Aaplog aise please please krte ho na ik chapter ke liye bohot bura lgta hai...
Silent Readers try to understand that vote krne se apko kuch harm nhi hoga...lekin vote na krne se Loyal readers ko problem hogi...
DO VOTE!
TARGET IS SAME AS LAST CHAPTER!!
Avantika's POV
His hand remained steady over mine, warm and protective against my trembling, ice-cold fingers.
"I'm here," he whispered, his voice a soothing contrast to the storm raging in my chest. "Should we leave?"
I met his gaze, my vision blurred with tears I refused to let fall. My throat tightened painfully, making it impossible to speak.
A single tear betrayed me, slipping down my cheek. I wiped it away hastily, ashamed of this vulnerability I couldn't control and how I ruined tonight.
"I want to go from here," I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper yet laced with desperation.
He didn't question me, didn't ask for an explanation. He just nodded, calm and composed.
He stood up, pulling out his wallet and leaving enough cash on the table without a word. Then, he extended his hand toward me once more.
"Let's go," he said firmly, his grip both gentle and unyielding, like an anchor keeping me from drifting into my thoughts again.
I rose to my feet, legs shaky as if the weight of my emotions had drained all my strength. I felt every eye on us as we left the restaurant, whispers rising, but he kept me shielded. His presence was a barrier I didn't know I needed.
A waiter stepped forward, concern evident on his face. "Ma'am, is everything okay-"
One sharp look from him, calm yet commanding, was all it took for the staff to retreat, saying nothing further.
The cold air hit me as we stepped outside, a sudden contrast to the stifling tension that had gripped me moments ago.
"Home or somewhere else?" he asked softly, tilting his head to meet my eyes.
I hesitated, taking a deep breath. "Park," I whispered as I noticed a nearby park."I need fresh air."
I felt hollow, my mind replaying the mess I had caused.
I ruined everything today.
He... I... What did I even do?
Tears threatened again, but his hand holding mine reminded me I wasn't alone. Not tonight.
The storm inside me kept building, louder, heavier.
I'm the worst.
How could I ruin this?
Ruin today?
My chest felt tight, frustration and self-loathing tangling together, making it hard to breathe. It was all in the past, wasn't it? Then why... why was it creeping back again?
We sat on a bench, the silence heavy but not uncomfortable-at least not for him. For me, it was suffocating.
"What happened? Would you like to share?" His voice was calm, steady, yet filled with a gentleness that only made the ache worse.
I stared at our intertwined hands, my vision blurring as tears welled up. Rage. Regret. Pain. They all mixed together, swelling in my chest, demanding to be released.
"Why are you like this?" My voice broke, barely above a whisper but loud enough for him to hear.
He blinked, tilting his head slightly. "Huh?"
I finally looked up at him, the words slipping out uncontrollably.
"Aap aise kyun hain? Kyu itne ache? Why do you stay? I'm the worst-I don't deserve you! Why don't you just leave me... like everyone else? Or-or push me away like they did?"
Tears spilled over, my grip on his hand loosening as I felt myself breaking all over again.
But he didn't let go.
He looked at me for a long moment, silent, yet his eyes held that same unbearable kindness I didn't know how to handle. Then he smiled. Soft. Patient. Like he was still waiting for me to let it out.
I couldn't stop the words now. They poured out like a dam had broken. My voice cracked, raw with emotion.
"I'm filled with scars, Avyansh..." My hand trembled in his, but he didn't pull away.
"Meri andar sab bikhar chuka hai. I'm not whole anymore. I've tried-I've tried to leave it behind, to be normal. But it keeps coming back... that pain, the memories, the fear. They haunt me, and no matter how much I fight... I lose. I always lose. And I'm scared."
I looked down, unable to meet his eyes, feeling the weight of my words pressing down on my chest.
"I push people away because it's easier. I break things... good things... before they can break me. I'm a mess, Avyansh ji. I'm not someone you should love. I'm not someone you should-"
Before I could finish, his hand cupped my face gently, tilting my chin so I had no choice but to face him. His eyes-calm, steady-searched mine like he could see everything I was trying to hide.
His voice was quiet but firm, every word hitting straight into my soul.
"You're not broken, Avantika. You're hurt. And you don't have to fight this alone anymore."
