A crowd had gathered, but Shiv didn't care. His focus was entirely on Poorva. He tilted her head back and began CPR, his hands shaking but steady as he pressed down on her chest.
Come on, Poorva. Don't do this to me. Please... I need you. Shiv muttered, his voice breaking with emotion.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Poorva coughed, water spilling from her mouth as she gasped for air. Shiv let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding.
Shiv...Poorva whispered weakly, her voice barely audible.
I'm here. I'm right here. You're safe now. Shiv said softly, brushing her wet hair away from her face.
But then his expression hardened, and he stood up, turning toward the group of boys and girls who had been responsible. His eyes blazed with fury.
Do you have any idea what you just did? You could've killed her! Shiv growled, his voice low and dangerous.
The group backed away, terrified by the intensity of his anger.
If anything like this happens again, I swear- You'll regret it. I'll make you all pay every single breath of her. Shiv said, his voice was ice-cold as he glared at them.
Without waiting for a response, he turned back to Poorva, gently lifting her into his arms.
I'm taking you to the hospital. I'm not taking any chances. Shiv said, his voice was soft again, but filled with determination and then he rushes to the hospital.
Shiv paced nervously outside the emergency room, his fists clenched at his sides. His mind was racing with images of Poorva, unconscious in his arms after he had pulled her out of the pool. His heart had nearly stopped when she had gone limp. He couldn't imagine losing her. The sound of the door creaking open pulled him out of his thoughts, and he turned to see the doctor stepping out.
How is she, doctor? Shiv asked urgently, his voice thick with worry.
The doctor offered him a reassuring smile.
She's stable now. Poorva had a panic-induced episode due to her fear of water, but she's responding well. Her vitals are normal, and she's resting. There's no need to worry, but I'd suggest keeping her calm for the next few days. Doctor said
Shiv let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
Can I see her? Shiv asked
The doctor nodded.
Of course. She's awake and asking for you. Doctor said
Without wasting a second, Shiv made his way into the room. Poorva lay on the hospital bed, pale but conscious, her eyes fluttering open when she heard his footsteps. The sight of her, alive and breathing, made his heart swell with relief.
Shiv! Poorva said weakly, her voice barely whispering.
For a moment, they just looked at each other, the weight of what had happened hanging heavily in the air. Shiv's hands twitched, wanting to reach out and touch her, but he held back, unsure of what to say. His heart was still pounding from the panic earlier.
You... scared me. I thought I lost you. Shiv finally said, his voice thick with emotion.
Poorva gave him a faint smile, her eyes softening.
You saved me... again. Poorva said
Shiv exhaled, his gaze locking onto hers.
You have no idea what it felt like seeing you like that. If anything had happened to you, Poorva... Shiv said, his voice broke off, unable to finish the sentence.
Poorva looked down at her hands, the memory of being thrown into the pool still fresh in her mind.
I didn't expect them to do that. I told them about my aquaphobia once, but I guess they thought it would be funny. Poorva said softly
Shiv's expression darkened.
Funny? They nearly killed you, Poorva. I won't let this slide. I'll make sure they regret ever doing this. Shiv said
No, Shiv. It's not worth it. They didn't mean any harm. It was just a stupid mistake. Poorva said quickly, reaching out to touch his arm.
Shiv's jaw tightened, the muscles in his neck tensing.
A mistake that could have cost you your life. Forget about me, have you imagined what Darshil will do if he gets to know about this? Shiv said
Poorva sighed, her eyes searching his face.
I know. But I don't want you or bhai to go after them. I'm fine now, thanks to you. Please don't tell anyone about this incident. Poorva said
Shiv shook his head, his voice dropping to a whisper.
I won't tell Darshil about this but I don't want you to ever be in that kind of danger again. I can't bear it. Shiv said
Poorva blinked, taken aback by the intensity in his voice. There was something raw and vulnerable in the way he was looking at her, something she hadn't noticed before. She had always known Shiv cared about her, but this... this was different.
You've always been there for me. I don't think I've ever thanked you properly for everything you've done. Poorva said softly, her eyes softening.
You don't have to thank me, Poorva. I'll always be here for you. Whether you need me or not. Shiv replied, his voice low.
The weight of his words hung between them, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Poorva could feel something shifting between them, something unspoken yet undeniably present.
