Madhu"sPOV
I stood on the porch with both hands gripping the railing so tightly my knuckles turned pale.
The cold breeze brushed against my skin, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside me.
My mind was still trapped on the train.
Vasu… on the floor.
Blood.
A gun pointed at him.
That scene replayed again and again in my head like a curse—like the universe was punishing me by forcing me to relive the moment I almost lost him.
One wrong move…
I swallowed hard, my throat burning.
One second more… and he could've been gone.
A sharp inhale escaped me, and before I could stop it, a tear slipped down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly, angry at myself for breaking so easily.
But how could I not?
Because it wasn't just fear.
It was love.
A terrifying kind of love that made my heart feel exposed—like it could be ripped out at any moment.
I didn't understand what was happening to me either.
Fainting?
Blackouts?
Memory gaps?
None of it made sense.
I wasn't weak.
I wasn't careless.
I wasn't someone who lost control of her own body.
And yet…
Tonight had proven I was.
Worst of all—
I could feel it.
Vasu was hiding something from me.
Not because he didn't love me.
But because whatever he was hiding… scared him.
I could see it in his eyes.
In the way he looked at me like I was made of glass.
Like he was terrified of saying the wrong thing.
And it was driving me insane.
I needed answers.
I needed the truth.
I couldn't breathe without it.
I was drowning in my thoughts when a hand moved into my view—offering me a cup of coffee.
"What are you thinking?" my brother asked softly.
I blinked, startled out of the spiral, and accepted the mug. The warmth seeped into my fingers, and I took a slow sip, exhaling like I'd been holding my breath for hours.
"Thank you," I murmured. "I really needed this."
Karan gave me a small smile and took a sip from his own cup.
Then he asked again—more pointed this time.
"I asked you a question, Madhu."
I hesitated.
Because I didn't want to say it out loud.
Saying it would make it real.
But I needed someone to carry this weight with me—
even if just for a moment.
So I cleared my throat.
"I've been thinking about my blackouts," I admitted quietly.
I took another sip, my fingers tightening around the mug.
My brother turned his head toward me, his expression unreadable.
"It's probably nothing," he said after a pause. "Just shock. Trauma. You saw him bleeding. Anyone would faint."
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
"You're fine," he continued. "Don't overthink it."
But his eyes weren't on me.
They stayed fixed on the sky.
And I knew.
I knew my brother too well.
When Karan hides something… he avoids eye contact.
Silence stretched between us.
The kind that felt heavier than words.
I swallowed, then turned toward him fully.
"What's going on, K?" I asked, my voice low, careful… but sharp enough to cut.
He frowned. "What are you talking about?"
I scoffed and folded my arms across my chest.
"Don't play innocent," I said. "What is Vasu hiding from me?"
Karan's body stiffened.
He took a sip of coffee—
then choked.
Actually choked.
He coughed, eyes wide, as if I'd stabbed him with that question.
"W-what?" he stammered. "Ahmee… it's nothing."
Nothing.
That word was a lie.
I stared at him, and my heart sank.
He knew.
He knew what Vasu was hiding.
And he was choosing to protect him over telling me the truth.
Fine.
If they wanted to keep secrets…
Then I would stop asking.
And start finding.
I took another sip of coffee, my jaw tightening.
Fine, Karan.
If you won't tell me…
I'll find out myself.
I placed my coffee cup gently on the side table.
"Okay," I said, trying to sound normal despite the heaviness in my chest. "It's getting late. We should get going."
The words had barely left my lips when a voice sliced through the air behind me—low, furious, final.
"You're not going anywhere, Ms. Madhu."
I froze.
That voice wasn't teasing.
It wasn't gentle.
It was Vasu, and it carried something raw—something dangerous.
I turned slowly.
He stood a few feet away, eyes darker than the night itself.
And the look on his face—
I had never seen him like that.
He walked toward us like a storm given a body. His gaze locked on my brother first.
"You," he said, pointing at Karan without blinking. "Go home. Tell Priya to pack Madhu's essentials for a week or two."
My stomach dropped.
"Bring everything here," he added, voice like steel.
Confusion swirled inside me. Panic tried to rise. My heartbeat slammed hard against my ribs.
Then Vasu turned to me.
"And you, Ms. MadhuKrishna," he said slowly—deliberately—like he wanted every word carved into my mind.
His eyes pinned me.
"Read my lips carefully."