I shook my head, my tears blurring his face. "You don't get it-"
"I do." His voice dropped lower, almost a whisper. "I see you. I see your pain. Your scars don't make you unworthy-they make you real. And I'm not leaving. Ever. No matter how many times you try to push me away."
I felt my walls crack, his words disarming me in a way nothing else ever had.
"You don't have to be perfect, Avantika. Let me be there-for the mess, the scars, the pain-all of you."
"I was used... and thrown away," I whispered, my voice breaking as the ache in my chest grew unbearable. My heart pounded violently, the pain feeling too heavy, too raw.
"Humse... ab yeh nahi hota, Avyansh. Please..." The words came out in broken sobs, my body trembling as if my own pain was consuming me from the inside.
Before I could crumble further, he closed the distance between us, his arms wrapping around me with a gentleness I hadn't felt in a long time. He pulled me into his chest, his warmth anchoring me while my world spun out of control.
"Ab apko jitna rona hai... ro lijiye, jaan," he whispered against my hair, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. "Hum yahin hain... apke paas. Hamesha ke liye."
I clutched his shirt, my tears soaking the fabric as the sobs wracked through me, but he never let go. His hand gently rubbed my back, as if silently reminding me I wasn't alone anymore.
"Aap akeli nahi hain, Avantika. Jo bhi dard hai, jitna bhi gehra hai... hum hai yahan. Aur hum hamesha rahenge. Todne ke liye nahi, sambhalne ke liye."
"Stop... just stop trying!" I choked out between sobs, my voice trembling as I weakly pushed against his chest, fists curling as if to create distance. "I said stop, Avyansh!I am weak, vulnerable and dirty."
But he didn't budge. His arms stayed firm around me, steady as ever, holding me as if letting go wasn't even an option. His voice was calm but unwavering.
"I will try... until my last breath."
A broken sob escaped me as I hiccuped, my fists weakly pounding against his chest. But no matter how much I resisted, he held on.
"And.. I thought my girl... my wife... was strong," he whispered, pressing his forehead against mine, his breath fanning my tear-streaked face.
I froze. His words felt like a balm to the storm inside me, cracking through the pain.
"Strong enough to know her worth," he continued, his voice softer yet so full of conviction. "No one else should matter to you-not when I'm here. And I am here, Avantika. Always. Hamesha ke liye. You are not alone."
His arms tightened, pulling me even closer until I was half-hanging onto him, completely surrounded by his warmth and presence.
My breath hitched. The storm inside me didn't feel so overpowering anymore. The weight didn't seem so unbearable.
I stopped crying.
I clung to him, not in pain but in surrender. Because maybe, just maybe, he was right. Maybe I wasn't alone anymore.
I looked at him, my tear-filled eyes locking onto his unwavering gaze. His thumb reached out, brushing gently against my damp cheek, the touch so soft it made my breath hitch.
It lingered there, as if he was committing every inch of my face to memory, every tear, every emotion.
His eyes spoke volumes-love, concern, and an unyielding promise that I had longed for but was too afraid to believe. Yet, here he was, grounding me, holding me steady as I felt like the world beneath my feet was crumbling.
His hand moved slowly, cupping my face fully. His palm was warm and steady, grounding me further in the moment.
My heart raced, thudding so loudly in my chest I was sure he could hear it. The edges of the world around us blurred, fading into nothingness, leaving just the two of us.
He leaned in closer, the space between us vanishing, until his forehead rested softly against mine. His breath mingled with mine, warm and calming, a stark contrast to the storm inside me.
"Mishti-," he whispered, his voice barely audible, like he was afraid of shattering the fragile silence enveloping us.
I closed my eyes, leaning into his touch, letting his presence seep into me. The warmth of his breath fanned across my lips, sending shivers down my spine.
My fingers moved instinctively, curling into the fabric of his shirt, clinging to him as though he was my lifeline, the only thing tethering me to the ground.
And then it happened.
His lips brushed against mine, soft and hesitant, as if seeking permission. The kiss was feather-light yet filled with so much emotion it made the tears in my eyes spill over again.
It wasn't rushed, it wasn't demanding-it was tender, a silent promise that I was safe with him, that he would always be there.
I kissed him back or tried, my hands sliding up to his shoulders, gripping him as if afraid he would disappear.
