✨ Winning her back ✨

Samantha

Watching him break like this, watching the weight of his own guilt crush him, shattered something deep inside me. His pain was raw, unfiltered, and it seeped into my bones, making my chest tighten unbearably. I wanted to comfort him. I wanted to reach out and tell him that it was okay. That we would find a way.

But that would be a lie.

Because I didn't know if I could.

I didn't know if I could look at him without this fear crawling up my spine, without the memories tightening their grip around my throat. He had broken me once. And though a part of me ached to trust him again, another part whispered that if I let him in, he would break me all over again.

A lump formed in my throat as I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palm. The silence between us was suffocating, stretching endlessly, filled with words we were both too afraid to say.

Then, finally, he spoke, "Will you ever be able to forgive me, Samantha?"

His voice was barely above a whisper, hoarse and trembling, yet it rang through the silence like a plea like a man drowning, desperate for something to hold on to.

The question lingered in the air, heavy with uncertainty. My lips parted, but no words came out. My heart pounded against my ribs, fighting a war I wasn't ready for,"I... I don't know, Mr. Malhotra...."

I felt the slight tremor in my own voice, the way it wavered, betraying the hurricane of emotions surging through me. I didn't miss the flicker of pain that crossed his eyes when I called him by his last name, as if I had shoved him miles away with just that one formality.

I swallowed hard, tightening my arms around myself, as if that alone could hold my shattering pieces together.

"I'm... I'm scared, Mr. Malhotra...."

His breath hitched. I felt him tense beside me, "You're scared of me?", his voice barely rose, yet I heard the agony hidden behind it.

I swallowed hard, knowing the truth would wound him deeper, but I couldn't lie. I nodded slowly, unable to look at him.

He exhaled sharply, as if my words had knocked the air right out of his lungs. For a moment, neither of us spoke. The silence stretched between us, heavy with words left unsaid, with wounds still bleeding.

Then, suddenly, he took a step back, pulling away from me. My hands fell limp at my sides, and a strange emptiness filled the space where he had been just moments ago.

"I'm... I'm sorry... Samantha...", his voice cracked, and I knew, this was breaking him just as much as it was breaking me.

He ran a hand over his face, frustration evident in the sharpness of his movements. "You... you're scared of me... And I didn't even realize it... I made you feel this way... I-" He let out a bitter laugh, holding tears in his eyes, "I'm so damn sorry....", he shook his head.

"Abhimaan....", I reached for him instinctively, but he flinched.

"No, Samantha. No....", he took another step back, shaking his head. "Don't come near me...."

He swallowed hard before meeting my eyes again, "But....but....I'm not leaving you alone....", my world froze on his words.

It was firmer this time, resolute, unwavering, "I'm not leaving you to fight this alone. No matter how long it takes. No matter how much time you need. I will wait for you, Samantha. I will wait for you....", I saw the brimming tears giving him strength as he started saying every word with firm determination in his eyes.

"Abhimaan....", a crack in my voice was audible enough as I took a step into his direction.

"I will not leave you, Samantha. I'm not going to leave you fighting your fears all alone. Until you fight back against this... Until you stop being afraid of me... I'm here until you forgive me with your heart....", his words were a definite peace I needed at that time.

A sharp breath left me, my chest tightening as his words settled deep into my heart.

He didn't leave. He didn't....

He could have left. He could have given up. He could have decided that my fear was too much to bear, that it wasn't worth it. But he didn't.

He stayed.

He stayed despite watching me be vulnerable with my pain.

He just stayed.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt something shift inside me. Something warm. Something hopeful.

"Abhimaan...", my voice was barely audible but my cry was too much.

"I'm here for you, Samantha. Right before you, beside you. Take your time."

Before I could stop him, he closed the distance between us, cupping my face with both hands. His thumbs gently wiped away the tears I hadn't realized were falling.

"I will wait for you", he whispered, his lips pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead. And just like that, something in me cracked open. A longing. A silent promise. A spark of strength that I had thought was lost forever.

"What if I can't get over this?", I choked out, my voice breaking.

He tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his gaze soft but determined. "I've never known my Samantha to back down from anything. I trust my Samantha....", his confidence in me sent warmth spreading through my chest, melting the fear, little by little.

Only my Dad has shown this much trust in me. Only my Dad knew if I could fight back or not.

Until now....

"Abhimaan Malhotra is never turning his back on Samantha Singh Malhotra", he murmured, his lips brushing against my temple. "No matter how tough it gets. No matter what it takes. Even if I have to bring the whole damn world to its knees for you, I will do it. But I will not let you lose this time....", his eyes on me brought peace all over my organs.

