MERI CHANDANI - Consume by love Sealed with Sin

⠂ʜɪꜱ ꜱɪɴɪꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴘʟᴀɴꜱ⠐

AASHIVIK

Flashback to last night from his point of view

The night was cold, but the rage boiling within me could have set the world on fire. I cradled her in my arms, my little moon, her delicate frame pressed against mine as I carried her from the balcony. The cool breeze whispered through the curtains, but I barely felt it. All I could focus on was the faint trace of dried tears on her cheeks. Tears that had no place on her face.

My jaw clenched, my teeth grinding together as a wave of fury washed over me. Samrat Mathur. The name alone made my blood boil. He dared to cause her pain, dared to bring tears to the eyes that should only ever be filled with love. I would make him pay. I would rip apart everything he held dear, and shatter his life piece by piece until there was nothing left. And even then, it wouldn't be enough.

Her soft breathing against my chest was the only thing keeping me from exploding. She was sleeping so peacefully now, trusting me to keep her safe. It killed me to think she had cried, and I hadn't been there to stop it. I should have been there. I should have known. But now that I did, there would be no mercy. I would burn his world to the ground if it meant she would never have to shed another tear.

Gently, I shifted her weight, holding her a little closer as I stepped through the doorway into our room. The moonlight streamed in through the large windows, casting a soft glow across her face. She looked so fragile, so innocent. My rage wavered, cracking at the edges as I gazed down at her. She deserved better—so much better. And I would give it to her. I would destroy anyone who tried to take that away from her.

As I reached the bed, I paused, not wanting to let go. My fingers brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. She stirred slightly, a small sound escaping her lips, and for a moment, my heart stilled. I was ready to shield her from anything, even in her dreams.

I laid her down carefully, my arms reluctant to release her. The mattress dipped as I settled her in, and I stood there for a moment, just watching her. She looked so peaceful now, so far from the pain that had brought those tears. My heart ached at the thought of her suffering, and I made a silent vow then and there—Samrat Mathur would pay. He would beg for death before I was done with him. And when he did, I would deny him that mercy.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, breaking the silence. I reached for it, careful not to disturb her. It was a text from Yug: "We are ready for the meet. Come in an hour."

I already texted her family for a talk, Siddharth had informed them of our dating thing and from his reaction it's pretty sure they aren't happy. But I need to talk to them and make them understand everything clearly, I need to tell them I love my moon a lot and I won't back out even if they disagree.

I leaned down, brushing my lips softly against her forehead. "I'll always protect you" I whispered, my voice filled with a promise I intended to keep. No matter what it took, I would keep her safe. I would keep those tears from ever falling again.

As I straightened up, she shifted, her hand reaching out as if searching for me. My heart softened instantly, the anger receding just enough to allow a tender smile to cross my lips. I took her hand in mine, bringing it to my lips and kissing it gently.

"I'm here," I murmured. "I'm always here."

She settled again, her fingers still loosely holding mine as if she knew I was close. For a moment, I just stood there, holding her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. It grounded me, reminding me of what I was fighting for. Not just revenge, but for her. For her happiness, her safety, her peace.