Sitting in this room, I feel like no matter where I go, I will always be trapped within four walls. There is no escape-only this endless feeling of confinement. Why can't I find peace?..... I wish... I wish there was a day when everything would just end. A day when I could step into a life where everything was beautiful, untouched by darkness, where no shadow of misery followed me.

I don't know how long I have been staring at the empty canvas in front of me. Time seems to have lost its meaning. My fingers twitch slightly as I glance at the paintbrush lying beside me. Slowly, I pick it up, dipping it into the red paint on my palette. Without any thought or direction, I drag the brush across the canvas. Again and again. Harder. Faster. I don't stop. I just want to cover the entire canvas in red.

As the deep crimson spreads, something about it unsettles me. The color pools and bleeds across the surface, and I can't help but feel like I'm watching rivers of blood flowing before my eyes. A chill runs down my spine.

Once the entire canvas is drenched in red, I don't pause. I reach for the black paint next, letting my hands move freely as I sketch out the chaotic image forming in my mind. It's random-shapeless yet terrifyingly familiar. The strokes are heavy, the contrast against the red even darker, but I keep going. I don't know how much time passes. The world around me fades away until all that exists is the eerie silence of the room and the restless thoughts in my mind.

Then suddenly-A loud thud.

I flinch as something small and fast darts across the floor. Gem. The kitten rushes onto the table, knocking over a glass of water in its haste. The sound of shattering glass cuts through the silence like a blade. My breath catches in my throat as my head snaps toward the noise. For a moment, all I see is red.

The paint I had just used has spilled onto the floor, mixing with the shattered glass. The crimson liquid spreads like blood, staining everything in its path. My chest tightens, and an eerie dizziness clouds my vision. My breathing turns shallow-erratic.

The room around me distorts, spinning into a blur. My fingers tremble as a deep sense of unease creeps in, gripping me from the inside out. The spilled red paint, the broken glass, the chaotic strokes on my canvas... it all starts to merge into something suffocating. I try to move, to steady myself, but before I can, a thick wave of darkness crashes over me. The chair beneath me vanishes, The world tilts, And then-everything goes black.



Naina's eyes fluttered open, her vision hazy as she adjusted to the dim lighting of the room. The first thing she saw was Shalini, sitting right beside her, holding her hand gently. There was concern in her eyes, a mother's silent worry. Naina turned her head slightly, and in the quiet room, she heard hushed whispers. Her gaze landed on Karan, who sat on the other side, speaking in a low voice with the doctor. His expression was tense, his brows furrowed in deep thought.

As soon as Shalini noticed Naina waking up, she leaned in and asked softly, "Naina... are you okay?"

Naina blinked a few times, still feeling the dull throbbing pain in her head. Instinctively, she raised her hand to her forehead, rubbing it lightly as she tried to recall what had happened. She looked at Shalini, her voice barely above a whisper. "What... what happened to me?"

Karan immediately moved closer, relief washing over his face as he spoke, "Thank God you're awake Naina... If Kaveri (maid) hadn't gone into your room, we wouldn't have known. She found you unconscious, slumped over in your chair. She called us right away. We have no idea how long you were like that..."

His voice was laced with concern, his eyes searching hers for an answer.

"What happened? Did you feel something before you fainted?"

Naina rubbed her temple, trying to process everything. She still felt slightly dazed. "I... I don't know... Everything just went dark all of a sudden."

The doctor, who had been observing her quietly, stepped forward and spoke in a calm tone.

"You've been under a lot of stress. Your body couldn't handle it. You need to take it easy, rest more, and avoid overthinking."

Karan exchanged a glance with Shalini. They both knew exactly what-or rather who-was the real source of Naina's stress.

The doctor hesitated before adding, "It's probably because of studies, right?"

Naina glanced at him, her lips parting slightly as if she wanted to say something... but she remained silent. What could she possibly say? That it wasn't exams or assignments that burdened her but a man who had made her life a living nightmare?

After a while, Karan left the room to see the doctor off, leaving Naina alone with Shalini. The silence was thick, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Shalini gently placed a tray on the bedside table and lifted a bowl of hot soup. "Drink this, You need to regain your strength," she said softly, bringing the spoon to Naina's lips.

Naina obediently sipped the soup, letting its warmth settle inside her.

As she continued to feed her, Shalini suddenly asked, "Is it the divorce papers? Is that why you're so stressed?"

Naina stiffened slightly. She didn't answer.

Shalini placed the spoon down for a moment and looked at her daughter with a reassuring smile. "You did the right thing by signing them, Naina. You don't need to be afraid anymore. We will handle the rest."

Naina stared at her mother, the words sinking in. She had almost forgotten-last night, before falling asleep, she had signed the papers. She had made her choice. She had to free herself from Ishaan's obsessive love. But what she didn't know... was what consequences lay ahead.

