6

Adhoora hi raha mera har safar,

Kabhi raaste kho gaye, kabhi humsafar

Dev’s pov

Today, I went got gifts for Naira. She deserves all the happiness, especially now, with the baby coming any day. I brought everything I could think of baby clothes, toys, essentials, even tiny outfits for both a boy and a girl since we don’t know the gender yet. And I have a special surprise for her too, her mother isn’t angry with her anymore. I know how much that means to her, and I just want to see her smile again, the way she used to.

But there's something that's been bothering me lately, something I can’t shake off. Since Yuvaan got married, he’s been different, completely different. I mean, sure, people change after marriage, but he’s like a stranger now. We used to be so close; he was my best friend, my brother. But now? It feels like he’s constantly putting up walls between us. I barely get a moment alone with him, and he doesn’t talk to me the way he used to. He’s distant, cold even, and I don’t understand why. It hurts more than I thought it would.

As I combed my hair and gathered all the gifts, I tried to push these thoughts aside. Today is about Naira, and she deserves to be surrounded by joy and love. But she isn’t herself anymore. The Naira I met was full of life, always smiling, always laughing. Now, though, it’s as if that spark is gone, replaced by something hollow and forced. Every time I see her, she’s putting on a smiling face, pretending like everything’s okay, but I can tell it’s not. She deserves better than whatever’s weighing her down.

Maybe she’ll open up to me today, tell me what’s really going on. Because as much as I want to keep this day bright and cheerful for her, I can't ignore the feeling that something’s terribly wrong. All I want is to see her genuinely happy, even if it means having some tough conversations. Whatever she needs, I’ll be there, just like I always have been.

I got in my car, loaded with gifts for Naira, and drove to Yuvaan’s house. With the baby coming any day now, I wanted her to feel loved and supported, especially since she hadn’t seemed like herself lately. I knew these gifts couldn’t solve everything, but maybe they’d help remind her that she wasn’t alone.

When I arrived, I rang the doorbell, and after a moment, Yuvaan opened the door, looking like he’d just rolled out of bed. He was rubbing his eyes, his hair messy, and he barely glanced at me before motioning for me to come in. He seemed unusually quiet, almost as if he wasn’t happy to see me. We used to talk about everything, laugh over the smallest things but now, there was this distance I couldn’t explain.

Yuvaan’s eyes fell on the bags in my hands, and with a raised eyebrow, he gestured to ask what they were for. I smiled and said, “They’re for Naira.” His expression shifted in an instant, his face tightening as if he was suddenly angry or frustrated. I couldn’t figure out why he’d react that way over a few gifts for his wife. Pushing the thought aside, I asked where Naira was, and he gave me a clipped response. “She’s in the room. You can go.”

A little surprised by his tone but eager to see Naira, I nodded and walked toward her room. When I reached her door, I knocked softly, but there was no answer. Assuming she hadn’t heard me, I gently opened the door and stepped inside, only to realize immediately that I should’ve waited. Naira was standing there, in the middle of changing, with her back to me and her top still off. Embarrassed, I quickly averted my eyes and muttered an apology, starting to back out.

From inside the room, I heard her laugh softly and call, “It’s okay, Dev, come in.” I figured she must be dressed now, so I turned back and stepped inside only to find that she still hadn’t put her top on. She was standing there in her bra, casually, as if it was no big deal. My cheeks went hot, and I immediately looked away, feeling awkward and a little flustered.

She scoffed, amused, and said, “You’re such a gentleman” as she slipped her arms through her top and adjusted it. I opened my eyes only once I was sure she was fully dressed, trying to keep my expression normal but feeling that strange tension in the room. She used to be so open and carefree, but there was something different about her now, a heaviness in her eyes that she couldn’t quite hide, even behind her smiles.

Naira and I moved to the living room, where I handed her the gifts. As she unwrapped each one, her face lit up with a smile I hadn’t seen in a long time. When I told her about her mother’s change of heart, the happiness in her eyes grew even brighter, and I felt a wave of relief knowing I’d brought her some peace.

But as we sat there, talking and laughing, I couldn’t help but notice something that made my chest tighten with worry. There was a burn mark on her hand, a raw, severe-looking bruise that she’d tried to hide but couldn’t completely cover. It was hard to look at without feeling a surge of anger and concern. Every time I see her, it’s the same story, a new bruise, a new injury. And every time, she brushes it off, claiming it was just an accident, that she got hurt while working around the house. But I know better; I know it’s a lie, and it’s tearing me apart inside, wondering what’s really going on.

