"Who's frightened and anxious?" A soft, but anxious voice heard in the room. When they all turned around to the sound of the voice, they saw a worried and scared looking Priya standing there.

Her hair was tidied up and let out, but her eyes looked sleepy. She had the grey blanket wrapped around her body to keep herself warm.

Priya saw everyone's worried looks and she became frightened.

They're disgusted by seeing you - her daunting conscience told her. Her whole body was still in pain and she was feeling dizzy. All because of the attack.

"Priya beta." Sunita and Pritam said, walking up to their youngest daughter and hugging her. Pritam kissed her head whilst Sunita caressed her rosy cheeks.

"Did you sleep okay, baby sister?" Sadhana asked.

"Nahi. I couldn't sleep properly." She said sweetly in a small voice. Then her eyes landed on Vishal, who was sat near a distressed Prem.

"Sir? W-what are you doing here?" She asked nervously.

Has he come to tell them what happened earlier? She wondered.

Vishal stood up, walked near Priya and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I did something that you should have done before." He told Priya. Priya looked up at him and was confused,

"Huh?" She asked. Her heart was beating fast.

"They know what happened earlier. I've told them. Now you need to open up about what Rita said. I've done the hard bit." Vishal whispered.

He's told everyone about what happened. Now they're going to ask you what happened. That just shows how weak and insecure you are. You can't deal with your own problems. Pathetic girl. - the evil thoughts in her mind said.

She looked in his eyes and saw the sincerity and trust swirling in them. He smiled. She knew he was right. There can't be hiding anymore. Vishal's words from earlier about speaking up and trusting Prem and the others came back. She nodded slowly in agreement.

"Okay. You're right." She whispered. "Thank you so much." She added. Vishal smiled.

"No problem. It's to keep you safe." He whispered.

Why should anyone keep a weak and insignificant girl like you safe? You're a scar to the earth - the haunted thoughts in her mind said. She looked down to hear her fear.

"Okay everyone. I better get going." He said loudly.

"Beta, why don't you stay and eat dinner?" Mamta asked.

"I can't Aunty. I have to dash home. Thank you anyway." He said.

"Thanks Vishal." The others, except Priya, shouted.

"Drive safely." Vivek and Anwar said.

"Yeah and if anyone attacks, kick some butt." Sameer joked. They all laughed, but Priya raised her head up in fear and eyes widened.

They must know what happened. She thought.

Vishal smiled and Pritam, Sunita, Mamta and Ram walked him out the door.

Whilst everyone else was talking among themselves, Preeti and Sadhana stood up and walked over to a scared looking Priya.

"Hey baby sister. You okay?" Preeti asked quietly, then kissed the side of her head.

"Y-yeah. I am. I think." Priya said in a small voice.

"Are your fingers okay?" Sadhana asked.

"Yeah. The pain has subsided." She said.

"That's good. But you don't look too good." Preeti said. They knew what it was that was making Priya look anxious now that Vishal had told them.

"I just didn't sleep properly that's all." Priya said.

"Come on. Sit down on the sofa." Sadhana smiled. Preeti smiled softly and Priya returned the soft smile.

They led her to sit where Vishal sat earlier, which was in between Preeti and Prem.

Priya sat down and felt Prem's gaze on her. She didn't dare to look up. For some reason, she felt self-conscious through her lover's gaze because it felt like he could read her deepest fears.

He's looking at someone so weak and pathetic, regretting ever falling in love with you because of the troubles you brought in the relationship - her mind told her again.

Priya slowly looked up at Prem, but all she worried about was how disappointed he must be that she didn't tell him what happened with Rita.

Priya and Prem looked into eachother's eyes. Priya's eyes were full of fear and insecurity.

What she didn't realise was, whilst she was deep in her thoughts, Prem was actually giving her a soft and loving look, with a smile.

"Hey you two. You can stop your staring contest. We can see the love in your eyes." Sameer joked and whilst the others laughed, Priya looked scared.

"S-sorry." She nervously said. Everyone looked at Priya in concern. Prem cupped her face and looked at her kindly,

"Why are you apologising, Priya?" He asked. Priya didn't know what to say and suddenly a whimper left her mouth,

"I-I don't know."

"You haven't done anything wrong, sunshine. He was joking." Sangeeta comforted her.

Priya looked frightened now that everyone else knew what happened. They all saw how scared she looked. Prem grabbed her closer against his body to snuggle next to him.

He wrapped an arm around her as her head and cheek laid against his chest. She grabbed his other hand and entwined their fingers together. He took her bandaged fingers close to him and caressed it soothingly, before placing a gentle kiss on them.

"You okay?" Prem asked smiling. He then leaned down to press a soft kiss on her head.

The others smiled in awe as the love birds shared a moment.

"I-I don't know. I just...don't feel like myself." She answered timidly.

"Why's that, beta?" Sunita asked concerned before the others could say anything. The parents came to sit down. Sunita walked near Preeti to sit next to her to see Priya closer.

Priya let out a deep breath that she didn't know she held in and buried her face further in Prem's chest.

