𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟎𝟔| 𝐖𝐞𝐛 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬

SAANVI POV:

I was sleeping peacefully, the steady rhythm of my own breathing keeping me calm, when the warm sunlight streaming through the window gently woke me up. As I slowly opened my eyes, I saw something that made my heart skip a beat he was lying next to me, his handsome face calm and peaceful.

For a moment, I gazed at him, I found myself becoming increasingly entranced by his chiseled features, his sharp jawline, and his soft , his lips. A small tint of blush began to rise to my cheeks as I felt a flutter in my chest.

I attempted to discreetly slip out of bed, his arm shot out, his hand closing around my wrist like a gentle vice.

I mumbled a hasty excuse, "He's not bad at all ," my voice barely above a whisper.

But before I could gently slip out of his arms, a knock on the door shattered the moment, making me nervous and restless. My mother’s voice called from the other side, "Sanu, wake up, we have to go to the Shiva temple today."

I quickly replied, trying to pull myself together, "Mumma, I’m coming… just in a little while."

My mom replied softly with an "Okay," and I heard her footsteps fading down the hallway. I let out a sigh of relief, thinking I had just avoided a close call.

But as I turned back to face him, I was met with a pair of piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me. His gaze was like a warm caress, sending shivers down my spine as he whispered a gentle

"Good morning, sweetheart." His lips brushed against my forehead, leaving a tender kiss that made my heart skip a beat.

I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, "good morning," I felt a flutter in my chest.

Then I quickly slipped out of his arms and rushed to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, I came out of the bathroom and was relieved to see that he was no longer in the room. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, feeling a wave of relief.

I walked over to the closet and picked out a beautiful blue anarkali . As I slipped it on, the fabric fit perfectly, gently hugging my curves. With a few quick touches of makeup, I felt ready to take on the day.

I descended the stairs, the aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, guiding me to the kitchen where my mother was busy preparing breakfast.

I greeted her with a warm smile, asking about the where abouts of my sister, Diya, and father.

My mother's response was laced with a hint of distraction, her eyes fixed on the sizzling pan as she replied,

"Diya has left for college, and your father has flown out to another country for a business meeting."

I nodded, taking a seat at the dining table as my mother continued to cook. The silence between us was comfortable.

But then my mother’s voice broke the peaceful silence, and her words stirred a mix of emotions in me.

"Sanvi, beta, they called and asked for your answer about the marriage. I mean… is it a yes or a no?" Her voice carried a slight hesitation, like she wasn’t sure how I’d respond.

I stayed quiet for a moment, my mind spinning with thoughts about the upcoming marriage. Her question lingered in the air, waiting. Before she could say anything else, I cut in, my voice steady and clear.

"I’m ready, Mumma for the marriage. Please tell them yes."

Her face lit up with a smile, and she quickly wrapped me in a tight hug. I hugged her back, feeling a wave of relief settle over me.

Later, we sat at the dining table, breaking our fast with hot parathas and freshly made tea. As I ate, my thoughts drifted to the man I was about to marry. I thought of his charming smile, those deep, piercing eyes, and the gentle way he touched me. He could be a little playful, sometimes even mischievous, but he was always kind and respectful.

Just as I was lost in thought, my phone buzzed, breaking the silence. I looked at the screen, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw a message from an unknown number. I opened it and read the words: "Bhul gayi mujhe meri butterfly."

I sat frozen at the dining table, staring at my phone. That one message made my chest tighten with nerves, and a strange mix of emotions stirred inside me.

Sweat began to form on my forehead. I needed to get out of there, to find a place to breathe and think. I quickly got up and walked to my room, gently shutting the door behind me.

I locked the door, anxiety wrapping around me like a heavy blanket. I knew exactly who the message was from the only person who ever called me “butterfly.” Memories I had tried so hard to bury came rushing back, and I was overwhelmed.

Trying to calm myself, I went to the washroom to splash some water on my face. The cold water felt soothing against my skin, but my thoughts were still spinning.

As I stood there, I felt like I was drowning in panic. Tears streamed down my cheeks, burning hot against my skin. My eyes stung, and I couldn’t stop the shaking.

“No, no, no… he can’t be back,” I whispered, voice shaky. “He’s dead. He’s been dead for five years.” I kept repeating it, hoping the words would make it feel real.

But deep down, I knew it wasn’t just a prank or coincidence. I knew he was back. And the thought sent chills through me.

