Talab - Chapter 36: Chapter 36

Maan was tied up with ropes, bleeding badly. A masked man stood in front of him, gun pointed at his chest.
Before Ruhi could scream or run toward him—
Bang.
The bullet fired.
"Nooooooo!" she jolted awake, breathless, trembling, drenched in sweat.
Her hands reached out in the darkness—
But Maan's side of the bed was empty.
Her heartbeat quickened.
"Was it just a dream? Or... is it true?"
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
"No... no, Ruhi. Calm down. Maan's okay. He's okay..." she whispered to herself, but her hands were shaking.
She slid to the floor, hugged her knees, and cried her heart out like a child lost in a storm.
Minutes later, the door creaked open.
She sprang to her feet and rushed to the door.
There he was—her Maan.
Without a second's delay, she threw herself into his arms, sobbing.
"Where were you, Maan? I was scared! Please... never leave me alone like that. I love you so much—I can't live without you, Maan!"
"Bacha, relax," he whispered, holding her tightly. "I just went to the bakery to get your favorite—black forest cake and dark chocolate. Come, let me feed my baby. Your Maan will never leave you, understand? No one can ever take me away from you."
She hiccupped through her tears, "But Maan... there was only one pastry."
He smirked—and suddenly pressed his lips onto hers, kissing her passionately.
"See? I already had my pastry. It was tastier than yours," he said, pecking her lips again and again.
She giggled through her tears. "Maan, you're the best."
"Only for you, my Rooh," he said, gently brushing his lips against her nose.
Suddenly, she felt a warm wetness and caught a strange smell. When she stood up from his lap in a rush, she saw it—his pants were stained.
Her heart sank.
"Maan... I-I'm so sorry... I didn't realize my pad leaked. It's so eww... I'm really sorry—how could I not notice—"
"Shh," he placed a gentle finger on her lips. "Stop, Ruhi. It's nothing. You're not disgusting. You're human. And you're mine. Let's freshen up, hmm? Then we'll have your favorite breakfast... and my favorite breakfast," he added with a teasing wink.
She entered the dining room and instantly froze.
There stood her husband—shirtless.
She couldn't help but stare.
He caught her gaze and smirked. "All yours, Rooh. Come, let's eat."
She blushed like a rose and sat on his lap—her favorite place in the world.
"Are you having cramps?" he asked softly, burying his face in her hair, letting its scent soothe his nerves.
"Not really... but my lower back hurts badly," she admitted.
"Oww, baby. Why didn't you tell me earlier? Come. I'll massage you."
He laid her down gently on the bed and began massaging her lower back with care and warmth.
She let out a soft moan of relief. "Maan... that feels so good."
"Rooh," he teased, "stop making those sounds..."
She giggled. "Why? Any problem?"
He smirked again. "Get well soon... then I'll tell you my real problem."
She blushed harder. He leaned down and kissed her spine gently. She sighed into his touch.
They soon fell asleep in each other's arms, but Ruhi couldn't shake the fear from her dream. It clung to her heart like smoke.
She pulled Maan closer, burying her face into his chest.
"My Maan... I love you," she whispered, afraid to lose what she had.
Ruhi, now in a beautiful black saree and diamond necklace, had prepared a surprise for her Maan. She made his favorite breakfast and waited patiently.
She was sitting on the balcony, watching the snowfall in Shimla, lost in the silence.
Then... warm arms wrapped around her waist from behind.
At first she stiffened—then melted.
Her Maan.
She turned around and twirled, showing off her look.
He laughed softly. "Looking drop-dead gorgeous, Rooh."
"Maan, come quickly! I made your favorite breakfast," she said excitedly.
But his face turned serious.
"Rooh... I don't like that food anymore."
Her heart dropped. "Oh... okay, Maan. I'll make something else—"
Before she could turn, he pulled her close and kissed her deeply.
She gasped, pushing him playfully. "Uff, crazy Maan!"
He chuckled. "This is my favorite breakfast, Rooh."
Her cheeks turned crimson. "You're so bad, Maan. Now you'll serve me food!"
"Ohhh? My Rooh is angry?" he said, pouting. Then kissed her pout away. "Come on, baby. Let me feed you."
He lifted her in his arms and carried her inside, both laughing, hearts healed again.