Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

28 ~ The Verity

"What screws us up most in life is the picture in our head of how it's supposed to be."

Ruhanika

"I need to tell you something, Dev," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes, you do," he replied, his gaze drifting over me, scanning my face as if searching for secrets hidden beneath the surface. His expression sharpened as he continued to look at me, making me acutely aware of every detail of myself, of the tension in the room. What was he thinking? What was he picking up that I was trying so hard to hide?

Without another word, he took my hand, his grip firm but not harsh, and led me to the couch. There was a simmering intensity in him, something that unsettled me, as if he was fighting something beneath the surface. I could feel his frustration, and it only heightened my own. Was this an upsetting day or what? It seemed like everyone was holding onto something, ready to burst.

He guided me to sit on the couch, and then, to my surprise, he knelt in front of me, his face just inches from mine. He cupped my face in his hands, his fingers cool against my skin, grounding me and yet causing a flutter in my chest. His expression was blank, but his eyes—those intense olive-green eyes—were blazing. I saw the depth of his anger, his hurt, and his determination.

"Who?" he demanded, his voice tight, barely controlled.

I swallowed, the intensity of his question slicing through my defenses. There was no playfulness, no gentleness—just raw emotion. I tried to deflect, even though I knew exactly what he wanted to know. "What are you talking about?" I replied, attempting casualness that felt flimsy even to me.

He tightened his hold, his voice dropping to a tone that sent a shiver down my spine. "You know exactly what I mean, Rooh."

I shook my head, still holding onto the hope that I could somehow sidestep this. "I have no idea what you’re talking about, Dev."

He exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "Rooh, what happened?" His tone was a command, a warning that he wasn’t letting this go. My gaze drifted to the floor as I willed myself to remain silent.

"Nothing," I whispered.

His grip tightened slightly, his voice now laced with a darkness that made me shudder. "Who the hell made you cry, Rooh?" The raw intensity in his voice broke something in me.

I opened my mouth to deny it again, but I couldn’t. The words were stuck, my defenses crumbling as I met his gaze. The heat in his eyes softened for a moment, just long enough for me to feel his concern beneath the anger.

He exhaled, frustrated. "I’m asking you, Rooh. Don’t you dare deny it again. Your eyes are swollen, red—you’ve been crying. Tell me what happened." His voice softened, but his eyes were resolute, unyielding.

Tears filled my eyes, blurring my vision as memories of Arjun Bhaisa’s words came flooding back. Pain wrapped around my heart, tightening its grip. I didn’t want to complain; I hated the idea of coming across as weak, but in this moment, with his unwavering presence, I felt the cracks inside me widen.

"Who made you cry, Rooh?" he asked again, his voice barely a whisper, as if pleading. "Just give me the name."

My chest tightened, and without realizing it, the tears I’d been holding back spilled over. I let out a sob, trying to keep it together but failing. I couldn’t bear to look at him. Instead, I focused on the floor as my vision blurred. I felt his warmth beside me, his energy pulling me toward him even as I tried to resist.

His voice dropped to a menacing whisper, vibrating with controlled fury. "I swear, if I find out who hurt you—" He stopped, his rage so palpable it sent a chill down my spine.