Protect my heart (On Hold)

c h a p t e r 29

Happy reading!

ANIKA'S POV

Unknown:
How are you liking my gifts sweetheart?

I have had enough of this person. They've been sending me flowers, dresses that are exactly my size, bangles again exactly my size and that's scary that they know me to this extent, it feels like it's someone close but I cannot for the love of god point out at anyone. If this would have been happening a month ago, I could have doubted Aarav but right now, no chance at all, he genuinely seems so concerned for me and I know he would never want to scare or hurt me.

Me:

STOP SENDING THOSE TO ME. AND STOP CONTACTING ME.

I type furiously, my fingers trembling with a mix of anger and fear.

Unknown: Now, now, sweetheart. That's no way to talk to your secret admirer. I'm just trying to show my love and appreciation towards you.

My eyes widen at the text. Whoever this is, they sound deranged and possessive. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, but it's impossible. The fear is overwhelming. My heart races in my chest, my blood turns cold. I dropped my phone on the bed, A feeling of helplessness washing over me. No matter what I do, this person just wouldn't stop. I had blocked every number this person used to contact me yet somehow they just keep popping up with new numbers. I looked around the room, my eyes glancing at every corner, my heart felt like it was in my throat as I tried to calm myself.

I stand up from the bed, my legs feeling weak as I nervously pace around the room. My mind races with a jumble of thoughts, fear mingling with anger and frustration. Suddenly, my phone vibrates on the bed, breaking the silence and jolting me back to reality. I hesitate for a moment before reaching over to pick it up, my heart pounding in my chest.

Unknown: Don't block me again sweetheart, You think blocking me will stop this? You have until tonight, Anika. Make your choice.

I frown, reading the text.

    Me:
About what?

Unknown:
Leave your husband. Or you will face consequences. Bye, sweetheart. You have tonight.

My heart sinks. I feel tears welling up in my eyes. What am I supposed to do now? I can't tell Aarav; he’ll only worry, and I can't put him in danger. I can't involve the police, this person specifically told me he would hurt Aarav if I tried to take legal help. I feel so helpless, so alone. The tears blur my vision as I stare at the screen. The word 'consequences' echoes in my mind like a ominous prophecy. It could mean any number of things, all of them bad. My heart sinks at the thought of the harm that could come to Aarav, because of me. He doesn't deserve it. Especially when he has already been so hurt because of me once. I have to do something. I can't convince him for leaving me, he won't, I know that. He's only going to question me if I say anything about ending this, and I have signed a legal document saying I will be his wife for six months, he could also use that to make me stay.

Honestly I want to stay, after these years of craving a single glance of him, after all the misunderstandings have vanished, I want to be his if he wishes the same, but something or the other comes between us. Is it a sign? That we're not meant to be together? If that's the case, I want to spend one last night with him. I will run away, at least until this ends, this is the most stupidest idea I have ever had but if it comes to saving Aarav from all this, I will take the idea. But tonight I am going to forget everything and I am going to be his wife. I am his wife, after all, there are so many things I wanted to experience with him, but I won't be able to. A lone tear rolls down my cheek. My phone rings and my heart races as I see Aarav's name flashing over it, he's going to live hundred more years, a small smile form on my face, I pick up the call immediately.

"Hello?" I say, biting my lips as I try to keep my emotions at bay.
"Are you okay?" He asks, concern evident in his voice. I take a deep breath, the sound of Aarav's voice calming my frayed nerves, at least for the moment. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired." I fib, doing my best to sound normal. There's no way I can tell him about the messages. It would only worry him further and he might try to do something stupid to protect me. I can't put him in danger.

I force a small smile, "you're late." I comment. "Why missing me?" He teases.
I roll my eyes at his question, trying to maintain the facade of normalcy. But my heartbeat quickens at the sound of his voice, his playful tone only making me ache for him even more.

"In your dreams," I retort, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "I just got worried, idiot."
"Wow. So you do worry for me." He chuckles. "Of course I do." I whisper, a lump forms in my throat as I fan myself trying to control these damn tears. He's silent for a moment.

"Anika" He murmurs, "What's going on? Where's my firecracker?" He says, his worried voice is making it very difficult for me to not cry. "Stop calling me that." I exclaim. He chuckles.

"I just wanted to inform, I am flying to Mumbai for a deal right now. So I won't be coming back till tomorrow evening." He says. My heart sinks. I guess, I can't spend time with him. I am sorry Aarav, for everything, I wish I was a better friend, I wish we were never parted, I wish we were happily married, not because of any contract but because we wanted to be together. I am sorry I am leaving you, yet again. You deserve much better than me anyways.

"Okay" I whisper, "And Aarav, take care of yourself. Don't work a lot," A tear escapes my eyes, "Don't forget to eat on time and sleep okay? It's important to sleep-" Aarav cuts me off, "Anu I am going for a day." He whispers, "I will be okay, I promise." He says, I cover my mouth to hide the sob that escapes from me, "And you can definitely lecture me about everything when I come back." He laughs and I cry, "Good night Aarav." I mutter, I wait for him to respond when he does not, "Bye Aarav." I say. The call ends, and I collapse onto the bed, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. The tears flow freely now, and I sob into my pillow, feeling the crushing burden of fear and sorrow. I feel like I'm drowning, unable to breathe, unable to see a way out. The room feels colder without him, and I shiver as I pull the blanket tighter around myself. I cry until my eyes are swollen and my throat is raw. Soon darkness engulfs me.

Author's note:
I am so sorry for updating after ages, I am busy with work + I am officially publishing another book on kindle & Amazon so that is eating up all my time! Thank you for being patient.
Love:)