Her eyes soon became heavy as I laid her back on the pillow.

"My child.....you killer..." she murmured as she went fully unconscious and the nurses started to drip her again.

If there was something worse than death.....then this has to be it...

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

Dev's POV

No matter how much I tried to stay strong, her words kept disturbing me. It creating such a strong impact on my heart.... She called me a cheater.... A betrayer. She claimed that she never felt safe with me. Have I failed myself as a husband? Have I never made an effort to protect her?

I swallowed the heaviness in my throat as I glanced at her, sleeping soundly in my arms.

"Is she okay doctor?" I asked Dr Prathap as he was quickly taking down some notes.

"I can't say anything much until the next time she wakes up...... So far, I can conclude that she gets aggressive when she sees you. So, I would suggest for you to call her parents or someone to be here when she wakes up next. We don't want to worsen her condition now. I will assign another nurse until then, to monitor her..." the doctor spoke apologetically. Okay...ouch.

It stung hard to hear that I had to be away from her, but that wasn't my concern right now. I wanted her to recover as quickly as possible. So, I gently nodded and placed Sonakshi back in the bed.

"Thanks doctor...." My voice croaked while he nodded and walked out. I huffed out a breath and sat down next to her. What am I going to do? Call her parents? Really?

I had so much of stress on my mind that I could already feel the sharp pain of migraine against my temple, throbbing repeatedly. I got up from the chair and tucked the blanket up to her chin. She looked so fragile and broken even in her unconscious state.

As I walked out, Pooja rushed towards my side and guided me towards the nearest seat. She gave me a small smile. But I found it hard to return back and sighed.

"How is she?" she asked as I pinched my temples in pain. I slowly told Pooja everything that happened in the room.

"Oh my god!" she gasped as her eyes were teary, "Dev..... Will she be alright?" she asked as I gulped.

"Yea....Let's hope she will be. Where is Jatin?"

"He went to get some food for all of us. Do you need anything?" she asked as I checked my phone and lifted my gaze at her.

"Pooja, I need your help. I need to get back home, freshen up and inform Sonakshi's parents about this. I..... I just need you to stay here. In case she wakes up, you know?" I stammered as she nodded in understanding.

Jatin walked up towards us with food.

"I am sorry for I wasn't around....I had to-" I stopped Jatin by placing my hand on his shoulder.

"Can you just drop me at home.... I need-" I paused and swallowed thickly, "I need to get home quickly..." I spoke with all the strength I had inside me.

"Oh...um...are you sure?" he asked as I blinked and swallowed my emotions before looking at Jatin and nodding firmly. I didn't want to be in this painful environment anymore.

Soon, we reached my house. There were lots of questions raised by my parents but I never bothered to answer any of them. I just walked past them. My clothes were all scattered on the bed. I quickly opened my cupboard and took whatever I needed, before walking to washroom.

I was so exhausted. Physically and mentally. As the cold water touched my skin, drowning all my thoughts, I pondered about my life and the misery I was going through. Finally, a great achievement! For one whole day, I didn't cry.... I managed to keep my emotions at check as I wanted to be strong for her. But now I knew that I was never a strong person.

The strength I had before was all derived from Sonakshi. She was my light. She kept my future bright. But now, the light in her eyes were getting dim once again. The darkness was engulfing her just like the last time, I left her alone. But this time, it was worse. It broke her hundred times more than the first time we separated.

I didn't know how to save her.... Or maybe save the both of us.

I pressed my head against the cold tile as my tears set free along with the water over my head. I clamped my hands over my lips to stop the vulnerable cries that were threatening to leave my lips, and pinched my eyes close. I was trying hard to stop my breakdown but it wasn't working.

The grief was wrapped around my throat and heart, squeezing it like a poisonous snake. I wasn't able to control my emotions and grasp over my body. I couldn't stand still as my knees gave away and I pressed myself against the shower wall. The hisses and pants filled the silence of the bathroom. It was just me and my cries....

Just when I had felt like the tears had started to dry up, I felt another set of fresh tears leaking from my eyes. I couldn't hold myself together anymore. I didn't know for how long I sat there but I couldn't see or feel anything. Is this how my life is going to be? Lonely?