I forced myself to stay calm, not wanting to press her. Instead, I asked about the baby, hoping the conversation would lighten the mood. She talked about her due date and some of her plans, her voice soft and thoughtful. But then she said something that completely caught me off guard.

“You love me, right?”

The words hung in the air, and I froze, unsure of how to respond. I stayed silent, hoping she’d move on, but she didn’t. Instead, she looked straight at me and said, “I’ve known, Dev. I’ve known all along.”

I swallowed, suddenly feeling exposed. She knew? All this time? Before I could respond, she was speaking again, her voice trembling. “Why didn’t you ever tell me how you felt? Before… before I got married?” Her voice cracked, and I could see the hurt in her eyes.

I hesitated, feeling my own emotions well up, but I forced myself to stay composed. “Naira… let’s not talk about this now,” I murmured, trying to keep my tone gentle. But my words only seemed to upset her more. Tears filled her eyes, and in that moment, the walls she’d been holding up finally came crashing down.

Before I knew it, she was in my arms, her body shaking as she sobbed against my shoulder. I held her tightly, my heart breaking with every tear she shed. All the things I’d kept hidden, all the words I’d never said, seemed to echo between us, unspoken but painfully real. I wished, more than anything, that I could take away her pain, make things right.

But all I could do was hold her, letting her cry, feeling the weight of everything we’d both left unsaid.

Just then, I heard footsteps, and when I looked up, I saw Yuvaan standing in the doorway. His gaze was fixed on me, eyes narrowed in anger, his jaw clenched tightly. Naira was still in my arms, sobbing, unaware of his presence. My heart pounded, realizing how this must look to him.

Gently, I shifted Naira to the side, helping her sit on the couch, hoping to calm her down. I took a deep breath, straightened up, and walked toward Yuvaan, trying to keep things as calm as possible. “She’s just upset,” I said softly. “You know how it is… pregnancy hormones.”

Yuvaan’s eyes didn’t soften. He gave a slight nod. "I know". But his expression told me he wasn’t convinced. The tension between us was thick, the silence almost suffocating, and I could feel his anger simmering beneath the surface.

Sensing things could carry, I decided it was best to leave before anything more could go wrong. “I should go,” I said, giving him a polite nod. I glanced back at Naira, who was still wiping her eyes.

With one last look at her, I walked toward the door, my mind racing. All I wanted was to be there for her, to support her, but I couldn’t deny that the situation was complicated.

■

Naira sat on the couch, her breathing quickening as a sudden, sharp pain shot through her abdomen. Her hand instinctively went to her belly, and she knew immediately that the contractions had begun. She felt a mixture of excitement and fear, knowing the baby could arrive at any moment. She called out. “Yuvaan, please come quickly! I’m having contractions!”

Footsteps echoed from the stairs, and Naira looked up, relief briefly washing over her. Yuvaan was coming down, but something in his demeanor made her heart sink. Instead of hurrying, he moved slowly, almost lazily, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he descended. She tried to brush off her growing discomfort, focusing instead on the fact that he was there, that help was close. Surely he would come to her aid.

As she clutched her belly, another contraction gripped her, stronger and more painful this time. She winced, trying to brace herself, and attempted to stand, hoping to meet him halfway. But her legs felt weak, and before she could steady herself, she stumbled, collapsing on the floor. A low cry escaped her, both from the pain and the desperation creeping into her voice. “Yuvaan…” she whispered, looking up at him with pleading eyes. “Please… I’m in pain.”

Yuvaan finally approached her but made no effort to reach out or offer her any comfort. Instead, he casually dropped onto the couch beside her, taking his time, as if he had all the time in the world. He lifted an apple to his lips and took a bite, chewing slowly, almost as though he were savoring the moment. Naira’s eyes widened, and she could hardly believe what she was seeing. She looked at him, hoping her pain was clear enough to move him to compassion, but his face remained cold, unmoved.

“Yuvaan… it hurts,” she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper, tears beginning to well up in her eyes. She waited for him to react, to show any sign of concern, but he simply watched her with that same detached look, chewing his apple without urgency or care. It was as if her suffering meant nothing to him, as if her pain was invisible.

As another contraction seized her, the reality began to settle in, she was utterly alone in this moment. She tried to contain her sobs, holding herself together, but the helplessness and fear were overwhelming.

