7

Is dil mein pyar tha kitna, Woh jaan lete toh kya bat hoti... Humne manga tha unhe khuda se, Wo bhi mang lete toh kya bat hoti

Daksh pov

It's been almost two weeks since that horrible incident, and Tara is doing much better now. The doctor said she shouldn't talk too much for a few more days, but she's allowed to speak again. Even so, I've been stopping her from talking because I don't want her to strain herself. After we got back from her village, I stayed home for a few days. Honestly, I was too scared to leave her alone, I couldn't bear the thought of losing her again.

But work has piled up at the office, and my parents assured me they'd take good care of Tara while I'm away. I trust them, but it's still hard to leave. She's become the center of my world, and now, I've finally decided to tell her how I feel. I can't keep it to myself anymore. I'm certain she feels the same way about me, and I want to take our relationship to the next level.

There's just one problem, her brother. He's still angry with me. I know this because when Tara spoke to her parents on the phone, they mentioned it. But honestly, I don't care what he thinks anymore. All that matters to me is Tara.

As for Gulshan, he's in jail now. I made sure the authorities are treating him the way he deserves. I instructed the officers to feed him only once a week and to keep him locked in a room with no sunlight. If I had my way, I would've killed him that day. But Tara, with her kind and forgiving heart, stopped me. Even after everything Gulshan did to her, she didn't want me to take his life.

I don't understand how she can be so forgiving, so compassionate. It's one of the many reasons I love her so much. While I'm punishing Gulshan in my own way, I'm also reminded of how extraordinary Tara is. She has the kind of heart that I could never have.

Today, though, isn't about the past or the pain. Today, it's about the future, our future. I'm going to tell Tara how I feel about her. I want her to know that she's the most important person in my life. She's my strength, my weakness, and everything in between.

It was already late by the time I reached home. I had told Tara not to wait for me, but deep down, I knew she would. Sure enough, when I stepped into our room, there she was, lying on the bed with a book in her hand.

"You came?" she said, her eyes still fixed on the page. How did she know?

I smiled faintly. "Ji."

She sat up, closing the book. "Go freshen up. I'll serve dinner."

I nodded, heading to the washroom. By the time I came back, she had set the table for me. I ate while she busied herself in the kitchen, finishing some chores. My heart raced as I planned my words. Tonight, I would finally tell her how I felt.

When she returned, she sat on the bed, adjusting her bangles absentmindedly. I walked over and sat in front of her, my hands slightly trembling but my resolve firm.

"Tara," I started, and her gaze met mine.

"There's something important I need to tell you."

"Ji," she replied softly, her full attention on me now.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "I don't know how to begin this, but I've been holding these feelings inside for far too long. Tara, when you came into my life, everything changed. I never knew how empty my world was until you filled it with your presence. You've been my strength, my light, my reason to smile, even on the darkest days.

Every little thing you do, your laughter, your kindness, the way you care for everyone around you-it's all so beautiful. You've shown me what it means to truly love and to be loved. I admire your courage, your resilience, and that big heart of yours that forgives even those who don't deserve it.

Tara, you've become the most important part of my life. I want to protect you, cherish you, and spend the rest of my days making you happy. I know I'm not perfect, but I promise I'll do everything I can to be the man you deserve.

"It's been on my mind for a long time, and I can't keep it to myself anymore. Tara... I love you."

For a moment, there was silence. My heart stopped, waiting for her reaction. But to my surprise, a small smile spread across her face.

"I love you too," she said softly.

I blinked, not sure if I had heard her correctly. "You... you do?"

She nodded, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. "I do. I've felt this way for a while, but I didn't know how to tell you."

Relief washed over me, I reached out, gently holding her hands in mine. "Tara, you've just made me the happiest man alive. I promise I'll do everything to keep you happy, always."

She smiled shyly, her fingers curling around mine. In that moment, nothing else mattered just the two of us, and the love we had finally confessed to each other.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small box, revealing a delicate ring inside. Tara looked at me in surprise as I gently took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger.

"We got married in such a hurry that there wasn't even time for an engagement," I said softly. "So, I brought this for you"

After placing the ring, I let my eyes linger on her face, then drift to her lips. I couldn't help but smile. "You know, people usually kiss each other after a confession," I teased.

