The ballroom was alive with chatter and laughter, the perfect backdrop for the night's business. I was in the middle of a conversation with some investors, discussing an upcoming deal that could change everything. The night was going exactly as planned, but something tugged at the back of my mind. I hadn't seen her in a while. She was acting weird from this morning, I don't know what but something is wrong with her.
Shivangi was right beside me a few moments ago. I turned to glance in her direction, but she wasn't there. My eyes scanned the hall, searching for her pink gown, but all I saw were other guests. A faint unease crept in. I even called and asked the car driver but he denied saying she didn't came out.
I excused myself from the group, my gaze sweeping across the hall as I moved through the people. I noticed Vedika standing with her friend was now coming to me. I ignored her presence completely and walked away quickly. I continued searching for Shivangi, unease grew stronger as I didn't found her in the hall. I went upstairs.
I entered a secluded hallway to the terrace. I found her, the sight of sitting down in the corner of the terrace with her knees stand together, eyes and cheeks red from crying, hit me like a punch to the gut. My heart sank, and I instantly regretted not noticing sooner.
"Shivangi.. " I said softly, stepping closer, my voice thick with concern. She turned to me, trying to hide her tears, but I could see the pain in her eyes.
"What happened?" I asked, guilt washing over me for not being there when she needed me. I should've been more aware, should've protected her from whatever had hurt her.
I gently cupped her face, my thumbs brushing away the tears streaming down her cheeks. The sight of her like this, so fragile and broken, made my chest tighten with worry.
"Vedika," I whispered, trying to catch her gaze, "why are you crying? Did someone say something? Did someone touch you?"
But instead of answering, she broke down completely, burying her face in my chest. Her sobs were uncontrollable, and I could feel her trembling against me. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer, desperate to comfort her.
"Please don't leave me," she choked out between sobs. "I love you so much. Please, don't leave. I can't live without you."
Her words hit me like a ton of bricks, freezing me in place. Leave her? The thought hadn't even crossed my mind. Did she said she loves me?? Seriously.. I was shocked, stunned by the raw emotion in her voice, by the depth of her fear.
"No one has ever cared for me like you do," she continued, her voice breaking as she clung to me. "I'll do anything you want, but please don't leave me."
I stood there, holding her, my mind racing. Why would she think I would leave her? I was stunned by her confession, by the vulnerability she was showing, and by the fact that she thought I might walk away. I never imagined she felt this way, and hearing her say she loved me, hearing her fear of losing me, left me speechless. I held her tighter, as if that alone could assure her that I was never going anywhere.
I gently pulled back, just enough to see her face, keeping my hands on her cheeks. She was still crying, her tears falling steadily, and each one felt like a knife to my heart. I wiped them away with my thumbs, desperate to bring her some comfort.
"Shivangi.. " I whispered, trying to steady my voice, "I won't leave you. I promise. Please, stop crying."
But she couldn't stop. Her sobs only grew, her shoulders shaking as she clung to me, her fear and pain spilling out all at once. She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine, still filled with doubt, still afraid.
"I mean it," I said more firmly, my heart aching to see her like this. "I'm not going anywhere. You're safe with me."
She continued to cry, the weight of everything she'd been holding inside too much to bear. I pulled her close again, wrapping her in my arms, holding her as tightly as I could. I ran my hands gently over her back, trying to soothe her, to calm the storm of emotions that had overwhelmed her.
I wanted her to feel it, to understand that I wasn't leaving, that I was here for her, always.
My jaw tightened as the realization hit me. It's must someone she spoke to tonight, someone who had hurt her so deeply that she was terrified of being left alone. The thought of anyone causing her this much pain made my blood boil.
I wouldn't let it slide. Whoever it was, they had crossed a line, and I wasn't going to let them get away with it. No one had the right to make her feel this way. I kept rubbing her back. Her cry became slower.
As she continued to cry softly in my arms, I wouldn't let them off easily.
Fifteen minutes later, as I held her in my arms, I noticed her breathing had steadied and her sobs had quieted. I looked down to find her asleep, her head nestled against my chest. She looked so peaceful now, her face softened by sleep, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink.
Her small, trembling hands had found their way to my coat, clutching it with a kind of innocence and trust that made my heart ache. The sight of her so vulnerable, so dependent on me, stirred something deep within me.
I realized then how profoundly I felt for her, how deeply I was invested in her well-being. It wasn't just about protecting her; it was about cherishing her, understanding that she was an integral part of my life. Seeing her like this-so fragile, yet so trusting-made me recognize the depth of my feelings for her.
I watched her sleep, my heart swelling with a fierce love and a renewed sense of responsibility. I vowed to myself, in that quiet moment, that I would always be there for her, that I would never let her feel alone or afraid again.
Carefully, I lifted her into my arms, holding her securely in a bridal carry. Her head rested gently on my shoulder, and her arms draped around my neck. I adjusted her position to ensure she was comfortable and secure as I made my way toward the back exit of the venue.
As I reached the car, I made her sit in the backseat and shifted next her. I adjusted her position so she was resting more comfortably, her head nestled against my legs. I took off my coat and draped it over her, making sure she was well-covered and warm. Her soft, even breathing was a soothing reminder of the peace I wanted to bring her after the turmoil of the evening. The driver quietly pulled away from the venue.
-
As I gently placed Shivangi on the bed, she stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open with a soft, sleepy glow. Her face, framed by tousled hair, looked endearingly beautiful. She reached up, her fingers brushing lightly against my cheek, and pressed her lips to mine in a gentle, lingering kiss. The touch of her warm lips was soft and sweet, and I felt a spark of tenderness.
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Surprised by the unexpected affection, I responded with a deeper kiss, savoring the intimate connection between us. The kiss was a quiet affirmation of our love, wrapped in the tranquility of the moment.
