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Deekshya's POV

The fresh aroma of brewing coffee filled my insides making my empty stomach churn and crave for it. But with the presence of the devil himself in the same room as of mine is enough to waive off my attention from my hot coffee that is waiting for me to feast upon to this man, who is having some calculative thoughts, for sure.

I waited for him to leave but he didn't budge a single step let alone leave the kitchen. Already too much has happened for the day and I don't want to discuss any of it with him. But him, being here indicates that he is analysing. He is definitely cooking something in his super-intelligent yet dumbhead and I know this. How? Of course, I know, it's been years of reading this man and his mind for me.

But right now, he is definitely up to something and I don't have any more energy to deal with it. I stirred the coffee and poured it into the mug as its aroma filled the room. He abruptly declared, "We need to talk", making me stop.

Holy crap! He wants to talk right now. But why? And about what? Does he know...

No, he obviously doesn't! Otherwise, why would he act like I didn't have the panic attack this afternoon in front of Yash and me? But what on earth he wants to talk now? Nonetheless, I better avoid it.

I tried avoiding him and said without facing him, "What? There's nothing to talk about". I hurriedly took my cup and started moving out of the kitchen but damn this man. He stopped me by clutching my wrist but that's not what made me petrified. His next words did, "You remember, what happened to you, this time, don't you?"

Shocked would be an understatement, I felt as if the world slipped off beneath me. Oh, my god... What the hell? How come he knows that I remember everything that happened? From when he has started reading me and my actions? That too so vividly... I don't know how he is doing this but I need to keep up the facade. I need to play along otherwise he will again start his treatment rant. And this time, I don't want to hear any of that crap.

As I was still having my back to him, I tried dodging his query, "Wha... what... are... you tal...talking ab... about? I reme... remember... what... what? Nothing has happened to... today", but to my worst ever luck, I stammered. Of course, being under his scrutinising gaze is the last thing I want to be in. I, maybe, a legal professional but he is nothing less. After all, the Srivastava bloodline has interrogatory quality flowing in their veins through generations.

"And I am the President of India! Oh, come on Deekshya, spit it out! I know you're lying which by the way you're very bad at", he stated sarcastically at first and then mellowed down while coming in front of me. 

Oh, of course, I suck at lying, the one who has been lying for ages sucks at lying. Great! And now he thinks, he can read me. Delusion at its best! Huh!

I composed myself not wanting to come out nervous and angry as well as his words are getting on my nerves now, and said, "See Anirudh, I have plenty of chores left to finish and dinner is yet to be prepared. I don't have time for your stupid questionnaire or your 'talk' session. Now, please leave!" with the no-nonsense tone that I usually use around him. Even though I tried not to sound rude but I did anyways, hopefully, he will leave now.

I should better leave before fires any more questions. I started walking out of the kitchen but as usual, the stubborn Srivastava didn't let me. 

"No, I'm not leaving and neither are you. At least not before getting my answers. And don't you dare lie this time. God... you were stammering a while ago Deekshya and that gave away the truthfulness of yours. Moreover, I was there with you all the time. How can you deny that and lie so confidently and blatantly?" He again stopped me halfway by bombarding the series of facts and questions. God, how am I supposed to get out of this mess? Help me!

I again replied gathering all the courage I could to sound unwavering while hurriedly climbing the stairs to avoid him, "Anirudh, I DON'T know what you're saying. So, please stop bothering me. You've not changed yet? Go freshen up! I will call you whenever the dinner will be ready. Let me..." but he was fast enough to stop me. He sprinted up the stairs suddenly grabbed my arms harshly halting my pace and said in his beast tone, "Deekshya don't you dare walk out on me. Especially, in the middle of a conversation. And why on earth you're escaping from accepting the fact that you remember everything? Is anything bothering you? You can tell me, you know". His strong hand's hold was too tight and I winced with pain, "Ouch... you're hurting me, Anirudh. And yes, YOU are bothering me". He immediately loosened the grip but before I could flee from him he cupped my face and said, "I'm sorry Deekshya... It was unintentional. But, please stop escaping. You can't run away from everything. You've to face the bumps on the road or else you can never move ahead. Please, tell me what he did with you? I promise..."

I screamed at his face, "ANIRUDH, I'm NOT running away from anything. Just leave me alone", and removed his palms from my face. As he stumbled back due to my little push and the traitor tears have started flowing, I ran into my room and tried slamming the door shut before he could enter. But failed miserably. He was faster than me and entered just after me. Guess, he is not gonna leave me easily or any of this is not gonna end up good. Why the hell he wants to know? I'm, myself, telling him I don't remember but he's hell-bent on making me recall the scariest moments of the hell of today. Why he is so stubborn? Urgh...

"Listen Deekshya! I ain't leaving this room. You've to spit it out", he remained persistent and with every word he's speaking my patience is withering at a very fast pace. I freaking don't want to discuss anything right now, I want peace for heaven's sake but this man is acting like a stubborn toddler. "Okay fine, don't leave this room. If you aren't going to do that then I will. You can have your 'talk' with the walls. Have a nice 'talk'. Goodbye!" I wiped my face and started leaving the spot but his next set of words proved to be the last nail in the coffin of my patience. 

