Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

56 ~ The Yearning

"Your hand touching mine. This is how galaxies collide."

Ruhanika

I shuddered and tossed the letter aside, panic spreading through me like wildfire. What should I do now? Should I call the police? My thoughts raced as I stared at the unsettling letter and the bouquet lying there, a chilling reminder of someone's twisted intentions. I decided to call security, who arrived promptly to assess the situation.

After examining the scene, they suggested I file a formal complaint. I nodded vaguely, telling them I’d handle it tomorrow, citing the late hour as my excuse. The truth, however, was far more complex. I was scared—terrified, even. A deep, consuming fear paralyzed me, making me feel vulnerable in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I had brushed off their earlier threats as empty words, but now, with a letter written in blood, the gravity of the situation hit me like a tidal wave.

When I finally reached my empty apartment, I hesitated at the door. My chest tightened with dread, a suffocating thought taking root in my mind: What if someone is already inside? The silence within felt menacing, and I couldn’t summon the courage to step in. Instead, I slumped down by the door, too frightened to move. The weight of loneliness bore down on me, and for the first time in years, I felt utterly forsaken.

I sobbed, burying my face in my hands as memories flooded back. The echoes of past reassurances—hugs, kisses, and comforting words—only deepened my anguish. The emptiness of the apartment mirrored the hollowness inside me. My cries filled the space, reverberating like a mournful symphony of despair.

I thought of the life I once had, the one I’d built with him. Dev had been my light, the one who pulled me out of the darkness and filled my world with color and warmth. Now, that darkness was creeping back, insidious and relentless. I was no longer the person I’d become with him; I was the shattered, fragile version of myself from before.

All I wanted, more than anything, was for Dev to be with me. I ached for his presence, for his protective embrace that always made the world seem a little less daunting.

“Why, Dev?” I whispered through sobs. “Why did you leave me? I need you. Please… come back.”

My voice cracked with every word, my throat raw from crying. “You promised to be with me forever. How could you forget me?” I hugged my knees tightly, rocking back and forth as I whispered his name, a desperate mantra against the unrelenting fear.

Thirst clawed at my throat, but I couldn’t summon the courage to venture into the kitchen. Instead, I stayed curled up by the door, crying until sheer exhaustion pulled me into a restless sleep.

When I woke the next morning, every inch of my body ached. My head throbbed, my eyes were swollen, and my limbs felt leaden. Despite my physical and emotional fatigue, the world hadn’t stopped turning. I had to decide whether to go to work, though my heart wasn’t in it. Reluctantly, I forced myself to get up and get ready.

When I opened my apartment door, I found something unexpected: a bouquet of tulips and a small note that read, “Have a good day.” The gesture left me puzzled and conflicted. One thing was clear—whoever had sent the threatening letter wasn’t the same person who left these flowers. For the first time in days, I felt a sliver of comfort.

I chose to go to work, not because I wanted to, but because it brought me closer to Dev. Even if only symbolically, being in his company’s building made me feel connected to him.

The receptionist greeted me warmly and directed me to the floor where I’d be working. My boss, Miss Akansha, welcomed me with a confident and commanding presence. She was poised and professional, with an aura that was both inspiring and intimidating. Her perfection made me feel small, and I couldn’t help but worry about making mistakes.