His Arranged Bride

Chapter 64

Nitya

Once we return home, I lead Dhritiji to her room, her hand still gripping mine tightly as we walk.

She looked exhausted and shaken, her face pale, eyes wide and wandering. I want to tell her she's fine and safe now, but I know she'll need some time before she can accept that.

I still can't believe someone pushed her into the lake. She had been out for a morning jog when it happened. When we got to her in the hospital, she told us she had felt hands push her hard from behind. She also recounted how terrified she had been in the water. So much so that she had been unable to move or even scream. It was only thanks to a passing stranger, who saved her and rushed her to the hospital.

Getting her inside the room, I make her lie on the bed and cover her properly with the blanket.

"Rest for a bit, okay?" I murmur, squeezing her hand and stepping back to sit on the recliner beside the bed when she nods and closes her eyes.

I sit there for a while, watching her settle and sleep.

When her breathing steadies and she falls asleep, I finally stand up and slip out of the room.

As I make my way to the living room, I see Prathamji and Yash bhaiyya there. Both of them seem tense, firm expressions on their faces.

Namanji and Shrutiji have gone to the police station. Complaint has already been filed, but they still went to the station, hoping to fast track the investigation because it's important to find out about the culprit soon in order to ensure Dhritiji's safety.

"She has fallen asleep," I say quietly, drawing Prathamji's and Bhaiyya's attention.

Bhaiyya clenches his jaw, crossing his arms over his chest. "Whoever did this," he says, his voice low and furious. "I'll make them pay."

Prathamji nods at him, his eyes hard.

I glance between them, curiosity swirling in my mind along with the concern for my sister in law.

"Why is Dhritiji so terrified of water?" I ask them. "Is there any reason behind it?"

I notice Prathamji and Bhaiyya exchange glances, an unspoken conversation passing between them, their faces shadowed with hesitation.

"It's Dhriti's story to share," Prathamji says to me. "She'll tell you when she is ready to share."

Bhaiyya nods in agreement, and adds, "She might not appreciate us sharing her past, even if it's with you."

"I understand," I tell them, respecting their choice to hold Dhritiji's secret and also hoping that someday she'll find it in her heart to share this reason behind her fear with me.

*****

Pratham

"I get that you are worried about Dhriti, but there should be boundaries. Just because I have reluctantly accepted this whole... situation between you two doesn't mean you get free rein to stay here with my sister," I tell Yash, feeling my patience already wearing thin as I look at his stubborn face.

What the hell does Dhriti see in this man?

Yash crosses his arms and looks at me defiantly. "I'm not leaving until I'm sure that Dhriti is absolutely fine. She seemed so shaken when we got her back from the hospital. I can't just leave her alone."

"She won't be alone," I counter. "Nitya and I will be here with her."

"I'll also be here for her. Just let me sleep on the couch here in the living room. I will-"