Shadows of the past, Flames o...

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The first rays of sunlight crept through the curtains of Raj’s room, casting a warm glow over the elegant interior. Raj stirred awake, his mind heavy with lingering thoughts from the previous night. As he shifted, his gaze landed on the figure curled up beside him—Rashi. 

She looked serene, her delicate features relaxed in peaceful slumber. Her hand rested lightly on his chest, as if seeking comfort even in sleep. Raj’s heart swelled with an emotion he couldn’t name, an unfamiliar sense of completeness. 

The memories of the previous night rushed back to him—Rashi dancing, laughing uninhibitedly, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief. And then, the moment he saw another man attempting to touch her. The surge of possessiveness he’d felt was unlike anything he had experienced before. 

Leaning down, he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. His voice barely above a whisper, he murmured, “I don’t know what’s happening, but I like the way you called me your husband.” 

Carefully, Raj slipped out of bed, making sure not to wake her. He freshened up and headed to the kitchen, preparing a drink that would help with her hangover. His movements were deliberate, almost tender, as he poured the concoction into a glass and brought it to her bedside. 

By the time he returned, Rashi was stirring awake. Her lashes fluttered as she blinked, taking in her surroundings. Her gaze darted around the room before realization hit—this wasn’t her room. It was his. 

Rashi bolted upright, her heart racing. Her mind was foggy, her thoughts fragmented, and she couldn’t remember how she had ended up in Raj’s room. Anxiety clawed at her as she recalled his strict warning never to step into his space. 

Her head throbbed, and she pressed her fingers to her temples. She tried to get up but stumbled, her legs weak beneath her. 

“Don’t, Rashi,” came Raj’s voice, firm yet gentle. 

She froze, her wide eyes locking onto his. He stood by the door, holding a glass. There was a softness in his gaze that caught her off guard. 

“You’re not okay,” he said, walking toward her. “Drink this—it’ll help with the headache.” 

Rashi hesitated, her emotions a whirlwind. This was the same Raj who kept his distance, yet here he was, showing a side she had never seen before. Slowly, she accepted the glass, their fingers brushing briefly. 

“Thank you,” she whispered, taking small sips. The soothing drink began to work its magic, easing the pounding in her head. 

As she finished, she set the glass down and tried to stand again. Determined to leave his room before he could ask her why she was there, she took a step. But dizziness overwhelmed her, and she stumbled once more. 

Raj was there in an instant, catching her before she could fall. His strong arms steadied her, and his voice was filled with concern. 

“Shine, are you okay?” he asked. 

Her breath hitched at the nickname. *Shine.* He had called her that before, but hearing it now, spoken with such care, made her chest tighten. She nodded quickly, trying to mask her emotions. 

“Yes, yes, I’m fine. Thank you for helping,” she said, stepping back slightly. 

Raj didn’t release her immediately. His hands lingered, as if ensuring she wouldn’t stumble again. 

“Raj…” she hesitated, her voice shaky. “Can I ask you something?” 

His brows furrowed slightly, but he nodded. “What is it?” 

“How… how did I end up here? In your room? I don’t remember anything from last night.” 

Raj’s expression shifted, a flicker of emotion crossing his features. He opened his mouth to explain, but the sudden buzz of his phone interrupted him. Glancing at the screen, his demeanor hardened. 

Rashi noticed the name flashing on the screen: **MAYA.** 

Her heart sank, memories flooding her mind. 

“Raj…” she tried to speak again, her voice trembling.

But Raj cut her off, his tone sharp. “It’s not necessary for you to know how you ended up here. And do me a favor—don’t ever do what you did last night again. Because of you, I wasted my time.”

Rashi’s throat tightened as his words pierced her. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Raj turned and left the room without a second glance.

Flashback: The Café Incident

The scene replayed vividly in Rashi’s mind. 

