Chapter - 45
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I lifted my head slightly, looking up at Avi. His arms were wrapped protectively around me, and his warmth made me feel safe—safer than I had felt in years.
His sharp gaze softened when our eyes met. He could sense something was on my mind. His grip on me tightened as if silently telling me that whatever it was, I wasn't alone.
"There's something I need to tell you," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath.
I had trusted him before, but now... now, I was ready to trust him with my past too.
It wasn't that I didn't want to share it before.
I had thought about it many times. But for years, I had no one to talk to.
Bhai was always away—first school, then college, then work.
Whenever he came home, I never found the right time to speak.
Eventually, I just... forgot how to share my pain with anyone.
Except Shivji.
And my parents.
They always listened to every word, even if it was just in my prayers.
Last night, I had only told Aarav about the FD documents. But now, I wanted to tell him... everything
After discussing how to make people aware of the jobs and opportunities Aarav was providing, we had gone to sleep.
But sleep didn't bring peace.
I found myself in a vast, unfamiliar hall. It was cold, empty... yet filled with voices.
On one side, I saw Tauji and Taiji. They were laughing—mocking me. Their cruel words echoed around me.
"Useless girl!"
"Such a burden! Who will even look at her?"
"Even charity has its limits!"
I wanted to scream, to tell them to stop, but my voice... my voice was gone.
On the other side, I saw my parents. They looked the same as in the photo—warm, loving. Their smiles reached their eyes, full of encouragement.
"You are strong, beta,"Dad said gently.
"Fight, Siya. Don't let their words break you," Mom whispered.
I tried to move toward them, but I couldn't.
I was frozen.
Trapped between my past and my present.
Tears burned in my eyes. Why can't I move? Why can't I speak?
I wanted to run to my parents, to tell them I missed them. That I needed them.
But the more I tried, the further they seemed.
And the laughter of Tauji and Taiji grew louder... drowning everything else.
I struggled, panic gripping me. My heart pounded.
"Avi..." I whispered.
Suddenly, the hall started to fade. The voices dimmed. The emptiness around me turned into warmth.
And then, I woke up gasping for breath, my chest rising and falling rapidly. My hands trembled as I clutched the blanket, my body drenched in sweat.
Aarav woke up instantly, his sharp eyes scanning my face.
"Siya, what happened?" His voice was filled with concern, but I... I couldn't speak.
I was still trapped in the echoes of my nightmare. My hands trembled as I tried to breathe, but the air felt too heavy.
Aarav sat up quickly, reaching for the glass of water on the bedside table. He held it to my lips, his hand steady, his eyes never leaving mine.
"Drink" he said softly.
I took a small sip. Then another. The cold water helped, just a little.
When I finally felt normal again, Aarav cupped my face gently, his thumb brushing away the sweat on my forehead. His touch was warm, grounding.
"What happened, Angel? You know you can tell me anything," he whispered, his voice filled with something so raw... so genuine.
I bit my lip, struggling with my thoughts.
"Just let me in your world, please," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just make me a part of your world. I will never make you regret it, Jaan. Please tell me what's bothering you. I can't see you like this."
I swallowed hard, my heart battling between fear and trust. But as I looked into his eyes, I knew—he deserved to know. He had the right to.
I took a deep breath, gathering the courage I had never found before.
"I... I met Tauji today," I finally said, my voice small. "Outside my college."
Aarav's expression darkened immediately. His grip on me tightened slightly.
"What did he say?" His voice was calm, but I knew him well enough to hear the storm brewing beneath it.
"He wanted me to sign the FD documents... the ones my father made for anOrphanage.." My throat tightened as I spoke. "But he... he said he wants that money. And if I don't sign them..."
Aarav's jaw clenched.
"Then?" His voice was sharp now.
I swallowed hard.
"Then... he will sell my father's house," I whispered, my voice cracking.
Aarav stiffened. His entire body went still.
"That house is the only thing that belongs to them, Avi. It's the only place that makes me feel close to them." Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill. "I don't want to lose it... but I also don't want to sign the papers. I don't know what to do. I don't have any—"
Before I could finish, he pulled me into his arms, holding me so tightly I felt like I would disappear into him.
I buried my face in his chest, gripping his shirt like it was the only thing keeping me together.
"Don't say you don't have any options," he murmured, his lips brushing against my hair. "I will create every option for you if I have to."
He pulled back slightly, cupping my face in his strong hands. His fingers wiped away my tears, his touch gentle, but his eyes... they burned with something fierce.
"And if you don't want to do something, then no one—not even me—can make you do it," he said firmly.
"I promise you, Angel. The FD money will go to theOrphanage, just like your father wanted.
And your parents' house... it's now the most precious thing to me after you. I won't let it go. Not now. Not ever."
A fresh wave of tears filled my eyes, but this time, they weren't out of helplessness. They were out of relief... out of the love I felt in his every word.
I hugged him again, my arms wrapping around him tightly, as if trying to hold onto the safety he gave me.
We lay there in silence, wrapped in each other's warmth, until I found my voice again. "Avi... will you not ask me anything? Like why I didn't tell you before? Or why they need the money?"
Aarav pulled back slightly and placed another soft kiss on my forehead.
"Whenever you feel ready to tell me, I will always be here to listen," he whispered.
And just like that... I knew.
I knew I had found someone who would never force me, never push me.
Someone who would simply stand beside me, waiting for me to let him in.
She lifted her head slightly, looking up at me. Her eyes held something—something that made my grip tighten on her.
"There's something I need to tell you."