A choked laugh left me, and he reached into his pocket, pulling out his handkerchief. "Ye aansu bahane ka time gaya, Samantha." He dabbed my cheeks dry before flashing me a teasing smirk. "Chalo ab ye rotlu shakal thik kar lo...", I let out a soft chuckle, shaking my head.

("The time to cry has passed away, Samantha. Now, get over this cry baby face....")

"Abhimaan..."

"Ji....", he stared back at me but I threw myself into his arms.

He stiffened for a second before letting out a breathy laugh, his arms wrapping tightly around me. "Thank you....", I whispered against his chest.

"Thank you ki bachhi....", he chuckled, pulling back just enough to tickle my sides.

A burst of laughter escaped me, breaking the tension, and just like that, the weight pressing down on my heart didn't feel as suffocating anymore.

Maybe, just maybe, I could find my way back to him.

Maybe, just maybe, I could learn to trust him again.

And as he intertwined his fingers with mine, leading me out of the room, I felt a man's love can never be defined in words.

They love you at the phase when they fail to love themselves. A real man who accepts when he is wrong and doesn't play with you like a toy.

Abhimaan has a rough past when it comes to woman. But it was his love for his mother who has kept him alive.

Aadmi bhi kitne ajeeb hote hai. Dil tutne ke dar se bhaagte hai lekin ussi dil mea apni Maa ko basa kar puri zindagi jee lete hai....

Abhimaan Malhotra is one kind of a love. This man has forgotten his whole life to make efforts and still doing it for me.

Jo apne dard mea bhi tumhare aansu khud se pehle ponche, woh muqammal ho ishq, aisa iss jahaan mea kaha?

When his fingers brushed to mine, all I felt a stroke of hope. A hope that whispered of healing. Of love. Of a future that wasn't haunted by fear.

And maybe, just maybe, I could find my way home.

His grip was firm yet gentle, his warmth bleeding into my skin as we slipped out of the room, making sure no one saw us.

There was something thrilling about sneaking away like this, just the two of us, hidden in a world where nothing else mattered.

After spending a little more time with Shaurya-making weak excuses about needing the restroom, which he clearly saw through, we finally left for home. Ruhaan had already called a driver to pick him up with Amaira, which meant it was just me and Abhimaan now.

The ride to home was quiet, but not uncomfortably so. It was the kind of silence that didn't demand words, the kind that felt natural and easy.

When we arrived, we walked back to our respective rooms, the quiet lingering between us, wrapping around us like a soft cocoon. There were no lingering tensions, no unspoken burdens pressing against my chest.

And for the first time in a long while, I felt light. Nothing was weighing down my heart-except, perhaps, the quiet hope that this peace would last.

That maybe, just maybe, it was here to stay, this time. And maybe, our world will be far away from the devil's feet.

___________________________________________

Abhimaan

I chose her over me.

Her pain over my suffering.

Her fear over my efforts.

I chose her in every possible way. And I would keep choosing her, no matter what. Because, at the end of it all, Samantha was all I ever wanted in life.

I didn't even realize when the emotions inside me swelled so much that they broke through, spilling over in silent tears.

But for once, I didn't suppress them. Because in front of her, I didn't have to.

In her presence, in her warmth, I knew my tears were safe.

And that was enough. That was enough for me to let down my guards and show my vulnerability to her, and watch her doing the same. Sharing smile is all you need but sometimes sharing tears is all you ever wanted.

So, I did the same. I let Samantha saw me at my lowest but just like always, she chose to be true with me. I love her with every ounce of breath inside me but I cannot afford to see my fear in her eyes. And I will turn the world upside down if that's what needed to win her trust back.

So, after a long time, I felt like I wasn't oppressing myself to sleep as it was already taking me over once seeing the lightness in my eyes, I didn't realise when slumber took over me. As I slept holding Samantha's pillow, while sleeping on her bed, around her longing aroma, where sleep became peace just with the idea of Samantha Singh Malhotra.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting golden streaks across my room. I stretched lazily before getting up, freshening up, and throwing on a comfortable T-shirt and joggers.

As I made my way downstairs, a soft melody caught my ears. It was a tune I didn't recognize, but the voice humming it was unmistakable.

Samantha.

She stood in the kitchen, lost in her own little world. She wore a loose T-shirt dress that barely grazed her knees, her hair thrown into a messy bun, a few stubborn strands slipping down to frame her face.

She looked so effortlessly beautiful.

