Her passionate plea engulfed him with a hope he thought he'd never feel again. The rays of her beaming smile thawed the icy fog that had numbed his wounded soul. A spark of joy ignited in his chest and put a faint, yet recognizable, smile on his lips.
The sight of Diya holding his hand sparked a fire in his veins, and an inferno in his soul. His emotions were too powerful to be quelled, even by the gentle caress of her fingers, like the chill of an autumn breeze against a burning skin. But he had to clench his fists tight, severing them from each other's embrace as if her touch burned him physically. Like the regret that singed his heart like wildfire.
"No! I cannot do this to you! My actions have been unforgivable. You deserve so much more!"
The room fell silent as Atharv spoke, his words washing away the joyous atmosphere of the others. Aditi had expected him to be ecstatic and hug Diya tightly with overwhelming gratitude. Pranav's optimism at having a chance to make his friend's dreams a reality was quickly replaced with gloomy disappointment.
Diya's face was a mask of steel as she shot Atharv a cutting glare. Her lips curled up in a sneer, revealing an icy determination to make him understand.
"I do, Atharv. I deserve better and that is why you need to rediscover yourself. You need to become the man I loved, the one you have forgotten in a decade of neglect. This is your only chance at redemption."
"Diya!"
"I know where you are coming from, Atharv. Guilt. Soul-crushing guilt. You feel the pain of thousands of needles stabbing you while the guilt chokes you relentlessly."
The anguish on his face betrayed her own hidden pain that she had suppressed for so long. In an instant, they both realized the truth—her story wasn't borrowed from him, but rather it was a recollection of her own misfortunes.
"I know it all too well, for it has been a recent battle in my mind and soul. It started with the thought that my parents were responsible for your family's downfall. For over ten years you have borne the weight of this betrayal alone. You have conquered the world around you, yet you have not conquered yourself. This time I ask that you take my heart in conquest. Will you do this for me, Atharv?"
Atharv's fists shook in rage as he cursed at the cruel fate that had taken away everything he had ever held dear. His family's honor and respect, the love of his life - all gone in an instant. He felt a seething hatred towards the same destiny that was now seemingly beaming upon him through its sadistic benevolence. Aditi silently prayed that her brother would not sink into despair and find the courage to open up his heart to the love he had been yearning for.
"Your unwavering faith in me is like a beacon of strength, radiating hope for my future. I am indebted to her and must make right what I have done wrong. With every ounce of energy left in my being, I promise to embark on this journey to eradicate the toxicity that has been inflicted on me."
Diya let out a stifled sob of joy as her lips quivered in a wide smile. "Jo hai mile lamhe kahin, chuth na jaaye haath se! Never! Your determination to change your ways speaks loudly of the affection you have for me, and that knowledge is enough to ignite a fire within me that shows me the person I yearned for still resides beneath the contempt and fury."
The energy of the night before coursed through Atharv's veins, his eyes ablaze with happiness and hope, for the tremendous weight that had burdened him for so long was lifted away thanks to Diya's compassion and understanding.
"So you plan on staying here?" Atharv enquired warily.
Diya shook her head firmly. "No, my dear. If we are truly going to embark on this journey of love together, I need to be out of this house."
Atharv's face contorted in a mix of confusion and anger. He knew where she was going but the thought of it made him want to explode with rage.
"So, you will return to your parents?" he managed to utter through clenched teeth.
"No," she said flatly, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "They kept me in the dark. They used me as a pawn in their game of retribution. I won't accept that, so I'm staying with Shilpa and Kajal, and I'll find myself a job soon."
Atharv felt a duality of emotions as he realized the implications of his actions — part of him rejoicing that she stood up for herself, while the other bit filled with guilt for tarnishing her relationship with her family. He shuddered with sadness and regret, but he grudgingly accepted that if not for him, she would have remained blissfully in the dark. With strained resolve, Atharv agreed to her terms, replying gruffly "Fair enough! Whatever you deem fit!"
Diya nervously turned to face Pranav, whose mischievous and joyous grin threatened to unravel her courage. He would only tease her if she asked, but it would never end.
"Okay. Pranav, can you please drop me?"
He smirked devilishly, and she knew that the teasing would start any moment now. "Do you think your beloved Atharv wouldn't be enraged enough to incinerate me for that? Better safe than sorry, isn't it?"
Diya rolled her eyes in despair, and Aditi laughed out loud at their conversation.
Atharv, even though it pained him slightly that she preferred Pranav to give her a lift instead of him, he knew that he had no justification to oppose her wishes or ruin her connections with anyone.
"Unless you have atrocious driving skills, I can't think of a reason why I should object".
He declared that he would be the one to drive, for she had never driven on Indian roads before. Diya rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated sigh as he walked away with a smirk on his face. She stood up and pulled Aditi in for a hug.
"Thanks, Di," she thanked her friend.
"I missed you too! I hope to see you soon!"
Diya stepped away from Aditi and beamed a broad smile. Then she moved towards Atharv, who seemed doubtful and uncomfortable. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, something she had been wanting to do for a while. She felt overwhelming joy as her eyes closed with pleasure.
His strong and comforting embrace gave her a sense of safety that no other word could ever provide. The calming rhythm of his heartbeat, the gentle sound of his breath, the tenderness in how he held her close, and the surreal feeling of completeness had all swept away her worries.
She was reconsidering her decision to leave, but it became more difficult with every minute spent in his arms. Finally, she pulled away. She planted an intense kiss on his cheek that made him dizzy with euphoria. The kiss was more than just friendly —it was clear that she had no intention of being platonic.
"See you soon!"
He stayed captivated by her alluring, smoky voice until his sister tapped him on the shoulder, prompting him to say goodbye. Her mischievous grin when she waved as she left reminded him of the defiant young girl he had fallen in love with—and now, he was falling for her once more.
___________________________________________________________________________
YOU ARE READING
Anguish & Affection
Romance"You took away my parents from me, stole my childhood, and crushed my heart like it was nothing. But yet, I feel something for you and my mind is still conflicted about our relationship." Atharv's words tore through the air, his voice trembling with...
