Aditi retched, her stomach regurgitating the leftover water from its cavity. Clutching the sink ledge she bent over, it felt as if her intestines were spilling out.

Leaning against the sink ledge she scrunched her streaming eyes. Faces swam across her mind...Aron, Kanta Chachi, Ratan Chacha. There were others that he hadn't bothered to mention. He was right, it could be anyone and the result would still be the same.

Another bout took her over, and she bent over, hair spilling on her face. This time not much came out, just some spittle of brown liquid. Her insides churned horrendously as if they wanted to eject something more. It was the shame, the helpless fear. The guilt that she'd risked others in her selfish quest for freedom.

What was she thinking? How could she even imagine ever being out of his clutches? It was inevitable, she'd known that all along. She still remembered the day from years ago when this had all started. They were children, playing tag in the sunlit meadows outside her home. She was running ahead, hair flying in the wind, imagining herself on a flight with the swans. Vivaan was chasing her, but she'd already left him far behind. Spreading her arms she ran, hoping for the wind to carry her, hoping for some magic to lift her in the air. She'd only stopped when she came to a hillock, to admire a little patch of wildflowers. When Vivaan finally caught up, he was out of breath, snorting through his nose like a charging bull. She noticed he was carrying something in his fist.

"See what I found..." Catching his breath, he beckoned her closer. Her eye lit up with curiosity.

"What is it Vivaan? Show me, what are you hiding?" She skipped to him eagerly, barely able to contain her excitement. Looking smug, he parted his fingers to give her a little peek. There was a tiny yellow butterfly sitting in his palms. It looked so small and delicate, just out of its cocoon.

"I found it in the meadow. It's beautiful, isn't it?" He watched her hungrily.

"Yes." Her eyes were on the tiny creature fluttering its wings, testing its strength for flight. "It wants to fly. Let it go, Vivaan."

"No."He shook his head. "I am gonna keep it. I like it."

Pinching its tiny body in his fingers, he lifted it up for a better view. Then with the other hand, he calmly proceeded to rip its wings apart. Her face went white with shock.

"See? Now it'll stay with me forever."

"But..it's dead!! How could you Vivaan!" She managed through her tears, her tiny seven-year-old heart trying to comprehend what just happened.

He smiled victoriously. "But that's the point, you see? Now it can't fly away."

Wrapping the dead insect in a leaf he shoved it in his pocket, then grabbed her tiny wrist to march her home. "It's all your fault Aditi. Next time don't run away from me. If you had stayed close, it'd still be alive."

By the time they reached, she was a sobbing mess. The lesson was learned, the message was delivered perfectly. It would be a mistake to forget it, she'd only have herself to blame.

Her convulsion surged as she swayed precariously. Her head was about to hit the sink wall when someone pulled her back.

*****

"Aditi!" Someone's familiar voice filled the room. In a moment he was beside her, holding her arms, scanning her in shock. "What happened? Are you okay?"

She leaned in dazed, her head resting on his chest in a moment of relief. "Darsh..." The word escaped as a bare whisper.

"I am here." Pulling her close he hugged her tight stroking her with gentle fingers. A minute passed in silence as they stood together like a pair of long-lost lovers. His arms around her tightened a fraction making her stiffen. Gulping hard she pulled away. He let go reluctantly.

"Care to explain what's going on? What was Vivaan Raisingh doing here?"

Her face paled. "You saw Vivaan! Did he see you?"

"Of course not! Or he wouldn't have left, don't you think?" He replied caustically while flushing the sink on the side. Leading her by the hand he made her sit and poured her a glass of water.

"What did he want?"

"He.. just came to talk." Hands shaking, she took a grateful sip. A trickle of water escaped her lip to trail down her chin.

"And his talk gave you a panic attack?" He picked a tissue to wipe it clean.

"It was not a panic attack," she tried to smile making light of it. "Just a little stomach upset."

"You are really a bad doctor Aditi if you can't even differentiate between the two." Scoffing in irritation he continued cleaning her face. She felt too weak to even take offense at his jibe. She was messy. Cold, wet, and stinky. The smell was so overpowering, she wondered how he could even stand there.

"Please. You don't have to. I'll do it..." She tried to protest, but he swatted her hand away.

"Sit quiet and let me help."

She let out a sigh and let him get on with it. It felt nice. The last person who cared for her like this was her Ma. After her death, it was she who'd supported her Dad. And after his death, she'd made sure she never cried, especially in front of her Dadaji.

"I think you should do the rest yourself." His words brought her out of her daze. She looked puzzled before realizing her state. Her face flamed with embarrassment. Her wet dress was clinging to her chest, revealing a bit too much for comfort. Her dupatta was lying at the bottom of the sink pedestal covered in her gunk.

