𝑲𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒉: 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆

𝟓𝟑.

RANVIJAY

My world crashed down after learning that Bhagyashree killed Maa. My mother, who was the kindest soul, who never harmed anyone. I wanted to kill Bhagyashree right now, but Kashish stopped me. I clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white as she spat her venom.

Every muscle in my body pumped as if preparing for murder. Maa did everything for her, but what did she do in return? Killed her. Maa didn't deserve to have her life cut short by someone she trusted—someone who was her friend.

I felt a surge of violent energy in my body, demanding action. Revenge. But beneath the rage was a deep, aching pain. The loss of Maa had left a void in my heart, and now knowing that Bhagyashree was the cause of it felt like a fresh wound being torn open.

I almost wished I had something physical to fight with so I could vent my anger. But I couldn't raise my hands on women. It was a matter of decency. I could not kill her with my own hands. So let the court decide her punishment.

Kashish had told me everything about my mother's murder last night. Apparently, I thought she was still defending dad, but Kashish had evidence to prove her points. I'd been shocked, but this time I'd believed her. Because I know Kashish was the most honest person with me.

I'd been tempted to confront Bhagyashree after that, but something inside me stopped. I know my anger would surely mess up everything. Last few hours tested my patience as nothing had before...except the woman in front of me. Kashish

The sight of her standing in front of me while Bhagyashree was still holding the gun had sent more panic crashing through me than having a gun pointed at my face. Fresh terror stabbed my heart.

The way she was protecting me, like she was afraid I might die if she slightly moved. Even though I didn't need her protection, it made my heart ache. I could dodge any bullet.

I was more competent than the apparent moron before me. Even dad and Akash. Did Bhagyashree really think she could kill me or hurt my wife? Did she forget who we were? I could kill her in a blink of an eye.

A flash of movement behind Bhagyashree—visible only from where I stood—caught my eye, but I showed no reaction. "Shoot me. If I survived—" My eyes darkened. "I would cut you." I stared at her, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting anger.

Bhagyashree trembled with rage. "Are you threatening me, Ranvijay?" My grimace deepened. It was a warning. "You can't hurt him?" Kashish's voice wobbled at the end, and my anger intensified. After a beat, two things happened at once.

I took a quick step forward and abruptly pulled Kashish into my arms, Akash tackled Bhagyashree's hand from behind, leading her to push the trigger of the gun, and a gunshot ran out in the air. 

"Kashish..." I ran my hand over her head. "Nothing happened." She nodded against my chest, and her hold tightened around me. 

Bhagyashree froze, her mouth hanging open in shock. Kashish was still in my arms when two lady constables burst into the room and hauled Bhagyashree. Akash had already called them.

"This will go up in court." She arched an eyebrow at Dad's warned voice. "And I will make sure you get paid for your deeds." Dad stared at her until she disappeared outside the door.

♡

The day passed in a blur. Bhagyashree unmasked, the police formalities, lots of drama with shocking faces. I endured them all, my reaction cold and steady. After a rough day, I finally crawled into Kashish's arms at night. Lying in Kashish's arms, I felt familiar peace in my chest.

The truth about mom's killer had hit me like a sniper bullet. The years of misplaced anger, the hatred I showed to dad all felt like cruelty now. I always thought my dad was the one who had taken mom away from me.