"My w-whole body hurts. I feel dizzy, my stomach and wrists are paining. Everything hurts." She cried in pain with her sweet but desperate voice. She let out her tears of pain and they rolled down her cheeks once again.

"Oh beta. Don't cry." Mamta asked.

Neha and Preeti quickly went to get a pain relief tablet for Priya.

"Sssh, sssh, Priya." Prem quietened her down softly and planted soft kisses on her head.

"Hey Priya, baby sister." Preeti called her softly. She gently grabbed Priya's hand. Priya slowly looked up from Prem's chest to see Neha and Preeti near her. Her beautiful face was tear stained. Neha bent down close while Preeti was kneeled down. They both gave her warm smiles.

"Have this pain relief tablet to ease the pain, yeah?" Preeti told her with a smile. Sunita fed her the tablet and Prem held the glass of water for her to swallow the tablet down.

After she was done, she smiled and quietly said,

"Thank you."

"Beta, was the pain on your whole body from the attack earlier from tonight?" Pritam asked. Priya looked at her father who had a look of worry across his face. She scanned the room and saw everyone look worried.

"Priya, we know something is in your mind that's scaring you. Please tell us what's wrong." Chameli said.

"Yeah. We're here to help you." Rahul said.

"Take you time. There's no rush." Vivek said. They all gave her reassuring smiles.

Prem looked at her with a smile.

Don't tell them. You're already a burden. - her mind told her again, making her feel anxious.

"You've got this, baby sister. Just get it off your chest and shoulders." Sadhana reassured her younger sister.

Priya's heart was beating fast as she thought about what happened earlier tonight. She didn't know whether to tell them or not.

If she told them, it would just prove Rita's point that she's a burden and a weak person, who can't deal with her own problems. She would be bringing problems into her's and Prem's relationship.

But telling them would give her the help and support she needs from the loving family around her, especially Prem. If she loved Prem, she needed to trust him.

Priya took a deep breath and a crystal tear rolled down her cheek.

"Haan. It was. R-Rita got men to a-attack me in a s-scary place. Ajay and Vicky were there too." She sobbed softly.

"No Priya, don't cry. It's okay." Neha, Anjali, Simran and Sangeeta said.

Everyone saw Priya's sad and scared look when she cried her heart out. Everyone saw how she kept such a big and serious thing inside her. That must have been eating her alive the whole time since she came back from work.

Prem wrapped his arms around her to bring her closer to him. She fell against his chest and cried.

"Princess, I'm here. We're here. Don't worry." Prem whispered to her softly and rubbed her back slowly. He buried his lips on her hair.

"I-it's too scary out there." She cried, and whispered.

"I know. I know." Prem comforted her.

Everyone gave a moment for Priya to calm down. After her meltdown, which was for a few minutes, she sat normally next to Prem.

Prem turned to face Priya properly by directly facing her. Priya looked down to hide her frightened look. He placed one hand underneath her chin to make her look up. He wiped her tears and shook his head no slowly to tell her not to cry.

Sunita kissed her younger daughter's wet cheek and temple.

Prem smiled at her which Priya returned. He leaned down and placed a sweet kiss on her warm forehead. He entwined their fingers together. Priya felt the loving sparks from Prem's fingers. He caressed the sparkling ring on her finger.

"You want to talk about how you feel right now? It will help you alot. Don't you agree, everyone?" Prem said.

"Yes Priya. Honestly it will help you alot. It will make you feel better." Ram said.

Everyone else gave words of agreement.

"I don't want to be a burden to you all. I troubled you all enough and I don't want you all to deal with my problems." Priya told.

"Priya, you're not a burden at all. You're family and you're not troubling us with your problems. It's not your fault and we're here to help you." Vivek said.

"And it's not good to hold it in for too long. It's just going to stay in your head for too long." Simran said. They all smiled.

"I-I'm just frightened by what she did. She just won't stop. The knives and everything just keep coming back to me and replaying in my head. It's not just tonight's incident. It's the night where I was accused of making Uncle ill where I told her to kill me, to when I got attacked outside the bakery, to the night of the party and then tonight's incident." Priya cried as more tears rolled down her cheeks.

"We will put an end to this, Priya. We know how much she's scared you." Preeti said kindly. Priya shook her head as she cried more,

"I don't know if she will ever stop. Who knows if she's planning her next move." Priya sobbed.

"She won't be. We won't let her." Prem said.

"But she has, hasn't she? Now that you've kicked her out of the house, she's gone to do worse on me. I'm frightened to death about everything and I'm scared that if I walk out that door, she'll attack me. When her and Mami ji got kicked out, I told you all she could do even more worse and serious things now that you all are not around to keep an eye on her. She's done worse things now and none of you listened to me. No one listened." Priya cried and shouted.

She lifted her knees close to her, wrapped her arms around them and buried her face in it. The grey blanket covered her body, where she was just able to cry her heart out. It acted as a shield from the monster that she called Rita and the world.

"No Priya. Please. Don't lose hope. We're here." Sadhana said.