I heard his disappointed and taunting voice, "Wow! You still don't trust me, don't you? It's been ten months but you don't trust me, not even a little bit. For you, our last 17 years of enmity and distrust is greater than these ten months of friendship. The thing which even Bhaiya failed to establish between us after several attempts and must have been happy seeing us bonding after so long is actually just one-sided, in reality. I have been trying to gain your trust all this time but guess I was expecting too much from you. I guess, I trusted you fast enough and expected the same from you. I forgot that expectations kill. Thank you, Deekshya! Thank you for showing me the mirror and for not thinking of me as your trustworthy friend with whom you can share your ordeal. Thank you so much!" He finished joining his hands and in a low voice but enough to cut through my heart. 

I don't trust him! Is this a joke? He is so dead, now.

I turned back immediately and couldn't help myself from shouting, "Are you out of your mind? I don't trust you, really? Is this what you think? Then I am sorry to burst your bubble but I freaking trust you with my life... now. After all that has happened, I don't have anybody except you upon whom I can trust myself with. You're there helping me all the way through every nightmares and panic attacks. And now you're accusing me that I don't trust you. Why? Just because I don't want to talk right now. You know what, I thought you've changed but no, I was wrong. You're the same jerk, the jealous freak who thinks I stole everything from him". The stupid traitor tears gushed out as it was already hard and he's making it worse and harder now. I hoped he would stop after this, but I forgot that I am fighting the hulk Anirudh now. 

"Oh really!?" he countered coming closer to me, "then why aren't you telling the truth? If you trust me so much then why aren't you saying what happened with you? Why don't you prove my accusations wrong? Show me the so-called trust you have in me! You know what you are using those words to escape yet again and I know this very well. But this time, my lady, I know your tactics. You don't trust me not even a little bit", he challenged me again. Now, this is getting more intense, I have to end it for my sanity.

I scoffed, "Anirudh, leave me alone. I know you're challenging me purposely", getting annoyed with his pesterings.

He persisted, "I won't. Tell me whether you trust me or you're lying all this while. I will leave after that".

"I'm repeating this nth time. I don't remember anything. Period. Now get the hell out of here".

"I said, I won't. You're lying for the nth time now".

"I AM NOT LYING".

"YES! You are".

"No, I'm NOT". 

"Oh, come on Mrs Srivastava! You're a terrible liar, courtesy- your legal studies. Now spit it out and get over with it".

" I don't know what you're talking about. Leave me alone, please!" I begged him for the hundredth time now to no avail. Why he's behaving like the jerk Anirudh now?

Suddenly, he started walking closer to me with intimidating eyes, I walked backwards on reflex, "Don't make me force you to speak the truth, Mrs Srivastava or else..." and stopped mid-sentence. Before I could understand, I crashed slightly on the wall behind and to my bad luck he caged me in between in his strong arms placing his palms on the wall. Our breaths hitting each other's face and I looked right into his eyes with all the irritation while he did the same with equal fierceness. But having him so close in my personal space proved otherwise. I have never been so close to him and my stomach churned with anticipation... No, Deekshya! Concentrate on the situation, not on him! 

Good lord! He has gone nuts, for sure. He thinks he can frighten me then he is wrong.  

I still tried to stay put by ignoring his intimidation worthless tactics, "What 'or else'? I am saying the truth only. Remember, I always blackout and never remember anything after a panic attack. Maybe that's why I don't know what happened in the afternoon. Now, let go of me. You can't cage me like this neither you can force me". I tried getting out of it but he is strong like steel. Urgh...

Once all of this will be over, I will either bleed him to death or let him starve to death. My handmade food he is eating all these months is the main factor behind his stupid strong body, I'll make him starve for days. Yes!!!

He snorted after loosening his arms and I immediately escaped from him. "I'll tell our parents about your panic attacks", he declared mercilessly in a deadpan tone, "Then you decide what you'll answer them", making me halt and taking his phone out. He dangled his phone in front of my eyes and unlocked it in the process. Now, water is going overhead. I can't let Papa and Maa suffer due to me or worry for me. I don't know why he is doing this but he is being cruel to me now. He's using them against me. Urgh... this man is too much!

I clutched his arms whose fingers were busy typing something on the phone, "Anirudh, you can't tell them. You know the consequences already". But he jerked his arms and released himself from my weak hold while saying, "Oh I know them all. But you've not left any other way for me. So, here we go!"

"Stop! You can't".

"I will call them and tell them that their dear daughter is such a terrible liar and is having panic attacks. And yes, she's hiding it from them. To top it all, she's not letting me help or isn't even saying the truth", he smirked devilishly.

"They will chide you as well, remember", I countered while trying my best to grab his phone but he dodged me quite well.

"Oh, I don't care. My main focus is YOU right now. I am calling them", he said and as I watched he opened the call log to dial Papa's number.

"You can't blackmail me like this... we aren't children anymore", I retorted.

"Oh, I am doing that exactly. Try me", he challenged.

I tried snatching his phone from him but he dodged it yet again, "Anirudh stop it".

"Woah... easy there, wildcat! You can't beat me", he said with that stupid victorious and challenging smirk pasted on his sharp handsome features. Upon which I would have loved to secretly adore him at any other time but not now. Concentrate Deekshya!

"Give the damn phone to me! You can't do this to me", I tried again but heard the same response. "I can and I am doing that exactly. Try me", he laughed and ran away to the balcony again saying, "Catch me if you can, Mrs Srivastava!"

I went behind him immediately as I can't risk anything, "Anirudh, stop being childish. Please don't..." but he fled away every time I neared him.

