Revenge or Love

~Twenty-Five~

Hey, Beautiful People!

Thank you for the 11K views.

I understand that you might find today's chapter a bit boring, but it was necessary for the story. I kindly request that you all take a moment to vote whenever you read the story. It doesn't take much time, and your support means a lot to me.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments on my writing. I'd love to know which parts you liked or didn't like. I'll improve, so any suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated!

Rishabh's Pov

As I walked Pallavi through the beautiful lobby of the Taj Hotel, my heart felt heavy. The luxury around us—shiny marble floors, sparkling chandeliers overhead, and the soft buzz of people talking—felt like it belonged to another world, far from the harsh reality we had just experienced. I couldn't stop thinking about the bruises on her arms, signs of the struggle she had gone through, and I knew the real pain might only be starting inside her.

Pallavi had been quiet since last night. Earlier, she was full of emotions, fragile but fighting hard against the terrible memories. Now, it was like the warmth in her eyes was gone, leaving only emptiness. I knew I needed to help her heal, not just from the outside but from within.

When we got to our room, I gently sat Pallavi down on the soft bed. The light in the room was calm and peaceful, just what I hoped she needed. My hands trembled a little as I went through the first-aid kit, taking out some antiseptic and cotton. I knew I had to stay strong for her.

"Baccha," I said quietly, my voice just above a whisper, "you need to take this medicine. It will help you feel better."

She nodded without really paying attention, her eyes distant, lost in thoughts I couldn't reach. I carefully pressed on her bruises and cleaned her scratches, and each time she winced, it hurt my heart. It was painful to see her like this—a girl who was once so full of life and light, now just a shadow of who she used to be.

"Get some rest, Baccha," I whispered, tucking the blanket around her shoulders. She nodded faintly, and it wasn't long before her eyes fluttered shut. As she drifted into a much-needed sleep, I felt a swell of protectiveness surge through me. I had to find out who did this to her, who Rajat was, and why she was here alone.

Slipping out of the room quietly, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it for a moment. I pulled out my phone and dialed Manish's number, my breath hitching slightly with anxiety.

"Manish," I said as soon as he picked up. There was an urgency in my voice that must have been palpable. "I need your help. It's about Pallavi... she—"

I relayed everything I had discovered, every detail from our visit to the hospital, the doctor's grave words echoing in my mind. I could feel a knot form in my stomach as I spoke. I thought of Pallavi's bruises and the horror that had befallen her, and I couldn't shake the anger that simmered within me.

"Find out who Rajat is," I instructed. "And how she ended up in Jaipur alone. And please, don't mention this to anyone—not even Aradhana."

When he suggested informing Aradhana, a surge of defiance rose within me. "No," I said firmly. "I can't explain this over the phone. I'll take Pallavi home with me, and once we're there, I'll tell Aradhana everything in person."

After I hung up, frustration coursed through me like wildfire. It felt wrong—so very wrong—to keep a secret from Aarya, someone who cared. But she didn't know anything about Pallavi, and I would explain everything to her when I got home. Right now, Pallavi needed me more than ever.