Warning: mentions of self-harm and drug dealing in this chapter. Read at your own risk!!

4:30pm

Prem brought a sleeping Priya home after watching the clouds together. He carried her in bridal style in his arms, while she snuggled against his body and rested her head against his warm chest.

He placed Priya down gently on her side of the bed after moving the blanket. She stirred sweetly a bit when she was put down, but Prem quietened her down with soothing words,

"Sssh, it's okay, Shona." He then leaned down and kissed her forehead softly once placing her down. Her head rested on her pink pillow. He sat down beside her and grabbed the grey blanket for Priya to cuddle with. Ever since her attack in the haunted place and Vishal saved her, she always clung onto that blanket. It was like a shield and protection for her because she always cuddled it. Its softness around her made her feel warm and allowed her to hide from the scary world. Besides Prem, that grey blanket was her protection.

As soon as Prem draped the grey blanket on Priya, she immediately cuddled and snuggled it, turning to the left side, making Prem coo and smile fondly at her. He leaned down to kiss her cheek softly. He then got the larger pink blanket to wrap her up. He caressed her hair softly and gently, staring at her in awe and fondness, the love for her lingering in his eyes.

Prem stared down at the love of his life, thinking about how lucky he was to have her. She was amazing, adorable, beautiful, kind, intelligent and many more gifted things, but she never saw it. Priya would never believe or see herself all those things, all because of Rita. What happened today and what he found out about Rita's scheme to sabotage their relationship angered and infuriated him. He was not going to spare Rita, but he needed to focus on Priya mostly. This was the height of her mental health problem and he was going to help her through it. Now he knew Rita's motives and reasons for what she's put Priya through, he was going take care of her.

Prem hadn't mentioned his talk to Bhagwanti about the drugs yet to Priya. He was going to tell her straight away, but after seeing Priya's condition when she found out what Rita said, he knew he had to hold it for some time, until the time was good. But it had to be sooner than later for Priya's mental health and mostly because they needed to share everything and trust each other.

Putting his thoughts aside, he leaned down to kiss her head softly and whispered,

"Get some rest, my beautiful girl." He kissed her lips softly and added, "I love you so much."

Prem stood up and closed the curtains to block the light so Priya could sleep comfortably. Once doing that, he unbuttoned his light brown shirt. He went to the mirror to check himself out. He was in a white tank top, and stared at his muscled biceps and chiseled abs.

His eyes spotted three scars on his left shoulder from earlier today. He hadn't mentioned it to anyone, only Rahul and Amar knew. He traced a finger on the three scars and immediately hissed at the sting. He decided to brush it off, yawning afterwards. He hadn't got much sleep, so he decided to take an afternoon nap with Priya. That way, they both got some well needed sleep.

He walked over to the bed and sat near Priya, wrapping himself up with her pink blanket. He smiled down fondly at Priya. Before he was going to lie down, his phone pinged with a message. He groaned in annoyance and grabbed his phone from the bedside table to see who it was. He furrowed his eyes brows at the message.

Mami Ji: Prem beta, please don't tell anyone about me drug dealing. Please.

Prem felt himself get angry, but decided to deal with it calmly. He unlocked his phone to reply to his aunt's message.

Prem: Only if you stop torturing my Priya with your stupid niece, I won't tell.

Mami Ji: Don't tell Priya either. I don't want to hurt her any more than I already have.

Prem: So now you have a heart? Now you decide to think about Priya? But, why can't I tell Priya? She will want answers and I will give the answers that my beautiful girl wants.

Mami Ji: Please don't. I don't want to cause more chaos and Rita finding out.

Prem: Firstly, stop caring what your niece thinks and does. It's my Priya you should be thinking about and you and your niece caused so much chaos on her.

Prem: You know better than to listen to your niece, Mami Ji. Priya has gone through so much and you know this. So let me tell Priya, because she's scared, thinking you will give her another drug overdose and she shouldn't be thrown into the darkness for anything.

Bhagwanti didn't reply to his message, so Prem locked his phone after exiting their chat and put his phone on the bedside table.

He turned to his right side and instantly his lips curled into a fond and loving smile when he saw Priya snuggled up sleeping. Soft breaths left her beautiful and rosy lips and Prem mentally cooed to himself. He lied down and brought her small body closer against his chest to cuddle her, making her stir sweetly.

"Hey Princess, it's just me." He whispered softly once he got her closer to him. Priya snuggled against his chest and Prem wrapped his arm around her slim waist cosily. He buried his nose in her straight brown hair and kissed her head softly, before falling asleep with her.

Meanwhile, Rita came into her room that she shared with Bhagwanti, full of anger and frustration. She slammed the door shut, which shook the room and startled Bhagwanti.

"You have to stop slamming doors like that, stupid girl!" Bhagwanti fussed, but saw Rita with tears in her eyes. Tears of anger and fury. "What's up with you?" She asked her niece, furrowing her eyebrows.

"Nothing ever goes my way! Why does fate go against me?" She cried, full of anger and hostility.

"What do you mean?" Bhagwanti asked.

"Anything I plan, I get exposed. Every time I try to plan something to attack Priya, it backfires. I just don't know why!" She cried loudly, throwing her hands up in the air out of frustration. "You should give her those dangerous drugs  so she dies from a drug overdose." She muttered bitterly.

"And what would that get you to? Why would even think of putting Priya through any more torture, Rita!" Bhagwanti replied harshly, glaring at her niece.

Rita turned around in shock, looking at Bhagwanti and said,

"Why are you speaking like that? As if you don't want to help me sabotage Prem's and Priya's relationship?"

"Because I don't! Not anymore! I've had enough of this stupid and dangerous scheme! Rita, you need to stop this! It's not fair on Priya and Prem at all! They should be happy in their beautiful relationship, not worried or scared about the next thing you plan. What are you gaining from any of this? You managed to destroy Rani's and Vishal's relationship, why try sabotaging your cousin brother's relationship with the love of his life? You don't even love Prem, that was a lie. Oh because such beautiful relationships do not last because of your abusive relationship with Dev!" Bhagwanti demanded, glaring at Rita with angry eyes.

Rita cowered back in fear at her aunt's expression. She never saw Bhagwanti this angry ever, not even at Priya.

"M-Mami Ji, you can't be serious? You were with me on all this." She said in shock.

"Not anymore. I'm sick of this, Rita. It's not fair on Priya. Why should she go through torture just because she's happy with the man she loves so much? Is it worth destroying their happiness, no." Bhagwanti said.

"But you did contribute to the torture. E.g sexual harassment and telling Aunty to turn against Priya's and Prem's relationship." Rita said.

"I know that. But I will go through my way to amend those things. Meanwhile, you can go to hell, Rita." Bhagwanti spat and left the room, slamming the door shut.

Rita jumped when the door slammed, not believing her aunt. She thought Bhagwanti would help her with this, but no, the tables turned. She sort of predicted this would happen. No her plans were going to fail. She was never going to sabotage Prem's and Priya's relationship because everyone was on their side. Everyone sympathised with Priya, but no one sympathised with Rita.

But Rita smirked devilishly when she remembered something else that she could use against Priya. Although Rita was a home wrecker of Rani's and Vishal's relationship and was trying to home wreck Priya's and Prem's relationship, no one realised that the mother-son relationship of Prem and Mamta was slowly tearing apart. Ever since Priya was hospitalised because of the sleeping pill overdose, Prem never spoke or spared a glance at his mother, because she tried telling Prem to break up with Priya because her problems and torture were bringing tension to the family and stress in Prem's life. Because of that, Mamta and Prem's bond was slowly shattering and it was because of Priya due to her problems.

"Hm, I may be a home wrecker in love relationships, Priya, but nothing is worse than wrecking the relationship of that between a son and a mother." She told herself, with a bitter chuckle leaving her lips.

Vishal sat in his room chair, staring at the picture of Rani. He now had the answer to who destroyed their relationship. He wasn't even upset anymore, just angry that he could not stop it before their relationship ended. He could have helped Rani with everything Rita/Sonia put her through, but he didn't know because Rani never told him. This was why he told Priya to spill her heart out to Prem and not hide anything that bothered her because that was key to a healthy relationship and would strengthen their beautiful relationship. Vishal saw how Prem always took care of Priya with so much love and protection and believed he would do everything to keep their relationship safe from Rita's schemes.