Mortified, she tried to cover herself. What was she doing? It wasn't even ten minutes that Vivaan left. It was just moments ago that she'd reminded herself of his lesson. And yet here she was, sitting in this chair, getting pampered by this...tourist. It said something about her character, or rather the lack of it, especially when she herself rejected him this morning. The thought punched her gut viciously. Jolted, she staggered up to her feet.

"I...have to go home. Thanks for your help."

"I'll drop you, you can't drive in this state. But first, we need to finish our morning conversation." Handing her his jacket he walked out. A minute later he was back with a plate of biscuits.

She felt her irritation returning. "Look, I am grateful for your help. But that doesn't mean I'll change my decision. I gave you my answer this morning. It's final, there's nothing more to say on it." Clutching his jacket around her, she gave him a defiant glare. He pursed his lips.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Eat. You look like you haven't eaten in days."

"Are you not listening?" she ground her teeth. "I said I am not going to change my decision, whatever you do!"

"Whatever I do?" He cocked his head, an amused smile playing his lips. "You don't even know what I can do Aditi. So far I have been playing nice, very much by the book. But I have my ways to get what I want."

Standing a few feet away from her, he casually fingered something in his pocket.

She felt a chill in her bones. "Are you threatening me?"

"I am merely stating you don't know me enough. Your grandfather clearly knows better, that's why he's trusting me. I suggest you do the same and consider my proposal."

"Look, I told you already. I am not interested in your stud farm or hospital or..."

"I am talking about my third proposal, Aditi. The only one I am truly interested in."

She swallowed and fell silent, her palms going damp. She wished her Dadaji hadn't put her in this quandary. Third, fourth, fifth, she wasn't in a position to agree to any of his proposals. Vivaan would go berserk and do something that she will never be able to forgive herself for.

"I am sorry but my answer is the same. And it's nothing to do with you. I just can't consider it, my decision has been made long ago."

"And it looks like Vivaan Raisingh is the reason for your decision. Funny how you promised me all that protection this morning when you yourself are so afraid of him." His lip curled in a mocking grin, but eyes remained on her watching curiously.

Her lips quivered. "Well, that just goes to prove I was right. No one is safe here, I can't protect anyone."

"And if I can take care of Vivaan?" He asked with casual confidence.

She broke a piece of biscuit and put it in her mouth. It tasted bitter, it was her own bile souring it. Smiling wryly she pushed the plate away. "You can't do anything, you don't even know him. It's my problem, I'll handle it."

"You are underestimating me, Aditi." His face was inscrutable. "Your grandfather clearly knows better."

She shook her head. "Dadaji overestimates you. Even he cannot do anything, knowing Vivaan for years. It's unfair of him to expect it from you."

"And if I prove myself? What will be my reward?"

"What do you mean?"

He smiled. "There's a reason why your grandfather trusts me, Aditi. I can take care of Vivaan, you'd be free of him, forever."

She swallowed. Forever sounded nice, a dream come true. But she knew it was impossible. And it was definitely not worth the risk.

"You can't do anything." She said tiredly, repeating Vivaan's words. "You can't save everyone, you can't be everywhere every time."

"I have no wish to be everywhere every time Aditi, that would be tedious." He gave a little laugh, shaking his head at the ridiculous idea. Her irritation increased, along with her heartbeat. "I only have to be at the right place at the right time. So tell me, what will be my reward?"

She swallowed. "It's not that easy. He can target anyone. My family, friends, Aron. Even you."

"I asked, what will be my reward, Aditi?"

The intensity in his eyes was drowning. She felt heat creeping her neck. Yet along with it, came a sinking sensation, a deep foreboding, quivering angst. What he considered a reward was not really a reward. It was a punishment, a dark, gloomy place full of shadows. It was hers and hers alone. She couldn't lead him to it.

"Please. I beg you. Leave me alone. Forget what Dadaji said, forget everything. Believe me, you'll thank me later. You'll be better off without getting into all this." Her eyes teared up haplessly as she crumpled with shame. A minute passed in silence as he stared at her face.

"I can't," he stated simply.

She looked puzzled. "What?"

"I can't leave you alone. I am...too deep in this. I feel responsible, it's my job to sort it out."

"What do you mean?"

He licked his lips. "I mean it was my reckless comment that triggered Vivaan off. I am sorry. Let me help you, Aditi. I'll take care of everything."

She shook her head tiredly, her nostrils flaring again. Why was he so stubborn? What was his problem?

"I told you it's not that easy, why don't you get it? And I don't understand your sudden interest. The two days we were together, you made it pretty clear what you thought of me. I still remember every word. Then why this sudden change?"

