Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh (Completed)

Chapter 91 His Promise

The Sangeet ceremony ended on a good note for the guests, but it turned into a bitter memory for Aarav as his past resurfaced unexpectedly, triggering a panic attack. His chest tightened, breaths coming in shallow gasps, and a feeling of hopelessness washed over him, paralyzing his thoughts.

Manvi noticed his distress and rushed to his side, her heart breaking as she saw him in this vulnerable state. Guilt gnawed at her for not being able to shield him from this pain. Kneeling beside him, she gently stroked his back, whispering, "Aaravji, shant ho jaiye... main hoon aapke paas."

Aarav grabbed her hand tightly, his body trembling uncontrollably, and lay down on the floor, curling into himself. "Mujhe sleeping pills chahiye," he pleaded, his voice cracking with desperation.

Manvi shook her head firmly but gently. "Nahi Aaravji, meri taraf dekhiye," she urged, her tone soothing and filled with compassion.

With great effort, Aarav looked up into her eyes. Manvi smiled warmly, her gaze steady and comforting. "Main aapke saath hoon. Hamare haseen pal ko yaad kijiye Shimla mein bitaya hua waqt aur hamari shaadi ka khayal," she reminded him softly.

Her words were like a balm to his frayed nerves. Aarav focused on her voice, the memories she evoked slowly seeping into his mind. He remembered their joyful moments in Shimla, the serene landscapes, and the warmth of her hug. Gradually, his breathing steadied, and the tension in his muscles began to ease. The shivering subsided as a sense of calm enveloped him, anchored by Manvi's presence and the love they shared.

Aarav slowly got up, his body still trembling from the aftermath of the panic attack. Manvi quickly fetched a glass of water for him, her eyes filled with concern and determination to help him through this. She returned and handed the glass to Aarav, who tried to hold it, but his hands were still shaking uncontrollably.

Seeing his struggle, Manvi gently took the glass from him and guided it to his lips, her touch steady and reassuring. "lijiye, pani pijiye" she said softly, her voice a soothing balm to his frazzled nerves.

Aarav sipped the water, feeling the cool liquid calm the burning anxiety within him. He looked at Manvi, his eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and lingering fear. Manvi's presence, her unwavering support, and the gentle way she cared for him started to mend the cracks in his spirit.

"Thank you," he whispered, his voice hoarse but sincere.

Manvi smiled tenderly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "We'll get through this together, Aaravji. aap akele nahi hai," she reassured him, her heart aching for the pain he had endured but filled with resolve to stand by his side through every storm.

Aarav hugged Manvi tightly, his emotions pouring out in a torrent of tears as he clung to her arm. "Wapas aa gayi hai wo!" he sobbed, unable to utter the name of his ex-wife, Maya, who had inflicted endless pain on him in the past.

Manvi didn't react much; she already knew about Maya's return. She gently caressed his head, her fingers soothing through his hair. "Aap chinta mat kijiye, aap akele nahi hain. Aapki yeh humdard aapke saath hai. Ek aanch tak nahi aane dungi aap par ya Khushi par," she assured him, her voice steady and filled with resolve.

Aarav trusted Manvi, but the memories of Maya's cruelty haunted him. Maya had destroyed everyone who had tried to protect him before. "Nahi... tum marr jaogi, Manvi! Kyun aayi tum mere itne qareeb? Kyun??" he cried, his voice breaking with anguish as he cursed himself for falling in love with her. Their marriage was just days away, and Maya's return cast a dark shadow over their future.

Manvi held him tighter, her own heart breaking at his words. "Aaravji, main aapko kabhi chhod kar nahi jaungi. Hamara pyaar itna mazboot hai ke koi bhi andhera use mita nahi sakta," she whispered fiercely, her eyes burning with determination.