Love lies

Chapter 43- The final battle

The air, once cheerful and bright, was now poisoned with tension and suspense that no one chose to name. As Rocky rode back to the palace, the words replayed in his head like a broken record.

"The warrant isn't for you. Its for.........Reena"

"The warrant isn't for you. Its for.........Reena"

"The warrant isn't for you. Its for.........Reena"

He slammed the steering wheel in frustration, running another hand through his hair. He had to come up with a solution and come up with it fast.

For the first time, Rocky didn't have the upper hand. It was kill or be killed. He couldn't risk waiting for something to happen, but he also couldn't risk complications if he told Reena now, it could harm their baby.

The stress would be detrimental. The familiar twinkle of the palace lights came to view and Rocky exited the car, plastering on a small smile as passers by called out to him, telling him how lovely the baby shower was.

Rocky strutted upstairs, his hands shaking besides him as he clenched them together tightly. He stood outside their room door, inhaling a deep breath. Inside, it was quiet-too quiet.

Rocky stepped in, jaw clenched, eyes darker than usual. He shut the door behind him slowly. Reena, hummed softly as she read her book.

The click of the lock drifted her attention towards Rocky as she turned, smiling warmly. "Your back, how did everyone find the event?" Reena asked and Rocky faked a smile, nodding his head.

She eyed him, her smile fading slightly as she notices his tension. "Yeah, yeah- it was nice. Everyone loved it, said you looked beautiful too" he murmured, walking aimlessly around the room.

"Is everything alright Rocky boy, you seem tense. Did something happen?" Reena asked softly, setting her book down.

Rocky, avoiding eye contact, shook his head. "No everything is fine. Just been a long day" he said, finally meeting her eyes.

He reached out, resting his hand on her belly. Her hand covered his, gently entwining their fingers.

"Okay but if something did happen, you know you can tell me right? Ill find out eventually" she said and he looked into her eyes, his own flickering with pain and fury barely held in check.

He wanted to speak-but he stopped himself.

"There's nothing you need to worry about right now. Just... need some sleep, that's all" he lied, swallowing the lump in his throat.

Reena studied him, searching his face. "Come here" she gestured, opening her arms out to him and he sighed softly, walking over.

Rocky leaned forward, kissed her forehead gently, and pulled her into an embrace-tight, protective. Like he's afraid she might vanish.

His eyes burned with unspoken rage. Behind them, Ramika Sen's betrayal played on repeat in his mind.

But tonight-he said nothing.

................................................

The night was long and relenting for Rocky. He stayed awake, each second passing by, his grip on Reena tightened, as if to protect her from the inevitable.

As the early hours of the morning arrived, Rocky got up, calling one last emergency meeting with Vanaram and Chacha.

Vanaram and Chacha sat by the large table, paper scattered everywhere as the air laced with thick tension. The door burst open.