Shiv... Poorva began hesitantly, unsure of how to navigate the sudden depth of their conversation.
But before she could continue, Shiv stood up, his expression firm yet gentle.
Let's get you out of here. I don't think you want to spend any more time in a hospital bed. Shiv said
Poorva nodded, grateful for the change of subject.
I'd like that. Poorva said
The ride back to Poorva's house was quiet at first, the silence filled with the hum of the car engine. Shiv's focus was on the road, but every few moments, he glanced over at Poorva, making sure she was comfortable. Poorva, on the other hand, was lost in thought, her fingers tracing patterns on the window as the city lights blurred past.
Are you okay? Shiv asked finally, breaking the silence.
Poorva turned to him, offering a small smile.
I'm fine. Just... thinking. Poorva said
About how you've always been there for me. I don't think I've ever realized how much until tonight. Poorva said, her voice soft
Shiv kept his eyes on the road, his grip on the steering wheel tightening slightly.
I told you, you don't have to thank me. I just... care about you, Poorva. That's never going to change. Shiv said
Poorva felt her heart skip a beat at his words, and she looked at him, really looked at him.
I guess I just didn't realize how much you meant to me. Poorva said quietly, almost to herself.
Shiv glanced at her, his eyes filled with something she couldn't quite place.
Maybe one day you will. Shiv murmurs
They pulled up in front of her house, and Shiv parked the car, turning to face her fully. There was a moment of silence as they sat there, the tension between them palpable.
Shiv, about tonight... Poorva began, but Shiv cut her off.
Don't apologize. What happened wasn't your fault. I just... I just need you to be more careful. I don't think I could handle it if something happened to you. Shiv said firmly
Poorva's breath caught in her throat at the intensity in his voice.
You really care about me, don't you? Poorva asked
Shiv's eyes softened as he looked at her, his hand reaching out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
More than you know, Poorva. More than you'll ever know. Shiv said
For a moment, their eyes locked, and the world outside the car seemed to fade away. Poorva felt her heart race in her chest, her mind spinning with emotions she hadn't fully processed yet.
I... I should go inside. Poorva said, breaking the moment before it could go any further.
Shiv nodded, pulling his hand back.
Yeah. You need rest. Shiv said
As she walked up the steps to her house, Poorva felt a strange warmth settle in her chest. She had always seen Shiv as her friend, her protector. But tonight, something had changed. And she wasn't sure what that meant for the future.
The clock ticked past 11 p.m., and Aarvi sat restlessly on the sofa, her eyes flicking between the door and her phone. She had been waiting for hours, anger bubbling beneath her concern. Darshil hadn't called or messaged all evening, and though she refused to reach out first, a part of her was torn between concern and fury. When the front door finally opened, she jumped to her feet.
Darshil entered casually, his eyes dark, and a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, as if he didn't feel the weight of her worry or frustration. Aarvi immediately crossed her arms, standing in front of him, blocking his path.
Where have you been, Darshil? Aarvi asked
Darshil smirked as he shut the door behind him, kicking off his shoes with a careless ease.
Wow, didn't know you were waiting up for me. Am I in trouble, wifey? Darshil said
I'm serious, Darshil. It's 11 PM. I've been waiting for hours, and you didn't even think to call or message. Where were you? Aarvi said
Oh, you know, just saving the world. No need to worry, Hazel. What's this? Are you mad or just jealous? Darshil said
Aarvi's jaw clenched. She wasn't in the mood for his games tonight.
I'm not jealous, Darshil. I'm your wife. I have a right to know where you were. Aarvi said
Darshil ignored her question again, walking past her to the bedroom.
I think you are jealous again. Your angry face is cute, though. Darshil said
Stop playing around! Just answer me! What's going on? You're surely hiding something from me. Last night, you suddenly disappeared, you returned back in the afternoon and you again left without answering any of my questions. Aarvi said
You're so worked up, Hazel. Fine, if you really must know, I was.... around. Happy now? Darshil said
Without waiting for her response, he disappeared into the bathroom to freshen up. Aarvi stood there, fuming, her hands balled into fists. This was the first time Darshil had dismissed her concerns, that's why something felt different-more off than usual.