But, he had a question in his head: What was Rita's actual name, Rita or Sonia? And who was Dev and what did he have to say about the abusive relationship between him and Rita/Sonia?

"Are you serious?" Vivek, Sadhana, Neha, Sangeeta, Anand, Anwar, Lalloo and Chameli gasped.

"Yes, she was in an abusive relationship with a man called Dev. Because of that, she sabotaged Vishal's relationship with Rani and trying to sabotage Prem's and Priya's relationship. Because she thinks such beautiful relationships do not last." Rahul explained.

"Poor Priya. All that must have torn her and made things worse for her." Neha said.

"She really doesn't deserve her happiness with Prem Baiya to get ruined." Simran said. "I really love Prem Baiya's and Priya Jiji's relationship. It's the strongest and most beautiful relationship ever." She added.

"I won't let Rita and Mami Ji win. We will get justice for my baby sister. We will." Sadhana said.

"Hang on. Does Rita actually love Prem Baiya?" Sangeeta and Chameli asked.

"No she doesn't. She was lying." Amar and Preeti said. The others were shocked, their eyes bulging out of their sockets and their jaws dropping.

"Is she being for real? She's out of her mind and put my baby sister through so much torture for no reason." Sadhana raged, making Preeti and Neha console her.

"You're right Bhabi. She's just so selfish and jealous of Priya, because she couldn't have what Priya has with Prem Baiya with Dev." Anand said.

"Not to mention, she's mentally and physically abusing Priya. That doesn't make the situation any better. It makes her more of a jerk like Dev." Anwar said.

"And she actually thought Prem Baiya would start abusing Priya because the torture she was facing would stress him out. Is she kidding me? Why would Prem Baiya think of doing that?" Sameer said.

"She's really testing us and especially Prem Baiya. Wow, she's a complete brat." Lalloo and Chameli said.

"Guys, I'm going to speak to Maa and tell her this new found information and see what she has to say about their relationship. She told Priya that Rita was 'fighting for her love' and tried convincing Prem to separate from Priya. But let's see what she's got to say now." Vivek said. The others smiled in gratitude for his wise help.

"Do you think we should tell Maa and Papa about this?" Preeti asked.

"It's up to Priya and Prem. Plus, Kala and Pritam Uncle still don't know what Aunty said to Priya and Prem about their relationship etc." Rahul said, the others agreeing.

Vivek went upstairs to his parents' room to speak to his mother about Prem's and Priya's relationship. He hoped she would change her mind and support their relationship.

He knocked on the golden doors, before a very tired aaye was heard. He opened the door and saw his mother lying down, who looked down. He gave a small smile and came in, whilst his mother sat up.

"Maa, I need to speak about something to you." Vivek started, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Kya?" Mamta asked, her voice not sounding very happy. More like anxious and very tired. She wasn't her usual motherly self, after Priya's sleeping pill overdose because no one seemed to pay any attention to her, especially her favourite son, Prem.

"About Prem and Priya. Their relationship, that's being sabotaged by Rita." Vivek stated.

"She's only sabotaging it because she's in love with Prem too." Mamta said in a dull voice. Vivek looked at his mother and shook his head,

"Nahi Maa. That's not why. She lied. She's sabotaging their relationship because to her, such beautiful relationships do not last." 

"That's why I said for Prem to break up with Priya, because the problems Priya is facing is causing tension to the family and stress in Prem's life." Mamta said.

"That's what you're not understanding Maa. None of this was Priya's fault. Priya didn't do anything wrong. It's Rita who has caused all this to her. But Prem and Priya are still strongly in love with each other and nothing stops them. Prem is helping Priya through what she's going through, and Priya has not given up on this fight. They complete each other." Vivek explained, standing up.

There was a tension filled silence lingering in the air for a few minutes, Mamta taking in what her eldest and wisest son said.

"Why doesn't Rita think beautiful relationships won't last?" Mamta asked.

"Because she had what Prem and Priya have three years ago, with a man named Dev, but he abused her, which caused her to become bitter and jealous about Prem's and Priya's relationship. She believes that by torturing Priya, Prem would get sick of Priya and abuse it, giving Rita satisfaction." Vivek explained.

Mamta was shocked to hear what Vivek said. She never imagined that Rita would stoop so low.

"Aur Maa, this isn't the first time Rita has done this. She actually makes herself as Sonia and sabotaged Vishal's relationship with his love named Rani, three years ago. She mentally abused Rani, till Rani self harmed, without Vishal knowing and then when he did find out, Rani ended their relationship on her eighteenth birthday." Vivek explained, looking at his mother who looked at him with utter shock.

"Did she?" Mamta gasped.

"Yes. And although Mami Ji put words into your head that Priya has brought tension to the family and stress in Prem's life, you should know better because that's not true. Priya's problems have not done such because she never brought it upon herself. Priya makes Prem so happy, you could see the love they have for each other in their eyes. Don't blame Priya for anything she's going through Maa. She's fighting for Prem to keep him happy and that's what makes their relationship beautiful. A mother should be happy in her son's happiness. You know this because you love Prem the most. Priya taking the pain for Prem shows her strong love for Prem. Maa, do think about it." Vivek said, before leaving the room.

Mamta thought about it. Vivek was right about everything. Priya and Prem kept each other happy because of the love they shared. And it was clear Rita was a home wrecker and she was the one causing tension to the family. But one thought played in Mamta's head.

The fact that she no longer had a bond with her favourite son anymore. It broke her heart and she would cry herself to sleep every night about that. A mother-son relationship was so sacred, but this was somehow getting destroyed. Prem never spoke to her after Priya's sleeping pill overdose. She knew he was angry at her. And Mamta couldn't help but think it was Priya's fault because she let the problems come into her relationship with Prem, so now Prem was only focusing on Priya, and not about his mother's input about this, creating a rift between her and Prem.

Was Prem blinded by love? Did Priya have him wrapped around her finger? Those questions repeated itself in Mamta's head and she sobbed softly, head falling against the pillow.

Rita heard Mamta's conversation with Vivek, which gave her an idea on how to worsen the situation for Priya's mental health. She smirked maliciously and knocked on the door, opening the door once Mamta told her to come in.

She walked in and saw Mamta's red and tearful eyes and immediately said in a fake sympathetic tone,

"Aunty, kya hua? Why are you crying?"

"You should be ashamed of yourself for what you're doing to people's relationships. Destroying it for your own satisfaction. That's so inhumane and selfish of you." Mamta stated in a cold tone.

"Aunty, it's not fair that I couldn't have a beautiful relationship like Vishal and Rani and especially Prem and Priya. Everyone deserves happiness, don't they? Especially this family. I wonder when was the last time this family was happy, tension and stress free?" Rita said, a slight smirk on her lips.

"When Priya hadn't entered Prem's life. Prem and I had a perfect bond. But Priya's problems had to ruin that. Now my son doesn't even look me in the eye. I wish Priya could just end things with Prem. But Prem would never want that. He's only focused on Priya, forgetting his own mother." Mamta sighed sadly, in a trembling tone, eyes watering.

"You think Priya is the home wrecker of your bond with your dearest son?" Rita asked.

"Of course she is. Her problems has caused this and Prem is too blinded by love. He only thinks about Priya. It's Priya in everything and it hurts me because I'm his mother. I gave him life and I nurtured him with his father to become the kind person he is." Mamta sobbed.

Rita knew instantly what her next move was. Blame Priya for breaking down the bond between Prem and his mother.

8:30pm

Prem slowly fluttered his eyes open and groaned as he woke up from his nap. The room was dark, the night sky showing through the curtains and the bright moon was radiating through.

Prem moved slightly, but struggled because of a small body cuddled up next to his. He looked down and saw Priya's head rested against his warm chest and body snuggled up next to his body. Her arm also was wrapped around Prem's middle, whilst also cuddling the grey blanket and covered with the pink blanket.

Prem smiled fondly down at Priya, feeling his heart flutter and he got one hand to run his fingers through her beautiful brown and straight hair soothingly. He then leaned down to kiss her head softly, letting his lips linger their.

He used his other hand to grab his phone from the bedside table to check the time. When he saw the time was 8:32pm, he was slightly surprised that they were asleep for so long. But Prem felt good after the nap. Now he wanted a shower to refresh his body.

Prem slowly moved Priya's arm away from his body and moved her head from his chest, making her stir and whine.

