Reason to Breathe

12. Divulging the Past (10): Severing ties & Shattering Your Heart just for You

Hey, amazing readers! 🎉 A new chapter is here, and I can't wait for you to dive in! Let me know your thoughts, and as always, your support keeps me going!
I'm really sorry for the trauma I gave you guys in the last chapter, but here is A BIGGER TRAUMA!

Happy reading!
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At Bhardwaj Villa, (Rohit's POV)

I stood silently by the door, watching Aashika as she walked into our home. She looked so different-zoned out, lost in her thoughts, and so far away from the world around her. The spark in her eyes was gone, replaced by a heaviness that made my heart ache.

She settled onto the couch, staring blankly at the floor, and I felt a sharp pang in my chest. This isn't my Aashika. The joy and laughter that usually filled this space had vanished, leaving behind an emptiness that was almost palpable.

I wanted to rush to her, to hold her and tell her that everything would be alright, but I couldn't. The weight of everything that had happened hung between us, suffocating me. I felt torn. How can I keep her safe if I don't make the hardest decision of my life?

Every part of me screamed to stay by her side, to be her rock, but I knew that if I didn't let go, if I didn't put her safety above my own happiness, I might lose her forever. My mind was at war-my love for her battling against the fear that my presence might endanger her.

I clenched my fists, trying to quell the storm inside. I'll do anything for her, even if it means letting her go. The thought shattered me, but deep down, I understood it was what I had to do. Yet, as I stood there, watching her in this vulnerable state, I wondered how I could ever survive without her by my side.

Something is paining... My heart, my soul, my mind... It feels horrible even just thinking about living without her, without my love. I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I excused myself and went to the garden.

I sank onto the sofa, my heart heavy with a loss I hadn't fully grasped.

I'll have to lose her. The thought crushed me, and I clenched my fists to hold back the tears. I mourned the laughter we'd shared and the future that now felt bleak.

Looking up at the stars, I whispered, "Shiv ji, please keep her safe forever and always." I was ready to tear apart every fiber of my being, to shatter my heart if it meant protecting her. I decided silently that whatever it took, I would sacrifice my happiness to ensure she never has to face it again.

I decided. Yes. I'll shatter her heart for her safety! Today will be the last night I'll share with her and tomorrow I'll break her heart into a million pieces which she'll never give me to mend again.

I went into my room. She had already dozed off. I sat beside her and decided to capture her innocent face in my memory forever. The night felt like a burden, I don't know, should I be happy that I can see her innocent face throughout the whole night or I should be sad that I'll never be able to see her again!