Warning: mentions of self harm, suicidal thoughts and hanging.

Read at your own risk!!

11:35am

Amar: Priya, I need to speak to you.

Amar: It's very important. Just between you and me.

Priya's heart started beating fast, the feeling of anxiety and worry filling her body. She was in the garden area with everyone, except Mamta, Bhagwanti, Rita, and strangely Amar. Neha had no idea why Amar wasn't with everyone like he usually is.

What did he want to speak to her about? Amar sounded very serious and intimidating, which worried her. She didn't know whether to ask the others what was wrong with him for him to ask such a question.

Stop being so scared, you wimp - her mind haunted her.

No, you're not a wimp. Go and see what's wrong. You've got this. You're a strong girl. Her heart spoke out.

Priya: For what?

Amar: I'll tell you once you come upstairs to my room.

Priya placed one hand on Prem's chest before leaning up to place a sweet kiss on his handsome cheek. Prem and the others, except the Sunita, Pritam and Ram, turned to look to Priya with a smile. Prem smiled down at Priya, holding her hand that was on his chest and asked,

"Hey Priya. What is it?" Priya smiled trying to hide her nervousness.

"I-I just have to g-go to the bathroom q-quickly, Prem." She hesitated, cringing at how she hesitated with trying to come up with an excuse. Prem and the others sensed her nervousness, but decided not to intimidate her.

"Okay, Shona. You go for it. Be quick." He said kindly, with a charming smile. Priya nodded slowly with a shy smile, which made Prem lean down to place a sweet kiss on her warm forehead. "Jao (Go)." He said to her softly.

Priya's stood up and quickly walked out of the garden area, her nerves rising and mind screaming haunted things at her. Her heart was beating so fast it was almost going to come out of her chest. She could feel her throat dry up as she walked up the stairs to Amar's room.

Go and see what Amar wants to say to a pathetic and weak person like you. Maybe he wants to give you a reality check on how much of a burden you are - her mind haunted her as soon as she reached the door to Amar's room.

Priya could feel tears burning at the back of her eyes, but she wiped them away before knocking softly with her heart racing. Amar called come in, making Priya open the door slowly and came in. She shut the door behind her and stepped in.

Amar's back was facing her as he stared out the balcony. The silence surrounding them was filled with tension. Priya had a bad feeling in her gut that this conversation would be a bad one.

"You wanted to talk." Priya squeaked out nervously, gulping too.

Amar turned around, and when Priya looked up at him, she had never seen Amar look so intimidating before. His usual friendly look absent from his face.

"Yes I do. It's very important and I'm not the one to hide things from others." He asked in a serious tone, walking over to her.

What was he talking about? Priya wondered, her eyes wide and heart beating so fast.

It's a shame you can't do that because you hide things from everyone, especially Prem - her mind haunted her.

"Especially Prem." Amar stated, making Priya's heart race, because his words echoed her daunting conscience.

"K-Kya hai? W-what are y-you talking a-about?" She stammered in fear, body trembling in fear, eyes red with tears clouding her vision, while her bottom lip wobbled.

You weak and pathetic person. You're already crying and he hasn't even said anything yet - her mind haunted her.

Priya, you've got this. You are strong and brave. You can do this. Handle this the way Prem would. Her heart reminded her.

"Priya, I'm worried about you. Just as much as the others, especially Prem and your sisters are, I'm equally as worried, if not more shocked at you." He said in a deep tone.

Why was he shocked at her? Priya wondered, not knowing what to say or what to think. She now regretted coming up to speak to him because she knew things will go downhill.

"A-About what, Amar? Why don't you just tell me! Your suspense is scaring me so much!" She cried out of frustration, fear and desperation, just wanting this conversation to be over already because she was feeling scared and uncomfortable. Tears were streaming down her rosy cheeks, but she didn't bother to wipe them away because she was feeling overwhelmed.

Yes, Priya. You're doing really well. Keep going. Her heart spoke delicately to her.

"You love Prem don't you?" Amar asked, staring right in her eyes.

Why was Prem questioning her love for Prem like Mamta did? Why was everyone starting to doubt her love for Prem?

Because you're not worth loving Prem because you're weak and pathetic - her daunting conscience spoke to her.

That's not true. Whatever Amar says, the universe knows that you and Prem are the strongest lovers ever, nothing can separate you both. Her heart told her.

It was starting to anger Priya that Amar, out of all people, questioned her love for Prem. He was Prem's best friend and has helped them both through everything, so why was he questioning her love for Prem suddenly? He knew perfectly well that Priya and Prem were truly, madly and deeply in love with each other. She knew she had to defend her lover with all the strength and courage she held in her body because everyone was doubting their relationship. She had to prove how strong and good enough she was to keep Prem's heart.

"What kind of a question is that? You know the answer to that question, Amar!" Priya cried, staring into his eyes, but Amar squinted his eyes like slits, looking down at her.

"Oh really? Then explain this." And from behind his back, he brought out the blood covered razor, dry with blood.

Priya's heart sank down, her heart beating incredibly fast. Tears started rolling down her cheeks and she didn't know what to even say.

