𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟔 ：𝑬𝒌 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒎 𝒌𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒂 ✓

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘝𝘐𝘐. 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩

[The above picture is IAN SOMERHALDER as 'THOMAS EDWARD']

Dev's grip on her wrist tightened, but before he could drag her away, a firm hand grasped his arm, stopping him in his tracks. Startled, Dev turned his head and found himself staring into the piercing eyes of a Britisher.

The man's expression was one of deadly calm, his gaze sharp and unyielding. He murmured something to the man beside him, a translator, who promptly relayed the message: "Touch her again, and you will be dead."

The chilling warning sent a shiver down Dev's spine. Without a word, he released the girl and fled, disappearing into the crowd.

Edward's focus then shifted to the young woman before him. She looked up, her breath hitching as she took in his striking features-the mesmerizing ocean-blue eyes glinting under the sunlight, the sharp angles of his jaw, and his thick raven-black hair.

But beneath his rugged handsomeness, all he saw was a woman with tear-streaked cheeks, her dark eyes brimming with emotion.

Her trance broke when his voice, deep and velvety, cut through the silence. "Miss, are you okay?"

She blinked, her lips parting, but no words came. She opened and closed her mouth several times, struggling to form a response. Finally, gathering her courage, she whispered, "Dhanyavad." And with that, she turned and ran, her figure vanishing into the bustling streets.

Edward stood in place, confused by her reaction. He turned to his translator. "What did she say?"

The man smiled slightly. "She said thank you, sir."

A faint smile played at Edward's lips as he muttered, "Oh."

~~~

Edward's POV;

I was captivated. Her black orbs reminded me of the mountains, the night sky, the moon, and the stars.

'I look out and see these
Way up in those darkened skies,
As they look upon my soul,
My life is drained into a bowl!!!'

My heart was writing thousand of poems!! Wowww..

My heart spun a thousand verses at the sight of her, yet all I truly saw was the sorrow in her eyes. And I knew, in that moment, I never wanted to see those eyes filled with tears again.

I asked if she was alright, but she only stared at me, seemingly lost.

Then, she stiffened and murmured something before dashing away.

Turning to my translator, I asked, "What did she say?"

He smiled knowingly. "She said thank you, sir."

A quiet sense of pride swelled within me, but I quickly masked it with a neutral expression and simply said, "Oh."

~~~~

That night, Manjari struggled to sleep. Each time she closed her eyes, all she saw were those deep ocean-blue eyes. Yet, despite the restless thoughts, she somehow managed to drift off into a fitful slumber.

The next morning, she awoke feeling lighter, relieved that Dev would no longer haunt her steps. After a refreshing bath, she set off towards the bustling local market.

She had always loved the lively streets, the vibrant stalls brimming with color and chatter. As she perused a bangle shop, her fingers tracing the delicate glass, a sudden, piercing scream shattered the air.

Whipping her head around, she gasped at the horrifying sight. Two British officers were mercilessly dragging a middle-aged man through the street, their hands striking him brutally.

Her heart pounded. No one dared to intervene. The onlookers stood frozen, fear locking them in place. But Manjari knew-if she did not act now, no one would.

Summoning her courage, she stepped forward, her voice ringing through the chaos. "Chhodo unko! Unhe kyun maar rahe ho?"

{Let go off him! Why are you beating him?}

The officer holding the man scowled at her intrusion, his glare sharp enough to wound. Fear coiled around her chest, but she stood her ground. Without hesitation, she grabbed a nearby wooden log and hurled it at him.

The impact sent him staggering back, clutching his head in agony.

Seizing the moment, she gestured for the injured man to flee. He hesitated only a second before darting away. Relief flooded her-she had saved a life. But the victory was short-lived.

The fallen officer pushed himself up, fury blazing in his eyes. He lunged towards her, but she turned to run. Before she could escape, another British officer seized her arm in a vice-like grip. She struggled, wrenching herself free and shoving him away with all her might.

The soldier, taken aback by her strength, hesitated before advancing once more. But before he could reach her, the unmistakable sound of horses' hooves echoed through the streets.

All eyes turned toward the approaching figure. A man dressed in an immaculate suit rode forward, his presence commanding.

It was Fletcher-the man who ruled India with an iron grip, his mere name enough to send shudders of fear through the land.

Dismounting, he regarded Manjari with cold amusement, his eyes scanning her with calculating interest. With a mere flick of his fingers, the officers stepped back.

A guard approached him, whispering into his ear, recounting the events in his absence.

Fletcher's lips curled into a sinister smirk. He took slow, deliberate steps towards her. Each step forward forced her to retreat-until she backed into something firm.

Not a wall. A chest.

Her breath hitched as she turned her head.

Edward.

Relief washed over her as he gently took her hand, guiding her behind him. She did not resist. She trusted him.

Edward's gaze locked onto Fletcher's with quiet defiance. "Father, I believe you have a meeting to attend. You wouldn't want to be late." He gave a respectful bow, gesturing for him to leave.

Fletcher's eyes burned into his son's, but after a tense moment, he turned and mounted his horse, riding away without another word.

Edward exhaled, glancing back-but Manjari was gone.

Just as he was about to search for her, his translator, Yadav, approached. "Saab, the girl asked me to give you this."

In his hands was a small horse figurine, sculpted from sand. [Terracota horse]

"She said it's a token of gratitude."

Edward's fingers curled around the delicate gift, a smile tugging at his lips as he gazed into the distance, clutching the little horse close.

~~~~

Hello loves ❤️

How is the chapter you all?
How is their chemistry guys?
And my male lead is always ian somerhalder, he is perfect for this character!!
How is he?

And thank you so much for responding and voting
I'm really and genuinely happy because of you..

Your responses and votes made my day!!

And pls pin ur favourite line or paragraph and do comment!

*1108 words*
•Updated•

~Nishaa♡