Talab - Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Author's POV
The room was quiet.
Samarth sat at the edge of the bed, fingers tapping rhythmically on his laptop, focused on his work. Across from him, Fanaa sat curled up with her novel, the soft light from the lamp casting golden shadows across her face.
Knock... knock.
Before she could rise, Samarth spoke, without looking up, "I'll get it."
He walked to the door and opened it, only to find Raj standing there, smiling.
"Umm... Samarth, Aunty is calling Fanaa," Raj said lightly.
Samarth nodded. "Biwi, your brother's here. Go see what Mom wants. I'll attend my meeting in the meantime."
Fanaa's expression dimmed the moment she saw Raj. Her calm drained away, replaced by visible unease. She gave Samarth a nervous smile and nodded. Turning to Raj, she asked in a low voice, "Is it... important?"
Raj smirked. "Very."
Her fingers clenched around the hem of her kurti. She hesitated, then silently followed him down the hall.
⸻
Guest Room
She stood frozen, her body numb, as he pinned her against the wall. His lips were on hers—forceful, unwanted. She didn't kiss back. She didn't even move. She just stood there, tears slipping silently down her cheeks.
His hands roamed freely, shamelessly, and she shut her eyes, hoping to disappear.
"So... did he kiss you like this? Or did he thrust harder than I did the first time, hmm, baby girl?"
She didn't respond.
He left her there—violated, broken—while a mocking grin still lingered on his lips.
⸻
Fanaa's POV
No one will ever believe me.
This monster... he has those photos. The ones where it looks like I was enjoying it. But who knows the truth—how much pain I was in? How helpless?
I wish I could end my life... but I can't. I can't betray my parents. And I can't betray... Samarth ji.
⸻
Author's POV
She entered their room quietly. Samarth looked up and smiled.
"You took long, baby girl. Even your eyes are red. Are you okay?" he asked, genuine concern in his voice.
She stared at him—softly at first, then her expression hardened. "I'm not your baby girl. I'm just Fanaa. Only Fanaa."
She turned off the lights, slipped into bed, and turned her back to him.
⸻
Samarth's POV
What just happened?
Why is she behaving like this?
Her eyes... they were filled with pain. And yet, she shut me out.
I don't get it.
He sighed and turned off his screen. As he reached for the lamp, something fell from the nightstand—a small bottle. He picked it up.
Sleeping pills.
Why does she need these? Her life is... perfect. Isn't it?
He stared at the label, worried.
No... I won't ask now. She's already angry. This is her comfort zone.
Once we're back home, I'll talk to her.
⸻
Two Days Later
They hadn't spoken since that night.
He tried. She ignored. And now... he'd stopped trying.
The car ride back from the party was silent—until a sudden, piercing scream cut through the stillness of the night.
A child's voice. Pleading.
He slammed the brakes. Fanaa gasped. "Why did you stop?! It's not safe! Let's just go!"
Samarth looked at her with resolve. "Relax, Fanaa. That was a girl. A child. I think she's in danger."
Fanaa hesitated. Her breath caught in her throat. Slowly, she nodded.
They stepped out and followed the sound.
What they saw made her freeze.
A man. Forcing himself on a barely clothed girl. She was crying, begging. Helpless.
Fanaa's past rushed back to her like a tidal wave. Her knees buckled.
"Fanaa!" Samarth shouted, snapping her out of it. "You stay with the girl. I'll handle this bastard."
He charged at the man like a storm and beat him until he couldn't stand. His hands were bruised, blood on his knuckles—but his rage didn't stop.
Meanwhile, Fanaa dropped to her knees beside the girl.
"It's okay, bacha... you're safe now. Look, bhaiya is here. He's beating the bad man. You're safe now. I promise."
She wrapped her pallu around the girl's shoulders.
Samarth returned, breathless, with trembling hands. He took off his coat and shirt.
"Biwi, take this... make her wear it," he said softly, eyes wet. "She shouldn't feel exposed anymore."
Fanaa looked at him in awe.
"Samarth ji... can you lift her?"
He nodded and gently picked up the girl, whispering reassurances.
Fanaa couldn't hold back her tears—not for the girl, but for the man in front of her.
The protector.
⸻
Later That Night
They returned to their apartment after helping the girl reach her home and reporting the incident to the police.
No words were exchanged. Fanaa tried to speak, but Samarth looked distant—lost. His eyes were full of something she couldn't read... something painful.
They changed silently. He retreated to his home office.
But tonight... she couldn't ignore it.
She walked to his office door and stood there for a moment. Breathing. Thinking.
Then slowly, she opened the door.
He didn't notice her.
He was crying.
Openly. Desperately. Hands over his face, shoulders shaking.
When he heard the sound, he quickly wiped his tears.
"Fanaa, I think something got in my eyes. I'll be back from the washroom," he said, turning.
But she caught his wrist.
"I can see the pain in your eyes," she whispered. "You don't have to pretend. Cry if you want. Talk to me. I'm here."
He stared at her... then crumbled into her arms, hugging her tightly, sobbing like a child.
"I couldn't save her... I couldn't save her," he kept mumbling.
She held him, stroking his hair. "Come. Let's go to the room. Talk to me, Samarth ji."
⸻
Bedroom
She helped him lie on the bed. He rested his head in her lap, like a broken boy seeking warmth. Her fingers gently combed through his hair.
"After my mom," he whispered, "the person I loved the most was my Siya. My little sister. She used to call me 'Bhaiyu'..."
He paused.
"She was the best sister anyone could ever have. But I... I was the worst brother."
"No," Fanaa said firmly, "you're the best."
"No, listen to me. Then decide."
⸻
Flashback
"I was seventeen. Siya was thirteen. We were alone at home. Mom and bhai had gone to visit our aunt—her daughter-in-law had just had a baby girl.
The doorbell rang.
It was Razz Chand... my dad's enemy. He came in with three men.
They tied me up.
And then... they—"
His voice broke. He couldn't say it.
Tears spilled down his face.
"They raped my baby sister in front of me. She screamed for me. 'Bhaiyu, help me! It's hurting...!' And I could do nothing."
His voice faded.
"She doesn't talk anymore. She just sits in her room all day. My Siya... she's gone. And I live with that."
⸻
Author's POV
She cradled him in silence, letting his pain bleed into her soul.
He eventually fell asleep—exhausted, broken.
But sleep refused to come to her.
⸻
Fanaa's POV
Behind that calm smile... he carries a storm. And I couldn't even see it.
I doubted him. I thought he might hurt me like he did.
But Samarth ji... he is the purest soul I've ever met.
No, I can't burden him with my story. Not now. But I can give him something else.
A chance. A beginning. A piece of my trust.
And maybe... someday... I'll give him my truth.