Priya just shook her head as she cried whole heartedly. Every time someone tried to take her in a hug, she would refuse to be touched. She felt like a burden to them. She just felt so weak and pathetic. No one could understand her pain, that's why she didn't want to be touched.

Until, her one and only handsome Prince, took her in his arms. Although she protested to not be touched, she couldn't refuse his warm and loving arms, where she was safe and could let all her fears out.

Prem rubbed her back softly to prevent another panic attack whilst she sobbed against his warm chest. She gripped Prem's shirt in tiny bunches. Prem buried his face against her hair and whispered sweet nothings to her,

"Sssh Rajkumari. It's okay. You're safe here. Aren't you?" She nodded against Prem's chest slowly. He kissed her hair softly. Her tears must have soaked Prem's top, but he didn't care. All he cared about was Priya's safety.

Priya's sobs had calmed down after a few minutes. She lifted her head to look up at Prem. Prem looked down at her, smiling.

"I'm sorry." She whispered sweetly, her voice still hoarse from the crying.

"No don't be. We understand you're scared." Prem told her kindly and pressed his lips on her forehead in a soothing kiss.

She looked at everyone else, who all gave her warm smiles. Sunita smiled and kissed her younger daughter's wet cheek.

Priya snuggled up next to Prem, with her head rested against his chest. He wrapped an arm around her.

"Sorry, for shouting. I didn't mean to." Priya said.

"No it's okay beta. Sometimes we let our fears take over us and we don't realise." Ram said.

"Uncle is right. We understand what you're going through, Priya. But you need to trust us because when we say we're here for you, we truly mean it." Neha said.

"Yeah we hate seeing you like this. She's scared you to death and we are going to be with you the whole step of the way." Simran said.

"It's not only the attacks that has scared me." Priya said in a small voice, whilst tears rolled down her rosy cheeks.

"What else, honey?" Anjali asked her best friend softly.

"Rita said a few horrible things to me that has made me feel so insecure." Priya cried softly.

"You want to get it out of your chest? It will make you feel alot better." Rahul said. Priya nodded and they all smiled.

"She just said I'm not good enough for Prem because I am weak, pathetic, worthless and many more." She sobbed softly.

That's because you are all those things. It's true. - her daunting conscience told her.

Prem cuddled her and placed soft kisses on the side of her face.

"I can't believe she would actually say something like that. Although Vishal did mention it briefly, hearing it from Priya Jiji hurts more." Rohan said.

"She's such a cow. Who is she to say that to Priya Jiji? Who!" Simran said coldly.

"I can't believe she would say that to my baby sister! How dare that bitch say that my baby sister doesn't deserve Prem Baiya. She just can't be happy in anyone else's happiness, can she?" Sadhana growled. Vivek calmed her down.

"She's put Priya through enough torture and pain. First physical pain, now emotional pain. How dare she? She's got another thing coming. Why can't she just leave Priya alone?" Preeti growled.

"She said I don't deserve Prem because he's so strong and independent, who can fight his own battles. But I can't. I depend on you all and that makes me weak and insignificant. That's why I don't deserve Prem." She said in a weak voice.

"But overall, I don't deserve love." Priya said, her voice weak and barely above a whisper.

"Please don't believe what she says, Priya. Okay? Who is she to decide who is good enough for me or deserves me? No one." Prem consoled her and caressed her cheeks.

"Priya, you deserve Prem Baiya more than anyone in the world. Please don't believe what Rita says because it's not like Rita deserves him anyway. She's a cold hearted and evil person, in comparison to a warm hearted and kind girl like you." Preeti said.

"Your bond with Prem Baiya is unbreakable. Both your love for eachother is so strong and Rita will never be able to break it." Sadhana said.

"Priya, you're amazing and Prem is so lucky to have you. You're sweet, beautiful, cute and so much more. What the hell is that bitch Rita? She needs to stop this before she will see the worst of me." Anjali said.

Rahul caressed Anjali's cheek and looked at her fondly,

"Madonna, you're a brave one." He said and they all laughed.

"No one should have a say in how love works. No one. Rather than judging people's happiness, we should be happy in their happiness." Ram explained.

"Papa is right. Love is gifted to special people who have a kind and compassionate heart. And that's all you Priya and that's why you and Prem are a match made in heaven." Vivek explained kindly. Those were the exact same words that Vishal said.

Priya looked up at all of them and they nodded and smiled.

"Wait. But why is Rita sabotaging your's and Prem's relationship anyway? Is there a particular reason?" Mamta asked. Ram agreed

That's when everyone realised that Mamta and Ram didn't know that Rita was in love with Prem. Only Sunita and Pritam. They decided not to tell Ram and Mamta because Bhagwanti would just twist words. This was evident on the night Priya was accused of making Ram by giving the supposed wrong tablet.

"Oh. Maa, Papa, you don't know, do you?" Prem asked with Priya rested against him.

"No beta. Is there something we should know?" Ram asked with am eyebrow raised.

"Um, the reason why Rita has been attacking Priya and sabotaging their relationship is because she's in love with Prem." Sunita said.

Ram and Mamta's jaws dropped and eyes widened. They gasped and were at a loss of words.

