The Sun & the Stars Aligned

36: Playing with fire

ADITYA

"I want you to hold onto that knife and stab anyone who tries to harm you. Just do as I say, and I'll handle the rest," I said over the phone, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.

I tried to maintain my calm while my world was unraveling. She had a panic attack, and I had to keep her grounded. Just stay safe, Jaan, until I find you. I don't know what happened in the last twenty minutes. She hadn't returned after using the restroom, so I called her multiple times. The phone rang, but she didn't answer.

Relief washed over me when she finally picked up, but her cries sent a jolt of panic through me. Whoever dared to lay a finger on her would face their last day on this earth. I would set the world on fire before letting anything hurt her.

I saw her bracelet lying on the stairs. "I'm sorry, Jaan, that you had to go through all this alone. But I promise you, I'll kill that bastard for you," I vowed, clutching the bracelet.

I followed the trail leading to the terrace. Opening the door, I stepped inside. It was dark, except for a dim light casting eerie shadows. 

A man lay unconscious on the floor, blood pooling around his head. I bent down to check his pulse. It was weak, but he was alive. This bastard, Karan had to be alive because if he had died, I would have resurrected him just to kill him again in the most painful way possible for messing with my wife.

I looked around, but Tara was nowhere in sight. "Where are you, Jaan?" I called out, worry etching deep lines into my face.

A sound behind me made me spin around, just in time to catch the knife aimed at me.

"Adi," she said, her voice barely a whisper, tears staining her face. Her eyes were swollen and red, and for the first time, I saw fear in those almond-brown eyes. My blood boiled when I saw the cut on her neck, blood trickling from it. For every scratch on her body, that bastard would beg me for death, but I wouldn't let him die an easy death.

Her hands, covered in blood, reached for mine. I pulled her into my arms as she broke down.

"Shh, stop crying," I said, kissing the top of her head as she rested it on my chest. "You're safe now." I stroked her head gently, resting my face against her hair.

"You're not alone. I'm here with you, and now you don't have to be scared anymore," I whispered, holding her tightly.

My first and foremost priority was keeping my wife safe. Everything else could wait.

"Tara," I called softly, but she didn't respond. "Tara, Jaan, are you listening to me?" Still, no answer. Fear gripped my heart.

I looked down at her, her eyes closed, and she didn't respond. "Tara, are you okay?" I gently tapped her cheeks, but she remained unresponsive. My heartbeat quickened, sweat forming on my forehead as dread filled me.

"Jaan, please say something. Please, just once... for me," I pleaded, my voice breaking.

Her body was cold and lifeless in my arms. It felt like my whole world was shattering, and I couldn't do anything.

"Tara, please open your eyes, I beg you," I cried, covering her with my coat and picking her up. "Jaan, at least say something. Please, talk to me." Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.

"Please stay awake, Jaan. Talk to me, fight with me but at least say something." I whispered, desperately trying to reassure myself.

I had never felt this helpless in my entire life. My whole world was in my arms, yet it was crumbling. The worst part was no matter how much I tried, I couldn't undo the things.  I looked at the cut on her neck. "It must be hurting so much," I cried, gazing at her pale face.