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

After drying myself, I gathered my courage and called Sonakshi's parent's house. I knew this was going to be difficult but I had no choice. I had to tell them on way or another. With a heavy heart, I dialled the house number.

"Hello??? Jeeju (Brother-in-law)?" Elena's spoke with anticipation as I mumbled a small 'hi'.

"Elena.... How's your dad? Is he ok? When did you guys came back?" I asked, trying to mask my fear under a firm voice.

"Everyone is fine jeeju! Where is Sona? Mum was trying to call her phone the whole day. Why isn't she replying? " she asked as my voice constricted in my throat.

"She....actually...Elena..... Could you help me tell your mum that Sonakshi is admitted in the hospital again?" I choked as I heard her sharp gasp.

"Hospital.... Why? What happened to her?" she asked clearly taken aback by the news.

"I will tell them once they reached there..." I answered dryly before cutting the call. I couldn't.... I just couldn't face anyone. This was the hardest phase in my life.

My dad was constantly knocking on the door while I heard my mother crying. I just couldn't bring myself to face them and answer their questions. The last person I wanted to see was my mother. When Sonakshi screamed, one of the things she mentioned is, how harshly she was thrown out.

My mother being a woman herself, let this happen! I can't believe this at all..... How cruel was that?

I needed to get my thoughts sorted out before I met anyone. After cleaning up the messed up room, I walked out and informed my dad about the situation. I didn't bother to talk to the rest of them and quickly made my exit out of the house.

When I reached the hospital, I noticed that Sonakshi's parents were already there. Although Sona's dad was still angry with me, Asha maa had always gave me a homely feeling in their house. She never failed to provide me with the motherly love I had craved over the past three to four months. The moment I reached the place, she was the first one who rushed towards me.

"Dev......Dev how?" was what she managed to ask as tears brimmed in the corner of her eyes.

I swallowed my fear and told her everything that happened in the house. Even when narrating those things, it pricked my heart badly.

"I.... I really don't know maa. It's all my fault that she saw those reports.... Until then she was fine! I made a mistake.... A huge one..." I choked as she shook her head.

"No Dev... Eventually the truth has to come out. She can't be kept in the dark all the time. Eventually when she cools down, she will think properly. She just needs some time......" she said as I nodded dejectedly. I wanted to console her but I knew that nothing I said would console them.

After all, she was their princess....

"Asha! Why are you consoling him? God knows what all he did to her! You should have never sent her back to that house!" Bejoy grunted in anger as he walked towards me.

"Bejoy please-"

"No Asha, don't stop me. Look here mister! If anything happens to my daughter, I won't spare you alive... You get that? Never face us again. She is here because of your family and you! Now please step aside and let her live in peace!" Bejoy said as my face lost all it's colours.

"Bejoy, please..... It's not good for you to get tensed like this. Please calm down." Asha maa said and turned towards me.

"You know two days back, she was talking to me so happily on the phone..... God! I have no idea why god wants to test my daughter all the time. Why are the doctors not letting us in?" she asked as I looked around for Pooja and Jatin.

That's when I saw Pooja walking out of the ward. Her face looked so pale and frightened as if she had seen a ghost. Immediately I knew something was wrong. Ignoring Bejoy uncle's complaints, I walked towards Pooja and stood infront her, bringing her out of her trance.

"Pooja..... What happen? Did she wake up again? Did she tell anything?..............Why aren't you saying anything?" I asked as she kept looking at me with some unreadable expressions.

"Dev...... She has woken up......... But I don't think................you should go see her." She whispered as I just stood rooted there.

"Can we at least go and see her now?" Asha interrupted impatiently.

"Yea, I guess. You and baba can see her. Just make sure........... no one says anything that can affect her emotionally." Pooja said as Asha nodded and quickly rushed inside the room.

"Pooja.... Can you at least tell me now? What exactly happened?" I asked as my voice was so stern.

"Dev please, just don't ask me anything. I.............. I don't know..... I think you should go and meet her again later." her voice dropped when she said the last line.

"Meet her? Is she stable enough?"

"Yea she is....." she replied not having an eye contact. I knew something was wrong but why can't she just tell me? At least I could be a little prepared right?

