Page 40 of Shattered

Taking a deep breath, I glance over at her and see Kavya’s head resting against the headrest, staring out of the window, silently lost in thought. I turn my attention back to the road ahead, cursing myself inwardly at the sight of her vulnerability. She hasn’t said a word since we got in the car, and for the first time since I’ve met her, she looks broken and terrified. Seeing her like this infuriates me.I need to bring that smile of hers back, the one that lights up my world. And I also need to track down the bastard responsible for this and break each and everyone of his bones. After what he’s done to Kavya, he deserves all the torture that’s coming to him.

“Reyansh…” she says hesitantly, and I turn my head slightly to see her fidgeting with her fingers in her lap.

“What is it, sweetheart?” I ask, keeping my eyes on the road ahead as I take her hands in mine and give them a gentle squeeze.

“Please, don’t mention any of this to Sunita Aunty,” she says calmly, but I can sense the inner turmoil she’s going through.

“I won’t,” I promise her quietly, bringing her hand to my mouth and kissing her fingers lightly, before placing them on my thigh.

“Thanks, I just don’t want Aunty to stress about it,” she whispers, returning her gaze back to the window.

Damn, my heart aches for her—for the burden she is carrying on her shoulders. But now that I’m here, I’ll stand by her side at every turn.

“I’ll reach out to one of my close friends, a private investigator. He might just be the help we need,” I state calmly, taking a sharp turn into her lane.

Her head whips towards me, and shequicklypulls her hand from my grip, shaking her head. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. He’s already not happy with the case being reopened, and involving an investigator might escalate things in the wrong direction.”

I park in front of her house, turn off the engine, and then turn to face her. “Kavya, you have to trust me. I’ve got this.I’m not going to let anything happen that could put you in danger.”

Kavya squirms uncomfortably in her seat, her eyes locked with mine, pain evident in her dark brown eyes as tears trickle down her cheeks. “You don’t understand, Reyansh. Just one wrong move, and I’ll lose my sister. I’ve already lost my parents;I can’t lose her too,” she whispers, her voice trembling as she wipes her tears.

Fuck, I wish I’d met her sooner and been there for her when she lost her family.I want to say something to comfort her, to tell her she’s not alone anymore, but before I can speak, she beats me to it.“God, I’m such a fool. I shouldn’t have told you any of this in the first place. I think it’s better if we end whatever there is between us here itself and—”

“No,” I cut her off before she can finish, my voice coming out harsh. “I won’t allow you to push me away just because fear has taken hold of you. I won’t be the one to suffer for it.”

“And I won’t let my sister pay the price for it either,” she snaps back, folding her arms over her chest,her stubbornness matching mine.

I run a hand over my face and count to ten to regain my composure before speaking. “Kavya, please listen—” I begin, but before I can continue, she interrupts me.

“No,youlisten, Reyansh. If I have to choose between you and my sister, it will always be my sister’s life,” she says, trying to sound resolute, but her trembling lips betray the deep conflict within her. “Even if it means ending things with you,” she adds.

Her words should sting, but they don’t. Instead, they fill me with pride for having a woman like her in my life.Kavya’s loyalty and love for her sister only remind me why I’m so captivated by her.Looking down at her, I see the tension in her body, recognising the strength it takes for her to utter those words. I know how difficult it will be for her to make that choice, as much as it will be for me if she cuts ties with me. But I can’t bring myself to imaginea life where she’s not beside me. If I had to live without her, I would simply lose it.

“But you, Kavya, will always be my first choice. I will choose you over everything,” I tell her softly, my voice unwavering.

“Reyansh...” she sighs, and I gently place my finger on her lips, silencing her.

“I get it. I know you’re scared. But pushing me away is not the solution,” I state firmly before continuing. “I’ve never been in a relationship before, and I don’t even know what the requirements are to be an ideal partner.But what I do know is that I won’t just stand by and watch you face this alone. I am here, and I am not going anywhere,” I say softly, giving her a determined look. “And let me warn you, if you try to push me away, it will only make me fight back stronger to stay. You can be angry and frustrated, but I’d rather have you alive and furious with me than face the alternative.”

“You are a stubborn man,” she mumbles irritably.

I grin at her. “However stubborn I may be, just remember, I am still your man, and you’re stuck with me for life.”

Finally, she gives me a smile.“You make it impossible for me to argue with that. But honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I am sorry I lost my cool. You’re right, and I promise I won’t push you away. I do trust you completely.”

Thank God. I am relieved that her rational mind is back, and she’s now seeing things clearly. It’s important she understandsthat we’re in this together, thatshe needs me just as much as I need her. Bending down, I kiss her forehead gently.

“That’s my girl,” I whisper, looking straight into her eyes. “Also, starting tomorrow, I am assigning a bodyguard to keep an eye on you,” I add.

“Now you’re just being overdramatic. I am a strong woman, Reyansh. I don’t need someone following me twenty-four seven,” she says defensively, her arms crossed over her chest. “Also, if the culprit learns about the bodyguard, he’ll be on high alert. And you can bet he’ll make sure we regret it.”

I shake my head firmly. “I am not changing my mind on this.It’s not up for debate. Haven’t you heard the saying it’sbetter to be safe than sorry? Someone is sending you threatening messages and is out there, roaming freely with the intention to harm you. I am not taking any chances.A bodyguard is necessary, Kavya, and he’ll be discreet. No one will even know he’s there. His only job is to keep you safe and protect you, no matter what.”

“But it will only make me uncomfortable, and I won’t like it,” she sighs.

“You don’t have to like it,” I say resolutely. “You just have to deal with it.”

She narrows her eyes at me.“Has anyone told you how annoying you can be?”

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