A/N: The longest chapter I've ever written with 6.14K words. Prepare yourself and Enjoy! <3 [Damn, 6144 words]

━━༻❁༺━━

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

The night was still and quiet, with only the faint sound of crickets chirping outside the window. The soft moonlight spilled through the curtains, casting a silvery glow across the room. Rakshit lay beside Drishti, his breathing steady, his mind lost in the depth of his sleep.

Suddenly, the peace was shattered by a piercing scream that ripped through the silence. Drishti shot up in bed, her eyes wide with terror, her chest heaving as she cried out, "Mumma!" Her voice was choked, filled with a desperation that sliced through the air.

Rakshit jolted awake, his heart racing as he turned to her. "Drishti!" he called out, his voice thick with concern. "What happened? Drishti, are you okay?"

But she didn't hear him. Her eyes were distant, unfocused, as she clutched the sheets, trembling uncontrollably. Tears streamed down her face as she gasped for breath, her chest tight with panic. "Mr. Shergill," she sobbed, her words coming out in a frantic rush, "they'll kill her... my mumma... they're going to kill my mumma!"

The words sent a cold shiver down Rakshit's spine. He knew nothing about her mother, and he had never seen Drishti like this-so broken, so lost in her own nightmare. He immediately reached out, his hands gently cupping her face, trying to bring her back to the present. "Mrs. Shergill, listen to me," he said, his voice firm yet tender. "No one is going to hurt your mother. She's safe now... She's safe."

But Drishti shook her head violently, her sobs growing louder. "No, no, you don't understand! They killed her! I saw it! I saw them stab her! She was right there, right in front of me, and I couldn't do anything!" Her words tumbled out in a torrent of grief, each one laced with the unbearable pain of a child who had witnessed the unthinkable.

Rakshit's heart clenched as he watched her unravel before him. He knew he had to do something, anything, to bring her back to him. Without a second thought, he pulled her into his arms, wrapping her tightly in his embrace. "Shh... it's okay, Mrs. Shergill" he murmured, his lips brushing against her hair as he held her close. "I'm here. I've got you. No one is going to hurt you. I promise."

But she couldn't stop crying. Her body shook with each sob, her fingers clutching his shirt as if she were drowning and he was her only lifeline. Desperate to calm her, Rakshit gently gripped her waist and lifted her, placing her on his lap. Her tear-streaked face was now inches from his, her breath warm against his skin. He wiped away her tears with the pad of his thumb, his touch as light as a feather. "Look at me, Mrs. Shergill" he whispered, his voice soft but insistent. "You're safe. You're here with me. I won't let anything happen to you."

Her eyes, still filled with fear and sorrow, finally met his, searching for some semblance of reassurance. Rakshit leaned in, placing a tender kiss on her forehead, lingering just long enough to let her feel the depth of his concern. "You're not alone" he whispered against her skin. "You'll never be alone as long as I'm here."

Something in his voice, in the warmth of his touch, seemed to reach her. Drishti's grip on his shirt loosened slightly as her sobs began to quiet. She wrapped her arms around his torso, burying her face in his chest, seeking the comfort of his heartbeat beneath her cheek.

Rakshit leaned back against the headboard, pulling her with him until she was lying on top of him, her body pressed against his. He began to draw soothing circles on her back, his fingers tracing gentle patterns that seemed to ease the tension in her muscles. "You're okay, Mrs. Shergill" he kept repeating, his voice a steady, calming rhythm in the dark room. "I'm right here."

Slowly, the storm of emotions that had overtaken her began to subside. Her breathing evened out, and the trembling in her body eased as the exhaustion from her outburst finally took hold. Rakshit could feel the way her weight shifted against him, her body relaxing into his embrace as the fear ebbed away. He continued to stroke her back, his other hand gently massaging her scalp, his touch filled with the kind of tenderness he had never thought himself capable of.

As Drishti lay nestled in Rakshit's arms, her breathing gradually evening out, a quiet sense of gratitude began to seep into her heart. Even amidst the lingering fear and the remnants of her nightmare, she found herself clinging to the solace that Rakshit had given her. His presence, solid and unwavering, was like an anchor in the storm of her emotions.

