Isha instinctively stepped back as she saw him coming closer, her pulse racing in sheer terror. Her hands trembled as she clutched the edge of her lehenga, trying to put as much distance as possible between herself and the man she feared the most.
“Ishu beta, don’t you miss your dadu, huh?” Keshav asked, his grin widening, his voice laced with false affection.
Isha shook her head vigorously, her body stiff with fear. “No… never… leave me alone!” she choked out, tears spilling down her cheeks. Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet the desperation in her tone was unmistakable.
Keshav sighed dramatically, tilting his head. “Are beta, why are you crying?” he cooed, stepping closer.
Before she could react, his cold, wrinkled fingers wrapped around her wrist. The touch sent a violent shudder down her spine. A sickening wave of fear surged through her, making her feel lightheaded.
Her vision blurred. The walls around her spun, her breathing turned shallow, and before she knew it—darkness consumed her.
She collapsed.
Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as her body went limp, hitting the floor with a soft thud.
At that exact moment, the door swung open.
“Di!” Akshara’s panicked voice echoed in the room as she froze at the doorway, her eyes widening in horror at the sight before her. Keshav turned sharply, his expression shifting as he saw her standing there.
Without hesitation, Akshara rushed forward, pushing past Keshav to kneel beside Isha. She gently lifted her limp form, cradling her as she checked for any sign of consciousness.
“What happened to her?” Keshav asked, feigning concern, his tone too smooth, too calculated.
Akshara didn’t even glance at him. She clenched her jaw and spoke firmly, her voice unwavering. “Leave, Nanu.”
A flicker of something unreadable passed through Keshav’s eyes. He wanted to say something, but after looking at the situation, he decided against it. Instead, he let out a small sigh and turned, exiting the room without another word.
The moment he left, Akshara let out a shaky breath. Her fingers trembled as she tapped Isha’s pale face gently. “Di… wake up,” she whispered urgently. When there was no response, she quickly grabbed a glass of water from the side table and sprinkled a few drops onto Isha’s face.
Isha stirred, her eyelashes fluttering slightly before she slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze was unfocused, but as soon as she registered Akshara’s presence, her eyes filled with fresh tears.
Akshara sighed in relief and helped her sit up, bringing the glass of water to her lips. “Drink this,” she murmured softly.
Isha obeyed, taking small sips as her breathing steadied. The moment the glass was empty, she clung to Akshara, burying her face into her shoulder.
Akshara rubbed soothing circles on her back. “Everything is fine. Kuch nahi hua hai. Theek hai? Calm down.” Her voice was gentle, reassuring.
Isha only tightened her grip, nodding slightly, trying to convince herself that she was safe now.
Moments later, Shivani walked in, her gaze instantly falling on Isha’s pale face and shaken form. Her brows furrowed. “What happened?” she asked, concern evident in her voice.
“Nothing,” Akshara answered quickly, not wanting to create unnecessary panic on such an important day.
Shivani studied her for a second but didn’t push further. Instead, she sighed and said, “Okay then. Pandit ji is calling Isha. Do her touch-up quickly and bring her downstairs.”
YOU ARE READING
Hidden Marriage
RomanceIsha Sehrawat, a 22-year-old introverted and clumsy college girl, had always lived in her own quiet world. But her life takes an unexpected turn when she learns that her father has arranged her marriage to his old friend's son-Abhinav Singh, a man e...