Leaning against the doorway, I folded my arms across my chest, watching her with quiet amusement.

She was completely unaware of my presence as she rolled the panstick in the air, shifting her weight slightly. Then, as if caught up in the rhythm of the tune she was humming, she swayed her hips ever so slightly.

And I couldn't look away.

God, she was adorable.

She twirled in place just as she turned abruptly, her eyes widening when she finally spotted me.

"Oh my God!", she gasped, clutching the panstick to her chest like a lifeline. It slipped from her fingers, clattering to the floor. Her lips thinned as she gazed at me with her beautiful eyes.

"You scared me...."

I chuckled, stepping closer. "But you adore me, don't you?", her cheeks flushed the prettiest shade of red as she quickly turned back to the pan, pretending to focus.

"I.... I'm making aaloo paratha for the dish", I smirked back at her cute reaction. "And what's for the starter?", I asked softly while leaning into the kitchen counter.

She still didn't look at me, but I knew she could hear the teasing in my voice. But she kept doing her cooking, "Umm... baby corn chillies", she muttered.

I pursed my lips, nodding. "Nice. And what about dessert?", her hands stilled for a brief second.

She didn't turn, but I could tell, she was blushing. She tried shifting the lock of hair falling down her face from the backside of her palm. Her hands were covered with the flour so, I immediately brushed my fingers to do so.

"Umm... no pancakes", she said hurriedly. I pulled her closer to me before her hands rested above my chest,"And why is that so....?", I asked teasingly.

"Because you have had enough pancakes for the past month", she chuckled softly.

I leaned closer to her as she blushed in return, "Ummm....you know I can still have something else in dessert", I said softly.

Her hands clutched onto my tshirt tightly as I looked down at her, my smirk widening. "What about strawberries?"

Her eyes widened slightly before narrowing with playful suspicion. Lifting herself up on her toes, she leaned in close....so close, I could feel her breath against my lips.

"You will.... surely.... have it...", she whispered, her voice low, teasing.

Then she smirked, "In your dreams."

Before I could react, she lifted a fistful of flour and smacked it right onto my face.

The kitchen erupted with her laughter as I stood there, momentarily stunned. The white flour covered my entire face, the walls echoing with her amusement.

I blinked through the haze of flour as I watched her face glowing with happiness....she was finally smiling and isn't that the only thing I ever want in my life?

"Samantha ki bachhi..." I growled, grabbing a handful of flour in return. Her eyes widened in realization. "No....no, Abhimaan, don't you dare-"

"Too late, little Samantha", she let out a shriek as I lunged for her, sending clouds of flour flying into the air. She ducked, dodging, running around the hall, but I was faster.

"You can't escape, you know that, right?", I gritted my teeth as I closed in on her.

"And you can't catch me, you know that, right?", she shot back, grinning as she weaved around the furniture.

But I knew her next move. Anticipating it, I turned abruptly, cutting her off. She gasped as her back collided with my chest, my arms wrapping around her, trapping her in place.

"Got you, baby....", I smirked before rubbing another handful of flour onto her face.

"No! Ahhh-stop it, Abhimaan!", she shrieked, squirming. "I just took a bath. Stop-!"

By the time I finally let go, we were both covered in flour, laughing breathlessly.

Samantha scrunched her nose. "Can you smell something?", she asked in suspicion.

I blinked in realisation, then we both turned to the stove at the same time.

"Oh, shit."

Smoke curled from the pan. We sprinted forward, switching off the stove as the burnt remains of the paratha filled the air with its unmistakable stench.

For a moment, silence hung between us as we looked at each other.

She made a pouty face before we burst into laughter. Samantha clutched her stomach. "Oh God, my mouth....it's hurting from laughing....", but she kept laughing while I did the same.

"You....you look like....little cat...." I admitted, wiping tears from the corners of my eyes.

She squinted her eyes at me, "What did you just say, Mr. Malhotra?", I laughed in return.

"Little cat.....", I repeated.

She folded her arms across her chest, "Same to you, back to you, lock to you. No return", she flipped her tongue into my direction.

We kept bantering for some longer time before she pouted. "Now what? The paratha's ruined."

I smirked, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Then let's make something else."

She swatted my chest playfully before resting her head against me. Her eyes went soft as she snuggled into my arms, "Abhimaan..."

"Ji...."

Her eyes were determined as I listened to her patiently, "I...."

Before she could finish, a loud, exaggerated groan came from the doorway. "God, my virgin eyes!"