After loitering around restlessly, I slowly entered inside the ward room. The minute I stepped in, everyone's eyes were on me. I knew something grave was going to happen. But this time, at least I wasn't alone. Jatin and Pooja followed behind me. Both of them had a serious expression plastered on their face as well.

The entire room was quiet. It was like, everyone had stopped talking once we came in. Taking in a deep breath, I moved forward to see a clear view of Sonakshi who was seated on the bed, with her face turned towards the window on her left. It looked like she didn't even want to see us.

None of them wanted to speak first. I walked closer to her bed and stood next to Sonakshi. Deciding to break the awkward silence, I tried initiating a matured conversation.

"Sona......" I said but there was no reaction. She was quiet..... Okay, this was not what I had expected. But it was definitely better than her, throwing things at me...

"Sonakshi, please look at me. I know whatever going on in your mind might be too much for you to take in but please listen to-"

"I want a divorce!" she cut of abruptly making me gasp.

Everyone there were silent. I was the only one with shocked expression. Even Pooja and Jatin didn't say anything........They looked like........ they knew?

"What?" I asked as my voice was unbelievably loud. But she didn't even flinch nor show any reaction towards it. Her face was still facing away from me.

"I. Want. A. Divorce" she said clearly, letting me know that there was no second thoughts on her decision.

"............Are you sure?" I asked swallowing back my tears. It was so hard to bring back my voice. But I had to be strong at least in front of all these people.

"I am......." She said as her mother just shook her head dejectedly.

"I know you are not thinking properly right now... I will give you some time first. At least hear me out..... Then we can decide-"

"When you were not ready to listen to me, then why should I?" she asked as I just stared at her dumbfounded. I didn't know what to say as her face was void of any emotions.

The strong Sonakshi was back.....

"So, is that all?" I asked as my voice already gave away all my feelings.

"Yes! We are done! I am done with this....... I can't live with you at the cost of my life...." She hissed as her voice was filled with anger.

"I promise it won't happen again..... Please just trust me-" I pleaded.

"Trust? Sorry but I don't trust you anymore." She ended and turned to look at me.

"Sona at least listen to him-" Jatin interrupted but Sonakshi quickly raised her arms in surrender.

"No Jatin........ Please don't. This is my decision and I have already made up my mind. There is no use of changing my mind anymore. I was happier with how I was before. Being single and independent. I don't need to rely on anyone for anything. At least I didn't have to answer anyone....... If you are with me then I would appreciate. Even if no one is with me, I am going to go through with this divorce alone!" she stated strongly while I was amazed with the tone of her voice.

She sounded so weak and strained just a few hours ago but now, there was nothing but hatred in her voice. Her eyes were red, which explains how much she had cried when I was gone.

"I think I have heard enough to know how much my daughter should have struggled in that house! Now there is no way she is going to return back to that same hell!" Bejoy gritted as my patience was on the loose ends.

"Bejoy, can you just shut up for a while? Sometimes I wonder whether you really care about Sonakshi or it's just your ego!" Asha retorted back. Yeah, please preach him more.

"Sonakshi please-" I tried consoling her again.

"Go away Dev! Do not ever come back again........ You can take whatever money which I owed you....... If you want, you can even sue my parent's house and take your money! I.......am never.......going.......to come back.....with you.......ever again!" she continued until she couldn't.

The tantrum began with Sona's breathing turning from quiet and regular to a panting gasp. She sucked at the air like it had suddenly become thick and was now almost too difficult to draw in. She clenched her eyes shut as I quickly stood up. Everyone became panicked as they ran to call the doctor.

"Okay....okay relax............ I am leaving......... I am leaving ok.... I........... will give you........ the .......divorce" I said with a heavy heart as one of the nurse came in to check her pulse.

Without a word, I left the ward. I didn't feel anything anymore. There was a small pain lingering inside before I saw her. But now, even that was gone. I guess this is what they call, numb. Love, it hurts. It hurts more than any physical pain I've endured and now I have had my share. I couldn't blame anyone except my ill fate.

Her words still rang in my head. Money..... She said that she would return my money? A sarcastic laughter left my lips.

I didn't see why I should be here anymore. Everyone was with Sonakshi and I was no more needed there. Leaving that place was killing my soul as hard as a dagger can stop a beating heart. It isn't easy to leave even when it's the only option available. If there was no hope at all I would stay by her side and choose to die in the dark without her. I choose not to exist actually.

