𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐀 : 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐅𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

CHAPTER 12

In the aftermath of Prithvi's sudden and violent outburst, Tara's body recoiled from the force of the slap, her mind spinning with disbelief and pain.

The once jovial atmosphere in the dining hall was replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of Tara's labored breathing.

As Prithvi stormed out of the room, dragging Tara along with him.
The sound of wooden chairs scraping against the floor echoed in the tense silence of the dining hall as Tara's feet stumbled and faltered under Prithvi's relentless grip, Kusum and Meera exchanged worried glances, their expressions mirroring the tension that hung heavy in the air.

With a shared sense of apprehension, they followed in Prithvi's wake, their footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.

Meanwhile, Manik, oblivious to the turmoil unfolding around him, played happily with Mannu, the little puppy providing a brief respite from the chaos.

But as he caught sight of his parents' retreating figures, confusion clouded his innocent features, his laughter fading into uncertainty.

Sensing the need to shield Manik from the unsettling scene, Meera gently guided him away, coaxing him to eat his meal while Kusum remained behind, her heart heavy with concern for Tara and the unraveling situation.

As they disappeared from view, the dining hall onces in a comfortable silence was left eerily empty, the tension and uncertainty lingering in the air like a palpable presence, foreshadowing the turbulent events yet to come.

As Prithvi forcefully dragged Tara into their room, he threw her onto the floor with a roughness that left her stunned. Slamming the wooden door shut behind him, he turned to face Tara, his expression twisted with rage and frustration.

Tara, her mind reeling from the sudden turn of events, struggled to make sense of Prithvi's violent behavior. Tears blurred her vision as she slowly rose to her feet, only to be pinned against the wall by Prithvi's imposing presence.

His hands tightened around her throat, cutting off her breath as he loomed over her, his eyes burning with an intensity that sent a chill down Tara's spine. In that moment, she felt a sense of helplessness wash over her, trapped in a nightmare from which she couldn't escape.

"Why, why did you do this?" Prithvi's voice was laced with anger, his teeth gritted in frustration as he confronted Tara.

Tara, still reeling from the shock of his sudden aggression, struggled to comprehend his words. Her mind raced with questions, but she found herself unable to form a coherent response in the face of Prithvi's fury.

"I know maybe I was not good with you at first emotionally, but that doesn't mean that I am not trying," he muttered through gritted teeth, his voice low and menacing.

"But what you did... don't think that I will spare you. You are yet to see my bad side," he warned, his tone dripping with fury and resentment. In that moment, Tara realized that she was facing a side of Prithvi she had never seen before-a side filled with darkness and anger, one that she had unwittingly unleashed.

"I am sorry if I hurt you unknowingly, but I never betrayed you. Please don't do this," Tara pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Just tell me what was my mistake. I will correct my mistakes, but don't say I betrayed you. I never did that....I never even thought about that....."

Her words hung heavy in the air, a desperate plea for understanding and forgiveness. Prithvi's grip on her throat loosened slightly, his eyes betraying a mixture of rage and vulnerability.

As Tara looked into Prithvi's eyes, she saw a tumultuous storm of emotions raging within him. Despite the anger and hostility in his gaze, there was also a glimmer of vulnerability, a rawness that spoke of unspoken pain. And then, she noticed it-the telltale glint of tears shimmering in the corners of 𝙝𝙞𝙨 eyes, a silent testament to the depth of his turmoil.