Talab - Chapter 27: Chapter 27

"Fuck! Arohi, listen to me—bacha, please don't react like this!"
But Arohi, frozen in shock, couldn't hear anything. Her body moved before her brain could process what was happening—she ran.
"John, relax," Alex said, trying to defuse the rising tension.
John snapped.
"Alex, just get lost, okay?! I'm not in the mood to deal with you!"
He rushed to their room and found the door locked.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Bacha, open the door. Let me explain, sweetheart. Please, just... open it."
Silence.
"Arohi, I swear I'll break this damn door!"
With a frustrated grunt, he forced the door open. His heart sank when he saw her—sitting on the couch, unmoving, empty. Her eyes looked straight ahead like she wasn't even there.
He walked towards her slowly, trying to steady his breath.
"Bacha... please. Just one chance. Let me explain."
She looked up at him, her eyes suddenly burning with pain. Without a second thought, she pushed him away with all her strength.
"Seriously? Is there anything left to explain, Mr. Elliot?"
"For you, I was a whore. A gold-digger. Someone who spread her legs for anyone who paid enough. I thought... I thought you loved me. That your care was real. But no, I was wrong. It was all fake. All an act."
She paused, trembling.
"It hurt. It killed me to hear the truth from your own mouth. Do you even realize? I wish I had been raped yesterday—it would've been less painful than your betrayal."
That was the final straw.
John's hand twitched, raised slightly in reflexive rage—but he stopped himself.
Still, his eyes darkened. He grabbed her hair tightly in his fist, his voice low and dangerous.
"Shut. The. Fuck. Up."
"Don't you dare say that again."
He leaned closer, breathing heavily.
"You're mine, Arohi. Do you understand? Mine to love. Mine to hold. Mine to taste. And mine to have under me—spread only for me. Don't ever challenge the side of me you don't want to meet."
He pushed her slightly away and walked out, slamming the door behind him.
⸻
Author's POV
Arohi collapsed to the floor, curling her knees to her chest.
Was this the same John Ji who once held her like a precious gem?
Was he really loving... or was that just a mask for a monster?
His words echoed in her mind like a curse.
"You're mine to eat. Mine to see under me."
Was she his wife, or just his possession?
⸻
Arohi's POV
Why... why me?
I thought I was loved. I thought I had finally found a home in him. But to him, I'm just an obsession...
Knock knock.
A maid entered hesitantly.
"Ma'am... Sir asked me to bring you breakfast. Where should I place it?"
Arohi stood up slowly, leaning on the couch for support. Her eyes narrowed.
"Tell your fucking sir that I'm not his slave who takes his orders."
The maid blinked, stunned by the outburst from the usually soft-spoken Arohi.
"B-but Ma'am—"
"GET OUT! Don't you dare step in here again!"
The maid fled, tray and all.
⸻
Nighttime
Arohi hadn't moved much. Her thoughts were too loud to let her rest.
The sound of the front door opening made her sit up.
She didn't expect John, especially not drunk, stumbling inside with a tray in his hand.
"Bacha... come. Let's eat. I'm starving," he said, trying to sound cheerful. "I made your favorite."
She glared at him.
"Are you being serious right now? Acting like nothing happened?"
"Let me remind you— I'm not your bacha. I'm your obsession. Isn't that what sluts are called in your world?"
His smile faded. Hurt flashed in his eyes, quickly replaced by a defensive glare.
"You're my wife, okay? And if you won't come eat, I'll carry you in my lap and feed you myself."
She stood up, shocked at his tone, but hissed in pain as her bruises throbbed.
"Come, bacha. Let me feed you. Then I'll apply ointment," he offered gently.
She looked into his eyes, voice quivering.
"And what about my heart, John? Who's going to apply ointment to that?"
He went still. Guilt filled his features.
"That... I'll heal with my love, sweetheart. I promise. Give me a chance. I'll do anything to earn your forgiveness."
For a moment, she saw something honest in his eyes—something real.
"I need time," she whispered. Then she walked to the restroom, leaving him alone.
"Ah, wife... why are you being so stubborn?" he muttered to himself.
⸻
Author POV
A month passed.
Nothing changed.
Arohi and John now lived as strangers under the same roof.
They slept in separate rooms.
Their only conversations were:
"Breakfast is ready."
"I'll be late."
She still had nightmares.
He still came quietly to her room and whispered sweet words when she whimpered in her sleep.
But she never acknowledged it.
Not once.
Even Alex tried to mend the silence—but Arohi didn't open up to him either.
⸻
Present Night
Ting-tong...
Arohi frowned.
"Who's at the door this late?"
When she opened it, she froze.
It was John, swaying slightly, his eyes glossy.
"Sweeetheart..." he slurred.
"Are you drunk?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
He looked at his palm, exhaled on it, then sniffed.
"Nope. Smell me if you want. Or... kiss me," he grinned childishly.
She stared at him in disbelief.
He stumbled.
"Wait—let me help you."
She supported him, led him to his room, took off his shoes, and tucked him into bed.
Just as she turned to leave—
He grabbed her wrist, tightly.
His voice cracked.
"Please... don't leave me, jaan. Just let me talk. My heart hurts. Please... listen."
Tears spilled down his cheeks.
Arohi stared at him. She had never seen him cry.
"Don't cry... okay, talk. I'm listening."
He placed her hand on his chest. His heartbeat was racing.
"This... this is what you do to me. I'm lucky to have you. I was a fool to think anything bad about an angel like you. Please, forgive me. I can't live without you. Give us one more chance."
She hugged him tightly.
"I'm sorry too. I should've told you everything. I was scared... and you were hurt... but I never stopped loving you."
He buried his face in her neck. The shiver that ran down her spine made her gasp.
"You're not an obsession, sweetheart," he whispered.
"You're my everything. Keep that in that innocent little brain of yours."
She giggled softly, looking at him with pure adoration.
"Wife..." he mumbled with a grin,
"I'm feeling hot. Please remove my clothes."
He said it in his childish voice.
She rolled her eyes with a soft smile and said—
"Let's get you to sleep first, Mr. Elliot. Naughty later."