Saanvi Pov :

He stepped out to complete the discharge paperwork. Just then, the door swung open Tanvi and Ishika walked in. Both of them walked towards me with matching mischievous grins, their eyes twinkling with something that immediately put me on alert.

Tanvi settled down on the chair beside my bed while Ishika rested herself on the edge, leaning in closer with an expression of mock concern.

"So, how are you now, Saanu?" Ishika asked, tilting her head slightly, her voice laced with genuine care.

I sighed, my fingers running over the soft fabric of the hospital blanket draped over my legs. "Not good... not bad either."

I admitted, shifting slightly as a dull ache spread through my body. "My whole body feels like it was hit by a truck."

I wasn't streching. Every muscle, every bone, every inch of me ached as though I had been through a war. Even the simple act of breathing made my chest feel heavy, as if something was pressing down on it.

"And my head," I added, pressing my fingers against my temple, "It's killing me yarr so much ."

Ishika chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, what did you expect? You were in a coma for two months so ofcourse, you're going to feel like a wreck."

I nodded slowly, accepting the reality of her words. It still felt surreal two months of my life had passed without me knowing.

"But..." Ishika continued, a sly smirk curving on her lips, "Soon, your whole body is going to be in pain again."

I frowned, confused by her sudden change in tone. "What?" I asked, blinking at her. "What are you saying?"

Tanvi burst into laughter beside her, shaking her head as if she was trying to control herself but failing miserably.

Ishika leaned in closer, lowering her voice as if she was about to share a shameful secret. "Oh, my innocent baby," she cooed, her grin widening. "Rajveer bhai has been controlling himself for two months now. And now, even the doctor said no... you know... intimate moments until you're fully recovered."

My entire face went up in flames.

I felt the heat creeping down my neck, spreading all the way to my ears. My breath hitched, and I knew just knew that my expression had turned as red as a tomato.

"What the hell, Ishu ki bachi teri tho" I gasped, my voice slightly higher than usual. My eyes darted to the door instinctively, as if I was worried someone might overhear.

Both of them burst into laughter, their giggles filling the room, completely ignoring my flustered state.

Tanvi wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still laughing. "Oh, come on, Rajveer bhai ki jaan. You know it's true. He is going crazy with all this waiting."

I smacked Ishika's shoulder lightly, the only form of protest my weak body could manage.

"You both are impossible," I muttered under my breath, shaking my head.But they only laughed harder.

I wanted to hide under the blanket, to disappear from the embarrassment that was consuming me.

"I swear," I grumbled, covering my face with my hands, "I should have stayed in a coma just to avoid this conversation."

That only made them laugh even more.

Tanvi leaned forward, pushing my arm with a teasing grin. "Just wait till you get home, Saanvi. Bhai is going to be hovering around you twenty-four seven, waiting for the doctor to give him the green light."

I groaned. "You both are evil."

Ishika winked. "We just love seeing you blush."

I shook my head, still red-faced, but a small smile tugged at my lips. They had been my pillars of support before, and they were still here now, making sure I smiled even when my body felt like it had been through hell and back.

But deep down, even through my embarrassment. Because they were right. He had been holding himself back for two months. And now, he was going to make up for every second of lost time.

And now, I was finally going home.

As Tanvi and Ishika helped me sit up properly, fluffing the pillows behind me. The simple act of moving sent a dull ache through my limbs, reminding me of just how weak I had become.

"You okay na now?" Tanvi asked, her brows creased with concern.

I nodded, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Yeah, just feels... strange. Like I haven't been in my own body for ages."

Ishika squeezed my hand. "I told na you were sleeping like a snow white princess for two whole months while we were having heart attacks every day."

I let out a small chuckle, but the weight of her words hit me. Two months. My absence had left a void in their lives, in Raj life. I could only imagine what he had been through watching me lie lifeless, not knowing if I'd ever wake up. My chest tightened at the thought.

Before I could rest on it, the door creaked open, and my heart skipped a beat.

Rajveer stepped inside.

His towering presence filled the room, his broad shoulders stiff, his sharp jaw clenched , and the sexy veins hands . Dressed in an all-black three-piece suit, he looked every bit the of a handsome sexy husband. My husband But his eyes those dark, stormy eyes softened the moment they met mine.

A slow breath left his lips, as if he had been holding it in all this time. I barely had time to react before he stepped towards me with purpose, his strong hands cupping my face ever so gently, as if I would shatter beneath his touch.

"You're ready to go home, jaan?" he asked, his voice rough, thick with emotion.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, my fingers naturally reaching up to cover his. "Yes... I'm ready."

His gaze lingered on mine for a moment longer, searching, memorizing, before he exhaled deeply and pressed his lips to my forehead. The warmth of his touch sent a wave of comfort through me, easing the chaos inside my mind.

"Let's go then Sweetheart," he murmured, his lips brushing against my skin.

The car ride home was quiet, but it wasn't uncomfortable. He had his arm wrapped securely around me, as if he was afraid I would disappear again if he let go. His grip was firm, possessive, but there was a tenderness .

His men followed behind in a convoy of black Range Rover car, their presence a silent reminder of the danger that still lingered in the shadows.

And right now, all that mattered was him.

