LOVE ME IF YOU DARE

20 - A savior

️ Writer's pov

Dev's room

The air inside the room was hot and sticky, overload with a terrific atmosphere of excitement, sweat and fear. Rather than a bedroom it looked like a torture chamber in darkness.

Lakshmi was dragged through the floor, she looked horrified. Dev forced her forward ignoring her futile attempts to resist. She forgot to control her breathing and her rising terror of what all things were about to happen to her. 

"Dev it isn't like what you are thinking. Actually ........." it was a hopeless final attempt from her side to make him understand but watching him in silence added more fear inside her. Dev twisted her arms viciously before she could resist.

"Do you have any idea with whom you raised your voice toady?" he came close to her face and asked in a dangerous tone.

"She provoked me, from morning till this time she was making me do all house chores without giving me a drop of water. I was starving Dev ....."

"Sh........ Shush...." Dev kept his finger on her lips to stop talking

"Then what you have thought before marrying me? You can become my queen? Lechu stared into his pitiless eyes like an innocent kitten.

"I only asked some time to learn things. I have never done such things in my life" Lechu mumbled and put her head down.

"And again the reason behind that is your dad right?" Dev asked

"He rose up his daughter for good for nothing. But daughter learnt one art which is to seduce men into her bed. Your dad knows about this special calibre of his daughter?" Lechu whimpered hearing such hurtful comments from him.

"Today because of you my aunt was going to leave this house. She spent her life here raising me up and because of a mere girl like you she had to hear all hurtful words. Till now not even my dad or his wife has ever talked to her like that. But you............ tell me what punishment you need for that" Dev sat on couch leaving Lechu's hand and waited for her reply. 

"I won't repeat this. Please forgive me. I will do the rest of job all alone. " Lechu said while crying.

"That you should do no matter what but I am asking for the punishment you prefer for your mistake. A punishment that you never forget in your whole life. What you want?" Dev rolled up his shirt and again started waiting for her reply.

""just like you wanted my aunt to be out from this house, should I kick your dad and sweet little sister on streets? I just have to make a phone call for that. The roof under which they are now staying belongs to a bank. Which means eventually I will buy it, I just need to snap my fingers for them to proceed with auction and house will be under my name. Then what I am going to do at the very next moment you now right?" Lechu knelt on floor hearing what Dev said and started begging holding his hands.

"Dev no, you can't do that. They don't have a place to go. What will my appa do with my sister all alone? Please don't do that sin." Lechu begged again and again crying miserably.

"Sin? Is it a sin? Am I a sinner? No dear....... It's called karma. For the mistake that your dad did I going to get the same from him. He abandoned Nisha on road under rain like an unwanted soul. Now I am going to abandon him on road. Same like what he did to my child he will see how it feels like to see his own daughter on streets. Isn't that fun?" Dev laughed cynically and asked to Lechu.

"Dev please..... I am here to repay for all his mistakes, then why you want to hurt them? Take it on me, whatever you want, however you want take it out on me but please... spare my family. Please..." Lechu whimpered and held on his leg begging not to call anyone to hurt her appa and sister.

"Anything?" that question was like a double headed sword on her neck. Now she can't move back from what she said, if that happens then Dev will get angrier.

Dev held on her chin and warned "your sound shouldn't go out from this room"

Saying this Dev stood from his place and went to his closet then came back with a rope. Her eyes widened in horror when she realised that what he I sup to. Dev walked slowly towards with a sadistic smirk and his eyes were fixed on her helpless face. He was enjoying that, her weakness added more fun for him. He kept his one hand on her shoulder and stroked the slop of Lechu making her flinch in fear. He chuckled deeply enjoying the shivering fear of Lechu beside him. 

"It's so silly, all this show off, silence and bravery" he raised his voice slightly and stroked Lechu's cheeks very gently. She twisted her head away with her lips tight.

"Oh please, don't think you can choose to keep silent. I know exactly how to provide quite unbearable stimulation to all those delightful little places." Dev paused, watching Lechu wriggling madly when he held her hand to tie the rope. She looped up, saw her torture and began pulling frantically in a vain effort to escape suddenly. She bit her lip and gasped holding herself unnaturally still. 

