Chapter 15: The Breaking Storm
764 Words
Reyansh stood by the window of their private estate, watching the rain pour relentlessly. The skies roared like a reflection of the turmoil brewing in his heart. It had been months since the near loss of Reyan and the twins. Life had regained its rhythm, but Reyansh’s heart still skipped a beat every time Reyan winced from the scar on his side. Every night, he would hold Reyan close, whispering apologies he could never say aloud.
Reyan, now six months into his pregnancy, had blossomed with a radiant glow. His art had become more vivid, his laugh more musical, and his love more giving. Yet, a shadow flickered behind his eyes when Reyansh pulled away during intimate moments.
"You still think you're a curse," Reyan said softly one night, tracing circles on Reyansh’s chest. "You still think touching me will hurt me."
Reyansh shut his eyes. "I’ve already hurt you enough."
Reyan sat up, his gaze intense. "Then love me, Reyansh Rathore. Not from afar, not in silence. Love me completely, or you'll lose me to the loneliness you created."
---
The next day, Adhikansh returned.
He walked into the Rathore mansion like a shadow—cold, calculated. The air grew heavy, and Reyansh’s father welcomed him with a strained smile. Reyan instinctively stepped in front of Reyansh, protective.
"You're not welcome here," Reyan said clearly, voice unwavering.
Adhikansh smirked. "Oh, I see. The little husband’s grown claws."
Reyansh’s hand slipped into Reyan’s. "Leave, Adhikansh. This is not your home."
Adhikansh laughed, but the sound was hollow. "You think he loves you? You really think you're his world? One whisper, one lie, and you’ll crumble. Just like always."
Reyan’s eyes narrowed. "Lies can only destroy fragile love. Ours is built on truth and scars. Try me."
---
But the storm came anyway.
A week later, Reyansh went on a business trip—an urgent one that demanded his presence. He kissed Reyan’s forehead before leaving, pressing his lips softly to his growing belly.
"I’ll be back in two days, okay?" he whispered. "Don’t overwork, don’t stress, and eat on time."
Reyan nodded, but something in his heart twisted.
---
Two days later, the world fell apart.
Reyan walked into a hotel with Rishabh—Reyansh’s loyal manager. They were setting up a surprise anniversary celebration for Reyansh and Reyan. Flowers, candles, and soft music. Everything was perfect.
Until they opened the wrong door.
Room 702.
And there he was—Reyansh. On a bed. With a woman draped beside him. Unmoving. Eyes closed. Lips parted. A scene that stabbed Reyan's chest like a dagger.
The world stopped.
"No," Reyan whispered. "No, he wouldn’t... He couldn’t..."
Rishabh’s expression turned to horror. "This isn’t right. This... isn’t what it looks like."
But Reyan didn’t wait. He turned and ran—ran like the ground beneath him was crumbling.
---
Back home, he found their twins playing with Reyansh’s old watch. Arya and Aryan, giggling innocently, unaware their father’s heart had shattered.
Reyan hugged them tightly.
"We’re leaving," he whispered. "We’re going to a place where we won’t be broken."
He packed only essentials. Left the rest behind.
---
The truck never saw them in time.
Rain blurred the road. The tires screamed. Metal bent. Glass shattered.
And then—silence.
---
Reyansh had returned early. He came home with roses in hand, ready to explain that Adhikansh had tried to d**g him but failed. That he woke up before anything happened. That the girl was planted. That the whole scene was fake.
But the house was empty.
He panicked.
Calls unanswered.
Then the newsflash:
“One dead. Two children critical. A tragic accident on NH8 involving a black SUV...”
He dropped everything and drove like a madman.
By the time he arrived at the scene, all that was left were broken toys and blood.
He fell to his knees. Screamed. Screamed like his soul was ripped from him.
He ran toward the bodies—Reyan, pale and still. Arya, curled in her father’s arms. Aryan, half-breathing until he took his last gasp with his tiny hand on Reyan’s chest.
Reyansh crumbled.
"Please... please wake up. Reyan, my love, say something. Arya, call me Dadda, please. Aryan, smile once. Please, sing. Sing our song... Please..."
No answer.
Only silence.
---
He died there, holding them.
A heart that once bore pain now chose to shatter completely.
A man who once feared love now couldn't breathe without it.
He whispered one last time: "God, you gave me Reyan. Now take me to him."
And then... nothing.
---
- Writer
