"God! You are such a biter!" I mumbled as he continued placing his marks on my body.

"You are mine!" he groaned.

In that moment I felt alive in the present, all thoughts of past and future melted away. This medicine he gave healed me, and made me addicted. I felt safe. Safe to be in his arms.... Peaceful and sound.

"Yours forever!"

-----------------

Sona's POV

I woke up in the morning and realized that my whole body was aching. Slowly and reluctantly, I uncovered my face and blinked my eyes again. Streaks of sunlight penetrated the window and blinded me. I sat up, dragged my feet off the bed and rubbed my knuckles onto my eyes. I stretched my arms above my head and yawned.

Just then, realization hit me. Where's Dev?

I looked around and realized he was not in the bed. He wasn't even in the bathroom as it was already unlocked. I quickly stood up and wore my dress which was disposed on the floor. I searched around the room and found no one. This was really scarier than what I thought. Where did he go early in the morning? I looked around and searched for any notes behind, but there was none.

Fear engulfed me when I walked down and saw there was no one present in the living area. The kitchen was empty as well. I wanted to quell the hammering in my chest, but there's no way that will happen now. The car that we came in last night was still parked outside so he couldn't have gone far.

Just at that moment, I heard the sound of the main gates opening. Gulping down my fear, I moved towards the corner and hoped for the intruder to be Dev. When the door opened, thankfully I saw my dumb husband entering the house. My anger knew no bounds. But at the same time I couldn't help feeling so relieved by the sight of him.

He looked like he just came back from running a marathon, wearing his sports pants and t-shirt. I walked towards him with an angry glare.

"Dev what the hell? Is this how you leave me-" I was about to blast when he placed his fingers on my lips.

"Shhh... Shhhh..... Just let me explain." he said pinning me to the nearest wall. I blushed furiously, realizing our proximity.

"I just went for a quick jog and yea..... you were sleeping like a baby. So, I didn't want to disturb you. I also bought us breakfast." he grinned as I stared at him dumbly.

"You could have written a note at least. I...... I just got scared." I stammered as he caressed my cheeks.

"Don't worry..... I am here na? Ok now. Go have a warm shower and have this first." He said handing me a few tablets.

"What are these for?"

"Birth control pills. Actually.... um... wohh...urr.. yesterday night....we didn't have protection.... You know?" he said and my eyes widened.

His words kept repeating in my mind. Did he go out early in the morning to get these pills? Why is he looking so stressed? Did he regret last night? I felt so lost and offended. He should have asked me before doing anything right? What was the need to get the pills so urgently?

"Do you regret last night?" I blurted out even before making up my mind. He immediately stiffened upon my question.

"What the hell Sona? When did I even say that?" he stated with horrified expressions. Never in his dreams had he expected that kind of a question.

"You didn't have to say. Your actions are proving it. What's these tablets for then?" I asked as my voice was choking. Why did I have to be so weak! Stupid Sona!

"Sona....." he sighed as he hugged me. I was taken aback by the sudden hug but it felt so comforting at that moment.

"You are not well now...... You have to understand that you can't afford to become pregnant in this state..... You need to get a little stronger you see-"

"I am strong..." I mumbled as he hugged me closer. His hot breath hitting my neck as he spoke.

"Yea I know.... You are the strongest person I have ever seen. But you know -"

"Fine I will take the tablets. You don't have to explain to me like I am a five year old!" I frowned as he smirked.

"Of course...." he paused moving near me. "You are a well grown woman.... I can see that!" he winked as I gasped. My face felt like it was on fire.

"Pervert!" I mouthed at him as he broke into fits of laughter.

"Only for you, sweety!" he yelled as I ran back to my room.

---------------

Finally, after spending half a day at his penthouse, we were now back at Dev's house. I really enjoyed his penthouse and the way everything was designed there. He had so many things located there. So, that if we ever moved there, we wouldn't need to bring anything with us.

Dev shared many of his childhood pictures with me there. I could see the sudden happiness in his eyes after a long time. He was genuinely happy and contented. Although, I knew that he was still hiding a few things inside him, I trusted him. I knew he would have his own reasons to not tell me certain things.

However now being back in his 'usual' house was extremely boring since Dev didn't allow me to communicate with anyone in his family, except his dad and Neha. I had servants who were appointed for me all the time and to help me if I needed anything. Unfortunately, Dev had to go off for work and as usual and I was left alone.

