Protect my heart

c h a p t e r 2

Happy reading!

AARAV'S POV

The tires of my car screeched to a halt in front of Vikram's mansion. The gates, imposing and showy, stood wide open as if welcoming me in. My men filed out behind me, each one wearing a grim expression that matched my own. I am here to settle scores with Vikram. He has crossed too many lines and tonight he's going to pay for every single sin. I can already hear the music and laughter from inside, a stark contrast to the fury brewing inside me.

As I walked through the open gates, a sense of foreboding filled me. The echoes of music and laughter from inside the house grew louder, a glaring contrast to the storm brewing within me. Two guards stood at the entrance, their faces betraying their surprise at our unexpected arrival.

"What's your business here?" one of them asked, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness.

"I need to speak with Vikram," I replied coolly, my gaze steady and unwavering.
The guard's face went a shade paler at my words. "He's... busy," he stammered.
My lips curled into a smile, but there was no warmth in it. "I think he'll make time for me."

We pushed through the doors and entered the mansion's grand hall. The air was thick with the scent of roses and expensive perfume. People were milling about, dressed in their finest attire, oblivious to the storm about to descend upon them. I signal one of my man to grab one of his guards.

The guard looked around nervously, his hands trembling slightly. I knew he was contemplating whether to raise an alarm or try to stall us. Before he could make a move, my man had him pinned against the wall, a quiet threat in his eyes.

"Are you going to lead us to Mr. Khanna or do we have to find him ourselves?" I asked, my tone betraying no hint of the anger simmering below the surface.
"I don't know where he is. Please let me go." He pleads.

"Okay, what's going on here?" I demand, he shakes with fear, good, as he should, "it's his wedding." he exclaims. Married? Vikram? The idea seemed absurd. He's a playboy, I feel sympathy for his to-be wife.

"Let him go." I command.
"Let's find him ourselves. Go check the entire mansion, that asshole has to be here." Samarth orders to everyone. They all disperse in different directions. I order them to shoot anyone on sight who tries to protest, except women and children obviously.

My cell phone rings, it's Samarth I pick up immediately, "Aarav, you need to come to the garden. Now." His voice urgent. I walk towards the garden, asking for directions from the staff.
"What's going on?" I ask, "He ran away. When he heard you were coming, he ran away. Left his bride behind." He says, "And.. And.." He falters, "And what?" I push open the glass door, leading me into the garden. The wind blows as my steps falter. I haven't seen her in twelve years. It can't be her. The garden was bathed in the gentle glow of fairy lights, the fragrance of roses wafting through the air. The main area was set with lavish decorations - tables dressed in white linen, sparkling silverware, and delicate floral centerpieces. A makeshift stage had been set up near the house, adorned with sheer drapes and twinkling lights. There, in the middle of the lavishly decorated space, stood a bride in her wedding attire. She turns towards me and My breath caught in my throat as I recognized her,

Anika. My Anu.

I haven't seen her in twelve years, but there she was, more beautiful than I remembered. She stood frozen, staring at me with wide eyes. I stared back, the shock of seeing her again almost overwhelming. My heart pounded in my chest as I laid eyes on her for the first time in twelve years. A complex mix of emotions washed over me. My entire body tenses, a maelstrom of conflicting feelings storming within me. Shock, anger, regret, and a pang of attraction all assaulted me at once, leaving me feeling unbalanced and conflicted. I clench my hands at my side, as I battle the urge to reach out and touch her, to confirm that she is real and not a figment of my long-held fantasies. Her hair is dark and silky, framing her face in a way that always drew my attention. Her eyes hold a depth that I find myself getting lost in, and her body is perfectly shaped, all curves and softness. I can't get over how beautiful she has grown up to be. Breathtakingly beautiful. She was the last person I expected to see here, at Vikram's wedding, of all places. As his bride. I grit my teeth at the thought, if I hadn't come here she would have been his wife.

"Aarav, get a grip." Samarth comments, slightly patting my back. How can I? She's right in front of me. In a wedding attire. The day I dreamt about so many times, except she looks much more beautiful than I imagined. Her hair flowing in air, her eyes shimmering, she looks stunning. How am I supposed to get a grip. We were locked in a gaze, a thousand unspoken words passing between us in an instant.

"Aarav? Is that you?" I immediately recognize her mother, how could I not, I had spent years at her house, spending time with her daughter.

"Is this all because of you?" her face lined with worry and despair, rushed forward. When I don't answer, she steps back, her eyes shining with tears, "Why Aarav, Why?" She sobbed, "Why did you do this? He ran away. He ran away leaving her behind because of you. Now who will marry her?"

I turned to face her, the weight of her words pressing down on me. She continued, her voice breaking, "I raised her alone for so many years. I finally thought my daughter would be able to live a happy life. She could enjoy this wealth, she would have a safe future, but you took that away from her, Aarav. Why did you do it? What did we do to deserve this?"

I stood there, speechless, as Anika and I continued to stare at each other. Her mother’s cries filled the room, each word a dagger to my heart. Anika moved towards her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Maa, please," she says softly. "I told you I can live on my own. Please don’t do this. I don’t want your health to be affected. It will be okay."

My heart races as I hear her voice. I close my eyes in contentment. I missed this voice.

Her mother shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I don’t want you to have the same future as me, running around working hard. I wanted you to have everything, no pressure. Who will marry you now, when people get to know you were left by Vikram?"
Before I could even process what I was doing, the words left my mouth. "I will marry her."

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Author's note:

What did he just say 😮🌝 anyways I hope you're liking it so far. Please don't forget to Vote and comment please.
Love:)