Mafia's Revenge Or Love? ~ A Saga Of Love And Revenge

Chapter 69

Natasha's heart raced, her gaze locked onto his, unable to speak, but in that moment, words weren't necessary. Yuvaan's hand lingered at her waist, holding her close, grounding her as if promising that he'd always be there, always hers.
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2 weeks later....

It had been two weeks since they arrived in Kerala, soaking in the beauty of its landscapes, culture, and the serene backwaters that stretched out like silver ribbons beneath the clear sky. Everything had been blissful, peaceful-even the nights held a certain calm that soothed Natasha's restless mind. But this calm was broken when news reached them that Anand and Akshat had decided to return to India, bringing with them a lingering sense of unease.

Now, standing outside the ancient temple, Natasha waited, her gaze flickering between the vast stone pillars and the rustling leaves of the banyan trees swaying gently in the afternoon breeze. She was dressed in a traditional Kerala set saree, its ivory fabric accented with golden zari that gleamed in the sunlight. Her hair was adorned with a garland of fresh jasmine flowers that gave off a delicate fragrance, complementing the big jhumkas dangling from her ears. A pearl necklace lay gracefully on her neck, its soft glow adding to her elegant, ethereal look.

She seemed lost in thought, torn between entering the temple and remaining outside, unsure if she felt ready to step into a place so sacred, carrying all the burdens of her past. Her mind raced with unanswered questions, worries, and hopes she barely dared acknowledge. Yet, the soothing whispers of temple chants seemed to beckon her, like a gentle call to find solace.

Her contemplation was interrupted by a familiar burst of soft giggles. Natasha looked up, and a warm smile spread across her face as she saw Rudra, Meera, and Darshana emerging from the temple entrance, laughter illuminating their faces as they approached her. They were followed by the others, and Natasha's heart filled with a quiet joy as she took in their appearance. Each of the women-Meera, Darshana, Raina, Shanaya, and Ruhanika-wore set sarees similar to her own, the traditional attire lending them an elegance that made them appear as timeless as the land around them. The men, including Rudra and Vihaan, sported white shirts paired with lungis, their traditional attire simple yet dignified.

But her gaze lingered on Yuvaan, who looked visibly uncomfortable as he tugged at the edge of his lungi, his expression a mixture of anxiety and frustration. He sidled up to her and leaned in, whispering in a low, wary tone, "Wearing this...sheet cloth isn't safe at all." His face was creased with worry as he adjusted the cloth again, as though any slight movement might send it slipping to the ground. She couldn't help but smile, her eyes twinkling as she watched him fidget with unfamiliar clothes that seemed to make him more vulnerable than anything she'd ever seen him wear before.

"I'm sure you'll manage," she replied, her voice soft, her eyes glinting with amusement. "You're the fearless Yuvaan, after all."

He muttered something under his breath, something about fearing public embarrassment more than any danger he had ever faced. It made her chuckle, a sound so rare for her that it caught even Yuvaan off guard. Her smile lingered as she looked at the group, feeling a sense of belonging, warmth, and peace she hadn't felt in years.

Then, as if suddenly coming to a decision, Natasha turned towards the temple entrance. "You all carry on; I have some...things to take care of," she said, her voice quiet yet steady.

Without waiting for a response, she stepped past them and started up the temple steps. Everyone paused, watching her with expressions of surprise, and then quiet understanding, as if recognizing the significance of the moment. Yuvaan, however, felt a pull to follow her, sensing that whatever she was about to do, she didn't need to face it alone.