I turned slightly, my eyes tracing the sharp lines of his face the dark circles beneath his eyes, the slight scruff on his jaw, the tension in his shoulders. He had suffered. He had endured. And all because of me.

"You didn't sleep properly, did you Raj ?" I whispered.

His jaw tightened, but he didn't answer.

I reached up, my fingers brushing against his cheek. "Raj..."

He caught my wrist, bringing my palm to his lips. "Don't worry about me, jaan," he murmured against my skin. "You're the only thing that matters me now that you are back to me Sweetheart."

Tears pricked at my eyes, but I blinked them away, leaning my head against his shoulder.

I didn't know how to make up for the pain he had endured. I didn't know how to erase the scars left on his heart. But I would try. I would spend every day trying.

The moment the car stopped in front of the mansion, my breath hitched. A lump formed in my throat as I took in the sight before me. The entrance was stunning, with fairy lights casting a warm, golden glow over the gorgeous flower garlands draped across the pillars. The air was filled with the sweet scent of roses and marigolds, mixed with the subtle smell of sandalwood from the incense burning by the door.

I swallowed hard, my fingers tightening around the fabric of my loose pink kurta. It felt surreal standing here again, after everything. After two long, painful months of unconsciousness, of drifting between dreams and an abyss where time had ceased to exist. Two months of Raj holding onto me, waiting, praying.

And now, I was home.

The large double doors of the mansion stood open, and there, waiting at the entrance was my family.

Mummy Ji stood at the front, her eyes shining with hidden tears, a welcoming smile on her face. Beside her was Chachi Ji, hands folded in a silent prayer, her face radiating warmth. Kiara and Dhruv stood to the side, their smiles filled with relief and love and him was beside me.

My heart clenched as I turned to look at him. He was already watching me, his gaze filled with something so intense, so profound, that it made my knees weak. Without a word, he reached for my hand, his grip firm yet tender, his warmth grounding me.

"What is this Raj ?" I whispered, my voice barely above a breath.

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he squeezed my hand and led me forward, his dark eyes never leaving mine.

Mummy Ji stepped closer, her voice soft, reverent. "A Griha Pravesh, Saanvi beta. You're stepping into our home again, and I want to welcome you the way a bride is welcomed after marriage."

My breath hitched at her words. A shiver of emotion ran down my spine.

A homecoming.

Tears blurred my vision as I looked at Mummy Ji, at the love in her eyes, at the warmth surrounding me from all sides. As if the two months of coma, the pain, the uncertainty none of it had lessened their love for me.

He turned to me, his free hand cupping my cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear that had escaped. "Every moment with you is a new beginning, Sweetheart," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "And I want to give you everything. Always."

A choked sob escaped my lips as I nodded, unable to form words.

Mummy Ji motioned towards the doorstep, where a silver thali was set, filled with kumkum, rice, and a lit diya. My trembling hands reached for his arm as Mummy Ji guided me through the rituals.

The moment my foot touched the threshold, I felt rose petals rain down from above. Laughter, claps, and cheers echoed around us as I stepped inside, my fingers still laced with his. The entire family clapped, their joy lighting up the air like fireworks in the night sky.

Kiara rushed forward, throwing her arms around me. "Bhabhi sa" she cried, her voice thick with emotion. "I missed you so much."

Before I could even respond, dhruv and chachi joined in, wrapping me in a tight hug.

"You scared us all, bhabhi sa," dhruv murmured, her voice trembling.

"But you're back Saanvi beta ," chachi ji added, pulling away to wipe her tears. "That's all that matters."

I let out a watery laugh, my chest filling with warmth as I looked at all of them these people who had become my world.

"Enough of this crying," Dhruv said, attempting to lighten the mood. "We should be celebrating "

Chachi Ji nodded. "Yes, let's make this evening beautiful. After all, our loving bahu has come back home"

I turned to him again, and he was already looking at me his dark, intense gaze filled with something deeper than words could ever express. Without a second thought, I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around his waist, burying my face in his chest.

He held me tighter, his hands running soothingly along my back. "Welcome home, meri jaan," he whispered against my hair.

Home.

A single word, yet it held my entire world within it.

And then as I was about to head upstairs to our room when, out of nowhere, I felt myself being swept off my feet. A startled gasp escaped my lips as I clutched onto his shoulders for support.

He had effortlessly lifted me into his arms, holding me as if I weighed nothing.

"Apko chalne ki zaroorat nahi hai, jaan," he murmured, his voice deep and firm. "Hum hai na apko uthane ke liye."

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I realized the entire family was standing right there, watching us with entertained smiles. I wiggled slightly, attempting to free myself from his grasp, but he only tightened his hold.

"Raj ji" I whispered urgently, trying to maintain some apperance of manners. "Hume neeche utariye, sab dekh rahe hain... aur waise bhi hum theek hain."

But he, being the stubborn man he was, paid no heed to my protests. His grip remained firm, his possessiveness clear in the way held me against his chest. His dark eyes gleamed with determination as he shook his head.

"No, no, jaan," he insisted, his voice laced with both authority and affection. "Doctor ne mana kiya hai, bola hai apka dhyan rakhna hai. Pehle bhi hum apko kho dene wale the, lekin ab nahi. Jaan, maan jaye na meri baat."