He stepped closer.
"YOU ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE."
I inhaled sharply.
"YOU ARE STAYING WITH ME."
Each word hit like thunder.
I stared at him, unable to speak, unable to understand why the man who always treated me like I was precious was suddenly speaking like he was about to declare war.
Karan nodded, about to leave.
But I reached out and grabbed his arm.
"Wait!" I snapped, stepping forward. "What is happening?"
I turned sharply between them.
"Both of you are acting really weird," I said, folding my arms across my chest, my frustration rising fast. "And I know you're hiding something from me. I can see it in your eyes."
I narrowed my gaze.
"So spill the beans. Now."
Karan met my eyes.
For a second, his expression flickered with guilt—almost pain.
Then he forced a smile.
"It's probably better if I leave you two alone," he said softly.
He walked up to Vasu, tapped his shoulder—almost like a silent agreement.
Then he walked past him.
Vasu nodded once.
And suddenly…
It was just me and him.
The porch felt colder.
Smaller.
Like something terrible was about to be said.
I took a step toward Vasu.
"What's going on?" I asked, my voice softer now. "Please… talk to me."
Vasu didn't answer immediately.
He walked past me instead.
He stopped near the corner of the porch and leaned his right shoulder against the pillar, staring out into the dark like he didn't trust the night anymore.
My chest tightened.
I followed him.
The silence stretched too long.
Then he finally spoke—
"There's something going on."
I swallowed.
"What is it?" I asked, stepping closer.
He didn't look at me when he said it.
"Your life is in danger."
Everything inside me stopped.
My legs went numb.
Like the words had injected poison into my blood.
I blinked hard.
"What?" I whispered.
My voice sounded unfamiliar… fragile.
"What are you saying?" I asked, taking slow steps toward him, fear crawling up my spine. "My life is in danger because of who?"
Vasu let out a deep sigh—like the weight of the world was crushing his lungs.
Then he snapped.
"Because of me, you crazy girl!" he burst out.
He turned suddenly, anger mixed with panic, his emotions spiraling too fast to control.
"Because of me," he repeated, voice cracking. "Because I came into your life—because you love me—because I—"
He stopped.
His face twisted.
And then I saw it—
Tears.
In Vasu's eyes.
Real, devastating tears.
He leaned back against the porch railing like he couldn't hold himself up anymore.
"I can't lose you," he whispered, breath shaking.
His voice fell apart.
"I can't watch you get hurt because of me. If anything happens to you…"
He swallowed hard, eyes closing like the thought itself was killing him.
"I will di—"
"No."
I rushed forward and pressed my index finger against his lips, silencing him immediately.
His eyes remained lowered.
Tears slid down his cheeks helplessly.
I'd never seen him like this.
Never.
The strongest man I knew…
breaking like glass in front of me.
My throat burned.
I cupped his face with both hands, forcing him to look at me.
His lashes were wet.
His breathing uneven.
I wiped his tears with my thumbs, my own vision blurring.
"I can't lose you, Madhu," he whispered again, voice barely alive.
His fingers tightened around my wrist as if he feared I would disappear.
Tears swelled in my eyes—but I refused to let them fall first.
I forced a smile.
And with my hands still holding his face, I lifted his head firmly.
"Hey," I said softly. "Listen to me."
I made him meet my gaze.
"No one can touch me when you're with me."
His lips trembled.
I shook my head, voice turning steadier.
"No one has the guts to harm what belongs to you," I whispered. "And there's no chance in hell that I'll get hurt because of you."
For the first time, his breathing faltered like he wanted to believe me.
But the tears didn't stop.
He closed his eyes, and they continued to fall.
Then his arms snapped around my waist, pulling me into him like he couldn't survive another second without holding me.
He buried his face in my chest.
And I wrapped my arms around his neck, stroking his back slowly.
"It's okay," I whispered. "You're fine. We are fine."
He held me tighter.
Too tight.
Like he was trying to hold the world together with his arms.
We stayed like that for a long time.
Then his phone started to vibrate.
I tried to pull away—
He refused.
His grip tightened.
"Don't go," he whispered, voice broken. "Stay with me…"
My chest ached.
I closed my eyes and exhaled.
"I'm not going anywhere," I whispered. "Just answer the phone."
He shook his head slightly.
And that's when my own strength finally shattered.
I had been trying so hard not to fall apart—
But I couldn't hold it anymore.
