Rajas : Passion Unveiled

Chapter 78

Before you read:

I have my exams now so next update in January 2025

Thanks to,

@Musicophile1 @Daneen789 @pfy8t8tc9ygf @LOVEpuraan_29 @Delulume123 @NidhiSharma890 @Nd1381  @Sara98953  @nehazite  @Pranika46  @TheHuntress_A  @aleena_qw  anintrovertnextdoor  @ Ivnastory1234  @ aurarasimom  @Damini09  @whossahiba  @ smexy_stacy   

for your comments. A big thanks to all those who voted.

Target 

260 VOTES

Ayansh's POV

Everyone pretended that the atmosphere wasn't tense during dinner. Avyaan wouldn't meet my eyes. It hurts to see him shy away from me like this. Cowering as if one wrong move and I might explode. But I did. I almost did. And she saw it. I sigh as I get up from the table and head out.

"Ayansh", I stop as I hear papa's voice. He follows me outside. We stand in the hallway, the voices of others from the dining room still audible. "Are you okay?", papa asks, his eyes narrowed in concern. I clear my throat. "Yes", I answer curtly. He sighs heavily and I turn to leave. Why does he even try? There is no point in this conversation-

"Ayu"

I freeze.

I hate the pressure on my chest. I hate how my throat clogs with emotion and eyes fill with tears. Fucking hell, I curse mentally. I hate the effect that word has on me.

"Ayu", he calls again, gently. His voice filled with warmth and affection. God, it's been years since he called me that. Two fucking decades.

I stare at the stairs. One, two, three, four, five, six, s-seven, eigh-t......fuck. He places his hand on my shoulder. I can feel him stand behind me. I swallow the lump in my throat. I don't turn, nor does he make me. 

"I won't defend Avyaan. Because even though we both know he didn't mean it, he was wrong. He is old enough to understand things. Old enough to think before speaking. He is wrong. And you have the right to be angry", his hand tightens on my shoulder. 

"I know it still hurts. But you are not cold and unfeeling. You are worthy of everything. Don't ever forget that. And even if you do, we will remind you. Ishani will remind you", he speaks slowly. Never in my life has papa taken such a soft and tender tone with me. My fists clench in the pockets of my pants. He removes his hand from my shoulder but I can still feel his presence behind me.

"I am sorry it took me so long to reach out to you. I understand if you are upset", papa says. I hate the guilt in his tone. How can he even blame himself? I don't blame him!! I want to tell that to him. But my mouth won't open. My mind won't formulate the words. My eyes fall close as I realise that I indeed am saddened by the fact that none of them reached out to me. Ever.

"I am asking again, Ayu. Are you okay? Is there something you want to say?", he asks quietly. A beat passes. Then two. "No", I reply hoarsely and head upstairs to my room. He doesn't follow me. Because just like everyone he too knows that no one is allowed on my floor. No one other than my Isha. Because she is the only one who recognizes the darkness in me. Who has the strength to look me in the eye and not flinch as I show her my mangled, depraved sides.

But will she really accept me? After she finds out everything.....will she see the same man as before? Will she....stay with me?

I sigh as I open the door. I look around the empty room in confusion. Where is she? My eyes dart to the open bathroom door. "Isha?", I call out but she didn't answer. My pulse races in panic as I rush to the bathroom. Is she okay? Did she fall over or something? Fuck I shouldn't have left her alone-