"Deekshya, tell me the truth and you will not have to face them. But...", he challenged again with a fake extra sweet voice.

THAT'S IT! I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE.

"Okay, fine. I remember everything", I declared. He stopped in the middle of the track and his eyes widened with shock. He seemed flabbergasted with my admittance but I cared less. This jerk of a man!

"Now are you happy? I admit I remember everything. Should we give you an award for successfully drawing it out from my throat? Yes, Anirudh... I remember every damn thing. Every single moment of hell I have been through all afternoon. Where I was called names ranging from bad to worst. The hell that my mind created and tormented me all along. And Zayn Bajaj triggered it, he reappeared in front of me after so long and robbed me of my sanity yet again. What do you want to listen to? Han? And why? Do you want to know how he tried touching me inappropriately, how he called me names, what nasty names he branded me with, how he questioned my character, how he reminded me that I'm nothing but a charity case, that how I used Ved first and I am using you now, how pathetic I and my life's existence is? You want to listen to that, how I'm nothing but a curse to your kin? Now, are you happy? Oh, no! This is not alone what had happened, there's more to it. Your friend even pushed me so hard that I banged my head on the wall, hence the bleeding. And you know what, I felt like I was dying, it was all blurry and so damn painful. I can still feel those... things. You wanted to know this, right! Now, are you happy, Anirudh?"

I couldn't help but broke down as the afternoon's event started assaulting my mind with every recollection. This is the reason I didn't want to say all these things aloud. I didn't want to come out this weak. It feels terrible to be so sensitive but I can't help it.

Suddenly, I felt two arms snaking around my frame and I got pulled into a warm embrace. But I just couldn't bring myself to reciprocate, it was all too much already and I can't handle any more hatred. His rugged breathing fanned near my ear as I heard the deep voice I have always craved comfort from, "Shhh... it's okay. Everything is okay. Just let it out, Deekshya. Don't bottle it up, cry as much as you want. But don't stop yourself, please. Just talk to me about it, it'll lessen your heartache. But please, don't stay silent this time. Spit it out, please". He pulled away and gently wiped my tears with his thumbs mouthing a 'No', then made me sit on the swing by taking the chair beside it for him. He again took my hands into his rough ones and I looked at him through my blurry glassy eyes. He blinked assuringly and said, "Let it out, Mrs Srivastava. You trust me, right! I'm with you, we will face it together. You aren't alone in this. Just speak, I am all ears", with a small encouraging smile curving upon his face.

His gentle voice soothed me and I felt a rush of bravery in my blood as if his presence induced it in me. But still, I hesitated as recalling those things might trigger another attack and I definitely don't want to go through that again, "Ani... Anirudh, I... I can... can't". I stammered but he cut me off, "Don't escape from it, Deekshya. I told you na that I'm with you. Just speak and don't worry about the attacks. You can stop whenever you feel you need to but don't bottle it up, please. You're much stronger than this and I know". He gently squeezed my hands and blinked reassuringly again.