"Please," I sobbed softly, my voice cracking as tears began to fall. "Stop crying… I can't bear seeing you like this."
Vasu pulled away slowly.
He straightened, wiping his face quickly like he hated being seen like this.
Then his eyes locked onto mine.
And the moment he saw my tears—
his face broke again.
I stepped back instinctively, overwhelmed by the intensity between us.
The air felt too thick to breathe.
My voice came out soft, shaking—but truthful.
"If you're scared… I'm scared too," I whispered.
My head bowed slightly.
"But if you stay strong… I'll stay strong."
I lifted my gaze, tears still clinging to my lashes.
"Because you are my strength."
My voice cracked completely.
"And you mean so much to me, Vasu."
I swallowed hard.
"So please…" I whispered. "Don't make me weak."
He stayed silent.
And slowly, I lifted my head.
Our eyes locked.
His hand rose tenderly, brushing my tears away like they were too precious to be wasted. His thumb traced my cheek softly, as if wiping away my fear itself.
"Shh…" he murmured. "It's okay."
His voice was steady—but his eyes weren't. They carried too much. Fear. Love. Panic.
Then he asked quietly, like he was about to break my world with one sentence.
"So… are you ready to hear what I'm going to say?"
I nodded.
He cleared his throat, as if the words were heavy, and stepped closer—so close there was no longer any space between us. He took my hand in his and interlocked our fingers tightly, like he didn't want to lose me even for a second.
"I'm going to send you somewhere safe," he said.
My breath caught.
"A safehouse… until we figure this out."
My eyes widened.
"A safehouse?" I whispered.
He nodded once—firm.
"The Institute."
My heart sank violently.
No.
No, no, no.
The very thought of being away from him felt unbearable—like someone was ripping the air out of my lungs.
I didn't even think.
I released his hand and threw myself into his chest, hugging him tight, resting my head against him like that was the only place I knew how to survive.
His arms wrapped around me instantly—strong, protective, unmoving.
"How long?" I asked, voice muffled against him. "How long will I have to stay there?"
He held me closer, his palm gliding slowly up and down my back, as if he was soothing a child.
Then he sighed—deep, painful.
"Maybe… for a while," he admitted. "Until everything gets sorted out."
My throat burned.
"So…" he murmured, holding me tighter. "Is that a deal?"
Inside me, a protest screamed.
I wanted to shout. To fight. To refuse.
Because how could he ask me to stay away from him when he was the only reason I felt safe?
But then I realized—
He wasn't sending me away.
He was trying to save me.
And that melted everything in me.
I closed my eyes and hugged him harder, silently surrendering.
"I'm waiting for your answer, sweetheart," he whispered.
My voice trembled.
"…Okay," I whispered back.
Then I lifted my head slightly, hope trembling inside me like a fragile candle.
"Will you visit?" I asked softly.
For a second, I heard a smile in his voice—then it disappeared.
"No," he said simply. "I can't."
Those three words shattered me.
It felt like my heart cracked into a million pieces.
Tears welled instantly, spilling before I could stop them. I buried my face into his chest and sobbed softly, my body shaking.
His arms tightened.
His hand stroked my back again and again, as if he was trying to hold me together.
"So…" I whispered brokenly against his jacket, "this is the last evening we'll spend together."
He exhaled a heavy sigh.
Then he gently pulled me away, forcing me to look at him.
But I held on to his lapel, my fingers gripping the fabric like he was my lifeline.
His hands cupped my face.
"Why are you crying?" he asked softly.
I lifted my gaze, tears clinging to my lashes.
"I… I can't stay away from you," I confessed, voice trembling.
And then—
He smiled.
A real smile.
Like I'd said something silly.
My brows furrowed in confusion.
"If I'm coming with you," he said, voice warm with quiet amusement, "then why should I visit?"
My eyes widened so fast it almost hurt.
"What—?" I gasped. "You're… coming with me?"
My mind spun.
"What about your job?" I blurted. "What about Ma? Who will take care of her if we both leave?"
He wiped the tears from my cheeks again, slower this time, like he had all the patience in the world for my fear.
"Yes," he said firmly. "I'm coming with you."
His voice turned intense.
"Do you really think I'll let you face this alone?"
I shook my head, stunned.
He scoffed softly.
"Then let me worry about my job and Ma," he said. "Your safety is my first priority."
