CHAPTER 27: "A PROMISE OF LOVE & PROTECTION"

As the soft rays of morning light filtered through the curtains, Vishwanath stirred slowly. His mind was still hazy with sleep, but the comforting warmth of Kashi resting against his shoulder brought a tender smile to his face. Though the night had not been comfortable, sleeping while sitting on a small sofa, it had undoubtedly been one of the most peaceful nights of his life because Kashi was by his side.

He looked down at her, still asleep, her head nestled against his shoulder. She looked so serene, her gentle breaths bringing a sense of calm to his heart. Even in her sleep, Kashi radiated beauty. A few strands of her hair had fallen across her face, and Vishwanath, careful not to wake her, gently brushed them behind her ear. His fingers lingered near her cheek for a moment, savoring the softness of her skin, before he pulled away.

As he continued to gaze at her, his thoughts drifted back to the previous day. The confession, Riya's untimely call, Kashi's worries. She had tried to tell him something, something important. He had to find out what it was, what was causing the sweet girl he loved so much, pain and insecurity. He had promised himself that he would not let these insecurities surround her again, and today, he would make sure she knew that whatever was troubling her, they would face it together.

Suddenly, Kashi stirred, her lashes fluttering slightly before her eyes slowly opened. She blinked, momentarily disoriented, before realizing where she was. Her gaze met Vishwanath's, and she felt her heart skip a beat as the warmth of his deep, kind eyes filled her. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she instinctively pulled back from his shoulder, embarrassed.

"Good morning, Kashi," Vishwanath said in a low, husky morning voice, his lips curving into a soft smile.

Kashi shyly averted her eyes, her heart racing. "Good morning, Vishwanath ji," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, trying to compose herself, still feeling the warmth of his shoulder where her head had rested all night.

After a moment of silence between them, Vishwanath cleared his throat and said, "You should freshen up, Kashi. I will go and check on aunty in the meantime."

Kashi nodded, still feeling flustered, and hurried to the washroom. Vishwanath smiled watching her go, his heart full of love for her. He then stood up and made his way to Kashi's mother's hospital room.

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Inside the room, Anjali had already woken up. Though still weak, her eyes were bright with relief when she saw Vishwanath walk in. A gentle smile spread across her lips, and Vishwanath returned it, his eyes soft with concern.

"How are you feeling now, aunty?" he asked, walking closer to her bed.

"I'm feeling better, Vishwanath beta," Anjali replied, her voice a little faint but steady. "Please, sit here." She pointed towards the chair next to her bed, and Vishwanath immediately sat down, holding her gaze.

"Vishwanath beta," she began softly, "I don't know how to thank you. You've done so much for me and my Kashi. You have been like a beacon of light in our dark world. I can never repay you for your kindness."

Vishwanath shook his head, his voice gentle but firm. "Aunty, please don't say that. You and Kashi are very important to me. I'll always be here for both of you, no matter what."

Anjali's eyes glistened with emotion as she looked at the young man standing before her. Deep down, she knew Vishwanath cared for her Kashi, not just as a friend but on a much deeper level. Gathering her strength, she decided to ask the question that had been weighing on her mind ever since she had regained consciousness.

"Beta," she began again, her voice trembling slightly, "I know what I'm about to ask from you is a lot, but....will you give me a promise?"

Vishwanath, slightly startled by her sudden request, composed himself quickly and nodded. "Of course, aunty. What is it?"

Anjali's eyes filled with a deep sadness as she spoke, her voice barely a whisper. "Beta, with the way my health has been declining....I don't know how much time I have left. I know you will try to comfort me, tell me that I will be fine, but I've come to terms with the truth. I'm not afraid of what is to come for myself, but for Kashi....she is my only concern." She paused, her breath shaky. "She has no one except me. Ravi...... he never wanted her. He always longed for a son and saw Kashi nothing more than a burden. My heart aches thinking about what will happen when I'm gone, with no one to protect her from this harsh world."

Vishwanath's chest tightened as he listened, his heart aching for both Kashi and her mother. He wanted to comfort Anjali, to tell her that everything would be okay, but before he could speak, Anjali continued.

"I have seen how you care for her, I have seen the love in your eyes when you look at her. Tell me, beta....do you love Kashi?"

Vishwanath's throat tightened, and he felt tears prick the corners of his eyes. His voice was soft but filled with emotion as he nodded. "Yes, aunty. I love Kashi..... I love her more than anything."

