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She walked down the road, tears streaming down her face, as if someone had struck her heart with unbearable pain. Her eyes glistened with unshed sorrow, and her fair skin, now flushed deep red, bore witness to the storm raging within her.

She had been walking home, lost in thought, her boss's harsh words still ringing in her ears. The weight of humiliation pressed heavily on her chest, making every step feel heavier than the last.

As she finally reached home and stepped inside, her father looked up, his eyes filled with expectation. "Wasn't your promotion due today? What happened?" he asked, his voice casual, unaware of the storm raging inside her.

She answered calmly, her voice devoid of any emotion, "My boss fired me."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, her father’s face darkened with anger. "I told you to prepare that presentation properly! But no! This girl can’t do a single thing right!" he shouted, his frustration exploding at her.

Her tears fell silently, one by one, tracing cold paths down her cheeks. She stood there, head bowed, her heart aching, but she said nothing. The weight of her father’s words pressed down on her like a burden too heavy to carry.

He didn’t stop. His anger only grew. "This girl is a curse!" he spat. "The day she was born, our family fell into hardship. And now, when it’s time for her elder sister’s wedding, she’s gone and lost her job! Useless! Nothing but bad luck for all of us!"

His words cut deeper than any insult her boss had thrown at her.

Her father's blood pressure started rising, and as her mother, brother, and sister rushed to take care of him, she stood there, completely breaking apart. Their words echoed in her mind, shattering her from within. She couldn't think anymore. Without a second thought, she turned on her heels and walked out the door.

Out on the streets, she wandered like a woman drained of life, lost in a world that suddenly felt too heavy to bear.

It was almost night, and she was wandering on the road. She had no idea what was going on in her mind. Walking aimlessly, she reached the edge of a hilltop and screamed at the top of her lungs, “Ahhhhhhhh! Why? Why only me? What have I ever done wrong to anyone?”

Her eyes were filled with tears. She had completely broken down, collapsing onto her knees as her voice faded into a fragile whisper.

"Why? What have I done? What is my fault that everyone sees me as a burden? If they never wanted me, why didn’t they just kill me?"

"Why does everyone treat me like this? Tell me, God… am I really that bad?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a notification. Wiping her tears, she picked it up and checked. It was a post from one of her college mates.

Her breath hitched as her eyes landed on the picture—her college mate posing happily with someone. Someone she knew too well. The same person who had walked away from her life five years ago, without a word.

The caption read:

"After so long, a day with my special one."

She shattered all over again. This was the same girl the one whose name had always been whispered alongside her boyfriend’s in college rumors. Back then, she had brushed it off, convincing herself it was nothing. But now, five years later, here they were, together.

They had all lied to her. Abandoned her.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she wiped her face and stood up. Looking up at the sky, she let out a shaky breath.

"Wow, God… so this is your answer. You made it pretty clear, didn’t you? If I’m so worthless, then what am I even doing here? Just do one thing… call me to you."

"So, I’m coming to you," she whispered, taking a step forward.

Just as she was about to jump, a strong hand grabbed her wrist, yanking her back with force. She stumbled but didn’t fall—because someone was holding onto her.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" a voice roared, filled with anger and panic. "Have you lost your mind? Ending your life over a damn job?"

She blinked, stunned, as she finally looked up at the person who had just pulled her back from the edge.

She looked at him, shock evident in her eyes. "What… what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I saw you coming this way, so I followed," he said, still breathing heavily. His grip on her wrist remained firm, as if afraid she might try again. "Whatever happened to you was unfair, but this? You were about to throw your life away!"

"Your mom and dad must be waiting for you," he said, his voice laced with frustration and concern. "And here you were, ready to throw your life away… for people who don’t even value you?"

"Who? Which mom and dad? The ones who think I’m a burden?" she scoffed, her voice trembling with pain.

He shook his head. "It’s not like that. You’re misunderstanding—maybe you got it wrong."