He might be right. Maybe bottling up all of it will prove more dangerous. Let's try his way as well. I wiped my tears and narrated the afternoon's events...

~~~

I parked the car and made my way into the exhibition hall after fighting a lot of inner battles. Coming out of the little haven, I have built in all these ten months, is a big step for me. All of these are because of my fears, fear of having to face judgemental stares, getting myself tarnished by people out there, and the fear of being tagged as a murder. I know I'm innocent, that all of this is in my mind only. My brain is playing dirty with me but how do I escape it?

But today, I am here trying to face my demons. I don't know what's on the other side of this step of mine. Whether I'll be victorious or will be proved stupid... I don't know. But I am willing to face society and my fears and it's all for Ved. Yes, he is yet again the driving force behind me to face my fears even though he's not here, by my side.

"Come on, Priya! You can do it", I heard Ved's cheerful voice from within. He always used to cheer me up like this and I had never disappointed him. Hopefully, this time I won't as well. Let's go!

I went in after passing the security checks, but the sick feeling has already started accumulating by that time. The crowd was quite a handful and all their noises, stares, even their heavy inhale-exhale sounds started hammering my subconscious. I felt the agitation and fear slowly crawling up my spine but I tried hard to keep it at bay. I started sweating when people's gaze fell upon me, it felt as if they're accusing me but I remained there.

Suddenly, I bumped into someone due to the lack of concentration, "Ouch! Oh, I'm sorry ". It was an old lady. She looked at me irritatedly and snorted, "Can't you see? Open your eyes, girl". I apologised politely, 'I'm sorry, Ma'am. Excuse me", and walked away hurriedly. 

"Oye... wait! I've seen you somewhere. Umm... where?" Her voice halted me and I turned back. "Ma'am, you must have been mistaken. I have never met you before. Sorry for earlier. Have a good day!", and said as politely as I could.

"No... I know you", she persisted more confidently continued, "You're the one whose presence in your loved one's lives costs them their own life. You're a curse... Lord!" 

She finished with disgust written all over shocking the daylights out of me. I staggered back as she stepped towards me dangerously, "No Ma'am, I'm not that", but she cut me off, "Oh stop your nonsense. You're a MURDERER". "STOP", I screamed by closing my eyes not wanting to hear the accusation any more time. My heart has raced up by now and I am covered in sweat.

"Beta, are you okay? What happened? Why did you scream like that? I was just asking your name and well-being", suddenly her contemplative voice filled my ears pulling me out of my trance. What? I was imagining all this while!?

I jerked open my eyes to see the lady's concerned and apologetic face. God, Deekshya, you shouldn't have been here. You're a nuisance. "I'm extremely sorry, Ma'am. It was unintentional. Please, pardon me", I hurriedly apologised and dashed out of the spot before she could say anything.

I have started hallucinating now. I should never have stepped out... I... I should leave as soon as possible. The more I will remain here, the more I will be a threat to others and myself. I will leave after finishing my task. 

I ran my eyes everywhere to find someone or something that could lead to my destination. And fortunately, there was a help desk stationed in the middle just after the entrance. I instantly strode towards it as I need to get out of here as soon as possible, at least before my mind unleashes its cruelty on me.

"Excuse me!"

A hoarse sharp male voice called me out from behind. It felt oddly familiar but suddenly I could feel unpleasant vibes from the mere voice. God... I have started finding something wrong in voices now. Guess, my stupid brain has already started its work. Urgh!

I ditched all the useless thoughts, gathered a small smile to greet the voice owner, and turned back only to witness the face that haunts me till now. All the deep buried dark memories of that night flashed across my mind in mere seconds and fear along with anguish gripped my heart. It was ZAYN BAJAJ, the satan himself. What the hell he is doing here? What he wants now? Haven't he already done too much damage? Is there anything left? Or is he behind me again?

At the last thought, a chill went down my spine as I shuddered out of fear.  His presence near can be anything but in good faith. He has done enough in the past with his evil intentions, he had literally tumbled all of our lives and now his reappearance is an ill omen that nothing is gonna be good anymore let alone peaceful.

He raised his brows and had the same cocky smile that he used all those years back while scanning me from top to bottom. I shifted uncomfortably due to his gaze. Though he has changed a lot in these years yet his eyes gave an immoral vibe and that filled my heart with terror. "Oh yes! I guessed it right. Hello, baby girl! Did you miss me?" he asked while still eyeing me but abruptly stopped at something over me and his old disgusting endearing disgusted me like always. But still, I let it pass under the table. Knowing him and his record, I put a brave facade all along being humbly and simultaneously adjusted my saree. I replied, "Oh, hi Zayn! Please, don't call me that. And as you can see I'm in a hurry. So, I need to leave, bye!" I threw a small smile his way and immediately turned to walk away from the devil.

But he jumped in front of me blocking my way as I cursed my stars for making me stop to find out who called me from behind, earlier. I really shouldn't have turned back. Dammit!

He chirped in his casual flirty tone ignoring my reproval of his stupid endearing, "Oh wait... How can I let you go? We have met after so long. And... uh... ou... huh... umm is that your nuptial chain?" he enquired pointing his fingers at it. Out of reflex, I clasped it in my hands and nodded to escape faster, "Yes... it is!"

"Oh wow! You've got married... Congratulations! Who's the lucky guy? Tell me", he jumped up in excitement like a child as his hands flew to his mouth in surprise leaving me astonished as hell. Why he is behaving like that... like so sweet and good? Has he changed? Has he mended his ways over the years? Is that even possible for him to have such a big change of heart on this earth? Am I hallucinating or he has really changed?

But before I could dismiss him, his eyes suddenly got darker and the devil looks settled on his countenance as he smirked lecherously eyeing me again, " Well, I know who is it, Mrs Deekshya Pattanayak SRIVASTAVA". He stopped abruptly taking me by surprise. He knows... then why he was acting like that?

He continued breaking my thoughts, "And I think it's the best opportunity for us to settle our score of past as your two bodyguards aren't here. So...", and reached out his hands towards my face. The realisation struck me and I instantly smacked away his hands away from me, "ZAYN... don't you dare touch me! Get out of my way, I'm warning you", I hissed knowing his intentions, finally.

