His heart twisted painfully. He cupped her cheek with his free hand, eyes wide with a flicker of panic.
"I'm so sorry," he rasped, his voice breaking. "Did I hurt you?"
Her lips curved into a faint, sorrowful smile that pierced him deeper than any...
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Yuvan's POV:
I loosened my grip on her hand, brushing my thumb gently over her fingers. "Sleep, little one. Stop being stubborn," I murmured.
She gave me that usual faint smile-the one that never quite reached her eyes anymore. "I'm fine, Yuv. It's just slightly painful... it's not that deep," she whispered.
But that didn't soothe the storm inside me. No matter how soft her voice was, I could still hear the tremble hiding beneath. Still, I made her lie down carefully on the bed, adjusting the blanket over her.
"I'll be back. Just rest. No arguments," I said firmly, brushing a strand of hair off her forehead.
With that, I excused myself. I stepped outside. The moonlight seeped through the cracked windows, throwing silver streaks across the floor. I needed to inform everyone-Chacha, Chachi, Maa, megha and everyone, They had all been so worried when I brought her home. Especially Maa.
As I moved I opened the door , I paused. That's when I saw him-my father. He was standing silently by the window, his back straight, hands behind him, eyes fixed on nothing in particular.
I walked up, clearing my throat slightly. "She's okay now," I said quietly.
He turned to face me, the usual sternness in his eyes, but there was something else too-concern, maybe even relief. "She's resting in your room?" he asked.
I nodded. "Yes...Dad"
He was silent for a moment, then gave a slight nod.
The silence of the night wasn't comforting anymore. It felt heavy.
He looked at me, eyes narrowing, and spoke lowly, "I know something is wrong...."
He stepped closer, his tone still calm, but laced with something darker. "But I have faith in you. In all three of you. You're not allowed to break down, not for a girl...am I right?"
My fists clenched.
"She's dragging you into something you don't understand. Don't let your heart fool you. You want someone? I can provide you. Beautiful. Obedient. Moulded for you. I can line up thousands of girls."
I stared at him, stunned, but he wasn't done.
"You think this pain in your chest is love?" he scoffed. "It's a weakness. You're not made for that kind of love, Yuvan. You were built for bigger things, not for tying yourself to a girl."
He continues, voice sharp like a dagger. "Let her go. I can give you the world."
And something inside me snapped.
"I don't need your girls," I growled, my voice low, guttural, shaking. "And I don't want your world if it doesn't have her in it."
He stilled, eyes narrowing. The air between us turned violent, like a storm about to explode.
