(Kruthi's POV)
It was already dark now. Though I enjoyed Naina's company, but I wanted some time for myself. Politely, after excusing myself I went to freshen up. The cool water droplets touched my exhausted body relieving me from the day.
Why was Vivaan like this?
A thought passed me.
He didn't trust anyone. Paranoid? or maybe built by circumstances?
No one knew his whereabouts, not even a single person? I remember how my mother would make a dozen of calls to me if I was not by 8 in evening at the home.
I thought maybe Naina would know but....
No, she didn't. No one did.
And then suddenly, between the conversation- my device showed his location. He has no right to do anything in my phone without my permission.
We have to talk once he comes.
I sighed.
Thoughts are so harmful and at the same time peaceful. But I hated I thought so much.
About him...
knowing he of course wouldn't be thinking about me or something.
mY dArliNg fOrcEd ConTraCt hUsbAnd.
Moments later I turned off the shower.
Enough for today, I guess.
I changed into a white casual cotton kurti and palazzo for sleeping.
Oversized, comfortable and very soft. Perfect.
And my wet hair.
Well, imperfect.
I took the towel and started to dry my hair. The tiny cool droplets fell on my feet while I dried. A small soft smile appeared on my lips.
This was peace. This was love.
Suddenly, from the mirror I saw the handle of the door unlocking.
My eyes widened.
Fo a moment, I could have called it my imagination but no, the sound of door clicking open echoed in the room.
I turned around suddenly, the towel fell from my hands.
Because I clearly remembered, I locked it.
And in the absence of Vivaan, at this unholy hour, and without knocking- only one person would come, to invade my privacy willingly.
Rushaan.
Just like he came last time.
But this time, I won't be scared away.
I took the mini knife from my drawer. Dare he lay hand on me and I won't regret what I'd do.
I stepped closer.
Why was the person taking so much of time to enter?
Suddenly, a footstep sound.
Alert Kruthi. I reminded myself.
Then another footstep.
My eyes squinted.
Double footsteps, together. More vibration. Means two people.
And then the man entered the room.
I didn't know this guy's name, but I felt I have saw him somewhere. Before I could ask him, he made the other man enter through his arm's support.
The man was injured, bleeding.
And it didn't take me a second to recognise him- this was my man, My Vivaan.
The confusion, the worry, the avoidance- everything became absent at that moment.
He was injured.
and bleeding.
I lunged forward, worry etching on my face. My lips were trembling. Never in my deepest nightmares did I imagine seeing him like that.
"Chhodo inhe." I insisted to the other guy with teary eyes, with frustrated but emotional tone.
Why did I have to see my husband like this today prabhu? hey Radhe, did I do some sin? hey krishna, is it something I should learn from or a result of my previous karma?
At that moment I felt a hollow ache in my chest. Not light, heavy one. Enough to tear my heart apart in layers.
I never felt like this in my entire life.
Not even when my grandfather died.
He looked up slightly, as if it costed him a great effort. "Kruthi...ah" a gasp left his lips.
I wrapped my arms around his shoulder and helped him towards the bed. My focus was gone from the man, the blood stain on my white kurti from him, the thought of the door being unlocked despite being locked. It was only on him.
Vivaan.
He sat on the bed with a light groan again.
Hastily I went towards the cupboard and retrieved the first aid box.
I forgot to acknowledge the man who brought him here. Because at the present no was more important to me than him.
I dipped the cotton in antiseptic and forwarded it to his face, on the scratch of right cheek which was bleeding.
"Vivaan please..." I whispered softly with teary eyes. I had no strength to argue him. Not when he was in this state.
"It's fine." He responded, a pretence of calm.
Fine?
This was fine?
Bleeding was fine?
Coming back injured was fine?
This was NORMAL for him? didn't he know his this normal was almost making me lose my senses and just cry?
"Vivaan it's not fine." I insisted again.
"To me, it is."
I Squinted my eyes in confusion, anger. And spoke again in a calm but insistent tone.
"To me, it is not."
"Why?"
"Because I am not used to see people bleed every other day."
"Then get used to."
Something inside me hurt.
Not because of his tone.
But because he genuinely meant it.
"Vivaan..." I said finally, my patience wearing thin. "If this is going to happen everyday and you are going to behave like this... end this marriage. Right now, right here. I can't see you like this."
He paused and stared at me for a moment.
Then spoke again, in a low measured tone.
Not to me.
"Mirhan. Prefer a taxi this time. Travelling in my car can cause you harm."
The man nodded.
Mirhan.
I remembered him.
Rushaan's bodyguard when I worked in the company.
Why was he with him.
But then he groaned again.
"Vivaan, main aapko thappad maar dungi, let me take care of you."
He looked away.
His lips twitching upwards slightly, but getting back in an instant.
"What if you get hope of me being a lovey dovey husband?"
"Seriously Vivaan?" I looked at him with an irritated expression. "I won't get hopes, let me take care of you."
"What if I get hopes?"
I paused.
"You won't. B- because there's nothing between us and ask one more stupid question and I'll genuinely hit you"
He went silent and signalled his hand in a 'then continue sign' to me.