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PARINIDHI
I awoke with a start, blinking my eyes open and surveying the room around me. Devansh emerged from the bathroom, freshly showered, and approached me with concern etched on his face.
"What's wrong, Pari? Are you in pain?" His voice was filled with worry, his eyes scanning me for any signs of discomfort.
I tried to shake my head, not wanting to worry him further, but the regret in his eyes was palpable. He gently caressed my head, his touch warm and comforting.
"I'm sorry, love, for causing you pain," he murmured softly, his apology sincere.
"No, Dev—" I began, but he shook his head ever so slightly, urging me not to downplay my discomfort.
He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss on my forehead, his lips lingering there as if trying to soothe away the pain and disappointment.
"Happy Birthday, love. I'm sorry for ruining your special day," he whispered, his voice heavy with regret.
Before I could respond, he got up and moved to the closet, slipping into sweatpants before searching through the dressing table for something. Returning to my side, he sat down beside me again.
"Turn over," he instructed gently, his tone reassuring but firm.
My eyes caught sight of the oil bottle in his hand, and for a moment, a flicker of fear crossed my mind. Was he planning something that I wasn't ready for?
"D-Dev," I gasped, my voice betraying a hint of panic as I attempted to shift away slightly, though the pain kept me rooted in place.
Seeing my distress, Devansh's expression softened immediately. "No, love, it's not what you think," he reassured me softly, his eyes earnest. "I want to give you a massage to ease your pain. Trust me."
Relieved and feeling foolish for my earlier thoughts, I nodded hesitantly and turned over as he had requested.
Devansh warmed the oil in his hands, his touch gentle yet purposeful as he began massaging my sore muscles with careful strokes.
With each movement of his hands, the tension in my body started to melt away. The pain gradually ebbed, replaced by a soothing warmth that spread through my limbs. I closed my eyes, finally able to relax under his tender care.
After some time, Devansh whispered, "How are you feeling now?"
"Much better," I murmured softly, feeling a wave of drowsiness wash over me, comforted by his presence and the relief from pain.
He leaned in and kissed my earlobe, his lips feather-light against my skin. "Good. Now rest for a while, I'll make breakfast for you."
I felt drowsy and closed my eyes, but sleep eluded me. I remained still, hoping my body would ease its ache.
After a while, Devansh entered the bedroom, scooped me up in his arms, and carried me toward the bathroom without a word.
"Dev, I don't want to shower," I whined like a child, "it felt so good lying down."
"Love, it's your birthday, and you have to go to the temple, right?" he reminded me, and I realized I had completely forgotten about my birthday tradition.
Devansh carried me into the bathroom and set me down on the basin counter. I was still naked, and the cold surface made me shift uncomfortably.
He chuckled lightly at my expression, and I playfully hit his chest. "Don't laugh at me, Dev, or I'll break your face," I glared at him.
He raised his hands in mock surrender, then handed me my toothbrush. After brushing my teeth, he picked me up again and headed towards the bathtub.
"No, I want to shower under the showerhead," I said, and he turned towards the shower, setting me down under the warm spray.
He began to wash my body, and I tried to stop him, insisting I could do it myself. But he wouldn't hear of it, insisting that I shouldn't strain myself. He washed me thoroughly, and in the process, got himself soaked too.
Water cascaded from his hair down his face and bare chest, and I suddenly realized something. "Did you go to the kitchen without a shirt?" I asked, pointing at his bare chest.
He glanced down at himself, then back at me, saying nonchalantly, "Yes."
I glared at him, but he leaned in, pressing a kiss to the tip of my nose. "I didn't want any disturbances, so I gave everyone leave until the evening," he explained.
I made an understanding face and nodded. As I ran my hands through my hair, pushing it back from my forehead, he took over, gently moving my hair back. His touch was normal, but it sent shivers through me. Despite the soreness in my body, I wanted him again.
Devansh turned off the shower and wrapped a towel around me. On my tiptoes, I pressed my lips to his in a sudden kiss. He was momentarily shocked, but then his hands let go of the towel and moved to my waist, holding me firmly.
