28. Tangled Hearts

Author's POV

Ishika was waiting for Sahil to return, growing increasingly anxious as it was getting late, and she had work the next day. It had been half an hour since he left, and there was still no sign of him.

Restless, she kept glancing around, hoping to catch a glimpse of him coming back in their direction. But no matter how hard she looked, he was nowhere to be seen.

After contemplating for a while, Ishika stood up and headed toward the washroom to check on Sahil. When she reached, she froze at the sight before her-Sahil was slumped against the wall, his head tilted back, eyes half-closed, clearly not in his senses.

Concerned, she rushed to him. "Sahil, are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

At the sound of her voice, Sahil looked up at her and slurred, "Take me home," as he reached out to steady himself by holding onto her.

Without a second thought, she wrapped his arm around her shoulders and helped him to the parking lot, her mind racing with worry. Rajat, his assistant, appeared just in time, and together they managed to get Sahil into the back seat. He sank into the seat like he couldn't hold himself upright anymore. Ishika hesitated for a moment, then climbed beside him.

Not far away, Dhruv stood near his car, surrounded by his close friends. His gaze was fixed on Ishika and Sahil, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"What are you thinking, Dhruv?" one of his friends asked, noticing his distraction.

Dhruv's lips curled into a faint, sardonic smile. "What a devoted woman," he murmured, his tone laced with a strange mixture of admiration and bitterness. "Such a pity."

"Does your heart ache for her?" another friend teased, nudging him playfully.

Dhruv's smile faltered, and for a moment, something unspoken flickered in his eyes. "Indeed, it aches," he replied softly, almost to himself.

Unnoticed by most, Sakshi stood nearby, her sharp gaze fixed on Dhruv. She had overheard his words, and her expression hardened with resentment as her eyes followed the car carrying Ishika and Sahil as it disappeared into the distance.

***

As Rajat drove, the car screeched to a sudden halt, the tires skidding as someone abruptly stepped in front of them. The sudden jolt sent Sahil lurching forward, his body limp and vulnerable.

"Sahil!" Ishika gasped, lunging forward to catch him before he hit the seat in front of him. Her arms wrapped protectively around him, holding him steady. For a moment, he rested against her, his head heavy on her shoulder.

Her heart raced as she gently eased him back into his seat. Glancing at his peaceful yet troubled expression, she bit her lip, her protective instincts kicking in. She leaned forward and carefully fastened his seatbelt.

As Ishika leaned in to fasten Sahil's seatbelt, a familiar scent wafted through the air, brushing against his dulled senses. It was a fragrance he knew intimately, one that had lingered in his mind for years and always driven him to the brink of madness. Even in his drunken haze, it stirred something deep within him, sharper than the alcohol clouding his thoughts.

His eyes fluttered open, heavy but determined, searching for the source of the intoxicating aroma. And then he saw her-her face mere inches away, her delicate features illuminated by the faint glow of the streetlights filtering into the car.

Ishika, unaware of his gaze, focused entirely on fastening the belt. Her fingers moved swiftly, but her closeness was unintentional, almost innocent. Her hair brushed against his cheek, and he could hear the faint sound of her steady breathing.

For a moment, Sahil forgot his dizziness, his exhaustion, and everything else. His eyes locked onto her face, taking in every detail-the soft curve of her lips, the faint worry etched into her expression, and the way her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks.

Time seemed to pause. His heart thudded unevenly, the air between them charged with an unspoken tension. It wasn't just the fragrance anymore-it was her, and the realization hit him like a storm.

Ishika, still oblivious, finally clicked the seatbelt into place and leaned back slightly. It was only then that she noticed his eyes on her, intense and unwavering. Her breath hitched, and for a moment, neither of them said a word, the silence thick with unspoken emotions.

Ishika immediately stepped back and looked out of the window, trying to maintain a safe distance between them. Meanwhile, Sahil observed her, thinking to himself that she had a way of captivating everyone. He then closed his eyes, attempting to ease his restlessness.

