26.

Did you guys curse me for yesterday’s cliffhanger? 😭😭😭 I had my internal exam on February 13 but the students didn’t perform well, so the professor is taking the exam again. Now I have to study everything all over again because I forget everything after giving the exam. 😭😭😭 Please pray that your author passes with good marks!

Mira's POV

I am still sitting inside the car. My tears are not stopping...not because of what he did but because of what he is going through. He is standing outside, his back facing me, his body looking stiff, like he is holding himself together with great difficulty. His tears are falling non-stop and my heart twists painfully. I can't see him like this. I can't bear it.

Why is he acting this way? Did… did he hear everything I told Karan? But how?

My hands are trembling as I wipe my face. My whole body is shaking  because of how he drove the car. He was driving so fast, so recklessly, like he didn’t care about anything. I wasn’t scared for myself....I was scared for him. The way he was driving, it felt like he was ready to crash if it meant escaping his pain.

I look outside again. His back is still turned to me. His head is slightly bent forward, his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides. He looks like he’s fighting a battle within himself and it breaks me to see him like this.

Slowly, I open the car door and step out. My legs feel weak but I force myself to move forward, one slow step at a time. As I get closer, my heart pounds harder. When I finally reach him, I stop right in front of him.

He looks down at me. His face has no expression but his eyes… his eyes are filled with so much pain that it feels like someone has squeezed my heart in a tight grip. I don’t think I have ever seen him like this before.

I take a deep breath, then lean forward and gently cup his face in my hands. The moment my fingers touch his skin, more tears spill from his eyes, like he was just waiting for someone to hold him.

"What happened?" I ask though deep down, I already know. At least a little.

He swallows hard, his throat moving like he is struggling to form words. His lips part but nothing comes out. His breathing is uneven, and his whole body is tense.

I softly caress his cheeks with my thumbs, trying to comfort him, trying to take away even a little bit of his pain.

"T.....Tell him" he finally speaks, his voice shaking badly. "Tell my mind… tell my mind that every word you said to Karan was a lie"

My heart stops for a second.

"I know you were lying" he continues, his voice breaking. "I know you love me. You will always love me. My heart knows this But my mind… my mind is ready to accept what it heard from your mouth"

His hands move to my waist, gripping me tightly like he is afraid I will disappear. He rests his forehead against mine, his whole body leaning into me for support. His breathing is rough, his shoulders shaking.

"Tell me" he whispers. "Tell me you love me. Please"

Tears burn my eyes again and this time, I can’t stop them. They fall freely down my cheeks as I stare at him. Seeing him in this state, broken and desperate, hurts more than anything else in this world.

"I love you, Abhiraj" I whisper my voice trembling. "I only love you. There is no one apart from you in my life" I move even closer, pressing my hands firmly against his face. "Mira is yours, Abhiraj"

The moment the words leave my lips, he pulls me into the tightest hug I have ever felt. His arms wrap around me so strongly that it becomes impossible to breathe properly. But I don’t complain. I don’t push him away. Instead, I wrap my arms around him too, holding him just as tightly.

His body shakes against mine and I feel his warm tears wetting my shoulder.

"It was hurting" he whispers after a long moment, his voice filled with raw pain. He pulls back slightly and places his hand on his chest. "It was hurting so much. Here"

My heart clenches as I watch him. Without thinking, I move forward and press my lips softly against his chest, right where his heart is. I kiss that spot gently, as if trying to soothe the pain away.

"I’m really sorry" I whisper my voice barely audible. "I never meant those words I......."

But before I can say anything else, he lifts his trembling hand and places his finger on my lips, stopping me.

His eyes hold so much emotion that I feel like drowning in them.

"I trust you. I know you love me. It’s just… my mind was playing with me after listening to your words" he says his voice low and shaky.

Hearing his words, I completely break down. My legs feel weak, my heart feels too full and my sobs become uncontrollable. How can I deserve this man? How can I be this lucky to have him?

Without thinking, I throw my arms around his neck and hug him as tightly as I can. I bury my face in his shoulder, crying like a child. My body shakes but I don’t let go. I don’t want to let go.

Abhiraj’s arms wrap securely around my waist, holding me close. His embrace is strong, warm and protective, as if he is making sure I never feel alone again.

