CHHAVI'S POV
The next morning, Drishye left for Delhi, leaving Aahana and me with Noor. And now, it's been almost four weeks since he left.
We talk often, multiple times a day, in fact. He keeps calling to check in, asking if I've eaten, if Aahana made it to school, if Noor is doing her job well and often our conversations lead to a warm share of affection for each other, leaving me as a blushing mess. His concern feels warm and I've learned to accept it.
And, I'd love to let him know about my feelings and the years long truth I've been keeping to myself. I just hope he makes it to Dehradun soon so that I can arrange a warm candle- light dinner for him that night and confess my true feelings. It's high time, I let him know because he has been doing more than a lot for me and my daughter to prove his love for me.
Even though I always knew he hand strong feelings for me, I was never aware that it could last beyond ten years- to the point where he readily accepted my daughter without any hesitation. Seeing them bond so easily was very unexpected as well as overwhelming for me. Well, life has become pretty breathable after settling at his warm wood house.
A week after his departure, I received an email that left me stunned- a letter of appointment offering me the position of an assistant professor at a local institute. For a moment, I stared at the screen, blinking in disbelief. Was this even real?
When I informed Drishye during our call, I learned he had made all the arrangements. The institute's head turns out to be an acquaintance of his.
I was excited yet nervous. The idea of stepping into a classroom again, felt overwhelming. Sensing my hesitation, he spoke to me in a calm yet firm tone.
"Miss Rosy, you need to take charge of your life already. It's time." He said. "I've rebuilt myself more times than I can count. Trust me, you can too."
Maybe he was right. Maybe it was time to take that first step toward rebuilding myself.
I've to do this for Aahana, if not for myself. I've to do this for Drishye. He's been trying so hard to help me become the person I once was, but if I keep holding myself back, I'll never escape the dark hole of fear I've trapped myself in.
So, I accepted the offer. I stepped into the classroom again.
And guess what? It wasn't as hard as I had imagined.
The moment I picked up the chalk, something shifted inside me. I instinctively knew what I had to do. The nerves I'd been battling melted away as I faced the students.
The interaction with the numbers and those learning minds made me realize how much unnecessarily I was holding myself back from doing what I enjoyed doing.
I surprised myself with my potential- it wasn't destroyed after all. It had only been dormant, waiting for a little nudge to awaken it.
And now, I didn't need Drishye to push me anymore.
I was leading myself, one step at a time. And it felt liberating.
After classes, I spend time in the library, revisiting topics that weren't entirely forgotten but needed a little brushing up. And the feeling it gave me- good Lord! It felt like my soul was finally breaking free from the shackles of my enslaved mind. Daily, I feel the adrenaline course through me, brimming my heart with joy and the thrill of becoming a better version of myself.
But it didn't stop there. Household chores, which once felt like an obligation, became something I approached with enthusiasm. I realized the difference: here, at Drishye's place, I wasn't bound to do anything. I was choosing to do it.
For the first time, I didn't feel torn between what I wanted to do and what I needed to do. I 'wanted' to teach, so I taught and studied at the college. I 'needed' to tend to my little girl, so I made sure she was cared for, loved and provided for.
And none of it felt exhausting. The balance I'd found between being a professor and a parent made everything seamless. It allowed me to switch between the two roles effortlessly.
Of course, a part of this ease came from Noor- the aid lady Drishye left behind during his absence. She's truly a ten-on-ten.
Noor- twenty- two years old, symmetric face with chiseled cheekbones and jaw, plump lips, beautiful, long eyelashes and a perfect height of five- seven, is unlike anyone I had ever met. Her presence, her walk, her elegance- everything exudes an aura of a perfectionist in the way she carries herself.
She's a diva- be it her appearance or be it her skills. She can cook, clean and calculate. All very much efficiently. She seems like a blend of a trained arms officer and a top-notch personal manager, rolled into one. Her multitasking abilities are unmatched. One moment, she'd be handling the kitchen tasks like a professional chef and the next, she'd be running diagnostics on the house's security system like an elite intelligence operative. She was calm, composed and utterly efficient, no matter the situation.
But what truly surprises me is that, above all else, she's become a good friend. A literal good friend.
We talk about everything and anything under the sun. Well, to be fair, I'm the one who does most of the talking while she listens patiently, continuing with her tasks. She's someone who genuinely listens without judgment or interruptions. She doesn't pry, doesn't offer unsolicited advice- she's just there. And strangely enough, that's exactly what I need right now- someone to lend an ear to me and let me express my happiness and sorrows.
Regarding Vinesh, there had been no contact since I settled at Drishye's place. In fact, Drishye had taken it upon himself to ensure that all connections to him were severed. He'd blocked Vinesh on all my devices, leaving no room for him to track or trace my locations.
But Drishye had warned me to stay cautious.
"We cannot predict his next move, especially while sitting so far away."
To ensure our safety, he had given Noor strict instructions to accompany Aahana and me everywhere, whether it was her school, my college or any other place we needed to go.
At first, it was pretty uncomfortable for having someone tag along all the time. But I understood his perspective. This wasn't about control, it was about protection.
Everything was running pretty smoothly, until today.
The unknown number which had gone silent for weeks decided to haunt me today, again.
I was sitting in the classroom while the notification popped up on the screen of my cellphone, making my heart stutter.
UNKNOWN: So, what'll you do about him?
I stared at the message, blankly.
What am I supposed to do? I can't even divorce him without my papers! And why does this person even care?
Why doesn't he stop bothering me forever!?
The irritation simmered beneath my skin but I forced myself to focus on my work. I marked the assignments, one after the other but my mind stayed restless. Somehow, I managed to finish but the moment I stepped out of the classroom, I collided with someone.
