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Ananya
My eyes fluttered open, and I turned to look at the other side of the bed-Arjun wasn't there. A glance at the clock made my heart skip a beat.
4 p.m.
What? Had I really slept through the entire day? I swung my legs off the bed and made my way to the bathroom, still processing the fact that I'd slept for hours. The thought crossed my mind: why hadn't Arjun woken me up? He was probably at the office by now.
As I stepped under the warm cascade of the shower, the water washed over me, but it did little to drown the memories of last night. They played in my mind on an endless loop, each moment cutting deeper.
I hated it.
I hated everything about it-the vulnerability, the panic, the rawness of my emotions. Last night, I had a panic attack. I tried so hard to suppress it, but the weight of the past overwhelmed me. And the worst part? Arjun saw it all.
I cried.
I never cry. Not in front of anyone. Yet in that moment, I crumbled. My mind had spiraled into the abyss of memories I'd fought to lock away, and all I could see was Arjun. All I could feel was his steady presence, anchoring me to the now. Without thinking, I'd begged him to stay with me while I bathed.
The shame of it burned in me now, but in that moment, I didn't care. I couldn't. Arjun had done more than just stay-he'd helped me bathe and even dressed me afterward. His actions were tender and patient, as if he understood exactly what I needed without me saying a word.
The shower finished, I dried off and dressed quickly. A mix of dread and curiosity filled me as I stepped into the living room. I expected silence, an empty house.
But there he was.
Arjun stood in the kitchen, moving effortlessly as he prepared something. My heart skipped again-he hadn't gone to the office?
I stood there for a moment, watching him. The way he moved-calm, composed, and entirely at ease-was in stark contrast to the turmoil still swirling inside me. He hadn't noticed me yet, his attention focused on whatever he was cooking.
"Firefly?" His voice was soft yet unmistakable, pulling me from my thoughts. His eyes met mine, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw concern flicker in them. But it was gone just as quickly, replaced by a gentle smile.
"You're awake," he said, his tone warm and measured. "I was about to check on you."
"You didn't go to the office?" I asked, stepping closer to him, confusion lacing my voice.
"I took the day off," he replied simply, as though it were the most natural decision in the world. "You needed rest."
I frowned, my brows knitting together. "So?" I pressed, skepticism creeping into my tone. "I'm the one who needed rest. Why are you here?"
He closed the distance between us, his footsteps steady and deliberate. "Because I wanted to," he said, his voice firm and unwavering, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath hitch.
Something in me cracked at that moment. My throat tightened, and the sting of unshed tears blurred my vision.
"About last night..." I began hesitantly, my voice trembling with the weight of everything I didn't know how to say.
Arjun stopped directly in front of me. Without a word, he opened his arms, a silent invitation that spoke louder than anything he could have said.
I didn't need to be told twice.
In an instant, I was in his embrace, his arms wrapping around me securely, his presence grounding me. I buried my face in his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothing the storm raging inside me.
"Why didn't you tell me that Kunal was crossing his limits from the very first day?" His voice was soft, but the underlying hurt was unmistakable. He wasn't just asking; he was questioning why I hadn't trusted him enough to share my struggles.
"I...I wanted to..." I stammered, my voice faltering as shame crept in. "But..." I trailed off, unsure how to explain.
"But what happened, Firefly? Tell me," he urged gently, his voice steady, patient.
"You personally called Kunal for our project," I admitted, my words tumbling out in a rush. "I didn't want to ruin your efforts. I thought I'd... I'd be fine. I thought I could handle it."
His arms tightened around me, and I felt his lips press softly against the top of my head. "I'm sorry, Firefly. I'm really, really sorry."
"Why are you saying sorry?" I asked, pulling back slightly to look at him, confusion evident in my tear-filled eyes. "You didn't do anything wrong."
"I did," he said, his voice heavy with guilt. "I'm sorry that I was responsible for putting you in this situation. I'm sorry I couldn't see that you were struggling. I'm sorry I didn't notice how uncomfortable Kunal was making you. And most of all, I'm sorry that you had to go through all of this... because of me."
Tears spilled over, and I shook my head, placing my hands on his chest. "It's not your fault, Arjun," I whispered, my voice cracking. "You didn't do this. Kunal did."
"But I should've protected you," he said, his voice raw with regret. "I should've seen it, Firefly. I failed you, and I can't forgive myself for that."
"You didn't fail me," I said firmly, cupping his face in my hands. "You're here now."
