"Behind the mask of innocence lies a hunger for revenge, where power reigns supreme and secrets dictate the game."
•••
Ananya's light conceals dark shadows.
Secrets fester.
Revenge fuels.
Betrayal lingers.
Obsession rules.
What will Trayaksh do whe...
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"Aap kabhi bhi galat nahi ho sakti," Trayaksh said frantically, his words tumbling out as he tried to make her understand.
(You can never be wrong,)
Ananya sat at the table, her head nestled in his chest, trembling as Trayaksh cradled her head with one hand and gently soothed her back with the other.
"Then bring him back. I don't call him Chacha for nothing. He's family."
Trayaksh's heart clenched at her words, the weight of her pain pressing on him.
"I will. Right away," He said, his voice dropping with an urgency that reflected his desperation to ease her distress. He pulled out his phone, typing quickly for a bit before turning the screen towards her. "Look, I texted Khan. Alok will be home by tomorrow morning. You'll see him soon."
His eyes lingered on her face, filled with regret as he gently wiped away the tears that had begun to spill down her cheeks.
"Please don't cry, baby," He whispered hoarsely, the sight of her pain tearing him up inside. "I can't bear it. Seeing you like this... it's breaking me."
"And apologize to Chachi," She added instead, ignoring his attempt to soothe her as she swatted his chest to show him that she was serious about her words.
"I will. I will," He replied hurriedly, almost obediently.
Trayaksh held her tighter, his hand cupping the back of her head firmly, as if he could shield her from everything that hurt.
"Look at you," He rasped, his voice cracking. "It destroys me to see you like this. Aap dard mein hoti hain toh mujhe bohot takleef hoti hai." He pressed his lips to her temple, murmuring, "Hush now, bas kariye... every precious tear these beautiful eyes shed feels like a knife to my soul, Kenzi. Your pain doesn't just stay with you. It reaches me too. Can't you see that?"
(When you are in pain, it hurts me deeply.)
(enough...)
Her shoulders shook against him, and when she looked up, her eyes were red, filled with unshed tears.
"Can't you?" Her voice cracked as she looked up suddenly. "Can't you see that it's you who's hurting me?"
Trayaksh's pained expression deepened, a nerve in his jaw ticked, muscles clenching as he struggled to speak.
"I never wanted to hurt you," He breathed. "I just..."
"You just wanted to see if I trusted you, right?" Ananya finished his sentence as her lips curled into a faint, bitter smile.
