"Shera! Humne bohot important chiz pata laga liya hai unke bare me!" His eyes flew open hearing those words from his new found bestie cum brother.
Without wasting a moment more and taking his guns from drawer he ran out to reach them. While driving the scene that danced in front of his eyes was most dreadful moment of his life.
The time when his whole team was tied with bomb and helpless to do anything. The moment when he had seen his only family asking for his safety despite of being in dangerous situation. The moment when the innocent soul was still smiling so as not to afraid him for her life and encourage him, the person who had shook his life and heart; Miss Sakshi Anand, His publicist.
He reached the place which Karan had addressed and ran out of the car to him not caring about anything around. He was frantically looking here and there to find him when he was pulled behind the building by Karan. Who later on told him something that blew his mind.
"They are alive! They had just tricked you with some drugs to make you believe on that scene and losing your sense." Said Karan explaining him things but the only thing that he muttered in whisper is "They are alive!" And Karan witnessed the tear drop which fall from the corner of his eyes for the first time after their dreadful incident.
Later on they raid on the place with the help of some police officers who still believes in him and ready to help him at any cost. They fight for his loved ones and one was the best ever team and finally after finishing them all he found them, his team, his family, who have lost their consciousness due to heavy dose of drugs.
**~~~**
Week later...
He ran towards her room as soon as he heard the news of her being conscious finally after whole week and without even knocking he entered in the room.
His breathing stop as soon as he saw the her, who was laughing on a joke with Shree and Ayesha. The glow on her face was like always hiding the pain in perfect cover. He came to sense when he heard his voice saying , "Finally ACP shahab ko fursat mil hi gyi! Welcome Mr!" She said with her all time perfect smile.
He stood there eyes glued on her as if making himself believe that yes she is alive and he hadn't lost her truly. Then finally when she smiled he felt as if his heart will come out at any moment and sudden light has filled his darkened life again.
But ofcourse! He is The ACP ARJUN RAWTE... he wasn't going to show the emotions he felt. He ignore the sudden urge to ran towards her, hold her in his arms protectively and never let her go. He fisted his palm to stop himself from running towards her and hide her in his arms for her safety. It is tough, too much tough for him. So he just broke his staring session and turned towards his team.
"Pack her things Ayesha. I am dropping her and you should also take rest go home with Sam. Tum Sab Abhi abhi recover hue ho thoda rest krlo." He said in authoritative voice but failed to hide the genuine care so he left the room without looking back at her.
**~~**
They entered inside his home and she looked around curiously as for the first time she was here. He put her things on nearby table and was going to walk towards kitchen when she called, "Arjun!"
He stopped on his track and closed his eyes tightly to the stop this feeling. After so long he is hearing his name from her and it felt so peaceful that he can't even describe. They haven't uttered a single words in whole journey to his home and it was difficult for both. The emotions were so much overwhelming that it's making them unable to speak. "Arjun." She again called to gain his attention so taking a deep breathe he turned towards her.
"Hmmm." He said and she looked at him confused because he wasn't meeting his eyes to hers. "Yaha kyu laaye ho mujhe?" She asked softly and slowly took steps towards him. Arjun looked up at her who was still in pain with bruise here and there but wasn't showing it. "Tumhari safety bohot important hai. I can't take a risk of leaving you alone!" He said in one go looking in her eyes,his voice was dead serious and she felt heart beating faster than ever.
"Kyu? Kiske liye? Meri to family bhi nahi ke is baat ki care kare?" She asked sadly with tears in her eyes which she isn't allowing to fall. She was badly in need of comfort after all these depressing moments but she knew there is no one who can provide it to her except him, but the thing is; Is he ready to show his emotions?? No!
He kept looking at the innocent soul wanting to answer her questions and take away her all pain but couldn't find himself doing so. He wasn't understanding his own self that why he is stopping himself these much but isn't getting answers too.
"Yaha baitho. Aaram kro. Baate krne ke liye humare pass bohot sara waqt hai." He said avoiding to reply her and walked into the kitchen without wasting a moment. She sat on sofa with a sad smile, what she was expecting? A truth and him opening up about his feels? It's not gonna happen Sakshi, she said in mind and looked around when a glass was forwarded to her.
