“Whatever your beautiful hands make becomes special. How could I not exaggerate when it’s you who made this for me?” Priyank took a few more sips.
The warm soup soothed his stomach, feeling like a gentle massage. He didn’t usually enjoy food like this, but this soup was different. To him, it was the best thing he’d ever had. He couldn’t remember the last time he liked something this much, except for the tea she made for him at Mary’s house. Now, this soup made him feel like they were a real couple, even if his mind was playing tricks on him.
“You’re too much,” Priya said, smiling and feeling flustered by his compliments.
“Only for you, Angel. I can be too much or anything for you.”
“If you really liked the soup, eat it all. Don’t leave anything,” Priya said, still smiling.
“You eat some too,” Priyank said, offering her the spoon.
“Okay,” Priya fumbled a bit but took a sip from the same spoon.
“How is it?”
“Good.”
“Not just good, it’s a blessing. The soup tastes like it’s out of this world.”
After finishing the soup and sharing some with Priya, Priyank felt a genuine smile tug at his lips. Happiness filled his heart, pushing away the dark memories and fears. He wanted to focus on the present moment with Priya.
But a nagging thought remained. How long could this happiness last? Sooner or later, Priya would learn the truth about her parents’ deaths and his father’s involvement. Even if he wasn’t directly responsible, he felt like he would be blamed.
His father had ruined his childhood and now he will ruin his love life too. Though his father might be dead, his influence lingered like a curse, driving Priyank toward insanity.
Priyank tried to push those thoughts aside as he leaned back in his chair, feeling a bit more relaxed. Priya cleared the dishes, and he watched her, grateful for her presence and care. She returned to the table and sat down next to him, a concerned look on her face.
“Priyank, I know something’s bothering you,” she said softly. “You don’t have to tell me everything right now, but I want you to know that I’m here for you. Whatever it is.”
He took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. “Thank you, Priya. You don’t have to be worried. I’ll tell you everything soon. I just need a little more time to sort things out in my head.”
She nodded, understanding. “Take all the time you need. Just don’t shut me out.”
“I won’t,” he assured her, feeling a sense of relief. “I just… It’s been a lot to process.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other’s company. The weight on Priyank’s shoulders felt a little lighter with Priya by his side. Eventually, they moved to the living room, settling on the couch.
Priya put on a movie, hoping it would distract them both from their worries. As the film played, Priyank felt himself relaxing further, lulled by the warmth of the room and Priya’s presence. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.
“I really missed you.” He whispered in her ear.
Priya said nothing. She didn’t know much, but she missed him a bit, though she felt she shouldn’t.
Despite everything, his presence had become a significant part of her life. She started liking it, and his touch no longer felt weird-things started feeling good. He had already apologised for his actions, and though he sometimes snapped, he always took care of her and made her feel comfortable.
So she couldn’t continue hating him, even if she wanted to.
The movie played on, casting a flickering glow across the room as Priyank held Priya close. The weight of his unspoken secrets pressed heavily on him, yet her warmth beside him offered a temporary respite. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the scent he had come to associate with peace.
Priya’s mind swirled with questions, her concern deepening with every moment of silence between them. She knew that something was very wrong, due to seeing his behaviour she was sure about it.
What is that? She wanted to dig it, but knowing him, he won’t tell until he wants and that’s really fucked down.
She gently traced her fingers along the back of his hand, hoping to offer comfort, hoping to remind him that she was here, ready to listen whenever he was ready to speak.
Priyank turned to Priya, his heart pounding. “I need to talk something,” he began, his voice barely above a whisper.
Priya looked at him, her eyes full of love and concern. “I’m listening,” she said softly, squeezing his hand gently.
“I think it’s better if we leave. You don’t have to become any queen or anything; it’s not good for your safety. I’ve been thinking about this for the past few days, and I don’t feel like it’s the right decision.”
“What?”
“Yes, for your safety. It’s better if we go back to being the normal people we were before. There’s no need to escalate this situation, Angel. Let’s go back.”
This is the only solution he can come up with right now. He doesn’t want to force himself to take her virgin blood, and he doesn’t want to give the key to Aman. He doesn’t know what powers the key holds, but one thing’s for sure-it’s serious, which is why Aman still wants it after all these years.
Mostly, he doesn’t want Priya to figure out that his father was the head of the hunters who played a major role in her parents’ death.
With every breath and fibre of his being, he wanted to keep it hidden.
It might sound selfish, but he was content to embrace that selfishness. He had never been a good man, and with this entire situation unfolding, he had no desire to be good now. He wanted Priya in his life, and even though guilt would consume him, he would do anything to keep her.
His heart felt like it might stop when he thought about how she would react when the truth came out before her eyes, possibly causing her to leave.
“What are you talking about Priyank? Where is this suddenly coming from?”