A bitter smile played on her lips as she whispered, "I’ve spent my whole life living in this misunderstanding… that maybe someone loves me. That maybe, I matter to someone."

"No," she let out a hollow laugh, shaking her head. "I was never anything to anyone. Just a burden. An unwanted presence in everyone’s life. I force myself into places where I don’t belong."

She took a shaky breath, her voice breaking. "My parents… they wanted a son, but they got me. The moment I was born, their happiness disappeared. And love?" She let out a bitter chuckle. "He never loved me. He liked girls who were smart, beautiful, stylish. Not someone like me a plain, boring behanji."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she didn’t bother wiping them away. "And me? I was the fool who believed he loved me. Who held onto that lie like it was real. But in the end, even he left… without a word."

He sat down beside her, his voice softer now. "It’s not true. Your parents love you. Maybe they don’t always show it the way you want, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care."

She stared at the ground, silent.

"And that guy?" He scoffed. "He wasn’t worthy of you. You’ll find someone better someone who sees you for who you really are. You’re a good person, and your heart… it’s pure."

He hesitated, then reached out, gently wiping away a tear from her cheek. "Please, stop crying. Let’s go home."

She suddenly laughed, a sharp, almost mocking sound. "My parents love me? I’ll find a good guy?" Her laughter grew louder, almost uncontrollable, as she looked at him with wide, questioning eyes.

"You know who I am?" she asked, tilting her head.

He frowned, shaking his head slowly. "No…"

"I'm the curse," she said, a bitter smile on her lips. "The one no one wants."

She let out a hollow laugh. "You see, the first child? They’re everyone’s favorite—the ideal, the well-mannered one. No matter what they do, they can never be wrong. And the last child? Oh, they’re precious, especially if they’re a son. No one ever questions them. No matter what, their wishes come first. Money or no money, their demands are always met."

Her voice trembled as she continued, "But us? The middle children? We’re just… there. An accident, an inconvenience. We grow up adjusting, sacrificing, always being compared—our choices, our opinions, our feelings? They don’t matter. Because we shouldn’t have existed in the first place."

She took a deep breath, her eyes dark with unshed tears. "Selfish. Useless. A burden. Manhoos. That’s what we are, right?"

She laughed again, shaking her head. "Even God must have taken extra time deciding my fate. Why waste sorrow on her? Just give her all of it."

A dry chuckle escaped her lips as she wiped a tear away. "And love? What even is that? Never seen it, never felt it."

She exhaled sharply, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I thought, once I got a good job, I’d change everything. I’d prove myself. But look my own best friend stole my presentation and became the star while I was left with nothing."

She looked up at him with teary eyes, a broken smile on her lips. "Lucky, right? Everyone loves me so much."

Her eyes filled with tears again, but this time, she didn’t bother holding them back.

"You’re lucky," she said, looking at him with a sad smile. "You’re rich, after all. But me? I’m just a poor, unwanted burden."

She took a shaky breath. "If I go home today, everyone will be upset. But if my dead body reaches them instead… they’ll be relieved. Finally, they’ll be at peace. Their problem will be gone."

She looked up at the sky, her voice barely above a whisper. "So, you should go. Your family must be waiting for you."

Turning away, she let out a broken chuckle. "And me? I’m going to Him (god). I’ll finally ask Him about all the sins I committed just by existing."

She looked so weak, like a candle flickering in the wind. As soon as she took a step forward, her vision blurred, and the world around her spun.

Before she could hit the ground, strong arms caught her just in time.

"Hey! Hey, are you okay?" His voice was filled with panic as he held her limp body. He tried to make her stand, but she was too weak, slipping through his grasp.

"Please… wake up," he pleaded, gently patting her face. "Open your eyes!"

But she didn’t respond.

A sharp fear gripped him as he quickly lifted her into his arms and carried her to his car, his heart pounding with every second.

Kaya kept staring at the gate, her eyes filled with silent worry.