Arjun was standing there with glass of water waiting for her to take it. She glanced at her plastered right hand but then shooking her head, she took the glass with left hand and drank the water. Finishing it she gave it back and without a word he again get back in kitchen as if running from her but in reality, he was running from his feelings.
After sometime he called her to come in kitchen , " Sakshi yaha aa jao!" Hearing her name from him after so long made strong emotions run through her body but she ignored it and walked into kitchen and get impressed with its design and maintenance. "Wow, it's beautiful!" She exclaimed admiring it. "I know! Roshni ki jo choice hai!" He said without even realizing it and froze after a moment as for the first time he had uttered her name in front of her.
He looked up expecting her to be sad but she was smiling right at him that too genuinely. "I already knew it! Tumhari choice itni pyaari ho hi nahi skti." Saying so she chuckled and sat on the dining table ignoring his looks and he turned to hide his smile which has formed for the first time on his face after so long. The reason is; just her, his miss publicist.
Wait, what???!! His publicist? Really???? When did she become yours? His mind quipped and he froze for a moment but then again last few days danced in his mind and he get firmed. She is mine and will be mine..! He shouted in mind taking deep breaths and after a long time he was feeling happiness in his heart.
"Arjun!" She shouted bringing him back to present, in response he just smiled and start placing soup and light sandwiches in front of her and Sakshi's eyes became wide watching that soulful smile. For a moment she thought she is imagining things so she rubbed her eyes and turned her face towards the food placed in front of her.
Sakshi smiled heartily returning back his gesture but not looking at him and he felt immense happiness by that simple smile also! She took spoon with left hand and try to take soup properly but not being habituated she was finding it difficult to move that filled spoon upto her mouth. Meanwhile he was observing her very keenly which was another reason why her hands were shivering more but whome she could blame! She tried again but this time again she failed.
Shooking his head with a little smile he took a stool beside her and made her turned towards him whose eyes went wide with his sudden behaviour. She felt like living in dream. She was beyond shocked and get more shocked when he took the soup bowl and filled spoon full and blowing a little air he bring it towards her mouth with utmost care, who was hell shocked!
Her eyes were still wide as saucers and her heart was actually feeling like being in marathon. Whereas he was feeling more and more happy with each passing moments. Her innocent reaction towards him were making him go more crazy for her. He chucked slowly and said "Aise mujhe taakte rehne k liye saari zindagi padi hai. So eat for now Sakshi!"
Sakshi came out of trance and try to compose herself and looking at spoon she drank it with his hand. Somehow she has started feeling shy and avoid looking up at him after his remark to stare at him after for as much as time she wants! But does this things are suggesting actually what it seems? Her mind quipped and her mood changed as she thought No, how can that be possible! At least not so easily! With that she shut all her emotions and keep drinking soup from his hand but she missed to see the love filled eyes which were set on her as she was avoiding him.
Suddenly she thought of something when he forwarded sandwich for her to eat. She asked "Tumne khaya?" He got silent on her question and looked at the plate then shook her head in no. "Then eat na!" She said being hyper. He kept quite for some moments then looking up at her he asked "Will you share?" Again there was shock for Sakshi! She was sure today is shock filled day for her and she wasn't sure how much more she would be able to endure! She just nodded meekly as her body and mind going haywire with his changed behaviour.
He smiled at her response than bringing the same sandwich he ate from the same part from where she had taken bite. Although it was purely unintentional they both noticed the same after a moment but didn't say about it anything. Then they both share dinner quietly enjoying the peace which has surrouded them. "Actually there was only these much ingredients left in kitchen so I don't have anything to eat for myself!" He clarified after finishing everything with her making sure she is full.
But with his that clarification she find herself again back to square one. Ofcourse! what you were thinking Sakshi? That this akdu is trying to be romantic? He can't ever! Saying so in her mind she huffed and stood up to put the dishes for washing but he hold her wrist stopping her and she turned around having blank face. Neither happiness nor pain was visible on her face.
He pulled her making her sit down and as soon as she sat he forwarded her medicines which she took and put in mouth altogether so he took the glass and make her drink water holding her face with left hand and glass with other! Their eyes get locked as he made her drink water. Their heartbeats increased as they get drown into each other's eyes.
For the first time he noticed the yarn and crave of her, it's to be loved! Which she always hide perfectly. Other hand she realized the shine in his black orbs which she had never found since she has come but was trying to bring it back. She averted her gaze as her phone rang and run out of kitchen without looking back.