My chest tightened.
Relief poured into me so hard I almost collapsed.
He pulled me into another tight hug and I melted into him instantly, resting my head against his chest like my whole soul had been waiting for that sentence.
Then my inner voice whispered—
If you ask this idiotic question, he'll get upset.
But my curiosity didn't listen.
"Can I ask you something?" I murmured.
He chuckled.
"What?"
My voice turned small.
"Are you really going to leave everything behind… for me?"
The change in him was immediate.
He pulled away sharply, his jaw clenched, eyes burning.
"You're my life," he growled.
I froze.
"Don't you dare ask me that again."
His words weren't anger.
They were love—violent, protective love.
He pulled me back into his arms so fast I barely breathed.
"Don't think too much," he murmured into my hair. "This is temporary. Just until we figure everything out."
His lips pressed against my forehead—soft, sacred.
"After that… everything will go back to normal."
He paused.
"I promise."
Those words calmed the trembling inside me.
But then—
A sudden cold wave swept through my body.
I shivered.
Hard.
My teeth chattered.
Vasu immediately pulled away, alarm flashing in his eyes.
"Hey… are you okay?"
I nodded quickly, though my body was betraying me.
"It's freezing…" I whispered.
"Wait here," he said instantly. "I'll be back."
He rushed inside and returned within minutes, draping a warm blanket over my shoulders like I was something precious.
"Better?" he asked.
I nodded, breathing out in relief.
He held my hands and began rubbing them between his palms, warming them with his body heat.
His gaze dropped—briefly—to my lips.
Then his thumb brushed my lower lip gently.
And his voice dropped into a husky whisper.
"I'm trying very hard not to kiss you, sweetheart."
My heart jumped violently.
Heat rushed into my cheeks.
He slid his arms around my waist, pulling me close—so close there wasn't even a breath of space left between us.
I gasped.
"Vasu—" I stammered. "W-what are you doing? Any minute Karan will be here…"
His eyes locked onto mine.
"Let him come," he said, voice dark with possession.
Then he kissed my forehead softly—like he was claiming my soul.
My hand clutched his jacket lapel instinctively.
"Vasu," I whispered.
"What?" he murmured, breath warm against my lips now.
A smile trembled on my mouth.
"No one is stopping you," I confessed softly. "I'm all yours."
His eyes softened.
His right hand cupped my cheek, tilting my face up gently.
He leaned in.
Our lips were just a breath away—
And then—
"Ahem…"
My brother's voice sliced through the moment like a knife.
"You two…" Karan teased. "Better lock the door!"
I jolted and pushed Vasu away instantly, my face burning with embarrassment.
Vasu looked shocked—then groaned.
"Can't you knock, dumbass?" he snapped.
Karan smirked like he'd won a trophy.
I couldn't even look at him.
I wanted the floor to swallow me whole.
We moved into the living room, and Karan walked in with my bag and two food packs, placing them on the center table.
"Here's your stuff," he said casually. "And dinner."
Then his tone turned serious.
"Vasu, I need Sharadha Ma's belongings too. She'll be staying with us."
He pointed his thumb behind him.
"And tell her caretaker to come to my place from tomorrow onward."
He tossed my bag onto the sofa.
I stood there, still red-faced, heart pounding, blanket wrapped around me—while Vasu stood beside me, eyes still burning with the kiss he didn't get to finish.
Vasu nodded in acknowledgment, but I barely noticed him.
My focus was on my brother.
The way he was standing near the door… already halfway out.
Already acting like everything was normal—when nothing about tonight was.
I walked straight to Karan.
And I didn't soften my voice.
"You knew, didn't you?" I asked.
Karan met my eyes.
Then nodded slowly—guilt flickering across his face for a split second before he masked it.
So.
This wasn't only Vasu.
This was both of them.
And that realization stabbed deeper than fear.
I turned slightly, sensing Vasu behind me.
He wouldn't have done any of this without my brother's consent.
Which meant…
They had already decided things for me.
I swallowed, tightening my grip on the coffee mug for control.
"So what about our families?" I asked tightly.
Vasu opened his mouth to respond, but Karan interrupted immediately.
"We've already made a cover story," he said quickly.
Cover story.
The words sounded like a crime—like a secret operation.
He forced a calm smile and stepped closer, voice dropping into something gentler.
"You're staying here tonight with him," he said. "Just in case… I mean, if something happens, we'll be able to manage it."
