Talab

Fanaa 4

Author's POV

The room was quiet.

Samarth sat at the edge of the bed, fingers tapping rhythmically on his laptop, focused on his work. Across from him, Fanaa sat curled up with her novel, the soft light from the lamp casting golden shadows across her face.

Knock... knock.

Before she could rise, Samarth spoke, without looking up, "I'll get it."

He walked to the door and opened it, only to find Raj standing there, smiling.

"Umm... Samarth, Aunty is calling Fanaa," Raj said lightly.

Samarth nodded. "Biwi, your brother's here. Go see what Mom wants. I'll attend my meeting in the meantime."

Fanaa's expression dimmed the moment she saw Raj. Her calm drained away, replaced by visible unease. She gave Samarth a nervous smile and nodded. Turning to Raj, she asked in a low voice, "Is it... important?"

Raj smirked. "Very."

Her fingers clenched around the hem of her kurti. She hesitated, then silently followed him down the hall.

⸻

Guest Room

She stood frozen, her body numb, as he pinned her against the wall. His lips were on hers—forceful, unwanted. She didn't kiss back. She didn't even move. She just stood there, tears slipping silently down her cheeks.

His hands roamed freely, shamelessly, and she shut her eyes, hoping to disappear.

"So... did he kiss you like this? Or did he thrust harder than I did the first time, hmm, baby girl?"

She didn't respond.

He left her there—violated, broken—while a mocking grin still lingered on his lips.

⸻

Fanaa's POV

No one will ever believe me.

This monster... he has those photos. The ones where it looks like I was enjoying it. But who knows the truth—how much pain I was in? How helpless?

I wish I could end my life... but I can't. I can't betray my parents. And I can't betray... Samarth ji.

⸻

Author's POV

She entered their room quietly. Samarth looked up and smiled.

"You took long, baby girl. Even your eyes are red. Are you okay?" he asked, genuine concern in his voice.

She stared at him—softly at first, then her expression hardened. "I'm not your baby girl. I'm just Fanaa. Only Fanaa."

She turned off the lights, slipped into bed, and turned her back to him.

⸻

Samarth's POV

What just happened?

Why is she behaving like this?

Her eyes... they were filled with pain. And yet, she shut me out.

I don't get it.

He sighed and turned off his screen. As he reached for the lamp, something fell from the nightstand—a small bottle. He picked it up.

Sleeping pills.

Why does she need these? Her life is... perfect. Isn't it?

He stared at the label, worried.
No... I won't ask now. She's already angry. This is her comfort zone.
Once we're back home, I'll talk to her.