For so long, Drishti had carried the weight of her trauma alone, the memory of her mother's brutal death like a shadow that never left her side. She had been just a child when her world was torn apart, and since then, she had built walls around herself, believing that no one could truly understand the depth of her pain. But tonight, as Rakshit held her close, those walls had crumbled, and in their place was a warmth she hadn't known she needed so desperately.

Even in the depths of her despair, a part of her mind whispered thanks to him. "Thank you, Rakshit, for being here. For not letting me face this alone."

She could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath her cheek, his heartbeat a comforting rhythm that lulled her away from the darkness that had consumed her moments before. She felt safe in his arms, as if nothing could harm her as long as he held her close. The terror that had gripped her so tightly was slowly being replaced by a profound sense of relief-relief that, for once, she wasn't alone with her pain.

Drishti's fingers tightened slightly against his shirt, as if to ground herself in the reality of this moment. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt this sense of safety, of being cared for so deeply. There was something about the way Rakshit held her, the way his arms encircled her as if she were the most precious thing in the world, that made her feel protected in a way she hadn't felt since she was a child.

In this moment, nothing else mattered-not the bitter arguments, not the distrust that had once poisoned their interactions. All that mattered was the warmth of his embrace, the gentleness in his touch, and the way he had been there for her when she needed it most. She knew that tomorrow, they might go back to their old ways, to the sarcastic remarks and the unspoken tension. But right now, she was simply grateful for the man who had seen her at her most vulnerable and hadn't turned away.

Tears welled in her eyes again, but this time, they weren't tears of fear or sorrow. They were tears of a quiet, unspoken appreciation for the one person who had managed to break through her defenses, even if just for tonight. She hadn't expected this from Rakshit-the man she had married out of necessity, the man she had often clashed with. But as he gently stroked her back, his fingers making soothing circles on her skin, she realized that there was more to him than she had allowed herself to see.

"Thank you" she thought again, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite name. "Thank you for making me feel like I'm not alone. For making me feel like I matter."

Drishti had always prided herself on being strong, on not needing anyone. But tonight, in the quiet stillness of their shared bed, she allowed herself to lean into Rakshit's strength. She let herself feel the comfort he offered, the silent assurance that she wasn't facing her demons alone. And in that embrace, she found a peace she hadn't known she was capable of feeling.

Finally, Drishti's breathing slowed, her sobs turning into quiet, uneven breaths. Her eyelids grew heavier as sleep began to take hold once more, but before she drifted off completely, she allowed herself to press a little closer to him, her face burrowing deeper into his chest. The scent of him, familiar and reassuring, filled her senses, grounding her in the present moment. She felt his hand gently massaging her scalp, the motion lulling her into a state of serenity she hadn't felt in years.

In Rakshit's arms, the horrors of her past seemed a little less daunting, the shadows a little less threatening. And as sleep finally claimed her, Drishti's last conscious thought was a silent vow to herself-to remember this moment, to hold onto the gratitude she felt for the man who had, without knowing it, given her the gift of feeling safe again.

Even as she slept, Rakshit didn't let go. He held her close, his hand never ceasing its gentle movements on her back, as if he could keep her nightmares at bay just by being there. He closed his eyes, resting his chin on the top of her head, listening to the quiet rhythm of her breathing.

In that moment, nothing else mattered. Not their past, not their differences, not the bitterness that had once defined their relationship. All that mattered was that Drishti was safe, that she was with him, and that he would do anything to protect her from the darkness that haunted her.

As the night wore on, Rakshit remained awake, his thoughts swirling around the woman in his arms. He had never seen her so vulnerable, so open in her pain. It was a side of her that she kept hidden away, buried beneath layers of strength and defiance. But tonight, those walls had crumbled, and she had let him in.

And for the first time, Rakshit realized just how much that meant to him.

━━༻❁༺━━

NEXT MORNING

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden light across the room. The air was still, save for the faint rustling of leaves outside and the occasional chirping of birds. Drishti stirred slowly, her eyelids fluttering open as she awoke to the gentle warmth of Rakshit's embrace. For a moment, she lay still, her mind foggy with sleep, before the events of the previous night came rushing back to her.