***

With the help of the butler, Ishika placed Sahil on the guest room bed, as it was too difficult to take him upstairs. The butler left to prepare a sober drink for Sahil. Ishika glanced at him and clicked her tongue. He really smells bad. I can't even share a room with him. It's better if he sleeps here. She then began to take off his shoes and was about to help him remove his coat. After removing his coat, she took off his tie and was about to place them on the chair when, suddenly, Sahil wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. Ishika froze at his actions, and when she tried to free herself, the more she struggled, the tighter he held her.

Frustrated, Ishika asked him to let go, but he didn't. She then click her tongue, said, "Sahil, this is wrong. Let me go We're divorced." At her words, Sahil immediately flipped her over, pushing her onto the bed and hovering over her. The sudden movement caused her grip on his clothes to loosen, and they fell to the floor. Ishika was shocked by his actions. Her heart raced and her chest rose and fell rapidly with each breath.

Sahil gazed at her, studying every feature of her face, then something seemed to click in his mind, and he asked, "What did you buy this afternoon?" Ishika, hearing his question, felt confused. Then, as the thought crossed her mind, her expression changed. Seeing this, Sahil understood that she remembered. He then asked, "It has nothing to do with Dhruv, right?"

Ishika immediately understood where he was going and, feeling bitter about his constant doubts, replied, "I'll say it one last time-I have no relationship with Dhruv. So stop bothering me with your nonsense."

Hearing her response, Sahil felt a sense of satisfaction and asked again, "Then, for whom did you buy the watch?"

She replied, "For my brother, Abhi. He's been suffering a lot over the past week, and I thought I'd surprise him with a gift."

Sahil nodded in response to her words, then gazed at her intensely, his eyes tracing every feature of her face with his finger. Ishika immediately pushed his hand away and tried to sit up but he swiftly grabbed both of her hands, securing them above her head His gaze never left hers, and Ishika met his eyes, feeling the weight of the emotions in them. His eyes revealed a mix of desire and something softer, a tenderness she hadn't expected. She felt a sense of daze wash over her as her pulse quickened under his intense stare.

Sahil, believing she shared his feelings, leaned down again closing the distance between them, and crashed his lips onto hers. His other hand began caressing her body as his kiss deepened, his movements slow but filled with longing. Ishika, however, wasn't passive. She protested, turning her face away in an attempt to stop him, her breath quickening. But Sahil wasn't deterred. He moved his lips down to her neck, his kisses lingering and soft. Igniting a fire she didn't want.

Just as things began to feel overwhelming, Sahil suddenly collapsed on top of her, his weight heavy against her body. Ishika, startled, noticed that his breathing had slowed, and he seemed to have fallen asleep.

Realizing that Sahil had passed out. Ishika quickly pushed him off her, letting out a frustrated sigh. She then adjusted her dress and fixed her hair, trying to look presentable again. After giving him a sharp glance, she muttered a curse under her breath. As she turned to leave the room, the butler entered with the sober drink in hand.

Ishika waved him off, telling him to take the drink away since Sahil was asleep. She then made her way to her own bedroom, exhaustion settling in. Once there, she lay down on the bed, the soft sheets comforting against her skin. She closed her eyes, hoping to finally get some peace and rest after everything that had happened.

Next Day,

Sahil woke up with a headache, feeling dizzy and disoriented. As he glanced around, he realized he was still in yesterday's clothes, lying on the bed in the guest room. Slowly, he made his way to the kitchen, where the butler was preparing breakfast.

The butler noticed him and asked, "Sir, do you need anything?"

Sahil requested some medicine, which the butler promptly provided. After taking it, he asked, "How did I end up in the guest room?"

The butler explained the events of the previous night, and Sahil nodded in acknowledgment. Still feeling exhausted and aching from sleeping in an awkward position, he decided to rest in his own room for a while.

By the afternoon, Sahil finally mustered the energy to head to the office.

***

Ishika was heading to the hospital after school, her bag swinging gently at her side. As she reached the hospital, she entered the lobby and glanced around. Her eyes landed on Shanaya, who was standing at the reception desk, engaged in a conversation with the receptionist. Choosing to ignore her, Ishika continued walking, heading straight to Abhi's room.