Lechu winced realising that Dev lifted his hand soon it fell on her cheeks making her fall on floor. She started pleading between her gasps of pain. When he bent down to grab her Lechu screamed.

"Please don't...... I have told you I don't know anything, you must believe me" Lechu repeated this same again and again. He didn't understood what she was actually talking about. Is he blabbering nonsense out of fear or she don't know what is saying?

Dev raised her up and saw already swollen and red cheeks of hers, painfully sore and raw looking from torment. Now she is weak and dev tied the rope behind her back making Lechu stand in front of him. Still she dint give up, Lechu wriggled her shoulders madly in a useless effort to protect her from dev. 

"If I want then I can crumble your pride and everything into pieces, but that's not fun. If I did that now then I will lose my interest on you to torture more. Watching you like this makes me happy" Dev whispered on her eras from back. Lechu turned her head away and that caused one hand of Dev smashed on her cheeks again. That impact brought a trace of blood from her mouth.

"I told you to behave" he yelled.

"Ready?" he asked not bothering about the blood dripped from her lips.

""Watching me in pain what happiness you are getting from it? " Lechu screamed at Dev sniffing heavily. Dev laughed it off.

"Your pain is my happiness dear. Also this is not the real pain. Once I start to then you won't be able to move your body an inch. Equipment's which I use on you will be something which you can't even imagine. Do I need to take you back to my beach house? I think you can't enjoy it much more than here" Dev asked. Lechu felt she was seeing a complete psycho in front of her. The growing terror of what she saw at beach house made her pant harshly with fear.

Dev yanked Lechu's head up by hair forcing her to look at the ceiling. He ran his fingers over her throat along with the each lump she gulped down. His hand moved down sensually on her skin which exposed from the misplaced saree. It became just a piece of cloth with which she can hide shame that's all. 

Lechu arched backward the tendons of her neck and arms when he pressed his hand on her abdomen. Lechu screamed with pain with his torment. He pressed her face on the floor with his one knee above her head. That made her suffocate and she was begging him to leave her with ruffled morns. Her voice wasn't clear; tears fell on the floor making her cheeks wet. Torture continued until Lechu collapsed like a rag doll. He realised her and sat on floor.

"Are you giving up already? Where is that headstrong girl who challenged me you can endure anything?" Dev asked sadistically.

"Please stop" Lechu repeated the same, she could only say that much. 

"No, no you must try harder" Dev replied and stood from floor quickly dragging Lechu by her hand.

"I am sorry, I am sorry for what I have done. I am sorry for what my appa did to you, I am sorry for everything that happened to you..... Please stop this" Lechu held on his hands to loosen his grip on her hand muscles. She sagged forward again trying to ease the pain on her arms.

"Yes, like that beg more... until I put off my rage for you. Do it or shall us start with something else?" he kept Lechu close to him and squeezed her cheeks making her lips pout.

"Please..... I am begging you. I did mistake, my appa did mistake, and I won't repeat it again. He will be sorry for what he did in his whole life. Leave me.... You are hurting me dev. I can't endure more than this" Lechu held his hands and begged as much as she can. Finally Dev released her and Lechu fell on floor feeling very weak. Still her body was shaking with fear.

"What are waiting for? Go down and finish everything that started by you" he ordered to Lechu and walked towards his closet passing over her body.

Lechu squirmed and tried to wake up from floor but she failed miserably. She whimpered and again tried with her whole strength. Lechu grabbed her messed up saree from floor and put it like the way she know. After all she is going to do the rest of house chores so what the difference?

Pain was something which she couldn't withstand other than crying there was no other way for her but she had to make sure that her sound didn't heard by Dev.

Next day 

Morning Lechu started her house work like yesterday. She looked very weak and tired because of Dev's actions from last night but today she already accepted the fact that she don't have any voice against him or his aunt, so she silently did everything what was given to her. Dev didn't go to office today, he is in his secret room from morning itself so Lechu was more alerted around his aunt. She can even make up stories and put it on Lechu's head. 

