AUTHOR POV

Evyansh was taken to the room, accompanied by Gautham and Meera, their faces etched with worry. The doctor swiftly followed, her expression a mask of professionalism as she began to examine Evyansh.

Outside, Sitara stood frozen, her shoulders slumped under the weight of shame and guilt. Her eyes were fixed on the door, her mind reliving the events that had led to this moment. The image of Evyansh's fragile form, his body wracked with violent coughs, and blood staining his lips, haunted her. Each shallow breath he took was a painful reminder of her actions, and the consequences that followed.

Her heart felt like it was being squeezed in a vice, the pain so intense it threatened to consume her. The weight of her guilt was crushing, and she couldn't help but wonder if she was any better than Evyansh. Hadn't she hurt him, just as he had hurt her?

The thought sent a wave of self-loathing washing over her. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of regret, unable to keep her head above water. Her body shook with sobs, each one racking her fragile frame. She covered her mouth with her hand, desperate to muffle the sounds, afraid of drawing attention to herself.

Her face was a mess, streaked with tears, her eyes puffy from crying. All she wanted was for Evyansh to be fine.

The thought of anything happening to him was unbearable, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she would be responsible. The weight of that guilt would be crushing, a burden she would carry for the rest of her life.

Sitara had never been one to intentionally hurt others. She was a kind and compassionate person, always striving to do the right thing. But Evyansh's words, his actions, had pushed her to a breaking point.

As she stood there, tears streaming down her face, Sitara felt like she was losing herself. She was trapped in a vortex of guilt and shame, unable to escape.

Inside the room, the doctor swiftly removed Evyansh's shirt, revealing his frail chest. Meera stood by, her eyes streaming with tears as she watched the doctor begin treatment. Gautham, despite his own worry, composed himself and assisted the doctor, his hands shaking slightly as he helped.

The doctor's firm voice cut through the tension. "He has a severe fish food allergy, and this is the reason he reacted like that!" Gautham's eyes widened in shock, and he spoke in a stammering tone, "D-doctor, we knew he had a fish allergy... I don't understand how he had that food!" He paused, collecting his thoughts. "That's not the solution... what do we do further?"

The doctor sighed, her expression a mix of concern and professionalism. "We need to make him vomit the food and clean his stomach so the allergy doesn't spread throughout his body." She explained, her voice calm and reassuring. "I'll give him an injection, which might be painful for some time, but don't worry, it's necessary."

As the doctor prepared the injection, Meera's tears flowed freely, her body shaking with sobs. Gautham's face was etched with worry, his eyes fixed on Evyansh's fragile form. The room was filled with tension, the air thick with concern for Evyansh's well-being.

The doctor's hands moved swiftly and precisely, administering the injection with a gentle touch. Evyansh's body tensed, his face contorting in pain, but the doctor's reassuring voice calmed him. "It's okay, Evyansh... just a little pain, and then you'll start to feel better."

As the injection took effect, Evyansh's body began to relax, his breathing slowly. The doctor monitored his vital signs, her expression a picture of concentration. Gautham and Meera stood by, their eyes fixed on Evyansh, their hearts filled with hope and concern.

Gautham nodded solemnly, his eyes never leaving Evyansh's face. Meera quickly covered Evyansh's mouth, trying to make him comfortable as the doctor administered the injection. Within minutes, Evyansh's body began to react, and he started vomiting violently.

His throat was on fire, the burning sensation unbearable. He screamed in agony, his voice echoing through the room. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Damn this throat!" The sound of his screams sent shivers down Sitara's spine. She flinched, her body recoiling in horror.

Sitara's sobs grew harder, her body shaking uncontrollably. She closed her eyes, unable to bear the sound of Evyansh's screams. Her heart felt like it was being squeezed in a vice, the pain unbearable. She slid down the wall, her body crumbling under the weight of her guilt.

She covered her ears, trying to block out the sounds of Evyansh's agony. Her eyes remained closed, tears streaming down her face. Her body shivered, her heart racing with fear. With each scream, she felt like someone was twisting a knife in her heart.