"You can't be serious?" Ram asked.

"It's true. Apparently from childhood days." Simran said. "Bechara. How can she?" She said disgusted.

"Prem beta, how do you feel about that?" Mamta asked her favourite son, with a worried and sympathetic look.

Prem took a deep breath. Priya looked up at him from his chest and her heart was beating. All eyes were on him. He rubbed Priya's back softly and said,

"I was shocked when I found out. She's related to me and she's in love with me? That's weird. I don't love her at all. No way would I ever fall in love with her. I love Priya so much and nothing will change that. She can't change the fact that Priya has a special place in my heart."

Priya felt a smile crawl on her face. She could feel the love for Prem just bursting. She honestly loved the man that was right next to her, who enveloped her in his arms. Words couldn't describe how much, but she definitely knew that she loved him so much.

"I just don't understand how attacking Priya would actually help her win Prem. My daughter is happy with him and she can't take that away." Sunita said stroking Priya's hair.

Priya looked up at her mother, then she got out of Prem's embrace and snuggled against her mother. Sunita wrapped her arms around her daughter and pressed a soft kiss on her hair. Prem and Priya entwined their fingers together.

"I don't know either Maa." She said.

"Priya, she's jealous." Amar stated.

Priya looked at Amar, confused.

"What do you mean, Amar?" She asked.

"She's jealous that you've got someone as kind and good looking as Prem in your life who loves you to bits. She doesn't. She can't stand that you've been blessed with such happiness and now she's trying to take it away from you." He elaborated.

"He's right. She's just jealous of how amazing you are and you're lucky that you've got Prem, who puts a smile to your face everyday, makes your heart flutter, your eyes glitter." Anand said.

"Ohhh how romantic, Anand babu." Anwar, Neha, Anjali, Rohan and Simran teased. Everyone else, including, Priya giggled sweetly.

"He's not that romantic." Sangeeta teased. Anand smacked her gently.

"See? No one can change how I feel about you and how much you mean to me, Priya." Prem said to her and they both smiled.

"Zindagi pyar dene aur pyar lene ka naam hai ... aur kuch nahi. (Life is about giving and receiving love ... and nothing else)." Rahul said. Preeti, Sameer and Sadhana nodded.

"We've got another romantic one here." Anjali teased Rahul and they all laughed.

"But Rahul Baiya, you used to make fun of love despite being in love with Anjali Didi, what happened now suddenly?" Rohan asked with a smirk.

"You've got to hold the things that you value the most." Rahul said.

"You making fun of love just meant you were happy with Anjali." Lalloo said.

"Yeah exactly." Rahul said.

Love is something so valuable that one should treasure. No one should take advantage of it. The couples who were deeply in love valued it most and kept it close to their heart.

"But, Prem." Priya said anxiously, insecurity in her voice.

"What is it, Priya?" Prem asked softly, cupping her beautiful face.

"I was the one that brought the troubles in our relationship from the start. I could have stopped it then, but I thought I would be able to handle it myself. I couldn't. And look where that has put me." Priya said weakly with fear and tears gathered in her green eyes.

"Priya, listen. Rita attacking you was not in your control. You didn't know she would do it and neither did we. Please don't blame yourself. You've done nothing wrong." Prem said, cupping her cheeks and tucking her straight hair behind her ear.

"Look at how I'm depending on you all to deal with problems. That's how pathetic and weak I am." Priya said in a scared voice.

"Priya, listen. Telling us what you're going through doesn't mean you're weak. It means you're getting support to help you. If you hadn't told us anything and instead kept it inside you, that would mean you're too weak and scared to deal with the problems." Vivek explained.

"And telling us would make you stronger." Pritam said.

"Really?" She asked in a timid voice.

"Yes. And then maybe one day, you can attack Rita, maybe even worse." Sameer joked and they all laughed.

"See beta. There's no need to be scared. You're going to be safe here." Pritam told his youngest daughter.

"Just trust us and we will be here." Chameli and Lalloo said.

"I mean, it may take time to recover from this trauma. We're not saying that it will go by tomorrow. We're just saying that it will take time. We will help you and you just need to stay positive, Priya." Neha said smiling. Priya smiled.

"Yeah she's right. Try not to worry too much." Anjali said.

Priya nodded and stayed silent. But, suddenly she let out a devastated sob. Her eyes once again filled with tears. She remembered something else and it hit her right in the heart.

"Priya, what is it baby?" Sunita asked worriedly. Prem looked down at her full of concern.

"Kya hua, Shona?" He asked.

"I-I don't want to go back to work yet. I'm scared if something else happens again. I can't deal with this sort of danger. I'm scared of the outside world right now. I can't do it, Prem. Prem, please don't make me go back to work. Please-" Priya rambled in a panicked and desperate voice, which was interrupted by Prem.

Prem saw how frightened she was of the outside world. Rita had done this to his Priya and he was going to protect Priya at all costs. The love of his life was worried and scared she would be attacked again and Prem wanted to help her.

"Sssshhh, ssssshhhh. Priya." He comforted her. The tears were rolling down her cheeks and no one could blame her for how frightened she was.