The kiss deepened naturally, still unhurried and gentle, each movement of his lips against mine carrying unspoken words of comfort and devotion.
Time seemed to stand still. Nothing else mattered but the shared moment, the connection between us.
His hand on my face, his lips on mine, his presence-it was everything I didn't know I needed.
When we finally pulled apart, his forehead remained against mine, our breaths mingling in the small space between us. His thumb moved again, wiping away the tears that had fallen.
"You're never alone," he whispered, his voice steady, filled with a conviction that made my chest tighten. He pressed another soft kiss to the corner of my lips, so gentle it made my heart ache.
And in that moment, as I looked into his eyes, I believed him. For the first time in a long time, I truly believed.
Author's POV
The park was quiet now, the hum of distant traffic and the soft rustling of leaves the only sounds breaking the stillness. Avantika rested in Avyansh's arms, her breathing even and slow.
She had fallen asleep, exhaustion taking over after everything she had endured.
Her tear-streaked face was pressed against his chest, her brows still faintly furrowed even in sleep.
Avyansh looked down at her, his expression unreadable at first, but the slight tightening of his jaw and the way his hand gently cradled her head revealed the storm brewing within him.
He sighed softly, his eyes tracing her features-the delicate curve of her cheek, the faint redness around her eyes from crying, the way her lips trembled slightly even in rest.
She looked so fragile, so small in his arms, and it made his chest ache in a way he hadn't expected.
Carefully, he shifted, leaning down to wrap his arms under her knees and back. He lifted her slowly, effortlessly, into a bridal carry.
She stirred faintly but didn't wake, her head lolling closer to his shoulder as if seeking his warmth even in her unconscious state.
The faint moonlight filtering through the trees cast a soft glow over them as he stood there for a moment, holding her. His grip was firm but tender, as if afraid she might shatter if he held too tightly.
His gaze softened as he looked down at her again. "I'm sorry," he murmured under his breath, his voice barely audible, as if speaking to himself. "I'll make sure you never have to feel like this again."
With that silent promise, he began walking toward the exit of the park, his steps steady and deliberate. The world around them seemed to fade into the background, leaving just the two of them in the quiet embrace of the night.
Avyansh carefully carried Avantika to the car, her limp form cradled against his chest. The cool night air brushed past them, and the faint hum of distant streetlights barely illuminated the quiet path.
The clock on the dashboard glowed softly, the digits reading 11:15 PM. It was late, but the world outside seemed to have slowed down entirely, matching the stillness inside the car.
He opened the passenger door gently, lowering her into the seat with utmost care.
She stirred faintly, her head lolling slightly to the side as her breathing remained soft and steady. He adjusted her position, making sure she was comfortable, her head resting securely on the headrest.
Reaching over, he carefully buckled her seatbelt, his movements slow and deliberate to avoid waking her.
His fingers brushed against hers for a fleeting moment as he ensured her hands were tucked securely in her lap.
He stepped back, closing the door softly before walking around to the driver's seat. Sliding into his spot, he glanced at her once more.
The soft glow from the dashboard lights illuminated her face, the tear-streaks from earlier still faintly visible on her cheeks.
He sighed, gripping the steering wheel tightly for a moment before starting the engine. The soft hum of the car filled the silence, a soothing counterpoint to the stillness of the night.
As he pulled out onto the quiet road, his gaze flickered to her again. She looked so peaceful now, her earlier anguish replaced by an almost childlike calm. For a moment, the heaviness in his chest eased, replaced by a quiet resolve.
"Rest, Avantika," he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll take care of everything."
The car moved smoothly through the dimly lit streets, the world outside a blur as he drove her home, vowing to keep her safe.
As the car rolled to a stop in the driveway, Avyansh glanced at Avantika, still fast asleep in the passenger seat. Her peaceful expression under the faint glow of the porch light tugged at something deep within him.
The house was quiet, with most of the lights turned off. Only a few dim lights glimmered faintly in the hallway, a sign that everyone had retired to their rooms for the night.
Avyansh stepped out of the car and walked around to her side. Opening the door carefully, he unbuckled her seatbelt and scooped her up into his arms once more. She stirred slightly, her head nestling against his chest, but she didn't wake.
