Fair Warning: Very Long Chapter.

Word Count: 7580

Author's POV

Rudransh’s lips hovered against Nitya’s skin, barely touching, as if afraid to break the fragile moment.

His breath was warm, slow, and deliberate. Her eyes fluttered closed, and her hands clutched at his shirt as if grounding herself in him.

Her entire body shivered not from fear alone, but from something deeper, something she hadn’t allowed herself to feel before.

His mouth traced the curve of her neck, pausing at her pulse. His voice dropped to a breathy whisper, soft and low.

“Let me feel you… let me hold you closer… don’t be afraid…”

Nitya’s eyes opened halfway. She swallowed, her lips parted, heart racing.

“I… I want you…” she whispered, barely able to form the words.

His eyes darkened, full of longing and protectiveness. Without breaking eye contact, his lips brushed hers gently, testing, asking.

When she didn’t pull away, he deepened the kiss, slow and hungry, as if he could feel the life force pulsing through her skin.

His hands slid around her waist, pressing her against him. She gasped softly, one hand curling into his shoulder as the other clutched his shirt near his heart.

The scent of him, his warm skin, faint cologne enveloped her senses. She felt his body tighten against hers, every muscle alive, every breath matching hers.

“I need you,” he breathed against her lips. “I want you right here…”

Her fingers trembled as they explored the edge of his collarbone, tracing the line of his neck, then sliding downward with cautious hunger.

Her lips parted again, and a soft sound escaped her throat. It was a sound neither quite a moan nor a sigh, but somewhere between, full of yearning and surrender.

His hands moved gently but possessively, one circling her back, the other resting at her waist. He pulled her closer still, erasing the space between them until her body fit perfectly against his.

“Shh!! Now don't be shy,” he whispered, his lips grazing hers once more before pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. “I want to feel every part of you…”

Her eyes shone with emotion. There was a fear, desire, trust, and a wild need that surprised her.

She clung to him, pressing her forehead against his chest, breathing in the strength and warmth radiating from him. Her lips brushed his skin, soft and searching, as if memorizing the curve of him.

Rudransh’s hands traced slow circles along her back, soothing and igniting her at the same time. His lips traveled from her temple to her jawline, barely brushing her lips again, teasing, coaxing.

“Let me take it all away…” he whispered, voice husky and low.

She shivered, and the breath caught in her throat.

His mouth found hers once more. This time slower, firmer, like a promise rather than a question.

Her hands gripped him tighter, no longer from fear but from desire and trust. Her body melted against him, answering his every touch without words.

The air between them grew thick, pulsing with breath, skin, and the sharp edge of longing.

Just as the heat between them rose, as if the world outside had melted away, Rudransh’s eyes snapped open.

His breath caught.

Something in the doorway moved.

It wasn’t from the torchlight or the flickering lamp nearby. It was darker like the darkness itself had taken form.

His instincts screamed. His body tensed.

Before Nitya could sense it, he pulled back sharply.

The spell shattered.

The intimacy, the yearning, the breathless closeness, everything vanished like mist.

The figure in the doorway moved toward them, slow and sure. A glint of metal flashed in the dimness. A knife. Not just any knife. But it was sharp, long, and pointed straight at Nitya’s neck.

Nitya’s eyes went wide with shock. Her lips parted but no sound came.

Rudransh’s heart pounded at the highest speed. He didn’t even think. He sprang forward.

With a speed born from pure protectiveness, he grabbed the intruder’s wrist before the knife could strike. His fingers clamped around the hand with iron strength.

For a brief second, it seemed like he would stop it.

But chaos never waits.

The knife slipped.

It sliced into his neck and shoulder.

Blood spilled fast. It was hot, sticky and ran down his skin. The crimson lines glistened dark against his pale shirt.

The intruder struggled, trying to wrench the knife free, but Rudransh’s grip only tightened for a moment before his body weakened.

Nitya screamed not loudly, but sharply, as if the sound was caught in her throat. Her eyes locked on the red spreading across his shirt, then on her own hands.

She touched him. Her fingers slid across his wounded arm and her own clothes.

Blood. So much blood.

Her breath hitched. Her eyes filled with horror.

“Rudransh!” she cried out.

His eyes tried to focus on her but his face went pale. He staggered. His knees buckled.

For a terrifying moment, she thought he would collapse.

She reached for him, clutching his arm with both hands.

“No… no… please… stay…” her voice trembled.

His lips parted, as if he wanted to say something, but no words came. His eyes fluttered. His head lolled slightly to the side.

Nitya’s tears blurred the scene. She shook him gently.

“I’m here… I’m here… don’t leave me…” she sobbed.

But just as panic clawed at her chest, something changed.

A sudden burst of white light exploded from the corridor behind the intruder.

