[FEATURED IN WATTPAD INDIA PROFILE]
❝Pioneering the art of constructing love, my Kanmani.❞
Xavier teased her skin, slowly caressing her cheeks and her lips trembled.
❝You don't dare!❞
And he kissed her.
------
When he had compromised his dreams and...
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Talk about the worst timing.
Xavier opened his mouth to say something, then shut it as no words came out. He saw Krithika staring at Subhadra with open curiosity while the latter was busy wiping her tears. He raked a hand through his hair, utterly clueless about what to say.
"Sorry, I thought you'd be alone," Krithika murmured, slowly sliding her tiffin box onto the side table. "You didn't mention having a guest."
A surprise guest, yes—that was all Krithika knew. Xavier had erased every photo and memory of Subhadra over the past six years. He'd had nothing to show when she had innocently asked, "Who's your ex-wife in these photographs?"
Subhadra looked at Krithika, then back at him. Her red, tear-streaked face was trembling as she tried to compose herself.
"Wrong timing, I guess," Krithika chuckled nervously. "I'll come later." She spun on her heels, ready to leave.
Something inside Xavier snapped. "No, wait," he said, his voice soft but firm. "Krithika, you don't have to leave."
Subhadra's eyes widened, and a fresh wave of tears flooded her face. She staggered back, her hands flailing for support. He could see her body shaking, her disbelief palpable.
"Xav, I really think I shouldn't be here," Krithika said timidly.
He turned to Krithika, noticing how her fingers fidgeted with her dress. Her nervousness steeled his resolve. "Darling, come here."
A sharp cry rang out.
Subhadra.
Her face was a storm of fury and despair, her hands clutching the curtains as she heaved, "Darling!?" she repeated weakly, as though the word had gutted her. "She... Oh, Xav!" Her body slumped against the wall, tears streaming uncontrollably as she shook her head in denial.
Krithika's face twisted in realization, her feet retreating. He could see the struggle on her face as she tried to process the scene. It hurt to watch her, an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of his past. She didn't deserve the accusatory glare from Subhadra for sins she hadn't committed.
Ponnamma burst into the room, alarmed by Subhadra's cries. Her concerned gaze darted between them. Xavier gestured for her to leave. She hesitated, her eyes lingering on Subhadra, but eventually nodded and slipped away, leaving the three of them alone.
"Krithika," Xavier said, beckoning her gently. "Please, come here." He smiled, trying to reassure her.
She hesitated but took a tentative step forward. Subhadra, however, grabbed the curtains behind her and yanked hard. The steel rod clattered to the ground, smashing into the floor and scattering debris everywhere. Krithika froze.
Subhadra didn't even flinch when the rod struck her foot. Her volcanic glare burned into Krithika before shifting to Xavier. "Xav, you know, it shouldn't hurt me so bad, but..." She choked, her voice breaking as she struggled for air. "Fucking hell, it hurts like a bitch."
Lies.
Xavier's expression turned glacial. "You don't know the meaning of hurt, Subhadra."
She didn't. She had no clue. He'd carried the weight of that word on his chest for years, a sharp-edged slab slicing into him day and night. Subhadra Kumari Singh would never understand.
"Oh, Xav," she sneered, her voice dripping with derision. "You've finally become what I always dreamed you'd be." She snorted, wiping her tear-streaked face roughly. "Absolute perfection. You rose from the ashes, my dear phoenix."
His hands clenched into fists. "I don't appreciate your mockery."
She laughed bitterly, her palms pressing hard against her cheeks as she wiped away the remnants of her tears. Straightening up, she dragged her fingers through her thick curls, fluffing them with her usual arrogance. Her chin tipped up defiantly, her eyes brimming with haughty pride.
"I never joke when it's about you, Xav," she said, her gait as imperious as ever as she strode toward him. He glared daggers at her. "And for what it's worth, it might hurt like hell, but I'm genuinely happy for you."
Fuck off.
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Do tell me what you feel about this and the upcoming chapters, always open to positive criticism.
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