Arjun stood straight and felt strange pain in his heart but it was not because he was hurt but it was due to the fact that for the first time he understood her actual emotion from which he was running so long and it hurts him to think she had bear so much. He shut his eyes tight as if determining something and left from there.
*~~*~~*
"You can sleep here! I will be in the next room." He said and switched on the lights, which flickered for some time but light up fully after a moment. She entered inside the room and admired it mentally. "You get fresh n up and sleep. Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything. " He said softly then He turned to go when he heard her muttering how will I change?
Sh""! He totally forget about her hand's condition. He cursed himself in mind and looked at her who was standing there embarrassed knowing he heard her. Taking a deep breathe he said "Let me help you Sakshi!" In the most gentle manner. She turned her back towards him being embarrassed from the situation and shut her eyes tight. But there is no fault of her. Arjun knew her state very well so he took a step towards her and hold her shoulder when her back was still facing him.
She was shivering with her thoughts and this sudden proximity but wasn't uncomfortable so he gently rubbed her shoulder and bending a little he asked "Trust me Sakshi!" And those words did it. She actually realized that her love has finally won. Something in voice was so deep that it made her realize that finally ACP Arjun has opened his heart for her. Her heart jumped with joy but she kept standing still smile still not leaving her face.
She slowly nodded her head in yes and he went to grab a shirt for her which Ayesha has packed. He took out light blue colour long shirt and was trying to find comfortable pajamas when she stopped saying she just want to change her shirt! He looked at her for a moment when she again turned her gaze away being shy and nervous and he was contemplating how to step forward as it's not easy task for himself too.
He walked towards her but as soon he reached a step away she took a step back in nervousness. Arjun looked at her intently then thinking for a while he said "Let me switch of the lights!" Saying so he was gonna went for it but same time the light started flickering and soon get dimmed, making the room dimmed where just darkness seems surrounded and only the presence can be seen not face or something.
Being afraid from darkness Sakshi quickly came forward and hold his hand but just with her hold he knew she was shivering badly so without wasting a moment he gathered her in his arms, rested her head on his heart and hold her in most gentle yet firm hold. She clutched him tight as if her life was depending on it. Soon a sob broke out from her lips as past few days trauma again started haunting her even when she was awake.
Understanding her situation he rubbed her back slowly and soothingly and said "Shhhh! I am here with you! No one is going to harm you Sakshi. I won't let that happen again!" She felt herself calming down a little but her body was still shivering due to all the previous days thoughts. "I was alone in that room and in the dark they tried to force themselves....!!!" She said in broken voice with tears falling from her eyes continuously and wetting his shirt but he didn't care about that. He shushed her keeping a finger her lips so as to stop her from reminding more of those bad days!
"Trust me Sakshi! That will be last painful memory of your life. From now on I will keep you safe no matter what and before you asked again that stupid question why, I am answering it too! It's because you; Miss Sakshi Anand, is very much important for my life, for my breathes, and specially for my heart to beat! If I ever get failed in keeping you safe from now on I don't think my heart would be able to beat again.I will be dea...." He said cupping her face and looking in her eyes which were having tears.
She hit her fist hard on his chest stopping him to complete that words "Dont you ever dare to say those types of thing again Arjun! I dont like talks about that topic!" She said referring to his last line clutching his collar tight. Although she was unable to see his face , he was still smiling at her innocence. "Ok. I won't. Stop crying!" He said gently wiping her tears and she found her peace in his touch.
"You understood my other words too,right???" He asked like a dumb still holding her face referring to his indirect confession because he knew it will take time for him to open up clearly so for start he can confess only like this. Sakshi smiled broadly understanding his conflict and soon throws herself in his harm and hugging him tight with one hand, she again rested her head on her chest.
Tears fell down from her eyes as she repeated his words in her heart. For him that wasn't a proper confession but for her it felt much more purer than those three magical words as she knew him very well. She was beyond happy and now the tears were of happiness. When she was lost in her beyond happiness he was getting upset over the thing that didn't she understand his words and how she is going to respond?
He was going to call her to get her attention when he heard her chirpy voice " I LOVE YOU TOO Arjun! You are the best thing that happened into my life." She said snuggling more into him and he felt each of his nerves getting calm and peace ran through his body with a love filled sensation.