*End of POV*

Everyone were sitting around Sonakshi and staring at her with wide eyes. Each one of them were desperate to pour in their views about Sonakshi's decision. But they all were tongue tied due to her health. The doctor had already warned that Sonakshi's health was very critical and it was best if everyone cooperates with what she says instead of arguing with her.

With no other choice, they left her on her own.

On the other hand, Sonakshi was just silent. She didn't feel like talking to everyone. Her eyes had sunken into dark hollows of no soul. Her smile was broken in two and the way her eyes glanced was different. She sat and stared out of the window with more tears flowing down her cheeks. But this time, she let them fall, not raising a hand to stop them.

The doctor informed that she could be discharged after a few hours. Soon Jatin and Pooja left, leaving Sonakshi with her parents and sister. None of them dared to talk to her about Dev yet. They thought of giving Sonakshi her own space and let her sort out herself before she could take the decision.

And just like that two days passed....

Sona's POV

Everyone looked at me like I was losing my mind. They gave me looks of accusation. But I had no time to deal with all of that now. The word 'divorce' didn't even pain me anymore. Have I lost all the love I had for Dev? I didn't know but all I knew was my child was gone.

And...... I didn't even know I was pregnant. I couldn't even save my child. How careless of me? Sometimes I feel like there's something eating me up from the inside. It was as though my conscience was telling me I'm not good enough for anything.

It's been a while since I last cried. I honestly don't think I'm capable of it anymore. It isn't that I don't want to. Some days, I want nothing more than to curl up into a ball and have the tears wash away the heaviness in my chest, but I just can't. They refuse to form, to take shape and make their way silently down my face.

My parents tried talking to me. But every time they approached, I would ignore them and go inside my room. It hurts so much..... I even didn't pick up my friend's calls. Most of my things were at Dev's place. But I didn't bother asking anyone about it.

Dev sounded so hurt in the hospital. But could I pity him? No... I didn't even feel an ounce of pain when I announced about the divorce. When I told Pooja, she was so pale. She asked me to think twice and said that I was taking decisions in a haste. But that wasn't true because she was not in my situation.

Hell, no one would know how I am feeling unless they were at my place! Everyone found it easier to advice. But to follow it.........was impossible. No one knew how Dev's family treated me..... How he treated me!

Dev had hurt me so much that I couldn't even digest his behaviour. If I hadn't known about my miscarriage, at least I would have brought the will in me to forgive him. But now, it was too late. Did he think he could hide this from me forever?

He was the reason for my state today. I have lost my child.......A part of me due to his mistrust and harsh behaviour!

He wasn't there for me.... He trusted his cousin and mother more than me. There wasn't even an ounce of worry in his voice when I informed him that I was in the middle of the road. Now this is the result of his stupidity. Sometimes I felt that his love was never true for me. The images of that dreadful night kept replaying in my mind like a nightmare. I didn't know whether I could ever forget it.... Could I?

Divorce was the best option. I don't know whether I can move on or not.... But I definitely can't live with Dev anymore. Being with him will only remind me of how he suspected me with Neil, how he accused me infront of his family, how he humiliated me and how he crushed our love in a night....

Everyone around me were taking my words so lightly that now. They thought I was joking. Therefore, I made my decisions my own. I called my lawyer and asked him to arrange for the divorce papers.

This will be done!

I don't know whether it's right or wrong. But I just couldn't continue. Even a minute with Dev would kill me with depression. No amount of apologies could replace to what he had done. More than his mother, mami and Nisha, Dev hurt me the most.

"Hello...." I answered the call as my lawyer spoke in the line.

"Yes Ms Sonakshi, I have posted the divorce letters to Mr Dixit.... He should be getting it by tomorrow. Is there anything else I could do for you?" he asked and I blinked for a few seconds. Okay, why did I feel something at the pit of my stomach?

"No... That's all. Thanks for your help Mr James." I said ending this call.

Everything is over! My love, my wedding, my life.......Everything is gone.

Now it's only me and my family.

Sonakshi Bose is back.

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

Precap : Dev receives divorce letters......Angry Dev!😡😡😡