Yuvraj sighed, walking up to her. "Bhabhi Maa, please eat something. Who knows where Bhai is right now? Everyone else has already had dinner, and you’re still waiting for him."

He shook his head. "You know how he is never on time. And sometimes…" he hesitated, then added with a small chuckle, "sometimes, he doesn’t come home at all."

As soon as Kaya turned around, she gave a small smile. "Just a little longer… then I’ll eat, I promise."

Right then, a voice rang out from behind.

"Speak of the devil, and the devil appears!" Angad smirked as he walked in, casually running a hand through his hair.

Kaya turned around, her smile fading instantly. Her breath hitched as she saw Adheer stepping inside, carrying an unconscious girl in his arms.

Her fingers curled into fists as shock ran through her. Who was she? And why was Adheer bringing her home like this?

As soon as he stepped inside, Dada Sa’s firm voice broke the silence.

"Beta, who is this girl?" he asked, his sharp eyes scanning the unconscious figure in Adheer’s arms.

Adheer’s expression was tense as he spoke urgently, "Yuvraj, call the doctor first!"

Without waiting for any more questions, he carried the girl to the sofa and carefully laid her down.

Straightening up, he glanced at everyone and finally said, "I’ll tell you everything."

Adheer took a deep breath and told them everything how he had found her, what she had been through, and how she had collapsed in his arms.

The room fell silent, everyone absorbing the weight of his words.

Bua Ji shook her head, her eyes glistening with sympathy. "Bichari bachi… kitne bure din dekhne pade ise. Kaise maa-baap hain jo apni hi beti ko yun mehsoos karne dete hain?" she said, her voice heavy with sorrow.

Just then, their family doctor, Arnav Kukreja, arrived, looking slightly concerned. "What happened? Why did you call me so late at night?"

Adheer stepped forward, his voice firm. "First, check on her. We’ll talk later."

Arnav nodded and quickly got to work, examining the unconscious girl. After a few moments, he let out a sigh and looked up at them.

"Her condition is really bad," he said gravely. "She’s extremely weak and severely depressed. Whatever she has been through… it has taken a serious toll on her."

His voice was firm this time. "Now tell me, Adheer… who is this girl?"

Adheer took a deep breath and explained everything again how he had found her on the verge of giving up, the pain she had endured, and how she had collapsed before he could do anything else.

Doctor Arnav listened carefully, his expression growing more serious. After a moment, he spoke, "Whatever her past is, one thing is clear if she remains like this, I don’t think she’ll survive for long."

Adheer immediately shook his head. "Don’t say that, Bhai. Look at her… she’s so innocent. She doesn’t deserve any of this." His voice was filled with an unfamiliar softness, a protectiveness that was impossible to miss.

Kaya stood silently, watching him care so much for the girl. The way he was worried, the way his eyes held concern it was something she had never seen before.

And it burned.

A strange, unsettling feeling twisted inside her. She didn’t understand why, but seeing Adheer this way, so deeply involved in someone else’s pain, made her chest tighten.

Kaya quietly retreated to her room, closing the door behind her. She didn’t want to see any more didn’t want to feel whatever she was feeling.

Meanwhile, Doctor Arnav handed Adheer a list of medicines. "Make sure she takes these on time," he instructed before leaving.

Yuvraj carefully carried the unconscious girl to the guest room, settling her in.

Adheer, on the other hand, went to the kitchen, prepared a plate of food, and took it to his room. As he stepped inside, he saw Kaya lying on the bed, her back turned toward him.

Smiling softly, he walked over and gently nudged her shoulder. "Ocean, wake up. Come on, eat something first. You can sleep later, bacha."

Kaya kept her eyes shut tightly, pretending to be asleep, her face turned away from him. She didn’t want to talk, didn’t want to acknowledge the storm raging inside her.

Adheer sighed, shaking his head. He knew her too well. Leaning closer, he spoke again, his voice laced with amusement. "I know you’re not sleeping. Stop acting smart and get up. Now."