I was laying lazily on the bed when my phone suddenly rang.

"Hello, Sona! How are you? Are you feeling better now?" I heard my mum's voice and my happiness knew no bounds.

"MAA.... Oh my god. How are you? How is baba? Is he better now? Can I speak to him?" I piled up my questions as my mum quickly shut me off.

"Wait wait.... Before you ask any questions, let me ask you first. You haven't even made a call ever since you moved to Dev's house? Is everything ok? Are you having any difficulties..... Any problem?" she asked as I could sense the worry in her tone.

"No maa..... Of course not! Thankfully I moved here. And guess what? I am able to recall some of the incidents from the past, maa!" I exclaimed.

"Really?"

"Yesss!!!! I recalled everything....everything that happened during our college time. How I met Dev... And how I got to know him in our college..... How we used to be during our college time.... Everything..... So at least now, it's not so awkward to be with him..." I smiled to myself while saying.

But suddenly there was no response from the other side. My mum kept quiet like she was in deep thoughts. The silence was suddenly scaring me. Shit...did I say something wrong?

"Maa....???"

"Sona................... You knew Dev even before you worked in his company?" I heard her gasp as her voice was dangerously stern.

"W-what?.......Huh... I don't get you" I stuttered.

"How long do you know Dev?" she asked.

"For about.....umm...... six years now....I guess...... Why?" I replied gulping down my nervousness.

I knew, something about her tone wasn't right. Why was she so shocked? Wasn't our marriage a love marriage? Or was it arranged?............. Wait...... does my mum know about our love affair? Shit! Did she? I wouldn't lie to my mother about anything. She would have known right? But Dev told me.... Ouh no! Dev never told me anything!

God.... I am going to kill you Dev!

"Maa-"

"Sonakshi..... Me and your baba are going to come back in a few days. I just wanted to inform you that your dad's treatment is almost done. Just left with the packing now. Baba is not here so you can talk to him later, once we are back. And also, you have quite a lot of explanation for me when I am back! Until then take care." She said in a calm tone as I hummed silently.

"Okay mum..... I will visit you guys soon" I said softly before she cut the call.

I felt happy that I was going to see my father after so long. I missed him badly. I didn't even get to see him ever since I woke up from the accident. He was my pillar, my strength and my first love after all. He was going to be back and that feeling was just too overwhelming.

Suddenly there was a harsh knock on the door which brought me out of my reveries. I quickly walked to the door and unlocked it. But before I could turn the knob, the door swung open, almost hitting my face. I gasped as I saw Nisha standing outside with an eerie expression.

Wait.... Why was she here? She wasn't supposed to be here right?

"Hey Sonakshi, how are you?" she spoke with a weird smile which caused chills in my spine.

"I.....I am fine.... Why are you here? Dev isn't here...."

"Ouh.... that isn't a problem. Because I am here to actually meet you Ssssooonakshi" she mocked as I stepped behind.

"Wh...what-"

"Listen to me carefully..... YOU.....are just Dev's wife for name-sake! I heard about your memory loss and guess what? I am not at all pitiful about your state. There's lots of things which you don't know......... But I do." she smiled as all the happiness vanished from my face.

My stomach churned painfully as she started laughing, enjoying my expressions.

"What the hell are you saying? Why are you here...... Just leave this room. Or else, I am going to call Dev now!" I panted as she stopped laughing and came closer to me.

"Hmm......Trust me Sonakshi. He wouldn't care if I am here or not........ Did he tell you everything about your past?" she whispered as I glared at her.

"Yes......... He....he did" I answered confidently although I knew he didn't.

"Did he tell you what happened after you guys broke up?" she asked as my face paled.

"Y.....y...yes" I stammered. No....he didn't, my mind screamed.

"Let me tell you Sonakshi...... He was living with me for three years after your break up. We lived together........in Australia.....in one single house" she said taking a step towards me, "Happily...like a couple until you came in the picture!" she snapped as I gasped

"No....no...... I don't trust you. Why are you telling this to me?" I shook my head as my mind clouded with anger and hatred towards Nisha.

"Because I love him........... and he still loves me." she answered as my world crushed.

"Mam, you are not supposed to enter this room. Dev sir has strictly told you not to.... Please leave" came the voice of the maid who was rushing inside, trying to drag Nisha outside. But Nisha just looked like an angry psychopath who was waiting for the right time to pounce on me.

