Revenge In Love

CH 57- Tangled Hearts

AUTHOR'S POV
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Arjun gently picked her up and placed her in his lap, softly stroking her hair.

After a moment, he said, "Before I answer your question, there's something else I need to tell you."

Siya looked at him, her confusion deepening.

Arjun took a deep breath, gathering the courage to reveal the biggest truth of his life.

"You know, humans have a strange quality that lies not only to others but also to themselves. And for months, I've been lying to myself too, Siya. I told myself I hated you, that everything I did to you was out of revenge. But that was a lie, one I told not only you but myself as well."

Her eyes widened in shock at his words.

"You were right, Siya! I was immature and I couldn't understand my feelings, and I buried them deep inside. But now that I've finally gained some clarity, I understand..."

Looking into Siya's eyes, he said, "I never hated you, Siya. Not even once. Every cruel word and every hurtful thing I said was never really meant for you. Maybe I was saying them to myself, trying to convince myself that I hated you. I know this might sound ridiculous, but you've always been special to me. 'When you are happy, I am happy. Every tear that falls from your eyes feels like a stab to my heart. I can't bear the thought of seeing you with someone else. Being near you, being with you, gives me immense peace.' I never wanted you to leave me, and that's why I blackmailed you using your Dida and the orphanage you'd stay, even if it was out of fear."

Arjun's voice softened as he looked deeply into her eyes.

"Now, you tell me, Siya, if all these feelings aren't love, then what are they?"

Tears streamed down her face as she listened.

Arjun posted for a moment, then finally said the words he'd been holding back.

"I love you, Siya. I love you so much. From day one, it's always been you. I loved you then, I love you now, and I will love you always."

Seeing the tears in her eyes pained him, but he had to ask the question that had been eating away at him.

With a shaky voice, he whispered, "Siya, do you still love me?"

Siya moved his hand away from her face and looked into his eyes, her expression firm.

"Yes, Arjun, I've forgiven you for what you did to me, but not because I love you or because I've forgotten everything. I forgave you because I believe there's no greater kindness than forgiveness. My father always taught me that holding onto someone's mistakes doesn't help; letting go and forgiving them does. So, I forgave you, even though you never once asked for my forgiveness."

Arjun felt a wave of pain wash over him as she continued, "But that doesn't mean I've forgotten what you did. I've accepted you for the sake of our baby, just like you accepted me. I've forgiven you, but I don't love you. My love for you died the night you betrayed me."

Arjun's heart sank, knowing her words were true.

"I want to stay with you and raise our child together, but not because I love you. I want to start fresh for the sake of our future and the sake of our daughter," Siya said.

Arjun had always known this was the answer he'd get. How could she still love him after everything? She couldn't. Yet hearing her say it hurt more than he could have ever imagined.

But what pained him the most was realizing that he was the one who had killed her love for him.

Siya felt a deep ache in her heart, but she knew she was speaking the truth. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to hold back her tears. When she opened them, she looked straight into Arjun's eyes.