His words made my heart ache. The pain, the fear of almost losing me still lingered in his voice. My refusal melted away, and I nodded softly, allowing him to carry me without another argument.

But before we could move any further, a familiar voice interrupted.

"Arey, Bhai" Dhruv's playful tone cut through the moment. "Bhabhi is right. Bhabhi kaunsi pregnant hai jo aap unhe utha ke le ja rahe ho?"

My eyes widened in horror, and a deep blush spread across my face. The mention of pregnancy had my entire body heating up in embarrassment. I dared to peek at the others, and to my absolute mortification, everyone looked both amused and intrigued.

Before I could scold Dhruv for his unnecessary comment, He leaned closer to my ear, his breath warm against my skin. His next words sent a fresh wave of heat down my spine.

"Pregnant toh jaldi hongi hna, jaan," he whispered huskily, his lips brushing against my ear. "I'm right na, Mrs. Rajawat?"

My breath hitched, my entire face now burning crimson. "Besharm insaan ho aap" I hissed under my breath, swatting his chest lightly in embarrassment.

But instead of feeling guilty, he simply smirked, enjoying my reaction far too much.

The rest of the family burst into laughter, and I buried my face against his chest, wishing the ground would just swallow me whole. This man... would be the death of me.

His arms still remained firmly wrapped around me as he carried me up the stairs, his grip strong yet gentle, his warmth seeping into me like a comforting embrace.

"Maa, upar khaana bhej dena... aur doodh bhi meri jaan ke liye," He called over his shoulder, his deep voice filled with authority.

Mummy Ji, who had been watching us with a soft smile, simply nodded in understanding.

"Theek hai beta, main abhi bhejti hoon," she replied warmly.

I lifted my head abruptly, my eyes widening. "Doodh? Raj main koi bachi nahi hoon jo doodh peeyungi." I whisper-yelled, horrified.

He didn't even flinch. Instead, he smirked down at me, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Bachhi nahi ho, par meri jaan ho. Aur apko taqat ki zaroorat hai, samjhi aap jaise ki doctor ne kaha hai aap abhi weak ho kafi ?"

My lips parted, ready to argue, but the intensity in his gaze made my words die on my tongue. We reached our room, and he nudged the door open with his foot before stepping inside. He carried me straight to the bed and gently placed me down, his hands lingering for a moment as if making sure I was comfortable.

I sighed, rolling my eyes. This man.

"Raj, I can take care of myself. You don't have to treat me like I'll break," I murmured, gazing up at him.

His jaw clenched slightly, and he sat down beside me, his hand cupping my face tenderly. "Apko andaza bhi hai, Sweetheart, ki maine ye do mahine kaise guzare hain?"he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper.

My chest tightened at the pain in his voice.

"Har din... har raat sirf yahi darr rehta tha ki agar aapne

aankhein na kholi toh... agar aap wapas na aayi toh..."he trailed off, his fingers tightening ever so slightly against my cheek.

Tears pricked my eyes as I reached up, placing my hand over his.

"Raj ji..."I whispered, my throat tightening with emotion.

He exhaled deeply, as if trying to push away the lingering fear that still haunted him. Then, as if needing to reassure himself, he pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly.

"Ab jo bhi ho kaho... apko apni khud ki bilkul bhi fikar nahi hai, par mujhe hai apki fiqr jaan apni jaan se bhi ," he murmured against my hair.

I closed my eyes, sinking into his embrace, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheek.

"Aur haan,"he added, pulling back just enough to smirk at me. "Doodh toh apko peena hi padega jaan ."

I groaned, smacking his arm playfully, "Mujhe nahi peena , Raj "

His smirk deepened as he leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear.

"Pee logi, jaan... warna main apne tareeke se pilaoonga," he whispered, his voice sending shivers down my spine.

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I pushed him away, flustered beyond belief.

"Nahi , mai nahi piyungi samjhe aap ". I gasped, scandalized, but he just laughed, clearly enjoying my reaction.

Before I could protest any further, there was a knock on the door, and Kiara's voice rang out.

"Bhai, Mummy ne khaana bhej diya hai. Aur haan, aapke kehne par doodh bhi." she teased from outside.

I groaned, covering my face with my hands as he chuckled, standing up to get the tray.

"Mujhse zyada meri family apko tease karne mein expert ho gayi hai," He muttered under his breath.

He placed the tray on the bedside table and leaned down, brushing a kiss against my forehead.

"Ab yeh sab chhodo aur khana khao jaan fir apko medicine bhi leni hai," he said softly.

I sighed, knowing I wouldn't win this argument. And as he sat beside me, watching me like a hawk while I ate, I realized something.

He would always be like this. Protective. Overbearing. Teasing. But above all, he would always be mine.

______🌷

Rajveer pov :

She sat in front of me, cross-legged on the plush mattress, her slender frame resting against the headboard. Her eyes, those mesmerizing doe-like eyes, studied me with curiosity as I fed her the last bite of her meal.

She chewed slowly, savoring the taste, and then tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a teasing smirk.

"Kaha khoye ho aap?"she asked, her voice laced with amusement. "Apki biwi toh apke samne hai."

I leaned back slightly, a small smile tugging at my lips as I watched her truly watched her.