She lied there on the floor, clutching her belly and breathing through the pain, while he continued eating, indifferent to her struggle. She tried to steady her breath, fighting back tears, but the heartbreak mixed with the physical agony was too much to bear.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Yuvaan wiped his hands on his jeans and looked at her, his tone casual as he asked, "Do you need help?"

Relief surged through Naira, and she nodded, her voice strained. "Yes... please, Yuvaan, it hurts." Her body was trembling, and the pain was growing more intense with every passing second.

But Yuvaan didn't move to help her. Instead, he leaned back into the couch, his eyes glinting with something that made Naira’s stomach drop. He looked at her, a small, twisted smirk playing on his lips. "Well," he said, dragging out the word, "before I help you, there's something you need to do."

Naira furrowed her brow in confusion, her heart racing with both pain and fear. "What? What do you mean?" she gasped, as another contraction rippled through her.

Yuvaan’s smirk widened, and he leaned forward slightly, his voice low and teasing. "You need to dance with me."

Naira stared at him in disbelief, her breath hitching in her chest. She thought she had heard him wrong. "What?" she whispered. "Dance? Are you serious? I’m in labor, Yuvaan!" Her voice broke on the word, the desperation and anguish creeping into her tone.

But Yuvaan didn’t flinch. He just sat there, looking at her with a cool, indifferent expression. “Yeah. Dance with me, and then I’ll help you. If not... well, I’m not taking you to the hospital.”

“Are you out of your mind?” she scolded him through gritted teeth, her hands shaking as she held onto the floor for support. “I’m in pain, Yuvaan, and this is what you do? This is how you treat me?”

Yuvaan didn’t respond right away. He just stared at her, his expression unbothered, like it didn’t matter to him what she was going through. “I’m serious, Naira. You dance, and then I’ll help you. You don’t, then we’re not going anywhere.”

The nerve of him. Naira’s breath hitched as another contraction began to roll through her body.

She couldn’t believe he was doing this to her. She was exhausted, aching, and now, she felt more alone than ever. The person who was supposed to be by her side, her husband, was holding her hostage with this ridiculous demand. He turned into this monster she hated.

With every ounce of strength she had left, Naira forced herself to sit up, trying to steady her breathing. She wasn’t sure how she was still standing, but she had no choice.

Naira's body trembled as another contraction ripped through her, the pain so intense she thought she might collapse. But she couldn’t afford to fall apart. Not now. Not when her baby needed her. Her legs shook beneath her, but she forced herself to stand, trying to steady her breathing. Every instinct told her to lie down and rest, but she couldn’t do that. Not when she knew she had to act.

Yuvaan, completely unbothered about her suffering, pulled out his phone and started playing music. He stood up, grinning, and reached for her.

“Come on, sweetheart,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Let’s dance.”

Naira barely had the strength to react, but somehow, she found herself in his arms, her body forced into dance. He was moving so fast, pulling her through the dance steps as if it were the most normal thing in the world. She could hardly move, the pain was so overwhelming, but Yuvaan didn’t care. His grip was firm, his movements sharp

Every step felt like a dagger in her gut. Another contraction hit, and Naira gasped in agony, her body buckling under the weight of the pain. “Yuvaan!” she shouted, her voice cracking with the force of the cry. “Please... stop! I can't... it hurts!”

But he didn’t stop. He just kept pulling her along, moving faster as if he didn’t hear her. Naira's eyes watered with both pain and frustration. She was shaking, her breath coming in ragged gasps, but Yuvaan was relentless. She stumbled, nearly falling, but he didn’t let go. Instead, he just smirked, tightening his grip as he led her through another round of steps.

“Smile, darling,” Yuvaan said, his voice cold, mocking her struggle. “You want to get to the hospital, don’t you? Then smile. Just smile, and I’ll take you.”

Naira could barely hear him over the sound of her heartbeat pounding in her ears. She could feel another contraction building, the pressure unbearable. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t think. All she could feel was the tightness in her belly, the overwhelming wave of pain crashing over her like an unstoppable force.

“Yuvaan! Please!” she cried out, her voice raw. She wanted to collapse, but Yuvaan wouldn’t let her. “I can't do this! Please, take me to the hospital! I am begging you! Please! For our baby".

He kept dancing and twirling her. "I hate that baby". He said as if it's one of the simplest thing he had ever said.

With every painful breath, Naira's face twisted in agony, her body jerking with the rhythm of the dance. She gritted her teeth through another contraction, tears streaming down her face. “Please, Yuvaan... I can't... stop...” Her voice broke as another sharp wave of pain hit her, and she cried out once more, her body trembling uncontrollably.

