"Won't you say a proper 'hi' to your mademoiselle?"
Before I could decipher his reaction, a cloth pressed against my face and darkness enveloped me.
The next thing I knew, my eyes shot open and my head instinctively turned to the other side to check on my daughter. At the same time, my hands frantically ran over my body and I was partially relieved that my clothes were still intact. But Aahana wasn't there, by my side.
Panic surged in my veins. I flung the blanket off me and bolted out of bed, ready to run downstairs. But something stopped me in my tracks- a faint jingling sound.
I froze and lowered my eyes to my hands.
They were cladded with blue bangles.
The bangles glistened under the thin ray of sunlight piercing through the room.
Everything that had happened last night, in the dark, flashed before my eyes. My head throbbed, and my heart raced in tandem. Irritation bubbled within me, affecting my composure in the earliest hours of the day.
I didn't waste another moment and rushed downstairs.
Drishye was by the stove, placing a pot over the burner. He was dressed in a fresh pair of formals with an apron tied neatly over them.
"Good morning, Miss Rosy."
He greeted calmly as he turned on the flame.
His gaze briefly flicked to my wrists but he showed no reaction before returning to his task.
The memory of last night clawed its way back. The touch, the kiss on my palms. My stomach churned uneasily.
"I dropped Aahana at school, madam. You were resting and neither of us wanted to disturb you."
He explained nonchalantly.
Though the racing of my heart took a back seat, realizing my daughter is safe and at school yet, I could not shake off the dread of last night.
"Is everything ok, Drishye?"
I asked, carefully studying his expression.
"Absolutely, Miss Rosy."
He replied without taking a moment to hesitate.
"Don't you think the house was broken into last night?"
I asked, trying my best to keep my tone stable and watch his reaction without blinking my eyes.
"Not at all, madam."
Huh! He's not even trying to hide!
"Sure?"
"Yes, madam. But why are you asking? Is something bothering you?"
I moved closer, stepping behind the kitchen counter. He stood there, calmly chopping carrots. His composure was annoying me.
"Oh yes! Can I hold your hand to calm myself down?"
I didn't look away from his face as I reached for his rough, thick palms and pulled them toward me.
For a moment, he was taken aback. Amusement flickered on his face before joy took its place. I hate doing this to him.
"Good lord! Sure...sure!"
A blush crept onto his cheeks. His gaze dropped to the floor and a soft smile tugged at his lips. He's cute, no doubt!
Looking back up at me with brimming eyes, he replied.
"I'm always here to hold your hand, ma'am."
"Uh- huh?"
I arched a brow.
"Yes."
He affirmed in a shaky voice.
I felt guilty for doing this to him but I'd to confirm the touch.
"Might as well kiss them?"
For a brief second, I saw his expression falter. A flicker of anxiety flashed across his face. But he quickly masked himself, lowering his head to my hands.
With soft, delicate lips, he pecked my palms with tender kisses sending shivers down my spine.
"Are you feeling better?"
His thumb gently stroked over the blue bangles on my wrists.
I withdrew my hands and replied.
"I'm feeling sure."
"Oh!"
He muttered. We both knew something we didn't want to admit.
We stood there in silence for a moment before he turned back to chopping the carrots. I stayed, watching him with a sly smile tugging at my lips. My mind was going bonkers.
"Breakfast is ready madam."
He announced without turning, his back still to me.
I turned to leave. As I climbed back to my room, I felt his gaze following me for a moment but I didn't look back.
As soon as I stepped inside, I closed the door behind me. Leaning against the door frame, I clutched my hair tightly.
Who the hell is that person!
I stomped towards my phone and typed as if my fingers were fire.
Me: How long will you keep playing like this?
I took a deep breathe closing my eyes, after sending the text. Instantly, my phone pinged and I saw his message pop.
Unknown: Like the bangles?
Me: What is your plan, Mister?
Unknown: I'll let you decode it. winks
One thing was clear- he had won. He wouldn't leave me in peace until he got what he wanted. But the real question is what does he actually want? What is he trying to achieve by doing all of this?
I straightened up, pushing my palms against the surface of the desk.
I decided right then and there- I would play along. Let him think he has the upper hand. The only way to truly understand his intentions- and, more importantly, who he really was. Because, I kind of know who he's.
AUTHOR'S POV
Later that day, while Aahana was still at school, Drishye and Chhavi sat down for a talk over some cups of tea and sizzling hot snacks.
"Ma'am, you should get yourself a source of earning now."
He suggested firmly.
Chhavi chuckled, brushing off his suggestion like it was a joke.
"What'll I do? I left teaching ten years ago. Now, all I can do is cook or clean at someone's place."
His eyes widened at her lame humor.
"Not that I'm complaining," she added with a dry giggle. "And anyways, you don't even have neighbors where I could try that!"
But Drishye didn't laugh. Instead, his expression grew even more serious.
"Ma'am, for God's sake, you have a master's degree in mathematics. You want me to remind you?"
Her laughter grew louder, tinged with something painful.