I took two steps back until my back hit the wall. One of Devansh's hands went to the wall beside my head, and he pressed his body against mine.
Without breaking the kiss, my hands fumbled around, searching for the shower tap. Finally, I turned it on. Water rained down on us, flowing from our faces to our bodies.
Even under the shower, I felt hot from his touch. He parted my lips with his tongue and explored my mouth. I bit down on his lower lip and slid my tongue into his mouth, exploring him as he closed his eyes.
I closed my eyes too, nibbling on his lower lip. He bit my lips gently but firmly, then, with a hard bite, released my lips and pressed his forehead against mine.
We were both catching our breath. His other hand moved to my waist, pulling me closer until our bodies were pressed together. I could feel his hard member against my stomach, and I gulped nervously.
Instinctively, my hand moved towards his sweatpants, but he immediately grabbed my hand, pressing both my hands against the wall. He looked into my eyes, his gaze filled with desire but also guilt.
"No, love. Yesterday I hurt you a lot. I couldn't control myself, and I can't risk hurting you again," he whispered sincerely, pressing a soft kiss to my lips before releasing my hands.
After that, we took a proper shower together. He wrapped a towel around me and carried me out of the bathroom.
Once out of the shower, he gently laid me on the bed and dried me off, his hands moving tenderly over my skin. He dressed me in a soft robe, the fabric warm and comforting against my freshly cleaned skin.
"I'll be back with breakfast," he said softly, brushing a kiss across my forehead before leaving the room.
As I lay there, the events of the morning played through my mind. Devansh's touch lingered on my skin, leaving me both content and yearning for more. I closed my eyes, trying to rest, but my thoughts kept drifting back to him, his touch, his kisses, and the way he made me feel.
A short while later, he returned with a tray laden with breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the room. He set the tray down on the bedside table and helped me sit up, propping pillows behind me for support.
"Breakfast is served, my love," he said with a smile, handing me a cup of coffee.
I took a sip, the rich, hot liquid warming me from the inside out. "Thank you, Dev. This is perfect."
He sat beside me, and we ate together, sharing bites of fruit and pastries. The intimacy of the moment, the simple act of sharing a meal, felt incredibly special.
After breakfast, he took the tray away and returned to the bed.
Devansh inquired softly, "What will you wear, a saree or a dress?" I pondered briefly before answering, "A saree."
Realizing my clothes were at home, I quickly reminded him, "Dev, my clothes are at home."
He smiled knowingly and swiftly lifted me into his arms, carrying me to our walk-in closet.
The sight of the closet took my breath away. It was elegant yet simple, with everything impeccably organized and the furniture exuding an air of luxury.
Gently placing me on a plush muslin sofa, Devansh opened a cupboard and retrieved a saree, bringing it over to me.
He had chosen a beautiful white and pink saree. I smiled gratefully, expecting him to leave so I could change. Instead, he moved to his section of the closet, selecting a white shirt and blue jeans.
Seeing him dressed casually was a rare treat, he usually wore formal attire.
After changing, he looked strikingly handsome. Adorning a watch, he approached me.
I glanced up at him and playfully winked, causing his ears to flush red again, which made me chuckle.
Helping me stand, he took the saree from my hands. I immediately asked, "Are you going to help me with the saree?"
He nodded casually, "Yes."
"Dev," I stretched his name, and he offered a tight-lipped smile before stepping out, assuring me to call if I needed assistance.
Once ready in the saree, I emerged from the closet and headed straight to the dressing table where Devansh stood, fixing his hair.
Pulling out a chair for me, he gestured for me to sit. As I applied light makeup—just kajal and lip gloss—he styled my hair. I didn't protest, knowing he enjoyed it.
Once done, I reached for the sindoor container on the dressing table. As I prepared to apply it, I caught Devansh's reflection in the mirror standing behind me.
Moving closer to him, I extended the container towards him. He glanced at it and then at me.
His hand trembled slightly as he took a pinch of sindoor and gently filled my parting.
Placing the container back on the dressing table, I stood before the mirror. His arms enveloped me, encircling my waist.
