Anita's POV

I was supposed to return home to my father today, but I didn't.

I've decided I will not. I will cover my ears and close my eyes. I will pretend I never heard what he said.

And soon, I will find a way to save my mother and my unmarried siblings too.

Lost in thought, I didn't notice Akash approaching me.

"You look lost," he said, his voice breaking my daze.

I shook my head. "I'm not lost, just deep in thought."

He nodded, "I've been thinking about you too, but I'm struggling to find the right words to put it."

"About?" I asked, my brows furrowed in question.

I followed him into the living room, and we sat down on different couches.

"You've been here for over a month," he started, his voice pausing after his eyes darkened, piercing mine.

I felt a lump form in my throat, but I responded regardless, "Don't worry, I'll move out if that's what you're implying. I'm grateful, honestly, for everything."

He cut me off, his tone firm. "Keep quiet! I wasn't thinking about that. It's just that my sister was asking someone for sanitary pads on the phone earlier, and it made me realise I forgot you might need them too. So, what do you use? Or do you not...?"

My face was riled with embarrassment, and I immediately bowed my head, my fingers fluttering like restless birds as I struggled to find my voice.

"Umm?" he nudged gently with a soft voice.

I clamped my lips shut, my gaze still glued to the floor, before I whispered, "This is a forbidden discussion." The words barely came out of my lips.

"Said by whom? I'm not asking for the details of it. I'm simply asking what you use." His direct gaze seared into my skin, and it made my cheeks burn with an inner fire while my skin prickled with heat.

"I wash..." I began, my voice cracking. I cleared my throat, shutting my eyes as I exhaled a shaky breath.

"My saree—the one you found me in—I use that." I responded, my gaze still dropped, avoiding his eyes. "I've cut it into pieces, even though I know it's wrong to tear clothes...."

His voice cut in, "And before we met? When you had no home? What did you use then?" he enquired, his words gentle but probing.

My breath caught in my throat while I whispered, "Polythene."

He remained silent for a long moment, until I finally met his gaze. His eyes bored into mine, and he asked, "At home, Anita? What did you use at your father's house? Or that man's?"

"My old clothes. I folded them until..." I paused, not comfortable revealing more.

"Well, I've answered your question. Let's not delve further," I added, trying to evade the conversation.

However, his expression turned serious, and his voice carried concern. "Anita, do you feel healthy? Fit?"

I forced a brief chuckle, "Of course I do."

"Have you ever had a medical checkup? One that confirmed... please don't take this the wrong way... infection, diseases? You used polythene, and I'm certain you had no idea what it was used for or who handled it, yet you exposed it to a sensitive area of your body."

Fear crept up my spine because his words painted a dark picture in my mind. "You're scaring me, Akash. What do you mean?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

"I'm sorry, but it's really serious because it's about your health," he said, his voice softening. "But don't be scared. I'm sure you're alright."

My mind raced with worst-case scenarios. "But diseases? What type of disease? Does it mean I'll die? I'll die before I save my family from my father." Tears welled up in my eyes as fear took hold of my heart.

He stood up and came before me, squatting down. He took my hands in a comforting clasp, his eyes locking onto mine with a reassuring gaze. "I said don't panic. I am confident you're okay. It was just a thought. But let's confirm it to put your mind at ease. Let's go for a check-up."

I nodded, trying to push back the tears. "Let's do it then."

"Don't overthink. Look at me; I'm also calm. You should be too," he said.

I whispered, "Because it's not you!"

His expression loosened up, and his eyes softened. "Do you think what happens to you doesn't affect me? Really?" He asked, his tone gentle.

I looked away because why would he be affected?

••••

We had the test yesterday, and the results are due today, 24 hours later.

It's evening now, but I haven't been at peace since yesterday.

Of course, Akash has been by my side, but even his comforting presence couldn't calm my thoughts.

In fact, seeing my distress, he apologised for sharing his thoughts and promised to keep it to himself from now on.

But I'm beyond consolation.

If the test reveals that I have a disease, it means that I will die soon.

And that's a terrifying prospect, because I'm not ready to die yet. Not until I've saved my mother and siblings from our father.

The doorbell's sudden ring made me flinch.

I am certain Akash is back with the report.

I hurried to the door, my hands trembling slightly as I turned the handle.

After I opened it, he stood before me, a warm smile gracing his face, but my gaze instinctively dropped to the file clutched in his hand.