Her cheeks turned pink, and she quickly looked down, pressing her lips together in a shy smile.

I chuckled, leaning in slightly. "Do you know how to kiss?" I asked playfully, raising an eyebrow.

She shook her head, her innocence making my heart swell.

"Well, I've never kissed anyone either," I admitted with a grin. "But I think I know how it works. I've seen it... in movies," I added, feeling my own cheeks heat up.

I gently lifted her chin, tilting her face up to meet my gaze. Her wide, curious eyes met mine, and I could see the nervousness mixed with anticipation in them.

"May I kiss you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

She hesitated for a second before giving a small, shy nod.

My heart raced as I leaned closer, knowing this was the moment I'd been waiting for. I wanted her to feel safe, cherished, and loved. As our faces drew closer, I pressed my lips softly to hers, savoring the delicate warmth of the moment.

I made sure to be gentle, not wanting to overwhelm her. Her lips were hesitant at first, but she gradually relaxed, responding to the kiss in her own sweet way. It was innocent, pure, and everything I had dreamed of.

When I pulled back slightly, her cheeks were a deep shade of red, and she avoided my gaze, biting her lip nervously.

■

After one week

Devendra sat in his room, his brows furrowed as he mulled over Daksh's behavior. "Is Daksh really a good guy, or is he just pretending in front of Tara?" he thought.

He sighed and leaned back in his chair. "He's done so much for Tara recently, it's hard not to believe him. But something in me refuses to trust him completely."

As he wrestled with his thoughts, a villager burst into the room, panting and distressed. "Sarpanch ji, you need to come quickly! Someone's in our fields, destroying everything!"

Devendra immediately stood up, his chair scraping the floor. "Who is it? What's happening?"

"I don't know, but they're ruining our crops. Please come quickly!"

Without a second thought, Devendra grabbed his shawl and followed the villager to the fields. A crowd had already gathered, murmuring anxiously as they watched a group of men tearing through the crops.

"What's going on here?" Devendra asked the gathered villagers.

"It's those men, Sarpanch ji. They came with machines and started destroying everything!" an elderly man explained, pointing toward the chaos.

Devendra's eyes narrowed as he spotted a man in a crisp suit and sunglasses standing among the workers, giving them instructions. His blood boiled. Without hesitation, he strode toward the man, his voice sharp with anger.

"Excuse me! Can I know what's happening here?" Devendra demanded.

The suited man, clearly a minister, slowly removed his sunglasses and turned to face him with a smug smile. "Ah, sarpanch ji. These lands belong to us. We're reclaiming them."

Devendra's jaw clenched. "Yours? These lands have been ours for generations! Our ancestors cultivated them, and we've lived off them for decades. What right do you have to destroy them?"

The minister raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Devendra's anger. "Check the papers. These lands were leased to your people, and that lease has now expired. We're taking back what's rightfully ours. Nothing personal, just business."

"Business?" Devendra's voice rose. "Do you even see what you're doing? These fields are our lifeline! Hundreds of families depend on them. You can't just show up one day and destroy everything!"

The minister smirked. "I can, and I will. My men have their orders, and I suggest you stay out of the way. This is none of your concern anymore."

Devendra's fists tightened at his sides. "This is my land, my people, and my responsibility! You have no right-"

Before he could finish, the workers ramped up their destruction, and the sound of machines tearing through crops drowned out the villagers' cries.

"Sarpanch ji, what will we do?" a woman sobbed from the crowd.

"We've worked so hard for these fields," another man said, his voice trembling. "What will happen to our families now?"

The news spread and panic began to set in. Devendra turned back to the minister, his voice firm and resolute. "You will stop this right now, or I'll make sure you regret it."

The minister chuckled, as if amused. "Go ahead and try. But let me tell you, Sarpanch ji, fighting against us is not a battle you can win."

"We'll see about that. These fields are our home, and I'll fight to protect them, no matter what it takes."

As the minister turned away, signaling his men to continue, Devendra clenched his fists and turned to the villagers. "Gather everyone. We'll make sure they hear our voice, no matter how loud we have to shout. This is not the end."