I almost tripped but before I could hit the ground, a firm grip caught me by the waist.
I looked up, startled and my breath caught.
"Drishye?!"
His name slipped out before I could stop myself.
As soon as our eyes met, my cheeks became warmer than usual.
He smiled faintly, like my surprise amused him.
"I'm here to pick you up, Miss Rosy."
My heart skipped a beat at the way he said my name this time. Maybe I was listening to it after days, hence, felt different...
"Did you...have some work here?"
I asked, pulling myself upright and clutching my sling bag tighter than necessary.
"Can't I just come to pick you up, Miss Rosy?"
He replied in a smooth and steady voice and unwavering gaze.
The way he said it made my cheeks feel more of the heat, though I quickly masked my discomfort with a frown.
"You don't have to."
He tilted his head, his smile softening.
"Sometimes," he said, taking my briefcase from my hands, "you need to let things be."
I opened my mouth to argue but my phone buzzed again. The sound felt like a dagger to my nerves. I glanced at the screen, and my blood ran cold. I just knew who it was!
UNKNOWN: Move on and be with someone who deserves you.
My grip on the phone tightened as I fought back the sudden wave of unease. Who was this person, and why wouldn't they leave me alone?
I looked up, desperate for some grounding but Drishye was already walking ahead of me.
What's going on here? And why do I feel like I'm missing something important?
Eventually, I made my way to his car, which was parked just outside the college fort. He was leaning against the car, arms crossed. HIs posture made him look very sexy which made every fiber of my body flutter.
Once we were both in the car, he leaned over, reaching across me to tuck my seatbelt into place. The proximity was suffocating yet intoxicating, caging my throbbing chest. His dark eyes locked onto mine, leaving me startled and speechless.
His lips curved into a barely-there smirk as though savoring my flustered reaction. He finally leaned back into his seat and casually buckled his own seatbelt, acting as if nothing had just happened.
"You do this on purpose, don't you?"
I blurted out. I'm sure my cheeks are burning red now.
"Do what?"
He asked innocently in a smooth tone but the glint inhis eyes betrayed him.
I narrowed my gaze at him.
"I know how to secure a seatbelt, Drishye."
He chuckled softly and replied.
"You know so much more than you say, don't you?"
I felt like he was hinting at soemthing, something which I knew whatit was.
"Oho! So you're aware."
Deep down, I knew exactly what he meant.
"Definitely, I'm."
I said, keeping my tone light but failing to mask the edge in my voice.
His smirk deepened while he gaze remained fixated tot he road laying in front of us.
"What is it?"
He asked, glancing at me while steering the wheel.
"Why should I say? You tell me!"
I scoffed, rolling my eyes.
He glanced at me then, just for a second and his words came like a bolt of lightning, setting my nerves on fire.
"You love me, Miss Rosy."
I froze but I could feel my fingers shake.
For a moment, I couldn't find a response.
The way he said it, without hesitation- left no room for denial.
"N- no, I don't."
I said firmly, though my voice lacked conviction.
"I see it in your eyes."
He shot back.
"No, I don't!"
I repeated, this time louder as if volume could somehow make it truer.
"Acha?"
He smirked, tilting his head slightly, daring me to keep denying.
"Haan!"
I snapped, crossing my arms.
"No! I- "
"That day, you said you 'like' me."
He interrupted, throwing my own words back at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Yes, I like you. Not lov- "
"But, baby girl," he cut me off, leaning just slightly in my direction, "you literally said that 'you don't think you can do things with me.' So what things were you talking about, haan?"
My eyes widened, heat rushing to my face.
"No- nothing! And stop calling me 'baby girl.' I'm literally six years older than you!"
"Oh! So, now you want to be my mommy, haan?"
My mind chose to cut all ties with me. I was tongue- tied. He's so hard to keep up with!
"Wh- what are...are you even talking about?"
I stammered, completely thrown off by his absurd suggestion.
He grinned wickedly, clearly enjoying my flustered state.
"Oh! So now mommy needs some lessons herself, haan?"
I blinked, trying to process his words. Giving up is never an option. He himself taught me so!
"Well, technically, Drishye, I was married for ten years. So, don't you think I'm on top in the game?"
His grin grew wider, and his voice dropped to a dangerously low tone.
"Well, we'll only know that when you're on top of me."
My mouth fell open, and I felt like the air had been punched out of me.
"Drishye!"
I exclaimed but his smirk told me he knew exactly what he was doing.
"I don't take judgments without firsthand experiences, Miss Rosy."
I turned my face towards the window of the car and pulled down the glass. The chilly wind rushing inside the warm space felt soothing to my skin. I was ready to bear the icy slap of he wind on my face but his dangerous word game!
I heard him chuckle at my reaction. I couldn't help but break into a sly smile. My open hair did enough to hide it form him.
"How have you been, Miss Rosy."
He finally asked an easier question, letting the awkwardness that brewed between us few moments ago break.
"Fine, Drishye."
I replied, finally looking at him and rolling the window up.
"Fine without me?"
"Drishye."
I warned and he chuckled.
"Okay, sorry. Haha."
He apologized.
"Better."
We sunk into a comfortable silence. I could feel my smile etched on my lips as well as see him smile while driving. It made my heart feel content. I loved the silence we're sharing.
But it was interrupted by the ringing of Drishye's phone.
I got a glimpse of Noor dialing on his phone. He picked it up while circling the steering wheel.
My eyes moved to his face to decipher what was she informing him about via his expressions. My gut groaned when i saw his jaw clench.
He cut the call within some seconds and looked at me.
I raised an eyebrow, asking 'what.'
"Aahana got abducted, Miss Rosy."
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