Her Nightmare | 18+

|| Chapter 54 ||

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PARINIDHI

I woke to morning light filtering through the curtains and turned my gaze toward the couch where Devansh lay. He was sprawled on his stomach, his face turned away, looking peaceful in sleep. With no covering, I could clearly see the contours of his broad back.

"I can feel your eyes on me, love," Devansh's voice broke the silence, surprising me as I realized he was already awake.

He shifted, turning to face me, his head propped up on one hand, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

"I wasn't staring," I retorted quickly, trying to look away. But Devansh got up from the couch and approached me.

His sweatpants hung low on his hips, highlighting his lower abs and the faint scars on his skin. Despite the coolness in the room, beads of sweat formed on my forehead as I couldn't help but admire his physique.

I was perched on the edge of the bed when Devansh stood before me, his presence startling.

"Are you sure you weren't admiring the view?" Devansh's voice cut through the quiet, playful yet intense.

I looked up, startled by his raw allure. Quickly, I averted my gaze, but it landed on his sculpted abdomen and the faint scars that marked his skin.

"What's the story behind these scars?" I asked, even though I had a feeling I knew the answer.

Devansh tensed at my touch, momentarily lost for words. His eyes revealed a swirl of emotions—anger, hurt, and vulnerability.

"Speak up," I urged, meeting his gaze.

Devansh took my hand and sat beside me on the bed, his silence speaking volumes. His eyes were filled with unspoken feelings.

I shifted to face him, and he met my gaze, managing a small smile before saying, "It's a gift to myself for causing you pain."

Devansh's confession hadn't surprised me; I had already figured it out before he spoke. The idea of him harming himself wasn't new to me, but the extent of his actions was shocking.

His abdomen was marked with deep cuts, wounds that hadn't healed, while cigarette burns scarred his biceps—clear signs of his inner struggle.

What kind of emotional pain drives someone to this level of self-harm? I couldn't grasp it.

His behavior had changed so drastically that it compelled me to search for the reasons behind his sudden and severe outbursts.

For now, I was relieved that his anger had subsided since Anshika's return. Although her suffering had triggered his volatility, understanding the full extent of his distress was still baffling.

Now, his demeanor had changed so much that he seemed like a different person—a mere shadow of his former self. I wondered how one could undergo such a profound transformation.

"Where's your mind wandering, Pari?" Devansh's question pulled me from my thoughts.

I shook my head, preparing to get up and head to the shower. But Devansh's gentle hold on my hand made me pause.

I looked at him as he rose from the bed and moved closer to me.

"We've got a party at home tonight," he disclosed.

"A party?" I echoed, taken aback by the sudden revelation.

"Yes, indeed. And we mustn't dally. First, we'll pay a visit to the temple, followed by some shopping. You'll need to find the perfect dress for the occasion," Devansh elucidated.