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He held me close, his arms encircling me protectively.
"Take it slow, don't rush," he advised, his voice laced with concern.
He supported me as I took a few tentative steps, my body still feeling fragile.
"I've got you," he reassured me, his voice a steady murmur. "Just take your time."
Slowly, with his unwavering support, I managed to steady myself, leaning against him for balance.
"Better now?" he asked, gently loosening his grip but remaining close by my side.
I nodded weakly, my voice regaining some strength.
"Yes... thank you," I managed to murmur, my eyes meeting his.
Yuvraj's voice was filled with genuine concern as he asked, "Titli, kya hua tha? What happened?"
Same thing that my brother asked me.
The question hung in the air, the gravity of what had occurred still lingering heavily in the silence that followed.
Yuvraj continued to gently wipe away the tears that streamed down my face, his touch tender and comforting.
I took a shuddering breath, my voice cracking slightly as I tried to recount the traumatic event.
"I was alone here, and suddenly someone grabbed me from behind," I began. "I thought it was Maitri, but when I turned around, it was Advay."
I felt my throat constrict, and my voice trembled with emotion as I continued, "He...he said he was going to-"
I couldn't bring myself to say the words, the memory of Advay's malicious intentions too horrific to articulate. Yuvraj seemed to understand the depth of my distress, and his grip around me tightened, offering silent reassurance.
Yuvraj gently cupped my face in his hands, his touch firm yet gentle. Looking into my eyes, he said, "Don't think about it, Titli. I'm here now. I won't let anything happen to you."
In a moment of intense anguish, I pushed him away, the memory of Advay's touch still haunting me.
"No, leave me alone. I'm dirty," I muttered, the words escaping before I could control them. I clutched my arms tightly, feeling as though Advay's touch lingered on my skin. The fear and disgust in my voice was palpable.
"He touched me."
Yuvraj wrapped me in a tight embrace, his voice soothing yet firm. "Bas kabhi jaane ke liye mat kehna, jaan jaati hai meri. Aur apne soch kaise liya mai apko akela chhod dunga?" he whispered, using the endearment with deep affection. ("Never say anything like that again… I die inside. How could you even think I’d ever leave you alone?")
I buried my face in his chest, seeking comfort in his strong presence. The fear that coiled within me started to unravel, replaced by a warm sense of security as he held me close.
