the intercom button, summoning Arjun, my HR manager.

I lean back in my chair, steepling my fingers together as I wait for him to arrive. I can feel the power coursing through my veins, and I know that I am unstoppable.

No one dares to cross me. No one dares to challenge my authority. I am the one who holds the reins, and I will not be threatened.

The door opens, and Arjun enters, his eyes cast downward in a show of deference. "Sir?" he says, his voice trembling slightly.

I wave a hand, dismissing his fear. "Arjun, I have a task for you. I want you to gather all the employee files and bring them to me. I want to review them personally."

Arjun nods, his eyes wide with fear. "Y-yes, sir. Right away, sir."

I smile, a cold, calculating smile. "Good. I'm glad we understand each other, Arjun."

With that, he backs out of the room, eager to escape my presence. I watch him go, my smile growing wider. This is my kingdom, and I am the ruler.

And also you with that, I slammed my fist on the desk, making Arjun jump. "Listen carefully, Arjun. I don't have time for games. Mr. Desai wants to meet me? Tell him I'm not interested in wasting my time on him. If he wants to sign a contract, he'll have to make me a shareholder with 60% stakes. Otherwise, he'll face the consequences."

Arjun's eyes widened in fear as he scribbled down notes furiously. "Y-yes, sir. I'll make sure to convey the message."

I glared at him, my voice rising. "And you, Arjun. You're responsible for making him understand. If he's not convinced, he's doomed. And if you fail to complete your task, don't ever show me your face again. Got it?"

Arjun nodded, his figure trembling with fear. "Y-yes, sir. I understand."

I sneered, my rage-filled voice echoing in the room. "Good. I expect nothing but success. Failure is not an option."

With that, I dismissed him, my anger still simmering just below the surface. I would not be disobeyed. I would not be defeated. I was the one in control, and everyone would do well to remember that.

I dialed Vihaan's number, my mind racing with anticipation.

>Vihaan, what's the update on Maxico? Has the deal been cracked?"

But instead of a response, there was silence. For a few seconds, Vihaan didn't utter a single word.

>Vihaan, is everything on track?" I asked again, my patience wearing thin.

Vihaan finally broke out of his reverie,

What is it?" I pressed, my anger simmering just below the surface.

Vihaan made an excuse

Vihaan just tell me damnit, exactly what's going on with Maxico."

But Vihaan was evasive, trying to divert my attention.

Don't think you can distract me that easily, Vihaan. I'm the master of manipulation, remember?"

But then he mentioned her name - Ashika, my Jaan. And just like that, I was hooked. My mind wandered to her, and I couldn't help but smile.

But you mentioned her name, just thinking about her makes me weak.I chuckled remembering our last meeting

>Ah, the meeting was amazing I said, my excitement spilling over.

>That girl has a hold on me like on one else. And you know what? I didn't even care. I'm willing to distract, just for her. And you won't believe it, but she asked me out on a spontaneous date this weekend! Can you believe it? My baby asked me out without any planning or plotting. It's like a dream come true."

I couldn't contain my enthusiasm, telling Vihaan all about Ashika and how she made me feel. For a moment, I forgot all about Maxico and the deal. All that mattered was her.

As we ended the call, I leaned back in my chair, a small smile still playing on my lips. Just thinking about Ashika made me happy. She was my Jaan, my life. And I knew I would do anything to make her mine.

.

.

.

.

I'm relaxing and working, but suddenly...

My mind and body were hijacked by an intense, all-consuming craving for Aashika. It was as if my very existence depended on her presence. My hand shook violently, my fingers trembling like leaves as the devil inside me bellowed, demanding I bring her to me. The beast within me roared, refusing to be silenced.

I needed her, my Jaan, my everything. I needed her touch, her smile, her gentle voice. Without her, I was lost, a ship without anchor, adrift in a stormy sea.

But I knew I couldn't go to her like this. I couldn't let her see me in this state, afraid of my own darkness. I needed my pills, my injections, to calm the beast within. To tame the monster that threatened to consume me.