"Hey, Priya, it's okay. It's just me." He cooed softly, settling her in a new position and then placing a sweet kiss on her forehead.

Prem turned the light on to get out a black polo short sleeved top, with black sweatpants, his blue silk bathrobe and his yellow bath towel. Once settling that all on Preeti's bed, he took off his white tank top and undid his belt to take off his black jeans. He then quickly wore his bathrobe to cover his naked body and grabbed the towel to go to the bathroom across the hallway to have a shower.

Once Prem went inside the luxurious bathroom, he placed his towel and took his bathrobe off, and hopped into the shower. He turned on the shower and let the warm water splash on his body from head to toe. He made sure to lather his hair with shampoo and scrub his toned and buff body with soap.

Five minutes later, Prem was finished after rinsing himself. He got his towel to dry himself and wore his bathrobe to go back to the room. He went back in the room and smiled fondly at Priya, who was still sleeping. He dried his hair with his towel. He then went to get the lotion, took off his bathrobe and proceeded to put it on his chest, arms, thighs, legs and feet. He grabbed his black sweatpants and put it on.

Before putting his black polo top on, Prem looked outside to see the beautiful moon out. He decided to get some fresh air. So, he undid the curtain, opened the big balcony door and stepped out on the porch. He smiled as the night breeze blew against him. He looked up at the moon and rested his hands on the porch, smiling at the beauty and radiance of it. It instantly reminded him of Priya. Priya's face was like the moon, her radiance and beauty similar, if not more beautiful. Her eyes were bewitching like the shining and sparkling stars. She was so beautiful and elegant, yet she never saw it. She always saw herself as this weak, pathetic, worthless burden who was a scar to the beautiful earth. Prem knew it was because of Rita and it made him infuriated knowing that she ruined his Priya's mental health. And he was going to support and help Priya, no matter what.

A few minutes later, Priya slowly fluttered her beautiful green eyes open, squinting at the brightness of the room light. She sat up slowly and looked around her surroundings, rubbing at her eyes gently, before an adorable and soft yawn left her mouth. She then looked around her, seeing Prem's pillow creased and his lotion bottle, his towel and black polo top on Preeti's bed. Priya smiled fondly and shook her head.

She took the pink blanket off her, wrapped the grey blanket around her and got off the bed. She cuddled the blanket across her body and slowly went to search for Prem. But she didn't have to search at all because she saw her handsome lover on the porch, gazing out. She assumed he had just got out of the shower, because of all the items on Preeti's bed and the fact that he was only in black sweatpants, topless.

Priya slowly made her way to the balcony porch to where Prem was. She shivered at the night breeze, wrapping the grey blanket around her more and smiled at Prem, who was unaware of Priya walking up to him. Her straight hair blew across against the wind, flowing gracefully.

Once she stood behind Prem close enough, Priya wrapped her arms around his torso and pressed multiple sweet lingering kisses on his back slowly. She felt Prem straighten his back, knowing he enjoyed her kisses and was asking for more. Priya pressed a few more sweet kisses before burying her face against Prem's back. She wrapped her arms around his torso more and closed her eyes. She rubbed his abs soothingly.

Prem smiled fondly at Priya's sweet and adorable affection and placed his hands on her's that rested on his chest, entwining their fingers together. He then got her hands close to his lips to kiss her fingers softly.

"Hey Sanam." He said, bringing her in front of him. She stood in front of him, leaning her back against the balcony. Prem placed his hands on her slim waist and looked down at her with love and fondness.

"Hey Prince." She said sweetly looking up at him with an adorable smile, humming when their lips met in a soft and passionate kiss. Their lips moved in perfect sync, with Priya slowly wrapping her arms around Prem's neck to push his neck down for better access to her lover's soft lips. Prem wrapped his arms around her more and brought her small body against his frame. The lovers continued to kiss each other, till Priya giggled cutely, before mumbling sweetly,

"Jaan, someone might see us." Another giggle left her lips when Prem smirked and moved his lips to kiss the corner of her lips, trailing up to her soft and rosy cheek. She smiled, wrapping her arms around Prem's neck and placed a hand on the back of his head to bring closer to hug him.

Prem then took his sweet and loving shower of affection up to Priya's temple then her forehead, till he stopped. He moved his head away from Priya to look down at her. She looked up at him and both looked into each other's eyes.

"You slept okay, Shona?" Prem asked, cupping her cheeks.

"Haan, I slept like a baby." Priya said sweetly, looking up at him.

"You're my sweet and strong baby girl." He replied softly. Priya beamed up at him, eyes crinkling to the sides in happiness at what he said. She just loved this man unconditionally with all her heart. She didn't know what she would do without him.

You don't deserve him at all, you worthless person - her mind haunted her.

You do deserve him. Prem always says that. He loves you so much and reminds you all the time. Her heart told her.

"I've heard that quite a few times." Priya said sweetly, making Prem chuckle fondly and her giggle cutely. "What are you doing out here, handsome?" She asked.

Prem turned her around to face the balcony and to see the night sky. Priya placed her hands on the balcony and Prem wrapped his arms around her, placing his chin on top of her head.

"I came out of the shower and when I was changing I saw the moon. It looked so beautiful, I had to come out and see. It also reminded me of someone very special of mine." He told her.

Priya turned her head slightly to look up at him curiously,

"Who?" She asked cutely. Prem smiled and leaned down to peck her lips softly.

"You." He told her. Priya smiled and snuggled against his bare chest.

"You're a dork." She cooed.

"Yeah, but I'm your dork." He responded. She lifted her head up from his chest and pinched his cheek, cooing,

"Yes you are and I love you." She then leaned up  kissed his cheek softly.

"I love you too." He responded. She stepped down on her tippy toes and turned around to face her lover. "How are you feeling, Rajkumari?" He asked. Priya sighed.

"I mean, it was a bit difficult sleeping because of all the torture and attacks that happened to me and all the things that I have been told and found out." Priya said.

"I'm sorry Priya." Prem said, leaning down to nuzzle his nose against hers in an Eskimo kiss. She leaned up and returned the Eskimo kiss and placed her hands on his that rested on her cheeks.

"Jaan, you have nothing to apologise for. If anything, I'm grateful that you have stayed by my side through thick and thin, and put up with all this." Her voice cracking at the end.

You're a burden to him - her mind told her.

No, you're his treasure. His precious girl. He loves you so much. Her heart told her.

Prem pulled away from their Eskimo kiss and looked down at Priya, seeing her gorgeous green eyes shining with tears. Her bottom lip was trembling a bit and Prem's heart broke at the sight. He knew everything that's been happening to Priya has been so difficult to cope with and he wished none of this happened to her. Priya didn't deserve this at all, yet she was still with him.

Prem wiped her tears that started trickling down and told her,

"You've been through a lot, Shona, and I know it's been hard to cope because of it. You're mentally, emotionally and physically hurt from it all. But, you're the strongest and bravest person to go through it all-"

"N-No, no, t-that's not t-true at all. I'm not s-strong or b-brave like you, P-Prem." Priya interrupted him, with a whimper. Her mind kept haunting her and it was just too much to handle.

"Sssh, sssh. Listen to me carefully, sweetheart." Prem told her softly with a kiss on her forehead. Priya placed a hand on his hand that rested on her cheek and looked up at his handsome face and warm eyes.

"Stop letting the evil voice in your mind take you over. It's not doing any good. What it's telling you is going to make things worse and is not true. Do not listen to that voice in your head. It's tormenting you and trying to tear you down. I know you, Priya and so does your heart. I've seen you. You're sweet, adorable, beautiful, kind. You're strong and brave because you always stand up for yourself. You've been fighting for your happiness in this relationship and your whole life. And you've got me. I'm always here. If you need to vent or need a shoulder to cry on, I'm that person for you." Prem told her, looking into her gorgeous eyes.

You don't even deserve him - her mind haunted her.

Yes you do. Listen to what Prem has to say. Her heart told her.

"B-But I d-don't want to b-burden you, Prem." she stammered. Prem leaned down to kiss her forehead softly again and reassuringly.

"Don't say that. You're not burdening any of us or me. It's not your fault at all, Princess. I will always be here for you, but please trust me." Prem said.

"I do trust you, handsome. More than anyone in the world and with all my heart." Priya said in a small voice, trailing her small and soft hands up to his bare chest. He grabbed one of her hands and pressed a gentle kiss to it.

