Chapter 80 The Moment Fear Met Love
It is early morning, and soft sunlight filters into the Shekhawat villa bedroom through the curtains. Neeti slowly drifts out of sleep, but the moment she becomes fully aware, she feels a sharp, deep ache in her body. A soft “Ahh” escapes her lips.
When she opens her eyes completely, her breath catches for a moment. Not a single piece of clothing covers her.
she is completely naked. In a rush, she pulls the blanket tightly around herself, clutching it as if to shield herself from the world. Wrapping it firmly, she sits up and leans her back against the headboard.
The room is silent except for the sound of her quickened heartbeat and breathing. Then comes a faint click the door opens, and Shorya walks in. He is carrying a breakfast tray, prepared as if he has planned this moment.
He glances at Neeti, and a tender smile spreads across his face. Closing the door behind him, he walks over and sits down beside her on the bed. Today he wears only simple track pants and a T-shirt, but there is still a glimmer of last night’s passion in his eyes.
He says softly, “Good morning, jaan…”
But Neeti’s reaction is entirely different, her face fills with anger. She stares at him sharply.
Shorya swallows, instantly realizing that this morning is not going to be easy. Still, he keeps a small smile, sets the tray on the side table, and says, “Have breakfast, jaan… we also need to go to Rajput Mansion.”
Neeti doesn’t hide her irritation. “Last night, did you forget I had to go somewhere today?” she asks pointedly.
Shorya replies plainly, “I remembered… but I lost control.”
Grinding her teeth, Neeti says, “Don’t talk to me for a week.”
But Shorya ignores the sting in her words and pulls her into a firm hug. “Shhh… baby, sorry. But it’s your fault you keep running away from me.”
Neeti’s cheeks flush not only from anger but also from embarrassment. She clutches the blanket tighter around herself and murmurs, “Stay away…” moving slightly back.
A playful, almost mischievous smile touches Shorya’s lips. “Baby, why are you feeling shy? I’ve already seen everything last night,” he teases warmly.
Neeti’s eyes widen in shock and indignation. “Stop it… you’re so shameless!” she snaps.
Shorya doesn’t take offense. Instead, he places a gentle kiss on her cheek and murmurs, “It doesn’t matter… however I am, I’m yours.”
His words carry a warmth that melts Neeti’s anger. Slowly, she loosens the blanket around herself, and almost shyly, she reaches her hands toward his neck. The next moment, she leans into him, wrapping her arms around him.
The farmhouse is calm and peaceful from the outside, but inside, everyone is deeply engrossed in preparations. The wedding is to take place right there at the farmhouse, yet this time not a single guest is invited. It is Samar’s decision, there is danger looming around his family, and at this moment, security matters more than any grand display.
Inside, the staff and servants are busy with their assigned duties. And at the center of it all is Ruhi. She has taken responsibility for overseeing the arrangements.
Dressed in a simple cotton suit and trousers, with her long soft hair flowing freely over her shoulders, she moves gracefully yet briskly, instructing one servant here and correcting another there. Fatigue is visible on her face, but at the same time, there is a glow of responsibility and determination that makes her look radiant.
She has no idea that a pair of eyes is watching her quietly from afar Rohit’s.
Rohit’s gaze is fixed on her. He starts noticing every little change in Ruhi. She is no longer the same cheerful, playful girl she once used to be. Her constant smile, her lighthearted laughter both fade. Her face, once always lit with joy, now seems to have lost its spark. And that pains Rohit deeply.
He knows very well that he is the reason behind this change. He has hurt her, broken her trust. And now, the guilt of those mistakes keeps him from going near her. He never dares to step forward to speak to her; he only cares for her silently from a distance, never feeling worthy enough to give voice to his emotions.
Ruhi, on the other hand, builds walls around herself. She no longer laughs with him, teases him, or responds to his light moments. Between them stands a thick wall of silence.
As Ruhi moves around the farmhouse with her list of tasks, she absentmindedly wanders toward the pool. Her eyes remain on the paper in her hand, lost in thoughts of preparation. She doesn’t notice where she is stepping until suddenly her foot twists. A sharp cry escapes her lips, and in the next instant, she tumbles straight into the cold water of the pool.
The splash echoes as water scatters all around. Ruhi flails her arms, gasping, panicked, her trembling voice calling out, “Help! Help…!”
Rohit’s eyes widen in shock. His mind doesn’t even get a chance to think; his heart acts first. He rushes toward the pool, and without a moment’s hesitation, dives straight into the water.
The cold pool envelops his body instantly, but Rohit feels nothing. His eyes see only one thing, Ruhi.
She struggles, thrashing in the water, trying desperately to breathe. Her long hair clings to her face, half-covering it, while her hands keep hitting against the water in helpless attempts to stay afloat. Rohit swims swiftly toward her. Reaching her, he immediately grabs her shoulders, pulling her close to him with a firm hold.
Ruhi’s breathing is erratic, her body trembling. But the moment her frightened eyes meet Rohit’s up close, something shifts in her expression.
Rohit, without wasting a second, lifts the trembling and shivering Ruhi into his arms and swims powerfully toward the edge of the pool. With all his strength, he pulls her out. Ruhi clings tightly to his chest, her breaths coming out fast and uneven, as if the fear still hasn’t left her.
Just then, the farmhouse’s main gate opens, and Shorya and Neeti enter. The moment their eyes fall on the poolside, they freeze in shock.
Neeti rushes forward. “Oh my God… what happened to her?”
TO BE COUNTINUE...!!!