"Yeh soch raha hoon ki khuda ne kya qayamat banake bheja hai aapko mere paas," I murmured, my voice thick with admiration. "Jitna dekhu, utna kam lagta hai."

The effect of my words was immediate. Her cheeks flushed a shade of deep crimson, her long lashes fluttering as she tried to look away, but I caught the hint of a shy smile playing on her lips.

Damn.

She was breathtaking.

Not wanting her to get too lost in her embarrassment, I reached for the small side table where a glass of warm milk sat beside a jug of water. Alongside it, her prescribed medicine lay untouched. I picked up the tablets and then held the glass out to her.

"Drink it, jaan," I instructed gently, but firmly. "And I'm going to count to five."

She scoffed dramatically, rolling her eyes in that adorable way she did when she was about to be stubborn. Crossing her arms over her chest, she looked up at me with a challenging glint in her eyes.

"Aur agar maine nahi piya toh?"she taunted, tilting her chin up defiantly. "Huh tho ,Kya karenge aap, Mr. Rajawat?"

I smirked, leaning in just enough to make her breath hitch.

"Woh toh aap dekhte rehna, jaan," I murmured, my voice low and teasing. "Main kya kya kar sakta hoon."

She huffed, rolling her eyes again, but I caught the slight nervousness in her expression. Oh, she knew I wasn't bluffing.

So, I started counting.

"One..."

She sat still, staring at me with feigned disinterest.

"Two..."

Her fingers twitched slightly in her lap, but she held her ground.

"Three..."

She raised an eyebrow as if to challenge me further, but I could see the tiny flicker of hesitation in her eyes.

"Four..."

She bit her lower lip, looking down at the glass of milk in my hand but still made no move to take it.

"Five..."

Nothing.

My stubborn little jaan.

Just like me.

She smirked proudly, flashing her tongue out in a teasing manner, as if daring me to do something about it.

Oh, love, you have no idea what you just started.

Without a second thought, I snatched the glass from her hands, ignoring her surprised gasp.

"Raj, yeh kya-?" she gasped, trying to snatch it back, but I was quicker.

Before she could finish her sentence, and then Instead of handing it over, I brought the rim of the glass to my own lips, taking a long sip of the milk while keeping my gaze locked onto hers.

She frowned, confused at first, and then her eyes widened when I suddenly pulled her closer by the waist, cupping the back of her head gently. Before she could protest, my lips crashed against hers in a swift, unexpected kiss.

Her gasp was swallowed by me as I tilted my head, deepening the kiss just enough to make her toes curl. And then, in the most devilish way possible, I let the milk pass from my mouth to hers.

Her hands flying to my chest as if to push me away, but I held her firmly, tilting her chin up to deepen the kiss. The sweet taste of the milk mixed with the warmth of her lips sent a rush of satisfaction through me.

It was only when she finally swallowed her body surrendering to the sure that I pulled back, smirking at her utterly flustered expression.

Her lips were parted, her breath uneven, and her entire face burned red.

When I finally pulled away, a victorious grin stretched across my lips as I watched her stare at me, completely speechless.

"Ab toh pee liya na, jaan?" I whispered against her lips. "Bina zidd kiye bhi pi sakti thi."

She blinked rapidly, clearly struggling to form words, and then just as I expected she smacked my chest with a glare.

"Aap... aap bohot gande ho chii tharki insan "she huffed, turning away.

I chuckled, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her back against my chest.

"Hogaya?"I whispered, my thumb stroking her cheek lazily. "Meri jaan ko doodh pina pada ya nahi?"

She let out an exasperated sigh, but I could feel the way her body melted against mine, her heartbeat slightly erratic, her lips still tingling from our kiss.

And as I held her close, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine, I realized something this woman, my wife, was my greatest temptation. And I was more than willing to spend my entire life giving in to her.

And then I said to her as she was about to sleep, I instructed softly. "Go and change your clothes my love. Wear something comfortable. You need to rest."

She nodded obediently, though I could see the tired yet playful glint in her eyes. Without another word, she stood up, her soft fingers briefly brushing against mine before she disappeared into the walk-in closet.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly.

I was on the verge of loosing my mind just because of her exist.

As I leaned back against the pillows, waiting for her to return, I let my mind wander back to the terrifying moments when I almost lost her, when she had been fighting for her life, unconscious, slipping through my fingers like sand. The memory alone was enough to send a sharp pang through my chest.

Never again.

I was lost in my thoughts when the sound of the closet door creaking open pulled me back to reality.

And the moment I laid my eyes on her...

Oh, fuck.

I stiffened immediately, my breath catching in my throat.

She walked toward me, completely oblivious to the chaos she was wreaking inside me. Her long, silky black hair cascaded over her shoulders, the dim glow of the bedside lamp casting a golden hue over her soft skin.

But it wasn't just that.

It was what she was wearing.

A loose tank top short, thin, and teasingly incomplete clung to her in all the right places. One strap hung lazily off her shoulder, exposing the smooth skin of her collarbone my favourite spot of her body, while the fabric barely covered her curves.

And underneath?

No bra.

Fuck now in night how I'm going to controls myself from her.

The shorts she had chosen were equally loose, resting low on her hips, but they did nothing to diminish the effect of her bare midriff and the way her soft waist curved so temptingly.