I couldn't believe it. He was blaming himself for something that wasn't his fault, for something he had no control over. The man who had been my anchor, the one who saved me, was standing here apologizing as if he'd wronged me.
And yet, the person truly responsible for all of this-Kunal-didn't feel an ounce of regret.
It made my chest ache, a mix of anger and sorrow swirling inside me. I pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at Arjun. His face was etched with guilt, his eyes clouded with emotions he wasn't even trying to hide.
"Arjun," I said softly, my voice trembling but firm. "How can you stand here and take the blame for something you didn't do? You didn't hurt me. You didn't make me feel unsafe. Kunal did. He's the one who should be apologizing. Not you."
His jaw tightened, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. "But I brought him into your life, Firefly. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have had to deal with him in the first place."
"And if it weren't for you, I don't know how I would've gotten through it," I countered, my voice stronger now. "You're the one who saved me, Arjun. You saw me when I was breaking. You were there when I needed someone the most. That's what matters."
He opened his mouth to argue, but I placed a finger on his lips, silencing him.
"Listen to me," I said, my eyes locking onto his. "I don't blame you. Not even for a second. You have no idea how much it means to me that you stayed, that you're here now, holding me together. Please, stop blaming yourself. You've done nothing but protect me."
For a moment, he said nothing, his eyes searching mine. Then, with a sigh, he pulled me back into his arms, holding me tightly as if letting go wasn't an option.
"I just... I wish I could take away all the pain you've been through," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
"You already are," I whispered, resting my head against his chest. "By being here, by caring, you're doing more than enough."
For a moment, we stood there, the silence between us heavy with unspoken promises. I knew then, in the safety of his arms, that I didn't have to face my battles alone anymore.
And for the first time in a long while, I felt a sliver of peace. With Arjun by my side, maybe-just maybe-I could heal.
He cupped my face gently, his thumbs brushing over my cheeks as he bent to my level. "You must be hungry," he said softly, his eyes holding mine. "Let's feed you."
It was only then that I realized just how hungry I was-starving, actually. My stomach growled in agreement, and I nodded sheepishly. "I'm really hungry."
Arjun chuckled, the sound warm and rich, as he took my hand and guided me to the dining table. He pulled out a chair for me and motioned for me to sit. Once I was settled, he disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a plate of naan and butter chicken, setting it in front of me before taking the seat beside me.
"When did you get this?" I asked curiously, noticing how fresh and hot the food looked.
"I didn't buy it, Firefly," he said casually, as if it were nothing.
I blinked in surprise. "You made this?" My voice rose an octave. "For me?"
Arjun raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "What do you think of your husband, Firefly?" he teased, emphasizing the words your husband in a way that made my cheeks heat.
I looked away, flustered, but he wasn't done with me. Still smiling, he tore a piece of naan, dipped it into the butter chicken, and held it up to my lips.
I glanced at him in confusion, and he tilted his head, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. "Open your mouth, baby. I'm feeding you."
Baby? He called me baby? Oh God, this man is going to be the death of me with his words.
My face burned as I hesitated for a moment, but then I obeyed, parting my lips as he fed me the bite. The rich, creamy flavors of the butter chicken burst on my tongue, and an involuntary moan of satisfaction escaped me.
Arjun let out a deep breath, his eyes darkening slightly as he watched me. "You shouldn't make that kind of sound while enjoying your food, Firefly," he said, his voice low, tinged with an edge of self-control.
I froze for a moment, my face heating up as his words sank in. "The... food is just too... good," I stammered, quickly chewing and swallowing to avoid any more embarrassing sounds. My cheeks felt like they were on fire.
He leaned back slightly, a warm chuckle escaping him. The sound was rich and teasing, but there was something else beneath it-something I couldn't quite place. "There's plenty more where that came from, Firefly," he said softly, his voice holding a promise. "Let me take care of you."
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding as his words lingered in the air.
Arjun
Oh God, Ananya doesn't even realize what her small, innocent gestures do to me. Her soft moans from earlier... they're etched in my mind, but I have to control myself. There are far more important things to focus on right now-especially matters concerning my Ananya.
I've never had a weakness in my life before, but Ananya? She is my weakness. The way she looks at me... the way she just exists... it makes me weak.
"Firefly, you can take a few days off from the office," I said gently, my tone leaving no room for argument. "Join when you feel ready. I'll grant your leave." I wanted her to be comfortable before stepping back into work.