He hold her more tight and buried his face in her neck feeling her most closet to himself. They stayed in same position hugging each other tight as the water falling from their eyes speak the words which they aren't able to exchange.
After ten to fifteen minutes he stood straight but let her head rested on his chest and bending down he gently kissed on her hair just above her forehead, keeping his lips glued there for some moment and she closed her eyes cherishing his first gesture of love towards her. She felt like the most luckiest girl ever.
After sometime she finally left her hold so he too left but she quickly turned around feeling more shy than before because the confession and the moment they share. "Let's continue with what we were doing!" He said breaking the silence but now his voice was showing mischievousness too but he there was care too. She started feeling her palm sweaty and body on fire as soon he took step towards her to help her change.
The room was filled with darkness but through the space between the curtain of window small light was peeping in almost making the room deemly lit. There was enough light to find each other although not enough to see anything clearly. Arjun moved towards her and put a hand on her shoulder slowly pressing it and she leaned towards his hand. Coming closer he said "Relax Sakshi. I promise I will close my eyes too!"
She felt stupid for herself hearing him assuring again. "I Trust you Arjun! You don't have to do that." She said about his promising as the darkness wasn't letting much to see. Hearing her words he was frozen on his place for some moment because after very very long time he was hearing that someone actually trust him fully and truly. He nodded with a smile and bring her to sat on bed.
Sakshi was feeling an alien feeling, the one she never felt in life when he brought his hand forward. He first of all removed that bag which was holding her hand up in plaster. Then taking a deep breathe Arjun started opening her kurti's button which was same like a shirt. As he opened the first button he himself was getting different new feels in him but was trying his best too keep it in check because for him her comfort will be always his first priority. Sakshi shut her eyes to stop those feel which she was getting when his hand was getting rubbed on her in opening her buttons.
Soon he took out her shirt without moving his gaze up at her body but she know his gesture as although there was darkness she can figure out that his head was bent down and he wasn't looking up. Then he slowly make her wear the sleeves first as it was most important to not to hurt hand. Making her wear her shirt he leaned a little towards her to set it's collar and his touch on her neck part ignited fire in her body and had same effect on him too. He knew he had to finished this before he got carried away and did something unwanted so he started buttoning up again and phewww! He was succeeded.
He quickly stood up and with that the lights too started flickering and soon get light on, on their own. "I will just come!" Saying so he ran out of the room to stop himself for the consequences of their moments. He went to his room and took some deep breaths to calm his nerves. Then taking out night wears he decided to take shower and changed. He was going to lie down bed when he heard her scream and ran to her room to find the light again gone her being cocooned in the one corner of bed.
He quickly went to her and took in his arms again hugging her tight and rubbing her back. "Stay with me here Arjun.. please!" She pleaded clinging to him and he sighed mentally noting to change this lights first thing in the morning. "Ok I am staying. You dont worry. Come on lie down." He said slowly bringing her at place and making her lie on bed. Sakshi being Sakshi embarrassed on her demand didn't face him and lie down with her back towards him but still holding his hand.
Arjun smiled at her gesture and shooking his head he too lied down but not turning his back but spooning herself in his arms. He back hugged her. Pressing her back to more in his chest having a hold of her hand in his on her stomach. She blushed hard realizing their position but didn't protest. Ofcourse this is the only place where she ever want to be! Just like this in his arms.
"Well you were wrong about something miss publicist!" He said holding her more tight and bending towards her ear. "Wh...att..it?" She shuttered feeling nervous with this new experience. "Meri choices humesha sbse pyaari hoti h. Ab ye baat tum Samjhi ya me samjhauu!" He said in teasing tone. She thought for a moment then realized that he is talking about her only. She blushed hard as she got his words actual meaning. She was tge choice about whome he is talking.
She smile hard but not having courage to bare more of his new avatar she said "Let's sleep. Good night Arjun!" Saying so she hold his hand tightly which were on her stomach and closed her eyes. Arjun chucked at her shyness and kissing the back of her ear he heartily wished too "Good night my Sakshi!" And with a broad smile closed his eyes.
So after too much painful years they slept peacefully in each other's arms as their heart has been healed with their LOVE for one another. It was their LOVE... Healing LOVE.... Arakshi's LOVE..♥️
**~~**
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