He wants revenge!

"Oh, I'm afraid, I can't let you go this time", he mocked me in a deadly spine chilling tone, "Besides, you're making a scene and we can't really talk here. So, let's go somewhere else", and suddenly caught my left wrist. " What the hell are you doing Zayn!? Let me go or else I will scream then people will make a pulp of yours", I threatened him while resisting and struggling against him to get out of his stronghold. He pried his eyes everywhere and replied, "As I said I am not letting you go this time easily. Ahh... right there! And yeah, you can use those two doe-shaped sizzling eyes of yours into some work. There's hardly anyone in the corridor. So, you can scream as much as you want, Babygirl!"

I looked around hearing him. He was indeed right, there was not a single soul lurking in the long corridor even the help desk was empty now. And before I could think anything let alone do, Zayn started dragging me.

"Let me go Zayn! You'll regret this. I swear", I struggled against him. But in response, he laughed mercilessly on my face, "Haha... Sugar, you're not in a position to threaten me. So, stop this stupidity. Remember, your Srivastava bodyguard corps isn't here for your rescue. Also, one of them is already off, may his soul not rest in peace, but still, your dear husband isn't also gonna reach you soon. So, save it and behave, if at all you want to go back safely to him", and ended up twisting my wrist while dragging. I yelped in pain, "Ahh... ouch! Zayn please leave me. You can't force me", but he cared less. He dragged me inside a ladies washroom and I hoped someone will be in there to help me out from this devil. But my all hopes got crashed, unfortunately.

Once, in there he dragged me and pushed me towards the basin slab, 'Hmm... now we have some privacy, finally. With no disturbing elements like your dear Srivastava brats or an intruder, we can settle our score", he said while shutting and bolting up the door. I am now in the lion's den, I need to act mindfully to escape from him. But I could feel the tension rising in my bones. Due to the protest earlier, my breathing has escalated and so has the perspiration. I know what might happen but I'll fight this time. I decided to step out without informing anyone so I'll have to own up and face it. I started taking deep breaths to stabilise myself as the raging anger, tension and fear are not helping at all. 

I involuntarily closed my eyes and instantly Ved's encouraging face flashed across my mind. As I saw, he mouthed, "You can fight this, Priya. Remember, what I have taught you, okay! Come on". Then suddenly his face got replaced by Anirudh's worried yet confident face. As much as seeing Ved reminded me of his lessons, Anirudh's face somehow fuelled the hope that I could go back to him unharmed. I have to!

Suddenly, I felt hot breaths on my face and jolted open my eyes to see Zayn standing extremely close to me. I stepped back as he asked, "Earth to madam! What were you thinking about?" but I remained mum not wanting to converse to his stinky face. He disgusts me. He again said, "Oh now, you won't even reply. Ok fine, let me guess then... Hmm... what my baby girl is thinking? Hmmm..." and walked to and fro in front of me with a finger under his chin. Has he gone nuts!? Definitely! Huh!

I rolled my eyes at his stupid antics but all of a sudden he grabbed my jaw and snorted at my face, "I know! You were thinking about those Srivastava brats na! Those douchebags! How could you think about them when Zayn Bajaj is here?" I instantly shoved his hands off me and screamed, "You, think too highly of yourself Zayn! Get over yourself. Stop calling me that. Haven't you already learnt your lesson all those years ago? Maybe you've forgotten... don't worry. You'll learn it again, this time the hardest way possible and it will remain forever etched in your mind".

His eyes and face turned red, he clearly got pissed off by my mocking. Then he tried frightening me with a murderous glare but I am n naive girl who used to get frightened of those shit set of eyes. I looked right back at him with all the rage piling up in my eyes that I could muster. He has ruined me and I loathe him with all my heart. He is the main reason behind all the problems between me and Anirudh.

He whispers yell, " Don't look at me like that", but I challenged him by raising my right brow in response that hit the bull's eye. His bloody ego just got tarnished by my mere look, bloody jerk! 

But all of a sudden he caged me in between his arms by placing them on the slab behind pushing me and wrenched my loosely tied hair, "You're so dead, baby girl!" I bellowed in pain as his hold was terrible to handle still I tried my best to keep my fury focused on him. He smirked, "Hmm... where's that scared little kitten who got terrorised last time? Baby girl, this isn't you!" and asked in a bewildered tone still clasping my locks. I ignored him and ground my teeth to ease out the pain but suddenly an idea struck me to combat. And I used it instantly without any second thoughts. 

The moment he seemed a little distracted, I kicked him hard in between his legs, then as expected he fell then howled in pain instantly releasing my hair and tended himself, "Aaaaaaaaaa! Ohhhh... ouuuuu... You bitch!"

This is the time, I should better escape!

I ran to the exit and tried opening it but it didn't. I looked back multiple times to ensure he isn't behind me and he wasn't either. Rather he was writhing in pain on the floor. But the damn door has got jammed, it wouldn't open even after several trials. Not getting any other way, I banged it furiously shouting for help, "Helps. Someone, please help! I'm stuck in here", hoping for at least someone to hear me. "HELPPPP!" I banged it for the umpteenth time but luck wasn't really in my favour.

"Aaaaahhhh....", suddenly my hair got yanked harshly from behind. Good Lord! How he got back to his legs so fast!?

I heard his malicious and hatred filled whisper yells, "So, you think you can escape from me this time as well that too so easily. Hah! No, Sugar, that's not happening this time. You're TRAPPED here with me, finally", as he again pulled my locks. I shrieked in pain, "Aaaahhhhhh! Zayn let go of me" but he paid no heed. Rather he dragged me more inside the washroom laughing at my misery and boasting all along.

"Where are your Srivastava boys now? Han? Aren't they coming for you? To rescue you from my clutches", his hands flew to his gutter mouth, "Oh... oops! I forgot that the elder Army dog is already off. May his soul rest in peace... Nah! May he rot in hell", he seethed in anger while pulling me as I struggled to get out of his hold. But he was strong and I barely moved without bruising myself in the process. He continued dragging, "And about my dear old friend, Anirudh, he isn't gonna come for you although he is in this building right now" catching my attention, "yes, your new toy is here but he doesn't know of your presence", leaving me shocked. How come he knows that I haven't informed Anirudh about this and what on earth Anirudh is doing here?