She felt the steady rise and fall of Rakshit's chest beneath her cheek, the strong beat of his heart a comforting rhythm against her ear. His arms were still wrapped around her, holding her close as if even in sleep, he didn't want to let her go. It was an unfamiliar sensation, waking up like this-so intimately entwined with him. But instead of pulling away, Drishti found herself savoring the moment, allowing the peacefulness to wash over her.

She lifted her head slightly, her gaze falling on Rakshit's face. He was still asleep, his features softened in the gentle light of morning. The usual tension that often creased his brow was absent, replaced by an expression of quiet calm. There was something about seeing him like this, so unguarded, that made her heart clench in a way she hadn't expected.

Drishti couldn't help but think back to the night before, to the way he had held her, comforted her, when she had been at her most vulnerable. He hadn't asked for explanations or pushed her away; he had simply been there, offering her the kind of support she hadn't realized she needed. The memory brought a wave of warmth to her chest, and she found herself silently thanking him once more.

She shifted slightly, careful not to wake him, but even that slight movement caused his arms to tighten around her instinctively. Drishti's breath caught in her throat as she realized just how closely they were pressed together, their bodies fitting against each other as if they had always belonged this way. The realization sent a flutter through her stomach, a mix of emotions she wasn't sure how to name.

But as much as she wanted to stay in this cocoon of warmth and safety, she knew she couldn't. The rational part of her mind reminded her of the complexities of their relationship, of the walls they had both built between them. This moment of closeness, as comforting as it was, didn't change the reality of their situation. Yet, even knowing that, she couldn't deny the gratitude she felt toward him.

With a soft sigh, Drishti carefully began to disentangle herself from his embrace. Rakshit stirred slightly but didn't wake, his grip loosening just enough to allow her to slip away. She sat up slowly, brushing her hair back from her face, and glanced back at him. For a brief moment, she considered waking him, saying something-anything-to acknowledge what he had done for her. But the words felt heavy in her throat, and she wasn't sure she was ready to face the complexity of those emotions just yet.

Instead, Drishti quietly slid out of bed, her feet touching the cool floor as she stood. She glanced around the room, the early morning light casting everything in a soft glow. Her gaze landed on Rakshit once more, and she felt a pang of something bittersweet in her chest.

She leaned down, her movements gentle as she adjusted the blanket over him, ensuring he was still covered. For a moment, she hovered there, her fingers brushing lightly against the fabric, her eyes lingering on his sleeping form. Then, with a final, silent thank you, she straightened and turned away.

Drishti moved quietly through the room, careful not to disturb the peacefulness that had settled over them. She slipped into the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a soft click. As she stood in front of the mirror, she caught sight of her reflection-her eyes still slightly puffy from crying, her hair tousled, but there was a softness in her expression that hadn't been there the night before.

She splashed cold water on her face, the coolness refreshing her and washing away the remnants of sleep. As she dried her face with a towel, she took a deep breath, grounding herself in the present. Last night had been a moment of unexpected closeness, a glimpse into a side of Rakshit she hadn't seen before. It had left her feeling both comforted and unsettled, her emotions a tangled web she wasn't sure how to navigate.

But as she stepped out of the bathroom, dressed and ready to face the day, Drishti made a silent vow to herself. Whatever lay ahead, she would hold onto the gratitude she felt for Rakshit, even if she couldn't yet find the words to express it. She would remember the safety she had felt in his arms, the way he had been there for her when she needed it most.

And perhaps, she thought as she glanced back at him one last time before leaving the room, that would be enough-for now.

Rakshit woke up feeling refreshed, but as he looked around, he realized he was alone. He got up, dressed quickly, and headed downstairs. The aroma of breakfast greeted him as he entered the dining area, where he found Drishti serving everyone. Her smile was warm and genuine as she saw him.

"Good morning, Mr. Shergill" she said cheerfully.

"Morning" Rakshit replied, taking his seat at the dining table.

Drishti placed a plate in front of him, filled with all his favorites. Rakshit raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the spread. "What's all this for?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Drishti's eyes sparkled as she winked at him. "Just a little thank you for last night."

