Page 25 of Protect my Heart
I blink up at him, stunned.
"My existence doesn’t affect you, Aarav!" I snap, my own anger clawing its way out. "You've thrived without me! You’re smart, successful, handsome... and you don’t even like me! So stop pretending like you care. I hate your pity!" I shove his hands off me, breathing hard.
His eyes darken, jaw tightening dangerously. He steps closer, like he wants to say something, maybe yell again—but another voice cuts in before he can.
"Anika!" I turn around and see Maa, Bhabhi, and Rudraksh Bhaiya rushing towards us.
"We were here for Shivani’s sonography," Maa says breathlessly. "The receptionist told me Aarav was here too."
She reaches for me, her arms wrapping tightly around my shaking body.
"You must be so scared," she murmurs against my hair.
And just like that, the dam inside me breaks. I sob into her shoulder, loud and messy, not even caring about the ugly noises leaving my mouth. She strokes my hair gently, rocking me like a child. Bhabhi is next to me, rubbing soothing circles on my back.
I cling to them both, feeling like I'm drowning, and they're the only things keeping me afloat. After a while, I pull away, wiping my tears furiously. I don’t want them to see me like this anymore.
Aarav’s hand wraps around mine again. "Stop it," he says, low and firm, almost like an order.
"You all should go home and freshen up a little," Maa says kindly. "I'll call as soon as she wakes up." I immediately shake my head in denial, unwilling to leave. "Sweetheart, please. Just for a bit," she pleads gently.
I hesitate, biting my lip. I don’t want to leave Mumma’s side. But Bhabhi speaks up, voice soft and heavy with unshed tears, "Anika... you'll obviously not want to leave after she wakes up, right?"
I swallow hard and finally nod. "Okay," I whisper.
Aarav extends his hand towards me again. I take it—not because I want to, but because I don’t want to create a scene in front of his family. Once we're in the elevator and out of sight, I yank my hand away, refusing to meet his eyes.
He clenches his jaw so tightly that I can practically hear his teeth grinding, but I don’t care. Let him be mad. I’m tired of everything.
He strides ahead when the elevator doors open, and I trail after him, dragging my feet. I honestly don’t have the energy to deal with his tantrums right now. One minute he’s sweet, the next he’s impossible. Classic Aarav. I should’ve known better.
He opens the passenger door for me, and without a word, I slip inside, keeping my gaze fixed on the dashboard. He gets in too, slamming the door shut harder than necessary, and drives off—way faster than the speed limit. Not that I have it in me to scold him anymore.
After a long, heavy silence, I finally speak. "I’m going to return every penny you gave me."
His hands tighten on the wheel, but he says nothing. "With interest," I add, staring out of the window. I’ll take up more freelance projects and maybe find another part-time job if needed. No matter how long it takes, I'll pay him back. I won’t owe him anything.
The car suddenly swerves sharply to the side, and I scream, my heart leaping into my throat. The tires screech, and the car jerks to a stop. I clutch the seat, breathing hard.
"What the hell are you doing?!" I shout, whipping around to glare at him.
His fists are clenched so tight his knuckles are white. He looks at me, his scowl so intense it’s almost scary. "What did you just say?" he demands, his voice a low, rough whisper.
"You heard me," I fire back. "And don't you dare drive like that again!"
He rakes a hand through his hair, looking like he’s barely holding it together.
"Anika," he says, sighing heavily. "Don’t ever say that again."
I open my mouth to argue, but he presses a finger against my lips, silencing me.
"Shut up," he says, voice gentler but no less firm. "You're my wife. It’s my duty to—"
I push his hand away roughly, my eyes burning.
"It’s not your duty!" I snap. "She’s my mother. She’s my responsibility. I’m grateful for your help, okay? But that’s it. I will pay you back whether you like it or not."
I turn my face away, swallowing the lump in my throat. I don't want to talk anymore. But then I turn back to him, jabbing my finger into his chest for emphasis. "And don’t forget," my voice comes out in a hiss. "I’m your wife for just six months. That’s it. You made me sign the damn contract, remember?" My voice booms around us; Aarav glares at me before turning toward the steering wheel and swiveling the car back to the road.