His face lost color as he ran a hand through his thick hair. There was a moment of pause, then he looked straight into her eyes. "It was a mistake, Aditi. I apologize. I took you for someone you weren't. It was my fault, not yours."

A simple explanation, quick and honest. Her fists tightened as she searched for words to say. This was ridiculous. There went another of her objections through the window. At this rate, she'd soon run out of all her excuses. And she needed to put him off. She needed to...escape.

"And when did you have this realization? The night you saw me naked?" She hurled the accusation cringing at her own words. They felt disgusting to utter, but they had the desired effect. His face burned with anger. A wry smile lit her face. Good men like him were easier to handle. It was easier to offend his honest intentions than challenge Vivaan's brutishness.

She waited for him to explode, but to her dismay, he maintained remarkable control. After another uneasy minute, he was back to his calm self.

"Nice try, but it won't work Aditi. But now that you have broached the topic, I'd like to offer an explanation."

"There is nothing to explain, it's pretty clear what your interests are. So my answer stays the same." She took a tentative step in the direction of the exit. He shifted slightly to block her way. She sighed.

"Not so fast Aditi. You can't leave without having my answer."

Taking a step closer he stared at her face. His eyes slowly traveled south, to her heaving chest, then down to the dip of her waist, to the tips of her toes. They took their time to roll over her curves, before coming back to stare into her eyes. Dark eyes, fathomless, sucking her in like black holes. Her throat went dry as nervous ripples crawled her skin. Half an hour ago it was Vivaan undressing her with his roving eyes. Now it was this man, whose gaze felt like...a shroud of darkness. Soft, and warm. Mysterious. All engulfing, and devouring.

A tear escaped her eyes. He had seen it all, at his leisure, to his heart's content. At this moment she had nothing to hide. Except maybe the shame in her eyes. Squaring her shoulders she met his gaze, with the defiance of a spoiled brat, with the brazenness of a wanton. Her facade was her cloak, her arrogance her savior.

His hand lifted to touch her cheek, a gentle finger wiped the tear away.

"That night...had an effect on me." He confessed in a quiet voice, his beautiful head lowered as if in prayer. His face was solemn, blazing with brutal honesty. "You are a very beautiful woman Aditi, I haven't seen anyone like you. I have no shame in admitting it. In fact, I have been affected ever since I saw you at the racecourse."

Her heart thudded erratically, she stumbled back in shock. This was getting ridiculous. He was not supposed to feel this way. Not when she was a stinking mess, not when she was so repulsed by her own self.

"That night you saw my wound, right?" Her next words came harsh, cold. "You said it was from a bottle. Obviously, you must have guessed how I got it?" The effort was too much, she swayed and clutched the chair. Her eyes streamed but there was no sound of a sob.

He looked taken aback. Maybe he hadn't expected her to be this brutal in return.

"It...doesn't matter Aditi. It'll heal." He hesitated as he searched for words to console. His hand raised to cup her cheek. "It'll get better. I'll help you..."

"It matters to me," she stepped back. He was too late. He should have been here before those boys came. He should have met her before Vivaan ever came into her life. Now her path was set, there was no turning back.

Minutes passed in silence as they stared at each other. She, with her arrogant defiance, with her false pride that propped her up like a vine in a raging storm. He, with the angst of a caged beast who'd smelt his food, yet couldn't reach it.

"It's too late." She said coldly glancing at her watch. "I am leaving and I think you should leave too."

He let out a sigh and grabbed her arm. "I said I'll drop you."

*****

It was just before midnight when Balwant heard a car on the driveway. From the open terrace of his first-floor bedroom, he could see a black Range Rover turning into his porch. It stopped at the front and Aditi got out. Behind her, from the driver's seat dismounted Darsh Rathore.

They exchanged some words, Balwant couldn't hear or see much from this distance. Then the boy leaned in to kiss her forehead.

She waited until he left then turned to walk in. Balwant let out a strangled sigh.

Zorawar's latest report was on his table accompanied by a thick envelope of photos. He hadn't had the heart to open it, but it was what he'd suspected all along. It was proof of Ravi's stupidity. It was proof his own friend had been a devil all along. It was proof that they had a cuckoo in the nest. That Nehal didn't have an ounce of Sharma blood.

He now wondered if Mohit was the same. It was unlikely but then what did he know? Mansi had proved her depravity, Dalpat had proved he was vile beyond imagination. It was entirely possible Mohit was the fruit of the same shameful union.

Weariness took over him as he turned in to lay in his bed. The vultures had already gathered. They were not here for him, they were here for Aditi. This was not a time to be weak. He had to stay strong, just for a few more days. Luckily the boy had made progress. Hopefully, he'd deliver. If not, he would have to put his foot down. But until then, all his hopes were pinned on him.

***** *****