#1st Book in 'Tangled Series.'
Revenge and Love, I was tangled between both of these. Once I loved but that love took everything from me, it destroyed me inside out. At that time, Revenge was my only hope. I decided Vengeance would be my endgame. I...
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It really feels like a miracle for me.
I clawed my way back from the brink, a miracle perhaps, a testament to prayers whispered for me, or maybe just the stubborn grip of my love for Aarush. I'm alive, breathing, but my wound screams in protest. That bastard did a thorough job, nearly succeeding. The terror of never seeing my loved ones again, of leaving Aarush to bear the burden alone, still haunts me. Three weeks. Three agonizing weeks he suffered.
Our last real conversation was in the ICU, right after my surgery. Since then, he visits, attends to my every need, yet he avoids my gaze, avoids speaking to me. He’s silent, distant.
I try to bridge the chasm, but he deflects my attempts with excuses, leaving me adrift in a sea of unanswered questions. I messed up, I know I did, terribly. Today, I'm being discharged, though far from fully healed. The wound needs constant care.
My brother wanted to take me home, but Malhotra Mansion is my home now. There, surrounded by my family, I'll mend things with Aarush, win him back completely. “Riti, are you sure about going to Malhotra Mansion?” My brother's voice cuts through my thoughts. “Yeah,” I nod.
“Everyone there knows now. Can you face them?” he asks, his concern palpable. I offer a small smile.
“Of course, Eatta. They're my family.” I squeeze his hand.
“Just take care of yourself. No stressful work,” he cautions, stroking my hair.
“Do you think your brother-in-law will let me? He'll treat me like a baby,” I laugh, a light sound. He chuckles too. The door opens, and Aarush enters. His eyes barely graze mine before settling on my brother.
"Discharge is complete. We should go," he says, then looks at me. "Dhriti, where will you stay?" Dhriti! He hasn't called me that in ages, always Riti or Babydoll. A muscle twitches in Aarush's jaw.
"Malhotra Mansion," I reply, a shrug accompanying my words. And I think, just think, I saw a flicker of something in his eyes… something other than the cold distance.
•❀•
One week. Just one single week and still Aarush hasn't spoken a word to me. I'm here, in the grand Malhotra Mansion, surrounded by the usual hustle and bustle. The gardens are as lush and beautiful as ever, the staff is attentive and kind, and my family and friends continue to shower me with their warmth and care. But despite all this, a heavy silence hangs between Aarush and me.
He's still the same caring husband in every other aspect; he ensures that I have everything I need, that I'm comfortable and well-provided for. Yet, the walls he's built around us, around our communication, feel like an insurmountable barrier. I can't take this anymore.
The isolation is suffocating, and the lack of connection is eating away at me. Enough is enough. Today, if my name is Dhriti Aarush Malhotra, I will do whatever it takes to break through this silence. I will make him talk to me, even if it means confronting every unresolved issue and every unspoken hurt that has led us to this point. Our marriage is worth more than this silent treatment, and I refuse to let it continue any longer.
