My eyes widen in fear as I struggle against my unknown assailant. I manage to push the figure back briefly before he regain his footing and trap me again. He chuckles, sending shivers down my spine.
I recognizes the voice. My heart races as I realize it's Rocky, my senior and a notorious spoiled brat. I remembered the incident in the canteen where Megha had slapped him once.
I manage to push him off and step back, putting some distance between us. Rocky slowly advances towards me again, blocking my path to the door.
"You're feistier than your friend Megha," he smirks.
I quickly turn and run to the other side of the classroom, hoping to lose him in the large room. However, Rocky's dark chuckle echoes behind me, letting me know he's not fooled.
"You think running will help you?" Rocky calls out, his footsteps closing in on me. Who will save you now?" Rocky's smirk turns into a wicked grin as he corners me by the teacher's desk. He blocks the exit, trapping me once more. "Your best Friend isn't here to save you this time."
I scream at the top of my lungs, hoping someone outside will hear me and come to my rescue. "Someone please help me."
Rocky ignores my screams, stepping closer and closer, my eyes glinting menacingly in the dim light of the classroom. "Keep screaming," he taunts.
"Everyone's busy enjoying the festival, they won't hear you," Rocky says, moving even closer. "No one's coming to save you, baby girl."
Tears streaming down my face. "Please, just let me go! Just leave me alone!"
Rocky's voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "Let you go? Oh no, I went through too much trouble to get you alone. I'm not letting you slip away now."
With a burst of desperate energy, I darts under the teacher's desk, squeezing between the chairs and scattering papers everywhere as I go.
Rocky curses under his breath, stooping to try and drag me out by my ankles. "Come out, come out, wherever you are!"
My kick manages to land, making Rocky grunt in pain and fall back. I quickly crawl deeper under another desk, making it harder for him to reach me.
"Baby girl, you're making this exciting, you know that?" Rocky's voice carries a dangerous mix of irritation and amusement.
"Stay back! Don't you dare come any closer!" My back hits the wall, trapped with nowhere left to run. Fear gripping my heart but I maintain her firm tone.
My scream pierces the air, desperate and raw. "Somebody, please help me." My words echo off the walls, hoping against hope that someone will hear my plea over the distant festival music.
Just as Rocky's hand is about to make contact with my face, a fist comes flying out of nowhere, slamming into his nose with a sickening crunch. Blood sprays everywhere as Rocky stumbles back, clutching his face and howling in pain.
As I got the call, cursing under my breath, I answered the call in a cold, professional tone. "What is it?" My thoughts remain fixed on my Angel as I try to focus on the caller. "Make it quick. I'm in the middle of something important."
As the caller explains the mafia rival situation, I brow furrows in annoyance but also relief that Vedant will handle it. "Fine, put Ved in charge. Tell him to deal with it swiftly and discreetly."
Quickly putting my phone away, I immediately make my way back towards the festival hall, walking briskly but maintaining my composure. As I enter the hall, I scan the crowd, searching for that familiar face. My heart beats slightly faster at the thought of seeing her again.
My heart rate increases as I fail to spot my Jaan in the hall. Not finding her, I start to feel a rising tension and worry. "Where is she?"
Ved approaches me, noticing my tense expression. "Ash, what's wrong? You look like you're about to explode." He follows my gaze around the room, trying to figure out what has me so worked up.
"Have you seen Niranya anywhere?" I ask desperately.
Ved's confirmation that he hasn't seen Niranya either makes my blood run cold.
Ved says, "let's ask Megha she is her best friend."
I nod sharply, my eyes blazing with worry and urgency. "Yes, Megha might know where she is. Let's find her immediately."
As we reach Megha, My tone is urgent but controlled. "Megha, have you seen Niranya recently? I told her to meet you in the hall, but..." My voice trails off as I struggle to keep my worry in check. "She wasn't there."
Megha also debited, she says...."No, I also haven't seen her for a long time."