He began speaking, "If God would grant me one wish, I'd wish that you're the first person I see when I come home, the one who opens this door for me."

But my brain couldn't comprehend his words because it was consumed by the thoughts of the report's contents.

"Is there a disease?" I whispered, my voice trembling with fear.

"I haven't opened it. It's yours. I couldn't have without your approval," he started, but I cut him off, my anxiety spiking.

I snatched the file from his hand, my fingers trembling as I opened it while my eyes scanned the pages filled with unfamiliar medical terms.

Fear gripped me, its icy fingers tightening around my heart.

"What does it say?" he asked, his voice having concern, but I couldn't answer because my voice caught in my throat.

"I don't know. Read it to me," I finally replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

He took the file, his expression sympathetic as he read, with a defeaning silence.

"I'm dying, Akash. Say something!" I exclaimed, my voice rising in desperation, and my body tensed with fear as my mind raced with worst-case scenarios.

"Well, the report says... go take chilled water, because..." he paused, a little smile appearing on his face, and I felt my world spin, my breath hanging in my throat, and my heart suspended in mid-air.

"Did you not understand the reference I made?" he asked, having an unbelievable expression.

"Chilled water?" I whispered, trying to understand. "So, the disease will make my blood cold, right?"

His expression softened. "I'd love to stretch the joke, but I don't like seeing you worked up," he said. "It says you're perfectly fine. It's a miracle, but I already believed nothing could happen to you."

A wave of relief washed over me, followed by a tidal wave of joy.

Overwhelmed with happiness, I threw myself into his arms, tears of ease streaming down my face. As I buried my face in his chest, I felt his nose inhale deeply, taking in my scent. He was breathing me in, making a shiver run down my spine.

His arms also wrapped around me, pulling me close, and when the warmth of his body combined with mine, the beat of his heart, and the gentle pressure of his hands on my back, it felt like a haven, a sanctuary, a home.

However, as his nose nuzzled into my hair, inhaling its scent, my senses began to return. I pulled back almost immediately, my face flushing with embarrassment, but my eyes glanced into his, filled with gratitude.

"I was just happy. Sorry," I mumbled in a whisper.

His broad smile put me at ease, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's no problem," he said, "I'm glad you're okay."

"But," he cleared his throat before continuing, "they've given us a prescription. You'll need to take some medicine for a month."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "Why?"

"To protect you from any other diseases," he explained.

I nodded, understanding. "Oh, okay!"

"Great!" he said with a smile. "We'll stop by a pharmacy tomorrow morning before heading to work. For now, let's have dinner and get some rest. I'll also get you pads then."

My eyes flapped downward, my lashes casting a shy shadow on my cheeks. I nodded slowly, my head bobbing in a gentle, hesitant motion.

••••

It was morning.

We were having breakfast when he turned to me with a smile. "You are very precious to me, Anita," he said, his eyes shining with sincerity.

I smiled back at him. "You are also very precious to me, Akash," I replied, my voice also filled with sincerity.

His smile grew wider, and he reached out to take my hand. "Always be this happy. I promise you, the days of you crying have ended."

I chuckled, drawing my hand back slowly, and finished my meal.

After I took a sip of water, he spoke. "Let's get going, then."

I grabbed my phone, and we headed out. As always, he opened the door for me.

Before I went in, I caught the eye of the bodyguards he had hired, who greeted me with friendly smiles. "Good morning, ma'am."

"Good morning, sir!" they also said to him.

I returned their smiles before slipping into the car.

He also got into the driver's seat and started the engine. "Are they coming with us too?" I asked, nodding towards them.

"No, they'll meet us at the restaurant in their own car," he replied, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

"Also, I forgot to mention," he added, his eyes briefly meeting mine before refocusing on the road. "Something important came up at work, so we won't be able to stop by the pharmacy as planned. But don't worry, I've already ordered the drugs on the prescription. They'll deliver the medicines to our place."

I nodded.

••••

We arrived at the restaurant, and as I reached for the door handle, he intervened, saying, "Don't!"

He got out and opened the door for me, and I smiled, appreciating his courtliness.

However, after I came down, a woman, around my grandmother's age, gripped my hand and slapped me hard across the face.

My head spun, and my eyes instantly welled up with tears from the stinging pain.