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It had been five days since Naina returned home, yet with each passing day, her anxiety only grew. Fear... stress... uneasiness-everything seemed to weigh on her mind. She knew Ishaan hadn't done anything yet, or maybe he hadn't even found out that she had signed the divorce papers. But deep down, she knew-when he did find out, things wouldn't remain the same.

Somehow, five days turned into six, and the fear never left her side. It lingered, creeping into every moment, making her restless. Karan and Shalini had already sent the divorce papers to Savitri's house. Through her, they found out that Ishaan wasn't in India, so sending the papers to her was the only option they had.

Naina felt suffocated in the house, the silence making her thoughts louder. She needed air-she needed to escape, even if just for a little while. If she stayed inside any longer, she feared she would lose her mind.

Descending the stairs slowly, she walked over to Shalini, who was seated in the living room, busy with her work.

"Maa..." Naina spoke hesitantly.

Shalini looked up, her eyes immediately noticing how Naina was fidgeting with her fingers-an obvious sign of her stress.

"Yes, Naina," Shalini prompted.

Naina swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I want to go out somewhere."

Shalini frowned slightly. "Where?"

Naina took a small step forward. "Anywhere... I just don't feel okay inside."

Shalini watched her carefully before patting the sofa beside her. "Come, sit."

Naina sat down, her shoulders tense.

Shalini gently held her hand and said, "Okay, we'll go. But why are you so worried?"

She gave Naina a reassuring look. "I'll come with you. Alright?"

Naina gave a small nod, feeling a tiny bit of relief.

That evening, after returning home exhausted from their outing, Shalini stretched her arms and yawned. "I'm so tired. I'm going to sleep now. You should too. We'll check what all we bought tomorrow."

Naina smiled slightly, nodding as she watched Shalini head to her room. Then, she walked into her own room, closing the door behind her.

The room was dark, and she switched on the dim lights-just enough to keep the space from being pitch black. She placed her shopping bags on the bed before heading into the washroom. Turning on the shower, she let the cold water run over her, hoping to wash away the unease clinging to her skin.

After changing into her night suit, she stepped out, drying her wet hair with a towel. That's when she noticed something-the curtains swaying gently. A cool breeze was flowing into the room.

Frowning, she placed the towel on the couch and walked towards the balcony. The door was slightly open. Had she left it that way? She didn't remember...

As she reached out to close it, a faint scent hit her. Cologne.

Her breath hitched.

Her eyes darted around the balcony. No one was there.

Swallowing hard, she shut the door, pulled the sheer white curtains closed, and turned back towards her bed. She needed to put her things away.

She picked up the shopping bags, but as she turned towards the couch to place them there-her legs froze. Her heart stopped. Time itself seemed to halt. Her hands trembled, and the bags slipped from her grasp, falling to the floor.

Ishaan.

He was right there.

Leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, his sharp gaze locked onto her. Silent. Unmoving.

Naina's breathing grew heavy.

Slowly, her eyes shifted towards the door. The distance between her and the exit felt too far... but the distance between her and Ishaan-too close.

Ishaan straightened from the wall, taking a slow, deliberate step forward.

Naina instinctively took a step back.

He took another step forward.

She took another step back.

And just like that... the hunter closed in on his prey.

Naina couldn't even find her voice. She stumbled back until her body hit the cold glass door of the balcony. Her breathing was so fast-so uneven-that it felt as if she would suffocate at any moment.

Ishaan was right in front of her now, dangerously close. He raised one arm and placed it against the glass door beside her, caging her in. His sharp gaze never left her face.

Naina's lips trembled slightly-fear making them quiver.

Ishaan leaned in, ever so slowly. His face was just inches away from hers, close enough that she could feel the warmth of his breath.

She couldn't bring herself to look at him. She just couldn't.

His scent surrounded her, consuming her senses entirely. Her eyes darted downward, her gaze fixed on the floor. Her breathing grew heavier, erratic, and she could feel her heartbeat hammering inside her chest.

Then, his voice came-low, deep, meant only for her ears.

"So... what should I do with you, baby ?" His words sent a shiver down her spine.

She didn't answer. She couldn't. All she could do was breathe-and stand still, she was too afraid of him.

Ishaan tilted his head slightly, watching her every reaction. "Hmm?" he murmured again, waiting.

Naina had no words. Not a single one.

She had known this moment was inevitable, but not this soon-not like this.

Ishaan raised his other hand, his fingers sliding under her chin, tilting her face upward.

Naina resisted, refusing to meet his eyes, but his grip tightened just enough to make her comply. Slowly, he forced her to look at him.

Her gaze stayed downcast, her lashes trembling as she avoided his piercing stare. But she knew-she knew-how intensely he was looking at her. How much anger was burning in his dark eyes.

Then, his voice came, sharp and edged with something unreadable.

"Divorce?" he scoffed. "Huh?" A bitter smirk tugged at his lips. "Seriously?"