She whispered a desperate prayer, her voice barely audible. "Please, please God, make him fine! Please, Evyansh, I'm sorry... please be fine!" She repeated the words like a mantra, hoping that somehow, someway, Evyansh would hear her and forgive her.

As Evyansh's screams continued to echo through the room, Sitara's whispers grew more urgent, her heart pleading for mercy. She felt like she was losing herself, consumed by the weight of her guilt and the pain of Evyansh's suffering.

Gautham's curious gaze turned to Meera, his voice low and inquiring. "Did you see Sitara?" Meera's brow furrowed in thought, her expression confused. "Noo, the last time I saw her was at dinner." Gautham's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. "Then where must she be?" he muttered under his breath, his concern for Sitara evident.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Sitara slipped into the room, a faint smile on her lips. "I'm here, di and jiju," she said softly, her eyes darting between Gautham and Meera. The tension in the room dissipated as Gautham and Meera exchanged a relieved glance.

Meera's voice was laced with concern as she asked, "Where were you?" Sitara's gulp was audible before she replied, "I was just outside." Meera's nod was understanding, but Gautham's eyes lingered on Sitara, his expression a mix of relief and curiosity.

As the conversation flowed, Gautham's thoughts turned to Meera's well-being. He leaned in, his voice soft and gentle. "Jaan, tonight I'll be staying with Evyansh. You should go and rest." Meera's faint smile and nod were all the reassurance Gautham needed. She whispered, "Take care," her eyes locked on Gautham's before she turned to leave.

Sitara cleared her throat, her voice hesitant as she spoke. "Dii and jiju, you both need to rest! You guys had a long day! I can stay with Evyansh and monitor him." Gautham's eyes narrowed, h He tried to convince her to leave, but Sitara was adamant. She could stay, she insisted, and Gautham nodded

After ensuring that Sitara had all the necessary precautions in place to take care of Evyansh, Gautham and Meera shared a final glance at Evyansh before leaving the room.  A constant reminder of Evyansh's fragile state. Sitara stood vigilant, her eyes fixed on Evyansh's peaceful form, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions.

As Sitara gazed at Evyansh's peaceful form, her heart ached with a deep sense of regret and guilt. She couldn't help but think that if it weren't for her actions, he wouldn't be lying there, unconscious and vulnerable. The weight of her mistakes crushed her, and she felt the sting of tears in her eyes.

She kneeled down beside the bed, her eyes fixed on Evyansh's sleeping face. Her voice barely above a whisper, she spoke the words that had been echoing in her mind since the moment she realized the gravity of her actions. "I'm sorry... Please be fine."

The words hung in the air, a poignant expression of her remorse. Sitara's eyes welled up with tears, and she closed them, letting the exhaustion of the past few hours wash over her. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she felt her head nodding forward, as if drawn by an invisible force.

Without realizing it, Sitara's head came to rest on the bed beside Evyansh's hand. Her breathing slowed, and she slipped into a fitful sleep, her mind still reeling with the consequences of her actions.

As she slept, Sitara's hand instinctively reached out, her fingers brushing against Evyansh's. It was a gentle, tentative touch, a silent apology for the pain she had caused. Though she was unaware of it, the touch seemed to symbolize a fragile thread of connection between them, a connection that might possibly be mended with time, forgiveness, and healing.

Evyansh's eyes fluttered open, his gaze hazy as he struggled to recall the events that had led him to this point. He groaned, his body aching all over, and slowly sat back, leaning against the headboard. His eyes closed, trying to ward off the wave of nausea washing over him.

As he opened his eyes again, his gaze fell upon Sitara, who was sleeping fitfully, her head on the bed and her body sprawled across the floor. Evyansh's eyes blazed with anger, his teeth gritted in rage, his jaw clenched. He felt an overwhelming urge to lash out at her, to make her pay for what she had done. The memory of being tricked into eating fish, of being manipulated by her, fueled his fury.