He chuckled, shaking his head at the familiar sharpness and fierceness she had returned to. Mahima, who had been quietly observing, suddenly announced, "Rakshit, we're having a party this evening. Be back soon with Drishti."

Rakshit looked up, surprised. "A party? For what?"

Mahima smiled brightly. "For yours and Drishti's marriage. I mentioned throwing a party after yours and Lavanya's marriage, but it never happened. So we're doing it now. It's supposed to bring good luck for the couple."

Rakshit's gaze shifted to Drishti, who was sitting beside him, eating her breakfast silently. He noted her calm demeanor but still felt a flicker of concern. After breakfast, he noticed her tidying up in the kitchen and decided to check on her.

"You okay, Mrs. Shergill?" he asked gently.

Drishti turned to face him, her smile radiant. "More than okay. All thanks to you."

Rakshit nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I'll wait in the car" he said and walked out.

Soon, they were driving to the office, preparing for the evening event.

━━༻❁༺━━

AFTERNOON

By the afternoon, workers were bustling around the house, setting up lights and food. Simran, Divya, and Akshit were all excited about the party. Akshit and Divya were rehearsing their dance performance of "Dilli Wali Girlfriend"

REHEARSAL ROOM

Akshit and Divya were in the middle of rehearsing their dance performance for the party. The lively beat of "Dilli Wali Girlfriend" filled the room as they practiced their moves, both lost in the rhythm and each other.

Divya, in a playful mood, twirled around, her saree flaring out beautifully. Akshit, trying to keep up with her, stumbled slightly. He reached out to steady himself and accidentally grabbed her waist, pulling her closer. Their faces were just inches apart, and for a moment, the music faded into the background.

Divya looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Careful there, or you might drop me."

Akshit grinned, his hand still resting on her waist. "I think I'm more likely to be dropped by you with those moves."

Divya laughed, her breath warm against his face. "Oh, really? And how do you plan to handle that?"

Their playful banter turned into a more intimate moment as Akshit's fingers lightly brushed against her back, sending a shiver down her spine. He leaned in, his lips almost touching her ear. "I guess I'll have to find a way to catch you."

Divya's cheeks flushed as she playfully nudged him. "You wanna die? Concentrate on the dance performance."

Akshit's smile widened, his gaze lingering on her. "And you're making it hard for me to concentrate."

The close proximity and their shared laughter made the atmosphere charged with a flirtatious energy. The accidental touch felt more like a sweet accident, and they both savored the fleeting yet intimate connection.

━━༻❁༺━━

EVENING

As evening approached, Drishti and Rakshit returned home, ready for the evening's festivities. Rakshit had traded his usual sharp suits for a stylish party wear-an impeccably tailored dark blue blazer over a crisp white shirt, paired with charcoal trousers. The change from his usual attire made him look effortlessly sophisticated and less imposing, a sight that caught Drishti's eye as he stepped out first to check the decorations.

Drishti, meanwhile, was dressed in an elegant saree of deep emerald green, the fabric shimmering subtly in the soft lighting. The saree was adorned with intricate silver embroidery that accentuated her graceful figure. Her jhumkas-traditional dangling earrings-glistened with every movement, adding a touch of traditional charm to her ensemble.

As she was about to leave the house, she noticed a small note lying on the floor near the entrance. She bent down and picked it up, her fingers trembling slightly. The note read, "Try and save that person if you can." Her heart skipped a beat, and a cold shiver ran down her spine. She scanned the room, her mind racing with anxiety. Who could this note be referring to? Rakshit? Akshit? Divya? Simran? Mahima? The possibilities swirled in her mind, and she felt a knot of fear tightening in her chest.

Just as panic began to set in, Rakshit appeared in the doorway, his presence both reassuring and commanding. "Let's go, Mrs. Shergill," he said, his tone firm but casual, as if they were heading to an ordinary event.

Drishti quickly discarded the note into the dustbin, her hands still shaking. She tried to mask her worry with a composed facade as she joined Rakshit. Her thoughts, however, were far from calm. The sight of Rakshit looking so dashing in his party wear only heightened her unease. He looked every bit the charming and refined gentleman, but the note's ominous message loomed in her mind.