I frantically searched for them, my heart racing with panic. Where had I placed them? My secret room, my office, my sanctuary. I stumbled towards it, my trembling figure a testament to my inner turmoil.

As I reached for the pills, my mind chanted a singular mantra: "She is yours, she is yours, no one takes her away from you." But why this restlessness? Why now, when Aashika was finally here with me? Was she in danger? Was she okay? Was anyone wanting to take her away from me. No no I can't let this happen, she is my, her everything is mine. She is the only one I own. And I owned by her. She only belongs to me, with me. But My heart demanded answers, and I knew I had to find them.

I took the pills, my shaking hand struggling to steady itself. I had to calm down, for Aashika's sake. I couldn't scare her with this side of me. I had to be strong, for her.

With a deep breath, I willed myself to calm down. I had to go to my baby, my Jaan, and I couldn't let my darkness frighten her. I would control it, for her sake. I would be the master of my own demons.

But the questions lingered, echoing in my mind like a haunting melody. What triggered this attack? Was Aashika in danger? Was she okay? Is anyone wants to harm her or wants to take her away from me. My heart demanded answers, and I knew I had to find them. I had to protect her, at all costs.

I waited until my body had calmed down, the pills taking effect and soothing the beast within me. Then, I reached for my phone and dialed a number, my mind still racing with thoughts of Aashika.

One of my spies, hired to keep an eye on her, answered on the first ring.

Is she okay? Is my queen doing well? Where is she now? What is she doing? Has she eaten? Is she facing any problems with her work?"

I couldn't help it. I needed to know everything about her, every moment of her day. My spy, familiar with my obsessive nature, answered calmly,

Keep watching her," I instructed, my voice firm. "I want updates every hour. If anything happens, anything at all, you call me immediately. Do you understand?"

Send me some pictures of her right now."

But then I remembered, I couldn't trust him with my life, my love. No chance. So I added,

>And after sending the pictures, delete all the pictures of her from your phone. I don't want any evidence of her on your device."

But I still wasn't convinced. I needed to be sure. So I called Vivid, another one of my spies who worked with him.

>Vivid, I need you to check his phone for me. I want to make sure he doesn't have any pictures of Aashika on his device."

Vivid agreed, and we connected on a video call. I instructed him to check the other spy's phone, to scroll through his gallery and make sure there were no pictures of my Jaan.

As Vivid checked the phone, I watched anxiously on the video call. My heart was racing, my mind racing with thoughts of Aashika. I couldn't let anyone betray me, not when it came to her.

Finally, Vivid confirmed,

<Boss, there are no pictures of her on his phone. He's clean."

I let out a slow breath, my mind marginally at ease. But I knew I couldn't relax, not yet. I would always be vigilant, always be watching. For Aashika's sake, for my sake.

As the sun's warm rays succumbed to the horizon's embrace, I felt an eerie sense of calm wash over me. The moon, now a silver crescent in the darkening sky, casts an ethereal glow over the city's twinkling lights. I slid into my car, the soft leather enveloping me in comfort, and instructed my driver to go to his home and I deviate from our usual route. Tonight, I sought solace in a different haven, one where my restless heart could find peace.

My mind was a maze of thoughts, each one leading me to Aashika. Her smile, her laughter, her gentle touch - every memory beckoned me to her side. I drove straight to her apartment, my heart pounding in anticipation. The clock read at 9 pm, and I knew she'd still be awake, her nocturnal habits a symphony of music, phone calls, and solitude.

As I parked my car and settled in for the wait, I watched her apartment with an intensity that bordered on obsession. The soft glow of her phone, the occasional flicker of her TV - every detail was a testament to her presence. I knew she was alone, Miss Trisha's absence a blessing in disguise. Even if she were there, I wouldn't have cared; my focus was solely on Aashika.

Time ticked by at a glacial pace, each minute an eternity of longing. But I waited, patient and still, as the night wore on. Finally, the lights went off, and I knew she'd succumbed to slumber. The clock read at 1 am, and I could finally go to her.