When she still didn’t move, he huffed. "Pagal mat bano, Ocean. Chalo, uth jao. Warna mujhe doosra tareeka adopt karna padega." His tone held a teasing warning.

Adheer let out a dramatic sigh and placed the plate on the table. Without giving Kaya a chance to react, he swiftly scooped her up in his arms.

"Adheer ji! Kya kar rahe ho?!" she whispered harshly, her eyes snapping open in shock.

Ignoring her protests, he walked over to the sofa and sat down, settling her in his lap. Holding her firmly in place, he leaned in slightly, his gaze locking onto hers.

"Aap mujhe pagal bana rahi thi, hmm?" he asked, tilting his head. "Jawab do, Ocean."

His voice was soft, teasing, but there was a challenge in his eyes daring her to keep pretending.

Kaya's voice was sharp with jealousy as she snapped, "Mujhe kyun mana rahe ho? Jaao na us ladki ke paas, jiske liye itni care dikhayi ja rahi thi!"

Adheer raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. He had to bite his lip to keep from laughing, but a chuckle still escaped.

Seeing him laugh, Kaya's irritation flared. She narrowed her eyes and huffed, "Dekha! Maine kaha tha na! Apko toh mazaak lag raha hai!"

Her face was now a mix of frustration and much to Adheer’s delight pouting jealousy. She looked as if she was about to cry, but more out of stubbornness than sadness.

He smirked, leaning in slightly. "Toh… aapko farq padta hai?"

Kaya’s lips pressed into a thin line as she fell silent, refusing to meet his gaze.

Adheer, however, wasn’t about to let it go. A teasing smile played on his lips as he tilted her chin up, making her look at him.

"Meri jalkhukadi biwi," he murmured, his voice filled with warmth. "Yeh Adheer sirf aur sirf aapka hai. Is par sirf uski Kaya ka haq hai."

His words were gentle yet firm, wrapping around her like a promise.

Kaya’s heart skipped a beat, but she refused to let him win so easily. "Toh phir uski itni care kyun kar rahe the?" she muttered, still pouting.

Adheer chuckled, pulling her a little closer. "Kyuki main insaan hoon, par dil sirf tumhara hai, Ocean."

Kaya avoided his gaze and muttered, "Mujhe bhook lagi hai… chalo, khana khate hain."

Adheer smirked, watching how quickly she changed the topic. Meri ziddi biwi, he thought, amused.

Adheer chuckled but played along. "Accha? Abhi toh mujhe bhagane ka plan bana rahi thi, ab bhook lag gayi?"

She looked at the food and said in a small voice, "I'm hungry… I want to eat." Her face looked like she was about to cry any second.

Seeing her face, Adheer couldn't help but laugh. Shaking his head in amusement, he tore off a bite and gently fed it to Kaya.

After finishing their meal together, Kaya got up and said, "I’ll go wash these plates and put them back."

Just as she reached for them, Adheer swiftly scooped her up into his arms, catching her completely off guard.

As he lifted her effortlessly, Kaya looked up at him, startled. "Adheer ji, what are you doing?" she asked, confusion clear in her voice.

Without saying a word, Adheer carried Kaya straight to the kitchen and gently placed her on the counter. Then, without hesitation, he picked up the plates and started washing them himself.

Kaya watched in surprise before quickly protesting, "Adheer ji, leave it! I’ll do it."

Adheer glanced at her with a smirk. "How can I commit such a great sin?" he said playfully. "When this servant is here, how can his queen be allowed to work?"

After finishing the dishes, Adheer turned back to Kaya, only to pause mid-step. Her eyes, wide and glistening, held unshed tears, the kind that spoke of emotions too heavy to put into words.

His playful smirk vanished in an instant. Closing the distance between them, he gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing away the tear that dared to escape.

"What happened, Ocean?" he asked, his voice softer now, laced with a concern he didn’t even try to hide.

Without a word, Kaya clung to him, burying her face in his chest as quiet sobs shook her shoulders. Her fingers clenched the fabric of his shirt, holding on as if letting go would break something inside her.

