EASHAN - THE DESTROYER

Part 15

Avika sat on the plush window seat, her eyes following the gentle sway of the garden trees outside. There was a strange peace in the quiet evening, but it was deceptive. Inside, her mind felt like a puzzle missing critical pieces. She didn't remember the accident, her past, or even falling in love with Eashan. Yet, his presence felt overwhelming, like a protective wall she couldn't escape.

The door creaked open, and Eashan walked in, his eyes immediately finding hers. "Avika," he said softly, his voice warm yet commanding. "Why are you sitting here all alone? Are you feeling unwell?"

She turned to him, the corners of her lips lifting in a faint smile. "I'm fine, Eashan. Just... thinking."

He moved closer, his gaze piercing but tender, as though every fiber of his being was tuned to her. "Thinking about what, my love? You shouldn't stress yourself. It's not good for your recovery."

Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her shawl. "It's just... sometimes I feel like there's something I'm missing. Like I'm standing in someone else's life."

Eashan crouched in front of her, his hands gently taking hers. "Avika, your mind is playing tricks on you because of the accident. But I'm here to guide you through this. Trust me."

She tilted her head, her brows furrowing. "I do trust you, Eashan. But why don't I remember us? Falling in love, getting married-it's all so... blank."

His jaw tightened, but his smile never wavered. "That's because your mind is healing. The memories will come back with time. Until then, let me hold onto them for both of us. Isn't that enough?"

She looked into his eyes, searching for answers but finding only more questions. "What if they don't come back?"

"Then we'll make new ones," he said firmly, his grip on her hands tightening ever so slightly. "As long as you're with me, that's all that matters."

Before she could respond, a loud bang echoed from downstairs. Avika flinched, her heart racing.

Eashan stood swiftly, his posture tense. "Stay here," he commanded, his voice sharp but not unkind.

"Eashan-"

"I mean it, Avika," he cut her off, his gaze softening. "Let me handle this. You're safe with me. Always."

Avika watched him leave, her chest tightening with unease. Moments later, muffled voices drifted upstairs-one unfamiliar and frantic. Curiosity gnawed at her. Against her better judgment, she crept toward the staircase and peeked down.

At the base of the stairs stood a woman, her hair disheveled, her face lined with desperation. She pointed an accusing finger at Eashan.

"You can't keep her like this, Eashan! She deserves to know who she is!"

Eashan's voice was calm, chillingly so. "Leave, or you'll regret stepping into my house."

"I won't leave without her!"

Avika's breath caught. She didn't understand what the woman meant, but something inside her stirred-a flicker of recognition, quickly smothered by fear.

"Avika," Eashan's voice floated up the stairs, startling her. His gaze locked onto hers, a mix of relief and warning. "Go back to your room."

The woman looked up, her eyes pleading. "Avika, don't listen to him! He's lying to you!"

Eashan's expression darkened. "Enough!"

The woman tried to move past him, but Eashan grabbed her arm, his grip unyielding. "You don't belong here. Leave, now."

Avika's mind swirled in confusion. Her heart told her to trust Eashan, her savior. But the woman's words planted a seed of doubt.

"Eashan," she called softly, her voice trembling, "who is she?"

He turned to her, his gaze softening as if trying to shield her from the chaos. "No one you need to worry about. I'll handle this."

But deep inside, Avika couldn't shake the feeling that the truth she'd been seeking was closer than ever-and more dangerous than she could imagine.

.....