Zayn yanked and pushed me to a corner as I looked at him with bewilderment and anger. "You must be thinking how I know all this, then lemme tell you. I track every move of yours especially after that dog Ved's demise and your shitty alliance. And it is not a difficult thing to notice how sneaky you were behaving while entering the main gate. So, I deduced it myself that your husband isn't aware of your whereabouts. And baby girl, that paved the way for us to finish the things that were left incomplete years ago", he smirked after finishing and raked his disgusting gaze all over me as if undressing me in his mind.

He started coming closer slowly and steadily & I tripped backwards but managed to stabilise myself on my feet, "Zayn you can't do this. Let me go! I'm sorry I kicked you, please forgive me. If you want, I'll never whisper anything about what you're doing now to anybody. I swear, please let me go", I said while walking backwards. Suddenly I bumped into the wall behind and he caged me quickly hovering completely over me, coming dangerously closer with eyes filled with hot lava of a mixture of lust, anger and vengeance. He whispered in a deadly tone near my ears while I tried pushing myself more into the wall hoping to vanished into it, "I'm not letting you go, you little bitch. NOT THIS TIME".

All of a sudden he clutched my left hand and twisted it mercilessly behind me, I screamed in pain but he instantly palmed my mouth. "Stop screaming every now and then, Sugar. I haven't started yet and you're already on the edge", he said and reached his free hand raking it on my cheeks. "Ahhh... the smoothness of your skin. How much I have craved for this and your warmth! Finally...", he started again but I moved my face to the other side instinctively closing my eyes along as his touch angered me. Please God, please help me! I can't deal with this anymore, please. Whaere are you Anirudh? Please help me!

His nasty voice reverberated in my ears, "So, tell me how do you feel when I touch you like this?" he asked grazing his back of the hand from my temple to the neck. I tried wiggling out of his hold but he remained stoic. He whispered again, "Stop stri=uggling, just trynna enjoy it. Just like you do with others. So, where was I? Hmmm... do you like this? What do you feel? I know you like my touch but tell me one thing, with whom do you enjoyed it the most? Was it Ved or Anirudh? Or is it me? Tell me, Sugar, don't be shy... Are those brothers so good in bed that you had it with both? You know, I can give you more pleasure, baby girl. You just have to ask...", but he got interrupted with a sharp stinging blow on his disgusting face.

BAMMMM! I slapped him hard with my free hand and it was so strong that he stumbled back a little as his hands flew to his cheek caressing it.

He questioned my character. MINE! I could kill him right now with bare hands but restrained my rage. How dare he spoke like that?! This slap will remain etched forever in his brain. Although I did it pretty late, I should have slapped him and taught him this lesson long back. He freaking deserves it! Heck, he needs a proper beating, this is not enough for this bastard!

But before I could escape the spot, he roared blocking my way, "You bitch! How dare you slap me? Now you'll see what I'm capable of". He rushed to me in a blink and grabbed my jaw harshly then pushed me back to the walls with all his might clutching my arms. He came closer with smouldering eyes and grazed down his nose on my neck. I started throwing my hands and legs to escape but he blocked me using his legs and I was left only struggling.

He pulled away and screamed, "You ungrateful slut! Why can't you let me get a taste of yours? You let those bastards but not me. Why!? Is that because you owe it to them? Han? Or you want the Srivastava fortune laid on your feet? You know what, although you've got the younger brother wrapped around your little finger, soon he'll also leave this mortal world. And the reason will be you, YOU! He will be doomed because of YOU just like others". He pushed me once again but his last words caught my attention as I sucked a sharp breath. 

Suddenly, I felt numbness washing over me. Like a noose bound around my neck suffocating me and a burning sensation all over my body. I could feel the same sickening feeling and dread crawling up my spine. Breathing got erratic and my heart started racing up out of the blues. I felt pukish, like to empty my stomach right there. 

I'll be the doom of Anirudh! Like others! NO! No! No!!! He's trying to get inside my head now, I can't let him in. No, not this time. NOT AGAIN!

But Zayn didn't stop there.

"Yes, Deekshya, you'll again be the reason of doom for the Srivastava clan. You've already eaten their elder son and soon you'll do the same to Anirudh. No matter how much pity I feel for him, I'll never help him out of it because deserves it. That bastard DESERVES it! Just like you and your presence killed your parents and his elder brother, you'll kill him too. You can never get satisfied, Sugar! You've killed your mother at birth then father, then Ved and now it's the time of Anirudh. The people who loved you with all their heart always meets the same end just because of you. You're curse! You're the evilest person ever to walk on this earth. Your presence in your loved one's life always costs them their own lives. I repeat you're a curse! A load on this earth! A load on Anirudh and his unlucky fool family. You're a murderer, Deekshya...A FREAKING MURDER! MURDERER!!!!!!"

I screamed with all my might keeping my palms on my ear to not let his tasks enter in, "NO! NO! NO! I'm not a murderer. It wasn't me. I'm innocent. You're wrong Zayn. Please let me go, I can't take this anymore. Please, have some mercy!" and begged as well.

"You and innocent", he mocked me and laughed before continuing, "the word innocent doesn't suit you, Sugar. Deekshya and innocent, both words can never be written in a single sentence. For you're far away from this term. You're a slut who enjoys two men's company, who are brothers, puts them at loggerheads and switches in between as per convenience.  You're wicked as hell, a cunning bitch! With that doe-shaped innocent-looking eyes and face, you have managed to fill the whole Srivastava's. You've them wrapped around your fingers so much that they don't even realise what have they done to their only surviving child. They have destroyed him by marrying you off to him. Such fools! But soon, they'll face the repercussions of their actions. After all, your presence will do the evil magic again welcoming my old friend's end. I used to feel sorry for him but not any more". He spotted with all the heartlessness making my heart bleed rapidly.

Hearing him, I felt air knocked out of my system. I started sweating profusely as the panic arose slowly. A sharp pain shot up in my brain and it was awful. I tried blocking out my mind from his disgusting foul talks but it kept on going back to it again and again with the pain making it worse than ever let alone concentrate.

