Twisted Scars (Ongoing)

25. I exist, but only for her

Author's POV

"Ah, look who's here" the man in his late twenties said, his eyes trailing over Itha from head to toe.

Itha felt a wave of discomfort under his gaze. Her heart pounded loudly as she stood frozen, staring at the very person she had hoped to leave behind in Chicago. a nightmare from her past she thought she'd escaped. The man before her wasn't just a stranger; he was her ex. The one responsible for her nightmares. The idea of a fresh start began slipping away like sand through her fingers.

Itha took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice steady despite the storm within.

"I came to see you," he replied his tone dripping with a sultry arrogance that made her stomach churn. "Not missing me, love?"

The words hung in the air thick and suffocating as Itha fought the wave of nausea rising within her.

"Love? Don't call me that. And missing you? In your dreams. I'm better off without you," she said, turning to leave.

Before she could go, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him.

"What the hell are you doing, Mahir Malhotra? Let go of me, you bastard!" Itha yelled, glaring at him. But did he care? No.

"I never knew you were so feisty back then. Now, you look hot. you know? Why did I never notice before? Who cares? I'm here now. Why don't we start over? What do you say?" Mahir said his grip tightening as Itha struggled to break free.

"Never. I'd rather die than be with you. Get your hands off me, or you'll see the worst of me," Itha said, her voice steady not betraying even a wrinkle of fear. The truth was, she was terrified but she masked it brilliantly. With a sudden burst of strength, she pushed him hard making him stumble back.

"You... how dare you? You bitc—" Mahir began, his voice rising in anger.

"Complete that word, and you'll be buried six feet under," Reyansh roared, cutting him off with a thunderous voice.

Seeing Reyansh, Itha felt a wave of security wash over her and ran to him. As she reached him, he held her hand tightly, silently conveying that he had her back and wouldn't let anything happen to her.

Just then, Rahul and Kabir arrived hearing some noises

"And who are you to say this?" Mahir demanded angrily, his eyes narrowing at their intertwined hands.

"It's none of your business" Reyansh replied as calmly as he can but he was anything but calm

Rahul and Kabir exchanged puzzled glances before asking "What's going on here?"

"That's exactly what I want to know. Who are you guys, and why are you interfering between me and my girlfriend?" Mahir spat, his teeth clenched in frustration.

Itha's grip tightened as she felt Reyansh's hold momentarily loosen. Reyansh raised an eyebrow at her like "who is he" and as she met his gaze and understood what he is asking she silently gestured that she would explain everything later.

"I AM NOT YOUR GIRLFRIEND!" Itha shouted, her voice full of anger

tina who came out from the washroom looking at the scene in front of her. She was about to approach Itha when Kabir gently held her hand and said, "Let her be with Reyansh." She nodded, neither pulling her hand away nor Kabir letting go.

"Come on, love. I know I made a mistake but that doesn't mean you have to say things like this," Mahir pleaded, his voice dripping with desperation.

"Enough!" Reyansh roared, his voice echoing with authority. "She is not your girlfriend. You heard her, didn't you? Stay away from her if you value your life. Understood?" His piercing gaze bore into Mahir, leaving no room for argument.