"I love you, Abhiraj" I cry out, my voice breaking. "I love you so much. I love you" I keep repeating those words again and again, my fingers gripping the back of his shirt tightly.

He rubs my back slowly, comforting me in the way only he can. His touch is gentle, soothing, like he is trying to calm my racing heart.

"I’m yours, my queen" he whispers, his lips brushing against my temple. "And I’m really sorry for driving like that. I’m sorry I scared you. I didn’t mean to"

Hearing that, I suddenly pull back and start hitting his chest with my fists. My hits are not strong but they are filled with all my emotions.

"Why are you so good?" I shout between my sobs, frustration and love mixing inside me. "Why Abhiraj? How can you be this good?"

He chuckles softly, his hands catching mine, stopping my weak punches. His smile is small but his eyes are still filled with emotions. Then, without saying a word, he pulls me even closer and wipes my tears with his thumbs.

"Don’t cry please" he says his voice pleading. "I can’t see you like this. Please don’t cry, Mira"

I sniffle, trying to control my sobs. "I want to tell you everything. Please listen to me"

Abhiraj nods immediately, his hands still cupping my cheeks. "I’ll listen to you, I promise. But first drink some water."

Before I can reply, he turns and walks toward the car. He opens the door, takes out a bottle and comes back to me. He holds out the bottle, waiting for me to take it.

"Sit" he says gently. Then without warning, he lifts me in his arms and makes me sit on the bumper of the car.

I blink in surprise but he doesn’t give me time to react. He opens the bottle and hands it to me. I take a few sips, my throat feeling dry from all the crying.

While I drink, Abhiraj softly runs his fingers over my face, wiping away the leftover tears. His touch is so gentle, so full of love, that my heart aches again.

He is standing in front of me, watching me carefully, waiting for me to speak.

"You won’t get angry right?" I ask in a small voice, looking at him nervously.

He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t reply.

"Promise me" I whisper my hands gripping the edge of his shirt.

He looks at me for a few seconds, then nods. "I promise. I won’t get angry." I take a deep breath gulping down my fear. It’s time to tell him everything.

"You were tense for the past few days and I was really worried seeing you like that" I say my voice soft but firm. "I tried to ask you many times but you didn’t listen to me. You kept ignoring my questions and it made me more worried. So… I asked Dev about everything. Dev told me that Karan was threatening you" I continue, watching his face closely. "And… someone close to you was helping him."

His whole body stiffens, his grip on my waist tightening. His breathing becomes heavier but I keep going.

"So, I decided to help you and made a plan" I say my fingers slightly trembling as I hold onto his shirt. "I knew you would never agree with my plan. And Dev wouldn’t agree either. That’s why… I didn’t tell anyone"

Abhiraj's eyes darken with a storm of emotions but he still doesn't say anything. I take a deep breath before continuing.

"My plan was simple. I decided to go to the office alone, without any guards" I say my heart racing as I remember everything. "I knew Karan would take advantage of the situation. I was sure he would try something if he thought I was alone and unprotected"

Abhiraj’s hands on my waist tighten even more and his jaw clenches harder.

"I threatened Dev not to tell you anything" I admit, looking down for a second. "Even he didn’t know my full plan. I thought that if anything happened, my driver would save me"

I swallow hard before whispering, "But… I didn’t know he was the one"

Abhiraj’s entire body goes rigid. His breathing becomes even heavier. His fingers dig into my skin slightly but I don’t stop. I need to tell him everything.

"When he started taking the car in a different direction, I knew" I say, looking into Abhiraj’s furious eyes. "At that moment, I realized he was the one working with Karan. But I stayed calm because… I wanted to know where he was taking me"

Abhiraj lets out a slow, dangerous breath. His eyes burn with rage but I gently place my hand on his chest, trying to soothe him.

"I knew you had fitted a tracker in my ring" I say softly. "That’s why I didn’t panic. I trusted you. I knew you would save me at the right time."

His grip on me loosens just a little, and I can see his chest rising and falling rapidly.

"But… I had to say all those things about you" I continue, my voice full of regret. "I had to make Karan believe that I was against you. I wanted to know his full plan.....everything he was planning against you."

I take another deep breath before dropping the final bombshell.

"And you know what?" I say, my voice shaking. "Your company’s Chief Director was also involved. He was working with Karan. He was the one who planned everything.....my kidnapping, every single thing"

Abhiraj’s entire body tenses. His jaw clenches so hard that I can almost hear his teeth grinding. His hands on my waist tighten.