My concern turns to frustration, a muscle in his jaw twitching. "Then where could she be?"
Ved notices my growing agitation and steps in smoothly. He puts a calming hand on my shoulder. "let's find her together she must be here only."
I nodded and three of us split up to find her. As I started searching inside the college campus, my ears perked up at the faint sounds coming from one of the classroom. I quickly made my way towards it. As I approached, the sounds became clearer - it was my Angel's voice.
My blood is running cold, as I heard..."Somebody, please help me." I rushes towards the classroom door. I can hear her screams clearly now, filled with terror. I throw open the door, ready to face whatever danger she's in.
As I entered the classroom I saw a Boy hand is just about to make contact with my Angel's face. Without a moment's hesitation, I lunge forward, my fist connecting squarely with the boy's face. I hear the satisfying crunch of cartilage giving way under my knuckles. The boy staggers back, blood gushing from his broken nose.
I loses all control, his anger boiling over like a volcano. I rains punch after punch on the boy's face, my knuckles reddening with each blow. I can feel the boy's blood splattering on his clothes, but I doesn't stop. "You bastard! I'll kill you!"
Suddenly my Angel calls out, her voice hoarse from screaming. "Ashtram! Stop! Please, stop!"
My bloodstained fists pause mid-air, hanging there like a predator's claws. I turn my bloodshot eyes towards my Jaan, my chest heaving with rage. I can feel the boy's broken face under my hands.
As I meet her tear-filled gaze, my expression immediately softens. The anger drains from my eyes, replaced by a deep, overwhelming concern.
My Angel rushes to me, throwing her arms around my neck, burying her face in my chest. She sobs uncontrollably, her body shaking with relief and trauma.
"I-I thought he was going to... I was so scared," she says with a shivering voice.
I murmur softly into her hair, "Shh, I'm here."
She clings to me tighter, her fingers digging into my back as she cries.
Ashtram gently lifts Niranya up in his arms, cradling her like a child. He looks around the room, taking in the scene of destruction and chaos, before spotting Vedant and Megha standing in the doorway.
Megha's concerned voice cuts through Niranya's sobs as she approaches. "Niru, are you hurt? What happened here? What this Rocky had done again?"
Ashtram voice is low and commanding, his eyes flashing with a fierce protectiveness as he interrupts Megha. "Not now, Megha. She is not okay? I'm taking her out of here."
Megha nods solemnly, stepping aside to let Ashtram pass. Through her tear-filled eyes, Niranya clings tighter to Ashtram, her body still shaking.
"I'm taking her to my place. She needs somewhere safe and calm to recover, away from all this ordeal. I'll take care of her, don't worry." Ashtram tone brooks no argument, leaving no room for discussion.
As Ashtram passes Vedant, his eyes meet his friend's, speaking volumes without words. The silent communication between them is clear. Vedant nods silently in understanding.
Ashtram carefully carries Niranya to his car, cradling her in his arms like a precious burden. Instead of placing her in the passenger seat, Ashtram settles into the driver's seat with Niranya carefully positioned on his lap. He gently buckles the seatbelt around both of them, ensuring her safety before starting the engine.
Niranya buries her face in his chest, nuzzling her nose in the crook of his strong arms, her fingers tighten on Ashtram's shirt, holding him close. The gentle hum of the engine and the warm protection of his arms slowly start to calm her racing heart.
Ashtram's free hand gently strokes her hair, brushing through the soft strands as he drives. He whispers softly, his breath warm against her ear, "Everything's alright now. I've got you. No one will ever hurt you again Jaan, I swear it."
A choked sob escapes Niranya's lips at Ashtram's tender words. She nuzzles closer, inhaling his comforting scent as a fresh wave of tears dampen his shirt.
Without breaking his concentration on the road, Ashtram lean forward and gently presses a tender kiss on top of her head. His hand continues its steady rhythm of stroking her hair, trying to soothe her.
