Retributed And Redempted Love

Chapter 47

In the middle of night, Saakshi stirred awake, her lashes fluttering in the dim light of the room. The first thing she felt was warmth—the steady weight of an arm near her head, fingers tangled lightly in her hair. Her breath hitched.

Shravan.

He had fallen asleep beside her, his hand still caressing her hair as though even in slumber, his instinct was to soothe her. For a fleeting moment, shock jolted through her at his nearness. But then, as her gaze lingered, her lips curved faintly, almost against her will. He looked so unguarded, so vulnerable, his features softened in sleep.

Her cheeks flushed when her eyes drifted lower. His shirt was loosened, the top three buttons undone, revealing the strong lines of his chest. She quickly looked away, only to have her gaze snag again on something unusual.

There—just beneath the opening—something faint, almost like scribbling.

Saakshi’s brows knit. She shifted slightly, peeking, but the angle didn’t let her see it clearly. A pout escaped her lips in frustration.

Even when Shravan had been half-dressed in front of her earlier, her attention was never on such details with Shivu awake around.After a hesitant glance around, making sure no one else was near, she carefully tugged at the fabric, just enough to reveal what was hidden.

And froze.

Her breath stuttered. Her eyes widened.

Over his heart, etched into his very skin, was her name.

Saakshi.

The world seemed to tilt. Tears welled up instantly, spilling over as little sobs escaped her throat. Her heart pounded so wildly she thought it might burst.

He stirred at the sound, shifting faintly, his hand brushing against her hair again. Panicked, she quickly wiped her tears and patted him lightly, coaxing him back into deeper sleep.

Her gaze returned to that name, to the undeniable truth carved into his chest. Her name—his secret.

A fresh wave of confusion and ache tore through her. Had he ever truly betrayed her? Or had he been punishing himself all along while making her believe otherwise?

Saakshi pressed her lips together, holding back another sob, her whole being caught between disbelief, anger, and a yearning she didn’t dare admit.

Her fingers itched to trace the letters, to demand an answer — why, when, how. But she clenched them into a fist. Forcing the truth out of him would be easier, but she didn’t want to force him. If this tattoo meant something… if she still meant something… then she wanted to hear it from him, in his own voice, when he chose to tell her.

So she swallowed her questions, letting her heart throb silently in the dark, keeping the discovery tucked away as her secret.

-

Morning,

Aadhi entered the room, his eyes darting immediately to the empty bed. His brows furrowed, suspicion flashing across his face.

Just then, the bathroom door opened.

Shravan stepped out, carrying Saakshi carefully in his arms. Her nightgown clung fresh against her frame, hair still damp, her face pale but calm against his chest.

Aadhi’s fists clenched at his sides, his protective instincts flaring. His voice was low, controlled, but edged.
“Where is her caretaker?”

Saakshi opened her mouth to reply, but hesitation held her.

Shravan, without looking away from Aadhi, spoke instead.
“She left long ago. Her daughter is unwell.”

The words struck like a quiet blow. Saakshi stiffened in his arms, panic flooding her chest. He had said it — the truth she had carefully avoided, the truth she feared might make Aadhi turn against him.