“NOOO!” I screamed, my voice echoing in the empty room. “It’s not true! It can’t be!” I felt like I was losing it, like I was trapped in some nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.

I remembered everything he had done to me the pain, the fear, the sleepless nights. If he had truly come back, I knew he would ruin me all over again.

I felt panic crush my chest. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think. All I could do was feel this overwhelming wave of fear, anger, and desperation.

My legs gave out, and I collapsed onto the cold bathroom floor. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to keep it together as I sobbed uncontrollably.

“How can he be back?” I cried. “He was dead… Oh god, he was dead.”

The past had returned like a storm, dragging with it all the pain I thought I’d left behind. I remembered how he once claimed to love me—how intense and passionate it had felt. But it was all a lie, a sick trick to control me. Behind the charm was cruelty, and betrayal that had shattered me.

If it hadn’t been for Tanvi—strong I would have never escaped him. She saved me when I couldn’t save myself.

Now, surrounded by the cold bathroom tiles, with swollen eyes and trembling lips, I felt the weight of grief and fear pressing down on me. Then I heard my mother’s gentle voice through the door.

“Beta, kya hua? Darwaza kholo.”

(What happened, dear? Open the door.)

But how could I open the door when I could barely breathe?

How could I face the world again when I was falling apart inside?

Just as I gathered the strength to leave the washroom, I heard her again, knocking gently on the door.

“Saanu, are you okay? If you are, then get ready.”

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me, and replied softly, “Okay.”

I walked to my closet, scanning through my clothes until I spotted a simple yet elegant kurti with a plain dupatta. I quickly changed into it, braided my hair into a neat ponytail, and placed a small bindi on my forehead. Somehow, it gave me a tiny sense of calm.

I glanced at myself in the mirror and suddenly had an idea why not invite Tanvi and Ishika to the temple with us?

I needed them.

I needed to tell someone about the message, and they were the only ones I trusted.

I quickly sent them both a message, and thankfully, they replied right away, saying they would meet us at the temple.

With my mom by my side, we reached the temple in just 15 minutes. Tanvi and Ishika were already there, wearing similar kurtis. They greeted my mom warmly with a "namaste" and a hug.

We entered the Shiv temple, and a peaceful calm surrounded us. Together, we offered our prayers and received blessings from the priest. The red tilak he placed on our foreheads felt like a mark of divine connection.

Afterwards, my mom went to speak with the priest, leaving the three of us to explore the temple’s garden area.

Tanvi looked at Ishika with a teasing smile and said, “Hey, you know Adi bhai was asking about you, Ishu?”

Ishika shrugged and replied, “So what? He’s not my type.” Her tone was casual, but I could tell she was hiding her real feelings. Tanvi and I couldn’t help but laugh we both knew she had a soft spot for Aditya but was too shy to admit it because of his reserved nature.

As we kept chatting, I realized it was the right time to bring up what had been bothering me. “Guys, I need to tell you something,” I said softly.

Tanvi and Ishika gave me their full attention. I took a deep breath and shared the strange message I had received earlier.

When I finished, both of them looked worried.

“You need to tell Rajveer bhai,” Tanvi said seriously. “He’s your fiancé, Saanu. He should know about this.”

Ishika nodded. “Yes, he’ll understand and help you figure out who’s behind it.”

But I hesitated, my mind full of doubts. “What if he sees me differently? What if he judges me because of my past?” My voice cracked, and I felt tears welling up.

Just then, my mom returned. Her presence calmed me instantly. I quickly wiped my tears, not wanting her to worry.

“What’s wrong, beta?” she asked gently, studying my face.

Before I could answer, Aditya bhai arrived, looking sharp in a suit. His eyes immediately found Ishika, and I noticed her cheeks turning pink. Tanvi, Ishika, and I exchanged amused looks and decided to give them a little space.

As we walked away, Tanvi turned and winked at them. “Make me a bua soon,” she teased, grinning.

We headed to the parking lot, still laughing and chatting. As we reached the car, my mom turned to me with concern in her eyes.

“Saanu beta, are you sure you’re okay? You seemed upset earlier.”

I took a deep breath, feeling comforted just by her being there. “I’m okay, Mumma. Just a little stressed, that’s all.”

AUTHOR POV:

The minutes passed slowly as Ishika and Aditya sat in a comfortable silence, the only sound being the soft creaking of their chairs. The air between them was heavy with tension, a quiet but undeniable pull that neither of them could ignore.