"Just listen Sonakshi. Dev chased you out of the house! You were thrown out mercilessly by him and that was the same day you met with the accident! HE KEPT YOU HERE OUT OF PITY AND NOT LOVE!" she screamed as my face paled.

The maid immediately dragged her out by grabbing her wrist. But Nisha was hell bent on finishing what she started.

"Remember!!! He doesn't love you at all." her voice echoed and soon was lost across the hallway.

After dragging her out, the maid rushed inside and stood near me.

"Sona mam, are you alright?" her voice came as I slightly relaxed.

"Yes...... Can you get for me some water?" I wetted my lips and looked at the empty doors.

"Yes sure..." she replied and rushed off, after closing the door.

"Because I love him....................and he still loves me"

"Just listen Sonakshi. Dev chased you out of the house! You were thrown out mercilessly by him and that was the same day you met with the accident! HE KEPT YOU HERE OUT OF PITY AND NOT LOVE!"

Her voice kept echoing in my ears and it was truly disturbing. Why didn't Dev reveal to me anything after the breakup? Yes....he told me he went Australia.... But with Nisha? Really? He was living together with her? And the accident..... He said he never wanted to talk about it..... Oh my god. I know I shouldn't be trusting her. But her words really felt like a hard stab on my chest.

My stomach lurches, adrenaline pumped furiously and I want to scream to let out all the fear that's been building inside me for so long. I want to scream so loud so that it becomes not a cry of fear, but a roar of one who has been forged stronger by life's challenges. I sat down in the floor, feeling defeated and vulnerable.

That's when I heard it....

"Sonakshi.....you are strong.....don't give up now....."

I froze.

"Sona...........don't let her win....you can't give up now" my mind fogged as I looked around.

It was like a dream. The sounds around me felt so real. It almost felt like my world was spinning and I just wanted to sit down.

A small voice echoed at the back of my head. It felt like I was talking to myself. It was my voice. It felt so real. The voice sounded like mine. No.... It was indeed mine!

"Don't cry Sonakshi... you are stronger than that. You can do this. Think of some way where you can show Dev the truth" the voice kept talking to me as I clenched my eyes shut.

The voice inside me sounded so strong and brave. It was like another part of me. A strong one. A total different person. The Sonakshi that I have never met before. The voice held so much of power and authority that I never thought it could have been mine.

My brain froze, offering no course of action for my trembling limbs to take. I closed my ears to prevent listening to those voices, but there was no use. I started to feel giddy as things around me became blur. I cleared my throat and stood up, just to fall back down on the couch in an unbalanced attempt to walk to the bed.

"Sonakshi.......please don't give up! This is not you...." The voice spoke as my eyes started closing, and soon my entire world was engulfed into darkness.

Dev's POV

Last night was somehow the most memorable night for me. I didn't know why but yesterday, I explored another side of Sonakshi which I had always craved to see. The small, innocent and cute side of hers...

I knew I should have been more careful last night. I knew that currently; her body was too weak to face another pregnancy. And even if she did, her body wouldn't be able to bear another child so soon. I didn't even want to imagine what will happen if she ever gets to know about her miscarriage.

The way she opened up to me yesterday was something I had never expected. I was never planning on getting intimate with her, since I already knew that she was still in her recovery stages. But the sexual tension was so obvious, and thankfully, it wasn't one-sided. She wanted me as much as I wanted her.

For a woman like Sona, to open up physically to me was something really huge. It definitely spoke about the trust she had on me and I had to make sure I treasure that.

But as usual, happiness was never a permanent thing in my life. I knew I shouldn't have left Sonakshi alone at my house this morning. Not now especially, since that walking bitch was back in my house. But I had no choice. I had an important meeting and I couldn't afford to leave Sonakshi alone in my penthouse. All the helpers I appointed were stationed in my house. So, I thought that it would be safer for her to be there.

How dumb of me?

The moment my helper, Ana called me, I knew something was wrong. However, when she mentioned that Nisha went inside my room, my anger knew no bounds. How dare she? Even after constantly being in hell, she had the guts to disobey me? Did she think that I would forgive her that easily? Now, she will have to face my wrath and I will make sure she regrets every single deed she deed till her death!