As our eyes met in the mirror's reflection, a soft smile graced my lips. Devansh drew closer, placing a gentle kiss on my shoulder. His voice, barely above a whisper against my skin, carried a deep sincerity, "You've brought this once lifeless heart back to life, Pari. I may not find the right words to describe how much you mean to me, but know that my heart beats for you, and this life belongs to you."
I turned towards Devansh, wrapping my arms around his neck.
Gently rising on tiptoe, I pressed a tender kiss on his forehead, then leaned back to meet his gaze.
Tears glistened at the corners of his eyes, and as I cupped his face in my hands, I offered him a reassuring smile, silently conveying the depth of my love.
Softly, I planted a kiss on his lips, my heart urging me to share my feelings openly. I resolved to plan a special surprise for him soon, feeling the need to express how much he meant to me without holding back any longer.
Without hesitation, Devansh scooped me up into his arms and headed towards the door.
"Dev, I can walk," I protested lightly, feeling less pain now.
But he was determined, carrying me swiftly out of the mansion and settling me into the passenger seat of the car. As he took the wheel and started the engine, he held my hand, his touch warm and reassuring, while his other hand guided us smoothly out of the gates.
We visited the temple together, offering our prayers, and then returned home without me setting foot on the ground. Devansh carried me all the way to our room, where he gently helped me change into comfortable clothes and laid me down on the bed with utmost care.
"Take your time, Pari. Watch a movie or rest. I'll prepare lunch," he said softly before stepping out of the room momentarily.
As I played some soothing music and drifted into my thoughts, a sudden realisation dawned on me, My mother had never celebrated my birthday.
In my younger years, I had questioned this, but with time, I had come to accept that something must have happened on those days to make my mother refrain from celebration.
Over the years, she had restrained Ajit from going beyond simple cake and dinner celebrations.
I felt a surge of panic, worried that my mother might feel I had disregarded her advice against celebrating my birthday. In that moment, I resolved to tell Devansh as soon as he arrived that we shouldn't bother with a birthday party.
Before long, Devansh returned with lunch and settled beside me.
"What's troubling you, Pari? You seem stressed," he asked gently, bringing a spoonful of food towards my lips.
Devansh's thoughtful gestures to make my day special melted my heart, and I obediently finished the meal he had prepared. He fed me with care, and we ate quietly, a serene calm settling over us.
After lunch, he pulled me gently into his arms, and I nestled my head against his chest, my hand resting lightly on his. "Dev," I murmured softly.
"Hmm?" he responded, turning to meet my gaze, his hand encircling my waist.
"Is there no birthday party?" I asked, tilting my head slightly, searching his face for any hint.
"Why do you think that?" he inquired, his touch reassuring as he pulled me nearer.
I hesitated, uncertain how to express that I didn't want a party without disappointing him.
"Are you worried about Maa?" he asked gently, sensing my hesitation.
I nodded immediately.
"I spoke with her. Initially, she declined the idea of a party, but after some discussion, she agreed," he explained.
Surprised, I widened my eyes. "She agreed?"
He nodded, resting his forehead against mine, his eyes closed. "I don't understand why Maa is opposed to celebrating your birthday. I asked her, but she remained silent. She's okay with me celebrating for you, but she won't attend," he sighed softly.
I closed my eyes, understanding my mother's aversion to celebrations or large gatherings.
"Don't worry, Pari. Mom assured me she'll send Rahul to the party, and she wanted me to convey that she isn't upset about the party," he reassured me warmly.
I nodded gratefully, feeling some of my concern ease.
Devansh lazily traced circles on my back with one hand while the other played with my hair. Soon, wrapped in his comforting embrace, I drifted off to sleep, feeling safe and loved.
DEVANSH
I looked at my Pari, peacefully asleep beside me, the very reason my heart beat with a deep sense of contentment. Her serene presence alone brought overwhelming peace to my soul.
Studying her delicate features, I marveled at her beauty, realizing no words could fully capture her essence. Even in slumber, she exuded grace effortlessly.