After fifteen minutes the car comes to a smooth halt in front of the grand Raghuvanshi mansion. Ashtram's hand gently squeezes her arm comfortingly before unbuckling the seatbelt. He scoops her up once more, carrying her bridal-style towards the house.
Ignoring his bowing man's, Ashtram strides purposefully towards the house, his sole focus on getting Niranya inside and ensuring her comfort.
Without breaking his stride, Ashtram instructs a female servant, "Prepare a light dinner - something soothing. Bring it to my bedroom in thirty minutes." His voice is authoritative yet gentle, his priorities clear.
Ashtram steps into the private elevator that leads directly to his bedroom floor. The lift whispers closed behind him, carrying him upward to his lavish, private suite. He carries Niranya in his arms, her small frame dwarfed by his muscular build.
As the elevator doors slide open with a barely audible whisper, Ashtram steps out into the plush carpeted hallway of his private suite. He carries Niranya with the utmost care, his footsteps silent as he makes his way to the elaborately carved wooden doors of his bedroom.
The double doors swing open, revealing his spacious, tastefully appointed bedroom. Ashtram carries Niranya toward the king-sized bed, gently laying her down amidst the soft, luxurious sheets. The room's dim lighting casts a warm glow as he carefully smooths a stray lock of hair from her face.
Niranya whimpers softly, her arms reaching out for Ashtram as he lays her down, not wanting him to let go. She sits up, wrapping her arms around his waist.
At the soft whimper and the sudden contact, Ashtram's heart clenches. He wraps his arms around her, holding her close, his large frame enveloping her smaller one. "I'm here, Jaan."
The safety and warmth of Ashtram's embrace is the only thing keeping Niranya grounded from the terrifying events of the night.
"The lehenga... it might feel heavy and uncomfortable now. Would you like me to help you change into something more... appropriate for rest?" Ashtram keeps his arms wrapped protectively around her, respectfully avoiding any inappropriate contact.
Niranya nods weakly against his chest, still clinging to him but slowly loosening her grip.
With a gentle, careful motion, Ashtram lifts Niranya into his arms once more. He carries her to the adjoining washroom.
Kneeling slightly to make them eye level, Ashtram speaks softly but firmly "Wait here for a moment, okay Angel?
Niranya nods shakily, wrapping her arms tightly around herself as Ashtram leaves.
Returning to the bathroom with a thoughtful expression, Ashtram carefully lays a soft, oversized shirt and a pair of his comfortable pajamas next to Niranya on the counter.
Standing respectfully at a slight distance, "I... may I help you remove the lehenga? Or would you prefer to do it yourself?" Ashtram voice is soft, showing his genuine concern for her comfort and modesty.
"You... you can help," Niranya whispers, her voice small and shaky. She hesitates for a moment before turning her back to him, presenting the intricate hooks and laces of her lehenga.
With a gentle touch, Ashtram begins to carefully unhook and unlace the intricate garment, his hands moving slowly and deliberately. "Shh, Jaan, it's okay."
Nirnaya stands still, her hands clasped together tightly as Ashtram works to remove the heavy lehenga.
As he finishes undoing the last hook, the lehenga falls to the floor in a rustle of silk and lace. With careful, deliberate movements, he unhooks her blouse also, ensuring his fingers don't stray where they shouldn't.
Ashtram carefully puts his oversized shirt over Niranya's head, making sure it covers her completely. He then picks up the pajama bottoms and gently slides them up her legs, securing the waistband around her.
Ashtram kisses her forehead gently before lifting her back onto the bathroom counter. He dips a soft, warm cloth in the makeup remover and gently wipes away the cosmetics from her face, taking care not to irritate her skin. He works slowly and methodically, ensuring every last trace of makeup is removed.
After this with great tenderness, Ashtram wraps one arm under her knees and another around her back, lifting her close to his chest. His steps are careful as he walks towards his king-sized bed, his heart beating gently against her. "Let's get you comfortable, Jaan."