"I’m sorry" I whisper, looking up at him with guilty eyes. "I didn’t tell you anything. But see? You caught him so easily. And now the Chief Director’s real face is in front of you too"

Abhiraj doesn’t say anything. His face is still full of rage. His hands grip me so tightly that I can feel the pressure, but he doesn’t even realize it.

"Abhiraj…?" I whisper, touching his cheek softly.

Suddenly, he pulls me closer....so close that our bodies are pressed together. His grip is firm, almost desperate. His eyes burn into mine with an intensity that makes my heart pound.

"But what if something happened to you?" he asks his voice low and rough. "What if something went wrong in all of this, huh?"

I place my hands on his face, looking deep into his eyes.

"When you are here, nothing can happen to me" I whisper with a small smile.

Then, I lean in and place a soft kiss on his cheek. The moment my lips touch his skin, I feel his entire body relax. His grip on me loosens and his breathing slows down.

And just like that, his anger vanishes.

"But what if everything I told him was true?" I whisper looking straight into his eyes.

I know I’m digging my own grave by saying this but I can’t help it. I love testing my limits, love seeing how much he can take.

His grip on my waist tightens instantly. Not enough to hurt me but enough to remind me who he is. His dark eyes burn into mine and I feel my breath hitch.

"Then you would have seen a new side of Abhiraj" he says, his voice deep and dangerously low. His lips curl into a smirk but there’s no humor in his eyes. "A side you wouldn’t like to see. Because in this life and in every other, you are mine. Only mine"

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. His tone, his possessiveness....it does something to me.

I lift my hand and gently caress his face, my fingers tracing his sharp jawline. "I’m sorry for hurting you with my words" I whisper softly, my eyes filled with guilt.

Abhiraj sighs, his eyes softening just a little. "You can never hurt me, babe" he says, his voice warm now. "I know you. It’s just… I’ve faced so many betrayals in my life that my mind kept forcing me to think that you were betraying me too"

His fingers move to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "But I should be the one apologizing to you.....for even thinking that way."

A smile tugs at my lips and I shake my head. "Whatever you did was right" I say, my hands sliding down his chest. "If I were in your place, I would have done the same. Or maybe even more than that."

I lean up and press a soft kiss to his cheek. Abhiraj smile.

"I love you" I say suddenly my voice full of emotion. "I love you, I love you, I love you"

I start peppering his face with kisses....first his other cheek, then his forehead, then the tip of his nose.

Abhiraj lets out a soft laugh—a genuine, happy laugh that makes my heart feel at peace. His arms wrap around me as if he never wants to let me go.

Before we can say anything more, the sound of a car stopping makes us both turn our heads.

The doors fly open and we see Jiya, Zar and Dev jumping out of the car, running straight toward us.

I quickly climb down from the car bumper, my heart warming at the sight of my people.

Jiya reaches me first, her face filled with worry. She grabs me and pulls me into a tight hug, holding me as if I’ll disappear.

"Are you fine?" she asks pulling back to check me from head to toe.

I nod my head, smiling. "I’m fine Jiya"

But the next second—THUMP!

She smacks me hard on my head.

"Ow!" I wince rubbing my head. "What was that for?"

"Badi aayi Khatron Ke Khiladi banne wali!" she scolds her hands on her hips. "Who told you to pull this stunt, huh?"

I pout giving her my best puppy eyes. But before I can say anything, I feel something nudging my leg.

I look down and see my baby.....Zar.

My heart melts instantly. I kneel in front of him, guilt washing over me. "I’m really sorry mumma made you worried" I whisper wrapping my arms around him.

Zar doesn’t say anything but he rubs his face against mine softly, showing his love for me.

Suddenly, we hear a THUD sound. I quickly turn my head and freeze.

Abhiraj just punched Dev in the stomach! Not too hard but still enough to make him groan.

"Why did you hit me?!" Dev yells glaring at Abhiraj.

Abhiraj crosses his arms, his expression dead serious. "Why didn’t you stop her?" he demands.

Dev grins, rubbing his stomach. "Because she threatened me"

Dev crosses his arms and looks at Abhiraj with a knowing smirk. "She’s your girl. Do you really think she’ll listen to me? Of course not!" He sighs dramatically. "And the way you manipulate others she manipulated me" He pouts and this time, I can’t help but grin.

