The Silent Betrayal

18. Facing the Fear

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The night was heavy with silence as Abhimaan quietly pushed open the door to their bedroom. His gaze immediately fell on Taani, lying asleep on the bed. Her face, usually so peaceful, was marred by faint creases of pain, a reminder of the injuries she had sustained. His chest tightened as he took in the sight, guilt and worry swirling within him.

As he stepped closer, he noticed how uncomfortable she seemed, shifting slightly in her sleep. He realized she was struggling to sleep on her back due to the pain, He should’ve been there, protected her. The image of her lying helplessly after the attack haunted him, and now seeing her in pain stirred something deep inside.

Not wanting to disturb her, Abhimaan quietly walked into the washroom, splashing water on his face, trying to clear his head. The anger from earlier still simmered beneath the surface, but for now, his focus was on Taani—on making her comfortable.  After a few minutes, he came back, in his usual composed self. And stepped out and quietly made his way to the bed.

He lay down beside her, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight. She stirred but didn’t wake up. He watched her for a moment, his gaze softening as he took in the way her hair fell across her face, the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed.She seemed to be having trouble lying on her back because of the injury. Her body shifted slightly, and a soft whimper escaped her lips.

With a slow, deliberate movement, he gently pulled her towards him, careful not to hurt her. Slowly and carefully, he shifted her until she was resting on top of him, her head on his chest. Taani stirred again, her eyes fluttering open as she realized she was no longer lying on the bed but on top of Abhimaan.

"Kya....?" she mumbled, her voice groggy with sleep, blinking in confusion. As her eyes fully opened, she found herself face-to-face with Abhimaan, her head resting on his chest, her body pressed against his. Her heart raced, and she immediately tried to move away, but a sharp pain shot through her, making her wince.

"Ahh..." she hissed, her hand instinctively going to her side where the pain flared.

Abhimaan’s arms tightened his hold on her, his hand resting on her lower back, steadying her. "Shh.....relax. Taani chot lagi hai tumhe," he said softly, his voice deep and soothing. He gently rubbed her back in slow, circular motions, his touch careful, but firm enough to ease her discomfort.

[Shh…..relax. Taani you are hurt.]

Taani froze, her mind racing. She was painfully aware of how close they were, her body lying flush against his, her face just inches away from his. Her cheeks heated with embarrassment, and she tried to push away from him, her fingers weakly pressing against his chest.

"Aapko ye karne ki zarurat nahi hai. Main... main neeche utar jau," she mumbled, trying to move again, but Abhimaan’s arms didn’t budge.

[You don't have to do this. I... I'll get down.]

"Bilkul nahi," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Mere liye tumhara aaram zaruri hai. Aise hi raho." he whispered, his breath warm against her head.

[No way, Your comfort is important to me. stay like that.]

Taani’s face burned even more at his words. She wasn’t used to being this close to him, especially not in such an intimate position. Her head rested against his chest, and she could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear. It was oddly comforting, but also... nerve-wracking.