Dusky Moonlight

Chapter- 13(2)

Aadhiyan stood up and blocked her way to confront her. "You can't talk to me like that?" he gripped her hand firmly. His face is devoid of expression.

Rathi was stunned by his action and saw him with fear. "I was talking to you showing all my good side but you just walk over me? Are you taking my words as a joke?" he gritted in anger and his hand slowly twisted her wrist. The rage covered his eyes, for a moment he's not that Aadhiyan who seemed to love her.

"Leave my hand, it's hurting," she pleaded and her eyes welled with tears. Rathi didn't expect this from him, all her beliefs broke in that moment.

"No, you need to learn how to talk to me," he twisted it hard and Rathi cried in pain. All the love, affection and care that she's having for him has come to the point of questioning. Is this his real face? She broke down when he finally left her hand. Seeing her in pain he had a satisfaction sprawling across his face.

She stumbled on the floor with all tears, her hand ached but more than her arm, it's her heart that broke instantly the moment he showed his anger.

"Don't hurt my feelings," Aadhiyan uttered before leaving the house. Rathi can't help but feel pathetic for her situation.

She asked herself a question, Did I said anything that might hurt him?

What did he ask? He asked me whether I will die for him? I said No. He's pissed off to hear that.

So he wants me to die? Finally, she understood what Aadhiyan expects from her but the next moment her eyes widened in shock because he could have heard what she's thinking now.
Wiping her tears Rathi got up and headed to upstairs. She removed the bracelet and threw it on the bed in anger.

Confused about Aadhiyan's change, Rathi stared at the rain which is pouring heavily outside. She only thought why he did this to her for a small denial? He's reflecting Shankari's abusive side to her.

The minutes passed into hours. Rathi's eyes drowsed by sitting in the place and her salty tears dried on her cheeks but her hand slightly aching if she tries to move it.

"Rathi," suddenly she heard Aadhiyan's voice on her head and she opened her eyes widely. She looked around only to find him nowhere.

He's going to turn me crazy, Rathi thought and heard the familiar footsteps approaching from the stairs. Her eyes fixed on the door and Aadhiyan entered inside with a food on his hands. But his face is still carrying the firmness.

"Eat," he placed the plate before her.

"I don't want anything," Rathi shoved it away turning her face to the other side.

"Don't think I'll beg you," "That's your stomach and keeping it healthy is your duty and my duty is to give you food."

"So eat the food and fight with me," Aadhiyan told.

Rathi's stomach growled too; telling that how pity it is compared to her. She took the plate in her hands and turned to the other side. For some time Rathi didn't think anything as her mind is on eating the food.

Aadhiyan saw her bracelet that's lying on the bed. He took that and headed to the cupboard. He pulled a new gold string from one of the boxes and knotted after filling it with the pearls. He placed the bracelet near her.

Completing her lunch Rathi turned to see Aadhiyan's half-naked frame. He's didn't change his clothes after taking bath and he's slightly drenched in the rain. She turned her gaze down and got down from the bed. Awkwardness filled in the air and she crossed him without giving a chance for him to read her mind by keeping it blank.

Rathi washed the plates and placed them on the shelf in the living room. Usually, after eating they will wash the vessels and place it there and Maaran will come and get it. Maaran and the chef she met on the ship will cook daily here. Sometimes Aadhiyan will cook if he's in a good mind.

Not having a wish to go upstairs Rathi stood outside and watched the dripping water from the edges of the roof. She placed her aching hand and it patted water gave a feeling like don't worry, everything will be alright and be strong.

Rathi's eyes welled again in tears because there's no one to say this to her. It's not the first time she's facing abuse but it does matter from who it is coming from. She has never loved Shankari but Aadhiyan-- she's in the altitude of love but he mercilessly pushed her down. She wonders neither she could climb again nor stay safe in the ground healing her wounds.

She returns back to the bedroom with no other option. Aadhiyan was smoking the cigarette and respiring the thick smoke inside the room even knowing that Rathi is not comfortable with the smoke. She stared him helpless and he smirked sensing it.

Hesitantly making her way to the other side of the bed, Rathi sat looking down. "Wear the bracelet in your hands," Aadhiyan told.

She nodded No right away. He got down and sat before her.

"I don't want you to die, Rathi. I am your husband, what I'll do if you leave me," he took her hand and got her attention.
"I hurt both your hands," he lamented in regret. But his emotions doesn't reflect in his face.

"I am sorry, I lost my mind when I hear that reply from you, Rathi."

"I don't know how to love someone, whatever I believe is what I do and speak."

"I can do anything for you and in the same way I asked you whether you will die for me," "It's harsh and crazy, but at that moment I want you to say yes for that."

Rathi sighed hearing Aadhiyan trying to justify his actions.

"Did you ever felt the pain of rejection, I did when you gave a lethargic reply for my love," he told.

Hearing the word love, Rathi turned to him. "I don't love anyone. It's only you, Rathi." He caressed her cheeks.

She can't help but fall in those sweet words. Even though she has thousands of doubts and anger, Rathi decided to give up because there's no way she can fight with the man who tries to submit himself.

"Will you forgive me?" he asked.

"I know you did," Aadhiyan came closer and put the bracelet on her hand.

"Don't hurt me again," she mumbled having tears in her eyes.

"I won't unless you obey me," he said.

"It's very easy, right," he told and Rathi was stuck with words. Strangely Rathi felt there's a change in him, the way his eyes observing at her and his tone isn't like how he used to be in the morning.

"Tell me?" he asked.

"Yes, I will follow whatever you say," she tried to smile.

"That's better," he told and started kissing her face and neck. Rathi hugged him and gave up easily in front of domineering needs. They made love, he's not gentle and kind of rough with her-- painted his nail marks and bites on her delicate skin. There's nothing more painful when you're hurt mentally and physically. Hugging her knees Rathi stayed in the bed with tears drenching the pillow. Aadhiyan doesn't have the eyes to notice it and headed out.

She couldn't think anything that's happening in this place. She doesn't know to whom she has to say this or ask the things that she's witnessing every day.

Promises are the fakest thing in this entire world, she knows Aadhiyan's promises will also be the same. He is going to hurt me anyway, she muttered openly and closed her eyes.