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He is right. Time is the biggest healer. I know the coming days are going to be a challenge. But I take comfort in my father’s steadfast support, knowing he will help me overcome anything. The road ahead to rediscover myself appears long and winding...littered with ghosts, secrets and unwelcome truths at every turn. I fear this revelation will leave permanent scars within the deepest recesses of my soul.
CHAPTER 15
MEHER
I was searching for Ayaan, wondering if his discussion with Krish had concluded for the day, when I found him in his father’s room. While I didn’t intend to eavesdrop, my worry made me linger by the door and overhear their conversation. Ayaan had previously confided in me that Kailash Uncle was not his biological father when I was upset with him for not telling me that Vishnu was my half-brother despite his knowing about it. That evening, Ayaan had also shown me a mysterious gift box similar to the one Raghav had given me at the wedding reception. This revelation made me wonder how far Ayaan and Kailash Uncle had come despite not being biologically related, and I was proud of them both.
Today, I can’t even imagine what Ayaan must be going through after discovering the real identity of his father, Tej Khurana, who is a wanted criminal ruling the underworld. When I’d discovered the harsh reality about Vishnu being my half-brother, I had crumbled, struggling to trust those around me. Accepting that fact and moving forward was a formidable challenge, and even though I’ve made peace with it now, I am still waiting for my dad’s acceptance of Vishnu as his son before the world. Based on my own experience, I deeply empathise with Ayaan’s state of mind and can understand how daunting it must be for him to accept such a profound truth and carry on. In his case, the truth isn’t just significant; it’s also profoundly bitter.
In addition, Ayaan is about to confront his biological father, which makes the situation even more difficult. Though I know Ayaan possesses the mental and physical strength to stand up for what is right, confronting the man whose blood he shares takes a lot of courage and strength. However, I can’t help but worry about the impact this meeting will have on him as a son. Tej Khurana appears to be a dangerous man, and I wonder how he will react when he finds out that his own son is standing against him. With these thoughts lingering in the back of my mind, I head back to the bedroom and wait patiently for Ayaan to show up.
I quickly take a shower, hoping to wash away the tension that had built up through the day. As I step out, I notice Ayaan standing by the balcony, lost in deep thought. He has changed into a comfortable T-shirt and track pants, but his mood still seems low. Moving closer, I encircle my arms around his waist and pull him into a comforting hug from behind. As I wrap my arms comfortingly around his waist, I ache to soothe the torment I know is raging within my king after today’s devastating revelations.
“I love you,” I whisper, hoping to bring some warmth into this moment.
Ayaan grabs my arm and draws me between himself and the railing, caging me in his embrace as his smouldering gaze captures mine. I trace the hardened lines of his handsome features, so similar yet different from the darker reflection of his twin. An unbearable pain pierces my heart for all my king has lost and gained so cruelly by a horrible twist of fate.
His eyes lock onto mine with a serious expression.
“You love me, but you also love to defy me,” he remarks. I bite my lip, realising his words stem from my decision to follow him to the Roost against his wishes. I trail my fingers seductively across his chest, hoping to relieve the lingering tension. Sliding my palms up around his neck, I draw his heated body against mine. The sparks in his eyes reignite at my touch.
“That’s old news now. Let’s put it behind us, please, king,” I suggest, hoping to divert our conversation. “I’ll be your most obedient queen from now.”
“Meher—”
“Sshh.”
I scrutinise his face closely again, recalling the signs of similarities between him and his twin brother.
“I just realised why Raghav seemed so familiar to me when we first met at our wedding reception. He is the same height and has the same attitude as you. Even his smirk is similar to yours,” I observe Ayaan gently touching his nose. “The only difference is his slightly tilted nose, while yours is perfectly straight.”
Ayaan grabs my waist, pulling me closer. His jaw clenches, a hint of annoyance evident from his taut features.
“You seem to have observed him too closely to notice the similarities and differences between us,” he mutters. “All within a few minutes of meeting him.”
I grin mischievously, stroking my fingers in his hair. “It’s been too long since my king got a little jealous!”
His clenched jaw softens as he realises I’m just teasing him.
“You can’t imagine what I am going through just knowing he’s my twin,” he confesses gruffly. “Jealousy is the last thing on my mind.”
My heart punctures at the raw pain in his voice.
Sensing the shift in his mood again, I become serious and cup his face.
“I was just trying to cheer you up. You two might have the same commanding presence and that unmistakable sharpness in those piercing eyes. But cruelty and conceit lurk in his soul, whereas righteousness and compassion dwell in yours. You are nothing like him, Ayaan,” I assure him, pointing at his generous heart.
I shower gentle kisses along his jaw, willing my love to heal him before meeting his gaze again.
“I know the revelations today are disturbing you,” I add. “And to add to that, even Dad didn’t miss an opportunity to make derogatory remarks about you. I am so sorry about that.”
“What your father says doesn’t matter to me, but it definitely will bother me if you apologise for his words. Never do that again, Meher.”
That’s my King! He would never let me bow down to other’s mistakes.
“Your father did bring up a valid point, though,” he continues. “I should have told you before our marriage that Dad wasn’t my biological father. It wasn’t deliberate, Meher. I simply couldn’t imagine anyone else in Dad’s role in my life, even after he disclosed the truth four years ago. When he told me that I wasn’t his biological son, I didn’t even inquire about my real father. It stung when he mentioned that my real family was no more, but that day, I closed that chapter of my life for good. I would have eventually shared it with you, but it wasn’t a priority at that time, so I didn’t tell you about it earlier.”
“I know,” I nod. “I know how much you love Kailash Uncle. You hold him in high regard, and his affection for you is limitless. So, the revelations you learned today shouldn’t alter anything. I know it’s challenging. It’ll bring pain and will test you, baby. But you are strong. And you are not alone in this. We’ll face it together,” I reassure him. “I am so proud of you for the way you have been dealing with this new revelation in your life,” I continue pressing our foreheads together, hoping my love can bring him some comfort amid this storm of emotions.