A gentle smile of relief spread across Anjali's face, and she reached out her hand toward him. "Then promise me, beta. Promise me that you will always take care of my Kashi. That you will love and protect her, no matter what."

Without hesitation, Vishwanath took Anjali's hand in both of his, holding it tightly as if making a sacred vow. "I promise, aunty," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I promise I will always love and cherish Kashi. I will protect her with my life, please don't worry."

A tear slipped down Anjali's cheek as she looked at Vishwanath with a mix of gratitude and relief. Her frail hand trembled slightly as she reached out and gently squeezed his. "Thank you, beta....thank you so much," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "I've carried this weight for so long, worrying about what would happen to Kashi when I'm no longer here. She is strong no doubt, but she is still so innocent, so unaware of the cruelties this world can throw at her." Her tear-filled eyes locked onto his, filled with a silent plea. "But now..... knowing she has you by her side, I can rest easier. I can finally let go of some of this fear, knowing she's in safe hands, protected and cared for."

Her voice grew softer, more peaceful, as though a heavy weight had been lifted from her heart. "You have no idea what this means to me, beta. You've given me a sense of peace I thought I would never feel." Another tear fell, but this time, it was accompanied by the faintest hint of a smile on her lips, a glimmer of hope amidst her sadness.

Vishwanath, though overwhelmed with emotion, composed himself and spoke with quiet determination. "But aunty, I also promise you that, I won't let anything happen to you. I will make sure you get the best possible treatment. You will recover from this. You will be there to see Kashi live the life she deserves, and I will make sure of it."

Anjali smiled, touched by his words, though a part of her knew the reality of her situation. "I hope so, beta. I hope I get better soon. I know how much Kashi needs me, but sometimes....some things are not in our control."

Vishwanath held her gaze and said softly, "Maybe some things aren't in our control, aunty, but I believe in fighting for what matters. And you.....you matter alot to Kashi and me. So don't lose hope."

Anjali nodded, her heart full of gratitude for the young man who had become such an integral part of her daughter's life. Before they could continue speaking, Kashi entered the room, freshly washed and looking a little more refreshed than earlier.

"How are you feeling, maa?" Kashi asked softly, her voice filled with concern.

"I'm feeling better, beta," Anjali replied with a warm smile. "Vishwanath beta has been taking good care of me."

Kashi turned to Vishwanath, her eyes soft with gratitude. "Thank you, Vishwanath ji," she said quietly. "You should go freshen up too. I will stay with maa now."

Vishwanath nodded, standing up and giving Kashi and Anjali a reassuring smile before leaving the room to freshen up.

As Vishwanath walked down the hallway, his thoughts were filled with one thing, Kashi's happiness. He had vowed to protect her, to love her, and nothing in this world could change that. The promise he had made to Kashi 's mother weighed heavily on his heart, but it was a promise he intended to keep at all costs.

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The rhythmic beeping of the monitor reassured her that her mother was stable for now, but Kashi's heart was far from calm. After feeding her mother and making sure she was comfortable, Kashi gently pulled the blanket over her, smoothing it out before placing a soft kiss on her forehead. Her mother had been through so much, and Kashi felt the weight of every breath she took. She had to make sure her mother rested well, knowing that her health was fragile.

She wished she could do more for her, wished there was a way to take away all her pain. After a deep breath, Kashi stepped out of the room, closing the door softly behind her. She glanced at the room Vishwanath had booked for her just a little further down the hallway. Her heart skipped a beat, her footsteps slowing.

She hoped he hadn't left. She knew he had a lot of responsibilities, so much to handle as the King of Bundelkhand and CEO of a big Empire. Yet, he had been here, arranging her stay, caring for her mother's well-being. He was always there, offering his support and presence. The thought of him leaving quietly made her heart ache in ways she didn't understand.

When she opened the door to the room, her breath caught in her throat. There he was arranging two plates of breakfast. The scene before her was unexpected and heartwarming. Vishwanath, who could get any work done with a mere flick of his finger, was carefully setting out breakfast as if it were the most important task of the day.

Kashi stood at the doorway, her heart swelling with emotion. The man before her wasn't just the powerful, untouchable figure the world saw him as. In this moment, he was the caring, thoughtful, and completely dedicated man making sure she felt comforted and cared for. Then how could she become the reason for him and his family to face any humiliation? No, she can't be this selfish, Kashi thought. The reality that he would marry Maya, the daughter of his father's best friend, felt inescapable.