"No... it's okay," she replied quickly, shaking her head. "I've already taken today off. I don't want people to think I'm not serious about my work. And besides, I'm fine now... I think."
"You don't have to force yourself to do anything you're not ready for," I said firmly, leaning forward slightly. "If you aren't ready to come to the office, it's fine. I'll handle everything."
I could tell she was trying to push herself, to act like everything was okay. But I knew better. I knew that somewhere deep down, she was still scared-though she wouldn't show it. Yesterday, when she cried in my arms, I saw a side of her she rarely let anyone see. I also knew she'd do everything she could to avoid being that vulnerable again.
Her hand reached out and touched mine, her soft, warm fingers grounding me. "I'm fine, Arjun. Because..." she paused, her voice steady yet filled with emotion. "Because of you. Because I know you'll be there."
The trust in her eyes made my chest tighten. I wanted nothing more than to protect her from everything, but I could still sense her lingering fear-fear of facing that bastard, Kunal Bhatia.
What Ananya didn't know was that she wouldn't have to. I'd made sure of that. A surprise would be waiting for her when she returned to the office.
"Okay," I said finally, my voice softening. "If that's what you want."
In the meantime, my phone buzzed with a text from Karan. Ananya noticed and said I could leave if I had work, assuring me she'd be fine. I texted him back, letting him know I was on my way. "I'll be back in a few hours," I said, leaning down to kiss her temple before heading out.
As I slid into the car, I called Karan.
"Arjun, he's waiting for you to give him some special treatment," Karan said, his tone laced with dark amusement.
I smirked to myself. "On my way."
This morning, while Ananya was still sleeping, I had already started laying the groundwork for today's plan. I had met with Pooja, her best friend, who I'd called for a conversation about Ananya.
"Hi, Jiju!" Pooja greeted me with a warm smile. "How's it going? And how's my best friend doing?"
"Pooja," I said, my tone serious. "I need to talk to you about something important. It's about Ananya."
Her face shifted into a concerned expression. "Okay," she said cautiously.
"She had a panic attack yesterday," I revealed, gauging her reaction.
"What?!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with shock. "Again? Why?"
Her choice of words immediately caught my attention. My jaw tightened, my blood simmering. "What do you mean by again? Has she had panic attacks before?"
Pooja hesitated but eventually nodded. "It hasn't happened in years, but... she had one recently, too."
"How recently?" I demanded, my tone sharp, every nerve in my body on edge.
Pooja hesitated, clearly struggling with how much to say. "It was... when you both went wedding shopping. Before your marriage."
The weight of her words hit me like a freight train. My mind raced, imagining how much pain Ananya must have been in before I even knew her as my wife.
"Why does she have these panic attacks?" I asked, determined to know everything about her.
Pooja sighed. "I'm sorry, Jiju. It's not my place to say. Ananya will tell you when she's ready."
Her response left me unsatisfied but not helpless. I can find out about that in my own way. I nodded, and Pooja left soon after.
After that conversation, I'd returned home before Ananya woke up, not wanting her to be alone when she would wake up. But now, there was unfinished business waiting for me.
My car came to a halt in front of a secluded cottage. Stepping out, I made my way inside to the hidden underground room where Karan was waiting.
"Welcome, Arjun," Karan said with an evil grin, his usually cheerful demeanor replaced with something far darker. "Your guest has been waiting since yesterday," he added, a hint of menace in his voice.
Karan is known for his cheerful, carefree attitude, but underneath that façade lies a darkness that most people can't even imagine. He hides it well, but I've seen the other side of him-and today, I needed that side.
I entered the room where my special guest was waiting for me-though the term "waiting" might not be entirely accurate. He was tied to a chair, his wrists bound tightly, and his head slumped forward.
Kunal. Kunal Bhatia.
The man foolish enough to dare lay a finger on my wife. My Ananya. My Firefly.
Yesterday, after I left him unconscious in the office and took Ananya home, I called Karan and instructed him to handle Kunal. As always, Karan didn't ask any questions. He brought Kunal here, to this secluded place, without hesitation.
Later, I asked Karan to send me the CCTV footage from the past few days, particularly from the day Ananya had flinched when I hugged her. I needed to know what had caused her reaction.
When Karan and I reviewed the footage, the truth was laid bare.
Kunal.
He had been harassing Ananya-invading her space, cornering her, making her feel unsafe. Watching the footage made my blood boil. Every second of his vile behavior replayed in my mind, fueling the fire within me.