"Sorry," I say in a small voice, biting my lip.

Dev shakes his head, smiling. Abhiraj looking at me and was going to say something but Before he can say anything, THUD!

"Ow!" Abhiraj hisses, stepping back slightly. Dev just punched him!

"This is for not listening to me on time" Dev says, glaring at him. "If you had listened, none of this would have happened! And do you know how scared I was? Seeing you like that? I was terrified you might actually hurt her!"

Abhiraj’s sharp gaze instantly shifts to me. His expression softens and he shakes his head.

"I can never harm her. Even in my most wildest self" he says, his voice quiet but full of conviction.

His lips curve into a small, pure smile as he looks at me...so soft, so full of love that my heart feels like it’s melting.

Jiya and Dev groan loudly.

"Uff, here they go again!" Jiya teases rolling her eyes.

"Someone bring a camera! The ‘Hopelessly-in-love Abhiraj’ moment needs to be recorded!" Dev adds laughing.

I turn red while Abhiraj just smirks at them.

"Let’s go! I’m really hungry" Jiya and I say at the same time and then we both burst into giggles.

I walk toward Abhiraj’s car with Zar trotting beside me, while Jiya heads toward Dev’s.

Just as I’m about to get in, my eyes land on something. My smile fades.

"Zar, what is this?" I ask my voice firm as I point at the blood on his white fur.

Zar avoids my gaze. He looks left. Then right. Then up. Then down. Anywhere but at me.

"Bad boy, Zar" I say crossing my arms. I already know what must have happened.

Zar lets out a small grumble and lowers his head, as if he’s been caught red pawed. I sigh and shake my head.

I get inside the car and Zar quickly jumps in behind.

Abhiraj settles into the driver’s seat and starts the car taking us back toward the mansion.

As we drive, he reaches over and takes my hand in his. His grip is warm, firm....like he never wants to let go.

And the entire ride, he doesn’t. I don’t complain, though.

Every now and then, he lifts my hand to his lips, placing soft, tender kisses on the back of it.

Each kiss sends a shiver down my spine. Each kiss makes my heart beat just a little faster.

And I know, no matter what happens, I’ll always be safe with him.

Dev’s POV

"I'm sorry" I say while driving the car.

Jiya is sitting beside me, arms crossed, eyes glued to her phone. She’s mad......really mad.....because I didn’t tell her about Mira’s plan.

"I’m telling you again.....don’t talk to me" she says angrily, scrolling through her phone.

A small smile creeps onto my face.

This whole situation… it feels like we’re a married couple. Like I made a mistake and now my wife is furious with me.

I bite my lip, holding back a chuckle. But I guess I wasn’t subtle enough.

"Why are you smiling?" she snaps, her sharp voice pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Nothing, nothing" I say quickly. She glares at me, narrowing her eyes.

"And you’re not even saying sorry for your mistake, huh?" she huffs turning away.

Wait, what?

My mouth falls open.

When I do say sorry, she tells me to shut up. And now, when I don’t say it, she’s still complaining?

This girl will drive me crazy.

I sigh dramatically. "I’m really, really sorry for that, Jiya. Please forgive your Dev" I say in a rush.

The moment the words leave my mouth, I freeze.

Oh, shit.

Did I just call myself her Dev?

I glance at her nervously, afraid I might have made her uncomfortable But instead of anger, I see something else.

She’s biting her lower lip, trying hard to suppress a smile. And her cheeks.......oh God.....they’re turning red.

My heart does a weird flip. A slow grin spreads across my face. Neither of us says anything but the silence is different now. Warm.

I focus on driving, but the smile never leaves my face. And I know......hers doesn’t either.

By the time we reach the mansion, it’s already lunchtime.

"Umm, I was so hungry" she groans, taking a big bite of her food.

"Me too!" Mira chimes in happily stuffing her mouth. Jiya pauses mid bite and side eyes her.

"Why? Didn’t your tummy get full from your adventure?" she teases.

Mira pouts, looking at her with big, innocent eyes. I chuckle. These two never stop.

Jiya crosses her arms and huffs looking at everyone with narrowed eyes.

"What? I’m not lying! Am I bhai?" she asks, turning to Abhiraj.

Poor guy.

He looks at her, then at Mira, his expression helpless. His situation is really sensitive right now.