All of a sudden, I found myself pinned to the wall and heard Zayn's cruel roar, "You're an evil slut but you never let me closer to you. Now you will pay for that". And before I could process any of his words, he grabbed me by my waist and crashed my frame against his. He forcefully tried touching me everywhere and I protested in every way possible hoping to injure him in some way but it was as if I have become powerless. But fortunately, somehow, I managed to slap him again with all my might I could gather and it was a very hard blow than the previous one. He eyed me with his smouldering eyes, roared, 'YOU BITCH! I'LL KILL YOUUUU!" and his hand flew up in a blink at me knocking me out of balance. And unfortunately, I landed straight on the floor.

The moment I fell hard, the pain in my brain shot up to thousand folds. It was awful in every way possible and along with that, a tremendous sharp pain started in my stomach as I writhed under the afflictions. Soon, everything started getting blurry and hazy & I heard a faint gasp, "Oh, my God! What I have done to her!? No! No! I shouldn't be here... No one should get to know all of this, no one was supposed to. Shit! I should better leave before...". By the wordings, I could decipher it was Zayn and before I could say anything I heard footsteps moving away from me, ultimately banging the door shut.

With each passing second, the pain kept multiplying thousand times. Out of the blues, a thick liquid-like substance appeared on my face leaving me bewildered. I reached out slowly as I felt hard to even move a limb for some time and touched it. Slowly I opened my eyes to see what it was and through the glassy view I couldn't make what it was for the first few minutes but then it all got cleared. It was BLOOD! Dread settled in quickly and soon I started panting to catch air failing miserably in the process. I tried getting up many times but my limbs gave up always rendering me powerless. I clutched my throbbing head and tried massaging it but nothing worked. I felt as if I was dying.

Then out of the blues, I saw a big box lying near me. But there wasn't anything before... then what is it? I gathered my strength after repeated attempts and crawled slowly or better said dragged myself to it but the unbearable pain made it a lot worse than before. Somehow, I managed to reach it, on top of it there was something written but I couldn't comprehend what it was. Then slowly, I pushed open the lid only to witness the shock of my life. He was there lying with an ashen face.

Anirudh, laid there with a deathly calmness settled on his countenance. No!!!! This can't be true. He... he... he can't be dead... he was fit and fine. No, he can't leave me. He CAN'T! He had promised me. He'll always remain with me. He can't be dead. NOOOOOO!!!!!

"Sweetie, see what you've done, dear! You shouldn't have married him, now see...", I heard Bab's sympathetic voice and looked up to see him standing there. I replied immediately, "No, Baba! I did nothing, I swear. I did..." Then a sudden heat shattering cry reverberated, "Anirudh! What have you done to my son, Deekshya!? I have trusted you and you repaid like this to me. How could you? How could you kill your husband and my only son?"

I turned to see Smita Maa on her knees crying heavily near the box and accusing me along with numb looking Papa beside her. I used to them and cried, "No Maa, please Papa..." only to get cut off by another familiar voice, "Deekshya, you didn't spare Anirudh as well. Your evil presence cost me my life and still, your bloodthirst hasn't quenched yet. You killed my brother, Priya. How could you?"

It was Ved's voice. I turned around to see his accusing bloodshot eyes. "No! No! No, Ved! I didn't. I don't know...", I stood up convincing him but he stepped back not hearing me out. 

Then all of their eyes shot at me at the same time and I could see accusation smouldering in their eyes. And soon they all started accusing me loudly:

"You killed him, Deekshya"

"You loved him, yet you did this. How can you be so heartless?"

"At least you should've thought about your foster parents, their emotions. But you didn't"

"You're the evilest thing ever to happen to Srivastava's. You're a curse"

"You killed your parents, then my sons. Don't you've any humanity left?"

"Now who's next? Dhananjay or Smita Srivastava? Tell us"

"You paid like this to us... We loved you like our own more than our own. Yet you did this to us!"

"You're a monster Deekshya"

"You killed your husband"

"You're a curse! A load on this earth"

"You deserve to rot in hell"

"You're a murderer"

"You're a murderer"

"You're a murderer"

I cried, shouted and tried convincing them all, "No Maa... Ved... No, it's not me, Papa. Please... understand Baba. I love Anirudh, I can never think of doing this to him. Please, understand. I don't even know how this happened... I'm innocent. No! I'm not a murderer. Please, don't do this. I'm INNOCENT for god's sake". Then screamed closing my eyes in the end. But all of it went on deaf ears but their accusations didn't. They kept on accusing:

"You're a monster"

"A bloodthirsty monster, who kills her loved ones!"

"You killed your husband"

"You're a curse! You deserve to rot in hell, not our compassion"

"YOU'RE A MURDERER"

"Deekshya, wake up! Please open your eyes goddammit! You can't... wake up, Mrs Srivastava,  suddenly another faint voice was heard and I couldn't figure out who it was. The other accusatory noises overpowered it.

"You're a murderer", "You bloodthirsty witch", "You deserve to rot in hell"

No, I'm not! I started throwing my limbs to stop their voices but it kept on increasing and hammering my throbbing mind. It was as if they didn't want to stop tormenting me, they liked to see me suffering like this. Then a voice came across in-between "See, it's me Anirudh. Talk to me, concentrate on your breathe. Don't worry you're safe".

Huh!? Anirudh's voice!? He isn't dead... but he is lying in the box. I turned towards it to find it was gone. Then all of a sudden the screams vanished and I could hear his comforting voice and feel him around me, " Mrs Srivastava, talk to me. Talk to me, don't worry everything's alright".

Oh, thank God! He's okay. Was I hallucinating? I, then, started panting for air, it was as if there wasn't any air left for me. Somehow, I managed to speak, "Ani... I... I... ca... can't... bre...breathe... I... It... hur... hurts", as the pain has heightened at an aggressive level. 

I felt him keeping something on my temple and heard him say something like not to worry as he is here. It was all so faint like a distant sound that I really have to concentrate hard on it to deduce it which made the pain even worse. He even talked to me about our childhood. I couldn't hear all of it but I tried the breathing exercise. It was getting better, my breathing, but the pain was worst than before with each passing second. But soon, the faint voices, blurry things went away and blackness surrounded me making me drift apart from every pain...