"We're not going to make you go to work. We won't. It's too dangerous for you to get out there. I nearly lost you again now and I'm not letting you out of my sight or leave you alone." Prem told her gently. He smiled softly and she knew she could trust him. Their love for eachother will help her through this.

"It's not safe out there for you, Priya. So we're going to keep you in the house for you to get better." Amar said.

Priya rested her head against Prem's chest and sighed in content. She was still a bit frightened, but not as before. Speaking out about it really helped. She didn't feel so alone and Vishal was right, she needed to trust and confide in her family.

"Thank you so much everyone. For listening to me and supporting me." She said sweetly. Prem wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head.

"It's okay Priya. It's what we're here for." Preeti and Sadhana said.

"Exactly. We're here to keep you safe." Amar said. Everyone else nodded in agreement.

"Don't worry, beta. Try not to over think anything because it will affect your mental health." Sunita said, kissing her forehead.

Priya smiled. She then sat with her back facing Prem. Her back pressed against his warm chest and her head against his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her. She relaxed in his embrace, with the blanket around her. She snuggled against him.

The living room became loud as it was filled with chatter. This gave the lovers a private moment.

"I love you so much Priya." He whispered to her quietly and kindly, leaning down to the side near her cheek.

"I love you more Prem." She whispered in response sweetly, looking at him to the side. "Please don't leave me." She said in a desperate voice.

"I'm never leaving you. I'm going to stay by your side no matter what." Prem told her gently. She smiled at him. She could hear the trust and love in his soothing voice.

Prem leaned down to press a soft and loving kiss on the side of Priya's rosy lips. His nose muzzled against her cheek. She smiled as she felt Prem's lips against the corner of her lips.

No one was looking so Prem continued to kiss the side of her lips. Priya smiled sweetly and giggled.

Prem pulled away and smiled. She smiled too and relaxed against his body with the grey blanket wrapped around her for warmth. Prem leaned his head against Priya's.

"Hey Priya." Preeti and Sadhana said kindly, with smiles on their faces. Everyone looked at Priya with a smile.

"Yes?" She asked sweetly, smiling.

"You still up to watch Raja?" Preeti asked.

"Yes yes please. I really want to watch Madhuri Dixit's and Sanjay Kapoor's new film." She said cutely and happily. Her face glowed and her eyes brightened.

"Awww she's so cute." Sangeeta, Neha, Anjali, and Chameli cooed.

"This should help you clear your head after everything." Amar said, smiling.

"Yeah he's right. Forget about what happened and just enjoy the film." Vivek said, giving her an encouraging smile.

"How does that sound as a distraction, Shona?" Prem asked softly, gently massaging her shoulders.

"Only if you stay with me, Prem." She said in a small and nervous, but sweet voice. Her beautifil green eyes looking up at him with innocence and sweetness. Prem cooed and said gently,

"I have nowhere else to be, Priya. I will be right here." He smiled at her and she returned the smile. She cuddled and smiled,

"Thank you. I'm just going to hopefully clear my head after everything." She said sweetly. Prem kissed her temple softly and wrapping his arms around her.

"That's my baby girl." Sunita said and kissed Priya's injured fingers.

Simran and Rohan put the film, Raja, on. They were all excited to watch the film because they have been going on about it for so long. Madhuri Dixit was their favourite actress, along with others, but she was their all time favourite, especially of the girls.

Everyone snuggled up next to their significant other, except for the parents and Anwar, to enjoy the film.

While watching the film, Prem occasionally placed soft kisses on Priya's cheek, just to keep her safe and comfortable. He whispered,

"You okay, Princess?"

"Yes Prince." She whispered sweetly, looking up at him.

"Enjoying the film?" He asked.

"Yes whilst sitting with you." She said snuggling up against him. He wrapped his arms around her and smiled at her fondly before placing a soothing kiss on the top of her head. He placed his cheek against the side of her head and cuddled her. Priya relaxed in her lover's embrace and continued watching the film.

1:15am

It was late when the film ended. While the end credits were rolling with the song, Nazrein Mili Dil Dhadka, Preeti said,

"That was a great film wasn't it?"

"Haan it was. Madhuri was lovely in the film." Sunita said.

"And Sanjay's acting was amazing." Simran said happily.

"Sanjay Kapoor or Vishal?" Sameer teased, reminding her of the time at the party when she mistook Vishal for Sanjay Kapoor.

Simran blushed embarrassingly,

"Please Sameer Baiya, stop." She groaned. They all laughed.

"The songs were great too." Neha said.

"Definitely. I liked Kisi Din Banoongi, Akhiyan Milaoon Kabhi." Amar said.

"Nazrein Mili Dil Dhadka was an amazing one too." Anjali said.

"Yeah everything about the film was amazing." Prem said and as he stretched, he heard a soft and sweet whine next to him.

When he looked down, he saw Priya cuddled up next to him, asleep. She looked sweet and adorable. The side of her face rested against Prem's chest. Her hands were by her side, cuddled next her. Her breathing was soft, but there was a frown on her lips. She looked a bit anxious while asleep.