As she paced around the room, her eyes fell on his phone, which he had carelessly left on the table. She hesitated for a moment, but the gnawing suspicion pushed her closer. Her hands trembled as she reached for the phone, and as the screen lit up, her heart sank.
There were messages.
First, from Shiv, talking about something vague:
"Hope everything's settled with the meeting tonight. Let me know."
Then, there was another name she didn't recognize. A girl :
"Waiting for you in the hotel suite. Hope you come soon. Don't keep me waiting long."
Aarvi's breath caught in her throat. Her heart raced, anger mixing with the sickening feeling of betrayal. Just as she was processing it all, the phone rang in her hand. She froze for a moment, staring at the screen, the name of the same girl flashing.
She hesitated but then pressed the answer button.
Darshil? When are you coming? I've been waiting for hours, and I... I really want to see you. The girl on the other side said
Aarvi felt her chest tighten, her knuckles going white around the phone. Without another word, she hung up and set the phone back on the table just as Darshil emerged from the bathroom, wiping his face with a towel.
He noticed her standing there, stiff and silent, her expression dark.
What's with the face? You look like you've seen a ghost. Darshil said
Aarvi straightened, forcing herself to remain calm, though her voice was filled with restrained fury.
Darshil tilted his head, pretending to think.
Nowhere special. Just... some business to attend to. Why? You worried about me? Darshil said
He approached her, his smile lazy, dripping with a confidence that enraged her further.
Stop lying. I know you're meeting someone. Aarvi said
Darshil's eyes glimmered with amusement as he reached out to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, ignoring the tension in her body.
Aarvi stepped back, her patience snapping.
You know what.... I really don't care. I was just thinking about the girl. Poor girl, at least tell her that you're married. Aarvi said
Darshilâs smirk deepened, unbothered by her rising anger.
What if I say there isnât? What if I say... youâre the only one I want, Hazel? Darshil said
The intensity in his voice sent a chill down her spine, but she refused to back down. She glared at him, still waiting for a real answer, but he just chuckled and picked up his jacket, brushing past her.
Then where are you going? Aarvi asked
Relax, Hazel. Donât let jealousy get the better of you. Iâll be back soon. Donât wait up. Darshil said
And with that, he left, closing the door behind him.
Aarviâs chest was heaving with anger and confusion as Darshilâs words echoed in her mind: âDonât let jealousy get the better of you.â She couldn't stand it any longer. His evasive behavior, the phone call, the liesâit was too much. She needed to know the truth. Without hesitating, she grabbed her purse, determination flashing in her eyes.
As she stormed down the grand staircase of the mansion, two guards moved forward, and the driver stood by the car, puzzled by her sudden urgency.
Madam, it's late. We have been instructed that you shouldn't leave withoutâ A guard said
I don't care what you're instructed. I am Mrs. Rajvanshi. Do you want to explain to your boss why you stopped his wife from leaving? Aarvi said
The guards exchanged uneasy glances, clearly torn, but they didnât dare argue further. Aarviâs authoritative tone left no room for debate.
Madam, shall I drive youâ Driver asked
No. Iâll drive myself. Move. Aarvi said
The driver stepped aside, his face pale with worry as Aarvi slid into the driverâs seat of the sleek black car. Without another word, she revved the engine and sped out of the driveway, her eyes fixated on the road, determined to follow Darshil.
Meanwhile, in a dark alley not far from the Rajvanshi home, Siya stood, watching as Aarvi's car pulled out of the driveway. A slow, satisfied smile spread across her face. This was the moment she had been waiting for-the chance to strike when Aarvi was alone and vulnerable.
For weeks, Siya had been planning her revenge, her hatred for Aarvi festering after their last encounter. She knew Aarvi wouldn't stay locked in the mansion forever, and tonight, fate had finally presented the perfect opportunity.
Siya quickly pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
She's left the house. Alone. Be ready. Tonight's the night we make our move. Siya said on the phone
As she hung up, Siya's eyes gleamed with malice. She had waited too long for this moment, and now, nothing can stop her from taking her revenge.
Darshilâs car pulled into the private parking lot of an upscale hotel. He stepped out casually, like a man who had nothing to hide. Aarvi, driving behind at a distance, parked her car around the corner, her heart pounding as she watched him enter the building. She waited a few minutes before following, slipping inside the hotel with a sense of dread creeping up her spine.