From last night madness, most of the bruises she covered with makeup but during washing and cleaning it fades away. Lechu was cleaning the floor of living room with her hands and by sitting down on the floor. That's also Varada's order, she can't use mops because it won't clean up the corners. While Lechu was drying the floor after cleaning it with damp cloth she saw a pair of legs in front of her. She stopped moping and looked at the owner of those legs. It was Parvathi, she was watching Lakshmi with her crossed arms and frowned eyebrows.

" What are you doing ? " Parvathi enquired in a deep voice.

" Cleaning....... " Lechu mumbled and quickly stood from floor while correcting her saree.

" Did you spilled something here? " Parvathi asked looking Lechu from head to toe.

" No, I was told to do it " Lechu replied.

" Who ? " Parvati asked again in a monotone.

" Varada aunty. " Lechu replied in a very weak tone

" And that instant itself you started doing this ? Wow...... What an obedient daughter in law?  " Parvathi scoffed at Lechu and walked inside. Lechu understood no one was much help for her in that house and sighed heavily accepting her situation. She again knelt down and continued her work.

" Did I asked you to continue ? " Parvathi turned back and yelled at Lechu. She flinched hearing Parvathi's shouting and quickly stood from floor in fear and didn't do anything. Lechu despises Varada but she is afraid of Parvathi because she know her anger way before.

" This is your so called cleaning ? I told you don't leave any corner.... " Varada came there scolding Lechu but stopped suddenly seeing Parvathi.

" You came earlier ? Usually you will be back after a week " Varada asked to Parvathi.

" I don't need anyone's permission to come back to my home. But you tell me....What's the meaning of this ? " Parvathi pointed her finger at Lechu and asked to Varada.

" Maa ji asked me to train her ...... "

"Maa should have asked you to teach her the systems of this house not to make her do the housechores. Also in my absence who asked you to keep your hands on this household matters." Parvathi shouted at Varada angrily making her mum.

" And you.... " Parvathi turned to Lechu angrily and asked

" Who are you in this house ? " 

"Huh ? " Lechu opened her mouth apart in confusion.

" You don't even know that ?  How old are you ? " Parvathi  raged towards Lechu and asked annoyingly because she was getting irritated of Lechu's silence.

" 23 " Lechu took a step back and replied quickly.

" Your brain  haven't grown up from that 17 year old teenager to 23 year old adult till now ?

  What to do ? What not to do ? How to do ? You haven't learnt anything even after all these years ? Or You still need someone on your back for tellling and teaching you everything ? You don't have your own decisions? " Parvathi kept on scolding Lechu and her face became pale like she is about to cry. 

"I was told to do it then how can I say no....." Lechu whimpered and then started to cry suddenly calling her appa 

" Appa......"  

Parvathi looked around staggered when Lechu started crying and rubbed her temple closing eyes.

" I .... I didn't .... I didn't say anything to make you cry. Stop crying. Why are you crying ? " Parvathi became calm and soft watching Lechu crying like a child. She asked Lechu to stop crying and raised her hand to swipe the tears but pulled back in a hesitation.

" What's the meaning of this ? " Parvathi turned back towards Varada and continued.

" What you were even thinking by making her do such works when there are enough maids  here ? With what rights you keep ordering on her to do housechores ? " Parvathi yelled at Varada making her completely mute.

" Why you are shouting at my aunt like this ? " While these commotion were happening Dev came down from his room witnessing Parvathi scolding his aunt. He was in his casuals but seems like he is going out not to office or to handle any official matters. He stood at the middle of stairs looking at the scene and stared at Parvathi

"When her doings are only worthy to yell then what can I do ? " Parvathi grunted diverting her gaze from Dev.

" Enough. .... Why you are always making my aunt to look like a sinner or something ? What's your problem with her ? " Dev shouted back at Parvathi defending his aunt.

" If you can't stand watching your aunt to be get scolded by me then leave from this house with her. By the way this is my husband's house which means this is my house. " Dev seemed little shocked by hearing what Parvathi said. He looked disturbed and didn't get any reply to say ? Varada stood there like she lost the ability to speak and her venom spitting tongue vanished to thin air.