"Princess?" He asked softly and delicately as he tried to place her to sleep in a different position. He tried to put her away from his chest and against the sofa, but she stirred softly. She buried her face further in Prem's chest and gripped his chest in tiny bunches, as she clung onto Prem more.

"Aww beta she doesn't want to move from you." Ram said.

"She finds more comfort against your chest." Sunita said softly.

Prem understood this and said kindly,

"Okay, Princess, okay." He wrapped his arms around her. She instantly buried her face in Prem's chest and snuggled against his warm body.

"Awww." Simran, Sangeeta, Chameli and Neha cooed.

"She's so cute and adorable like a baby." Anjali, Preeti and Sadhana cooed.

The boys smiled. Prem smiled down fondly at Priya sleeping against him. He loved this girl so much that no one could ever change that. He knew Priya was scared about everything and he was going to be the one to protect her in his open arms, cuddles and kisses. He knew Priya needed him the most, to know that she's not weak, insignificant, worthless. He was going to hold her hand through this difficult time.

He ran his fingers through her beautiful brown hair softly and got his other arm to wrap around her waist. He got Priya's body closer to him.

"Prem beta, are you okay?" Mamta asked her favourite son.

Prem looked at his mother and smiled,

"Haan I am. But I'm worried how Priya is feeling. She might be okay now, but in the morning, she could be feeling scared again." He said worried.

"Prem, she won't feel like that around you. You're going to be with her through all this. We all know this is also a difficult time for you too because it does involve you. But, Priya is lucky to have you. She just needs your comfort, protection and mostly love." Vivek explained.

"Yes Prem Baiya. You've been great towards her and I know you'll continue to do so." Preeti smiled.

"You've been amazing since the start, Prem Baiya and we are very grateful for it." Sadhana said.

"I couldn't agree more." Sunita said smiling.

"But. I think you should do something Prem." Anwar said.

"What is it, Bhaijaan?" Prem asked.

"Talk to Rita at some point and ask her why she's doing this. You need to have a private talk to ask her. She won't admit anything in front of us. She might tell you why she's doing all this to Priya." He explained.

"I agree. The only way forward from this is confrontation and find answers." Vivek added.

"Um, are you sure? What if I don't find out anything?" Prem asked.

"You won't know unless you try, Prem." Amar said.

"Do you want Priya to be safe and happy?" Anjali asked. Prem nodded.

"Of course I do. That's all I care about." He said.

"Then do it for her sake. You might be able to find a few things out to help Priya." Neha explained.

"But what if Priya gets scared thinking Prem Baiya will get hurt?" Sadhana asked.

"Well Prem Baiya will kick her butt so far that she'll be out the universe in no time." Sameer joked. They all laughed.

"Yes. Prem is a strong one, who would even walk through fire for Priya." Pritam said.

"Have a think about it and let us know when you want to do it." Anand said.

"And beta, don't go alone. Take one of the boys with you in case something happens. We don't want you hurt and Priya getting upset over it." Mamta said.

"Or worry us for that matter." Pritam and Ram said.

"Yes Maa. I think I need to find answers." Prem said.

"You'll be fine, yaar. Trust us." Rahul said. They all nodded and smiled at Prem.

Suddenly, they heard a frightened gasp and scared stirring in the room. They all looked to where it was coming from, and it was Priya.

"Priya!" Prem and everyone else gasped with shock.

Priya was whining with devastation and clutching the grey blanket for dear life. She was shaking her head and cried,

"No. No. P-please....don't h-hurt me."

"She's having a nightmare." Sadhana said worriedly. Sadhana, Preeti, Neha, Sangeeta, Pritam, Mamta, Amar and Vivek rushed over near Prem and Sunita, where Priya was laid against Prem's chest, having a nightmare.

Prem's heart started beating quickly and he said soothingly,

"Hey Priya. Shona, it's okay."

"Priya, beta. Can you hear us?" Sunita asked worryingly.

Priya continued shaking and whining with devastation. Prem rubbed her back and whispered sweet nothings in her ear.

"Priya, baby sister. We're here. Don't worry. No one is going to hurt you." Sadhana said.

"I think she's having a panic attack again." Neha said.

"Again?" Anjali and Rahul gasped. "That's terrible." Anjali said.

"Sunshine, it's okay. We're here." Sangeeta consoled.

Priya was breathing rapidly, trying to get her breathing back to normal. But her heart was beating fast, as all the attacks started replaying in her head.

"M-make it s-stop. Don't h-hurt me." She cried whilst her eyes were closed.

"Priya, no one is going to hurt you, beta. We're here to keep you safe." Pritam said.

"Please baby sister." Preeti said with worry.

"She'll be okay. She needs time." Vivek said.

"Maybe you should all move back a bit and give space." Ram suggested.

"You're right." Mamta said. So, Vivek, Amar, Mamta and Pritam moved back. Neha, Preeti and Sadhana stayed near Priya. Sadhana stood near Sunita, whilst Preeti and Neha stood near Prem.