Aarvi moved quickly through the lobby, trailing Darshil from a safe distance, her pulse racing. She watched as he strode confidently down a hallway, disappearing into a room near the end. Aarvi hesitated for a moment, her mind swirling with doubt and fear, but she forced herself to keep going.
Once she reached the door, she pressed her ear against it, her breathing shallow.
Inside the dimly lit suite, the atmosphere was tense. Darshil sat on a leather armchair, his eyes cold and calculating, the weight of his presence palpable. Shiv stood quietly by the side, his gaze sharp but reserved, ready for whatever was to come. Across from them sat Emily, a woman with sharp features and dark eyes that gleamed with mischief. She was confident, too confident for someone who didnât realize the peril she was in.
Emily was a secret agent, sent by the Russian Mafia, who were the rivals of the Italian Mafia, an organization that Darshil ruled with an iron fist. Tonight, Darshil was after more than business dealsâhe wanted information. But Emily had other plans.
You know, Darshil, we donât have to be enemies. I could⦠make things easier for you. Iâm good at handling⦠situations. Emily said
Her voice dripped with seduction, her hand trailing across her neckline suggestively as she leaned closer to Darshil. But he didnât flinch, his eyes hard, as if her attempt at flirtation was merely an inconvenience.
Youâre wasting your time. Darshil said in a cold tone.
Emily smiled wider, not taking the hint. She moved closer, her body language a clear invitation, her fingers tracing the arm of Darshilâs chair.
Come on, Darshil. I could satisfy you, make you feel better than any of your men ever could. All you have to do is let me⦠take care of you. Emily said
Her voice was honeyed, but Darshilâs expression remained cold, his patience running thin. Without warning, he reached out, his hand tangling in her hair, pulling her head back sharply. Emily gasped, but her smile didnât waver, even as Darshilâs grip tightened.
Is this how you think youâll survive? Flirting? Offering yourself? Darshil asked in a low, dangerous voice
Emilyâs breath hitched, the tension between them thickening. But she wasnât ready to give up. She smirked, her voice still laced with that dangerous edge of temptation.
Darshilâs jaw clenched, his patience finally snapping. With a swift motion, he grabbed the hot coffee mug from the table and, without hesitation, poured it onto Emilyâs upper chest. The hot liquid scalded her skin, and she let out a scream of agony, but before she could react further, Shiv moved quickly.
In one fluid motion, Shiv grabbed a cloth from the table and gagged her, muffling her cries. Her screams turned into choked groans, her body twisting in pain and confusion. Darshil stood up, towering over her, his presence more menacing than ever. His hand found her throat, squeezing tightly as her eyes widened in fear.
You think you can manipulate me? Tell me everything you know, or you wonât walk out of here alive. Darshil said in a dangerous voice
Emily tried to scream again, her eyes filled with panic, but the gag stifled her voice, turning her cries into desperate, muffled moans.
You mentioned that you can handle me, don't you? Now, deal with the devil. Darshil said
Emily struggled, trying to pull free from Darshilâs iron grip, but it was futile. The more she struggled, the tighter his hand became around her throat.
Aarvi stood outside the door, her heart racing as the sounds from inside the room reached her ears. Her mind spun with confusion and fear. She could hear a womanâs moans, the sound of struggle, and the deep, cold voice of Darshil, though she couldn't hear the conversations. The muffled groans and occasional sharp cries were unmistakable, and Aarviâs imagination took over.
Her hand clutched the doorknob, her body trembling as the horrifying realisation dawned on her.
No⦠this canât be happening. Darshil⦠heâs with someone else. Aarvi thinks.
Her heart shattered as she listened to what sounded like a twisted, intimate encounter, her mind painting vivid pictures of betrayal. The womanâs moans became unbearable to hear, and Aarvi took a step back, her world spinning.
All this time⦠I knew something was wrong. Heâs been with her. Aarvi thinks.
She felt sick, her stomach churning with the weight of the misunderstanding. Her chest tightened, and tears welled up in her eyes. The man she feared, the man she was starting to understand, was now the man she believed had betrayed her in the worst possible way.
*********
So guys, that's all for today.
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As English is not my first language so there can be some grammatical mistakes, I just request to please ignore it.
Thankyouð¥