We turned to find Amaira standing there, covering her face dramatically. Samantha pulled away instantly, her cheeks burning, only to freeze when she locked eyes with Shaurya, standing beside Amaira.

"You guys... you look amazing..." Amaira chuckled as we realised she was talking about our appearance, covered with flour.

Shaurya smirked before saying, "Were you two having a flour shower?"

Amaira and Shaurya chuckled as Samantha and I hastily wiped our faces, failing miserably. "Go and change, guys", Amaira said, barely holding in her laughter.

Samantha muttered something under her breath before dashing toward her room, red-faced.

I turned to Shaurya. "Give us five minutes."

"Take your time", he replied, amused.

With that, I jogged upstairs, my heart lighter than it had been in a long, long time.

And I had a feeling, this was only the beginning.

___________________________________________

After a while, we ordered food online, sitting together with Shaurya and Amaira. The evening had settled into a comfortable rhythm, our conversations flowing as effortlessly as the laughter between bites. A few minutes later, Ruhaan joined us, taking his usual seat beside me. His presence always brought a sense of balance, something steady amidst the chaos.

We were in the middle of a casual chat when Shaurya suddenly leaned forward, his expression shifting into something more serious. "Guys, I really need your help", he said, cutting through the lighthearted chatter and having tea, together.

I exchanged a glance with Samantha before nodding. "Yes, sure....", she said, taking a slow sip of her tea while we all turned our attention to him.

Shaurya exhaled deeply. "Actually, you all know what happened a month ago....how my company had to relocate and everything", he started.

Of course, we did. How could we forget? The sudden shift, the chaos, and the struggles that followed had left an impact on not just him but everyone involved.

Especially Samantha.

"I feel like my employees have resumed work, but their energy is off. They're not as motivated as they used to be. So, I'm thinking of planning a trip, a short vacation for them. Something to help them refresh their minds so they can focus better when they return", he explained.

As he spoke, I noticed the slight frown on his face, the way his fingers tapped against the edge of the table. He wasn't just planning this for his employees, this was.... something more?

"That's actually a great idea", I said after a thoughtful pause. "You should definitely go ahead with it."

"I agree", Samantha chimed in, while Amaira and Ruhaan nodded in agreement.

"But where should we go?" Shaurya asked, clearly unsure. We focused on his words but before we could reply, I felt someone actually had a reply ready.

"Singapore!" Amaira blurted out, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

The rest of us turned to glare at her, and she immediately shrunk back, realizing how eager she had sounded. "I mean.... Singapore is a good option", she corrected herself awkwardly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

I didn't miss the way Shaurya's gaze softened when he looked at her. I turned to Samantha, and she subtly gestured that she had noticed it too.

"Done then. Singapore it is", Shaurya confirmed almost instantly, without even waiting for the rest of us to weigh in.

Ruhaan chuckled, shaking his head. "Done already?", I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Shaurya straightened, trying to appear casual. "Of course. If Amaira wants....", we all glared at him again, and he shut his mouth mid-sentence.

Amaira shifted, her gaze dropping to the ground as she bit her lips in.... what?

"I mean... Amaira's idea is great", Shaurya backtracked. "I have been there before for a business deal, but I never got the chance to explore. It would be nice to experience it properly this time. Right, Samantha?", he said softly. There was a certain glint in his eyes, one that didn't go unnoticed by me.

Tell me it's not what I think.

Shaurya and Amaira?

No.... No way.

I mean, I'm not bringing up the past, but he kidnapped her.

Amaira was his hostage.

And now? Now, she's suggesting places, and he's approving them without a second thought?

And wait-didn't they come here together today?

They barely tolerated each other a while ago.

Before I could spiral further, Samantha nudged me. "Abhimaan....", I blinked, snapping out of my thoughts. "Huh?"

"Shaurya is asking if the five of us should go on the trip together", she explained patiently.

I turned to Shaurya, and he met my gaze, his eyes silently pleading for approval.

I sighed. Fine. I wasn't going to be an overprotective brother, but still... he had to take my permission first, if he has something for....my sister?

Then I looked back at Samantha before asking, "Do you want to go....?", she smiled softly before she nodded back at me. "Yaa, it's cool. I would love to."

"Fine by me", I said after hearing her, as I faced Shaurya.

Shaurya exhaled, relief evident on his face. "Thanks, man. And what about Amaira and Ruhaan?", he said slowly.

"Fine by my side too....", Amaira added, and I noticed a spark in her eyes when she said it.

"And you, Ruhaan?", Shaurya turned to him.