Finally, Ishika broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "Someone told me you’ve been asking about me."

Aditya’s eyes crinkled slightly as he smiled, his gaze steady on her. “Yes, I have.”

A blush rose to her cheeks as she stood from her chair with graceful ease. But before she could take a step back, Aditya reached out and gently grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

He pulled her gently into his lap, his eyes still locked on hers. The closeness was overwhelming their breaths mingled, and the energy between them crackled with something raw and real. Ishika’s heart skipped a beat as she felt his warm breath against her ear.

“I’m not the least bit interested in you, Mr. Rathore,” she said, eyes lowered, trying to keep her voice steady.

“But the way you’re avoiding eye contact while saying that,” he whispered, his voice deep and low, “tells me otherwise, Cherry. And for the record I like you.”

His words sent a shiver down her spine. She felt her chest tighten with a flutter she couldn’t deny, no matter how hard she tried.

Aditya’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he added playfully, “And after what Tanvi said before leaving, maybe we should make it happen, hmm?”

Ishika narrowed her eyes, locking her gaze with his. “Do you have no shame at all, Mr. Rathore?”

Thodi si bhi sharam aati hai aapko, Mr. Rathore?"

His smirk deepened, a wicked glint in his eyes. “Shame? Not even a little. Especially not when it comes to you, Cherry.”

Thodi kya, humein toh aati hi nahi sharam, vo bhi aapke liye, Cherry.

His words hit her like a wave intense, teasing, and full of something dangerous and beautiful. Her heart thudded wildly in her chest.

“Because when I’m with you,” Aditya whispered, leaning in close, his voice a caress against her skin, “I forget about shame, modesty... everything.”

"Kyunki jab aapke saath hoon, toh sharam, haya, sab kuchh bhool jaata hoon,

And in that moment, with his words wrapped around her like silk and the fire in his gaze holding her captive, Ishika knew she was completely, hopelessly lost.

RAJVEER POV :

I lay beside her, soaking in the warmth of her presence, feeling a deep sense of calm wash over me. It had been years since I had slept so peacefully, but with her next to me, I felt a sense of comfort and security. Her presence was like a soothing balm, calming my restless heart and easing my troubled thoughts.

I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair. She was everything to me. The way she whispered my name, "Raj," was like music to my ears. A smile spread across my face, my heart swelling with emotion. I felt like the luckiest man alive to have her by my side.

But as the morning passed, I knew I had to let her go. She got up to head to the bathroom, and I didn’t want to disturb her. Her kiss was addictive, a sweet temptation I couldn't resist. I was hooked, and I knew I’d never get enough of her.

With a heavy heart, I reluctantly left her room and headed back home. The city streets were alive with activity, but my mind was still on her, on the night we had spent together. I couldn’t wait to see her again, to hold her and feel her lips on mine once more. She was my addiction, my obsession, and I was hopelessly captivated by her.

When I entered my mansion, I was greeted by my mother’s warm smile. She stood before the intricately carved puja altar, her hands folded in reverence as she performed the morning aarti. I watched her for a moment, feeling a sense of peace before heading to my room.

After a refreshing bath and slipping into a sharp two-piece suit, I was ready to face the day. I grabbed my briefcase and headed downstairs, preparing to leave for my meeting. But just as I reached the foyer, my mother’s voice called out to me.

"Beta Raj, breakfast toh karke jayo," she said, a note of concern in her voice. I turned and smiled reassuringly.

"Ma, main office mein kar lunga," I replied, trying to sound convincing. She nodded, but her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied me.

Then came the question I had been dreading. "Kal raat tum kaha the beta Raj?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

My mind went blank. How could I tell her I had spent the night with her future daughter-in-law?

So, I did what I had to do—I lied. "Main Abhiman ke saath tha, kuch kaam ke silsile mein," I said, trying to sound as casual as possible. My mother nodded, seemingly accepting my explanation.

Just as I was about to relax, my aunt appeared with a sly smile on her face.

"Beta, humne haan bol diya hai unko shaadi ke liye," she announced, her voice full of excitement.

I nodded, trying to sound enthusiastic, though secretly unsure of what I had just gotten myself into. "Jaise aap logon ko theek lage, waise karein," I replied, trying to keep things neutral.

With that, I made a hasty exit, flashing a smile as I left the mansion, leaving my mother and aunt to their excited chatter about the upcoming wedding.