His second wife (#SaRaj)

28) Ashika recollecting her old times in her bad days.

Ashika's heart sank as Arsh ushered another client into her room. The familiar dread crept up her spine.

"Please," she whispered, eyes shut tight.

The client's leering gaze made her skin crawl.

Arsh's menacing voice echoed in her mind: "Cooperate, or Kiaan suffers."

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.

Was cheating on Rajat her punishment? Had she deserved this fate?

Ashika's thoughts swirled:

"Rajat, if only you knew...I'm trapped."

The client's hands reached for her.

Ashika steeled herself.

"No more," she vowed silently. "I'll find a way out."

With newfound determination, Ashika opened her eyes.

"Arsh," she called out, her voice firm.

Arsh appeared at the doorway.

"I'm done," Ashika said, her voice steady. "I quit."

Arsh's smirk twisted. "You think you can walk away?" Ashika stood tall.

"I'll report you to the authorities." Arsh's eyes narrowed.

"Kiaan..." Ashika's resolve hardened. "I'll protect my son, no matter what."

Arsh's grip on Ashika's hair tightened, his fingers twisting into a vicious fist. The slap sent her crashing to the floor.

"You think you can escape?" Arsh sneered, his foot kicking her ribs.

Ashika curled into a ball, pain exploding through her body. "No...please," she begged.

Arsh's abuse continued, each blow crushing her spirit. "You're mine, Ashika. Forever."

Tears streamed down her face as she realized: There was no escape. No rescue. No way out.

Arsh's grip on her throat tightened. "You'll never leave me," he hissed.

Ashika's vision blurred, darkness closing in. Just as all hope seemed lost...

A faint memory flashed: Rajat's gentle touch. His reassuring smile.

His promise: "I'll always protect you."

.......

As Ashika's mind wandered, she found herself transported to a time when life was simpler, when love was pure, and when happiness was within reach. The memories of her past life came flooding back, like a gentle stream meandering through the landscape of her mind.

She remembered the warmth of her former home, the laughter that echoed through its walls, and the love that radiated from every corner. Ashika's heart swelled with nostalgia as she recalled the countless moments she had shared with Rajat and their little boy, Kiaan.

In her mind's eye, Ashika saw herself sitting on the couch, Kiaan giggling in Rajat's arms. The soft glow of the evening sun cast a golden light on the scene, imbuing it with a sense of serenity and contentment. Ashika's eyes sparkled with tears as she remembered the way Rajat's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, the way Kiaan's tiny hands wrapped around her finger, and the way their little family felt whole and complete.

As the memory played out in her mind, Ashika felt a pang of regret. She thought about the choices she had made, the mistakes she had committed, and the consequences that had followed. "If only..." she sighed, her voice barely above a whisper. "If only I hadn't left Rajat...if only I hadn't trusted Arsh..."

The memories of her happy family now taunted her, a constant reminder of what she had lost. Ashika's battered body slumped against the floor, her mind racing with thoughts of the past and the future. She knew what she had to do. Not for love, not for reconnection, but for apology. Rajat deserved to know the truth. About Arsh, about Kiaan, about her mistakes.

With a newfound determination burning within her, Ashika slowly stood up, her battered body trembling with effort. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges that lay ahead. She would face the consequences of her actions. And pray Rajat would listen.

....

Ashika's eyes welled up with tears as she pushed open the door to Kiaan's room. Her heart swelled with emotion as she saw her little boy engrossed in his PlayStation game, his brow furrowed in concentration. For a moment, Ashika forgot about her own pain and suffering, and all she could think about was the overwhelming love she felt for her child.

She limped over to Kiaan, her battered body aching with every step. But she didn't let that stop her. She gently sat down beside Kiaan and stroked his hair, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

"Baby, can you give your phone to mama?" Ashika asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Kiaan looked up from his game, his eyes squinting slightly. "It's on the table," he replied, his voice distracted.

Ashika's eyes flicked to the table, where the landline phone sat. She knew she couldn't use her own phone to contact Rajat - Arsh would find out, and she would pay the price. But the landline was a different story. If Arsh found out, she could blame it on Kiaan.

Ashika stood up, wincing in pain as she put weight on her bruised body. She limped over to the table and picked up the phone, her hands shaking as she dialed Rajat's number.

As she waited for him to pick up, Ashika's mind was flooded with memories of her past mistakes. She thought about the way she had hurt Rajat, the way she had left him without explanation. Her eyes filled with tears as she remembered the pain she had caused.

And then, suddenly, Rajat's voice was on the other end of the line. Ashika knew that if he recognized her voice, he would hang up immediately. So she took a deep breath and spoke in a rush, her words tumbling out in a desperate bid for help.

"I'm sorry, please save me," Ashika whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

.........................................................................

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So Things are going to spicy now.