Broken Souls

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 34

अगर तुम्हें पाना
ही मोहब्बत है तो
मुझे तुमसे मोहब्बत नहीं है
अगर तुम्हें खुश देखना
ही मोहब्बत है तो
मुझे तुमसे बेपनाह मोहब्बत है...

~ Aviraaj S. Rathore

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Author's POV

Aarayna came to a sudden halt as they left the venue, catching Aviraaj off guard. He had thought he was ready for what was about to happen, but he quickly realized he wasn't prepared for the intensity of his reaction to the exchange between Utkarsh and his wife. All he wanted was to shield her from the leering eyes of the men around them that's it, instead of stopping behind her, he stood beside her,

"Ray-- "

"Aarayna, Mr. Rathore Aarayna, and what in the living fuck were you thinking back there, keep your fucking jealousy in check asshole "

As she gazed at his stoic profile, she released a torrent of emotions. Aviraaj was unaccustomed to being on the receiving end of such vitriol, yet a fierce blaze ignited within him when he witnessed Utkarsh's brazen gaze upon his wife. He tightly clenched his fist, struggling to contain his fury, knowing that the resolute woman before him would not yield without a battle. He hesitated to harm her in any way, and so he exhaled deeply, meeting her enigmatic grey eyes. In that moment, all traces of anger dissipated, as if she had cast a spell upon him. To witness Aviraaj refraining from reacting to someone who dared to raise their voice at him would have been a spectacle to behold, yet Aarayna possessed a calm demeanor that concealed her inner tempest.

"You don't know what goes behind that fucker's mind, Aarayna "

With a tone dripping in disdain, he uttered her name, and she immediately recognized the target of his derision. Instead of quelling her anger, it only served to stoke the flames within her. Taking a moment to compose herself, she inhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose as she gracefully stepped to the side, refusing to dignify his mockery with a response,

"Aarayna? "

She turned to face him, her face suddenly vulnerable,

"I'm tired Aviraaj, seriously I'm tired, I just can't "

Her words were delivered with a rich, emotional timbre, causing Aviraaj to regard her with surprise. He had not anticipated that his actions could have such a profound impact on her. As the weight of guilt began to slowly seep into his consciousness, his jaw clenched in realization of the hurt he had caused. Yet, as the guilt transformed into anger, he directed his frustration inward, recognizing that his primary objective was to ensure her suffering. This internal conflict manifested in his cold, distant gaze, leaving her feeling remorseful for revealing her vulnerability. In this moment of emotional turmoil, she found herself yearning for a strong drink and the presence of the man before her. As she gazed at the empty expanse of sky, his voice echoed in her mind, a poignant reminder of their shared connection.

Khwaab ho tum yaa koi haqiqat

Kaun ho tum batalaao
Der se kitani dur khadi ho
Aur karib aa jaao...

Her eyes gracefully shut, a delicate smile gracing her lips as the gentle breeze danced with her flowing locks in perfect harmony. Aviraaj stood in awe, struck speechless by her beauty. Suddenly, a brisk gust of cold wind snapped her out of her reverie, and as she opened her eyes, a sense of tranquility and serenity washed over her,