When she entered the room, she saw the doctor standing by Abhi's bedside, reviewing his medical chart. Ishika approached cautiously, her heart beating faster with anticipation.

The doctor looked up and smiled. "You're here just in time. I was about to share some good news," he said warmly. "Abhi's reports show significant improvement. If everything goes as planned, we'll discharge him the day after tomorrow."

Ishika's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you so much, doctor," she said sincerely, her voice filled with emotion.

The doctor nodded and added, "I'll prescribe a few additional medicines to aid his recovery. Please make sure he takes them on schedule."

"Of course," Ishika replied, paying close attention as the doctor listed the new medications. Once the doctor finished, she sat by Abhi's side, her heart lighter with the knowledge that he will be discharged soon.

She engaged in a conversation with him, sharing a few light moments before bidding him goodnight. As she made her way toward the lift, her steps faltered when she spotted Sahil in one of the rooms. He was gently tucking a child into bed, ensuring the blanket was snug around the little one. Beside them stood Shanaya, her face glowing with a warm smile as she watched the scene.

Seeing them together, Ishika felt a pang of upset and uneasiness rise within her, leaving her heart heavy and her thoughts restless. She then went away from there after giving them a final glance.

Two days later,

Abhinav was discharged from the hospital, and his friends came to see him before he left. Ishika, concerned about his condition, insisted that he stay at her mansion for the time being. She argued that he was still weak and needed proper care and nutritious food. Additionally, she pointed out that he couldn't afford to strain his shoulder and arms due to his injuries.

However, Abhinav stubbornly refused, saying he couldn't live in the same mansion as Sahil. Just the sight of him made Abhinav angry. Ishika sighed deeply at his obstinacy, unsure of what to do next.

Sensing the tension, Aditi chimed in, offering a solution. She suggested that Abhinav could stay with her at her apartment. That way, Ishika wouldn't have to worry about his well-being, and Abhinav wouldn't have to deal with Sahil.

After considering Aditi's suggestion, Ishika reluctantly agreed. Abhinav, too, found the arrangement acceptable, and they left together for Aditi's apartment.

***

Later, they went shopping as Ishika needed to purchase some essentials for Abhi, who would be staying with Aditi for a while. Aditi also picked up some groceries during the trip. After shopping, they felt hungry and decided to grab something to eat before heading home.

Aditi accidentally bumped into a man, causing him to get angry and start hurling abuses at her. Hearing this, Ishika frowned and said, "She said she's sorry! Why are you abusing her?" However, the man pushed Aditi aside and moved closer to Ishika.

Ishika immediately sensed that the man was drunk and signaled to Aditi that they were dealing with dangerous people. Staying calm, she quickly apologized and grabbed Aditi's hand, trying to leave. But as they turned to walk away, another man stepped in and blocked their path.

"You bumped into me, and now you want to leave? Do you even understand what you've done?" the first man sneered. He then grabbed Aditi's hand, pulling her close.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" Ishika shouted, her voice trembling with anger. Both men exchanged glances and burst into laughter like maniacs. One of them reached out to touch Ishika's face, but she forcefully shook off his hand and shouted for help. Her cries seemed to go unheard as no one came to their aid.

Thinking quickly, Ishika began talking to the men, trying to distract them, and signaled to Aditi to run. Both of them took the chance and bolted, with Aditi calling the police as they ran. Ishika tried to call Sahil for help, but he didn't pick up. Fear gripped them both as they anxiously waited for the police to arrive.

Suddenly, one of the men caught up with them and called for his companion. As the situation escalated, Ishika and Aditi quickly grabbed some stones and began throwing them at the men in an attempt to defend themselves. Terrified, they kept running until they reached the main road again. Spotting a car approaching, they desperately waved for it to stop.

The car screeched to a halt, and a man stepped out-it was Dhruv Singhania. Seeing him, Ishika felt a wave of relief wash over her. She rushed toward him, tears brimming in her eyes. Dhruv frowned, his expression darkening as he noticed their disheveled and frightened appearance.

__________________________________

End of the chapter.

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