Aarohi And Dev

CHAPTER 51

DEV POV

Advik Shah's name alone dredged up a history that neither of us wanted to revisit. A past so buried, I never imagined it would resurface like this. But here he was, in the flesh, standing before Rose, daring to bring his shadow back into her life. The sight of his hand tightening around her neck made my blood boil to a point where reason no longer mattered.

Before I could process anything else, rage overtook me. I didn't think, I just acted. I launched myself through the window with a speed and fury that only the need to protect her could fuel.

In seconds, I was beside him, my hands moving faster than my thoughts. I grabbed his wrist and twisted it away from Rose's neck, the sharp crack of his bones echoing in the room as I pushed him violently to the ground. He stumbled back, his face contorting with shock, but all I could see was red.

His power meant nothing—nothing compared to the primal, burning need to protect Rose. With a surge of adrenaline, I yanked Advik backwards, tossing him aside like he was weightless. My eyes darted to Rose. She stumbled, her legs giving way beneath her, fear etched across her tear-streaked face. Just as she was about to fall, I lunged forward and caught her, pulling her into my arms. The sight of her—so broken, trembling—stoked the fire of rage that burned deep inside me, threatening to consume everything in its path.

"Dev..." she whispered, her voice so soft it barely reached me, but it was all I needed. That single word, my name on her lips, was like a lifeline. Relief crashed over me like a tidal wave, grounding me, reminding me she was still here, still alive.

I wiped her tears away with the pad of my thumb, my touch gentle as I whispered, "I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner."

I pulled her closer, pressing her head to my chest, holding her as if she might shatter if I let go. "You’re safe now," I murmured, my hand gliding softly over her hair, though my insides still raged with the fury I barely contained. "I’m here, Rose. No one will ever hurt you again."

But even as I tried to comfort her, the fury still boiled beneath my skin, waiting for its moment to strike. And when it did, I wouldn’t show mercy.

As I held Rose close, her soft sobs muffled against my chest, I could hear Advik stirring behind me, dragging himself to his feet. My body instinctively tensed, ready to fight, but I couldn’t bring myself to let go of her—not yet. Just as I turned slightly, I caught a glimpse of a wooden stick swinging toward me, but Rajveer was quicker. With a swift, precise block, he knocked the weapon aside, stepping between me and the threat.

“We’ve got this,” Tara urged, her voice sharp with urgency as she locked eyes with me. “You need to get her out of here.”

I hesitated for a split second, torn between the need to protect her myself and trusting them to handle the chaos that was still unfolding behind me. But Tara was right—Rose needed me now, more than I needed to finish things with Advik.

"My men will be here soon," I said, my voice steady, though laced with an unspoken promise. "Leave him to them."

Without another word, I turned my focus back to Rose. I scooped her up in my arms, careful not to jostle her too much, her delicate lehenga catching the faint light as I adjusted it around her. Her arms instinctively wrapped around my neck, her grip tight, as if holding on to me was the only thing keeping her grounded. Her head rested against my shoulder, and I could feel her breath slowly evening out, the panic beginning to subside with each step I took away from that nightmare.

I moved quickly, but with purpose, leaving the chaos behind. Right now, all that mattered was getting her far away from this place—away from the fear, the pain, and the memories that threatened to consume her. She was safe now, and I’d make sure she’d never have to relive this nightmare again.