I clenched my fists.

She had no idea what she was doing to me.

The fucking useless doctor had advised no, warned me to let her body heal.

No intimate activities.

No stress.

Just rest.

But right now, she was testing every ounce of patience I had left.

My throat went dry as I forced myself to look away, pretending to adjust the blanket casually.

My voice came out rougher than I intended. "You came back wearing this fucking nighty?"

She blinked innocently, tilting her head. she asked, genuinely confused."Yes? What happened any problem in this?"

I let out a slow, controlled exhale, dragging a hand down my face.

I started, my voice low, warning, "Do you even realize what you're doing?"

She gave me a playful pout, placing her hands on her hips and looking so sexy.

she said, completely unfazed by my struggle."You told me to wear something comfortable, so I did Raj."

My jaw tensed.

Comfortable?

This was not comfortable for me. This was torture.

I shut my eyes for a brief second, counting in my head, trying to calm the heat stirring inside me.

One... Two... Three...

It didn't help. Not when she climbed onto the bed beside me, completely at ease, stretching her arms with a soft yawn. The movement caused her top to ride up slightly, exposing just a little more of her already tempting waist.

I groaned internally.

"Ohh fuck, jaan,"I muttered under my breath, shifting uncomfortably.

She turned to me with a questioning look."What?"

I shook my head.

I gritted out, looking away. "Nothing. Just scared of your innocence Sweetheart."

She raised an eyebrow, obviously catching on to my frustration. And then, as if she wasn't already killing me slowly, she leaned forward, placing a hand on my thigh.

"Aap theek tho ho na Raj" ,she asked sweetly, her fingers grazing my leg ever so lightly.

I snapped.

In one swift move, I grabbed her wrist, pulling her against me. A startled gasp escaped her lips as she landed against my chest, my arm wrapping securely around her waist.

I warned, my voice dangerously low. "Don't test my patience, love. The doctor told me not to touch you, otherwise, I'd show you exactly what you're doing to me right now."

Her breath hitched, her wide eyes staring into mine and then, the little minx smirked.

she teased, her voice dripping with amusement. "The doctor said no, but you love breaking rules, don't you?"

My grip on her waist tightened, my control hanging by a frayed thread.

I commanded through gritted teeth. "Go to sleep, love. If you don't, I'll forget everything that doctor said."

She giggled, completely enjoying my torment, before nuzzling her face into my chest.

she murmured softly, sighing in contentment. "Fine, fine. I'm sleeping."

I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply as I held her close.

God help me.

This woman had no idea the kind of power she held over me.

______🌷

Author Pov:

~At Midnight

Saanvi sighed deeply, burying her face into his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing beneath her palm. His warmth enveloped her, a protective cocoon that she never wanted to leave.

Rajveer's arms were wrapped around her securely, as if even in his sleep, he refused to let her go. His strong, insensitive fingers rested against her lower back, his grip firm yet gentle, like he was silently reassuring himself that she was still here, still his.

She shifted slightly, intertwining her legs with his, the soft fabric of his pajama pants brushing against her bare skin. One of saanvi hands rested on his broad chest, feeling the rhythmic thud of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips, while the other absentmindedly traced patterns on his thigh.

His muscles tensed slightly under her touch, even in his sleep, as if his body instinctively responded to her presence. A small smile tugged at saanvi lips at the thought.

Rajveer arms tightened around her , pulling saanvi impossibly closer, as if trying to fuse their souls into one.

No more words were needed.

Saanvi lay nestled in Rajveer's arms, her body pressed against his warmth. She was safe in his embrace, in the home he had built for her, in the love that surrounded her like an impenetrable shield.

And yet, no walls were strong enough to cage the demons of her past.

A sudden shift in her breathing disturbed the peaceful quiet. The rhythmic rise and fall of her chest turned unstable, her fingers twitching against the sheets. Her brows furrowed, her lips parting as soft whimpers escaped them. Then, a sharp gasp tore through the silence.

Pain.

Searing, gut-wrenching pain.

Her body tensed, the sensation of cold steel slicing through her flesh returning with a vengeance. The shadow agony of the knife plunging into her stomach, the suffocating scent of blood staining the air, and the cruel laughter of the monster who had inflicted it all her ex-boyfriend, Samrat Rana.

"No... please... don't... don't touch me..." Her voice trembled, her breath hitching as the nightmare swallowed her whole.

She was back there.

Back in that room. The walls closing in, the air thick with the reddish brown scent of her own blood. Samrat's sadistic grin loomed over her, his eyes glinting with twisted pleasure.

"You thought you could leave me, butterfly?" his voice sneered in her mind, echoing through the nightmare. "You belong to me, only me."

The pressure on her wrists, the searing sting of his blade carving pain into her body it all felt terrifyingly real.

Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms, but it wasn't enough. The pain wasn't enough to wake her from this nightmare that felt all too real. Desperate, her body reacted. In her sleep, she lunged forward, her fingers clawing at the walls as if she could scrape away the horror imprinted on them.

Her nails scratched against the cold surface, dragging down with an urgency that made her knuckles turn white. But no matter how hard she tried, the suffocating darkness refused to leave her.

The panicked movements shocked Rajveer awake.

For a moment, he was confused , his senses taking in the chaos before him. And then, his gaze landed on her.

