Shadowed Desires

Chapter 29

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One Week Later...

Kritika and Atharv’s life was flowing peacefully. Along with crossing the lines of physical intimacy, they had grown closer in every aspect of love.

They loved spending time together. Both tried to return home on time from work, just so they could have dinner together and enjoy each other's company.

That morning, as he was about to leave for his office, Kritika sat in the living room. Atharv walked toward her, and she looked up. He pulled her into a comforting hug. She stayed still in the warmth of his arms, cocooned in that cosy, homely feeling.

Just as she tried to pull back, he held her tighter, snuggling his face into the crook of her neck.

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Atharv’s P.O.V.

I don’t know why I don’t want to leave her even for a second. I want to secure her in my arms forever. But life doesn’t work like that. I have a strange gut feeling urging me not to let her go. But I can’t compromise on work either—another person’s life is connected to mine. I don’t want her to be deprived of anything—be it love or anything materialistic. My woman deserves everything, and I’ll make sure she gets it.

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He kissed her forehead and gently caressed her hair.

Kritika said, “Suno, aaj thoda jaldi aane ki koshish karna. Mujhe kuch baat karni hai tumse.”
("Listen, try to come early today. I need to talk to you about something.")

Atharv asked, “Abhi bata do woh, usmein kya hai?”
("Just tell me now, what's the issue?")

Kritika replied, “Nahi, abhi nahi. Shaam ko baat karte hain na. Tumhe bhi late ho jaega jaane mein, warna.”
("No, not now. Let’s talk in the evening. Otherwise, you’ll get late for work.")

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Time Skips...

3:00 PM

Atharv was at work, frequently checking the time.

He murmured, “Pata nahi kab ye din guzrega? Waise usko kya batana hoga?”
("Don’t know when this day will end. What does she even want to tell me?")

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Meanwhile, Kritika was busy preparing something special. She stepped back, admiring her work and murmured, “Perfect. Just like my husband.”

She was on cloud nine. Once upon a time, she was in such a broken state that she wanted to crush her own heart so no one could ever hurt her again. But even she didn’t realize when Atharv became her healer—her home.

She had baked a special cake with a message. She told the house help:

“Place it aside in the refrigerator. We’ll take it out when Atharv returns from office.”

Just as she stepped out of the kitchen, her phone rang—it was Aditya.

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Aditya: “Bhabhi, mujhe pata chal gaya hai woh insan kaun tha.”
("Bhabhi, I’ve found out who that person was.")

Kritika: “Kaun hai woh?”
("Who is he?")

Aditya: “Aviraaj Rathore. He's the son of a politician who used to be part of our party. But he lost everything after a scam was exposed. He owns a pharma company and is behind those organ and medication scams. He hates Atharv bhai because he got his father expelled—and you were the one who discovered the scam.”

Kritika listened carefully, absorbing every word.

Aditya: “Now that we know who he is, we need to inform bhai immediately. He will do anything to hurt you.”