With a heavy sigh, Kashi stepped further into the room. The sound of her soft steps caught Vishwanath's attention, and he looked up, immediately flashing her a warm smile.

"Kashi, come. Let's have breakfast," he said, his tone gentle but firm.

Kashi nodded and joined him at the table. Her movements slow but deliberate. She wanted to spend some time with him before he left, savoring these quiet moments together.They ate in silence, the air between them heavy with unspoken words. Kashi could feel his eyes on her every now and then.

Finally, after finishing his meal, Vishwanath leaned back in his chair, his eyes quietly observing Kashi as she finished hers. He didn't rush her, he patiently waited, letting the silence between them settle comfortably. Once she set down her plate, signaling she was done, he leaned forward slightly, his gaze unwavering.

"Kashi," he started, his voice low but determined, "what were you saying yesterday? Before Riya's call came?"

Kashi froze for a moment. The suddenness of his question startled her. She looked down at her hands, fidgeting with her fingers, unsure if she should tell him the truth.

"Voh... Voh, Vishwanath ji..."

She trailed off, her mind racing, unsure if she should bring up what had been haunting her thoughts....his alliance with Maya. Would he understand her concerns, or would he just dismiss them? Her chest tightened at the uncertainty. Just as she was about to let the conversation slip away, Vishwanath's voice broke through her swirling thoughts, pulling her back to the present.

"Please Kashi, Mujhe batao voh kya cheez hai jo tumhe Mera proposal accept karne se rok rahi hai. Mujhe jan na hai" (Please, Kashi. Tell me the truth. What is stopping you from accepting my proposal? I need to know). His eyes held a mix of plea and determination, his voice carrying the weight of his desire for answers.

After a long, agonizing pause, Kashi decided to tell him everything, she began speaking, her voice trembling. "Vishwanath ji.....aapka rishta Maya ke saath pakka ho gaya hai.... aur Maya Rajendra uncle ke best friend ki beti hai...." ("Vishwanath ji....your alliance with Maya has been finalized....and Maya is the daughter of Rajendra uncle's best friend.....")

She took a deep breath, still looking down. "Agar main aapka proposal accept kar leti hu toh aap Maya se alliance tod doge....aur mein nahi chahti ki meri vajah se aapko ya Rajendra uncle ko koi bhi sharmindagi ya humiliation face karni pade." (If I accept your proposal, then you will break off your alliance with Maya....and I don't want you or Rajendra uncle to face any shame or humiliation because of me.)

The words came out rushed but heartfelt, finally releasing the burden she had been carrying. She bit her lip, her eyes burning with unshed tears as she prepared herself for his response.

Vishwanath's face registered shock for a split second, then confusion, as if trying to process the gravity of her words. He was aware of the alliance talks regarding Maya, but how had Kashi misunderstood the entire situation so deeply? And more importantly, why hadn't she spoken up sooner?

"Kashi," he said again, his tone a mixture of disbelief and affection, Mujhe Maya se rishte ki poori baat pata hai. Papa ne mujhe iske baare mein bataya tha. Lekin tumhe is baare mein kaise pata chala?" (I know about the whole Maya alliance fiasco. Papa told me about it. But how did you find out about all this?) His brows furrowed slightly as he searched her face for answers, wanting to understand how she had come to learn about it.

"Kal subha jab mein breakfast ke liye neeche jaa rahi thi, mene aunty-uncle ko baat karte hue suna tha....ki Rajendra uncle ke friend ne unse apka rishta manga hai Maya ke liye...."

(Yesterday morning, when I was going downstairs for breakfast, I heard Aunty- Uncle talking....that Rajendra Uncle's friend had asked for your alliance with Maya.) Kashi's voice trailed off, her gaze dropping to her lap.

Vishwanath stared at her for a long moment, his heart softening even further. She had misunderstood everything, and yet, she had carried the weight of that misunderstanding because she didn't want to hurt him or his family. He couldn't believe the depth of her selflessness.

Kashi, he said softly, "there's been a big misunderstanding. Kya tumne papa ko iss rishta ke liye haan karte hue suna? (Did you hear papa say yes to this alliance?)