Naina swallowed hard, her throat dry, her heart pounding like a war drum. Summoning every ounce of courage left in her, she hesitantly lifted her gaze-finally meeting his eyes.

Ishaan stared into Naina's eyes, his gaze dark and unreadable.

Naina was looking at him too, but her eyes-her own betrayers-refused to hold steady. They flickered, restless, drowning in the fear coursing through her veins.

Ishaan's voice came low, almost a whisper, yet it sliced through the air like a blade.

"Do you know what happens to the person," he murmured, "who even thinks of betraying me?"

His grip on her chin tightened, forcing her still.

he said coldly. "Their life... simply ends."

Then, just as slowly, his fingers left her chin, trailing lightly over her face.

A touch so soft-so deceivingly gentle-it sent a shiver through her body.

Ishaan cupped Naina's face, his touch firm yet teasingly slow. His thumb traced her cheek, lingering just long enough to make her breath hitch.

"But what can I even do to you? you're a piece of my heart....after all." he murmured, his voice dropping lower, huskier. His thumb slid dangerously close to the corner of her lips. He continued,"ahh......I'm bad with words.......Let my tongue explain this to you."

Naina's breath stopped. A cold wave of realization mixed with the burning heat of his presence. She could feel his intent before he even moved closer.

And with that, Ishaan captured her lips, claiming them with a fierce intensity that left Naina breathless. A muffled protest left her throat as she pushed against his chest, her palms pressed firmly against him. But Ishaan was stronger-too strong.

Without breaking the kiss, he wrapped his arms around her, lifting her effortlessly. His grip tightened around her lower back, holding her flush against him as he carried her to the bed.

Naina's heart pounded in her chest, her mind screaming at her to fight back, to push him away-but her body was frozen, caught in the storm that was Ishaan.

Ishaan pulled back slightly, his dark eyes scanning her face. Naina's wet hair clung to her skin, a few damp strands sticking to her flushed cheeks. Her long lashes were heavy with tears, and her lips-now slightly swollen from his deep kiss-trembled as she breathed.

Anger still burned inside him, His fingers trailed down her body, roaming until they reached her waist. Slowly, he traced patterns on her skin, his touch deliberate, teasing. His voice was low, almost a whisper, as he asked, "Why did you change your saree?"

He leaned in, his fingers tightening just slightly on her waist. "I thought I would be the one taking it off."

Naina's eyes widened in shock-He knew- He had known about every single step she had taken today. He had known she was out with Shalini, that she had worn a saree. And now, he was letting her know-she could never escape his gaze.

The rain outside grew heavier, its rhythmic sound filling the room, drowning out the unsteady breathing between them. The storm outside raged, yet inside, another storm was brewing-silent, intense, inescapable. Ishaan lowered his head again, his lips finding Naina's cheek, pressing soft, lingering kisses. Naina squeezed her eyes shut, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew there was no escaping him-no escaping the consequences of signing those papers. And yet, she had done it. She had dared.

His lips moved with deliberate slowness, trailing gentle kisses down her face. A shiver ran through her as goosebumps spread across her skin. She hated how easily her body responded, hated the way he made her feel trapped, caged under his presence. Ishaan's lips brushed against her ear, pressing a kiss there before he whispered something she couldn't even register over the roaring storm outside. Then, his mouth trailed lower, feather-light kisses tracing her neck, slow and agonizing.

He could feel her trembling beneath his touch, could hear the way her breath hitched and caught in her throat as his lips trailed down her neck, his teeth and tongue leaving a path of fire in their wake. He knew she was reacting to him, but with fear. He trail his fingers down and then lower his body while looking into her tightly closed eyes, then he slowly pull her loose night trouser upside, his lips following the newly exposed skin, his teeth grazing over the delicate flesh of her inner thighs."Please..."She whimpered, her voice a desperate, pleading keen that only served to inflame his desire, to make him want to claim her, to ruin her, to make her his in every possible way.

He nipped at her thigh, his teeth sinking into the supple muscle, marking her, branding her as his. "Shhh, not so loud baby..." He purred, his voice a low, mocking rasp as he soothed the sting of his bite with his tongue."...you don't want to wake the whole house, do you?" He could sense her desperate, silent plea for him to stop, to show mercy. But he had no mercy in him, no patience for her fear or her hesitation. He wanted her, wanted to possess her, to make her his in the most primal way possible.

"You were going to leave me, weren't you baby?" He murmured, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her inner thigh, his breath hot and heavy against her flesh. "...going to run away and even sign those divorce papers" He bit down harder, Naina whimper...."ish..an no," his teeth sinking into the tender skin, his fingers digging into the meat of her thigh, holding her in place. "If you had waited just a little longer, if you had given me a chance to convince you.." He rasped, his eyes glinting with a dark, obsessive light as he gazed up at her.

"...maybe I would have shown you the pleasures of being mine, the joys of belonging to me completely."

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