Carrying her inside, he moved through the silent house with practiced ease. His footsteps were soft, his movements deliberate, ensuring he didn't disturb the tranquility.
He made his way to their room, nudging the door open with his shoulder. Once inside, he gently laid her down on the bed, adjusting the pillows to make sure she was comfortable. He pulled a light blanket over her, tucking it around her carefully.
Standing up, he glanced at the clock. It was nearing midnight. Earlier, he had arranged for a few food items to be delivered, knowing she hadn't eaten properly all day.
He had instructed the maid to bring the delivery up to their room quietly when it arrived.
His phone buzzed softly in his pocket-a message confirming the delivery. Avyansh stepped out briefly, ensuring the food was brought in without any disturbance.
Once the maid placed the tray on the table, he nodded his thanks and quietly closed the door.
He looked back at Avantika, still sound asleep, her face now free of the day's tension. Pulling a chair beside the bed, he sat down, his gaze softening as he watched over her.
"You've been through enough," he murmured, his voice barely audible in the stillness of the room. "I'll make sure you never have to go through it again."
Avyansh sat beside her, his eyes tracing her peaceful features illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. He hesitated for a moment, knowing she needed rest, but the thought of her sleeping on an empty stomach gnawed at him.
He leaned closer, his hand gently brushing against her hair. "Mishti?" he whispered softly, his voice as tender as his touch.
She stirred slightly, her brows furrowing as if protesting the interruption. Instead of waking up, she shifted closer to his hand, snuggling into his touch like it was the most natural thing in the world.
A faint smile tugged at his lips as he watched her, her face so serene despite her earlier turmoil. He let his hand linger for a moment, his thumb brushing softly over her temple.
"Avantika," he murmured again, his tone even gentler this time. "Wake up for a little while. You need to eat something."
She mumbled something incoherent, her hand instinctively reaching up to grasp his wrist, holding it in place as if afraid he would pull away.
Leaning closer, he spoke softly into her ear, "Just a few bites, Mishti. Then you can go back to sleep. I promise."
This time, her eyes fluttered open, her lashes heavy with sleep as she gazed at him. "Hmm?" she murmured, her voice drowsy and confused.
He smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Come on, just a little. You can't sleep on an empty stomach," he said softly, his voice coaxing yet firm.
She blinked at him, her sleepy eyes narrowing slightly in protest before she sighed and nodded, sitting up slowly with his help.
"That's my girl," he murmured, handing her a glass of water before uncovering the food tray. "Just a few bites, and then you can go back to sleep."
As she took the first bite, her sleepy gaze softened, and she couldn't help but feel the warmth of his care surrounding her.
Avyansh had ordered a comforting, light dinner-lemon rice with a side of warm, soft chapatis and a fresh cucumber salad.
He gently fed Avantika, offering small bites from the same hand, As she took each one, still sleepy but grateful for the warmth.
Time skipped forward.
The plate was now empty, and Avyansh moved it aside. "Aap kapde badal lijiye. Should I bring it?" he asked softly, unsure if she was ready to change into something more comfortable.
Avantika shook her head, signaling she could manage on her own. She stood up slowly, the fatigue of the day still lingering, and went to the washroom.
Avyansh took the chance to change into something more relaxed as well. He waited for her, giving her the space she needed, respecting the quietness of the moment.
Avantika came out of the washroom, her movements slow and graceful. She quietly slid into the bed beside Avyansh, keeping a little distance, her body language showing she was tired but hesitant to ask for his warmth.
He watched her for a moment, understanding the unspoken request in her eyes. Without saying a word, he reached out and gently pulled her towards him, his hand resting lightly on her waist as he guided her closer.
As her back met his chest, a warmth spread between them, and for a brief moment, she tensed, unsure. But then, she turned, her body seeking the comfort of his embrace, her face nuzzling into his chest.
"I'm here," Avyansh whispered, his voice soft and reassuring. He kissed the top of her head gently, as if to offer her the sense of security she longed for.
She closed her eyes, letting the comfort of his presence wash over her. "Sleep tight," he added, his words a silent promise that she wasn't alone.
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The first kissing scene and slightly discovered past.. I am scared about your reaction I feel like I don't know what.. I tries to change it but I couldn't drag the story much and it felt right..The chapter felt raw like I should've written it with more emotions.