She shook her head slowly, trying to recall the exact conversation. "Rajendra uncle ne kaha tha ki unhone iss rishta ke liye haan nahi kiya hai....par voh mana bhi nahi kar sakte......" (Rajendra uncle said that he didn't say yes to this alliance....but he can't refuse it either...)

She paused, confused, before continuing. "Mujhe laga....." (I thought)

Vishwanath chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Kashi, unhone 'haan' nahi kiya hai. Papa ne uncle se bas itna kaha tha ki mujhse puch kar jawab denge. Unhone directly naa nahi kaha kyunki voh nahi chahte the ki uncle insulted feel kare. But jab uncle kuch din baad call karenge, toh papa unhe batayenge ki main is arrangement mein interested nahi hoon."

("Kashi, he hasn't said 'yes.' Papa only told uncle that he would respond after discussing it with me. He didn't directly say no because he didn't want uncle to feel insulted. But when uncle calls in a few days, Papa will tell him that I'm not interested in this arrangement.")

He looked at her tenderly, still amazed by how much Kashi had taken upon herself. "Aur rahi baat Maya ki.... main usse theek se jaanta bhi nahi. Voh sirf ek family friend hai. I don't love her. "Main sirf tumse pyaar karta hu Kashi aur sirf tumhi se hi shaadi karna chahata hu."

(And as for Maya....I don't even know her well. She's just a family friend. I don't love her. I only love you Kashi and i only want to marry you.)

Kashi's heart stuttered in her chest. She was speechless. Everything that had been troubling her, the source of her sleepless nights and emotional turmoil, it was all just a misunderstanding. She had been prepared to sacrifice her love for him, and yet, he had never been bound to anyone else. His words left her feeling overwhelmed, unable to grasp the depth of his love for her.

Vishwanath's gaze softened even more as he watched the realization dawn on her. He reached out and gently took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "Kashi....tumhe aur koi baat pareshan kar rahi hai? Toh please, mujhe batao. Aaj main sab kuch clear karna chahta hu."

(Kashi, is there anything else that is bothering you? Then please, tell me. I want to clear everything up today.)

But Kashi, still reeling from the truth, could only look at him, unable to speak. Her heart was too full, her emotions too tangled.Her silence, however, was loud and clear,it answered his unspoken question, affirming that he had dispelled all her doubts and insecurities.

Vishwanath, sensing her overwhelming feelings, said softly "Kashi," his voice breaking through the whirlwind of her thoughts, "I love you. Please....marry me."

His words, so simple yet so powerful, echoed in her mind. She looked into his eyes, her heart racing as if it might burst from her chest. This man, he had vanquished all her insecurities, swept away her every doubt. She wanted to say yes, more than anything in the world. But first.....she needed to talk to her mother.

Kashi had always shared everything with her mother, even the smallest details of her life. Her answer was yes, but she needed to tell her mother first. She didn't want to take such a big step in her life without her mother's knowledge and blessing, feeling it was essential to include her in this significant decision. Little did she know that her mother had already made Vishwanath promise to love and protect her.

"Vishwanath ji...." she started hesitantly, her voice soft, "kya aap mujhe thoda sa time de sakte hain? Mujhe bas thoda sa time chahiye....please." (Vishwanath ji....." she began hesitantly, her voice soft, "could you give me a little time? I just need a bit of time.....please.)

A smile slowly spread across Vishwanath's face, his eyes crinkling at the corners with affection. He nodded. "Main apni puri zindagi tumahara wait kar sakta hu, Kashi. Tumhe jitna time chahiye tum lo. Mujhe tumhare jawab ka intezaar rahega." (I can wait my entire life for you, Kashi. Take as much time as you need. I will be waiting for your answer).

Kashi felt a rush of warmth at his words. She looked into his eyes, her heart brimming with emotion. She could see the depth of his love for her, how much he truly cared. For the first time in a long time, she felt at peace. Everything would be okay.

Words : 3K

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Target 🎯 for next chapter: 72 votes and 12 comments.

Author's Note 📖

So guys all the misunderstandings have now been cleared, and Kashi's mother has entrusted Vishwanath with a promise to love and protect her daughter. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I understand that some of you may be confused about the direction of the story, but trust me, many upcoming chapters will have links with previous ones, and every scene has its own significance. You will see how everything aligns beautifully. Just wait and watch, and stay tuned for the upcoming twist and turns!❤️

Thank you for your love and support 💕

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Smiling Cupcake 😊🧁