DESTINED TOGETHER

Chapter 67 - Instinct to protect

She was curled up on his side of the bed, fast asleep in one of his hoodies when he entered their safe haven. He bit his bottom lip to not crack, to not let a single breath out. Gently, he closed the door behind him and knelt by the bed, his heart aching as he gazed at her tear-streaked face. Every part of him felt as though it was being pierced by a thousand needles.

Careful not to wake her, Abhimanyu traced a finger along her jaw, tucking a few stray locks of hair behind her ear. He yearned to do more—hold her until he fell asleep feeling her breath and scent on his skin. He wanted to kiss her, imprint the sensation of her lips on his heart, and hear the sound of her voice calling his name in his mind. He wanted all of her: her soft breaths, her sparkling laughter, her shy touch, her sensual lips, and her body nestled deeply against his.

The suffocating pain of what he was about to lose made it difficult to breathe, but he reminded himself that he was doing this for her. He would do anything for her.

When she stirred suddenly, his fingers halted on her cheek, his eyes widening. If she woke up, she wouldn't let him go—and honestly, he lacked the strength to leave if she opened her eyes. He'd definitely break down in her arms.

"Abhi..you can be mad..." His eyes turned glossy as she mumbled sleepily, snuggling deeper into the comforters. He held his breath, his heart aching with every word. "But...yo-you aren't allowed to walk out on me...Devil."

"I'm sorry, Baby..." He breathed softly, as more tears filled his vision. "I'm so sorry."

"I'm so..rry..." She whispered again before turning on her side, leaving him to face her back.

Without being able to help himself, he placed a deep kiss on her forehead, lingering his lips there as he felt his soul ripping apart. "Whatever happens, my love for you was and will never be a lie. Do never forget that." He whispered with a last lingering gaze on her as he softly blew a breath across her face.

"I love you, Akshu. This is my truth."

***

That was three nights ago, the last time he saw her as his, his last words to her before he successfully broke her heart and left her feeling abandoned. He would never forgive himself for what he did to Akshara. Not after seeing how broken she was, how hurt she was by his supposed betrayal. She could hide it from others with some makeup or a forced bright smile she put on, but he knew her better than that. He knew that she must be feeling worse than him. She must've died hundred deaths, just by recalling his words to her from that dreadful day. She would've questioned her love, her worth, her trust on him, on them.

Abhi closed his eyes, and the first thing that appeared was her scared eyes as she curled up on his lap.

I thought I lost you...I can't lose you!—

His clutched the stone tightly in his hands, the weight of his emotions, unbearable, finally catching him up. He stood strong for a long time, he didn't let himself break three days ago when he was lying to her, he didn't break for the next three days but all that, his every resistance and resilience crumbled in front of her. And just like that, he wasn't the fierce protector anymore, he wasn't the fearless lion anymore : he was just her Abhi. Her Abhi who didn't know how to live with the absence of his light : His Akshu.

Her shattered expression flashed in front of his eyes as she locked eyes with him. He saw the small hesitance and the glimmer of hope in her eyes, which vanished at his silence.