But then, he recalled his father's words: For revenge, he needs to pretend to be nice to her  Evyansh took a deep breath, fighting to control his temper. He closed his eyes, willing himself to calm down.

When he opened them again, his gaze fell upon Sitara's tear-stained face. Something about her vulnerable expression tugged at his chest, creating an unfamiliar sense of ease.

Rubbing his face, Evyansh swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, his movements slow and deliberate. He needed a moment to collect himself, to process the turmoil of emotions swirling inside him. With a quiet resolve, he made his way to the washroom.

Sitara's eyes snapped open, jolted awake by the sound of the washroom door closing. She glanced at the bed, her heart shattering into a million pieces as she realized Evyansh was nowhere to be found. Her eyes widened in horror and desperation, panic setting in as she scrambled to her feet.

She frantically searched every nook and cranny of the room, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. But there was no sign of Evyansh. No trace of him having left the room, no indication of where he might have gone. Sitara's world began to crumble, fear clawing at her chest like a wild animal.

Firstly, Evyansh hadn't been well, and now he is gone? The thought sent her spiraling into a vortex of terror. She screamed Evyansh's name, her voice echoing off the walls as she spun around the room, her eyes scanning every inch of space. "EVYANSH!! EVYANSH WHERE ARE YOU? ARE YOU FINE??"

Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the sweat beading on her forehead. Her body trembled with fear, her heart racing like a runaway train. A muffled sob escaped her lips, followed by a whispered plea. "Where are you, Evyansh? Please come back to me..."

Just as she thought she couldn't take it anymore, a low, amused  deep husky voice responded. "Are you lost, baby girl?" Evyansh emerged from the washroom, a sly smirk spreading across his face. His shirtless body gleamed in the soft light, and Sitara's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met.

Evyansh's expression was a mixture of shock, amusement, and curiosity. He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, as he took in Sitara's frantic state. " Are you happy and satisfied after what you have done or anything else if left"

he said,with faint smile his voice laced with sarcasm and a hint of surprise.

Sitara's eyes blazed with a mix of relief as she took in Evyansh's towering figure, her heart skipping a beat at the sound of his voice. The word "baby girl" sent a shiver down her spine, churning up emotions she couldn't quite comprehend. Her stomach twisted into knots, as if elephants were dancing inside her.

But as she gazed into Evyansh's eyes, she saw the faintest glimmer of pain and fear. Her face contorted in regret, guilt, and shame. She lowered her head, her voice cracking as tears streamed down her face. "I'm sorry, Evyansh... please... forgive me," she whispered, her hoarse voice barely audible.

Evyansh's eyes darkened, his jaw clenched in anger. His veins bulged through his hands and forehead, but he kept his emotions in check. He glared at Sitara, incredulous that she thought a simple "sorry" could erase everything she had done.

He took a step closer to her, his movements deliberate and menacing. Sitara's eyes went wide with fear as she backed away, her shoulders hitting the wall. Evyansh loomed over her, invading her personal space. The tension between them was palpable, their chests rising and falling in sync.

Sitara's eyes locked onto Evyansh's, searching for answers. She knew he wouldn't harm her physically, but the emotional turmoil he was capable of unleashing was a different story altogether. Evyansh's gaze searched hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken words.

Evyansh's eyes narrowed, his voice low and husky. "You think sorry is enough?" he whispered, his breath dancing across Sitara's skin. "You think you can just apologize and erase everything?" His words hung in the air, a challenge, a question, a demand for answers.

Sitara's eyes shut tight, her face contorted in regret and shame. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "I know... I know my apology won't heal the pain you faced... but I'm ready to do anything for your forgiveness." Her sobs echoed through the room, filling the space with her anguish.

Evyansh nodded, his expression unreadable. He took a step closer, his movements deliberate, and caged Sitara in. His hands planted on either side of her head, palms flat against the wall, trapping her. His deep, husky voice sent shivers down her spine. "Let's discuss forgiveness later... but tell me, Sitara... why did you try to make me eat fish, despite knowing I'm allergic?"

