From Shadows to Sunlight: A Journey of Liberation and Love🧿

10. Breakfast 🍱

As Meera entered the room, her steps hesitant and her heart pounding, she found Vikrant sitting on the recliner, his brow furrowed in annoyance. The sight sent a shiver of fear down her spine, her mind immediately conjuring up memories of past confrontations and harsh reprimands.

She took a tentative step forward, her gaze fixed on the floor, unable to meet Vikrant's eyes. She cleared her throat, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ji, aapne bulaya?" she said, her words trembling with uncertainty.

Vikrant glanced up at her, his expression softening as he took in the vulnerability etched in her features. He rose from the recliner, his movements slow and deliberate, as if afraid to startle her."Meera," he said gently, his voice laced with concern. "Are you okay?"

Meera flinched at the sound of her name, her heart hammering in her chest. She dared a glance up at Vikrant, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She saw him raise his hand, and her breath caught in her throat, the familiar sting of anticipation washing over her.

But instead of the sharp slap she expected, she felt Vikrant's gentle touch as he wiped away her tears. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with disbelief, as he wrapped her in a warm embrace."Shh, Meera, it's okay," Vikrant murmured, his voice a soothing balm against her fear. "I'm not going to hurt you. I promise."

Meera buried her face in his chest, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Vikrant held her close, his arms a protective shield around her trembling form. In that moment, as they stood locked in a tender embrace, Meera felt a glimmer of hope flicker to life within her heart. Perhaps, just perhaps, she had found the sanctuary she had been searching for all along.

Meera, now feeling a sense of calm wash over her, took a step back from Vikrant's embrace, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. She glanced down shyly, but Vikrant gently lifted her chin with his fingers, urging her to meet his gaze.

"Meera," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth and encouragement. "Don't look down. Stand tall and speak with confidence. You're not just Meera Pratap anymore, you're Meera Vikrant Rathore. Be bold, be confident, be you."

Meera's heart swelled with a newfound sense of empowerment at his words. She looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude, and offered him a sweet smile that melted his heart.

Suddenly, Vikrant remembered why he had called her in the first place. He crossed his arms over his chest, adopting a mock stern expression. "You're very bad, Meera," he said, his tone playful yet feigned annoyance evident.

Meera's eyes widened in shock. "Did I do something wrong?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.Vikrant nodded, his expression exaggeratedly serious. "You forgot about me," he said with a pout. "You made tea for Baba, choco milk for Bulbul, and even coffee for Arjun, but you didn't bring anything for me."

Meera looked at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of genuine anger. But all she saw was his handsome features, his lips curved into a playful frown. She couldn't help but feel a wave of amusement wash over her. He looked almost like a child throwing a tantrum.

Reaching out, Meera gently cupped his face in her small palms, her touch soft and reassuring. "How could I ever forget you?" she said tenderly. "You're the reason I'm here."