Saanvi stood against the wall, her weak body trembling violently, her hands scraping at the hard surface , she throw the things here and there as if she were trying to escape something unseen. Her breath came out in ragged gasps, her nightwear damp with sweat, strands of hair sticking to her tear-streaked face.

"Jaan" Rajveer was by her side in an instant, his voice urgent, filled with worry.

But she didn't hear him. She was trapped, locked in the nightmare of a past that refused to let go.

Rajveer's heart clenched at the sight of her like this so vulnerable, so broken. His strong, fearless Saanvi, who stood against the world without flinching, now crumbling under the weight of her demons.

" Jaan, look at me" he cupped her face, trying to pull her back to him.

She flinched.

A sharp intake of breath followed, her body stiffening at his touch. For a second, her unfocused eyes reflected pure terror.

His grip loosened instantly. The sight of fear of him in her gaze shattered something inside him.

But Rajveer was not a man who gave up. He knew he couldn't force her out of this. He had to bring her back gently.

He remove his shirt and hug her tightly while whispering in her ear . " Sweetheart calm down and scratch mine back don't hurt your nails by scratching on walls."

Her body trembled, her breaths still shallow and erratic. Slowly, painfully slowly, her breathing began to match his.

Her eyes darted around the room, no longer clouded with terror, but still searching, still unsure if she was truly free from the nightmare.

"Raj...?" her voice was barely above a whisper, raw and shaky.

And that was all it took.

A sob broke past her lips as she collapsed into his arms, clinging onto him like he was the only anchor keeping her from drowning.

Rajveer held her, his arms wrapped around her protectively, his hands running soothingly up and down her back.

"Shh... it's okay, jaan. No one can hurt you now. I won't let them."But he knew words weren't enough. No matter how fiercely he loved her, no matter how desperately he wanted to erase the pain of her past, he couldn't undo what had already been done.

But what he could do was be here. Hold her when she broke. Catch her when she fell. Love her in every way she deserved.

Rajveer held her close, his fingers brushing against her damp cheeks, gently wiping away the remnants of her tears. His heart clenched at the sight of her so vulnerable, yet he knew this was a battle she had to fight, and he would stand beside her through every storm.

His voice was soft, careful. "Jaan, if you're okay... would you like to share your past with me?"

For a moment, silence stretched between them.

Saanvi blinked, her lashes still damp with tears. "Huh?" she whispered, her voice fragile, as if she wasn't sure she had heard him correctly.

Rajveer didn't push. He knew she needed time. He gently cupped her face, his thumb caressing her cheek in slow, soothing strokes.

"Only if you're comfortable," he reassured her, his deep voice filled with nothing but love and patience.

She let out a shaky breath, and then, she looked up at him her Raj, the only man who had ever made her feel truly safe.

"Raj,"she hiccupped, trying to steady her emotions. "How can you even say that? If you're comfortable... , I'm always comfortable with you. And now... I think it's time I tell you about my past."

His hold on her tightened ever so slightly, as if bracing himself for what she was about to reveal.

He nodded, his dark eyes holding nothing but unwavering support, and leaned forward to place a tender kiss on her tear-streaked eyelids, his lips lingering there for a moment.

"I'm listening, jaan," he whispered against her skin.

A shuddering sigh left her lips as she gathered the courage to unearth the ghosts of her past.

"It started years ago... when I thought I had found love."

And so, she began.

Past~

Saanvi's voice trembled as she started speaking. The warmth of his embrace anchored her, giving her the courage to revisit the pain she had buried deep within her heart from many years.

"You know, we always think that during our college years, we find our soulmate," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "We believe in fairytales, in love stories that are meant to last forever. But that's just a beautiful illusion. I thought I had found my prince... but in reality, it was nothing more than a nightmare."

Rajveer's jaw clenched, his hold on her tightening protectively. He didn't interrupt, didn't rush her. He simply held her, allowing her to pour out the words she had kept locked away for so long.

She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "I was naive, Raj. I believed in love so easily, trusted so blindly. Him... he wasn't just my boyfriend, he was my world back then. I thought he loved me too, that he would protect me, cherish me. But I was wrong."

Her voice cracked as painful memories resurfaced, the weight of them pressing against her chest.

"At first, he was charming attentive, caring. He knew exactly what to say, how to make me feel special. I was young and foolish, mistaking obsession for love. I thought his possessiveness meant he cared, that his anger was just his way of showing how much he needed me."

Rajveer's grip on her waist tightened as he listened, his blood simmering with restrained fury. The idea of another man touching her, hurting her it made his hands clench into fists. But for now, he kept his anger buried.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to continue. "It started with small things him deciding what I should wear, who I should talk to. If I laughed a little too much with a friend, he would get angry. If I didn't reply to his messages immediately, he would call me over and over, accusing me of ignoring him."

A bitter chuckle escaped her lips. "And I let it happen, Raj. I let him control me because I thought that's what love was. I thought love meant sacrificing parts of yourself to keep the other person happy."

Rajveer cupped her cheek, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. "Jaan," he murmured, his voice rough with suppressed emotion. "Love is not about control. Love is freedom, trust, and respect. What he did to you ," he exhaled sharply, trying to calm the storm raging inside him. "That wasn't love, Jaan. That was poison."

