shadow's Embrace ~ A Dark , Forbidden Love

Chapter 2: The Awakening

A dim light filtered through the curtains as Trishi's eyes fluttered open. Her head throbbed, a relentless pounding in her skull that reminded her of the fight she had barely survived. She instinctively tried to sit up but winced as a sharp pain shot through her leg. Disoriented, she glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.

The room was spacious but minimalistic, dominated by dark tones and an aura of understated luxury. The scent of leather and faint cologne lingered in the air, subtle yet grounding. She realized she was lying on an enormous bed, her injuries bandaged carefully, her leg immobilized in a cast.

Her heart raced. Where am I? Who brought me here?

The sound of a door opening drew her attention. A tall figure stepped in, his movements deliberate and calm. His sharp, chiseled features were partially hidden in the shadows, but his piercing eyes—dark and unreadable—immediately locked onto hers.

“You’re awake,” he said, his voice smooth but tinged with authority.

Trishi’s mind scrambled to place him, but she came up blank. “Who are you? Where am I?” she demanded, her voice hoarse but defiant.

The man tilted his head slightly, an amused smirk playing on his lips. “You’re safe. That’s all you need to know for now.”

“Safe?” Trishi scoffed, forcing herself to sit up despite the pain. “I don’t remember asking for your help.”

He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. “No, you didn’t. But collapsing in your car with a fractured leg and a head wound didn’t exactly scream independence.”

Trishi glared at him, her mind racing. She hated feeling vulnerable, especially in front of a stranger. “I’ll leave now,” she said curtly, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

Before she could stand, he moved closer, his presence towering yet calm. “Not a good idea,” he said, his tone firm but not unkind. “You’re not in any condition to go anywhere.”

“I’ll decide that,” Trishi snapped, her fingers gripping the edge of the bed for balance.

He crouched down in front of her, his expression softening ever so slightly. “Listen,” he said quietly, “I know you don’t trust me, but I’m not your enemy. Stay until you’ve healed. After that, you’re free to go.”

Trishi studied him, her mind dissecting every word, every gesture. There was something about him—something unnervingly familiar. But she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“And why should I trust you?” she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

His smirk returned, this time edged with something darker. “Because if I wanted to harm you, I wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of saving you.”

Trishi hated that his logic made sense. She leaned back slightly, her body betraying her exhaustion. “Fine,” she muttered. “But don’t expect me to stay long.”

Veer Oberoi straightened, his eyes briefly flickering with something unreadable. “We’ll see,” he said, his voice low.

As he left the room, Trishi’s gaze followed him. Her instincts screamed at her to be wary, but there was an unshakable feeling that this man knew more about her than he was letting on.

Alone in the silence, Trishi’s fingers brushed against the bracelet she always wore—a simple piece of silver that once belonged to her elder brother. The memory of his laughter, his strength, and the promise she made to avenge him burned fiercely in her heart.

This man—whoever he was—wouldn’t distract her. She’d find the mastermind behind her family’s tragedy, no matter the cost.

But as the door clicked shut, Veer stood on the other side, his expression unreadable. Watching her from the shadows, he whispered to himself, “You’re not ready to know the truth, Trishi Sen. Not yet.”