" Parvathi ..... " Everyones attention fell on the side from they heard an old yet an authoritative female voice. Dev's dadi came there and watched the scene.

" Maa ji. .... I was .... " When Varada tried to turn her plate on her favor dadi put an end to it by raising her hand signing not to talk.

" I gave her permission to teach Lakshmi about our family culture and all. You were the one who have to do it but you don't have time for anything right ? Then let her do it....." Dadi said to Parvathi.

" I don't have any issues maa. Even I have learnt everything from you but what she was teaching to this girl? How to do house chores ? Or how to mop the floor ? " Parvathi asked to Dadi keeping her anger inside but showing her objection clearly on each and every word.

" It's good to learn some , what's the big deal in that ? One day if any situation comes she can do it without any issues. " Dadi replied and looked at Lechu.

" Do you have any issues with it? " Dadi asked to Lechu. She looked at everyones face especially Dev's and remembered what she got yesterday from his hands. She didn't dare to say an yes in front of Dev became if she says that she has objection then that will make his aunt look like the one who did mistake.

" I would like to learn little chores. I don't actually know how to do it " Lechu replied which made Parvathi's shoulder dropping down. Varada smirked looking at Parvathi.

" Since you weren't here I asked Varada to take over the charge. Now you are here and keep an eye on everything. Next week relatives will be here that time I don't want to see any drama and others complaining about new daughter in law. " Dadi said like a warning to both Parvathi and Varada then went back from where she came.

Parvathi  glared at Lechu for making her embarrassed and head back to her room climbing the stairs while grunting something.

" It's not her fault though .....  If I should blame someone then it's her father. Sending off his daughter who didn't even stopped playing with her toys to a 28 year old jerk "  Dev heard what she said and Parvathi did that knowingly. He gritted his teeth to put off his anger as he can't say anything against Parvathi.

Dev stride down the rest of stairs and walked by Lakshmi who was standing there sniffing and swiping her tears. He didn't say anything but just stared at her.

" Zahir..... Take me to the green club " he said to Zahir who was there ready to take Dev. 

When they passed the gate Dev noticed his dad's car entering to the house premises. 

" He was on business trip for a week, then why he came back soon ? " Dev doubted and talked to Zahir.

" DD, if you don't get annoyed then I want to tell you something about your dad and his regular business trips on every starting of month " Zahir glanced at Dev through the rear view mirror and talked to him.

" What is it ? " Dev asked and he looked confused. Because it's rare Zahir says something about his dad and whatever he says won't be loose talks but genuine things.

" I got this information from his manager. He is staying next to my quarters so during nights he will come to my room for couple of drinks. That's how I got this, actually your dad is following Parvathi mam. " Zahir said with a chuckle.

" What the ? " Dev almost shouted in shock and couldn't believe what Zahir said.

" Why ? Why he is following her ?  Is she doing some adultery behind his back ? " Dev asked

" This is complicated DD and I don't know much details. It's not adultery but something which we both won't understand " Zahir replied

" What is that ? " Dev asked doubtfully.

" Love..... " Zahir says

" Nonsense " Dev laughed it off and looked out through the window.

" That's what I said you won't understand because it's complicated. Parvathi mam is searching for someone all these years. Her monthly temple visit is not only for that purpose but in search of this person and your dad doesn't want her to meet that person. In this who loves whom ..... Only they knows. Until now Parvathi mam doesn't know that her husband is following her everywhere like a stalker. Not only to the temples but before when she did stage shows he used to go and watch them. He never missed any shows of hers even if he has to cancel his meetings. First vip ticket will be brought by your dad. Today Parvathi mam came back without finishing her temple visit and behind her he also came back. " Zahir explained everything that he knows about Parvathi and Mr Rathore to Dev.

"They don't have any other job to do at this age ? " Dev mumbled in enough voice in which Zahir can hear.

" Love don't have age limits. I think they are still stuck at their young age from where there broken.  Now I am also curious to know for whom Parvathi mam is searching for these years. " Zahir said very excitingly.

