The panic starts like a tightening of the chest, making his breath come in an abnormal rate. Then his mind becomes blank, playing thoughts that makes no sense, replaying the horrors that was once forgotten.

"She is just a gold digger Dev! Are you sure you are going to marry her? She doesn't love you. She is only here for your money!"

Those words of Nisha's echoed in his mind as he stared at the receipt that the old guy was holding in his hand. He had no courage to open and read it. He looked at his mum for answers but she just gave him a mocking look while Sonakshi stood in the corner registering the words of the old guy.

"WAIT A MINUTE.... Who registered it in my name? Look sir, my name is Mrs Sonakshi Dixit. But I don't remember coming to your shop or selling anything. How do you confirm whether it's me?" Sonakshi asked as she came and stood in the middle of the hall.

"Sorry mam... We do see lots of customers every day. I don't remember everyone's face. But as far as I know, my shop registers everyone's details only after collecting their personal ID card or something to prove whether it's really them. So, there is no way any forgery could have been done." he spoke as Sonakshi gawked and turned towards Dev.

But without giving her a glance, he walked towards his room in anger. His anger was so scary that Sonakshi was now scared to even approach him. She cursed her fate. Why was she always so unlucky?

The hall now had Radharani and Ishwari glaring at Sonakshi, giving her a pathetic look. They are heartless, she thought as she walked upstairs to meet Dev.

When she entered the room, she was shocked to see Dev laying on the bed lifelessly. Her heartbeat escalated, pulse quickened and breaths shortened. She wished she could explain to him. But he looked terrifying. Gathering her courage, she sat on the floor in front of him.

"Dev....look. It's not like what it looks. We can sit and talk. Please tell me you will listen to me." she spoke softly as Dev immediately flinched.

"LEAVE ME Sonakshi..." he said without any emotions.

"Dev.... Look, your mother, mami and Nisha don't like me from the start. So they have started doing all these. Please don't believe them. Just give me two days' time. I will prove to you that all this is all a total lie. Please......just once Dev." she begged but Dev just clenched his fist and shot her an angry glare.

"Two days for what Sonakshi? Why do you need two more days for? You are telling me that my mum is lying? For what should she lie? What benefit is she going to get by lying to me? Please just leave me for now. I need time to think!" he yelled as Sonakshi gasped.

"Do you think I stole the bangle?"

"I don't know. But what else do I predict? I still think that you didn't do all this. But all the evidences are against you. What else do you think I should do?" he asked as she stood rooted to the ground.

"Dev..." she spoke as she walked closer but without saying anything Dev took his blazer and walked out of the house in anger. Sonakshi stood paralysed as all her nightmares were now coming true. Now how could she prove her innocence? She tried thinking of ways but her mind seemed to be blocked with sorrows that she couldn't even stand up properly. She fell on her knees and clenched her eyes shut to prevent herself from crying.

Don't cry Sonakshi... you are stronger than that. You can do this. Think of some way where you can show Dev the truth... Her inner voice spoke.

She quickly got up and walked to Nisha's room. When she saw that it was empty, she sneaked inside and started searching her room. She was sure she could find out something inside there.

Dev's POV

I reached office and sat down on my chair dejectedly, thinking about the turn of events. From a beautiful morning, my day turned into the worst nightmare. I can't imagine Sonakshi doing all these. But what about the jewel receipt? Was it fake? Am I wrong? Maybe I am because Sonakshi never desires for money. She never took money from me even when I gave her everything willingly.

If she wanted more money, she would have simply asked me. What's the need of stealing? Maybe it's not her.... I am sure!

Suddenly, the office phone rang, disturbing my thoughts. I lazily answered the phone when I heard the receptionist voice.

"Sir, there is some guy who delivered a parcel to you. He informed that it's something urgent. Should I bring it to your cabin?" she asked as my eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Who is that parcel from?"

"It says.....Mr Neil Nakotia" she read as all the blood drained from my face.

He was the last person I wanted to deal with that day!

"Send it in" I said harshly before putting down the phone.

When the parcel reached my table, I wasted no time in opening it. When I took out the contents, my eyes widened in shock. I stood there numb. Completely numb. My chest was hollow, unable to feel any emotions.

Why Sonakshi?

Sona's POV

I started searching all over her cupboards but I couldn't find anything. What else could I do? I wanted to dial Jatin's number and tell him everything but I didn't want to spoil his trip. I tried but there was nothing happening on my favour. I immediately exited Nisha's room and stepped outside when I saw Ishwari standing outside.

"So, what are you trying to steal this time?" Ishwari asked as I gasped.

"Tell me the truth. You know well that I am not a thief. Since I haven't spoken much to you, it doesn't mean you can say whatever you want. Tell me the truth. Who was the one who pawned the bangle? I am sure you know who it is..." I implored as now I have lost all the hopes on her. I didn't see a reason on why I should give her respect anymore.

"How dare you speak to me like this? How did you think I will spare you in this house peacefully?" she screamed mercilessly as I stood there dazed.

She ignored me and walked away in a menacing speed. I stride behind her stubbornly. I had to find out the answers today itself. We walked till we were in the hall.

