WAJHA TUM HO

19. || Nightfall's Redemption ||

Dev smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting a mix of hope and apprehension as he extended his hand for a handshake. "Now that we're partners, business partners, will you also be my friend?"

Ananya hesitated, her gaze lingering on him, torn between the past and the present. She stood abruptly, her voice betraying a hint of emotion. "I should go; I'm already running late." With a swift turn, she hurried out, leaving Dev with closed eyes and tears streaming down his face as he sank back into his chair, overwhelmed by a flood of memories and unspoken emotions.

Taking a deep breath, Dev battled with conflicting thoughts. "I want to erase you from my mind, but my heart refuses to forget. I want to move on, but my soul still craves your presence," he muttered, his voice tinged with both anguish and determination.

Meanwhile, Ananya retreated to her room, grappling with guilt and haunted by visions of Dev. Standing by the window, she whispered to herself, "Last night, I was here, caught in that dream... or was it more than a dream? I felt Dev's presence. It could be an illusion, but that place might lead me to him."

Driven by an insatiable urge to find him, Ananya dashed out into the cold, dark streets of London, an unfamiliar territory that mirrored the uncertainties of her heart.

From the parking lot, Dev watched her fleeing figure, concern etched on his face as he wondered, "Where is she going?" Without a second thought, he hurried after her, following her path through winding alleys and quiet corners.

She arrived at the same desolate spot surrounded by eerie trees, the place she had visited in her dream-or whatever it truly was.

Frantically searching for Dev, she found only silence and solitude, an eerie echo of her inner turmoil. Falling to her knees, she cried out, "Dev... where are you?"

Wiping away tears, she rose determinedly, resuming her frantic search, driven by a desperate need to find him amidst the emptiness of the night.

Turning around, she froze in fear, facing a group of drunken boys who emerged from the shadows. She stepped back cautiously, her heart pounding in her chest.

One of the boys leered, his voice laced with malice. "Come here, sweetheart. We'll give you a good time."

Ananya's fear turned to resolve as she rolled up her sleeves, meeting their predatory gazes with steely determination. Gripping the wrist of the closest boy, she delivered a swift knee to his stomach, sending him crashing to the ground with a gasp of pain.

Enraged, the others closed in, their laughter turning to shouts of fury as they lunged at her. Despite her mental fragility, she fought back fiercely, every blow fueled by memories of strength and resilience.

But exhaustion took its toll. Overpowered, she found herself at their mercy. Hands gripped her, pinning her arms, holding her back as fear threatened to overwhelm her.

A menacing voice whispered in her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. Closing her eyes, she braced herself for the worst.

Suddenly, a surge of relief washed over her as she felt familiar arms around her, strong and protective. Opening her eyes, she saw the boys sprawled on the ground, defeated by the unexpected rescuer-Debu. Gratitude flooded her heart amidst the chaos.

Before she could react, someone pulled Ananya away. Dev sprang into action, his voice sharp with authority as he landed a solid punch on the assailants jaw. The boy shoved Ananya aside, causing her to stumble and hit her head on the ground, a trickle of blood staining her temple.

Dev's heart clenched at the sight. Gently cradling her face, he asked with genuine concern, "Anu... Ananya, are you okay?"

Ananya looked at him with a mixture of disbelief and vulnerability, her skepticism evident in her raised eyebrows.

Nervously clearing his throat, Dev pressed further, "Are you hurt? And what were you doing here?"

Her voice tinged with pain and determination, Ananya replied, "I came looking for the person with whom I lost my life."

Dev's gaze softened with empathy, his heart breaking for her silent anguish. He reached for her hand, guiding her toward his waiting car, summoned by a quick message to Kunal.

Driving her back to safety, Dev ensured she was settled comfortably in her room.

Concern etched on his face, he murmured softly, "If anything had happened to you..."

Ananya interrupted, tears brimming in her eyes. "Kash kuch ho jaata, because my Dev can't bear to see me in pain. He had to come."

Dev's eyes welled with tears as he glanced around, silently composing himself.

"Let me take care of your wound," he insisted gently, reaching for the first aid kit.

Ananya halted his gesture, pushing his hand away with a sigh. "I can handle it myself."

Unperturbed, Dev silenced her protests with a gentle finger against her lips. "Shh."

Ananya's heart skipped a beat at the tender touch, memories of Dev flooding back as she looked into his eyes while he tended to her wound. The sting faded under his careful ministrations, leaving a bittersweet ache in its wake.

Dev smiled softly, his gaze lingering on her with a mixture of fondness and longing, despite the harsh reality that kept them apart.

Reluctantly pulling away, he said in a subdued voice, "Rest now. And promise me you won't wander these dark, lonely streets at night."

Turning to leave, Dev felt Ananya's hand on his arm. He glanced down, meeting her gaze before looking back at her face.

Curiously, Ananya asked with a hint of suspicion, "By the way, how did you get here?"

Dev replied hesitantly, "I was passing by when I heard cries for help. I came to assist, and there you were. Forget all this and rest. Good night."

Ananya returned his good night, watching him leave with a mixture of gratitude and unspoken emotions.

Back in his room, Dev grappled with his feelings, his eyes red from unshed tears. He pushed everything off his bedside table in a fit of frustration, the loud clatter echoing in the room.

"Why does my heart race in your presence? Why does it ache for you, even though you're the one who shattered it?" he exclaimed bitterly, his voice filled with unresolved pain and longing.

The next morning, Ananya arrived at the office where Dev was already present. She smiled at him hopefully, but he didn't respond. Disappointed yet understanding, she immersed herself in work, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions and unanswered questions.