~~~

"That's it, I don't remember after that. It was all black and when I woke up, I was in my room", I broke down finally not being able to take up the weight on my chest, "Anirudh, I swear, I am innocent. I did nothing... I... If... you want, then... I will... go... go away from... your life... from everyone's life... I'll never show... show my face... to... to... you ever. But, please... please try... to... understand... me... me... I can't even think... think... of... of hurting... anyone of you... not after losing my... my parents and Ved. Please, don't misunderstand me... please, I beg... beg you!" and ended up clasping my hands together. 

He unclasped them and sprang into action by wiping my wet cheeks, "Hey... hey! Shhh... everything's alright. Nothing to worry about, I'm with you. And don't you dare repeat the stupid words of going away from us. Papa and Maa need you, you're their only daughter. How can you even think of going away forever? And I need you... I mean I had promised you a lot of things and I need you to help me fulfil them. I can't let you go for such a reason. And why the hell, are you letting your subconscious take control over you? You're much stronger than this, Deekshya. And I know this. Calm down, now and forget about all this, at least try...", he said. I nodded slowly as he squeezed my palms again reassuringly with a hopeful twinkle in his hazel copper-hued eyes.

Then all of a sudden before I could even process it, I felt a soft feathery pair of petals upon my forehead as he softly and slowly pecked there as if assuring me sending jitters down my body. But I composed myself. "You're a fighter, Deekshu. You have fought bravely against all the odds today, heck... you're fighting everything for a long time. I know I have never said this before but you're a fighter", he whispered near my face looking directly into my orbs and through my glassy blurry orbs, I could see the admiration for me shining in his eyes. He called me Deekshu after so many years, God is this happening for real!? This is the rarest of the rare moment, I have never imagined in wild dreams to ever see something other than hatred and detestation in that hazel set of eyes & I'm gonna keep this little moment close to my heart for who knows whether there will be no other such moments. For when the sun comes down and reality sets in, things changes and so do people...

He broke my reverie and stood up chirping, "Now, get up enough of these. I'm damn hungry and so do you..." making me jump. "Oh shit! I forgot about dinner..." I checked the wall clock inside the room, "and it's nearing 8:30 PM. God, I'm so late. We haven't had our luck as well. I should get going", and hurried towards the exit only to get blocked by the hulk of my house, Anirudh. "Now what you want Anirudh? I told you everything... Let me go, it will take at least two hours to prepare sufficient dinner to suffice our aching stomachs", I retorted but he smiled looking at me. How can I always get flattered by this little act of him, always? Concentrate Deekshya! 

"Mrs Fighter Srivastava, don't need to exhaust yourself. Today has been already a very hard day for you, so no need to cook. I'll order something and we can't gorge upon it to satisfy our poor stomachs. So, freshen up and I'll take care of the order. And...", he stopped abruptly eyeing something on the nearby table. I turned to see my fully cold as ice coffee mug lying there, I turned to him hearing him, "And I'm extremely sorry for spoiling your coffee time...", he said sheepishly. I couldn't resist smiling at his cute antics and his slight tense figure eased out getting a positive reaction. I mouthed, "It's okay... now you can make it up by ordering good food that too fast. So go!!!!" and shooed him away.

"Okay! Okay! I'm going but remember one thing. You're not responsible for any of the things that happened to you, it was just your mind's games. I'll call you when the order will be here... come down soon", he asserted smoothly and I nodded. Then he went away and I turned back...

He came back suddenly and said standing at the door peeking in like a child making me jump, "Oh yes, I forgot... after dinner, we are having a walk. So, be ready, Mrs Srivastava in anything you're comfortable in as we are gonna have a night walk by the beach. And tonight, I'll take to you to a special place. Gotta go, byeee!"

"Goddd... Anirudh you scared me...", I gasped but he had already fled away downstairs with his hearty laugh reverberating in the whole house. I haven't heard him laugh like this for ages now, thankfully things are changing now. If at all Ved would have been here to see our progression...

I walked back to the balcony, to breathe in some fresh air and spend some time with my babies to calm down my agitated soul for I know the night hasn't ended yet!

9332 Words. Pheww! I broke my record *facepalms*

Tell me how's it? Honest reviews, please!

It was a much needed descriptive chapter. But if anyone of you thinks that it was a bit exaggerated then tell me, I'll change it. I have planned a lot more in this chapter but due to the already so long update, I had to cut it short. 

A night walk by the beach... Who's excited!?

Give me some nice stats and grab your update. Come on fast! Complete the target!

Updating Chapter 10 soon...

Stay tuned and add this book to your reading list!

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~Signing off: Akankshya~

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