"You can't just go away like this. This is not just my life..... It's also your son life you are playing with. Three and a half years ago, I was quiet because I trusted you. But then you broke my trust and left me shattered. Now why are you still behind me? Isn't all the hurt you have caused me enough? Regardless of how badly you treated me, I have only looked at you like my own mother but you...... you are so heartless. I have never taken any money from you even when my father faced with the accident! WHY???" I screamed like a mad woman. I didn't care any longer... I just needed to know.

"BECAUSE I HATE YOU! You are a cheap middle-class woman who destroyed all my dreams. I have always wanted to marry off my son to Nisha or maybe someone else who was way classier to Dev. I needed a girl like Nisha, who is higher in chaste, class and power. What do you have? You are not even worthy of stepping inside the Dixit's mansion. Yet Dev gave you a place here to stay. But you know what? You won't last here any longer..... I guess it's time for you to pack." she said coldly and all the blood drained from my face.

She was so cruel. How could she utter such mean words to me? I was so wrong in judging these people. All this long, it was all an act! Act to make Dev believe that they were treating me fine but now it's all clear. They just wanted to get rid of me. Just the thought of it made my heart shatter into pieces. I felt like I was unable to breathe as I stand there controlling my unshed tears.

In my agony, I had failed to notice that now, Dev was already walking inside the house. My face was facing Ishwari as Radharani too joined her.

"You are so mean. I have never seen such evil people in my life! How much lower can you stoop? You blamed me, I took it. Now you are testing my self-respect too. I can't deal with this..."

"NOW CAN YOU STOP YOUR DRAMA!" Dev's voice echoed as he entered the house with rage.

He walked forward with an animalistic glare. He wasn't the Dev I knew anymore. His eyes were red, boiling with rage. Hearing my thumping heartbeats, I walked back in fear as he moved forward with every step of mine.

"Dev...." I whispered but he remained silent.

I saw his jaw clenching and through gritted teeth, he spoke, "Now you act like you are innocent? What about the times when you fooled me? What accusation should I put on you?"

I felt a shiver crawling down my spine as my face shrunk. Something grave has happened... something has gone wrong. Very wrong... I looked behind and saw Nisha smiling at my pathetic state but I was too bothered to care about her troublesome face. Dev was my concern now. I had to give him some sort of reply...

"Dev.... I don't understand what....are you talking about..." I gulped as his eyes stoned on my face. His jaws were clenching and bloodshot eyes were accusing me every second. What did I do?

"Dev..." I stopped when he threw a bunch of sharp papers harshly on my face. I gasped in shock as I witnessed the papers flying into different directions in the house. Ishwari and Radharani moved to take a closer look but I just stood stoned after seeing the first picture which landed just below my feet.

GOD.....NO PLEASE...... DON'T DO THIS TO ME......

I gasped as I felt tears collecting at the back of my eyes. I swallowed hardly and looked around. By now, Jay entered the hall and looked gobsmacked with the turn of events. Neha was also there. She looked utterly confused with everything happening while Radharani was just yelling about how their family got cheated by making an alliance with mine.

I squatted down and picked up a picture which showed Neil kissing me in the trial room forcefully. I was wearing a revealing dress, my hands were placed on his chest while his was tangled in her hair. The picture was taken from the top angle and worst of all, it didn't look like he was forcing me. It looked like I was equally involved in it. It looked like I was enjoying the kiss too. I clenched my eyes shut in pain as those memories itself was enough to break me. Why was he torturing me more by doing this?

"So....... All this was happening after marriage, huh? I have checked whether this photo was photoshopped or not. And you know what, Sonakshi? ITS NOT! How long have you been doing this behind my back?" he screamed with his eyes filled with disgust and anger.

This time I couldn't swallow back my tears as I let them fall freely on my face. But this time, my tears didn't provide any kind of relief. It only brought more pain. His questions ripped my heart and scattered them into pieces. I felt like my soul was ripped out and there was no one who stepped in front to help me. Not even one person....

"Dev....Please.....It's not like what it looks like..........I swear it was forced. I was being forced." I stuttered till there was no more voice coming out.

More tears spilled as I was in my knees crushing the picture in my hand. I felt humiliated. The way Dev treated me infront of his family was beyond tolerable. It was really embarrassing to be questioned like this. I felt like I was treated like a piece of trash. Not respected, unworthy and crushed!

"How is it possible Sonakshi? I have never seen you in such kind of clothes before.... Can you explain to me what the fuck is going on?" he screamed as the hatred was evident in his voice.

Angry Dev was the most horrifying side of him. The words he spoke and things he do are just insane.

*End Of POV*

Dev knew when he saw her eyes brimming with tears that he should relent, that the decent person in him would show forgiveness. But he felt disgusted which transcended his better nature and pushed him on. She was now openly weeping and breaking. He'd feel guilty of course, but that never stopped him.

"Dev! What is this? Is this how you handle a problem? At least let her say something!" Jay defended as anger was dripping in his tone. Jay had never seen his son in such a state before. This side of Dev really scared him.

Dev strode towards Sonakshi and gripped her by her shoulders before shaking her to speak.