Tears welled in her eyes, but she nodded. "I know that now,"she admitted. "But back then, I was blind. And by the time I realized what I had gotten myself into... it was too late."

Rajveer's fingers traced soothing circles on her back, silently urging her to continue at her own pace.

"It increased, Raj. His love turned into obsession, and his obsession turned into cruelty."

Her body shivered as the darkest memories clawed their way to the surface.

"The first time he hurt me, he apologized. He cried, begged for forgiveness. And I forgave him because I loved him, because I thought he would change."

Rajveer inhaled sharply, his fingers twitching at the thought of another man daring to harm her. His Sweetheart his jaan, his everything.

"But he didn't change," she whispered. "It only got worse. The insults turned into shouts, the shouts turned into threats... and then, one day, the threats turned into bruises."

Rajveer's whole body tensed. His anger was like a volcano on the verge of erupting, but he kept himself steady for her.

"And the worst part?" Saanvi continued, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I still stayed. I still believed he loved me. Until... until the night everything shattered."

Her breathing grew uneven, and Rajveer instantly pulled her closer, his lips pressing against her forehead. "Jaan, you don't have to relive it if it's too much it's going to hurt you ,"he murmured.

She shook her head. "No, Raj. I need to say this. I need to let it out."

____🌷

Saanvi Pov :

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at Raj, my breath hitching in my throat. The weight of my past pressed down on me, suffocating, unbearable. My hands trembled, my body shivered, and my voice cracked as I tried to form the words that had been buried deep within me for so long.

"Raj... do you know how cruel he was?" My voice was barely above a whisper, but the pain in it was unmistakable. "He dared to touch me, even in places where I thought I would be safe... even here. There was no place in this world where I could escape from him. Every single time, I would tell myself that maybe this was just temporary, maybe he would change, maybe things would get better. But they never did. They only got worse."

His eyes darkened with concern, his hands clenching into fists as he listened to me, his body tensed as if bracing himself for the horrors I was about to reveal. But I had held these words inside me for too long. And now that they had started spilling out, I couldn't stop.

"I used to cry myself to sleep every night, Raj," I continued, my voice shaking. "I would curl up in the corner of my room, hugging myself, trying to silence my sobs so no one would hear. I didn't want anyone to know. I didn't want people to pity me. I thought if I just stayed quiet, if I just endured it, maybe one day, he would stop. Maybe one day, he would realize how much he was hurting me. "

I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head at my own foolishness. "But that day never came."

Raj remained silent, but I could feel the tension in the air, the way he was barely holding himself back from reacting. I couldn't meet his eyes, afraid that if I did, I would break even more than I already had.

"He tried to rape me once, Raj." My voice broke, and I felt my entire body tremble as the memory resurfaced, fresh and raw, as if it had just happened yesterday. "No... not just once. More than once. Every time I tried to push him away, he would laugh at me. He would tell me that I was his, that I belonged to him, that no matter what I did, I could never escape. He made me feel powerless. He made me feel worthless."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, trying to steady my breath, but the pain was overwhelming. "I can't even tell you how many times I tried to fight back, Raj. How many times I begged him to stop. But he never listened. He never cared. I thought... I thought maybe if I did everything right, maybe if I loved him enough, maybe if I became exactly what he wanted, he wouldn't hurt me anymore."

A single tear slipped down my cheek, but I didn't wipe it away. "But I was wrong. No matter what I did, it was never enough. He still hurt me. He still... used me."

Raj's jaw tightened, his breathing heavy as he tried to control his anger. But I wasn't finished. There was so much more I needed to say.

"He used to hit me, Raj," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "So many times, so many nights. I can still feel the bruises, even though they're not there anymore. I can still hear his voice, the way he used to yell at me, the way he used to tell me that I was nothing without him. And the worst part? I believed him."

I looked down at my hands, at the faint scars that remained reminders of the pain I had endured. "I let him break me, Raj. I let him make me believe that I was unworthy of love, that I was only good enough to be used and discarded. And every time he apologized, every time he said he wouldn't do it again, I believed him. I forgave him. Because I wanted to believe that he loved me. I wanted to believe that I mattered to him."

A sob escaped my lips, and I covered my mouth, trying to contain the flood of emotions threatening to consume me. "But love doesn't hurt like that, does it?"

I whispered, more to myself than to Raj. "Love isn't supposed to leave you broken. Love isn't supposed to make you feel like you're dying inside. Love isn't supposed to make you afraid."

Raj reached out, placing his hand over mine, his touch gentle yet firm. "No, it's not," he said softly, his voice filled with an emotion I couldn't quite decipher.

For a moment, I just stared at his hand over mine, feeling warmth for the first time in what seemed like forever. It was different from the way he used to touch me. There was no control, no force, no demand only comfort.

"I spent so many years convincing myself that he loved me," I continued after a moment, my voice barely above a whisper. "I told myself that if I left him, no one else would ever want me. That no one else would ever love me. Because that's what he made me believe."

Raj's grip on my hand tightened slightly, as if he wanted to assure me that none of that was true. But the damage had already been done.

