Mafia's Heartbeat

chapter 19

The haveli was quiet in the morning, but not peaceful.

Tanuj, though no longer burning with fever, had slipped deeper into his little space. He refused to walk, instead clinging to Nishant with outstretched arms.

“Up, hubby… up…”

Nishant adjusted his grip and lifted him gently. “You’re feeling better, love?”

Tanuj nodded against his chest, his voice muffled.

> “No wanna down… only want cuddle.”

He wouldn’t eat unless Nishant fed him. Wouldn’t drink water unless it was through his favorite straw cup. Even the bunny plush was swaddled in a napkin because “Bunny got fever too.”

Anjali watched from the side, concern growing in her eyes. “He’s… softer than usual.”

Nishant only replied quietly, “He needs this right now.”

The family prepared for the small post-wedding Satyanarayan Pooja. Dishes were being arranged, sweets offered, and guest invitations whispered out. Among the helpers… was a woman no one remembered inviting.

She smiled too brightly. Wore colors too loud.

> Komal’s fake guest.

As prasad was arranged, Komal slipped a tiny sachet of bitter tamarind powder into one of the laddoos—meant to be offered to the deity, then served to the couple.

It wouldn’t poison anyone.

But it would cause discomfort. Embarrassment. Disrespect.

Exactly what Komalika wanted.

And no one would suspect.

With everyone seated in the prayer hall, Tanuj sat in Nishant’s lap, wearing a tiny sherwani with his bunny tucked into the sash. He barely understood the rituals, but clapped when Nishant rang the bell and whispered, “Hubby so pretty...”

The pandit smiled gently. “It’s time for the offering.”

The tray of prasad was passed to them.

The fake guest smirked from her seat.

Komal waited.

Nishant raised the laddoo to Tanuj’s lips.

But before Tanuj could take a bite, his nose crinkled.

“Smells yucky…”

He turned away, burrowing into Nishant’s chest.

“Hmm?” Nishant paused.

He sniffed the laddoo.

Sour.

Wrong.

Nishant stood immediately, his tone sharp. “Don’t eat this.”

Everyone turned.

“I think someone tampered with the offering,” he said, voice steady but cold.

Whispers broke out. The fake guest stood and tried to slip away, but Kai stopped her at the door.

Anjali was already checking her

Komalika tried to act confused. “Maybe it was a mistake—”

“No,” Nishant snapped, stepping between her and Tanuj.

“Don’t,” he said coldly. “Don’t pretend. Every ritual, every moment meant for Tanuj, you’ve tried to ruin. And if you ever touch what’s his again…”

His hand instinctively cradled Tanuj’s head protectively.

“I will end you.”

His tone was quiet.

Deadly.

Rahul stepped forward. “We’ll investigate this fully.”

The fake guest was escorted out by security.

Back in their room, Tanuj lay half-asleep on Nishant’s chest, being rocked slowly.

“Hubby…”

“Yes, baby?”

“You got angry…”

Nishant kissed his forehead. “Only to protect you.”

Tanuj smiled drowsily. “Hubby strong. I safe…”

Nishant held him tighter. “You’ll always be safe.”

Aarav was in the kitchen again, fidgeting.

He was trying to help clean up. Nikhil caught him reaching for a hot plate without protection—again.

“Aarav,” Nikhil said firmly, taking his wrist. “Didn’t you just burn your hand yesterday?”

Aarav looked down, sheepish.

“Sorry. Habit.”

Nikhil sighed and pulled him to the sink, running cold water over his fingers even though they weren’t burned—just to be sure.

“You always try to fix everything with your hands,” he muttered. “Let someone take care of you for once.”

Aarav didn’t reply—but his head tilted gently, resting on Nikhil’s shoulder.

Nikhil froze for a second… and then leaned back against him.

They stood in quiet.

And in that still kitchen, two scarred hearts simply rested.

Thanku @luluemon_0808
@amenaafsar
JoohaIsMyPoha
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