"Hey!" Akash thundered, his tone shocking me. I flinched, because I've never heard him sound so fierce.

The woman's face contorted in anger. "You wretched girl!" she exclaimed. "Is this what you've become?"

I was taken aback; my brows furrowed in confusion, as I had no idea who she was.

Akash called for the guards, who promptly appeared from their car and restrained the woman.

"Have this woman arrested immediately!" he commanded authoritatively.

I was still recovering from the shock when my eyes darted around, and they landed on Rajiv.

Akash's thunderous voice snapped my attention back to him. "I said take her out of my sight immediately before I lose my patience!" He roared, making me flinch once more.

While the guards dragged the woman away, he turned to me, his expression softening.

He cupped my cheeks, his hands gentle, and his fingers grazed the spot where she had slapped me.

"Does it hurt?" he whispered, his eyes staring into mine, filled with concern.

A single tear escaped, but I shook my head, trying to appear stronger than I felt.

"Let go of me." The woman's voice grew fainter as she was pulled away, her words becoming a distant echo.

"Son! Son!" she cried out before her voice vanished altogether as she was driven away.

"Come, let's find some ice to put on your cheek. It'll help reduce the pain," he said.

"It's already gone; don't worry!" I smiled, trying to reassure him.

However, his expression turned skeptical. "You're not just saying that to make me feel better, are you? I'm genuinely worried about you," he stated, his eyes filled with empathy as he gently wiped away the tear that had escaped earlier.

I smiled again. "It's like it's the first time I've ever been slapped. My cheek is used to it; don't worry." I said, trying to make light of it.

But his reaction turned explosive. His face turned beet red, and his eyes were lined with fierce anger.

He withdrew his hands from my face and punched his car with a loud thud, making me jump.

His eyes burned with an inner fire, and his jaw clenched so hard that I could see the muscles bulging in his neck.

"How dare she!" he snarled. "I'll make her pay for this. I'll make her regret ever laying a hand on you."

His rage scared me. I had never seen him like this before.

His eyes continued to stare into my soul.

"I've already promised you, Anita, that the days of you crying are over. And I don't break my promises. That woman had the audacity to slap you in front of me. But I won't rest until I ensure she spends the rest of her life in jail. I promise you, I will make everyone who's ever made you cry pay for it. I'll bring them all before you, and they'll beg for your forgiveness, but we won't forgive them."

"It's over," I whispered. "Tell them not to take her to the station. I don't even know her. Her children must be waiting...."

But before I could finish, Rajiv's voice cut through my sentence. "She's my grandmother!" he exclaimed.

Akash's eyes snapped towards him, noticing his presence for the first time.

He approached us, his eyes fixed on him, and repeated, "She is my grandmother."

Akash's jaw clenched in anger, and he responded through gritted teeth, "That makes it even better. Your grandmother just abused Anita in my presence. Does she know how many years abusers spend in prison? I'll make sure she doesn't even get visitation rights. None of you will see her again while she's alive."

"Akash, it's over! Let her be now." I tried to intervene.

But Rajiv spoke up: "I apologise on her behalf, Anita. What she did was wrong."

I eyed him warily, remembering how he also slapped me, not so long ago too.

"When she found out you were here, she wanted you to come back...."

Akash's voice sliced through his words, his voice firm. "Let's go! Don't listen to his nonsense. If not for the respect I have for your words, I would have terminated his contract long ago. But I don't know why you still want to work with him." He held my hand and led me away, his grip very protective.

"I'm glad you can differentiate between professionalism and personal issues, but this man doesn't. And that's enough reason to terminate the contract," he added.

"Let her go, Akash! Please. " I insisted.

"Let's not discuss that too, please," he replied, his jaw clenching in anger again before it vanished.

"You know I can't say no to you, so let's not have that conversation. I will arrest anyone who lays a hand on you again. I don't care if it's his grandmother, him, or even your father! No one has that right!" He declared with a protective voice, his words sending a shiver down my spine.

I sighed, looking away. "You mentioned something important came up at your work. Shouldn't you get going?" I asked, trying to change the subject since he wanted that.

He stopped walking, and I did too, turning to meet his eyes.

"Just know that you're more important to me than anything," he answered back, his gaze staring into mine, which made my heart start racing.

A lump formed in my throat as I searched his eyes, seeing depth of emotions in them.

I nodded, my voice caught in my throat.