The figure flinched.

The sudden brightness stole its focus for a split second.

Using that moment, the intruder pushed both Rudransh and Nitya aside. They fell down on the cold stone floor hard.

Nitya cried out as the breath was knocked out of her chest.

Rudransh groaned but instinctively pulled himself toward Nitya, trying to shield her.

The intruder ran into the corridor, shadows swallowing it whole.

The echo of footsteps faded.

For a moment, silence returned. It was thick, heavy, and suffocating.

Then Nitya noticed something on the floor near where the intruder had been.

A folded piece of paper lay there.

Her hands shook as she crawled toward it.

Rudransh, barely conscious, whispered hoarsely, “Don’t…”

But she ignored him.

Her fingers brushed the paper. She picked it up.

The blood on her clothes and hands dripped down onto the parchment.

Tears streamed down her face.

Her lips moved silently as she unfolded the note.

The words stared back at her. The paper reads:

"I will be watching. No one can save you for long. The past always finds you."

She froze.

Her fingers stopped.

Rudransh tried to push himself up but his strength was gone. His eyes searched hers.

Nitya turned her gaze towards him. Panic, fear, helplessness…all collided in her expression.

The corridor was silent. Too silent.

Nitya’s breath shook as she clutched the blood-soaked paper in one hand and pressed her other palm against Rudransh’s wound. His blood was warm, sticky, spreading too fast.

Her tears blurred her vision. Her chest rose and fell in panic.

Then…

Footsteps.

Fast. Heavy. Rushing toward them.

She froze, fear choking her throat. Was the intruder coming back?

Her arms tightened around Rudransh’s body. “No… no, not again… please…” she whispered.

The steps grew louder.

Then two figures appeared in the doorway.

“Bhai!”

Arjun and Veer’s voices echoed together, sharp with fear.

They both stopped dead, eyes wide at the sight before them. Rudransh lying half on the floor, half in Nitya’s arms, his neck and shirt drenched with blood.

For a moment, no one moved.

Then Veer’s hand flew to his mouth. “Oh god… bhai…” His voice cracked, trembling. “No… no, this can’t…”

Arjun’s eyes were fixed at him. He rushed forward, falling to his knees. His hands shook as they touched Rudransh’s shoulder, then slid to his face.

“Rudransh bhai! Stay awake. Don’t you dare close your eyes.” Arjun’s tone was sharp, breaking with fear.

Nitya turned her face. Tears were rolling down her cheeks. Her lips trembled as she said, “He… he saved me. The knife… it cut him here when he pushed me back.”

Her words were broken, almost inaudible.

Arjun’s jaw clenched. Rage flickered in his eyes, but there was no time for it. He gripped his brother’s arm tight.

“Veer!” he shouted at the top of his lungs. “Get bandages, cloth, anything…NOW.”

Veer snapped out of his shock and ran, his footsteps echoing through the hall again.

Arjun bent low, sliding his palm under Rudransh’s head, lifting him carefully.

Rudransh’s lashes fluttered. For a second, his eyes opened. They were clouded, heavy but they found Arjun’s.

“Bhai…” Arjun’s voice softened.

Rudransh coughed, blood bubbling faintly at the corner of his lips. His breath was weak.

“The… note…” His voice was broken, almost a whisper. “Don’t… let them… touch…her.”

Nitya’s hand tightened around the paper she still held. Her heart jumped. She looked down at it, the words smudged with blood and tears.

Arjun’s jaw hardened. “Forget that. Save your strength. I’m here. We’re all here.”

But Rudransh groaned, his hand twitching, his lips forming Nitya’s name.

Nitya pressed harder on his wound, sobbing. “No… don’t talk. Nothing will happen to you… I won't let anything happen…”

Arjun’s throat tightened. His brother’s blood was warm against his fingers, staining him too.

Then Veer came running back, arms full of cloth and a first aid kit. His face was white, but his hands moved quickly.

“Move your hands,” he told Nitya.

She hesitated, fear gripping her chest.

“Just for a second. Please.” Veer urged.

Her hands lifted slowly, trembling.

The sight made her cry out. Blood rushed from the deep cut near Rudransh’s side neck, pouring too fast.

“God… no…” Veer muttered, pressing the cloth hard against the wound. Blood soaked it instantly. He grabbed another and pushed down.

“Arjun….he’s losing too much blood,” Veer’s voice shook.

Arjun’s eyes were sharp. “Press harder. Keep the pressure on.” He ripped open a bandage with his teeth.

Nitya sat frozen, her hands shaking, blood smeared all over her fingers. Her mind screamed at her: He’s dying. Because of me. Because I froze. Because he shielded me.

