KAYAMATH (ON HOLD)

Chapter 30

Panchi walked behind Milind, her steps small and hesitant as she carefully managed her saree. Milind, noticing her struggle, slowed his pace. He didn't say a word but adjusted his speed to match hers.

When they reached the car, Milind walked ahead, opened the door himself, and held his hand above the frame to ensure she didn't hit her head while getting in. His gesture was quiet, almost natural, as if he had done it a hundred times before. Then, without a word, he circled the car and got in on the other side.

His subordinates, standing nearby, watched in stunned silence. This was their boss-a man known for his cold and ruthless demeanor, someone who never showed a hint of softness to anyone. Yet here he was, taking care of someone with such quiet tenderness. It was a side of him they had never seen before, and it left them completely surprised.

Panchi, however, was oblivious to their reactions. Even after settling into the car, she didn't notice Milind's thoughtful gestures. Her eyes were glued to the window, lost in the scenery of the night outside. The city lights blurred into streaks as the car sped forward, but her mind wasn't on the view.

She was trying to make sense of everything that had happened. In the span of just a few days, her entire life had turned upside down. Only days ago, she had been dreaming of her wedding with Neev, imagining a future filled with love and happiness. And now, here she was-married to a stranger in a flash wedding.

Her thoughts shifted to the people she had once called her family. She had trusted them, loved them, and lived with them as if they were her own. Yet, in her darkest hour, they had turned their backs on her. Worse, they had insulted her and, even more painfully, her parents.

Her heart clenched at the memory. Could she ever forgive them? Could she ever maintain any sort of relationship with them after what they had done? Did she even have the strength to try?

And then there was Milind-the man sitting silently beside her. She stole a quick glance at him. He sat composed, staring ahead with an unreadable expression. His aura was intimidating, and yet, his actions earlier showed a different side of him.

Can I trust him? she wondered. What kind of man is he? Why did he marry me?

Her mind raced with questions, each one more confusing than the last. She felt like a small boat caught in a storm, tossed and turned in every direction with no anchor in sight.

As the car continued its journey through the quiet night, Panchi replayed the events of the past few days in her mind, trying to find answers, but only finding more uncertainty.

FLASHBACK :-

Panchi's mind wandered to everything that had transpired in the last few days. Her chest felt heavy, and her heart ached with sadness. She had grown up in a sheltered environment, surrounded by love and warmth. Her family-her parents, maternal uncles, aunts, and siblings-had been her entire world.

Even when tragedy struck and they lost everything, her father had shielded her from the harsh realities of life. He had always protected her, keeping her safe under his wings.

But things drastically change after her father's untimely demise, Panchi had been thrust into the unforgiving world alone. Reality was harsh, and she was unprepared for its cruelty.

The memories of the office accusations replayed in her head like a broken record. That night, she couldn't sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she heard their bitter, venomous words. Her chest tightened as the weight of those accusations bore down on her.