Leaning in, I pressed a tender kiss on her forehead, careful not to disturb her tranquil rest as I quietly slipped out of the bedroom.
Entering the living room where the staff had gathered, I issued clear instructions, "Begin the party decorations, but remember, my wife is sleeping. If anyone disrupts her rest, you know the consequences."
With solemn nods, they dispersed to start their tasks.
Stepping outside, I found Mukul and Michael waiting for me.
"Why are you here? I asked you to take care of Ansh," the words unintentionally came out, a hint of frustration creeping into my voice as Ansh's name unwittingly escaped my lips.
It wasn't that I harbored animosity towards her, but the revelation had unsettled me, and I needed time to process it.
Mukul glanced towards his car, then back at me, prompting my next question, "Don't tell me Ansh is in the car," I queried tersely, my frustration barely concealed.
He gave a small nod, confirming my suspicion.
I sighed heavily, knowing that peace was a fleeting luxury for me. Every time I found solace, fate seemed poised to snatch it away.
Approaching the car, I opened the door, and Ansh emerged, her eyes swollen and red from crying.
Instantly, guilt washed over me for causing my sister distress.
Setting aside my own turmoil, I enveloped her in a hug. She held onto me tightly, pleading softly, "Bhai, please don't be angry with me. If you want, I'll apologise to Pari bhabhi too. Please don't leave me."
Assuring her, I said, "I will never abandon you, Ansh."
Moving to kiss her forehead, memories of our parents' tragic fate flooded my mind, choking me with emotion. Stepping back, I directed her gently, "Go inside and rest."
Ansh nodded and hurried indoors.
Motioning for Mukul and Michael to join me in the study room, we settled on the sofa.
With a heavy heart, I began recounting the harrowing events that had transpired in the basement.
FLASHBACK
I was at Pari Manor, arranging things in the room, when I received an urgent call from one of my men informing me that Natalia needed to speak with me immediately about Ansh.
Without wasting a single moment, I hurriedly got into my car and raced to my old house.
As I arrived, a scene of horror greeted me—the sight of Natalia lying on the basement floor, blood seeping from her abdomen where Ajit had shot her. Ajit was on his knees nearby, held firmly by my men.
Shocked, I rushed to Natalia's side, crouching beside her with the intention to lift her, but she weakly shook her head.
"Dev, l-listen carefully," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"An... Ansh is Reshma's daughter," she revealed, and my eyes widened in disbelief at this revelation.
"What?" I exclaimed loudly, my voice filled with incredulity.
Natalia nodded weakly, her eyes closing. I gently patted her cheek, urging her to stay awake. She struggled to open her eyes halfway, murmuring through shallow breaths, "Your pa-parents g-got ki-killed."
Her words struck me like thunder, sending a shockwave of emotions through my body.
"Be-because you adopted Ansh," she continued, and my heart seemed to stop for a moment.
The realisation hit me hard—my parents hadn't died in an accident but they were murdered, and I unwittingly caused it by insisting on bringing Ansh into our lives.
My mind raced with turmoil, but I managed to compose myself enough to ask, "Who k-killed my parents?" Each word felt like a jagged piece of glass in my throat.
Natalia took another shallow breath and whispered, "I loved you, Dev," before passing away in my arms.
I remained frozen in place, grappling with the weight of her words and the enormity of the truth that had just been revealed.
My men stepped forward and gently lifted her lifeless body from my arms.
My heart pounded painfully in my chest with the burden of guilt and grief—I inadvertently caused my parents' deaths through my stubbornness. The weight of it all threatened to crush me, suffocating me with remorse and sorrow.
In that moment of turmoil, Pari's image flashed in my mind. I knew only she could bring me solace, her embrace the only thing that could quiet the storm raging inside me.
Without wasting a moment, I turned to leave, but Ajit's voice cut through the haze of my thoughts. "I know the killer," his words sliced through the air, sending a chill down my spine.
I turned around sharply, signaling to my men to release him. They hesitated for a moment before stepping back, allowing Ajit to stand defiantly before me.
I held my silence, waiting for him to speak, my fists clenched tightly at my sides.