“Come on, smile,” Yuvaan said, as if it were the normal thing in the world. He moved her in sync with the music, his steps quick and sharp, making her jerk with every turn.

Naira forced her lips to curl into a smile, even though every inch of her screamed in protest. “For the baby,” she whispered through clenched teeth, her voice shaky. She had no choice. She had to get to the hospital. She had to keep going for her baby.

Naira's body shook violently as the next wave of pain hit, sharper and more intense than the last. She could feel the pressure building, her body pushing her to the edge. Her breath came in frantic gasps, her chest rising and falling erratically as another contraction took over. She was beyond exhausted, beyond tears, but the pain kept coming, relentless and unforgiving.

And then, without warning, she felt it. A gush of warm liquid between her legs, soaking through her clothes. Her eyes widened in shock as the realization hit her, her water had broken. She gasped in horror, the pain already unbearable, the panic and fear of knowing that things were happening far too quickly. Her baby was coming.

She looked up at Yuvaan, her heart racing as she struggled to catch her breath. "Yuvaan... my water... it's broken," she managed to whisper.

But instead of showing any sign of concern, Yuvaan just gave her that cold, detached look. He didn’t care. His smirk remained firmly in place as he tightened his grip around her, forcing her to continue dancing with him.

"No, not yet," he said, his voice flat and unbothered as he pulled her into the next step. “Keep moving. Keep smiling.”

Naira's eyes widened with disbelief. The pain was excruciating now, and she could feel the pressure mounting inside her as another contraction tore through her. She could barely breathe, could hardly keep her balance, but he didn’t stop. He didn’t care. All he cared about was that she danced, that she kept moving for him, as if this whole thing was just some twisted game.

“Yuvaan... please... I can’t... I can’t do this...” Her voice broke, and she felt another tear slip down her cheek, mingling with the sweat and pain. “I need... help... the baby... please...” Her hands gripped his arms, trying to steady herself, but she was trembling too much to hold on.

But Yuvaan remained unfazed, his expression unmoving as he guided her through the steps again. “You said you want to go to the hospital, right?” he said, almost mockingly. “Then keep going. Smile, Naira. Dance. You can do this.”

Another sharp contraction hit, and Naira cried out, her body trembling. “Please... please, Yuvaan... I need to go to the hospital... NOW,” she begged, her voice breaking with desperation.

But he didn’t care. He just held her closer, pushing her forward again, the music still playing, the beat still forcing her to move.

“Not yet,” he repeated, almost emotionlessly. “Keep moving. Keep smiling. Then I’ll take you.”

She could feel the baby moving inside her, coming closer and closer, and yet Yuvaan still refused to listen.

The pain hit her again, this time more intense, more overwhelming than before. It took everything in Naira not to collapse completely. She couldn’t stand it anymore. Her body was failing her, her legs giving way beneath her. Desperation overtook her as she fell to her knees, her hands gripping Yuvaan’s legs tightly.

“Please... Yuvaan...” she begged, her voice shaking with agony. “Please, take me to the hospital. I can’t... I can’t do this anymore... Please... I’m in so much pain...”

Yuvaan stood there, watching her, his cold expression unmoving. He didn’t show any emotion, no sign of sympathy. He looked down at her, eyes narrowed, as if considering her plea. And then, to her shock, he sighed deeply, a look of disinterest crossing his face.

“I’m bored with this,” he muttered under his breath, almost like he was irritated by her crying.

Naira’s heart sank. She could feel her strength slipping away. “Please... please don’t do this to me...” she cried out again, holding onto his legs desperately, her body trembling in pain.

Yuvaan rolled his eyes, clearly impatient. But instead of pushing her away, he finally bent down and scooped her up in his arms.

“There,” he said in a flat tone, his voice devoid of care. “You want to go to the hospital? Fine. Let’s go.”

Naira gasped for breath as he lifted her, but the pain didn’t stop. It was still there, pulsating through her body with every step he took, every movement. She cried out again, louder this time, unable to stop herself as the pain became unbearable.

“Yuvaan, please!” she shouted through gritted teeth, clutching his shirt tightly, her voice breaking. “Please, hurry... it’s coming... the baby... I need help...!”

But Yuvaan didn’t even bother about her cries. His face was impassive as he carried her, his pace steady but not hurried. She couldn’t understand how he could be so cold, so indifferent to her suffering.

Her mind was spinning, her body on fire with pain, and all she could do was beg for him to take her to the hospital before it was too late. She had no energy left to fight. All she wanted was relief, was for this nightmare to end.