She had been at the café with Samaira, laughing and chatting, when Raj walked in with Maya. The sight of them together froze her mid-sentence. Her eyes were glued to them as they sat at a corner table, Maya leaning in closer to Raj with an easy familiarity. 

“Bhabhi? Are you okay?” Samaira asked, noticing her sudden silence. 

But Rashi barely heard her. Her focus was on Raj. The way he looked at Maya, his expression soft, almost nostalgic—it tore at her heart. Then Maya reached across the table, placing her hand over his. Raj didn’t pull away. 

Rashi couldn’t take it anymore. Her hand trembled as she grabbed her phone and dialed Raj’s number. 

He picked up after a few rings. “Yes, Rashi?” 

Her voice wavered as she asked, “Raj… where are you? Are you okay?” 

There was a pause before he replied, “I’m in my office. Why?” 

Her breath caught in her throat. She glanced up, seeing him just a few tables away, seated with his ex-girlfriend. The lie cut deeper than she thought possible. 

“N-nothing,” she stammered, ending the call abruptly. 

Her hand clenched the phone as she tried to compose herself, but the pain was too much. Samaira noticed the tears pooling in her eyes and immediately pulled her into a comforting hug. 

“Let’s leave,” Samaira said firmly, leading Rashi out of the café. “We’re going somewhere you can forget all this.” 

Present 

As Raj drove to his office, guilt weighed heavily on him. He replayed the look on Rashi’s face before he left that morning—the way her voice trembled when she asked about the previous night. He had seen the hurt in her eyes but chose to brush it off. 

"Why did I do that?" he thought bitterly. "her pain affect me so much?"

He clenched the steering wheel tighter, his jaw tense. He wasn’t supposed to care. This marriage wasn’t supposed to mean anything. But Rashi’s presence was changing him in ways he couldn’t understand—or control. 

And then there was Maya. Seeing her again had stirred memories he thought were buried. But instead of the longing he expected to feel, all he could think about was how Rashi might have felt seeing them together. 

“Why do I care what she thinks I can't involve her in my world there's so much danger?” he muttered to himself, slamming his fist against the steering wheel. 

But deep down, he knew why. 

Rashi was breaking through the walls he had so carefully built, and it terrified him. 
 
Later, after meeting with Maya, Raj dialed Samaira’s number. 

“Hey, my little princess,” he greeted, forcing a lighter tone. 

“Raj Bhai!” Samaira exclaimed. “I’m so sorry about yesterday…” 

“It’s okay,” Raj interrupted. “I was angry, but I understand. Just don’t do something like that again.” 

“I won’t, Bhai. But… Bhabhi was really upset when she saw you with Maya.” 

Raj’s breath hitched. “What are you talking about?” 

Samaira hesitated, then explained everything—the café, the way Rashi had seen him with Maya, and how hurt she had been. 

Raj fell silent, his chest tightening as he processed her words. 

“I didn’t mean for her to feel that way,” Samaira added, her voice laced with guilt. “That’s why I took her to the club. I thought it would distract her, but things got out of hand.” 

“It’s not your fault,” Raj said finally, his voice softer. “But… Samaira,you have to be careful.” 

“I’m sorry, Bhai. I just… I can see how much Bhabhi cares for you. Please don’t hurt her.” 

Raj sighed, his mind racing. “I’ll handle it, Samaira. Take care, okay?” 

“Okay, Bhai,” she said quietly. 

After hanging up, Raj leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. His thoughts were consumed by Rashi—her pain, her confusion, and the way she had looked at him before he left. 

He had lied to her.
Hurt her.
And for what? 

"I can’t keep doing this to her, he realized i owed her the truth. But how will i do it i need to stay away from her I am not that strong to see in danger. She is becoming important for me i had to do that... We have to stay in distance for her safety once i hunt that vikran then I'll tell her the truth but till then i just can't" he said to himself.

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This is it for this chapter hope you all like it i will upload next chapter on Thursday for sure till then stay tune and keep voting and commenting guys ..... Byeee!