"I know the person who killed your parents, and I will tell you, but..." Ajit paused deliberately, a smirk playing on his lips.
My jaw clenched in frustration, but I knew I needed to tread carefully to extract the name of the monster who had torn my world apart.
"Speak," I demanded curtly, fighting to control the rage and anguish surging within me.
"What will I get in return?" Ajit asked with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with malice.
"What do you want?" I responded, my tone calm but laced with barely controlled fury.
"Release me," he demanded.
"Fine," I replied flatly. The identity of my parents' killer was all that mattered to me now.
"I want to leave the country. Because if I stay, you'll hunt me down and kill me," he said, a flicker of fear betraying his facade of confidence.
A smirk of my own crept onto my face. "Done," I said, my voice cold.
"And Pari comes with me," he added, testing his luck.
He shouldn't have said that. My smirk vanished, replaced by a snarl as I lunged at him, grabbing his collar and slamming him against the wall.
"Don't you dare utter my wife's name from your filthy mouth," I growled, tightening my grip on his jaw. "Ask for anything else, and I will give it to you. But if you mention her again, I will kill you right here, right now."
"You won't kill me, Devansh. After Natalia, I'm the only one who knows about the killer, the person who orchestrated the accident that killed your parents," he said. I reluctantly released his collar, and he continued, "If I die, you'll never know the identity of the killer."
I sucked in a sharp breath. I couldn't kill him yet. Not until I had the name. "Say the amount. I will give you whatever you want. Just tell me the name."
Ajit, sensing his advantage, moved to a chair and sat down, crossing his legs arrogantly.
"I don't want money. I have enough to survive," he said.
My teeth ground together. The sight of him was becoming unbearable.
He crossed his arms and spoke again, "Fine. If you won't send her with me permanently, let me have her for one nig—"
Before he could finish, I kicked him hard in the chest, sending him and the chair crashing to the floor.
"How dare you say that," I yelled, dragging him by his leg and slamming his body against the wall. His head banged against it with a sickening thud. My veins burned with rage as I repeatedly smashed his head against the wall.
I kicked him in the mouth and drew my gun, pointing it at him.
"Kill me, Devansh, and you'll never know who killed your parents," he taunted, struggling to stand.
His words hit me hard, stopping me from pulling the trigger.
Reshma was dead. Natalia was dead. If I killed him, I might never know who murdered my parents. But his disgusting words echoed in my mind, boiling my blood.
"It's not like I haven't fucked her before," he sneered.
His audacity pushed me over the edge. I punched him in the stomach with the back of the gun repeatedly until he fell to the ground.
"You've sealed your fate," I growled, tossing the gun aside and landing a devastating kick to his face.
I knew he was lying about Pari, thinking I wouldn't kill him. But he was wrong. He triggered my anger by mentioning Pari's name. I lost my mind completely, kicking him until he was bleeding profusely.
I looked around and saw an acid container. With murderous intent, I picked it up and started pouring it on his body. He screamed in agony as the acid burned his flesh. I tossed the container aside and looked down at him, writhing in pain.
Just as I turned around, I saw Pari standing there, terrified. My heart sank seeing her state. I stepped forward to explain, but she ran away.
I stopped in my tracks, watching her flee. It hurt to see her run from me.
Gathering myself, I ran after her, hoping to explain everything, thinking she would understand and comfort me, easing my mind and heart. But seeing her run away hurt beyond anything, like she was crushing my heart under her feet.
When I saw her get into the car and drive away recklessly, I lost it.
She didn't care about me, but she was risking her life driving like that, and that made me lose my mind.
FLASHBACK END
I closed my eyes briefly, feeling the weight of the world press down on me once more.
"I'm sorry, man. I had no idea about this. Bringing Ansh here must feel like reopening old wounds," Mukul said, his voice tinged with remorse.
I remained silent, leaning back against the sofa's headrest, staring up at the ceiling. Thoughts raced through my mind, grappling with the harsh truth that my decision to bring Ansh into our lives had inadvertently led to such devastating consequences.
