Adhya POV:
As we returned to the hotel, completely drenched from the rain, I felt a deep sense of happiness. My heart was filled with contentment. I took a shower, and when I came out, Maan made me sit on a chair and began drying my hair. He scolded me, saying, "I swear, Angel, if you get sick, I won't take care of you. How many times did I tell you not to go in the rain? You never listen to me."
I sighed and replied, "Maan, we're of same age. Why are you acting like my dad sometimes?"
He didn't respond and lifted me up, throwing me over his shoulders. I kicked my legs and said, "Maan, I'm sorry. Please put me down."
He said, "I need to show you the difference between 'daddy' and 'hubby,' Angel." My cheeks grew hot as he gently tossed me onto the bed.
He towered me, looking up at Maan, I placed my hand on his chest, saying, "Maan, no, I'm sorry, please." But he didn't listen. He started placing wet kisses on my neck, and his hands began to roam around my body, traveling lower and lower. His hands were now on my breasts, squeezing gently. I felt a new sensation building between my legs, and I needed Maan somewhere else, but I couldn't quite pinpoint where.
As he continued to kiss me passionately, exploring my mouth like never before, I felt an intense heat coursing through my body. It was entirely new to me, and I could sense that it was new to him as well. But somehow, he seemed to be an expert in this field, and I couldn't help but wonder how he was so skilled.
He cupped my cheek, placed a tender kiss, and whispered, "Pay attention, baby." The way he said "baby" sent shivers down my spine. Everything felt different, and I couldn't help but be drawn into the intensity of the moment.
I placed my hand on his chest, gently pushing him away, and said, "Maan." He immediately stood up and began to apologize, stammering and blabbering nervously. I saw the uncertainty in his eyes and knew he was trying to make sense of what had just happened.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I pulled him closer and embraced him, reassuring him. I said, "No, Maan, you didn't make me uncomfortable. It's just that it's all new to me, and I'm not ready for it yet." He nodded in understanding and promised that if he ever made me uncomfortable, I should just kick him in the ass. We both shared a laugh, and I said, "Okay, now let's get some sleep. We have only two hours left before our flight."
He said, "Give me 2 minutes, I will be back," and went to the bathroom. I chuckled as I knew exactly why he went. My cheeks turned red as I lay there he came fast.
Me unable to sleep. I watched his perfect face, tracing my fingers over his cheek and then his nose. When I placed my fingers on his lips, he said in a soft whisper, "Angel, if you continue doing this, I promise I will make you scream my name until everyone here knows whom you belong to."
I quickly pulled my hand back and playfully punched him hard as he opened his eyes, pretending to be in pain. I said, "I thought you were asleep."
He replied, "I am holding my whole world in my arms. How can you expect me to sleep?" I blushed deeply, and he chuckled. I asked, "Since when did you become so cheesy, Maan?"
He pulled me close and placed my head on his chest, saying, "Since the moment I fell in love with you. Now, sleep." This time, we both drifted off to sleep peacefully.
***
We returned home jetlagged and exhausted. I couldn't resist teasing Maan about his promise. "Maan, you said 2 days, but I guess you were away from the office for many days."
Maan let out a weary sigh and rubbed his temples. "Include today also."
We shared a laugh. It was quite late yesterday when we reached home, and it seemed like nobody was awake. Morning as we went downstairs, we found everyone gathered in the living area. I had brought gifts for everyone,
Sid playfully pulled me to sit beside him, and I couldn't help but laugh. I sat between Rohan bhai, and Sid. I began distributing the gifts to everyone, including my mom, who silently accepted the present without a word.
Papa, asked, "So, show me the photos." I chuckled as I displayed the pictures, narrating all the details of our trip, reliving the moments with them.
However, Sid couldn't resist making a cheeky comment, "Did you both use protection?" His remark left me blushing intensely, and the room filled with glares at sid and abhi.
My dad glared at Abhi, and Rohan bhai looked like he was ready to punch him. Papa stared at Abhi as if he were about to unleash his fury.
Abhi quickly raised his hands in surrender, saying, "Everyone, cool down. I did nothing. Your princess is safe as a doll." Everyone sighed in relief, and I punched Sid in the face. He whined, "Di, it hurts."
Anandh chimed in, saying, "You deserve it, Bhai." The room was filled with laughter and playful banter, making it another memorable family moment.
The laughter continued as Akkash chimed in, saying, "Bhai, she is our princess. Make sure you never hurt her, or else you'll have to face four men ready to defend her." We all shared a good laugh, and I couldn't help but appreciate my overprotective brothers.
Abhi, retorted, "Hello, my dear brothers. She may be your princess, but she is my angel. I would burn the world if anybody hurts her, including myself."