The villagers, though scared, found courage in Devendra's words and began to rally together, ready to stand up for what was theirs. The battle for their fields was just beginning.

The chaos in the fields grew louder as the machines continued to destroy everything. Within no time, the crops were reduced to ruins. Devendra's anger boiled over as he stormed toward the minister. Without hesitation, he grabbed the minister by the collar and pulled him close.

"What kind of monster are you?" Devendra shouted. "Do you have no shame? You're destroying our lives!"

The minister, caught off guard, tried to free himself. "Let go of me!" he barked.

But Devendra didn't budge. "You're not leaving until you fix this mess!"

At that moment, the minister's personal assistant hurried over, holding a phone. "Sir, the prime minister is on the line."

The minister, visibly flustered, adjusted his collar as Devendra released him. He snatched the phone from his assistant and answered in a tone that was suddenly respectful. "Yes, sir... I understand, sir... It won't happen again, sir."

After a brief conversation, the minister ended the call and turned back to Devendra, his expression completely changed.

"Do you know Daksh Rajvanshi?" the minister asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

Devendra, still fuming, nodded.

The minister's demeanor softened instantly. He stepped closer and grabbed Devendra's hands in an apologetic gesture. "I had no idea you were connected to Mr. Rajvanshi. You should have told me earlier! We wouldn't have touched these fields if we knew."

Devendra stared at him, confused but still angry. "What are you talking about?"

The minister sighed. "Mr. Rajvanshi just called the prime minister himself. He told us to stop everything immediately and said this is his village. We've made a mistake, and I deeply apologize for all of this."

The minister turned to his men and barked orders to stop the work. "Pack everything up! We're leaving right now!"

Within minutes, the destruction came to a halt. The machines were shut off, and the workers began to clear the area. The minister and his entourage quickly left, leaving the villagers in stunned silence.

Devendra stood in the middle of the ruined fields, his heart heavy yet relieved. He didn't know why Daksh had intervened, but for now, his village was safe. As the crowd slowly dispersed, murmuring in confusion and hope, Devendra made a mental note to confront Daksh and get some answers.

■

Later that night, Devendra paced back and forth in his room, unable to calm his mind. The events of the day replayed in his head, and one question kept nagging at him: Why had Daksh stepped in?

Unable to hold back any longer, he picked up his phone and dialed Tara's number. After a few rings, she answered, her voice laced with concern.

"Bhaiya, are you okay?" she asked.

Devendra didn't bother with pleasantries. "Tara, why did Daksh get involved in this?"

There was a brief pause before Tara replied, her tone soft. "He saw the news about the fields and got worried about our village. He thought he could help."

Devendra's jaw tightened, and his grip on the phone grew firm. "Tell your husband to stay out of our village matters," he said curtly.

"Bhaiya, he was only trying to help...." Tara began, but Devendra cut her off.

"I don't want his help, Tara. This is our home, our responsibility. Tell him to stay away."

Before she could say another word, Devendra ended the call, tossing his phone onto the table. His mind was a storm of emotions anger, pride, and an unshakable sense of independence.

He stared out the window at the moonlit fields, now quiet but scarred from the day's chaos. As much as he disliked Daksh's involvement, he couldn't deny that his intervention had saved them. Still, the thought of relying on Daksh left a bitter taste in his mouth.

After her conversation with Devendra, Tara sat by the window, lost in her thoughts. She couldn't shake off her brother's words or the tension in his voice.

"Why doesn't he trust Daksh ji?" she murmured to herself.

As if on cue, Daksh walked into the room, his eyes immediately catching the worry etched on Tara's face. He stepped closer, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I know your brother still doesn't trust me," he said, his voice calm yet understanding.

Tara turned to him, her brows furrowed. "But one day, he will."

Daksh reached out and gently pulled her into his arms. "It doesn't matter," he said, his voice a low whisper. "You love me. That's all that matters to me."

Tara looked up at him, her worry melting away under the warmth of his gaze. Before she could respond, Daksh leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss on her lips, reassuring her without words.

To be continued

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