TejRan - Arranged Love

🔅CHAPTER 23🔅

Back with this one. Happy reading.

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The night was quiet, with the occasional rustling of leaves as the wind brushed against the trees outside the Kundrra mansion. Karan stepped into his room, running a hand through his hair, frustration still evident in his eyes. His heart was in turmoil-Tejasswi had broken down in front of him, and for the first time, he had seen her vulnerable. But the pain of her not trusting him still lingered, making it hard for him to forget.

Just as he turned toward his balcony, he heard a faint stumbling noise. His brows furrowed, and he spun around, only to see Tejasswi at the door, trying to step inside. But before she could take another step, her foot wobbled, and she lost balance.

"Tejasswi!" Karan called out, rushing toward her.

In the blink of an eye, he caught her just before she hit the floor, his strong arms wrapping around her waist as she collapsed against him. Her body was limp, her head resting against his chest, and her warm breath fanned his skin. Karan's hold on her tightened instinctively. Even in her drunken state, even after everything that had happened, she still fit perfectly in his arms-like she belonged there.

He swallowed hard, his heart betraying him as it pounded against his ribs. His fingers brushed against her cheek, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her face looked so peaceful, so different from the woman who had fought back her emotions all this time.

"Tejasswi?" he called softly, giving her a slight shake.

No response.

Karan's concern grew as he moved his palm to her forehead, checking if she had a fever. But it wasn't the fever-it was the alcohol. She had completely passed out.

"Damn it, Teju. Kya kar diya tumne apne saath?" he muttered under his breath.

With a sigh, he carefully adjusted her in his arms, securing his grip before lifting her completely. He looked down at her sleeping face, a part of him aching at how exhausted she looked. He wished things were different. He wished she had trusted him from the beginning.

As much as he was angry at her, he couldn't leave her like this. He knew she wouldn't be safe anywhere but home.

"I'll drop you back," he whispered, carrying her out of his room and heading toward the main door.

Little did he know, the night wasn't over yet.

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Karan stood outside the grand entrance of Mehra Mansion, Tejasswi still unconscious in his arms. The night breeze sent a slight shiver down his spine, but his focus remained on the woman he held close. His jaw tightened as he exhaled sharply before pressing the doorbell.

A few moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Pragya. The warmth of the dimly lit hallway behind her cast a glow on her face, but the moment her eyes landed on Tejasswi-limp and unconscious in Karan's arms-her expression turned into sheer panic.

"Ladoo!" she gasped, her heart clenching as she took a step closer.

Her hands instinctively reached out to touch her daughter's face, gently patting her cheek, trying to wake her up. But Tejasswi didn't stir. Pragya's throat tightened in worry.

"Karan, yeh kya hua? Why is she unconscious?" Pragya asked, her voice laced with concern.

Karan let out a tired sigh, adjusting his hold on Tejasswi.