"That was ten years ago, Drishye. I don't think I even remember a single digit anymore! And, honestly, I don't even know where the hell my degrees or certificates are. Probably lying somewhere in that hell house in dust."
I am already ruined and here is him, with all hopes of getting me back to teaching. Lol!
She laughed at herself bitterly, mocking her own existence. But Drishye didn't join in. He just sat there, watching her with a mixture of shock and sadness, wishing hard to take away her sorrow.
But what broke Drishye's heart more than her words was her ignorance was that she had no idea about the hellhound of a husband she'd had. Her degrees weren't gathering dust in some forgotten corner of a cupboard. They were gone- burnt and wiped off from the web. Her existence as a learned, independent woman from the world were only significant in the form of bits and crumbles he was trying hard to get together.
Before long, her laughter faltered and her smile gave way to a tear trickling down her cheek. She tried to wipe it away but he caught her hands, gently pulling them away from the cup of tea they were resting on.
"Miss Rosy, you're much more than your degrees. Much more than how much you can cook or clean. You're an intellect, a person who has always had the will to learn and unlearn, irrespective of her age or time. And, I've always admired you for your determination and liveliness."
She shook her head while the broken smile returned.
"Keyword: 'had'"
"You have to, now!"
He grunted, tightening his grip on her hands, making her freeze by the sudden feel of determination in his voice and hands.
"Tomorrow, when you'll fight for the custody of your child during the process of your divorce, you have to prove that you can support the upbringing of your child otherwise, Aahana will be handed to Vinesh. Do you want that?"
The reality of Drishye's words struck her like a tidal wave. The broken smile on her face got replaced by a grave fear. Her hands trembled under his firm grip and she stared at him, wide-eyed.
"I..."
She stammered, barely completing her sentence.
"You have to think about it now." Drishye commanded in a taut voice. "Vinesh will use every excuse to take Aahana away from you. Do you want that, ma'am?"
Dread filled her mind, her eyes widened further. Panic settled on her face as she shook in his grip.
"No, no! I...I can't live without my daughter, Drishye."
She admitted. The thought of losing Aahana was unbearable for her.
"Exactly."
He assured, not helping her panic stricken state at all.
"But what can I do, Drishye?" She choked out. "I have no job, no savings...nothing."
"You have you," he replied firmly, leaning closer as if willing her to believe him. "You're stronger than you think, ma'am. You're a mother. And, no one is stronger than a mother. Not even God, himself. And, nobody knows it better than me. I'd a mother who protected me like a knight on duty, till her very last breathe. That strength of motherhood is enough to start over."
Tears streamed down her cheeks, vanishing into her lips and beyond her jawline.
"I...I don't even know where to start."
"I'll help you."
He said without hesitation. The grip of his hands on hers softened but never let them go.
Her lips quivered as she looked up at him. She didn't know where this strength he saw in her was supposed to come from but for the first time in years, a tiny spark of hope flickered within her- to improve her life, to lead it on her terms. For her daughter. She'd always been living for others. This time, why not for her daughter- the light of her life.
"What if I fail to protect her?"
She whispered in a trembling voice.
You won't," he said with quiet certainty. "And even if you stumble, I'll be here to catch you."
The sincerity lacing his words eased her down, calming her nerves but didn't fail to make her heart flutter. She let out a shaky breath, nodding slowly.
"Okay!"
She breathed out with resolve in her voice.
Drishye smiled. The muscles of his face began relaxing.
"Good. That's all I needed to hear."
Later, they wrapped up dinner with Aahana after she returned from school.
She excitedly chirped about her day as both adults gave her their full attention. Aahana couldn't stop praising Sister Wilson for her kindness.
"She was so nice, Mumma! She helped me make friends and told everyone to make me feel welcome."
Aahana said, her face glowing with joy.
Chhavi felt a wave of peace wash over her, amidst the storm of her life. Aahana had found a place of happiness, however small, eased the burden in her heart.
While going to bed, Chhavi gently announced.
"I'll take Aahana to school tomorrow. It's not too far and we can walk together."
Aahana's eyes lit up.
"We can buy candies on the way!"
Chhavi nodded with a smile. She felt warm watching her daughter smile and enjoy her time in Dehradun.
On the way to their room, Chhavi found Drishye waiting by the doorway with his arms crossed and a serious expression on his face.
"So, you've decided to walk her to school?"
He asked in a light tone but with cautious eyes.
"Yes," Chhavi replied. "It's a short distance and I think it'll be nice for us to spend some time together."
Drishye hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"That's fine, but...be careful. There are wolves in the woods, Miss Rosy."
Her brows furrowed at his choice of words.
"Wolves?" She repeated, tilting her head. "Like real wolves? The animals?"
He shrugged.
"Yeah, the animals."
She gave him a small nod and a faint smile, before dropping a bomb.
"Oh! I thought the one I'm living with."
⋆｡°✩₊ °✦ ‧ ‧ ₊ ˚✧₊ °✦
Ahem!
Does Chhavi know who's the stalker?
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