Sitara's eyes went wide, her mouth frozen in a silent scream. "I.... was...that... I" The words stumbled out, incoherent and incomplete, as she struggled to form a sentence.

Evyansh's whisper was a low, husky caress that sent shivers down Sitara's spine. "You want, Sitara?" His warm breath danced across her skin, making her heart skip a beat. He leaned closer, his face inches from hers, his eyes burning with intensity, as if searching for a hidden truth.

Sitara's heart galloped like a marathon runner, her pulse racing with anticipation. She trembled, her voice barely audible. "Me... I.." The words caught in her throat, refusing to budge.

Evyansh leaned more closely and  brushed his beard against her neck, soft and delicate, sending a shiver down her spine. His lips grazed her ear, making her close her eyes, a breath hitching in her throat. Her heart skipped a beat, her toes curling under due to the tension and proximity.

Evyansh's whisper was a husky, velvet caress. "Say it out, baby girl." His voice sent shivers down her spine, his warm breath dancing across her skin. Sitara felt like she was melting into his words, her heart pounding in her chest. She clutched her dress tightly. Her legs were turning jelly

the silence between them palpable. Sitara's breath hitched, her chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. Evyansh's proximity was overwhelming,  The butterflies in her stomach fluttered wildly, as if trying to escape.

A fat tear rolled down Sitara's cheek, and she spoke with remorse, her voice trembling. "I was blinded by revenge... the pain you gave me, it consumed me, and I did the unthinkable." Her words hung in the air, heavy with regret.

Evyansh stepped back, his eyes never leaving Sitara's face. He folded his hands across his chest, his expression unreadable. "Revenge?" he repeated, his voice low and even. "You are no less than me, Sitara. I, too, was blinded by revenge. I threatened you, and you retaliated. Tit for tat, I suppose." A hint of admiration crept into his voice. "Great job, Sitara. You always ask me why I hate you, why I threaten you... it's because you're the daughter of Tanik Oberai, a man I despise to my core."

Sitara sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of Evyansh's words. She spoke, her voice sniffling, her face red from crying. "See, Evyansh, I know I'm his daughter, but I don't know what you guys have going on. I'm nowhere involved in this... this feud between you and my father."

Evyansh's expression softened, and he gave a curt nod. "I know that, Sitara. That's why I was asking for your forgiveness. I realize now that my hatred for your father blinded me to the fact that you're innocent in all this." His voice was laced with a hint of vulnerability, and Sitara's heart skipped a beat as she looked into his eyes.

Sitara's eyes softened, and she took a step closer to Evyansh, her head barely reaching his shoulder. She spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper, as she looked down, her eyelashes casting a shadow on her cheeks. "See, Evyansh, I'm not justifying my actions now. I know I hurt you, and you hurt me too." She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "But please, forgive me. I'm really feeling ashamed and guilty for my actions. I'm sorry."

Evyansh's expression softened, and he took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling. He gently lifted Sitara's chin, his fingers brushing against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. "We both made mistakes, Sitara. I gave you pain, and you did the same. We should forgive each other and forget the past. Let's move forward."

Sitara nodded, understanding in her eyes, yet a hint of hesitation still lingered. She whispered, her voice barely audible, "So, I'm forgiven now?"

Evyansh's eyes sparkled with mischief, and he spoke, his voice low and husky. "Ummmm... Logically, yes, but practically, no."

Sitara's frowned, confusion etched on her face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Evyansh smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against Sitara's ear, sending a shiver down her spine. "Tomorrow, I have a plan. If you come with me, I might forgive you."

Sitara's eyes narrowed, suspicion written all over her face. "Another plan or trap?"

Evyansh's smile softened, and he spoke, his voice gentle. "Absolutely not, I promise. Even Bhai and Bhabhi Maa know about it, but it's a surprise. You'll have to see it for yourself."

Sitara's hesitation was palpable, but she nodded slowly, her eyes still filled with a hint of uncertainty.

Thanks for reading 💞🧿