My brows furrowed.
"Something happens?" I repeated.
Karan's eyes softened. He reached out and squeezed my shoulder.
"Take rest, sister," he said quietly. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Then he left.
Just like that.
No further explanation.
No room for arguments.
The door clicked shut behind him.
And the silence that followed felt loud.
I turned around slowly, my confusion sharpening into suspicion.
"Cover stories…" I muttered. "May I know by whom?"
Footsteps approached behind me.
Then Vasu's voice came, calm but firm.
"By us."
I rolled my eyes.
Of course.
The two of them—Masters of Secrets.
I crossed my arms.
"Oh, really?" I asked, voice dripping with sarcasm. "So you both suddenly became scriptwriters now?"
Vasu scoffed.
"Stop it, sweetheart."
I lifted my brows, unimpressed.
"Definitely it won't work," I said flatly. "If you're planning to tell them I'm staying somewhere for a few days… the first person who's going to freak out is—"
"Mamma," Vasu and I said together.
I blinked.
Then I glanced at him.
He gave me a look as if to say Exactly.
I pointed toward him.
"And Papa?" I added quickly. "He'll worry too. He won't sleep."
Vasu's jaw clenched.
Karan wasn't there anymore, but I could feel his presence in this mess—like he'd left the burden on us and escaped.
Enough.
I stepped away, walking into the center of the living room like I was stepping onto a stage.
"Let me talk to our families," I declared.
Instantly—
"No!"
Vasu's voice.
And it wasn't alone.
Karan's voice echoed from behind the partially open door.
"NO!"
I spun around.
"What the hell?" I snapped.
Vasu marched toward me, anger flashing across his face.
"What are you going to tell them?" he demanded. "Are you going to tell them your life is in danger because of me?"
His voice rose—sharp, urgent, scared.
I watched him.
He wasn't yelling at me.
He was yelling at his fear.
And I felt my frustration flare—
but I forced it down.
Because if I reacted emotionally now, he'd crumble.
So I inhaled.
Closed my eyes.
Exhaled slowly.
Then I met his gaze again.
"No," I said firmly, matching his intensity with calm. "I'm going to give them a better explanation."
I stepped closer.
"So no one worries unnecessarily."
Vasu's eyes searched mine, still tense.
And then I said quietly—
"Shall we leave now?"
A beat.
Then Vasu and Karan exchanged glances… and nodded.
Fine.
We were doing this my way.
I removed the blanket and set it carefully on the sofa.
Vasu moved toward me immediately, his hands settling on my shoulders—possessive, protective.
"I'm nervous," he admitted.
I smiled.
A real smile.
The kind that told him I wasn't scared.
"Don't worry," I whispered. "I've got this."
I winked.
He shook his head like he didn't know whether to laugh or panic more.
Together, the three of us walked toward the front door.
I grabbed my things.
And we left Vasu's house.
The drive to my house felt strange.
Like the world outside was still normal, but our lives had already changed forever.
I could feel Vasu's nervousness growing beside me, almost vibrating off his skin.
So I reached out.
Took his hand.
Intertwined our fingers.
His grip tightened instantly—as if my touch was the only thing holding him together.
When we reached my house, I rang the bell.
A few seconds later—
the door swung open.
"Heyyyy! Anut came home!" Meenu squealed.
Before I could even react, she ran straight to me.
My heart melted.
I lifted her up and hugged her tight.
"Hi, my baby," I whispered, kissing her cheek.
Meenu laughed loudly.
Holding her in my arms, I walked into the living room.
That's when—
"Hey… listen."
Vasu's voice stopped me from behind.
I turned.
He looked like he was about to walk into a battlefield.
He sighed.
"Tell me first," he said. "What are you going to say?"
I smiled—slow, confident.
I walked toward him, still holding Meenu.
"Do you trust me?" I asked.
His brows pulled together slightly.
Then he nodded.
"Yes," he said.
I stepped closer and kissed his cheek.
"Then whatever I say…" I whispered, "just play along."
He groaned, half frustrated, half terrified.
"Sweetheart," he muttered, "you're making me nervous."
I chuckled softly.
"And now," I teased, turning toward the living room, "it's your turn to come up with an excuse for your bandage."
And as I walked in—
I felt him staring at me like I was magic.
Like I was courage.
Like I was the only thing keeping his fear from swallowing him whole.