Dons of Punjab: Fluke of Reality✔️

Chapter 47

Prabhneet Kaur Aulakh

The door burst open so hard that it banged against the wall, making me jump. Before I could even react, my sisters and nephews rushed inside, their faces filled with worry. Their eyes scanned the room until they landed on me.

"Prabh!" Jashan Didi cried, her voice breaking with relief and concern. In an instant, they were all surrounding me, their arms wrapping around me tightly.

Tears spilled from my eyes as I clung to them, shaking with the weight of everything that had happened. Jashan Didi stroked my hair soothingly, whispering, "You're safe now, you're safe."

Through sobs, I tried to explain. "They—they came into the store. Guns in their hands. They didn't even hesitate. They just started shooting." My voice wavered, my hands trembling as I remembered the terrifying moment. "Aman—he tried to protect me. He pushed me behind him and told me to stay low. But then—it all happened so fast. He left to check if it was safe, but before he could come back... they grabbed me. They took me."

Fresh tears blurred my vision, the memory of their rough hands dragging me away still sharp in my mind.

Before anyone could respond, the door slammed open again. My heart leapt into my throat as my husband, Aman, stormed in. His dark eyes were wild, scanning the room until they found me.

"Pari!" he breathed, his voice filled with so many emotions—fear, relief, desperation.

He didn't wait. He rushed toward me, pulling me into his strong arms, holding me so tightly that it felt like he was afraid I would disappear if he let go.

I clung to him, burying my face in his chest. His warmth, his scent, the steady beat of his heart—it was all so familiar, so safe. My body shook as more tears came.

"I was so scared," I whispered against his shirt, my voice barely above a breath.

Aman held me even tighter. "Shh, my love. You're safe now. I swear, I would never let anything happen to you."

His fingers gently brushed through my hair, smoothing it down as if that simple action could erase all my fear. "I'm here," he murmured. "You're with me now. No one will ever take you away from me again."

The rest of the family stood back, watching silently as Aman held me close. After a moment, he scooped me up into his arms, carrying me as if I weighed nothing. My hands instinctively clutched at his shirt, and he looked down at me with a small, reassuring smile.

"Let's get you to bed," he said softly. "You need to rest."

He carried me up the grand staircase, his steps steady and sure. When we reached our bedroom, he carefully laid me down on the bed. But the moment he started to pull away, I reached for his wrist, gripping it tightly.

"Stay with me," I whispered, my voice almost pleading.

Aman hesitated for only a second before he nodded. He slipped under the covers beside me, his arms immediately wrapping around me again. His warmth surrounded me, making me feel safe, protected.

I turned to face him, my fingers tracing the lines of his jaw. "Aman... I know I've been distant. I've said things I didn't mean. But tonight... tonight made me realize something."

He watched me carefully, waiting for me to continue.

I took a deep breath. "I love you," I admitted, my voice shaking with emotion. "I can't live without you."

Aman's breath hitched. For a moment, he just stared at me, his eyes searching mine, as if making sure he wasn't dreaming.

"Oh, Pari," he finally said, his voice raw with emotion. "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say that."