The softness of the bed greets Niranya as he lays her down, the warmth of the blankets enveloping her.
Suddenly there's a knock on his door. "One moment, Angel." He murmurs softly.
Opening the door, Ashtram finds his female servant holding a tray laden with a steaming dinner. She curtsies respectfully. "I've brought the dinner you requested, my Lord."
He takes the tray from the servant's hands, his eyes scanning the contents briefly before dismissing her with a nod. "You may go." He closes the door behind her and turns to carry the tray to the bedside table. He places the tray down carefully.
"I don't wanna eat," Niranya whispers, her voice cracking.
"Angel, you need to eat something. You're exhausted and barely holding on. Just a few bites, please." Ashtram picks up a spoon and gently stirs the food, trying to make it more appealing to her.
Niranya hesitates for a long moment, her eyes fixed on the spoon. Slowly, she opens her mouth a little, her lips trembling.
Between each small spoonful, Ashtram kisses her forehead gently, encouraging her to swallow each bite. "Good girl," He murmurs softly, his voice laced with gentle praise as he feeds her. "Just a little more, Jaan..." He coaxes softly.
Niranya swallows the bite, her throat convulsing as she tries to keep the food down. She feels Ashtram's lips on her forehead again, the warmth and gentleness of his touch soothing her frayed nerves.
Carefully placing the empty plate back, he returns with a glass of water. "Have some water now. It will help," He supports her head gently, helping her drink in small sips. "That's my Jaan." He whispers softly, wiping a stray tear from her cheek with his thumb.
After making sure Niranya has had enough water, he carefully sets the glass aside and gently lies her back down on the bed, tucking the blankets around her once more. "Rest now, Angel." He murmurs softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Niranya feels like cement around as she tries to mumble and falls into a fitful sleep, her body trembling occasionally as the trauma takes its toll.
Unable to bear watching her suffer alone, Ashtram carefully slips into bed beside Niranya. Gathering her gently into his arms, he pulls her close, tucking her head beneath his chin.
Despite her exhaustion and the lingering echoes of fear, Niranya finds comfort in his strong embrace. She lets out a shuddering breath, her body relaxing little by little against his.
Feeling her finally relax in his arms, Ashtram tightens his hold protectively. "That's it, Angel... sleep now," He whispers against her hair, gently stroking her back in soothing motions.
As Niranya sleeps peacefully in his arms, Ashtram's thoughts turn to the events that led her to this state. He thinks about how vulnerable she is right now, both physically and emotionally, due to the traumatic experiences she endured at the college festival.
Ashtram makes a silent vow to himself to eliminate the person responsible for hurting his Angel. No matter the cost, he will make sure she is safe and avenged. "I'll make you pay for touching my angel."
Ashtram jaw tightens with resolve as he holds her protectively closer. He whisper, "You're my everything, Jaan. After 200 years of living in darkness, you came into my life like a ray of sunlight. No one... no one touches what's mine without consequence."
After sometime gently extracting himself from her embrace without waking her, Ashtram rises from the bed and makes his way to the balcony. He pulls out his phone and dials vedant's number.
As Vedant pick up the call Ashtram says...."Ved, I need you to keep that Fucker there." His tone is cold and commanding, leaving no room for argument. "I'll be there in 20 minutes. Make sure he's still breathing... for now."
After disconnecting the call, turning his gaze back to the sleeping Niranya, a tender expression softens his hardened features. "My Angel, you've brought so much light into my life. I'll do anything to keep you safe and happy. And anyone who tries to hurt you will suffer the consequences."
He quietly leaves the room and commands his loyal female servant, "Keep watch over her. Do not leave her side, and inform me immediately if she wakes up or needs anything." His voice carries a firm authority that brooks no argument.
With determined strides, Ashtram makes his way through the darkening streets, his mind racing with thoughts of revenge. Each step brings him closer to the one who dared to harm his Angel, and he can feel the familiar, dangerous energy coursing through his veins.
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