"I know you do. Believe me, things will get better. And it's slowly starting to." He said.

"How? Mami Ji is out to kill me." She said in a shaking voice. Prem shook his head, deciding to tell her about the confrontation with Bhagwanti. Priya furrowed her eyebrows cutely.

"No, she isn't Princess." He replied.

"S-She isn't?" Priya asked shocked.

"No. Rahul, Amar and I asked her today about the drugs. She swore to me it's got nothing to do with you." Prem said.

"W-What if she's lying?" Priya asked.

"The drugs are for her. Because she regrets everything she's done to you. She's punishing herself with those drugs. She knows we're made for each other and nothing can damage our relationship. She knows you make me happy just as much as I'm happy with you and just how deeply we're in love with each other. She's not going to torture you anymore and she promised me that. Ask Rahul and Amar." Prem told her.

"Y-You mean, she's not going to harm me?" Priya asked, her watery eyes brightening up.

"No, my love. That means you're safe." Prem replied and Priya instantly jumped in his arms into a hug. Prem caught her, wrapped his arms around her waist, whilst Priya wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his neck and he spun her around.

Prem then put her down and heard Priya cry in happiness in his chest.

"Prem." She said his name out of relief. Prem knew she was happy about that.

"I know, Priya. I know. I'm glad too." He comforted her before leaning down to kiss her head softly and lovingly running his fingers through her beautiful brown straight her.

Priya looked up from his chest and smiled,

"You're the best." She said sweetly.

"No I'm not." He looked down at her and said. Priya places her hands on his cheeks.

"Yes you are, Prince. Because of everything you do for me. You show me that courage is what's going to help me through this. You tell me to not let people get in the way and defeat them. There's still more problems, but some of the pain is going away and that's because of you. You help me and stay by my side. Honestly, at one point I thought you would get sick and tired and just leave me. But no, you never did. Because you believe in me when I don't believe in myself. You comfort me when I'm at my worst state. You protect and save me when I'm scared in danger. You're my inspiration through all this and I look up to you, remember you and trust your love for me to help me through this tough time. No one else has helped me the way you have and I'm just grateful to have and love such a kind, wise, brave, loving, handsome, charming, honest, trustworthy, loyal, patient, humble and generous man like you, Prem. You're the most perfect human in this beautiful earth and I'm so lucky to have you. You're more than just my boyfriend. You're my knight in shining armour, my handsome prince, my light in the darkness, the love of my life and also, my best friend." She told him sweetly and cutely.

Prem's eyes slightly watered at his princess' sweet and kind words. She was so adorable and kind-hearted. He loved her so much, no words could describe and he was lucky to have Priya.

"Oh Priya." Prem cooed before leaning down and sweetly kissing her face multiple times which turned Priya into a cute giggling mess.

"I love you so much." Prem whispered to her after his affection.

"I love you more." Priya replied in a sweet whisper. The lovers looked into each other's eyes before sealing their lips into a passionate and loving kiss. Priya wrapped her arms around his neck whilst Prem slung his arms around her waist to pull her closer. They kissed once again under the moonlight, showing their love for each other.

After a few minutes, they pulled away. Priya looked up at Prem and said,

"I'll leave you to freshen up, jaan. Yeah?" Prem rested his forehead against Priya's.

"I actually wanted you to rub lotion on me and maybe a quick massage. Please?"  Prem asked, with a cute pout. Priya smiled, cooing at her boyfriend and leaning up to sweetly kiss his pout.

"I would be more than happy to do that for you, handsome." She said once she got back down on her tippy toes. Prem smiled and entwined their fingers to lead her back inside the room. He grabbed the lotion and sat down on Priya's bed. Priya sat behind him and squirted some lotion on her palm, rubbed her hands together and rubbed it on Prem's back. She began soothingly massaging his back and Prem moaned softly at the feeling.

"Mm, Princess, that feels really nice." He hummed, closing his eyes. Priya smiled and leaned closer to leave a trail of sweet kisses from left the side of his neck and down to his shoulder.

Why are you bothering? Her mind said.

Because he wants you to. He loves you. Her heart told her.

She moved her head away and looked at him to the side,

"Is the massage okay, Prince?" She asked sweetly.

"Perfect, my beautiful girl. Continue?" Prem said, looking at her to the side. An adorable giggle left Priya's mouth and she pressed her lips to his cheek in a sweet kiss.

Priya squirted some lotion on her hands and placed her hands on either of Prem's shoulders to rub it and massage it. As she rubbed it, she hadn't realised she touched the three scars on Prem's left shoulder, until he hissed and wince at the stinging pain.

"Eesh." He winced. Priya immediately heard and stopped what she was doing. She looked at Prem with worry and asked with concern,

"Kya hua, jaan? Did I hurt you?"

"No shona. It's nothing. Don't worry." Prem told her to avoid it. He didn't want her to worry about it.

Priya got off the bed and stood up in front of him.

"Handsome, it's not nothing. You're hurt. Let me see." Priya said and immediately, three red scars caught her eye. "No. No." She cried when she kneeled down to look at the scars. He winced when she traced a finger on it.

"Ouch." He winced.

"Sorry. I'm s-sorry for s-scratching you." Priya said in a trembling voice, eyes watering, bottom lip quivering and she cowered back in fear.

You worthless burden - her mind told her.

Priya, don't listen to your mind. You've done nothing wrong. Her heart told her.

Prem stood up and walked to her slowly, as Priya cowered back and hit her back against the tall white closet.

"Shona, why are you apologising? You haven't done anything. It wasn't you that scratched me." He said, until he got close to her. He placed his hands on either sides of her head on the closet to trap her body. Their faces were close and their breathing could be heard, warm breath leaning across each other.

"T-Then where did those scratches from, Rajkumar?" She asked, her voice barely reaching a whisper. She looked up at him with worried eyes, cupping his handsome face.

"Uh, um. It was Mami Ji. She gripped my shoulder and scratched it when I threatened her if she was planning something to hurt you." Prem admitted.

It's your fault, you worthless burden - her mind haunted her.

No Priya. It isn't. Her heart said.

"Prem. I'm sorry. It's my fault." Priya cried, covering her mouth to prevent a whimper from leaving. Her eyes watered and Prem cupped her cheeks. He looked down at her and said softly,

"Shona, ssh. It's not your fault." He wiped a single tear that rolled down her cheek and Priya asked, below a whisper.

"If I hadn't told you to ask Mami Ji, you wouldn't have got hurt." Prem shook his head fondly before leaning down to kiss her head softly.

"Princess, if I hadn't spoken to Mami Ji, you would still be frightened if she would kill you. I don't want you to be scared. Plus, a tiny scratch doesn't equate to how much you've been hurt mentally and physically. I'm taking the pain for you because you've done it for me. It's time I repay you. I'm going to protect you with everything I have. We're in this together. Okay my love?" He told her. Priya smiled and nodded her head slowly,

"I love you so much." Priya said sweetly, cupping his handsome face and running her fingers through his hair softly.

"I love you more." Prem responded softly before leaning down and kissing her lips softly. "Thank you for the massage, Princess." He said once pulling away.

"I'd do anything for you, handsome." Priya responded sweetly before kissing his lips sweetly too.

"Freshen up and come downstairs, okay?" Prem said, cupping one side of her face.

"Where are you going to be?" Priya asked. Prem crouched down a bit to reach her eye level. He looked into her gorgeous green eyes and told her softly,

"I'm going to be downstairs, waiting for you and sitting with the others. I'll prepare something for you while you freshen up. If something happens with Rita, Mami Ji or my mother, let me know. Okay?" Priya nodded,

"Okay, Rajkumar. Thank you so much." She told him sweetly.

"Anytime, Rajkumari." Prem leaned forward to softly kiss Priya's forehead. "Don't take too long." He told her while resting his forehead against hers, earning a cute giggle from Priya.

"Okay, okay. Let me go and the sooner I freshen up, the quicker I'll come back to you." She told him sweetly and Prem chuckled fondly before kissing her lips softly and letting her go.

Priya went to take a quick shower and Prem went down to prepare something for his Priya to eat, since she didn't eat since this morning the breakfast he made her.

9:30pm

Priya was finished having a shower. She was dressed in her light pink salwar kameez dress, with matching leggings and a dupatta. Pink was her favourite colour and she wanted to wear it to make herself better.