Through her muffled cries, she whispered, "Why… why are you so good to me, Adheer ji?"

Adheer exhaled softly, his arms tightening around her, as if shielding her from every pain she had ever known. He rested his chin atop her head, his voice low but certain.

"I don’t know," he admitted. "Maybe because this heart of mine only listens to you now. It only wants to see you

awake, asleep, smiling, even when you're angry. It just… needs you, Ocean."

Kaya looked up at him, her eyes still glistening but now holding a teasing glint. "People should learn from you how to weave words so beautifully," she murmured.

Adheer smirked, tilting his head slightly. "You can learn too," he whispered, his voice dipping into a playful husk. "But only if you master the art of romance first."

Hearing that, Kaya’s cheeks flushed, and before he could tease her further, she buried herself back into his chest, hiding her face. Adheer chuckled, wrapping his arms around her again, letting the warmth between them speak louder than words.

Adheer chuckled, tightening his hold on her for a brief moment before effortlessly carrying her back to their room. His steps were steady, his warmth unwavering, as if this was where she had always belonged safe in his arms.

As he gently set her down, he brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear and murmured, "Go on, change now." His voice was soft, but there was an undeniable authority in it, the kind that made it impossible to argue.

Kaya looked up at him, confusion flickering in her eyes. "Change into what? This saree is fine, isn't it?" she asked, glancing down at herself.

Adheer folded his arms, shaking his head. "It’s not comfortable. Go put on something you can actually relax in."

She pouted slightly. "But I don’t have anything else with me."

Adheer stepped out of the room without another word, leaving Kaya staring after him in confusion. She frowned slightly, wondering what he was up to now.

Within minutes, he returned, holding a neatly folded set of clothes. With a small smirk, he extended them toward her. "Here. I bought this while coming back from the office. Now go and change."

Kaya unfolded the fabric, only for her eyes to widen in horror. "No! I’m not wearing this!" she declared,clutching the outfit as if it had personally offended her.

Adheer crossed his arms, tilting his head as he looked at her. "So, are you wearing it or not?" he asked, his tone calm but firm.

Kaya clutched the outfit tighter, shaking her head stubbornly. "No! Absolutely not! There are elders in the house

what will they think if they see me in this?" she argued, her voice laced with both embarrassment and defiance.

Adheer let out a sigh, then, without warning, grabbed Kaya by the wrist and pulled her closer, making her stumble slightly into his arms. "No one will say anything. Now go," he said firmly.

But Kaya, just as stubborn, shook her head again. "I already said no!"

Adheer arched a brow, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. "Alright then," he murmured.

Saying this, he begins to come closer to her a closeness that starts to weigh on her heart. He steps toward her, and she instinctively takes a step back.

Startled by his sudden move, she grabs the shopping bag from his hand and rushes into the dressing room. The moment she disappears, Adheer collapses onto the bed, laughing uncontrollably.

"She got scared this easily" he chuckles to himself. "God help her the day I actually get closer she might just come down with a fever!"

In just a little while, she walks out wearing the nightdress Adheer had given her. By then, he had changed too and was lying on the bed, waiting for her.

The moment his eyes fall on her, Adheer opens his arms wide with a soft smile and says, "Come here."

But instead, she picks up her teddy from the chair and, like a little child, hugs it tightly in both arms.

Seeing her like that, Adheer's face twists in mock annoyance.

He looks at her and says, “Ocean, what are you doing? Put that back and come sleep next to me, baby.”

But she, just as stubborn, replies, “Nope. He’s sleeping with us too.”

Saying that, she walks over and rests her head on his arm. Adheer feels a wave of happiness but the sight of that teddy still between them is definitely testing his patience.

In just a little while, she falls asleep. He quietly pulls the teddy out from between them and tosses it aside. Wrapping her in a tight hug, he plants a soft kiss on her forehead… and falls asleep, too

Thank you for reading ❤️ 😌