Prem and Sunita continued rubbing her back and Prem planted soft butterfly kisses on her head to calm her.

After a few minutes, her panic attack stopped. Priya slowly opened her eyes, with a whimper leaving her mouth and squinted her eyes to adjust to the brightness of the light. She slowly sat up and she looked around the room with wide and innocent eyes.

"Hey, Priya. Are you okay?" Sadhana and Preeti asked. Prem stroked her back and Priya said weakly,

"Yes. I don't know I just got scared again in my sleep. All the attacks came back to my head."

"Hey don't worry. We're going to be here, by your side." Prem told her softly.

"How are you feeling now, beta?" Sunita asked her youngest daughter, caressing her hand.

"I'm just tired." She yawned softly like a kitten. She rested against Prem's chest and he wrapped his arms around her.

"Okay beta. It is getting a bit late." Sunita said.

"She's had such a long day." Mamta said.

Her eyelids were slowly closing and within seconds, she fell asleep. Prem smiled and kissed her head softly. He ran his fingers through her beautiful brown hair. Her breathing pace was steady and soft.

"Prem beta, I think you should take Priya to her room to sleep." Mamta said.

"Haan. I might actually." Prem said.

"You should all go to bed. It's getting late." Sunita said.

"Yeah we've got work anyway." Sameer said stretching his arms.

"Prem, you can have a few days off to help Priya recover." Ram told his son.

"Serious? That's not fair. Lucky." Sameer playfully said.

"You never do work, Sameer. So there's no day off for you." Rahul teased.

"Yeah. You only carry Papa's briefcase." Sangeeta said. They all laughed.

"Thank you Papa." Prem said.

"Prem, thank you so much. In fact, thank you all, for being near Priya." Pritam said. "God bless you all." He added. Sunita agreed.

"It's what we do for our dear one, Uncle." Vivek said.

"Come on, Priya. It's time for your princess sleep." Prem said softly, slowly taking Priya in his arms.

Priya stirred softly and Prem comforted her,

"Sssh. Princess, you continue sleeping." He whispered. He picked her up in bridal style and Priya instantly snuggled against his chest with the grey blanket draped over her. He smiled and leaned down to press a soft kiss on her warm forehead.

Preeti, Sadhana and Sunita walked up to Prem and Priya. Sadhana stroked Priya's hair fondly and Preeti said,

"Let's go."

"Goodnight everyone." Prem, Preeti, Sadhana and Sunita said.

Everyone else turned around and responded,

"Goodnight."

Prem, with Priya sleeping in his arms, Preeti, Sadhana and Sunita went to the three sisters' room.

Preeti turned the light on and they all walked in. Prem went over to Priya's bed and placed Priya down. When he placed Priya down, she whined and whimpered and clutched more onto Prem.

Prem and Sunita chuckled softly and Preeti and Sadhana cooed.

"Ssshh. It's okay. You're just going to bed, Priya." He whispered. He placed her down on the bed, with her head rested on her pink pilow. She relaxed on the warm and soft bed and snuggled, making Prem coo quietly to himself.

Sadhana removed the grey blanket and Sunita covered her body in her pink blanket. Priya relaxed and snuggled against the pilow and blanket. Her mother sat by her side to tuck her in. Sunita leaned down to press a soft kiss on her daughter's forehead,

"Hai mere bacha, you sleep tight." She said quietly and fondly,

"Yeah she needs rest." Preeti said.

Suddenly, there was a soft and sweet stir in the room,

"Prem." Priya stirred sweetly in her sleep. They all heard her and couldn't help but coo.

"Aww she's so cute." Sadhana and Preeti said. Prem smiled kindly and lovingly at Priya and entwined their fingers together.

"I'm here, Priya. It's okay. You continue sleeping." He whispered to her before bringing her injured hand close to his lips to softly kiss it.

"How is she?" Mamta asked, coming into the room.

"She's sleeping now." Sunita said.

"And not letting Prem Baiya go." Preeti chuckled. Mamta ran her fingers through Prem's hair, which Prem leaned against her touch and embrace, and said,

"Beta, you can stay next to her tonight. She needs you." Prem looked up at his mother,

"Are you sure? Is it not bad to sleep next to a girl before marriage?" He asked. His mother chuckled fondly at her favourite son and cupped his cheeks,

"Beta, you're not going to be doing anything intimate with her. You're just going to sleep next to her and keep her safe. Nothing inappropriate." Mamta said before kissing her son's forehead.

"She needs you, Prem Baiya." Sadhana said.

"Okay. I'll stay here tonight." Prem said. He looked down at Priya sleeping and smiled.

After a few minutes, everyone had gone to bed. Sadhana slept in a separate room with Vivek, so that meant it was only Preeti, Priya and Prem in the room.

Prem was changed and he sat near Priya on the bed. He was wrapped in Priya's pink blanket. Preeti was already asleep and so was Priya. Priya was cuddled up next to him, sleeping. Her head rested near his lap. Prem ran his fingers through her beautiful brown hair and was thinking deeply. He also entwined their fingers together.