She was looking at the mirror while brushing her beautiful long hair gently. Her straight locks flowed gracefully when she brushed it.

Someone knocked on the door and Priya said,

"Come in." The door opened and the person Priya was least expecting came in. Her heart started beating fast and she felt the air from her lungs get out.

Weak and pathetic - her mind told her.

Stay strong, Priya. Her heart told her.

"Hey Priya." Rita said in a fake tone nice voice.

"W-What do y-you want, Rita?" Priya stammered, getting scared.

You're getting so scared, you weak and worthless person - her mind told her.

You can do this, Priya. Her heart told her.

"Why are you getting scared? I'm not here to hurt you." Rita said, standing near Priya.

"You're always hurting me. I just can't stand being in the same room as you." Priya whimpered.

"Well deal with it. More things are going to hurt you. And this is because of you. You caused it." Rita said harshly.

"W-What did I c-cause?" Priya whimpered, her eyes watering and bottom lip trembling.

Weak and pathetic - her mind haunted her.

No, Priya. You can do this. You're strong and brave. Her heart told her.

"Prem's and his mother's relationship tearing apart. You tore it apart because of your problems. Now Prem doesn't even look at or talk to his mother. And that's because he's blinded by love. Priya, a mother and son relationship is the most special and sacred bond in this earth. Nothing can equate to the bond between a mother and her son. Aunty's favourite son is Prem and now her favourite son doesn't look his mother in the eye. And that's because of you, Priya. Priya, I may be a home wrecker in romantic relationships, but nothing is as worse as being a home wrecker of a mother-son relationship," Rita looked deep into Priya's teary eyes and said, "and that's what you are." Rita left the room.

Priya felt her heart shatter into millions of pieces. She felt the world around her crash after what Rita said. Tears were gathering in her eyes and a heartbroken son left her sweet lips and she fell to her knees on the fluffy white carpet.

Rita told her she was a home wrecker of Prem's and his mother's relationship. She couldn't help but think it was her fault and it was true. Since her sleeping pill overdose, Prem was not talking to his mother because she tried encouraging him to end his relationship with Priya because apparently she had brought tension to the family and stress in Prem's life.

She was a burden to Prem. A weak and pathetic person in his life. Priya knew a mother and son relationship was so sacred. It was a lifelong bond in comparison between a boyfriend and girlfriend relationship.

Cry because it is all your fault. You don't deserve Prem at all. You're a home wrecker of his relationship with his mother. Prem hates you for it - her mind haunted her.

Priya's sobs became more violent as her mind started eating her alive. She never ever wanted to be a home wrecker, but now she was, because of her problems.

Priya knew what she had to do now.

Cut

She scrambled up from the floor and rushed out of the room quickly. Her head was ducked low and she covered her mouth to prevent a sob. She ran to the bathroom, switched the light on and closed the door.

Priya began sobbing and whimpering whilst she stumbled her way to the white bathroom sink. She opened the bathroom cabinet and fumbled her way to find the razor. Once she felt the sharp blade poke her, she grabbed it and looked at it with glossy and tearful eyes.

You're a home wrecker to Prem's and his mother's relationship. You're a weak and pathetic person, who doesn't deserve Prem - her mind haunted her.

No, Priya. Cutting your wrist isn't the answer. Her heart told her.

But as Priya's sobs became more uncontrollable and all the hateful words she was told kept replaying in her mind.

Priya rolled her her left sleeve to find an empty patch of skin. She saw her previous scars. Some pink that were healing, whilst others were very red that she had only recently cut. They were stinging in pain, but Priya deserved it all.

Once finding an empty patch of skin, she pressed the blade of the razor, feeling the cold sensation. She pressed it firmly onto her skin and immediately started moving it around, to create a scar. She let the blade do its torturous magic.

Priya winced as she firmly moved the razor until blood started pouring out. She felt tears roll down her cheeks.

She sobbed and sobbed until her heart told her,

Priya, stop. This isn't what you should do. Don't self harm

Don't give up. Tell Prem about it and see what he says. That's what true lovers do.

Priya stopped and got a tissue from the tissue roll to dab at her scar. She washed the scar and dabbed it do it stopped bleeding. Then she rolled her sleeve down, washed the razor and put it back in its place.

Priya got out of the bathroom and wiped her tears. She went back to the bedroom, grabbed the grey blanket and wrapped it around her body to cuddle and keep her safe. She checked the time and saw it was 9:50. Prem told her to not take too long, so he must have been waiting.

She walked out of the room after switching the light off and walked downstairs to the living room. She had slightly red eyes with tears threatening to spill. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, Priya heard the light chatter and laughter of Prem and the others in the large, luxurious living room. Mamta was in her room, Sunita, Ram and Pritam were in the dining hall, whilst Bhagwanti and Rita were in their room.

Priya cleared her throat sweetly, cringing at the lump in her throat. Everyone turned and smiled softly at her.

"There's my pretty pink princess." Prem cooed softly, where he was sat on the six seater sofa, his back against the arm rest and legs stretched out, with Preeti snuggled near Sameer at the other end. Everyone, except Anwar, were sat near their lovers. Prem was waiting for his lover, and was smiling brightly when she came. He sat up, moved one leg off the sofa and crossed the other. He patted the spot in front of him for Priya to sit.

Everyone else cooed and greeted Priya as she took a seat near Prem. She gave a small smile to all of them. She crossed her legs on the sofa and wrapped the grey blanket around her more. She avoided everyone's eyes to hide her tears of pain and hurt by looking down.

"Priya, are you okay?" Vivek asked from where he was sat, with his arm draped over Sadhana's shoulder. Everyone else had a look of concern written on their faces.

Prem was extremely worried. Priya was fine before, but something must have triggered her to feel so down.

Everyone looked at Priya and she felt quite scared and intimidated by their gaze and she didn't even know why.

They're looking at what a insignificant and worthless person you are - her mind haunted her.

No. They're looking at you with concern because they know you're upset. Priya, you need to tell them. Her heart told her.

"Priya, baby sister, we're all here for you." Sadhana said. Everyone else agreed and gave her words of encouragement. Priya felt her bottom lip tremble and tears rolling down her cheeks slowly. Prem and everyone else saw the tears rolling and he leaned forward to tuck a straight lock of Priya's hair behind her ear and press his lips softly on her wet cheek in a loving kiss to remind her that he was there.

Prem pulled away and placed his hand on her back, rubbing it softly. He asked kindly,

"Hey, Shona. What's wrong?" There was silence lingering in the air. Then, a whimper left Priya's mouth and she immediately fell against Prem's body, her face buried in his chest and her hands on his chest, where she gripped his black top in tight bunches. That's when she broke down in tears and sobbed her heart out. She couldn't bear the pain and just let it out, because it was better than bottling it up.

"Priya, baby sister, what is it?" Sadhana and Preeti asked softly. Sadhana stood up to sit near Preeti, so the two could console Priya with Prem. Everyone else have her soft words of reassurance while she sobbed against Prem's chest.

Prem had his arms wrapped around Priya's small and shaking body, where he rubbed her back softly and buried his lips and nose in her soft scented hair, whispering sweet nothings to her.

"Hey Princess, it's okay. I'm here. Let it all out." He whispered before softly and lovingly kissing her head countlessly.

Prem looked up at the others, who were worried. He mirrored the same expression. Everyone knew something must have triggered Priya to cause her to be so upset and devastated.

Prem continued to rub her back to prevent a panic attack. After a few minutes, Priya's sobs turned into whimpers and then finally soft sniffles. She pulled away from Prem's chest to look up at him with glassy tearful eyes.

You're weak and pathetic. You're crying but you know everything is your fault - her mind haunted her.

No, Priya. You need to speak to the others about what Rita said. You can't blame yourself for everything. It's only going to make things worse. Her heart told her.

Prem cupped her face and wiped her tears away. He looked down at with adoration into her beautiful eyes before placing a soft kiss on her forehead. He then tucked some of her hair behind her ear and asked gently,

"You okay, Sanam?"

"You had us all worried." Preeti and Sadhana said, looking at her, with the others agreeing.

Priya took a deep breath, feeling a lump grow in her throat. She placed one hand on top of her lover's hand that rested on her cheek.

"I-I don't k-know where o-or how to b-begin." She whimpered.

"Maybe start by telling us how you're feeling. What emotions and thoughts are going through your mind, honey?" Neha suggested, sat near Amar. Everyone else agreed and Priya nodded. Prem kissed her cheek softly.

