29| Anklet

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As I steered the car down the winding road, a soothing wave of relief washed over me, calming my frazzled nerves

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As I steered the car down the winding road, a soothing wave of relief washed over me, calming my frazzled nerves. We were finally safe, sheltered from the dangers that lurked in every shadow. The weight of responsibility lifted, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

But my relief was short-lived, as guilt and shame crept in, taunting me. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had failed her, that I hadn't protected her as I should have. The events of the last night replay in my mind like a haunting melody, each note a reminder of my mistakes.

I recalled the fear etched on her face, the distress that clouded her eyes. I had been so caught up in my own emotions that I hadn't considered hers. I should have asked for her consent, respected her boundaries. Instead, I had claimed her as mine, without ever considering her feelings.

Regret gnawed at me, making it impossible to meet her gaze. I couldn't bear the thought of facing her, of seeing the accusation in her eyes. But then, Viraj arrived, and everything changed.

I pulled into my farmhouse, my eyes scanning the surroundings. With gentle care, I lifted Tara's sleeping form from the passenger seat and carried her to my bedroom. Her limp body felt fragile in my arms, a reminder of my responsibility.

I laid her on the bed, covering her with a duvet. As I turned to leave, my gaze fell upon her trembling body.

She was having a nightmare.

My heart clenched, I rushed back to her side. "Tara, wake up," I whispered urgently, shaking her gently.

Her eyelids fluttered open, confusion etched on her face. "Surya?"

"You were having a nightmare," I explained.

Tara sat up, still scared and hugged me tightly while trembling. "Please don't leave me, I am scared" she stammered.

My heart softened. "Shh! Relax, I am here".

She broke the hug and her eyes met mine, shimmering with tears.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "For everything. I should have protected you better."

Tara's hand reached up, her fingers tracing my jaw. "You did protect me, Surya."

My grip tightened. "I won't fail you again, Tara. I promise."

We sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, the darkness outside fading away.

As I broke away from the hug, Tara's confused expression hinted at her uncertainty about my next move. 

I stood up and walked to the side drawer. I opened it and took out the pair of anklets I had taken from Tara that night. She had been very desperate to get them back, and I remembered the look of sadness in her eyes. I turned around and sat in front of her, the anklets resting in my palms.

Tara looked confused, wondering what I was doing. Her eyes scanned my face, searching for answers. But when she saw the anklets, her face lit up. Her eyes sparkled with surprise and joy, and a soft smile spread across her lips.

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