Ruhaan hesitated. "I have something important to take care of first. If it works out, I'll join you guys later."

"Sounds good", Shaurya said. "I'll make all the arrangements. We leave the day after tomorrow for Singapore", he declared, thanking me with his eyes.

The girls beside me immediately burst into excited cheers as they got up from their seats and started dancing. "Yeah, Singapore on!!! Woohoooooo!"

I chuckled at their enthusiasm before I got up and marched towards Shaurya.

"So, what are your intentions?", I murmured, my eyes still on the girls.

He smirked before replying as his eyes were also focused on the girls, "Just a good trip...."

I gave him a warning glare. "Agar meri behan ko takleef hui na, toh tere itne tukde karunga, saale sahab....", he chuckled while I passed him a smirking look.

(If you cause my sister pain, I will break you into pieces.....")

"That day won't come. I will try my best to keep her happy", he said with a soft smile. "But you will also keep my sister happy, deal?....", he said, before I smiled back at him.

"Always.... Deal done", I sighed, shaking my head as we shook hands with each other.

His feelings were genuine, I could see that. The same softness in his eyes when he looked at Amaira, the same which I have for Samantha.

___________________________________________

The next day, I found myself in a situation I despised. Shopping. And I'm never sorry for unliking the idea especially when the two women of your life, brings you to the mall and keeps you standing for hours just to approve/ disapprove the dresses they already have approved/ disapproved.

If that makes sense.

It had already been two hours. Yes, right. Two hours of me requesting them to end the shopping and choose the dress of their likes, as according to me everything suits them.

And they still hadn't chosen what to buy.

"Guys", I said, rubbing my temple, "I have an online meeting in an hour. I can't postpone it anymore. Can you please do it fast....", I said, after I saw the staff pleading me with his eyes.

But that's true, I have a meeting in an hour. I have been not focusing on my work since the past one month which I barely regrets, so, Ruhaan usually handled things, but there were certain deals that required my attention.

"Mr. Malhotra, take a chill pill," Samantha and Amaira said in unison before bursting into laughter.

The mall staff chuckled at my misery, only to freeze when I shot them a glare.

"Apni shopping jaldi khatam karo," I said, straightening my blazer. "Mujhe aur bhi kaam hai."

Amaira and Samantha exchanged glances before smirking. "Tumhare blazer mein pocket nahi hai kya?", Samantha asked.

I frowned, "Kyun?"

"Toh apna attitude apni pocket mea daal kar rakho naa....," she shot back with a wink before disappearing into the trial room.

I exhaled in defeat. This girl...

After another painful half-hour, they finally picked their outfits. While they were busy celebrating their long shopping hours and I made the payment. While I was arranging the carry bags to pick up, something caught my attention.

I mean, someone.

A woman.

She appeared to be in her late fifties and had been lingering in the store for a while now. More specifically, she had been standing too close to Samantha, as if she wanted to talk to her.

But something about her made my instincts go on high alert. It felt weird, her stare towards Samantha felt extremely suspicious to me.

The moment she stepped forward, as if about to approach Samantha, I swiftly moved in front of her, blocking her path.

"Any problem, ma'am?", I asked, my voice calm but firm.

The woman blinked, startled by my sudden presence. "No... nothing. I was just here for personal work", she muttered, though her gaze remained fixed on Samantha.

I narrowed my eyes before saying, "Then, kindly focus on that", I said bluntly. Samantha and Amaira shifted their attention before I asked the staff to help me with the carry bags to the car as I grabbed both Samantha's and Amaira's hands and leading them out.

"What was that, Abhimaan....?", Samantha asked once we were inside the car. "Who was she?"

"Thank you for your help....", I nodded at the staff as he arranged the carry bags at the backseat of my car.

"I don't know", I responded to Samantha as she took the passenger seat. "But I didn't like the way she was looking at you."

While Amaira on the backseat chuckled at my reply, "Bhabhi....Bhai is too possessive about you. See, even an old lady can scare him", I shot a glare at her before she shut her mouth.

"Relax, Abhimaan. She was just an old lady", Samantha said softly, as I nodded to her smilingly. Even though her voice was enough to calm me down, a part of me was still not convinced.

I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. And then, as we drove away, I felt it. I felt it stronger, this time.

A warning.

A warning of my instincts passed me....

About her. That woman....

Who doesn't seem to be an ordinary lady.

***************************************

Hey Guys! I was done making Abhimaan cry so, I just needed them to take baby steps. Don't forget to comment below your thoughts and stay tuned for the upcoming chapters. 🥰

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