Karan's reaction was immediate and fierce. He loves Ananya like a sister, and seeing her mistreated sent him into a rage. He beat Kunal to within an inch of his life, but I stopped him before he could go further.
"He's mine to punish," I told him, my voice cold and resolute.
And now, here I am. Standing face-to-face with the man who dared to hurt my wife.
Kunal stirred slightly, groaning as he began to regain consciousness. He looked up, his eyes dazed but quickly filling with fear as they met mine.
"Good," I said, my tone calm but carrying an unmistakable edge. "You're awake. Now the fun begins."
Kunal's groggy eyes flickered open, his face contorted in confusion. But confusion quickly turned to terror as he registered where he was. Tied to a chair, wrists and ankles bound so tightly the circulation was cutting off, he was completely at my mercy.
I stood before him, calm and composed, though the storm in my eyes was impossible to miss.
"Do you know why you're here?" I asked, my voice low and steady, laced with menace.
Kunal stammered, "M-Mr. Malhotra, p-please, I don't-"
Before he could finish, I swung a steel baton across his knee. The sickening crack of bone echoed through the room, and his scream followed like a haunting melody.
"I didn't say you could speak," I growled, crouching to his level. His trembling face was inches from mine, and I made sure he could see the fury in my eyes.
"You dared to lay a finger on my wife."
Kunal froze, his bloodshot eyes widening in disbelief. "Y-your wife? W-who?"
"Ananya Kapoor," I said coldly, watching the realization dawn on him. "The woman you cornered, harassed, and terrified. My wife."
His mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. "I-I didn't know! I swear! If I'd known, I-"
I slammed my fist into his jaw, cutting him off. Blood sprayed from his mouth as his head snapped to the side. "So it's only wrong if she's mine? You think you can harass women as long as no one's there to protect them?"
Kunal sobbed, trying to speak, but I silenced him with another punch, this time to his stomach. He doubled over as much as the restraints allowed, choking on his breath.
"Karan," I said, not taking my eyes off Kunal.
Karan stepped forward, handing me a pair of brass knuckles. The weight felt satisfying as I slid them onto my hand.
"Did you enjoy making her uncomfortable?" I asked, slamming my fist into his cheekbone. The crunch of bone and his guttural scream filled the room.
"Did you enjoy watching her flinch away from you?" Another blow, this time to his ribs. His body jerked violently as he coughed up blood.
"You won't enjoy much of anything after this," I hissed, stepping back to grab the pliers from a nearby table.
Kunal's voice was barely a whisper, trembling with fear. "P-please...I didn't mean to... I didn't know..."
"You didn't know?" I repeated, my voice cold. I gripped his hand with the pliers, yanking his fingers back one by one. His agonized screams reverberated through the room as I dislocated each joint.
"You don't get to make excuses. Not now. Not ever," I growled, picking up a hammer and bringing it down on his mangled fingers. The sound of shattering bone was almost satisfying.
"Every time you look at your hands, you'll remember this," I said, my voice cold and final. "Every time you see your reflection, you'll think of what you did."
I picked up a knife, trailing its edge along his cheek. Kunal flinched, tears streaming down his bloodied face. "You'll carry these scars for the rest of your life," I said, carving a deep line across his face.
Finally, I stepped back, letting the knife clatter to the floor. Kunal was a broken, trembling mess, barely clinging to consciousness.
"Karan," I said, my tone devoid of emotion. "Dump him somewhere public. Let the world see what happens when someone crosses me-or my wife."
Karan smirked, nodding as he grabbed Kunal's chair and dragged him out of the room.
As the door slammed shut, I stood alone in the silence, fists still clenched and blood pounding in my ears and my chest heaving, I thought of Ananya-my Firefly. She was my strength and my weakness, the one person who could shatter my carefully controlled exterior.
And for her, I would destroy anyone who dared to harm her.
After finishing my work, I cleaned myself thoroughly, scrubbing away every trace of blood until there was no sign of what had transpired. I couldn't let her see even a shadow of the darkness I carried beneath the surface.
Once clean, I changed into another identical pair of clothes-simple, neat, and untouched by the chaos of the past two hours. I had promised Ananya I'd be back in a few hours, and I couldn't afford to break that promise.
She didn't need to know the lengths I would go to for her, or the monster I could become when someone dared to hurt her. That darkness wasn't hers to bear.
With one last look in the mirror to ensure I was presentable, I left, my face calm and composed as if I'd spent the last two hours on a mundane task. For her, I would always be her safe haven, not the storm that raged within me.
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