" You don't have nothing to do other than this stupidity ? One is following other and she is following someone else. Oh god my whole family is messed up and into that one new nut case is also added, Adrushta Lakshmi ...... " Dev sighed heavily shutting his both eyes tightly. 

At café

When Lechu get released from her house works she quickly got ready and ran straight to her café. Nothing extraordinary happened there because of her absence and only two customers visited in total. One ordered for a non fat Latte with caramel drizzle but customer went back after complaining about the cafe. Because Lechu  don't know how to make it and Varun wasn't there. Second customer was there to buy a bottle of water that's all.

Lechu was staring at space immersed in some deep thoughts like always. What happened last night brought nightmares inside her. She already expected such things from his side but when it really happens in front of your eyes, that fear is unimaginable. 

" Your highness Adrushta Lakshmi Devdutta Pratap Singh Rathore, what are you thinking in this broad daylight ? " Ishaan came to her side bowing down mockingly and called her like he is addressing a queen. Lechu get irritated when he added Dev's name behind her. She rolled her eyes and avoids him. She don't have enough energy to fight with him. 

" What happened dear ? Why you look so tired ? Yesterday you didn't came to café, today you were late.... What is it ? Pati parameshwar ji didn't let you leave from the bed....." Lechu grabbed Ishaan by his hair before letting him complete. 

" Now ask ..... Do you want to know what Dev and I were doing yesterday? Huh ? " Lechu screamed at Ishaan still holding his hair.

" Sorry sorry....... Leave me. I don't want to hear anything " he somehow made her release the hand by holding on Lechu's hand. She suddenly hissed with pain as Ishaan kept his hand of that same place Dev tied the rope. 

" What happened ? Is everything fine ? " Ishaan asked leaving her hands quickly. Lechu put her gaze down without replying. She don't know with whom she will share her real issue. To whose shoulder she can lean on. Who will understand her ? Who can save her from Dev and the nightmares he is giving her ?

" Lakshmi......... You can't be....... "

" Laks..... one milk coffee please " breaking what Ishaan was going to say Jasmine came there like a lifeless soul ordering for a milk coffee. Ishaan and Lechu were watching her like they saw an alein

" There is no milk Jas...... If you want I can give you a black coffee " said Lechu. Jasmine raised her head from table and looked at her café.

"Did you opened this cafe for business or as a museum ? Whenever I come and ask for anything you will give me only black coffee. " Jasmine looked at Lechu and spread her hands like what's the purpose of her cafe.

" Business is dull, milk can be stored only for few days and incase it didn't get used up then I have to throw it out ..... " Jasmine stopped Lechu joining her both hands not to repeat her poverty story.

" Why you are coming to this cafe always ? Your office got a full fledged modern cafeteria then...... " Ishaan spatted at Jasmine like he is irritated by her frequent visits to café

" Is this your shop that you have issues with me ? " Jasmine yelled back

" Stop it ...... I am not in a good mood to solve your fight for today. Ishaan get a black coffee for her. Jas.... You come with me I need to talk to you " saying this Lechu took Jasmine towards a corner seat and talked to her.

...............

" After every day Dev is getting stronger and I am getting weaker. I need something to withstand in front of him Jas. Help me ..... Please." Lechu was literally begging to Jasmine to get the personal schedules of Dev from somewhere.

" Give me a day yaar. Tomorrow it's crucial for me. Only after that I can help you with Dev " Jasmine says

" What's the speciality of tomorrow ? What you are going to do tomorrow that you couldn't do till now ? " Lechu looked at Jasmine all confused and asked.

" Tomorrow I will decide at whom I should concentrate. Among those three Zahir, Mohit and Gaurav...... I need to know who is an easy target for me. Once I got him I will give all details of Dev's schedule, trust me" Jasmine replied very excitingly.

" What are you going to do tomorrow ? " Since she knows Jasmine Lechu was little scared thinking about her twisted plan making ability.

" That you don't have to know now dear. I have a very good plan for that. Just wait and see......... Among those three black cats of Dev's, one will definitely fall into this trap for sure. " Jasmine winked and looked at Lechu with an evil smile.