LOVERS FOREVER

Chapter 20 - Breaking Free

The day stretched before Ishqi and Gaurav's presence was a constant irritant.. every brush of his hand against hers, every overly familiar comment, sent a shiver of disgust down her spine. She clenched her jaw, forcing a smile, her nails digging into her palms. This carefully constructed facade of acceptance was the only weapon she had at her moment. Lashing out would only heighten Gaurav's suspicions.

Hours crawled by, punctuated by Gaurav's unwanted attempts at closeness. Under the guise of helping her with a task, his hand would linger on her shoulder a fraction too long. He'd pepper her with compliments that felt like sandpaper against her skin. Each unwanted touch, each suggestive word, fuelled the anger raging within her.. but she held on..

As the sun dipped below the horizon Ishqi finally found herself alone. Relief washed over her as she retreated to her room. She stepped out of the bathroom, the soft cotton saree clinging to her damp skin. Just as she began to drape it around herself, the door creaked open.

Gaurav stood there, a predatory gleam in his eyes. Ishqi's heart lurched in her chest. "Gaurav.. ye kya harkat hai..?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with a mixture of surprise and anger. She instinctively clutched the saree closer, her body twisting away from him. "

G: kya hua, Ishqi? (Gaurav feigned innocence, taking a step towards her) let me help you with the saree.. after all.. shaadi honewaali hai na humaari..

Ishqi recoiled, her hand shooting out in a flat refusal. "

I: nahi, Gaurav! shaadi ke pehle yeh theek nahi hai.. chale jao yaha se.. mujhe tumhari help ki zaroorat nahi hai.. mai kar lungi.. aur ha.. agli baar se knock karke andar aaya karo..

Gaurav's face hardened, a flicker of anger betraying his carefully constructed facade. He clenched his fists, but after a moment, managed to force a smile. 

G: abhi tumne manaa kiya hai Ishqi.. lekin shaadi ho jaane do.. uske baad kuch nahi kar paogi.. He muttered under his breath, a sinister undercurrent in his tone.

With a final glare that promised retribution, Gaurav turned and left the room. As soon as the door slammed shut, Ishqi rushed to lock it. Leaning against the cool wood, she took a deep, shuddering breath. The encounter had left her feeling drained, violated.

Straightening her shoulders, she forced herself to focus on the task at hand. With nimble fingers, she wrapped the saree around herself, her movements practiced and efficient. 

The night wore on, a heavy cloak draped over the mansion. Despite the exhaustion that tugged at her eyelids, sleep remained a distant dream for Ishqi. Gaurav's brazen intrusion into her room, his unwelcome presence as she changed, echoed in her mind, leaving a trail of unease.

Unable to find solace in the stillness of the bed, she sat up, the silk sheets cool against her skin. Pouring herself a glass of water, she took a long, thirst-quenching gulp, hoping it would wash away the lingering feeling of violation.

Suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, sending a jolt through her body. A startled gasp escaped her lips as she spun around, her hand instinctively lashing out in a push. The force of her shove sent the figure tumbling backward.

"aap!" Relief flooded Ishqi's face as she recognized the figure that had landed unceremoniously on the bed. It was Ahaan, his features etched with a mixture of surprise and amusement. Shame washed over her as she realized the force of her push had sent him sprawling.

"Sorry, AVM," she stammered, her voice laced with concern. "aapko lagi toh nahi?" She rushed to his side, her eyes searching his face for any sign of injury.