Arjun looked at her sharply. “Nitya! Don’t you collapse now. Hold his hand. Keep him awake.”

She blinked, startled, then grabbed Rudransh’s cold hand.

“Rudransh,” she whispered, leaning close, her voice breaking. “It’s me… stay with me. Please, stay…”

His fingers twitched faintly in hers. His lips curved into the tiniest ghost of a smile, weak but real.

Arjun swallowed hard, fighting the lump in his throat. He pressed bandages tighter, working with Veer, their hands red and shaking.

Rudransh’s breath hitched. His voice was almost gone, but his words echoed, “Protect… her…”

His eyes moved weakly toward Nitya.

Arjun bent close, his own eyes burning. His voice was a vow. And then he promised, “I’ll protect her. But you’ll be fine, Rudransh bhai. Do you hear me? Nothing will happen to you.”

For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by Rudransh’s uneven breaths.

The flickering lamp above threw long shadows across the walls, making everything look unreal.

Then Veer swallowed hard. His face was pale, his hands drenched in blood as he tried to hold the cloth against the wound.

“The wound is deep,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “We can’t stay here. He needs to be moved. Let’s take him to his room first. At least there we can stop the bleeding better.”

Arjun looked at him. His eyes were sharp but heavy with worry. He gave a single short nod.

“Careful,” Arjun said, shifting his hands to support Rudransh’s shoulders.

Nitya still clutched Rudransh’s cold hand tightly, as if she was afraid to lose him if she let go. Tears rolled down her cheeks nonstop, but she didn’t wipe them away.

Together, the three of them lifted Rudransh slowly, each movement pulling a faint groan from his lips.

“Easy… easy…” Veer muttered, as if he was speaking to himself as much as to Rudransh.

Blood soaked through the bandages quickly, staining their hands. But they didn’t stop. They couldn’t.

Nitya followed their steps, her legs trembling as she tried to keep her grip on his hand.

Every step felt like a mile. The corridor was endlessly huge.

Then…

“Rudransh!”

A loud crying voice followed them.  All three of them froze for a second.

From the far end of the corridor, Devyani came running toward them. Her hair was loose, her dupatta slipping, her face was drenched with tears.

It was the first time Nitya had ever seen her like this. Broken. Desperate.

“Mere bache ko kya hoga?” (Translation: What happened to my child?) Devyani’s voice cracked as she stumbled toward them. “Kya ho gaya mere Rudransh ko?” (Translation: What happened to my Rudransh?)

Her hands reached out, trembling, wanting to hold her son, to see his face properly.

But Arjun stepped quickly in her way. He stopped her gently but firmly.

“Maa, abhi nahi,” (Translation: Mom, not now.) Arjun said, his voice rough but steady. “Bhai thik ho jayenge.” (Translation: Bhai, he will be alright.)

Devyani’s tears fell harder. She tried to push past him, her hands shaking. “Mere bacche ko dikhne do. Mujhe chhod do, Arjun.”

(Translation: Let me see my child. Leave me Arjun.)

Arjun’s chest tightened. He shook his head. “Maa, please samajhiye. Unhe unkai room tak le jana zaroori hai.”

(Translation: Mom, it's important for us to take him to his room now.)

But before he could finish, Devyani’s pain exploded into fury.

Her voice rose, echoing in the corridor.

“Tumhare hote hue yeh sab hua kaise? Tum dono kaha the tab?”

(Translation: How the hell did this happen? Where were the two of you at that time?)

Her words struck like blows.

Veer flinched, guilt flashing in his eyes. Nitya’s heart shattered. She clutched Rudransh’s hand tighter, as if her tears weren’t already punishment enough.

Arjun’s face froze. His jaw clenched, and for a second, his mask of control almost cracked.

“Maa…” His voice was low, shaking with restrained emotion. “Abhi yeh sab kehne ka waqt nahi hai. Bhai ko bachana hai.”

(Translation: Mom, this isn't the time to say all this. We need to save bhai for now.)

But Devyani wasn’t listening. Her sobs turned into sharp cries. She reached out again, her tears soaking her cheeks.

“Mera beta… mera Rudransh…” she whispered, almost collapsing in the hallway.

(Translation: My son! My Rudransh.)

Nitya’s chest squeezed painfully. She had never seen such raw pain before.

Arjun tightened his grip around Rudransh’s shoulders, his voice rising. “Veer! Jaldi, bhai ko andar le chalo.”

(Translation: Veer, move fast. Take him inside soon.)

Veer nodded quickly, swallowing his guilt. He slipped an arm around Rudransh's shoulder, and together they moved faster, guiding him toward the room.

Nitya stumbled beside them, whispering broken words under her breath. “Stay with us… don’t leave me… please…”

Her voice trembled, fragile as glass.

