Retributed And Redempted Love

Chapter 38

Initially I planned to wind up the story within 40 chapters but now I have thought of extending it, let me know your opinion whether you want to extend the story or not. About secrets, they will be revealed at correct time as i can't force fit into any chapters. Based on your opinion only I can start drafting the chapters. So please respond in comments

Let's get into the story,

Shravan stood up instinctively, heart racing.

She was there.

Saakshi stood just outside the threshold, barely lifting her eyes. Her face was pale, her shawl wrapped tightly around her, lips trembling as she tried to form the words that refused to come out.

Shravan couldn't move. Not yet.

"I'm sorry for coming like this," she said, her voice low and uncertain. "I... I won't wake him. I just wanted to see him once."

She glanced at Shivu nestled in Shravan's arms, asleep and wrapped in his little blanket.

"I won't disturb anything. Just... just for a moment."

Arjun stepped back silently, the surprise not leaving his eyes, but not blocking her either.

Shravan's gaze never left her.

She stepped inside, slow and careful, like she wasn't sure if she was allowed to breathe in this space.

Her eyes immediately found Shivu. Her steps faltered as she approached-not too close, just near enough to see his face.

He was asleep, lips parted slightly, his small fingers curled into the collar of Shravan's shirt.

Her heart ached.

She swallowed hard, her voice breaking. "Is... is he okay?"

Shravan nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Still shaken. But he's holding on."

Saakshi's hands trembled. Her gaze lingered on Shivu's little face for a long moment.

Then she said it, her voice cracking under the weight of guilt.

"I wasn't supposed to get attached."

Shravan's arms tightened protectively around the sleeping boy.

"I told myself not to... but he called me 'Amma' and I-" her voice caught, "I told him not to call me that. I walked away. I was scared."

She blinked quickly, trying to stop the tears.

Shravan's expression softened painfully.

"I understand," he said quietly, his own voice hoarse. "More than you know."

She looked at him, startled by his tone-not defensive, not angry. Just... raw.

Her lips trembled again, eyes still fixed on Shivu.

"I thought I could stay distant," she whispered. "But he just... fit into my heart."

There was a silence. A gentle, aching silence.

Shravan slowly sat on the couch, lowering Shivu gently into his lap without waking him. His hand brushed Shivu's hair softly.

Saakshi hesitated, then knelt down beside the couch, just close enough to gently touch the hem of the blanket.

Her fingers trembled as she let them rest for a second near Shivu's foot.

"I know I don't have the right to be here..." she whispered, voice tight. "But I had to see him. Just once."