As they headed out to the party, Drishti's heart pounded with a lingering sense of dread. The thrill of seeing Rakshit in a different light was overshadowed by the terror of the unknown threat. She struggled to keep her focus on the evening ahead, but her anxiety about who might be in danger consumed her thoughts.

AFTER THE PARTY

The evening had been a whirlwind-glamorous, full of laughter and music, but all Drishti could think about was the ominous note she had found. Her mind kept replaying the words, "Try and save that person if you can," over and over again, causing a deep-seated anxiety to simmer within her. The party had gone smoothly, and everyone seemed safe, but the unease refused to leave her.

After the guests left, the house grew quiet, save for the occasional laughter of Akshit and Divya from another room. Drishti wandered outside, needing the cool night air to clear her mind. She stood in the garden, looking up at the sky, her thoughts miles away. The stars twinkled brightly, but even their serene light couldn't calm the storm raging within her. There was a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach, a sense of foreboding that made her heart race with fear. Something wasn't right, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen.

Just as she tried to push the thought away, she heard a loud shout echo through the house. It was Rakshit.

Panic gripped her as she turned and ran back inside. Her breath caught in her throat as she reached Rakshit's room, and what she saw froze her in place-flames engulfed the room, growing fiercer with each passing second. The fire roared with an intensity that mirrored the terror in her heart, and the heat was overwhelming, pushing her back.

For a brief moment, she was paralyzed, her mind flashing back to the traumatic night when she had witnessed her mother's murder. The fire, the suffocating heat, the helplessness-it all came rushing back. She could see herself as a nine-year-old girl again, watching her mother die in front of her eyes, unable to do anything to save her.

But this time, she wasn't that helpless child anymore. This time, she had to act.

Summoning every ounce of courage, Drishti forced herself to move, to break free from the chains of her past. She pushed the door open and entered the blazing room, her only thought being to save Rakshit. The heat was unbearable, the smoke stung her eyes, and the air was thick and suffocating, but she pressed on. Rakshit was there, struggling against the flames, trying to escape, but he was trapped.

"Mr. Shergill!" she cried out, her voice cracking with fear and desperation. She pushed through the flames, her hands trembling, as she reached out to him. Grabbing his arm, she pulled him with all her strength, her heart pounding in her chest. "Come on, we have to get out!" she urged, her voice barely audible over the roar of the fire.

With immense effort, Drishti managed to drag him out of the room, collapsing onto the floor outside. Her body was shaking, her lungs burning from the smoke, but she didn't care. All that mattered was that Rakshit was safe. She couldn't stop the tears that streamed down her face, a mixture of relief and lingering fear.

Mahima and Simran rushed over, their faces pale with worry, while Akshit and Divya called the fire brigade and worked to activate the fire sprinklers. The flames were eventually doused, leaving the room charred but the worst avoided.

Mahima was a picture of strained composure, her usual poise faltering away. The sight of Rakshit, moments ago engulfed in smoke and flames, had left her deeply shaken. As she stood in front of his room, she was unable to mask her fear and worry. Her hands were clasped tightly together, her eyes darting around the room as she waited for confirmation that her son was safe.

When Rakshit finally emerged from the commotion, looking disheveled but unharmed, the sheer relief on Mahima's face was evident. She rushed towards him, her eyes glistening with tears of worry. Without a word, she threw her arms around him, her grip tight and desperate. "Rakshit, you're okay..." she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. The relief of seeing him alive and safe was overwhelming. She clung to him as if fearing he might vanish again.

Akshit, having witnessed the entire ordeal from a distance, approached his brother with a mix of fear and relief. His face was pale, and his eyes were wide with concern. As Rakshit approached, Akshit's breath caught in his throat. He stepped forward, his usual confident demeanor replaced by palpable fear.

"Bhai, thank God you're alright" Akshit said, his voice breaking slightly. He wrapped his arms around Rakshit in a fierce embrace, holding on as if to reassure himself of Rakshit's safety. The tension in his shoulders seemed to melt away as he felt the warmth of his brother's body against his own. "We were so worried" he added, his voice muffled against Rakshit's shoulder. Simran saw it all from a distance and later joined the hug, noticing that her Rakshit bhaiya was safe and sound.