The minute I reached home, I strode to my room and my heart just crushed upon seeing my unconscious wife. By now, the doctor was already there and she was given some medications. He informed me that she needed to be brought to the hospital for some tests, after she was conscious.

I took note of every detail the doctor said and turned towards Ana.

"What the shit were you doing while the mad woman entered my room? You had only one job, and you failed Ana! Just don't show me your face anymore!" I screamed as the maid was crying helplessly.

"No sir.... She entered the room when I was in the kitchen. I was preparing lunch for Sonakshi mam.... I didn't know what happened until I heard her talking with someone. I am really sorry.... Please forgive me this one time." she pleaded as I clenched my eyes in frustration.

"Just one time Ana! There won't be a second chance." I glared as she nodded and ran away.

Without any delay I walked down furiously only to be faced by Nisha. My jaws clenched and hands fisted. I stood there as a small smirk made way to her face. Walking furiously towards her, my hands grabbed her throat and pushed her off. I heard her mother squeal when her face harshly hit the floor.

I quickly grabbed her hair and pulled her upwards, so that her face was now facing me.

"I am really impressed with your guts. You thought that I would leave you alone after you mess up with my life?" I asked as I saw a slight fear in her eyes. But soon that was replaced with anger.

"What did I do? Why are you so scared Dev? Are you scared that she will leave you?" she smirked as my blood boiled. A strong urge to kill and bury her under my penthouse developed inside me.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP BEFORE I KILL YOU!" I screamed as I heard sharp gasps around me. That's when I remembered that I wasn't alone in that house. Neha was staring at me in shock while my mum looked like she was going to faint any moment. Mami looked pale as she rushed near Nisha and tried to free her from my hold but too bad. She asked for it.

"Dev, please leave her! I make sure she doesn't do anything stupid like this anymore." Radharani pleaded.

"You know what? There is no forgiveness for a backstabber like her..... I can't tolerate her walking around my house with this attitude anymore. It's time to show her who the boss is. From tomorrow onwards, you are doing every single household chore in this house and you would be paid for every single job. For every mistake, you will be punished and guess what? You can't even escape from this... because your case is still going strong Nisha! Once you are proven guilty of your crimes, you will forever stay in your in-law's house...... The well-known, police station. Until then, I hope you have a fruitful experience here." I sneered as the fright was visible in her eyes.

"Ouh.........and yea" I stopped and looked at her pathetic face. "I had informed your father about everything you did..... And guess what? He told me to proceed with the case legally. So now, you don't have a choice but to suffer!" I spat as her eyes started tearing.

I smirked. Finally, she knows her place in this house!

Yes, I am heartless, if that's what you think! But I don't care anymore. What's the point of loving everyone selflessly? It doesn't bring back any happiness anymore. People only take advantage of you. Not everyone is selfless and innocent like Sonakshi.

I know that when the tension is high, I should inject some patience instead of anger and give her some warning glares instead of violence. But sometimes it just isn't that easy with Nisha. She gets all up in my face and I get this urge to smack her down. But if I do that, probably she will die.

And I definitely didn't want that!

I didn't know what she told Sonakshi or what exactly happened inside the room. Ana just informed me that they were talking but what was she exactly was she saying. Whatever it was, it wasn't anything good, because if her words made Sonakshi unconscious, then it had to be something brutal.

Thinking about all the different kind of torture I could give Nisha, I made my way to the room. Just when I was at the door, I heard Sonakshi's voice, calling out for me softly. Rushing inside, I saw her still in her unconscious state. She was trying to open her eyes but the moment she did, her eyes shut again.

"Deevvv" The words tumbled from her lips like little pebbles onto sand.

I rushed towards her side and carefully lifted her head to place it on my lap. She scrunched her eyes and her fingers clutched my wrists tightly. She slowly opened her eyes and stared at me.

"D...Dev" her voice choked as I slowly caressed her face.

"Shh... I am here... Nothing is wrong babydoll...." I said but she shook her heads in defeat. She wasn't listening to anything I was saying. Her lips quivered as she stared at me helplessly.

"Did you chase me out of this house?"

************

Precap : Sonakshi has a memory.....But a crucial one this time! Something very unexpected😉

*Interesting fact: Psychotic experiences like hearing voices are relatively common – and not always a sign of mental illness. They do happen in certain cases....where you find that your inner voices talking to you to help your mind from slipping into severe depression....*

Spoilers: Because.....I still love you?