I rolled my eyes at their competition for my affection, saying, "Okay, now enough of your love competition for me."
Turning to my dad and papa, I asked, "Baba, papa, did you have your tablets properly?" They both nodded in agreement, and the conversations continued for many hours. I cherished these family moments, where I felt pampered, protected, and loved by everyone. Glancing at Abhi, I could see he felt the same way, and we shared a smile as we reengaged in our conversations.
After some time, Abhi and Rohan Bhai went out to buy us some snacks while we were setting up for the movie night. However, they returned with sad and angry expressions. I couldn't comprehend what had happened. I glanced down and saw Abhi's hand was bleeding. Panic overtook me, and I rushed to his side, shouting, "What happened?"
Abhi assured me, saying, "Nothing, angel, I'm fine." I gently led him to the sofa as I called for Sid to fetch the first aid kit. Everyone gathered around as I did first aid to Abhi. Rohan Bhai explained that while they were returning from the market, someone had threatened Abhi with a knife. Abhi managed to avoid severe injury, but that guy had escaped. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the danger Abhi had faced.
Abhi lifted my chin, wiping away my tears, and assured me, "Nothing happened to me, angel, I'm perfectly fine." However, I couldn't suppress my anger, not at him but at the people who had attempted to harm him. I knew they would return, and I knew who was behind it, but I felt powerless.
I stood up abruptly and stormed off to my room. After some time, I heard a soft knock on my door. I didn't respond, but Maan entered with a tray of food. I told him that I wasn't hungry and wanted to be left alone. He sighed and sat down beside me, holding the tray. He said, "My hand is hurting, angel. Can you feed me?" Reluctantly, I took the plate from him and began to feed him.
He then said, "One bite for me and one for you." I didn't eat, and he refused to open his mouth, insisting that he wouldn't eat unless I did. I sighed and told him he was behaving like a child. Reluctantly, I ate a bite and then fed him as well.
As I was thinking about what to do, I remembered what Priya maa said. There was a maid who could help me gather evidence. I smirked as I called Prakash, saying, "Bhai, help me find this woman."
I explained the whole story, and he said, "I will get you the details by tomorrow, ma'am, don't worry." I replied, "Please don't mention this to Abhi." He said, "Okay, ma'am." I thanked him and ended the call. Abhi went to keep the food tray in the kitchen.
I was standing in the garden as Abhi came to stand beside me. Maybe he noticed the shift in me, I mean naturally, he was the only person on earth who seemed to read me like he owned a copy of my soul. His gaze sharpened, roaming across my face with worry. I smiled at him and said, "I am fine, Maan. Let's go; I am tired."
He looked suspicious, but he let me go. I slept in my room for today as he had an injury, and I tend to move a lot in my sleep, so I didn't want to hurt him. Though he was sad, he agreed after many puppy eyes and pleas. Even I felt the void of not being in his arms because I always felt at home in his arms, the only place where I felt like I belonged here. My thoughts drifted as I fell asleep, hoping I would get some information tomorrow.
I was pacing in my room, waiting for Prakash's call. Everyone in the house had already gone to their offices. I got a call, and I picked up immediately. I said, "Please let me hear some good news, bhai."
He said, "Yes, mam, it's good news. I found her address." He continued, "I forwarded everything to you."
I sighed with relief and said, "Thank you so much, bhai. I owe you one."
He replied, "It's my job, mam. You already treat me like family, so it's my responsibility as well." He cut the call. I immediately ran downstairs to go to the place he mentioned.
Mom stopped me, asking, '"Where are you going?"
I replied, "To the foundation, maa." She eyed me suspiciously and said, "Come back soon." I nodded and took the car because it was a two-hour drive from here.
As I knocked on the door, a girl of my age opened it. I asked, ''Is Ms. Rekha here?' She nodded and let me in. The girl offered, 'Would you like some tea or coffee?'' I shook my head and replied, "No, I'm fine. I need to see Ms. Rekha as soon as possible because I have important business."
She nodded, and another woman in her 50s, I guessed, came out. I asked, "Ms. Rekha?" She said, "Yes, and you are?"
I replied, "I am Surya Chauhan's daughter." Her eyes widened as she said, "Oh my god, you're Adhya! Look how beautifully you've grown." I smiled and said, '"Sorry, aunty, for disturbing you, but I need some information from you." She nodded and said, "Of course, if I can help with something, please tell me."
I continued, "Aunty, you used to work for Meera ma, right?" She nodded, looking sad. I asked again, "And what about Sunandha?" She gasped at the name and shook her head, saying, "She is a devil, beti. How do you know about her?"