"Are you going to open your bloody mouth and say something?" he yelled as she kept staring at him in shock.

"Dev....please trust me. These pictures are portraying something which is not true.....This ....was taken in the .............shopping mall....inside the trial room....... He barged inside and threatened me. He forcefully kissed me.......I didn't do anything......" she sobbed as tears trailed down her cheeks. Her whole face was red from her constant cries as Ishwari and Radharani stood there with a victory-look on their faces. Neha was shocked as she thought of ways to stop her brother's madness but she couldn't find anything to possibly stop him this time.

"If this is all fake, then why did you not tell me?....WHY?????" he roared as the entire living room displayed a pin drop silence except for Sonakshi's cries.

"I.....was......scared." she wept as she found it hard to speak in between her cries.

"You were scared??? Scared of what?"

"I was scared to tell you.... Dev... I really wanted to but I myself, wanted to forget that incident. I knew you would become angry.........I just didn't want to complicate matters......" she cried.

"But you have already complicated it now Sonakshi........and what about this picture?" he said showing her another picture where she both Dev and Sona went for a date, where Neil was leaning on Sonakshi right before she pushed him away.

"Oh my god Dev....You were there when this happened. Do you trust this picture more than me?" she asked as her voice was so low and she sat down totally drained.

"No... I trust you so damn much Sonakshi.... But now, I am doubting myself. Everytime, I gave you the opportunity to speak up to me. But all you did was, hide. Now I feel like a complete loser. This distant between us is created by you Sonakshi. Just you! You are so horrible. You hurt me three years back and you keep on hurting me every now and then" he screamed as Sonakshi stood frozen on her place. She wasn't sobbing anymore. She just sat there like a paralyzed person.

"Dev... You are being really harsh. I think you should just take it to your room and deal it within yourselves..." Jay interrupted.

But before he could finish Radharani interrupted.

"No Bhai! This girl here.... She is too dangerous. She flirts with all guys around and now, is sticking with Dev. If this continues, what will happen to our family's reputation?" she asked as Sonakshi stared blankly without any reaction. Her mind was blank and her heart was constricted in her throat.

Just when the entire hall was in a chaotic mess, Dev's phone rang, bringing everyone's attention to it. Clenching his eyes in pain, Dev looked at his phone and froze for a moment.

It was Sonakshi's mother. With shivering hands, he picked up the call.

"Hello....maa"

"Hi Dev beta.... I am having a weird feeling for the past few hours. If you don't mind can I drop down in your place for a while? I just felt like meeting Sonakshi since it's been a long time...." She trailed as Dev's voice got choked.

"Yea....sure maa.... You can come anytime........I...I will...tell her" he fumbled as Sonakshi stared at him in horror. She knew it was her mom. She was the only one who he addressed as 'maa' apart from Ishwari.

"Asha maa is coming home. I will deal with this. I just request everyone to keep quiet until then." Dev ordered as everyone just stood shocked. The environment was getting tensed.

With a heavy heart, Sonakshi stood up from the ground after collecting the photos were scattered in the ground. Once she got them, she crushed it and placed them in the nearest bin. Dev just watched her with blazing eyes. She wiped her tears and made sure she looked presentable for her mother. She didn't want her mother to know what had happened to her daughter a few minutes ago because that was the worst thing any mother can tolerate. Her own daughter being insulted and abused at their in-law's place!

Just thinking about that made her chest ache with pain. Within no time, Asha stepped inside the house with a small bag in her hands. She stepped inside and her eyes gleamed when she saw Sonakshi. Sonakshi welcomed her mother with a forced smile and invited her in.

"Dev beta.... Can I have a minute with you and Sonakshi in private?" she asked as Dev was confused for a moment. He still agreed and stood up. Sonakshi just followed him as they walked to the nearest guest room, leaving the rest of the family members confused.

Once they were inside the room, Asha decided to break the silence.

"Dev.... You are such a kind hearted soul beta. But now, I don't think we can appreciate your help at this moment......." She spoke hesitantly as Dev and Sonakshi stared at her in confusion.

"What are you talking about maa? What help?" Dev asked as he didn't even understand what she was getting at.

"Dev.... I am talking about the money you sent us through Sonakshi." she said like it was the obvious thing.

"Maa which money?" Sona asked as she felt like the whole world was spinning around her. She slightly pinched her throbbing head to ease the pain as she looked at her mother for answers.

"The money which you sent by post? For baba's operation? I know Sonakshi that his operation was important, but I don't think this much of money is needed now...." Asha spoke as Sonakshi felt like the floor beneath her slipping away.

"How. Much. Money......was there?" Dev asked in a dangerous tone as Sonakshi shook her head in disbelief. Her heartbeat skyrocketed as she prayed to all the gods around her. She couldn't comprehend what was even happening around her as Dev stood like an angry predator.

"Fifty Lakhs...."

******************************

When a problem hits a person's life, it doesn't come alone. It comes in a group... Only the strongest person would be able to survive this test. Is Sonakshi strong enough?

We are now.....stepping into the DARKEST phase of their lives.....Please strengthen your hearts. Cuz It won't be easy.... Again....its Dark Passion!

Spoilers for Chapter 66 👇