You're just weak and pathetic by getting them to deal with your problems - her mind haunted her.

No, Priya. You need to speak to them. That's how you will feel better. Her heart told her.

"I feel like the most awful person in this whole universe. I'm such a bad person and I've caused so much damage and mess." Priya whimpered, tears streaming down her rosy cheeks as she slowly fell against Prem's chest again, who wrapped his arms around her. He leaned down to kiss her head softly, letting his lips linger there.

That's right. Because you're weak and pathetic - her mind haunted her.

Priya, open up to them. Spill out the burden in your heart. Her heart told her.

"Priya Jiji, you're far from awful and bad and you haven't caused any mess or damage whatsoever." Simran comforted softly with a bright smile.

"Besides, what's happened to you was not caused by you. It was that bitch Rita." Anjali said, spitting out Rita's name like venom.

Priya shook her head, while sobs left her lips.

"No, you just don't understand. I've caused so much damage to the family. I don't even know how you even put up with me." She whimpered.

"Priya that's not true." Preeti, Anjali, Sameer, Neha, Rahul and Anand all said.

Prem pulled Priya's head away from his chest, for her to look at him. She avoided his eyes, but with his index finger, he titled her head with her chin. She looked up at him and Prem told her, whilst wrapping the grey blanket around her body for warmth with love and adoration,

"Remember what I said before and what I always have told you, sweetheart, you're the strongest and bravest person I've ever met and I think we can all agree." Priya was about to interrupt, but Prem shushed her softly, "Now before you object, hear me out. None of what you're going through is your fault. It's not in your control. But you're breaking it all down because of our help, but mostly because of your strength and determination. We may not understand what you're going through, Priya, but that doesn't mean we can't sympathise and help you." Prem leaned down to kiss her forehead softly and Vivek said,

"Prem's right. We're all going to end this pain for you. Love always finds a way. The strongest lovers always find their way through tough times and that's what your relationship with Prem really shows, Priya."

"And sunshine, don't push us away. We're here to help. And you're not being a burden. You're one of our loved ones, and most importantly, Prem Baiya's loved one." Sangeeta said.

"I appreciate it, you guys. But, I realised something. Well someone told me something and they were right about it." Priya said in a shaky voice, wiping some of her tears away. Everyone grew worried and Prem asked,

"Who is it and what did they say to you, Princess?" He didn't like where this was going. Neither did the others. They sensed by the tone of how scared and anxious Priya sounded that this was going to take a dangerous turn.

Prem looked around to the others, who mirrored the same expressions. Priya grew worried by the intimidating atmosphere. She felt the air sucked out of her lungs and the lump in her throat grow. Prem ran his fingers gently through her beautiful straight hair to comfort her.

They're thinking about how much of a weak and pathetic burden you are - her mind haunted her.

No, they're not. They're worried about you. Her heart said.

"Priya, tell us." Rahul and Anwar asked.

"Baby sister, you can tell us anything. That's what we're here for." Sadhana said softly.

"I'm a home wrecker." She said. Prem stopped the movement of his fingers through her hair. His heart panged at her statement. Priya said it with such certainty.

"Wait. What do you mean?" Lalloo and Chameli asked. Priya felt tears spring out of her eyes and she whimpered,

"I'm the home wrecker of Prem's relationship with his mother."

There was a very quiet and timid silence in the background. Everyone just looked at each other in pure shock.

"What? Priya, what are you saying?" Prem asked out of shock, looking down at her.

"You know that's not true." Anand said. Everyone else agreed.

Priya shook her head and said,

"No. It is true."

"How?" Anjali, Rahul and Amar asked.

"Ever since my sleeping pill overdose, Prem stopped speaking to his mother."

"And that was because she encouraged Prem Baiya to separate from you because she thinks you've brought tension to the family and stress in Prem's life. That's not on you, Priya." Preeti said.

It is on you, Priya - her mind haunted her.

No, Priya. You need to spill everything out. Her heart told her.

"Priya, she blamed you for everything you were going through. It wasn't right and that's why I was angry. None of it, I'm telling you, is your fault. I care about you more than anyone in the world." Prem said softly, looking deeply into her eyes then kissing her crystal tears away gently. Priya whimpered and then Sadhana asked,

"Baby sister, who told you this?"

"Rita." She whimpered once Prem finished his shower of affection.

"Priya, you know what she says it's not true." Rahul said.

"No, but the fact that they don't talk anymore is because of my problems." Priya whimpered.

"Shona." Prem sighed, taking her small and soft hand in his, and continued, "I love you so so much. You shouldn't even be thinking about my mother because she did make your mental health worse as well. She put you down. The fact that she did that to her son's love of his life makes me angry. She didn't even consider what you're going through." He kissed her hand softly and gently.

"But Prem, she's your mother. She's the one that raised and loved you longer than me. Your relationship with your mother is a lifelong and special one. You're her favourite son. Now I've shattered that sacred and special relationship." Priya whimpered, with tears falling from her eyes.

"Haan she's my mother. But a mother should always be in happy in her son's happiness. That's what makes the mother-son relationship important and special." Prem replied, wiping her tears.

"Besides, Aunty blames you for causing tension to the family, but it's Rita and Mami Ji. Not to mention, what she said to you and Prem Baiya is causing more tension to the family." Rohan said.

"Priya, you're my happiness and everything. You complete everything in my life. You're the most important person and I love you so much." Prem said, leaning down to Eskimo kiss her.

"Prem, I love you more, but you can't just forget your mother. She loves you too. She loves you so much. Your relationship with your mother is a lifelong one, our one is temporary." She whimpered, which shocked everyone, especially Prem. Prem's heart shuddered at what Priya said.

How could Priya say that her relationship with Prem was temporary? Their love was so strong, it was bound to never break. Prem thought. She was partly right, but about their relationship being temporary was wrong. Prem always wanted to be with Priya forever. They were going to last forever, he knew because of their strong love, so why was Priya worrying? Was she just scared of losing Prem?

Prem's eyes watered at Priya's words and he looked down at her watery eyes,

"Priya, what are you saying? That we're not going to last together? How can you say that when I love you so much?" He said.

You're really not worth him - her mind haunted her.

Priya, keep telling them what is bothering you. But, Prem loves you so much and you both will remain together forever. Her heart told her.

"Priya, you and Prem are the strongest lovers we've seen. Nothing could separate you. Nothing could tear you both apart. That means you will last forever." Amar and Anwar said. Priya looked at him with wide and teary eyes.

"Yes. We've said this time and time again that you and Prem Baiya will never separate. You both have such a beautiful relationship that no one could tear apart. Even Rita hasn't succeeded in her schemes to separate you and Prem Baiya. If that doesn't tell you how strong and special your relationship is, I don't know what does." Sadhana said, rubbing her shoulders. Everyone else agreed while giving encouragement and reassurance to Priya about her strong relationship with Prem.

Priya looked around and looked up at Prem, who had tears in his eyes. She saw the sadness swimming in them, but realised how much he loved her. He was so passionate about his love for her. Priya loved him so much and now she realised that she was just scared of losing Prem. That was what set her off.

"Prem." She whimpered. Prem looked down at her and Priya instantly bursted into tears. Priya fell against his chest and clutched his top in tight bunches, whilst Prem wrapped his arms around her slim waist and buried his face in her hair to kiss her head.

Whilst Priya cried, Prem shushed her softly against her hair. Everyone else cooed, while Sadhana and Preeti rubbed Priya's back gently.

"Sssshh, my Princess. It's okay, it's okay. I'm here. I love you." He whispered quietly to Priya, that no one could hear them. He leaned down to kiss her head lovingly and Priya's sobs turned into soft sniffles a few minutes later. She looked up at him and he smiled fondly down at her,

"You okay, my love?" He asked gently, running his fingers through her beautiful brown hair. He wiped her tears and she said in a small voice,

"I'm sorry."

You're a pathetic burden - her mind haunted her.

No you're not. You did the right thing by telling them. Her heart told her.

"No, you have nothing to feel sorry about. I'm here, we're here for you." Prem said kissing her forehead.

"I-I'm just scared of what might come next of me and," She whimpered then rested her head against her lover's warm chest before continuing, "I'm scared of l-losing you, Prem." Prem wrapped one arm around her waist and buried his face in her hair.

You will lose him because of everything you've done to him and his family - her mind haunted her.

