Rhea's hands were shaking.
Not the mild trembling of someone startled — this was deeper. A trembling born from memories she never wanted to relive. Dhruve took the phone from her, his jaw clenching so tightly a sharp pain shot up his temples.
The message was still glowing on the screen:
"Watch what I do next."
Dhruve exhaled slowly. "That bastard."
Rhea wrapped her arms around herself, as if trying to hold her body together. "Dhruve… what does that even mean? What will he do?"
Dhruve slipped the phone into his pocket gently. "Nothing he can do that I can't stop."
It was a promise.But Rhea wasn't convinced. Her eyes flicked over his face, searching for certainty, stability — anything to anchor herself to.
"Come on," he said softly. "Let's get out of here."
She nodded, and he guided her down the quiet street.
They didn't speak for a while — the silence between them wasn't awkward, but heavy, like two people holding their breath together. Rhea walked closer to him than usual, her arm brushing his now and then. Every time she did, he felt her need for reassurance.
When they reached a secluded park, she finally exhaled.
"Dhruve… I don't know why he's doing this."Her voice cracked on the last word.
Dhruve sat beside her on a cold bench. "Rhea. People like him don't let go. Not because they love — but because they can't accept losing control."
Tears filled her eyes. "I tried so hard to be free of him."
"You are free," Dhruve said firmly.
She shook her head. "Then why do I still feel caged?"
Dhruve didn't answer right away. He placed a hand on her back, rubbing slow, steady circles, grounding her. Her breathing slowly steadied under his touch. Then, without thinking, she leaned into him — her head resting against his shoulder.
He stiffened for a moment… then relaxed.
This closeness wasn't heat or lust.It was comfort.A quiet plea: please don't leave.
"I'm not going anywhere," Dhruve murmured.
Rhea's fingers curled around his sleeve. "I hate that he still has this power over me… I hate that I'm this weak."
"You're not weak," Dhruve said softly. "You're just tired."
Her breath caught. A single tear slid down her cheek, landing on his shirt.
"I'm tired too," he whispered.
She looked up at him, surprised.
Dhruve never said things like that.Never admitted vulnerability.Never shared that old ache unless he trusted someone.
And Rhea felt that trust now.
"Dhruve…" she whispered, "can I… hug you?"
He blinked — startled by how gently she asked.
"Yeah," he said quietly. "Come here."
She slid into his arms, wrapping herself around him like someone clinging to warmth after being in the cold for too long. Dhruve held her back, arms firm around her shoulders, chin resting lightly against her hair.
Her voice was muffled against his chest. "Will we be okay?"
Dhruve didn't give empty promises.He wasn't built to lie to comfort people.
So he said the most honest thing possible.
"We'll get through this together. However ugly it gets."
She tightened her hold on him, and for a moment, the world blurred out — just their breaths, their heartbeat, their shared fear and shared comfort.
But peace never lasts long.
A notification buzzed in Dhruve's pocket.He thought it was another threat.
But this time… it wasn't a text.
It was a photo.
And when he opened it — his blood ran cold.
It was a picture of Rhea, taken today.From across the street.While she and Dhruve were walking.
The caption underneath:
"You're not the only one watching her."
Dhruve's hands shook with a rage he hadn't felt in years. He inhaled sharply through his teeth.
"What is it?" Rhea asked, voice trembling.
He hesitated — then showed her the screen.
Her face drained of color. "He's watching me? Today? Now?"
Dhruve grabbed her hands, squeezing tightly. "Rhea, look at me."
She tried, but her eyes kept darting around the empty park.
"Look at me," he repeated, gently taking her face in his palms.
Finally, she did.
"He wants you scared. That's what gives him power. But I won't let him touch you. I won't let him hurt you again."
Her breathing hitched, lips trembling. "Please don't leave me alone."
"I won't."His thumbs brushed away her tears."I'm with you. Until this ends."
Her forehead fell against his chest. Dhruve wrapped his arms around her again, holding her like she was the most fragile thing he'd ever touched.
The wind grew colder around them, but inside that embrace, Rhea felt safe — even as fear clawed at her.
After a moment she whispered, "Dhruve… why do you care so much?"
He closed his eyes.
"Because you're the first person who ever cared about me… without wanting anything back."
She looked up, startled — then her expression softened in a way he didn't expect.
Slowly, timidly, she touched his cheek.Her palm warm against his skin.
"Then let me care for you too," she whispered.
She leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek — quiet, tender, trembling with gratitude and fear at the same time.
Dhruve felt his chest tighten painfully.
He leaned his forehead against hers.
"Stay close tonight," he murmured. "You're not sleeping alone."
Rhea nodded instantly, almost desperately.
And that's when Dhruve realized:
This wasn't just about protecting her anymore.
He needed her close.More than he wanted to admit.More than he should.
But as long as her past was stalking them…
They didn't have a choice.