Ansh had become a cherished part of our family from the moment Natalia insisted we adopt her—a tiny, innocent soul who instantly stole our hearts.
I had fought with my parents, refusing to relent until they agreed to bring her home. In that pivotal moment, I believed I had completed our family.
Yet now, the unbearable thought gnawed at me—that my insistence on bringing Ansh home had ultimately sealed my parents' tragic fate.
The weight of guilt and grief bore down on me, making it hard to breathe. Without a word, I rose from the sofa and made my way directly to Pari's side.
I gently pushed the door open to find Pari peacefully asleep. Leaning against the doorframe, I watched her serene form, a fleeting sense of calm washing over me amidst the storm raging within.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" she murmured sleepily, her eyes fluttering open. Her words brought a faint smile to my lips.
Entering the room, I closed the door softly behind me. She reached out her hand toward me, inviting me to join her. Moving closer, I sat beside her on the bed. She shifted slowly, wincing with evident pain, and rested her head on my lap.
I stroked her head gently, my voice barely a whisper. "I'm sorry for causing you pain. I promise not to touch you if it hurts. Please don't be angry with me."
She sat up, placing herself in her favoured spot on my lap, and wrapped her arms around me, securing them behind my neck.
"I'm fine, Dev," she murmured, kissing my cheek gently, and I couldn't help but smile. Her kiss on my lips felt different, yet every peck on my cheek made my heart skip a beat.
"What's troubling you? You seem worried," she asked, studying my face intently.
I didn't want to burden her with my troubled thoughts and complicated emotions, so I remained silent, shaking my head slowly.
Pouting slightly, she looked at me with those adorable eyes that never failed to calm the storm inside me. She rested her head on my shoulder and whispered softly, "I want to go out."
"Where do you want to go?" I asked.
"I don't know. I just want to go far, far away," she said, leaning back to look at my face, "with you."
I smiled and replied, "Tell me the place, and we will go there."
"You would leave everything behind and go with me wherever I say?" she asked, surprised.
I nodded, saying, "Wherever you say."
She pondered for a moment, then asked, "What about your business?"
"I can manage that from anywhere," I assured her.
She made an 'oh' expression, giggling to herself, then said, "And what about Mukul and Michael? They can't survive without you."
"Who are Mukul and Michael? I don't know them," I teased, and she giggled, shaking her head playfully.
"Your love for me is something I don't think I'll ever fully understand," she said thoughtfully, tightening her grip around me.
"Why do you say that?" I asked, intrigued by her words.
She lifted her face away from my shoulder, locking her eyes with mine. "It's just... I don't know how to put it into words. But you love deeply, with all that you have. And when you're hurt, you make sure others regret their existence."
Her words struck a chord with me. I gently turned her face to look into my eyes and said sincerely, "I'm sorry, Pari."
"I'm not saying this to hurt you, Dev," she clarified softly. "I'm saying this because I want you to understand that those who receive your love are fortunate. Your love knows no bounds."
She pressed a kiss on my clothed chest and rested her head against it. "Can I ask you something?" she murmured.
"Yes," I replied immediately.
"I saw Ansh earlier when I went to the kitchen, and she looked like she had been crying," Pari said.
"I know," I acknowledged quietly.
She looked at me intently, asking a bit hesitantly, "Do you hate her now?"
I fell silent, grappling with the complexity of my emotions.
"Dev, I didn't mean it that way," she hurried to explain. "I just..."
"No, I don't hate her," I interjected firmly. "I could never hate her. I'm just keeping some distance for now. I need time to process everything. When I saw her earlier, memories of our parents' faces... their deaths... it all came rushing back. It's painful, Pari. I'm trying to come to terms with it, trying to adjust to this reality that I'll have to live with for the rest of my life."
She fell silent, and I carefully lifted her, laying her down beside me. Turning towards me, she opened her arms, and I nestled closer, finding solace in the warmth of her embrace.
With a sigh, I closed my eyes, seeking a moment of peace. Her fingers gently threaded through my hair, their touch calming my restless mind. Gradually, without realizing it, sleep embraced me, offering respite from the turmoil within.
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