No. You both have a beautiful relationship that is strong. Don't think like that. Her heart told her.

"Hey, that's not true. You won't ever lose Prem Baiya." Sadhana comforted her, rubbing her back and the others agreed.

"I'm always going to stay with you. No one will separate you and I, Priya. They can try, but our hearts are tied strongly together." Prem said, leaning down to kiss her hair.

Priya pulled away and looked up at him, smiling,

"You're right. I'm just overthinking."

"Whatever is in your head that's bothering you, so spill it out. Tell Prem or the rest of us. We're going to be here." Rahul said and everyone else agreed. She smiled cutely and Prem smiled fondly down at her. He pulled her closer against his chest, making her snuggle against him and kissed her head softly. Everyone cooed at their adorableness. Sadhana went to sit back down on the sofa near her husband and Simran said,

"Okay. We're going to have another movie night. So sit comfortably everyone." She had the remote in her hand and looked at everyone with a smile.

Priya got comfortable against Prem by pressing her back against his front and her head rested against his chest. The grey blanket was wrapped around the both of them and Prem had his arms wrapped around Priya's waist and his head leaned against hers.

"What film are we watching?" Priya asked cutely and sweetly, looking innocent in Prem's embrace. Prem kissed her temple softly and nuzzled his nose against her cheek and Sangeeta said kindly,

"Beta. Another Madhuri Dixit film. But this time with Anil Kapoor."

"You don't mind, munchkin?" Rahul asked. Priya shook her head cutely and snuggled further against Prem. They all cooed and began watching the film.

Prem fed Priya a few of the chocolate covered strawberries he prepared for her lovingly whilst every once in a while stealing soft kisses from her.

Halfway through the film, they all began chatting, losing focus on the film. It played in the background while they all talked about other stuff.

Priya was lying against Prem's chest, both arms wrapped around his left arm and face nuzzled against it to cuddle, while her eyes were closed. She fell asleep quite fast through the start to the middle of the film. She was a fast sleeper. Prem smiled fondly with love and adoration at her, before stroking her head gently to calm her to sleep. Soft breaths left her sweet and pink rosy lips. Prem leaned down to kiss her head softly.

"Prem Baiya, you want to take her to the room now?" Sadhana asked with a smile. Prem nodded and slightly moved till Priya stirred and whined softly, wrapping her arms around Prem's left arm more and snuggling closer, not wanting to move. Everyone cooed and Prem chuckled fondly,

"Okay, my love, okay." He resumed to stroking her hair and Sadhana and Preeti said,

"Okay, guess not then." Everyone laughed. Prem looked down at Priya sleeping in awe before kissing her head gently.

"Prem. Are you okay?" Vivek asked. Prem looked at his brother,

"Yeah Baiya. I'm fine. Just thinking about Priya. She's had an awfully long day. What she's done and found today was just... shocking. I don't know how to put it into words. Some of the painful baggage she's been carrying is slowly going, which I'm glad about. Like, finding out that Mami Ji wasn't planning to give her another drug overdose made her relieved." Prem said, while stroking her head gently.

"I think when she found out that Rita isn't actually in love with you, Prem Baiya,  made her relieved but also slightly shocked her." Preeti said, with Sameer, Rohan, Simran and Anjali agreeing. Prem furrowed his eyebrows in confusion and asked,

"Rita's not in love with me?" Priya hadn't mentioned that. She probably was scared about Mami Ji to mention it. But that wasn't the point. The point was, Rita was fooling and messing with everyone. He couldn't believe it. Rita told such a big lie to try ruin Priya's mental health, her happiness and her relationship with him.

"Nope. She lied to try ruin Priya's life and your relationship." Anjali said. "Bitch should go rott in hell." She added.

Prem felt his blood boil and jaws clench. His hand stopped its movement in Priya's hair and he gritted out in anger,

"So she lied to try ruin my relationship with Priya and make my Priya's life a living hell?"

"Yes. Bitchy right?" Simran said bitterly, the other girls agreeing.

"Selfish and cruel too. She's hateful and evil. I just want to kill her right now." Prem growled, making Priya whine and stir because Prem was moving too much, making her uncomfortable.

Prem looked down at Priya, who was snuggling against Prem and making herself more comfortable.

"Awww." Sangeeta, Chameli and Neha cooed.

"Mate, pipe down. Your girl is sleeping." Rahul said, making them all laugh.

"Guys, it's getting late. We should let Priya sleep and all go to bed." Sadhana suggested, everybody agreeing. It was 1. Everyone had to sleep.

"I'll stay with Priya here for a bit." Prem said.

"Okay. Don't stay up too late with her." Preeti said.

"I won't." Prem said, stroking Priya's hair gently.

"Goodnight." They all said. Prem replied with a kind goodnight before it was silent in the living room with a sleeping Priya.

The house was quiet. Everyone must have been asleep. He sighed and looked down at Priya, who was snuggling to get more comfortable against Prem.  She wrapped the blanket around her more and stirred softly and sweetly. Prem quietened her down softly with a whisper,

"Ssh, ssh Princess, it's okay. I'm here." He kissed her forehead lovingly and she shifted to her right side to sleep. Prem cooed to himself and was about to close his eyes before his phone started vibrated.

Who was calling him late this night?

Prem grabbed his phone and answered it,

"Hello?"

"Hello. Is this Prem? This is Inspector Khan speaking."

"Inspector? How can I help you?" Prem asked.

"I'm doing the investigation of the time ticking bomb explosion in Wistman Wood's Park that took place yesterday." Inspector Khan explained.

"Haan Inspector?" Prem nervously replied, the event reminding him of how he nearly lost his Priya. He looked down at her sleeping and stroked her head gently.

"And I wondered if Priya could come tommorow to the station to have an interview? As she was one of the victims, we need her statement about who the culprit may be." Inspector Khan explained. Prem gulped, not knowing whether this was a good idea because it could trigger Priya's mental state. He knew it was important, but how would Priya feel?

"Can I come with her tommorow to the interview? She's traumatised by the bomb explosion and I think she would be nervous without my presence? If that's okay with you?" Prem requested.

"Of course she can. If it makes her comfortable, I'm happy for you to come." Inspector Khan said.

"Thank you so much. I'll let Priya know." Prem replied.

"I hope Priya is okay." Inspector Khan said.

"Haan she's okay. Just sleeping." Prem said.

"You should be sleeping too, Prem. I'll leave you to it." Inspector khan chuckled.

"Okay, Inspector. Goodnight." Prem replied.

"Goodnight." Inspector Khan replied. Prem hung up and he put his phone down. He just wanted to close his eyes with Priya now. But he was worried about the interview tommorow. How would Priya react or handle the situation?

His phone pinged with a message and he checked to see who it was.

Rita:  You're still up, with your weak and pathetic girlfriend?

Prem was fuming when he read who it was and what the text said. He just was not in the mood for any drama with Rita, but he could not spare her at all.

Prem: I don't want to speak to you right now. Get your hideous and disgusting ass to bed.

Rita: Woah. Someone's angry. Can't I have a normal chat with you?

Prem: No. Get lost. Don't annoy me right now. You've done enough.

Rita: Not to you. To that wretched Priya.

Prem: You call my Priya wretched again and I will make sure you will never see the world around you by damaging you worse than Dev did.

Prem: My Priya is a better person than you. She's the reason this earth actually smiles and brightens up. She will always be a better human than you. You should be ashamed for what you've done to her.

Rita: Keep telling yourself that.

Rita: Priya should really be careful because soon she will never see the world around her.

Prem gritted his teeth in anger and threw his phone down beside him angrily, huffing and growling angrily out of frustration. He ran a hand through his hair out of anger. Rita was aggravating him and he was almost going to shout out of extreme anger. He wanted to kill Rita.

Prem's growl and angry huff woke and startled Priya. She fluttered her eyes open and turned her head slightly to look up at her handsome lover. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and concern when she saw the angry and hard look on her boyfriend's face.

"Who's got my boyfriend huffing and growling angrily at this time of night?" Priya asked softly and sweetly, pouting cutely. Prem looked down at Priya and his hard look softened. He sighed softly,

"It's nothing, Princess. Don't worry." He then leaned down to seal his lips softly against Priya's in a soft kiss, which Priya responded to. They pulled away after a few seconds and Prem looked up in the ceiling with a hand on forehead, looking stressed and slightly angry.