But Yuvaan just continued walking, as though this was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. He didn’t speak to her, didn’t look at her, just walked toward the car with her in his arms, as her cries filled the air.

And all Naira could do was hold on, waiting for the pain to subside, praying that she and her baby would make it out of this alive.

As they finally reached the hospital, he didn’t wait for anyone else to help. He scooped Naira up in his arms, her body weak and trembling as she clung to him, still reeling from the pain and everything that was happening so quickly.

Naira looked up at him, her gaze clouded with both pain and confusion. She was still in shock at how different he seemed so tender and protective, almost desperate. She managed to whisper, “Why…why are you doing this?”

He didn’t answer at first, only pausing to place a gentle kiss on her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. “Nothing will happen to you, sweetheart. I promise. I’m not going to lose you,” he replied.

As they entered the emergency room, a team of doctors and nurses rushed over. He quickly turned to the nearest doctor, his eyes blazing with urgency. “Please, take care of her first. Make sure she’s okay. If…if you have to choose, focus on her first, then the baby.”

■

Naira slowly opened her eyes, trying to gather her surroundings. The room was quiet, and she realized with a sinking feeling that she was alone. She looked around, searching for any sign of her baby, but there was no crib nearby, no soft cooing sounds just empty silence.

Just then, a nurse came in, smiling gently. “Your baby boy is with his father,” she said softly.

“Baby…boy?” Naira whispered, her eyes filling with tears. She felt a surge of happiness and relief. Her baby was here, safe and healthy. But then a bit of confusion hit her. She wondered if the nurse had mistaken Dev for her husband. She knew that Dev will definitely come.

Just then, Dev walked in, carrying her baby in his arms, his face soft with emotion. Naira’s heart melted at the sight. He came over, his steps slow and careful, and then gently placed the baby in her arms.

Her eyes filled with tears as she looked down at her son, holding him close. “My baby,” she whispered with a smile.

Dev nodded, his own eyes misty. He reached over, brushing a tear from her cheek.

After a few moments, Dev’s expression turned serious. “Naira…where is Yuvaan?” he asked quietly.

Naira looked away, biting her lip. “I don’t know,” she said softly, her voice strained. She didn’t want to say much, but Dev could see the pain in her eyes.

A nurse came in again, and Naira reluctantly handed the baby back. She watched as her newborn son was carried out of the room, a pang of sadness mixed with joy washing over her.

Dev sat down beside her, sensing her distress. He reached over, holding her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. Naira leaned into him, feeling comforted by his presence. After a few moments, she couldn’t hold back anymore. She broke down, burying her face in his chest as tears spilled over.

“Naira,” he said gently. “I don’t know everything that’s going on…but I can see that there’s no real love between you and Yuvaan, is there?” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “He’s been so focused on you for years, but something feels…wrong. He doesn’t seem like the same person.”

Naira shuddered, taking a shaky breath. Finally, she whispered, “Yuvaan…he doesn’t want the baby. He hates him.” Her voice was thick with pain, and she held onto Dev as though he was her only anchor.

Dev pulled back slightly, shocked. “What? How could he…?” But he didn’t finish his thought. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

Just then, the door opened, and Yuvaan walked in, his gaze dark as it locked onto them.

Yuvaan walked in, his face softening as he moved toward Naira. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Naira stayed quiet, her expression blank as she sat there, lost in her thoughts.

“Are you okay?” Yuvaan asked, searching her face for a reaction. She simply nodded, but there was no warmth in her eyes. He pulled her close again, hugging her tightly, then glanced at Dev, gesturing for him to step aside. Dev gave a small nod and moved away quietly.

Yuvaan settled down beside Naira, gently guiding her head to rest on his shoulder. He stroked her hair softly, but his mind was racing. The words she had said earlier about him hating their baby echoed in his mind, making it impossible to ignore. He wanted to confront her, to understand why she thought that. But looking at Naira he went out of the room.

Naira looked up at yuvaan, her eyes filled with pain and confusion. “Why are you doing this to me? Why are you torturing me like this?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

He leaned in close, his gaze intense as he held her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. A smile spread across his face before he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Sweetheart,” he murmured softly, his voice laced with a chilling calmness, “the real torture is only just beginning.”

Naira’s breath hitched as his words settled in, her mind racing with words which sent chills down her spine.

To be continued

⚠️ In next chapter the whole stroy is going to change cause a mystery character enters with his hidden secret. Guess who it is?

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