If he takes Jiya’s side, Mira will kill him.

If he takes Mira’s side, Jiya will kill him.

No matter what he says....he’s dead. Abhiraj swallows hard.

"Tell, Abhiraj" Mira says, giving him a forced smile eyes daring him to answer. He looks between them, then lets out a deep sigh.

"Why are you both dragging me into this?" he mutters and quickly looks down at his plate, focusing on his food as if his life depends on it.

For a second, there’s silence. Then......boom. Everyone bursts out laughing. I shake my head, still chuckling, when suddenly......

"Dev, tell us! I’m right na?" Jiya asks, turning to me.

Oh no.

I blink, looking at Jiya, then at Mira. Both are staring at me with expectation. Wrong answer....and I’m dead. I gulp.

Then, out of nowhere, I hear a sound. A deep, throaty noise....like laughter. I turn my head slightly and see Zar.

The big white tiger is sitting there, grinning. His sharp teeth glisten as he watches the drama unfold, clearly enjoying our situation.

I get an idea.

"Uhh… ask Zar!" I say quickly.

Instantly Jiya and Mira shift their focus. Now, they’re both staring at him. I try my best to hold in my laughter. Abhiraj does the same.

Zar, realizing he’s now the center of attention, blinks innocently. He glances at Mira. Then at Jiya. Then at me. His eyes scream betrayal.

"Tell us, Zar" Jiya demands, crossing her arms. "Who is right? Your mumma or your aunty?"

Zar lets out a low grumble, looking between them again. Then....he does nothing. He just blinks.

Mira and Jiya suddenly burst out laughing.

"Haha! You guys can’t even understand a joke!" they say together, high fiving each other.

I shake my head, smiling. These two are something else. But it’s clear how much Jiya loves Mira. She was so scared and angry for her today. Their bond is strong.

Jiya sighs, stretching her arms.

"Half of our day is already wasted so I’m not going to the office now" she says, stuffing another bite into her mouth.

"Me too" Mira chimes in, happily eating her food. Abhiraj nods in agreement.

"You both take rest" he says getting up. "I have some work so I’ll be going"

I raise an eyebrow. I know what his 'work' is. I smirk at him knowingly. He smirks back. Then.....he winks.

Jiya's pov

I cross my arms and glare at Mira who is lying beside me.

"Adventure queen" I mock, rolling my eyes.

She pouts and suddenly wraps her arms around me hugging me tightly. I push her away.

"Sorry..." she mumbles, looking guilty.

But I ignore her. My heart still aches from what she did.

"You didn’t tell me about your plan" My voice is quieter this time, holding my emotions back. "You're hiding things from me now. I can see it. You’ve changed, Mira"

Her face falls. She quickly moves closer and hugs me forcefully this time refusing to let go.

"I’m really, really sorry" she whispers. "I promise I won’t hide anything from you ever again"

I stay silent, thinking. Then I lift my head and look at her.

"Really?" I ask searching her eyes. She nods quickly, like a little child.

"Really" she repeats her eyes sincere. A small smile forms on my lips and I finally hug her back. She sighs in relief, hugging me tighter.

"I was so scared when I found out you were kidnapped" I admit, my voice trembling slightly. "And I was so angry at you for saying all those things about bhai."

She flinches.

"I knew you were lying" I continue, "but his situation at that moment... I can’t even explain it to you, Mira. He was literally shivering after hearing your words"

Guilt flashes across her face. She looks down playing with the edge of the blanket.

"But you know what?" she suddenly says, lifting her gaze again.

"What?" I ask.

"Even after everything" she whispers "he still trusted me. He said he had faith in me. He didn’t even ask me for an explanation"

I feel my heart soften. A smile tugs at my lips.

"You really got the best man for you, Mira" I say with a teasing grin.

Her cheeks turn pink. She bites her lip, blushing. I smirk.

"I’m repeating my words....don’t ever do something like this again" I warn her, raising an eyebrow.

She quickly nods, this time very seriously. I let out a satisfied sigh. Then I remember something.

"Oh! By the way, day after tomorrow is the office party for our company’s new launch" I say.

She blinks. For a second, she looks completely lost. Then....her eyes go wide.

"Oh yes!" she exclaims sitting up.

And just like that, we both get busy deciding what to wear for the party, excitement bubbling between us.