Talab - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Tears slipped silently down Arohi's cheeks.
Her body trembled as she sat curled up in the corner of the bed, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.
She whispered into the empty room,
"Am I... am I cheating on him?"
Her heart cracked under the weight of her secret—one that had been festering for two months.
⸻
Arohi's POV
How can I tell John Ji the truth?
How do I break his heart by telling him that Mr. Paul has been molesting me whenever he gets the chance?
I'm trapped. He's blackmailing me with John's dream project—threatening to cancel the deal if I speak up. And I know what this project means to him. It's his life's work.
I feel like I'm going insane...
And these flashbacks—they won't stop.
⸻
Flashback: That Dinner Night
The evening was elegant—Paul's mansion lit with soft music and clinking wine glasses. Arohi smiled politely as John introduced her.
"It's truly an honour, Mr. Paul," John said warmly.
"I'm grateful we could work on this project together. And thank you for inviting us to dinner."
Paul smiled slyly.
"It's a pleasure to have your beautiful wife here too."
Arohi leaned toward John and whispered,
"Ji... where's the washroom?"
John asked Mrs. Paul politely, but Paul quickly stepped in,
"Let me help. Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen," he said aloud, then followed Arohi out.
She didn't think much of it. But as she stepped into the corridor alone, a hand pulled her back roughly.
She gasped, almost screaming, but a cold voice hissed,
"Don't you dare scream. Think about your husband's business deal."
His hand clamped over her mouth as his lips pressed forcefully against her neck. Her body froze in shock. She didn't fight. She couldn't.
When he finally let her go, she rushed to the restroom. Her hands shook as she tried to fix her makeup. Her eyes were red. Her smile—a mask.
John had noticed her uneasiness that night.
But he hadn't asked.
⸻
Back to present...
"Will John Ji ever believe me?"
"No... if I tell him now, it'll cost him everything."
She wiped her tears just as a soft knock echoed from the door.
"Bacha? Are you okay?" John's concerned voice called gently.
"It's been almost half an hour since you got home."
Bacha. That word always made her heart melt.
⸻
Flashback: The Night of Rain
It had been a stormy night. Arohi was pacing in the dining room, her anxiety growing by the minute. The clock ticked past midnight.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. It was John—drenched but smiling.
She ran to him, hugging him tightly, kissing his face in relief.
"Bacha, are you okay? I was so scared—you didn't answer your phone!"
He looked at her tenderly,
"My jaan, I'm fine. I'm sorry—my phone died. But... wait... what did you just call me?"
She blushed, hiding her face.
"Bacha... it means child."
He grinned.
"So my wife calls me bacha? Cute. Then your bacha is hungry."
⸻
Back to now, she forced a smile and walked out of the bathroom. Hugging him tightly, she said,
"Sorry Ji... I was just soaking in the tub. Needed to relax."
John kissed her temple.
"I'm sleepy, love. Let's sleep."
But she couldn't sleep. She made herself a promise.
"I'll tell him. I have to."
⸻
Sticky Note on the Pillow
"Sorry, sweetheart. Had to leave early—meeting. Hope you understand.
—John ❤️"
She sighed, staring at the empty side of the bed.
"How long will I keep this inside?"
She wore a simple red saree, tried to distract herself by writing a chapter for her story, then sat down waiting—hoping John would return early tonight.
⸻
Night: The Beast Returns
Her phone was in the bedroom. She was sitting in the living room when someone knocked on the door.
She rushed to open it—hope lighting her face.
But her smile disappeared.
It wasn't John.
It was Mr. Paul.
"Y-Yes... Mr. Paul? H-How can I help you?"
His eyes roamed her body, lingering on her red saree.
"Relax, sexy. I came to collect the blue file. It must be in John's room."
Her skin crawled at his voice. She hesitantly nodded and went to get the file, not noticing him following her inside.
As she reached for the file, she felt a hand brush against her back.
She turned—frozen in terror.
"You look breathtaking tonight," Paul whispered, grabbing her waist.
"All mine tonight."
She pushed him hard and tried to run, but he slapped her violently. She hit the floor hard, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Bitch," he growled, pulling her by her cheeks, "you'll see what I do to disobedient girls."
She whimpered,
"Please... let me go. This is wrong. I love my husband..."
"Love?" he laughed cruelly. "You really think love can save you tonight?"
He yanked her pallu. Her blouse tore, her dignity hanging by a thread. She fell to the ground, clutching her body with shaking arms.
He knelt beside her, touching her—mocking her.
"You smell wild... I like that. Just one night. No one will know..."
Arohi slapped him hard, her voice cracked with rage.
"You monster. I will die before I betray my husband!"
His face twisted in anger. He pulled off his belt and struck her—again and again. She screamed in pain.
"Still loyal to him?" he sneered.
Through broken sobs, bruises, and blood, she whispered,
"Always. I will never let you break me."
He lifted the belt again—ready to strike.
But a loud voice rang through the hall—
"PAUL!!!"