Forbidden Mania | 18+

24.

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𝑀𝒾𝓈𝒽𝓀𝒶'𝓈 𝒫𝑜𝓋~

The drive back to my house was quiet, the tension between Arsh and me palpable, almost suffocating. His hand gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white from the pressure.

He hadn't said much since our conversation with Raghav, but I could feel his frustration simmering beneath the surface.

I could barely form coherent thoughts myself, the events of the day crashing over me like an overwhelming wave. The mysterious call, the threat to my life, and worst of all, the mention of my mother. My heart twisted painfully at the thought.

Whoever this person was, they seemed to know far too much about my past. About Kaya, the woman who gave me life and then… left me with nothing not even with memories.

I looked out of the window, trying to focus on the dark streets passing by, but nothing felt real. Not anymore.

Arsh glanced at me briefly, his brow furrowing in concern.

"Mishka…"

I turned to him, my voice shaky as I whispered, "I don’t know what to think anymore, Arsh."

His expression softened, and for a moment, I could see the deep affection in his eyes. The same affection that had always made me feel safe, until that day. Until his mother's words had shattered everything I thought I knew about this world.

"Look." He said, his tone gentle but firm. "We'll get through this. You don't have to go through this alone."

I nodded, forcing a smile, but it didn't quite reach my eyes. "I know… I just… I don't understand why this is happening. Why would someone bring up my mother? What do they want with me?"

Arsh didn't answer immediately. He kept his eyes on the road, his jaw tight. I could see the wheels turning in his head, processing everything.

Finally, he spoke again, his voice low, but resolute. "I'll make sure you're safe, Mishka. No one is going to hurt you. Not while I'm around."

"I'm only dropping you home because you don't find it appropriate to live with me without our marriage. I'll settle this quickly, just give me a week." He said with determination.

I looked at him, the weight of his words sinking into me. It wasn't the first time he had said something like that, but today it felt like a promise, one he intended to keep.

As we neared my house, I could feel the knot in my stomach tighten. The familiarity of my home should have brought me comfort, but now it just felt like a cage. A reminder of everything I'd lost.

Arsh slowed the car as we reached my driveway, the headlights illuminating the dark yard. He turned the engine off but didn't move. He just stared ahead, lost in thought.

I was about to open the door when he finally spoke again, his voice heavy. "Mishka… I don't want you to be alone tonight. Please, stay with me. I'm not letting you face this alone."

His words struck me, but I couldn't bring myself to look at him. What was the right answer? My heart ached at the thought of staying at his place, of being surrounded by people who, if I was being honest with myself, might not understand the full extent of what I was going through.

I shook my head gently, more to myself than to him. "I appreciate it, Arsh. But… I think I need some time to think. I'll be okay. I just need to be alone for a while."