Bigg Boss (ANUPRE/MANPRE/PARICA SS}

CHAPTER -3

WASHROOM

The moment he sat, Prerna instinctively curled inward, attempting to minimize her presence. Her shoulders heaved rhythmically as she continued to weep, a quiet, heartbreaking sound muffled by her palms. Manik's heart twisted at the sight. He slid his left arm underneath her shoulders, pulling her sidewise into a firm, unyielding hug, anchoring her against his frame. With his right hand, he tenderly cupped her tear-stained face, using his thumb to gently wipe away the damp trails on her cheeks.

"Shh... shh... shant, Prerna," Manik murmured, his voice a low, vibrating hum designed to soothe her nervous system. "Shant ho jao, bacha. Kitna royega mera baby? Stop crying, look at me."

Prerna didn't look up, instead burying her forehead against his collarbone, her small fingers clutching the fabric of his t-shirt. Manik kissed the top of her head, his tone shifting from gentle comfort to a protective, guiding firmness. "Kya ho gaya hai tumhe? What has happened to you inside this house, Preu? You are my sherni—the girl who doesn't tolerate an ounce of disrespect. So how did you let someone like Tina get under your skin? Why are you letting her words affect you so much? Instead of breaking down, you should be standing tall and showing these people their absolute aukat (worthless status)."

He paused, his fingers tracing her jawline, forcing her to lift her chin slightly. "My chatterbox knows exactly how to handle trash talk. She knows how to seal the mouths of non-existent, irrelevant people. But today... today you're acting like a wounded bird." His eyes narrowed, a sharp, intuitive spark flashing across his features. "Kuch hua hai kya? Did something happen yesterday in my absence?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Prerna's head violently snapped upward. Her eyes, wide and heavy with moisture, locked onto his with a look of absolute vulnerability and panic.