Love Me If You Dare

77 - Lonely Hearts

Writer's Pov

"This was unexpected, DD. As I previously stated, I had no idea there were two parties involved. One gang attacked you while the other just stood there watching. I didn't understand it earlier. They are extremely difficult to track down. I used all of my influence, but it was ineffective. They work like suicide squad members. They have no identity and don't belong to any gang. They take a lifetime settlement for a single operation. They have no fear of being caught or killed. That is why it's difficult to find them. So, the person who hired them had you as their target, not Lakshmi. I doubt the other goons were after her. That night, you both became targets of two different gangs. That's what happened," Zahir explained to Dev.

"I have some doubts about your aunt," Zahir added.

"Zahir........" Dev stopped him before he could finish.

"You can look into this further , not with the gang attacked me but the other. Something big is happening behind my back, and I have no idea who's behind it. My family is now my greatest enemy. I'm losing track, Zahir. I've been feeling unwell these days.'' He exhaled and continued

'' So far, I've been very confident, but somewhere along the way, I went wrong. My mind tells me that I trusted people I should never have trusted. It took me a long time to let someone into my life again, and that person is now playing behind my back," Dev said.

"If you're talking about Lakshmi, I'm skeptical now. I believe you've taken on an unnecessary headache. Dev... your goal is not Lakshmi. You have a vast empire to rule. You've been waiting all this time to teach everyone who mocked you throughout your life a lesson. Today, even Dadi dropped her support for you. She despises Lakshmi, and if you continue to stand by her, Dadi will undoubtedly abandon you in favor of others," Zahir advised.

"I believe it's time for you to let go of Lakshmi," he added.

Dev took a deep breath and stared into space.

"I think you're right. I've been trying to hold onto something that was never meant for me." Dev said

"About this case, let's go with the flow. If Dadi finds out you're involved in this, she'll be furious. Maybe we can ask Gaurav to recommend a lawyer for Lakshmi and find a flat near the café where she can stay. That way, we don't have to worry about her security," Zahir suggested.

"Who's going to worry about her? Like she said, I'm someone she can easily fool. Aunty was right... She was never a suitable match for me. If it had been Lavanya, at least I would've gained something from her family," Dev said.

Dev looked into the mirror in front of him and saw Lakshmi standing at the door, her eyes bloodshot.

"Thank you, but no thanks. It's true that you didn't gain anything from my father . Instead, you lost a lot. But you have no idea what I've lost because of you, Mr. Devdutta Prathap Singh Rathore. You have no idea," Lakshmi said, her voice shaking.

"I don't need your charity anymore," she added firmly.

"Lechu, I didn't mean it like that ....."

"Lakshmi... it's Lakshmi. I don't like it when this 'Dev' calls me like that. I'll leave before causing too much drama," Lakshmi said, looking around to collect her belongings.

Dev grabbed her hand and pulled her close. Zahir silently stepped out, giving them space.

"It was always you, Lakshmi. Have you ever tried to see my feelings? Have you ever tried to understand what I want? Any sincerity at all? You come close to me one day and then push me away the next. You've lived your life only for yourself, never for us. How long do I have to endure this, hoping that one day I'll finally live a full life with you?" Dev poured his heart out, his voice breaking.