PAST – TWO DECADES AGO
Naina stood draped in an ethereal off-shoulder gown that faded from deep rose to soft ivory, shimmering like the last blush of sunset. Delicate floral embroidery embraced her waist while tiny sparkles scattered across the flowing tulle skirt. Every graceful fold whispered quiet elegance, transforming her into a breathtaking vision of timeless beauty.
Everyone's attention turned to her with admiration.
Rivaan's eyes were already fixed on her. Naina's eyes widened in surprise and disbelief when she noticed the clay villa in his bodyguard's hands.
"Unbelievable," the word escaped her lips.
A faint blush crept onto his cheeks as her reaction reached him. He stepped forward and stood in front of her.
"Do you like it?" he asked nervously, his fingers fumbling with the edge of his shirt.
The guests continued chatting while children played around them.
She looked down at him and swallowed hard. Pointing at the clay villa, she asked, "You?" Then she pointed back at him. Rivaan's eyes followed her movement. "You made it?"
He nodded.
"For you."
"It's amazing, kiddo," she said, looking at him. "I can't believe someone could create such a beautiful villa. It's exactly how I imagined my dream villa in real life." Her voice was filled with admiration. "Thank you so much." She gently patted his head.
A bright smile spread across Rivaan's face. This was exactly the reaction he had hoped to see.
She was about to say something when her friends called her. She excused herself.
"I'll see you soon, Parth," she said softly before walking toward her group of friends.
"I'll give you a real villa one day," he mumbled to himself.
The birthday party continued as children played games while the guests laughed, cheered, and clapped, their voices echoing throughout the party hall.
Rivaan's mother's feet got tangled in her saree pallu. Before she could fall, Rivaan's father quickly caught her.
"Careful," he said, helping her stand straight. He picked up the trailing pallu and held it in his hand. "I'll hold it for you so you don't trip again."
Rivaan's mother smiled and nodded.
Rivaan watched everything from the corner of the room. His gaze soon landed on Naina, who was walking around greeting the guests. The back of her gown brushed against the floor with every step.
He quietly walked behind her and lifted the edge of her dress so she wouldn't trip. Naina didn't notice him, too busy in her own world.
Her father was talking with one of his business partners when Naina walked past him. He noticed Rivaan holding the edge of her dress, and his jaw tightened.
He remained silent, not wanting to create a scene and ruin his daughter's birthday party.
"Dekho kaise kutte ki tarah meri beti ke pichhe ghoom raha hai," her father whispered harshly.
Rivaan stopped when he heard the sentence.
"Meri angel ke liye main toh billi bhi ban sakta hoon," he whispered softly, making sure only her father could hear.
Naina's father's grip tightened around the whisky glass in his hand. He stepped forward, but the host announced it was time to cut the cake.
Rivaan followed Naina as she made her way toward the cake.
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BACK TO THE PRESENT
Rain poured heavily outside while thunder rumbled across the sky. A flash of lightning illuminated the hospital building as the car came to a stop in front of it.
The car door flew open, and Rivaan jumped out of the back seat. Within seconds, the heavy rain had completely soaked his clothes.
He rushed inside the hospital, his heartbeat racing so fast it felt as though it would burst out of his chest.
The hospital smelled of antiseptic and coffee. Family members wandered through the corridors.
He stumbled to the reception counter, rainwater dripping from his clothes onto the white tiles. His wet hair clung to his forehead, and his shirt stuck to his body.
"Naina—"
Before he could finish, one of his men placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Boss."
He turned sharply.
"Where is she?" His voice was desperate and shaky. "What happened to her? Is she safe?" His eyes searched the man's face for answers.
The man froze. He had never seen Rivaan this desperate or panicked for anyone before.
"Spit it out. Fast," Rivaan snapped impatiently.
The man came out of his shock.
"She is safe now," he replied. "She's in Room 405."
Rivaan didn't waste another second. Instead of taking the elevator, he rushed up the stairs two at a time, his breathing heavy, his mind focused only on Naina.
He burst into the room, panic written all over his face. His breath hitched when he saw Naina lying on the hospital bed with a pale face and a bandage wrapped around her forehead. The room was quiet except for the steady beeping of the monitor.
He let out a long breath, only then realizing he had been holding it in all this time.
He slowly walked toward the bed, afraid he might wake her.
Pulling a chair beside the hospital bed, he sat down.
He gently brushed the strands of hair away from her cheek and tucked them behind her ear.
"My angel."
"Did you miss me?" he whispered into the quiet room, knowing no reply would come.
"Because I missed you too much."
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Next chapter will be on thursday
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