The siblings stood there, holding each other tightly. Mahima joined in, her emotional display mingling with Akshit's relief. The three of them formed a tight-knit group, their fear and anxiety slowly dissipating in the comfort of their shared embrace. Mahima's hand rested gently on Rakshit's back as she whispered reassurances, her voice soft but laden with the weight of her maternal worry.

The hug was a silent testament to the depth of their familial bond, a moment of intense relief and unspoken gratitude. Despite the earlier chaos, this reunion reaffirmed the strength of their connection and the shared sense of relief that Rakshit was safe.

But Drishti couldn't stay there. The emotional toll was too much. She needed to be alone, to process everything that had happened.

━━༻❁༺━━

POOL AREA

Drishti slipped away from the crowd, finding her way to the pool area, where the cool night air welcomed her. She sat down on the edge, her saree trailing into the water as she stared blankly ahead, the horrific scene replaying in her mind. The overwhelming fear, the paralyzing helplessness-it was too much. She had almost lost him. The thought alone was enough to tear her apart.

Her hands were trembling, her heart still racing from the adrenaline and fear. She was lost in her thoughts when she heard footsteps approaching. She didn't have to look up to know who it was. Rakshit came and sat beside her, his presence grounding her in a way nothing else could. He didn't say anything at first, simply wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her on his lap, close to her. His face was inches away from hers, his hand wrapped around her waist protectively as if shielding her from all the evil. The warmth of his body against hers, the steadiness of his heartbeat, it all made the floodgates burst open.

She broke down, the sobs wracking her body as she clung to him, burying her face in his chest. He didn't say anything, just held her tighter, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her back.

"You were in danger" she finally choked out, her voice barely a whisper. "I-I was so scared..."

"I'm fine now, Mrs. Shergill" Rakshit murmured, his voice soft and calming. "Nothing happened. I'm right here, safe and sound."

Drishti shook her head, the tears still flowing freely. "But what if something had happened? What if I had lost you? What would I have done?" Her voice cracked with the weight of the fear she had carried. "I can't lose you too, Mr. Shergill. I've already lost so much..."

His heart clenched at her words, at the vulnerability in her voice. He gently tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Mrs. Shergill, listen to me. I'm okay, alright? I'm right here, with you. You saved me, just in time. Don't you dare blame yourself."

"I should have come sooner. I should have-"

"Shh" he interrupted her, placing a finger over her lips. "Don't say that. You did everything you could. You saved my life, Mrs. Shergill. That's all that matters."

She looked up at him, her eyes red and swollen from crying. The fear and guilt still lingered in her heart, but his words, his touch-they were slowly soothing the storm inside her.

Rakshit sighed, trying to lighten the mood. "But tell me this, Mrs. Shergill... If something had happened to me, would it really have affected you that much? I mean, as far as I know, you wanted to kill me yourself..."

The teasing tone in his voice caught her off guard, and for a moment, Drishti was too stunned to respond. Then, something snapped inside her-an overwhelming wave of emotion that she couldn't hold back any longer. Her tears returned, but this time with a hint of frustration as she lightly punched his chest. "Don't joke about that!" she cried, her voice muffled against his chest.

Rakshit chuckled softly, tightening his hold on her. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I'm fine, see? Nothing to worry about."

For a moment, there was only silence between them, the cool night air wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. Drishti stayed nestled in his arms, her fingers gripping his shirt as if she was afraid to let go.

Then, in a voice so quiet it was almost inaudible, she whispered,

"The mere thought of losing you rips me apart..."

Rakshit's breath hitched at her words, his heart skipping a beat. He hadn't expected her to say that, hadn't realized just how deep her feelings ran. For a moment, he didn't know what to say, how to respond to the raw honesty in her voice. All he could do was hold her tighter, as if by doing so, he could protect her from all the fears that haunted her.

"Mrs. Shergill" he finally whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "You won't lose me. Not now, not ever. I promise you."

