Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

62 ~ The Lethal Encounter

"If I tell you I love you, can I keep you forever?"

Ruhanika

As soon as Dev planted a kiss on my lips, I instinctively pushed him away, snapping out of my reverie as if jolted awake. Without a second thought, I hurried to the restroom, closing the door behind me with trembling hands. I pressed my palm against my chest, my heart thundering so loud it felt as though it would burst. My legs gave way, and I sank onto the cold tiled floor, trying desperately to catch my breath.

Despite my best efforts, the emotions I had tried so hard to suppress surged through my body like an uncontrollable tide. The ghostly imprint of his lips on mine had completely unraveled me. He was breaking through the walls I had built, dismantling my resolve brick by brick. If this continued, I feared what might happen—what I might allow. I couldn’t handle this. No, I wouldn’t. I couldn’t afford to lose myself like this.

I heard his voice from the other side of the door, soft yet pleading as he apologized. His tone tugged at something deep within me, but I couldn’t bring myself to respond. My heart sank as I recognized the vulnerability in his words, but I was too consumed by my own turmoil to face him. When I finally managed to speak, I assured him that I believed him and that everything would be fine, even though I wasn’t sure if I was convincing him or myself.

When I told him I needed time alone—truthfully, to calm the storm raging in my chest—he hesitated before leaving. I heard his retreating footsteps, and only then did I allow myself to exhale shakily. What should I do? How could I navigate this whirlwind of emotions?

After splashing cold water on my face and willing myself to regain composure, I returned to the bedroom and sank onto the bed. Just as I was about to wallow in my confusion and self-pity, Maya, Sam, and Nandita barged into the room, their energy filling the space as they invited me to join them outside. I didn’t have the heart to refuse, so I nodded, forcing a small smile.

The garden was alive with the chirping of crickets and the faint scent of jasmine in the air. The ladies of the house soon engaged me in light conversation, their curiosity evident as they asked questions about me. Strangely, none of them asked how Dev had brought me here. It struck me as odd, yet it also revealed something unspoken—they didn’t question him, whether it concerned his past or present.

It seemed as though the people around him could argue with Dev but only within boundaries he set. His presence was still as commanding as ever. Yet, beneath that control, I saw a man who had yearned for family and, at last, seemed to have found it. The joy in his interactions with them was palpable, even if it was understated. His journey from solitude to contentment reminded me that it is only after the darkest nights that the clearest skies emerge.

While Samrat and Nandita argued about where to host a movie night, their playful banter occasionally roping me in, I noticed Dev walking toward us. His steps were measured, his gaze fixed on me. I could feel the weight of it, but I stubbornly ignored him, choosing instead to focus on the group.

After much deliberation and laughter, the decision was made to watch Harry Potter. As everyone began to make their way to the theater room, I stole a glance at Dev. His olive-green eyes, usually so guarded, now held a hint of sorrow that sent a pang through my chest. There went my resolve.

Without thinking, I turned to him and asked if he would join us. His eyes, previously dull with sadness, sparked with brief joy, and my anxiety eased slightly. Before he could respond, Nandita and Samrat interrupted, pulling him into their conversation. Still, Dev managed to say he would join us, and as he turned to leave, I couldn’t help but hide a small, satisfied smile.

Once inside the theater room, the chaos of finding seats ensued. Nandita accidentally bumped into me, causing me to stumble backward and land squarely against Dev. I gasped, shocked, as his hands steadied me. My face must have been as red as a tomato. Mumbling an apology, I quickly found my seat next to him, mortified but trying to act nonchalant.