I already knew.
After last night, I understood—my angel has suffered far more than she lets on. But the ones who made her suffer... they will suffer too. Until their last breath.
The moment Siya told me she met her tauji and he wanted her to sign some FD documents, I knew this was coming.
I had already been informed.
Her driver, Kaka, had called me the moment that bastard showed up near her college. "Rana sa, Siya's Tauji came to meet her today," he had said in a tense voice. "They went to a nearby cafe."
A cafe? That bastard took her somewhere private.
I was seconds away from calling my men and dragging him out by his collar. But I forced myself to stop.
I waited.
Not because I wouldn't act if she stayed silent—no, I would have destroyed them anyway. But this time, I had hope. Hope that my angel would come to me. That she would tell me herself.
And she did.
That was enough for me.
I knew I had to push her a little. I knew she wasn't used to sharing her burdens. But I understood her
But I know—there's more. More that she hasn't told me yet. And I didn't ask.
Because I know she needs time.
I'm just waiting for that moment when she finally tells me the whole truth.
I already have an idea about it. I just have to wait a little longer.
My angel thinks too much. Overanalyzes everything. She even asked me why I didn't question her, why I didn't demand answers.
She doesn't know how hard it is for me to hold back.
How much I want to ask.
But I can't push her.
If she needs time, she will get it.
After Siya fell asleep, I carefully moved away from her and walked to the balcony. The cold night air did nothing to cool the storm inside me.
I took out my phone and dialed Rohan.
The call barely rang once before he picked up. "Yes, sir?"
"I want every single detail about the FD documents made by Mr. Jai Rajput. By morning."
"Consider it done, sir."
I cut the call without another word.
The bastards dared to touch what's mine. Now, they'll face the consequences.
I stepped back into the room, my gaze falling on Siya.
She was curled up on the bed, lost in sleep, her face soft and peaceful. A stark contrast to the pain she carries inside.
I walked over and knelt beside her, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face.
"You will never be alone again, Angel," I murmured. "No matter what, you will always find me by your side."
I pressed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Then, carefully, I lay down beside her. She instinctively moved closer, resting her head on my chest.
I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close.
And only then... I allowed myself to close my eyes.
Morning arrived, but my mind was already awake long before the sun had risen.
I was in my study, reviewing some documents, when my phone rang.
Rohan.
I picked up. "Speak."
"Sir, the FD is made for Sukoon Orphanage. It was under Priya Rajput's name, but after she passed away, it was transferred to Rani Sa."
I leaned back in my chair, listening.
Mr. Suresh Rajput has the documents... but not the original agreement."
"And?"
"The original agreement has a clause stating that no one—not even the owner—can claim the money. Once signed, the funds go directly to the orphanage."
Rohan paused for a second before adding, "The agreement clearly mentions: 'Upon any withdrawal, funds would go directly to Sukoon Orphanage.'"
I smirked. "Not bad... My father-in-law was way too smart. I wish I could have met him."
Rohan continued, "Sir, only Mr. Jai Rajput and his lawyer knew about this clause. The bank only reveals this detail to the owner of the original document. Since Rani Sa never visited the bank, it remained unnoticed all these years. The original agreement is still stored safely in the bank."
Smart move, Myfather-in-law.
"Hmm. Keep an eye on Suresh Rajput for now."
"Understood, sir."
I cut the call and leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table.
This changes everything.
That bastard thought he could trick Siya into signing those papers and get his hands on the money.
But now?
Now, he was the one trapped.
A small knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts.
I looked up to see Siya standing there, holding two cups—one of chai and one of coffee.
My angel.
I stood up and walked toward her. She looked up at me with that soft, trusting gaze that made me want to burn the whole world down for her.
I took the cups from her hands and placed them on the table.
Then, I held her hands. "Siya, will you trust me if I ask you to do something?"
She nodded instantly. "Yes."
"Then go to college and sign the papers."
She stared at me, shocked.
I could see the questions in her eyes, the hesitation.
But only for a moment.
Then, as if understanding something, she nodded. "Okay."
Proud.
That's what I felt in that moment. She trusted me.
I squeezed her hand. "You don't have to worry anymore, Angel. I promised you yesterday, and I will fulfill it. You're not alone in this."
I cupped her face gently, tilting her chin up so she would look at me.
"Tell me, Angel. Whatever it is, just say it."
She hesitated, but I could see it in her eyes—she was ready.
And I was ready to listen.
I put my head on his chest, feeling his warmth surround me.
I held him tightly.
For the first time, I felt safe enough to share everything.
I knew now—he would always be with me. He would protect me.
I didn't have to hide anymore.
I was ready.
I took a deep breath and whispered, "Avi... I don't have any memories of my parents."
His hold on me tightened, but he stayed silent, letting me speak.
"I only have one photo... just one. In that picture, I was in the middle, between them. But that's it."
I swallowed hard, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall.
"I don't even remember how they looked beyond that photo. I don't remember their voices. I don't know if they loved me... if they played with me... if they held me when I cried."
My voice broke, and I felt his hand gently rub my back, grounding me.
"There are so many things I want to know... but I don't."
I took a shaky breath and continued, "Bhai... he told me once that Dad loved me the most. That if I cried for even the smallest thing, he would do anything to make me smile."
I closed my eyes, trying to picture it, but all I saw was darkness.
"And Mom... he said she made food for me with so much love. That she would feed me with her own hands."
I paused, my fingers gripping his shirt tightly.
"But I don't remember it, Avi."
A tear slipped down my cheek. "I don't remember any of it."