𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆

PART-26

FLASHBACKS TO THE 31ST NIGHT

As the door thudded shut behind them, Sanam wrapped her arms around Kabir's waist, pressing her cheek against the soft cotton of his sweater. "Oh, Kabir, I love you so much," she whispered. "For a second, I thought you'd left me." A wide smile spread across her face, and her eyes drifted closed as she inhaled the warmth of his presence.

Kabir's fingers curled around her wrist, sending a gentle shiver down her spine. He pulled her before him, eyes locking onto hers - unblinking. His fingers brushed against her hand, trailing upward until they rested on her shoulder, then cupped her cheeks. "Who were those boys, baby?" he whispered with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Sanam's throat bobbed as she met his gaze. Her lips parted momentarily before shutting again. Tilting her head to the side, she let a faint smile linger on her lips and hugged him tightly, resting her face against his chest. "You know that," she murmured, her voice muffled against his sweater. "Rudraksh is my ex. Karan - I had nothing to do with him. And the other guy, I don't know him."

Kabir's hands slid around her waist, caressing her spine in a soothing rhythm. His fingers trailed upward toward her exposed neck, tracing the contours of her hairline before curling around the loose strands-

-and he pulled them taut.

Sanam's head jerked backward. Her hands instinctively reached behind to grasp Kabir's wrist, urging him to release his grip. Her lips parted in pain as tears welled up in her wide eyes.

"What are you doing, Kabir?! It hurts!"

Kabir's grip tightened in her hair. "You lied to me," he hissed through gritted teeth. "When did you break up with him?"

"T-two years ago," Sanam stammered, a tear rolling down her cheek from the pain.

Kabir's chest heaved. He caught her chin in his free hand, his fingers digging deep into her cheeks. "Two years?" he repeated. "Who are you trying to fool, huh? For two years, was he crying over your rejection?" He jerked her face sharply to the side before letting go of her hair.

Sanam bent forward, gasping as her trembling fingers probed the tender spot on the back of her head. Straightening up, she looked at him with teary eyes. "I-I'm telling the truth! Believe me." She stepped closer, clutching his arms firmly.

Kabir's forehead creased as his eyes darted between her tear-stained face and unsteady breathing.

Sanam's grip tightened on his arms, her fingers digging into his sleeves. "He's taking revenge on me! He's manipulative, Kabir! You don't know him," she sobbed. "He can go to any lengths to get what he wants. He's crazy jealous! That's why I broke up with him." Her voice cracked. "Believe me. I'm telling the truth. I love you, Kabir. Why would I lie to you?"

She leaned closer, her body almost pressing against his. Guiding his hand to her stomach, her fingers intertwined with his. For a moment, her smile seemed almost... rehearsed before her expression broke again, tears flooding her eyes.

Kabir's gaze lingered on their joined hands, his eyes fixed on the gentle curve of her belly.

Sanam's eyes never left his, her face a fragile mask of vulnerability.

Kabir's lips curled into a cold smirk as he yanked her closer by the waist. "You think you're too smart?" he whispered, brushing his thumb against her lips.

With a menacing smile, he continued, "Now tell me the truth, darling... unless you want me to cut you into pieces and feed them to the street dogs." He leaned in, his breath ghosting over her skin, his lips grazing hers in a cold, calculated kiss.