With a deep breath, I emerged from my car, my eyes fixed on her apartment. My heart raced, a mix of excitement and trepidation, as I approached her door. This was it - the moment I'd been waiting for. I was about to enter the haven of my Jaan, my peace, my everything.

I slipped into her room through the balcony, my eyes drawn to her ethereal beauty sleeping peacefully. The same beauty that had made me restless, like a hellish inferno burning within me. I approached her bed, my heart still racing from the morning's incident. I sat down on the floor beside her bed, taking her small, soft palm in mine.

"Jaan, my love," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "What happened today? Why did I become so restless? Tell me about your day."

I knew she wouldn't answer, not in her sleep, but I couldn't help myself. I needed to talk to her, to hear my own voice, to calm my racing heart. But even as I spoke, my heart remained unquiet, my mind still turbulent.

I looked at her sleeping figure, searching for answers. What could I do to calm this storm within me? And then, my eyes fell upon the small bottle of chloroform on her nightstand. I knew it was meant for her patients, but I couldn't resist. I spritzed a little onto her nose, watching as she slipped into a deeper sleep.

Now, I could finally find peace. I gently lifted her blanket and snuggled into her chest, wrapping my arms around her. I placed my head on her chest, like a baby searching for warmth, and closed my eyes. Her heartbeat was like music to my ears, soothing my restless soul.

I breathed in deeply, inhaling her scent, feeling her warmth seeping into me. My tension melted away, replaced by a sense of calm, of peace. I was home, finally, in her embrace.

As I lay there, I felt my heart rate slow, my mind quiet. I was exactly where I needed to be - in Aashika's arms, surrounded by her love. And I knew, in that moment, that I would never let her go. She was mine, my Jaan, my everything.

I reluctantly got up from Aashika's bed, leaving behind the warmth and comfort of her embrace. Those 2-3 hours of sleep were the best I'd ever had, and I didn't want to leave. But I knew I had to, before she woke up and discovered me.

As I stood up, I felt a pang of longing. I missed her warmth, her presence. But I couldn't stay. I had to leave before she woke up, before she knew I was there.

But I couldn't resist one last moment with her. I installed a small camera in her room, one I had brought especially for this purpose. Because after today's thought. I couldn't miss a single second without seeing her. I had to see her every minute, every second.

With the camera in place, I went back to her bedside. I leaned down and kissed her forehead softly, whispering in her ear, "No one takes you away from me. Not even you."

I kissed her temple softly, feeling a surge of possessiveness. She was mine, and I would do anything to keep her.

Then, I left her room, closing the door behind me. I knew I had to be careful, to keep my secret hidden. But I couldn't help myself. I had to see her, to watch her. And now, with the camera, I could.

.

.

.

.

.

Unknown POV

I seethed with rage as my man recounted Aahan Singh Randhawa's every move. That bastard had ruined my life, left me with a permanent scar, and now he thought he could just waltz back into town and live his life freely?

No, I wouldn't let that happen. I had spent three years searching for him, healing my wounds, and planning my revenge. And now, I finally had him in my sights.

"What about the women." I asked my voice is low and menacing.

"I saw him with a lady, but I couldn't see her face." He replied that my expression changed with rage.

"Get every single detail about him and her," I growled, my eyes fixed on Randhawa's picture. I wanted to know everything about his life, his weaknesses.

As my man left, I couldn't contain my fury. "Aahan Singh Randhawa, you bastard! You fucker!" I screamed, slamming my fists on the table.

I would make him pay for what he did to me. I would take his eyes, just like he took mine. I would destroy everything he held dear.

And that woman, whoever she was, would be the key to my revenge. I would use her to get to Randhawa, to make him suffer.

My laughter echoed through the room, a cold, mirthless sound.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────........

🥀

ׂ╰┈➤

To be continued...

•dont forget to vote and comment on my story if you like it..

• keep appreciating my work. it encourages me.

Love you all❣️

..................................................................................

• Did you guys like this chapter? So please tell me in the comments.

Do more votes guys. Please 🥺

And share your thoughts that if you like my story or not. Do comment and appreciate my story. Love you all

I tried my best to make my story amazing for you all.