Priya sat up, turned to face Prem and wrapped the grey blanket around her body for warmth. She saw Prem's body language and immediately grew worried. What was wrong with him?

You are what's wrong with him - her mind haunted her.

Ask him. You need to know what's bothering him. Her heart told her.

"Jaan? Are you okay?" She asked softly. Prem removed his hand from his forehead and looked down at her. He sat up properly and said, with his arms opened wide for Priya,

"Come here and give me a hug." Priya smiled sweetly and an adorable giggle left her lips. She fell against her lover's body and wrapped her arms around his middle. Her head rested against his chest and his arms were wrapped around her waist. He buried his face in her hair and Priya sighed.

This was the closest to heaven. This was what love, security and safety felt. Just a loving hug made Priya happy and she wished she could stay in Prem's arms and chest forever. It was her favourite place in the whole world. It protected her from all the dangers and fears of the world.

Prem kissed her head softly and Priya looked up at him sweetly and curiously, asking him,

"Kya hua? Why did you seem angry before?"

"It was just Rita bothering me. She wanted to chat but I just wasn't in the mood." Prem said, stroking her cheek and looking down at her.

"Why can't she just leave us alone? I'm sick and tired of everything she's doing." Priya cried out of fear, but with no tears.

Everything is your fault, so no, no one will leave you alone. Everything will always come biting you - her mind haunted her.

Things will get better, because of the strength of your's and Prem's love for each other. Her heart told her.

"I know, Shona, I know. But whatever she tries to do, I won't let anything happen to you." Prem told her softly, before taking her hand and entwining their fingers together.

He then said, looking deeply into Priya's beautiful green eyes,

"Trust me, Princess." Priya looked into his eyes, which held sincerity, love and trust.

How can you trust him if you're self harming, you weak scar to the earth - her mind haunted her.

Trust him with all your heart, just like the way you love him. Her heart said.

She smiled, leaned up to sweetly place a loving kiss on Prem's lips, which he smiled at and returned.

"Thank you so much, Prince." She said softly, sitting down properly.

"Priya, I do need to speak to you about something important." Prem told her, looking down at her. Priya looked up at him, eyes widening in fear.

He's gonna see what a weak and pathetic person you really are - her mind haunted her.

No, he's not. He loves you. Her heart said.

"Kya hai?" She asked nervously, her bottom lip trembling. Prem cupped one side of her face and told her gently,

"Princess, you've been asked to go to the police station tommorow for an interview, regarding the bomb explosion that happened yesterday."

Priya's heart panged and mind started whirling you the horrific event, making her body shake out of fear and the life suck out of her. She felt tears gather in her eyes and she whimpered,

"Why?"

"Because they need a victim statement about it to track the person who did it." Prem replied, entwining their fingers together softly. Priya felt a lump grow in her throat and her body shake in fear. She didn't know how to describe how she felt. Weak? Anxious? Helpless? Vulnerable? Shaken? Isolated? It was all of that in one, making her heart race and whimper with tears.

You will always be weak and pathetic. You don't even deserve Prem - her mind haunted her.

No, you've got to trust Prem. Open up to him about your worries and fears. He always tells you to confide in him. Her heart told her.

Prem saw Priya duck her head down to hide the fear and pain that was written on her face. Prem knew Priya was frightened. Just by the thought of the bomb explosion made her feel so terrified.

"Hey Sanam. Look at me." Prem said softly, his warm breath fanning against Priya. Priya slowly looked up at Prem in tears, that were slowly trickling down.

Prem's heart broke at the sight of Priya. The fear and broken look shown in her face. He wiped her tears away with his soft fingers. He knew he should not have dropped such a bomb shell on her, but, the interview was tommorow.

"I'm coming with you. Don't worry." He told her gently. Priya looked up at him curiously and with hopeful eyes.

"Y-You will?"

"Haan. I'm not letting you go alone anywhere.  I'm staying by your side." Prem told her with a warm smile. Priya returned it with a sweet one, before snuggling against his chest. Prem wrapped his arms around her waist, rubbing her back and burying his lips in her hair gently.

"Thank you so much, handsome. I'm grateful for everything you do for me. Thank you." She said sweetly and quietly.

Prem leaned down to place a soft kiss on her hair and said kindly,

"Your welcome, Rajkumari. I would do anything for you. You know that right?" Priya nodded cutely against his chest,

"Of course I do. You always remind me." She whispered. Priya was grateful for Prem. He always knew what to do or say to make her feel better. She loved him with all her heart that she wished she could just stay happy with him forever. Through all this torture, Prem was her only motivation for living.

Prem kissed her head once again in response to her words and a soft and sweet yawn left Priya's mouth. Prem pulled his head out of her hair and said,

"Tired, Shona?" He started tucking locks of her hair behind her ear. He knew she was tired and sleepy. He started gathering her up in his arms and stood up with Priya in bridal style. Priya nodded slowly, snuggling in his embrace with the grey blanket draped on her small body,

"I'm so tired, Prem. Today was such a long day." She whispered sleepily and sweetly, closing her eyes slowly. Prem kissed her head again and started walking towards the staircase,

"I know, my precious." He whispered, kissing her forehead softly and carried her to the room upstairs. Another soft and sweet yawn left her mouth again, getting comfortable in Prem's arms, making Prem coo in his head.

The house was quiet, everyone asleep. Prem quietly led her to her room. Once he got in, the room was quiet and dark, Preeti was asleep. One curtain was done, but the other was not. The moon was shining beautifully.

Prem shut the door quietly and walked to the middle bed. He placed Priya down on the bed gently, however as he was doing so, Priya clung onto Prem, not wanting to let him go. Prem chuckled quietly and placed her head down to rest against the pink pillow, giving a soft and passionate kiss on her cheek.

He took off the grey blanket from Priya and placed her arms around it to cuddle. Priya turned to her right side and snuggled her face against it, making Prem coo. He draped the large pink blanket over Priya with love and leaned down to kiss her forehead softly. He stood up and turned around, but a familiar small and soft hand lightly grabbed his hand.

Prem turned around and saw a sleeping Priya grab his hand, not wanting to let him go. A fond smile made its way to his lips and Prem leaned down to whisper,

"I'll be here. Don't worry, Princess." He placed her hand down on the bed and walked to the other side to sleep near Priya.

He lied down and got inside the blanket. He turned to face Priya and pulled her against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and heard a small and sweet whine from Priya, making him coo and shush her by leaning down to kiss her head. Prem felt Priya snuggle against his back and he smiled in content and awe. He was so in love with her and thought this girl may be the death of him due to her adorableness.

Priya shifted slowly in Prem's arm, turning around to face Prem. She snuggled against his chest and a soft and adorable yawn left her mouth. Prem smiled fondly and started rubbing her back softly and Priya placed a hand with on Prem's chest. He rested his head against Priya's head and they both basked in each other's warmth and affection. Their soft breathing heard.

This was what paradise felt like for them. It was a safety place for them both from the evil world. A place only for themselves which no one could destruct. A place that was full of love that no one could tear apart. Their place, their safety and their love and the most important thing was, they had each other.

"Goodnight, Prem." Priya whispered very quietly, in a sweet tone. Her eyes were still closed. Prem kissed her forehead gently and lovingly and whispered kindly in response,

"Goodnight, my beautiful girl. Sleep tight."

"I love you..so much." Priya mumbled softly, going to sleep. Her breathing was soft and even and she snuggled against Prem's warm body further. Prem smiled fondly and cuddled her closer. He mentally cooed at her cuteness. She was always cute and adorable, he almost wanted to coo loudly, but he couldn't wake up the two sisters.

"I love you more, Priya. But go to sleep now, Shona." Prem whispered, kissing her forehead.

Prem slowly closed his eyes and soon drifted into a peaceful and loving sleep, with the love of his life in his arms.

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A/N

Hey everyone, I hope you're all doing well. ❤️ I hope 2021 is going well for everyone despite the current situation going on.

Here's another update for you! Sorry for the long wait. Uni has loaded me with work. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Votes and comments are always appreciated! ❤️

Just going to tag some amazing people who support this book:

@-TiaRoshan
bunnythapar
-desigurllx
-kairaforever
Helska

Thank you for reading this chapter! Take care and be kind to one another! Stay safe! ❤️

Sending love and wishes,

Rima (Saalrishma_Pyar) ❤️