Priya was so scared of the world and it was all because of Rita. She had a few moments in her sleep just now where she was frightened and panicked, perhaps nightmares of the attacks. He needed to do something to stop this. He hated seeing his Priya frightened and in danger. He hated how Rita put words into Priya's head, making Priya blame herself for everything.

Prem leaned down near Priya's ear. He caressed her rosy cheek and whispered quietly,

"Priya, you're beautiful, amazing and a special person on this beautiful earth, not a scar. Your sweet smile makes the sun shine brighter to my days, your angelic laugh keeps me alive all day, your beautiful voice makes my heart flutter, your beauty makes me go weak on my knees. I know you might not realise it, because of what Rita said, but please believe me, my love, that you are the reason the world stops, stares and smiles when it sees you. I don't know what I have done to deserve someone as amazing as you, but just know that you are the queen of my heart, who will forever reign it. You're so beautiful and precious that I will keep you in my arms forever to keep you happy and safe. No one deserves me as much as you do. There may be alot of pretty girls out there, but you, Rajkumari, are the one who has captured my heart. I love you so much, my Princess, my sweetheart, my darling, my love,"

Prem had to pause because his voice was breaking and tears gathered in his warm brown orbs. Everything that Priya was going through brought pain to his heart. Why couldn't he endure the suffering and not Priya? He nuzzled his nose against Priya's soft cheek and continued, with a cracked voice,

"Words can't even describe how much I love you, Priya. I know it looks silly that I'm saying this to you while you're asleep, but I want you to know that I love you immensely with my heart more than anything in the world."

Tears were rolling down his face, but he let them. He didn't stop it because he shared Priya's pain just as much as she went through it. He leaned down and placed numerous soft kisses all over her beautiful face and the top of her head.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck and breathed in and out. After a few minutes, he lifted his face slightly out of her neck,

"Priya, we will put an end to all this. Till you no longer have to suffer because of Rita. We will all help you. Just know that you're not alone in this. I promise, we will put an end to this, my beautiful girl, I promise." He said. He kissed her forehead softly and let her sleep.

After those heartfelt words to the love of his life, he grabbed his phone to text someone.

Prem: Rita. You better be awake right now.

Rita: Hey Prem! 💋💋 How's it going, handsome hunk?

Just by that text, Prem scoffed and rolled his eyes. He could see that Rita was flirting with him. It was disgusting.

Prem: Don't you dare call me that when you know that I have a girlfriend that I love so much. 😡

Rita: Oh I'm sorry! Someone's angry 😉

Prem: Yes I am. Angry at you. You've got some explaining to do.

Rita: Oh I do? 🤔 Well, what do I have to explain about to you?

Prem: Don't be stupid right now. 😒 You know what I'm talking about and it has made me the angriest ever at you

Rita: If you're so angry at me right now, why are you texting me?

Prem: Because I need to talk to you urgently

Rita: Oh really? Why don't you talk to your pathetic girlfriend?

Prem wanted to shout and scream at how Rita was aggravating him. But he had to keep quiet because Priya and Preeti were asleep.

Prem: My girlfriend is not pathetic. Priya is amazing and beautiful and that's why I love her. But you've done some dangerous and brutal things to her which you're going to explain.

Rita: Ha, Priya, 'amazing and beautiful'. I beg to differ 😑

Prem: Bitch, shut your mouth right now. You're the pathetic one here. 😡

Rita: I love it when you're angry. You're so hot.

Prem: Bitch, I will kill you in the most brutal way if you flirt with me one more time.

Rita: I can't help flirting with someone as hot as you 🙊

Prem: You don't get to call me 'hot' because we're related and I'm with Priya. So bitch, get a life. Now, as I was saying, I need to talk to you.

Rita: Okay cool, what do you need to talk about?

Prem: Everything. Now that it's late past midnight, I'll see you in the morning.

Rita: Cool. Can't wait!

Prem: Shut up. This isn't anything good. It's serious.

Rita: Alright. Whatever. I'll see you tomorrow.

Prem read the message and didn't reply. He didn't want to deal with Rita right now. He turned the bedside lamp off. He laid down next to Priya, instantly smiling at her fondly.

He wrapped his arms around her and brought her closer to his chest, which caused Priya to stir,

"Ssssshh. It's just me, Princess." He whispered. She instantly snuggled and buried her face in his chest. Her breathing soft. Prem wrapped his arms around her and planted soft butterfly kisses on her head to comfort her to sleep.

After a few seconds, he closed his eyes and fell asleep, with the love of his life in his arms.

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A/N

Hey everyone! Another update of Voh Meri Rajkumari Hai! I hope you enjoy it! 💖

We found out Priya's perspective, now the next chapter will be Prem's confrontation to Rita!

Do vote, comment and enjoy! It means well! ❤❤

Shout out to -TiaRoshan for finishing her amazing book, You Are Mine! ❤❤ It's a beautiful story and if you haven't checked it out, then what are you doing? Go check it out.

Yours forever,

Rima (Saalrishma_Pyar) ❤

*that song was used on the first Prem and Priya day out as a couple btw ❤

Enjoy! 😗💖