I replied, "Well She is back from abroad, aunty, and she wants to destroy my family." Still with her eyes wide, she asked, "She is back?" I nodded as she looked scared. I pleaded, "Aunty, only you can help me with this. Please tell me what happened to Meera ma. Is Sunandha really involved in her death?"
She hesitated, so I said, "Aunty, I promise nothing will happen to you and your family. I will make sure to protect your family if you tell me the truth." She nodded and said, "Yes, she is the reason Meera di died." This revelation left me shocked, and tears welled up in my eyes. How could that bitch do such a thing, I thought.
She continued, "I was one of the closest and trusted persons for Meera di, and I knew everything that happened. As she was nine months pregnant, I made sure that the devil didn't come near Meera di. But one day, I got a call from my daughter saying she was kidnapped, and Sunandha did that. She said that if I didn't mix poison in the food, she would kill my family. I had no choice, so I went near Meera di and told her the truth. She smiled and said she would help me with my family. I nodded, trusting her."
She continued, "That day, another maid gave Meera di milk. I went home to take care of this family mess, but when I came back, she was dead. I didn't know how Abhi survived, but I am glad that he did. Now he can make them pay for what they did to his mother."
I was furious, hurt, and angry all at once. These emotions were very new to me. I couldn't hold back my tears. She patted my head gently and said, "I know it's tough to take in, but we have to accept fate." She continued, "I was sent to work at your grandparents' place from that day, and I recently retired."
I nodded, still with tears in my eyes. She got up and returned with a file in her hands. Handing it to me, she said, "I knew that one day that evil Sunandha would have to face her sins, so I was waiting. This file contains everything Meera di collected. She gave it to me and said that if something happened to her, I should make sure to give this to her kid. So here I am, giving it to you. Please give this to Abhi."
I nodded and said, "Thank you so much for telling me the truth, aunty." As I was getting up, she asked, "Is Abhi still having nightmares, or is he fine now?" This struck me as odd because nobody in the family knew about Abhi's nightmares so how come an outsider knew this. I asked her, "Aunty, how did you know about that?"
She said, "Well, when you kids came to your grandparents' home, I was also there. Do you remember?" I shook my head, admitting that I didn't remember. She sighed and gestured for me to sit, then continued saying
<<<FLASHBACK (Rekha POV)
You all kids came for a function at home, and you were all so naughty at that time. I cooked many of your favorites, not knowing that Sunandha would also come that day. When she saw me there, she was scared that I would reveal the truth, so she dragged me to the backhouse, which was empty, and tied me up.
But Abhi followed me, and when he saw her tying me, he came and asked, "Aunty, what are you doing?" She noticed Abhi, and I shouted for him to run, but before he could escape, that wicked woman took him and tied him up next to me. She said, "Do you know why you don't have a mother?" Abhi looked terrified, but I couldn't protect him.
She said, "Because of you, your mother died." She implanted that thought in Abhi's mind so that she could save herself. She beat me and Abhi so badly. Just then, the door opened, and you came in, asking, "Maan, where are you?" Sunandha looked at you, and as she was about to pick you up, she tripped and fell.
So you opened our knots and took Abhi home. I held that evil woman back, and she eventually ran away. But when I returned, I saw that both you and Abhi were in the hospital. Abhi had been hit in the head, so he didn't remember anything. You were so young back then, and I suppose you were scared and tried to forget everything.
The following night, I heard Abhi screaming from his room, so I ran to see what was wrong. You were already there, trying to comfort him, but he kept saying, "I didn't kill her. I didn't kill her." It broke my heart to see that kid suffering.
FLASHBACK ENDS>>>
That day, when I saw that your presence was calming Abhi down, I thought that even though he lost his mother, he had you by his side.
Processing all this information, I felt numb. I didn't know how long I cried, but that aunty consoled me. After finally calming down, my eyes were filled with rage. That bitch was the reason Meera ma died, the reason my Maan suffered for so many years, the reason Papa is all alone now, and the reason I'm here instead of being at home, happily. I'm determined to take her down.
I asked aunty if she could please repeat everything she told me so that I could record it as proof. She agreed willingly, saying it's the least she could do after what my family had done for her.
Once everything was done, I checked the time and realized it was already 10 PM. I checked my phone, but the battery was dead. I was sure Abhi had sent police teams to search for me, and I sighed as I asked aunty if I could use her phone.
I called Abhi, mentally scolding myself for making it so late. I was prepared for his scolding, but when he picked up, he sounded so broken, "Who is this?" His voice was so weak. I said, "Maan," and he practically yelled, "Where the hell are you? Send me your location NOW!" I replied with "Okay" and immediately hung up to check if my eardrums were still intact. Thankfully, they were fine.
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