And in that moment, as they sat there by the pool, holding onto each other as if their lives depended on it, Drishti allowed herself to believe him. The fear was still there, lurking in the corners of her mind, but it was overshadowed by the warmth of Rakshit's embrace, by the unspoken bond between them that seemed to grow stronger with each passing second.

She knew that their relationship was far from perfect, that there were still so many unresolved issues between them. But right now, none of that mattered. All that mattered was that Rakshit was safe, that he was here, with her.

And as she rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, she allowed herself to hope-just for a moment-that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.

━━༻❁༺━━

NIGHT TIME, 11 PM

After the chaos of the fire had been brought under control, Rakshit and Drishti found themselves in a more somber reality. Their room had been severely damaged, and Rakshit had taken the initiative to move to a guest room for the night.

As the evening settled into a more subdued calm, Rakshit gently scooped Drishti up in his arms. He lifted her effortlessly in a bridal carry, her saree draping gracefully around them. Despite the earlier tension, the act was tender and protective. Drishti, wrapped securely in his arms, rested her head on his shoulder, feeling a mix of relief and lingering anxiety.

Rakshit carefully carried her to the guest room, which was now their temporary refuge. He placed her gently on the bed, his movements tender as he ensured she was comfortable. "Just a moment," he said softly, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of discomfort.

Drishti lay there, her mind still racing with thoughts of the fire and the danger they had narrowly escaped. She looked around the unfamiliar guest room, its serene yet impersonal décor a stark contrast to the chaos of the evening. Her heart ached at the thought of what might have happened if Rakshit had not been saved in time.

Rakshit returned a few minutes later, changed into comfortable clothes, and sat down on the edge of the bed. He wore a calm expression, though the events of the day had left their mark. He sighed deeply, his thoughts consumed by the earlier events and the sense of responsibility he felt for Drishti's safety.

He lay down beside her, his body sinking into the softness of the mattress. As he closed his eyes, trying to find solace in the quiet of the room, he felt a gentle shift beside him. Drishti had turned towards him, her movements slow and hesitant. She leaned in, resting her head on his chest. Her presence was comforting, a balm to the anxiety that had built up over the day.

"I'm sorry about everything" Drishti whispered, her voice barely audible. "I know it's been a rough day. And, I'm so sorry..."

Rakshit placed a hand on her back, feeling the warmth of her proximity. "Stop apologizing, It's okay." He murmured, his voice soothing.

Drishti wrapped her arm around his torso, her fingers gently tracing patterns on his shirt.

Rakshit, laying beside Drishti, finally closed his eyes, seeking solace in the quiet. Hours passed, yet, Drishti remained awake, her mind haunted by the day's events. Though she lay still with her head resting on his chest, she was far from at ease.

The steady rhythm of Rakshit's heartbeat provided a calming counterpoint to her restless thoughts. She listened to its steady beat, feeling a mixture of relief and lingering anxiety. The traumatic events of the evening played on repeat in her mind, preventing her from finding rest.

Feeling the warmth and security of Rakshit's embrace, Drishti leaned in closer, seeking comfort. She placed a soft kiss on his forehead, her touch tender and affectionate. Whispering into the stillness of the room, she murmured softly, "Thank you for being here... for everything."

Rakshit, sensing the soft gesture, stirred slightly but remained asleep, a faint smile touching his lips. Drishti snuggled closer, trying to absorb the tranquility of the moment. Despite her efforts to relax, the events of the day had left her unsettled.

However, she couldn't shake the haunting thought of what might have happened if she had lost him. The fear and anxiety still gripped her heart. Despite the turmoil of the evening, having him here, right next to her, was enough to soothe her troubled mind. In that moment, with Rakshit by her side, the world seemed a little less daunting.

Eventually, the soothing presence of him and the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest began to work their magic. Drishti's breathing gradually evened out as she finally allowed herself to drift off to sleep, finding a small measure of peace in Rakshit's arms.

The night wore on, and in the quiet stillness of the guest room, both Rakshit and Drishti slept peacefully in each other's arms. The events of the day seemed to fade into a distant memory as they found solace in their shared embrace. The rhythmic rise and fall of their breathing created a soothing harmony, allowing them to drift into a restful sleep, cocooned in the safety and warmth of their closeness.