The One Who Never Let Go
(Rangeer POV)
I've acted in love stories my entire life.
None of them taught me how terrifying it is to almost lose someone for real.
Twinkle sat on the hospital bed, swinging her legs like nothing had happened.
Like she hadn't been kidnapped.
Like my chest hadn't nearly collapsed when I heard her name.
"You're staring," she said, grinning. "Do I have something on my face?"
"Yeah," I replied flatly. "Trouble."
She laughed.
I didn't.
I crossed the room and sat beside her.
"You scared me," I said quietly.
Her smile softened. "I knew she'd come."
Of course she did.
Najma.
"She always does," Twinkle continued. "But you… you came too."
My hands clenched. "I would've burned the city if she hadn't."
She blinked, surprised.
Then she smiled in that dangerous way that makes me forget I'm a public figure.
"Careful, actor," she teased. "People might think you love me."
I looked at her.
"I don't care what people think."
The room went quiet.
She fiddled with the edge of the blanket. "You stayed."
"Yes."
"You didn't leave even when everyone else was panicking."
"No."
Her voice dropped. "You held my hand while I slept."
I swallowed. "You noticed."
She leaned closer. "I always notice you."
My heart forgot its script.
Later that evening, we stood on the balcony outside her room.
The city lights glittered below.
"I was afraid," she admitted softly. "But when I thought I wouldn't make it… I kept hearing your voice."
I turned to her. "What did it say?"
"Come back."
I reached for her hand without thinking.
She didn't pull away.
"If you disappear again," I said, "I won't survive it."
She squeezed my hand. "Then I'll stay."
Across the corridor, Najma watched them with a small smile.
For once, she didn't step in.
Some bonds didn't need protecting.
They just needed time.