Behind them, Devyani’s cries echoed, her voice chasing them down the corridor.

The sound of a mother’s pain twisted through the palace walls, heavy and unrelenting.

At last, after what felt like forever, they reached Rudransh’s room.

The doors were pushed open, and Arjun and Veer carried him inside with quick, heavy steps.

The moment they lay him down on the large carved bed, Rudransh’s blood smeared the sheets, staining the white ones into deep red.

“Quickly,” Arjun muttered, his voice sharp with urgency. “Veer, hold him steady. We need to clean this wound before…”

But before he could finish, a gasp broke the air.

The sound was soft yet sharp enough to freeze them.

Nitya turned first, her tear-streaked face snapping toward the doorway. Her heart stuttered.

By the dim light of the corridor, a woman was standing. She recognized her in a blink of a moment.

She was Akansha.

It had been so long since she’d seen her. The memory rushed back vividly. It was the day Nitya had first arrived at this palace, half-conscious, broken, her world a blur.

The woman who had leaned over her then, giving commands to servants, pressing medicine to her lips… yes. It was her. The doctor.

But now, her eyes weren’t calm and detached like a physician’s. They were wide, full of shock, pain, and something heavier…something personal.

“Rudransh…” Akansha’s voice cracked, as if his name itself hurt to say.

Veer froze, still holding the blood-soaked cloth. Arjun straightened, his body tense, eyes narrowing as though bracing himself.

“Akansha…” Arjun started, but she stepped forward quickly, her heels clicking against the floor.

“Not now,” she cut him, her tone firm but trembling underneath. “Arjun, Veer…stop this.”

Her eyes darted to the wound, the bleeding, the sweat shining on Rudransh’s pale face. “I’m a doctor. I will treat him.”

The authority in her words hung in the air.

Nitya blinked, caught between confusion and desperation. Her hand was still clutching Rudransh’s, but her gaze kept shifting between his face and Akansha’s.

Arjun’s eyebrows knitted together. His jaw flexed as he took a step closer, lowering his voice.

“You don’t understand,” he said, every word heavy.

Akansha’s eyes snapped up to meet him. For a moment, there was fire in them…fire and grief, both burning together.

“Don’t forget,” she shot back, her voice steady but laced with raw emotion, “he’s not just your brother. He’s also my childhood friend. And right now, he needs me.”

Arjun’s throat tightened. He looked at her, truly looked at her, and saw not just the doctor standing before him, but the girl who had once run in these same corridors with Rudransh, laughing, bickering, sharing secrets.

But memories didn’t matter now. What mattered was the still, pale figure on the bed, bleeding out inch by inch.

Nitya felt her chest constrict. Akansha’s presence was a storm. It was unexpected, and powerful, shifting the air in the room.

She wanted to speak, to protest, but words tangled in her throat.

Veer broke the silence, his voice rough. “Arjun… She's right. Look at him. We’re not enough. We can’t stop this bleeding. He needs a doctor.”

Arjun’s hands clenched into fists at his sides. Every part of him screamed to take control, to not let anyone else interfere…especially not Akansha.

But then his eyes dropped to Rudransh, his bloodless lips barely moving, his chest struggling for breath.

Time was slipping.

Akansha moved closer to the bed, her steps quick, purposeful. Behind her, there were two more doctors. It seemed like Devyani called her.

She set her bag down, pulling out instruments and bandages with the practiced motions of someone who had done this a hundred times.

But her face betrayed her…her lips trembled, her eyes glistened.

“Arjun,” she said softly, not looking at him now, only at Rudransh. “Please. Let me save him.”

The plea in her voice pierced through his stubbornness.

Arjun exhaled harshly, raking a hand through his hair. He stepped back a little, his chest rising and falling fast. “Fine. But if anything…”

“If anything happens,” Akansha interrupted, her voice hardening, “you can blame me. But right now, stop wasting time.”

Nitya finally found her voice. It came out small, almost childlike.

“Please… just save him,” she whispered. Her grip on Rudransh’s hand tightened as she turned desperate eyes toward Akansha. “Don’t let him go.”

“Arjun, hold him steady,” she instructed quickly, ignoring Nitya. Her voice slipping into the clear, commanding tone of a doctor. “Veer, press here.”

“You don’t understand,” Arjun said, every word heavy, carrying the weight of both authority and desperation. His eyes burned into Akansha’s. “Rudransh bhai… he won’t like this.”

The words pierced Akansha like a knife, but she didn’t flinch. Her lips parted as if to argue back instantly, but instead, her breath caught.

Because at that moment, just for a fleeting second…the sight of Rudransh lying there, pale and broken, pulled her mind backward in time.

The memory unfolded without permission, bright and sharp, as if the palace walls themselves had car