"I hated myself, Raj," I admitted, my heart pounding painfully in my chest. "I hated the person I had become. I hated that I had let him break me. I hated that I had let him take so much from me. And the worst part? I didn't even know who I was anymore. He had taken everything my confidence, my dreams, my happiness. And I was just... empty."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I don't know how I survived it, Raj. I don't know how I found the strength to walk away. Maybe I just reached a point where I couldn't take it anymore. Maybe I realized that if I stayed, I would lose myself completely."

Raj's eyes burned with unshed tears, his expression filled with a mixture of pain and anger not at me, but at the man who had hurt me. "You didn't deserve any of this," he said, his voice raw with emotion. "None of it was your fault."

I let out a shaky breath, my lips quivering. "Then why does it still feel like it was?"

"Because he made you believe that," Raj said firmly. "But he was wrong. You are not broken, and you are not weak. You survived, despite everything. And that makes you stronger than he will ever be."

His words hit me like a tidal wave, washing over me, filling the cracks in my soul that I had thought would never heal.

For the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to believe that maybe... just maybe... I wasn't as broken as I thought. Maybe I wasn't just something to be used and discarded. Maybe, just maybe... I was worth more than that.

And as I looked into Raj's eyes, filled with nothing but understanding and warmth, I realized that for the first time in a long time, I wasn't alone.

By the time I finished, I was trembling, and Rajveer he was barely holding myself .His hands shook with barely contained rage, his teeth gritted so tightly that his jaw ached.

"Raj...?"I whispered hesitantly, seeing the storm in his eyes.

He exhaled, closing his eyes for a second before cupping my face with both hands. "Hm jaan now tell me ,What's the guy name that hurt you jaan" he asked, his voice low but powerful.

I replied " Samrat Rana ".

_____🌷

Rajveer Pov :

The moment her trembling lips uttered his name, my entire world froze. My muscles tensed, my breath hitched, and a deadly rage boiled inside me. I knew him. The bastard had once stood before me, unaware that his past sins would one day come back to haunt him. And now... now he was the reason behind my jaan's suffering the man who had broken her, the man who had put her in a coma for two months.

My knuckles turned white, my jaw clenched so hard it ached, and my vision blurred with a red haze. The monster inside me roared, demanding blood, demanding vengeance.

But then... her voice soft, fragile, and trembling shook me out of my fury.

She looked up at me, eyes glassy with unshed tears, lips swollen from the sobs she had been holding back.

"Promise me... you will never shatter my trust. Never leave me with a heart broken into a million pieces," she whispered, her voice barely above a hiccup while her arms wrapped on my neck.

I exhaled sharply, forcing down the rage threatening to consume me. This wasn't about my anger. This was about her my jaan, my everything.

I cupped her delicate face, my rough fingers wiping away the tears staining her soft skin. Her pain, her wounds everything she had endured I would carry it all for her.

I kissed her closed eyelids, lingering, letting her feel the promise in my touch. "Jaan," I murmured against her skin. "If I ever hurt you and break the trust you have placed in me I will spend my last breath making it right holding you close and whispering how sorry I'm until my dying breath is gone"

I pulled her closer, feeling her tremble against me. My jaan... she had already suffered enough. But that bastard who did this to her?

His days were fucking numbered.

Her tears soaked my skin, each one burning like a silent plea, a pain I couldn't erase.

I cupped her face, my thumbs brushing against her damp cheeks, but her cries only grew more desperate, more raw. My heart clenched at the sight of her like this so vulnerable, so shattered. I couldn't watch her drown in sorrow any longer.

Without a second thought, I crashed my lips onto hers, swallowing her broken sobs. The kiss was deep, urgent, consuming. I poured everything into it my frustration, my helplessness, my need to pull her back to me. My tongue traced the seam of her lips, demanding entry, claiming what was already mine. She gasped into my mouth, her breath hitching between hiccups, and I took the chance to explore, to taste the salt of her tears mixed with the sweetness that was uniquely hers.

Her moans melted into my mouth, a soft surrender that sent fire coursing through my veins. I bit down on her lower lip, drawing a whimper from her, before soothing it with slow, intentional strokes of my tongue. I wanted to take away her pain, to remind her that she wasn't alone, that she had me always.

Her arms wrapped on my neck, as if holding on for dear life, but with each passing second, her grip loosened. Her body softened against mine, her breathing growing shallow. The exhaustion of her grief weighed heavy on her, and finally, after what felt like an eternity, her lashes fluttered closed.

She had cried herself to sleep in my arms.

I pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, cradling her closer. Even in her sleep, her face was streaked with sorrow, her expression troubled.

As I laid her down on the bed. My mind was still burning with thoughts of him he bastard who had shattered her, who had stolen years of her life. My jaw clenched, the urge to rip him apart barely contained.

As her soft breathing evened out, I slowly reached for my phone, my voice dangerously low as I commanded, "Find Rana. Now. No excuses. You fail, you're dead. You succeed, you get to keep breathing. Choose wisely Abhiman."

Without waiting for a response, I cut the call, my grip tightening around the phone. My patience was running thin, and the only thing keeping me from losing it completely was the woman sleeping in my arms.

I glanced down at her, my eyes softening for a brief moment. She looked so peaceful, completely unaware of the fire raging inside me and then I aslo sleep beside her because I didn't want to leave her just like this in this condition.

____🌷