You definitely know what that is, you weak and pathetic person

Now he'll tell Prem, which will make Prem hate you

You're a worthless and weak burden to Prem and the beautiful earth

Her haunted mind kept saying horrible things, blocking out what her heart wanted to say. This was it. Now that Amar found out her secret, no doubt Prem would too. And Prem would believe Amar over her because Amar was his best friend and Priya was a burden to his life, she thought.

"Well?" Amar asked.

"I-I don't know w-what that is." Priya stammered, avoiding his eyes.

"Really? It's a razor." He answered.

"Wow, I've never seen one before." Priya said sarcastically.

"I think you have, since you use it a lot."

"W-What do you mean? It's n-not m-mine."

Amar walked closer to her, making her walk backwards in fear.

"Isn't it? Priya, stop hiding. I already know what you use it for." He spat harshly, getting impatient, as he trapped her body against the wall. Amar was getting impatient because he knew Priya was avoiding the subject, hence her sarcasm. His hands were on either sides of her head, trapping her against the wall.

Priya glared at him, and then said in the same tone as him,

"Okay, so if you're so smart, then say it, rather than wasting my time." She then pushed him back to get free from him.

Amar slightly stumbled back, but not that much which would create a distance, and the two glared at each other for a few long seconds, which felt like years, till Amar stopped when he saw Priya's beautiful face twist when a whimper left her mouth and tears rushing down her cheeks. She felt bad for scolding at Amar, but she just felt vulnerable and weak. His heart immediately softened for his best friend's girlfriend knowing that this wasn't going to be an easy topic. She was extremely vulnerable and he knew that. He could sense the pain in her heart. Neither did he plan for this to go like this, why did it?

"Priya, I'm sorry for speaking to you like that. But I just need to know whether this is true or not." He said kindly.

"K-Kya hai Amar? I r-really don't feel c-comfortable here." Priya whimpered while tears rolled down her cheeks.

Weak and pathetic as usual. You can't even stand your ground - her daunting conscience told her.

Priya, you've got this. You're strong and brave and have done so many things to prove this and that's why Prem loves you so much. Her heart spoke.

"I know you don't, Priya, but as your friend and Prem's best friend, I just want what's best for you and we're all worried about you. Priya, you need to know that you can trust us, especially Prem. You shouldn't have to hurt or punish yourself for what you're going through." He explained softly.

Priya's heart stammered and eyes watered more, with a weak whimper leaving her mouth,

"Y-You don't u-understand. N-No one will t-truly understand w-what it likes to be m-me."

That's right. No one wants to be a weak and pathetic person - her mind haunted her.

"Don't say that. You're a great and an amazing person and that's why Prem loves you so much. But what you're doing to yourself is wrong." Amar said. Priya looked up at him with wide eyes and asked,

"W-What are you talking about?"

"Priya, yesterday I saw this blood covered razor and blood stains on the bathroom sink. I've asked everyone if they knew anything about it and we all guessed it had something to do with you." He then took a deep breath, "Priya, are you self harming?" Amar asked with concern.

Priya's heart sank down to the fullest. Her body was filled with pain and fear. Now Amar knew her secret, just like Mamta did. No doubt Prem would find out soon, which could really tear them apart.

But that should happen because you don't deserve Prem at all. He shouldn't have to put up with you any longer - her mind haunted her.

"Priya, self harm isn't the solution to your problems. It's only causing pain and-" Amar spoke, but Priya interrupted with a harsh whimper,

"You don't understand what I'm going through! No one does and no one will! It's easy to sympathise and say 'everything will get better'. How would you honestly feel if you wake up everyday and knowing your love life is being ruined by some vindictive and selfish person? How would you feel knowing you'll be in pain and misery for the rest of your life? How would you feel if your conscience kept telling you that you are a weak, pathetic and horrible scar to the beautiful earth who is nothing but a burden? Despite Prem making me smile, there's an inner fear that kills me everyday, telling me I'm not good enough for Prem and this is my only option. I have no control over anything in life except torture. I deserve it because I didn't stop anything from before. I am weak, pathetic and a scar to the beautiful earth and the razor blade reminds me that everyday."

Everything that has happened to Priya replayed in her mind, just haunting her. The screams, cries and horrible noises echoed and she really just wanted to banish from the face of the earth because the world was a monster to her. An unfriendly world for her, despite being in love. Her world was torn between her lover and love bond breaker and she could now see the world starting to hate her more and more.

Of course. That's what you are. You're not good enough for Prem - her mind haunted her, making her heart beat faster in fear and eyes water more.

"Priya, please, just listen to what you're saying. It's not true at all. Prem would not like this at all." Amar said, but a familiar voice was heard,

"What would I not like at all?" Amar and Priya turned to the owner of the voice from the door and their breaths hitched, eyes widened.

It was Prem.

Prem raised his eyebrow at the two, with his arms folded. Priya's heart starting beating, hoping Prem didn't hear everything that they discussed.

Of course he did and he deserves to know because he doesn't deserve to be lied to - her daunting conscience spoke.

Stay strong Priya. You've got this. Her heart said.

But after what happened with Amar questioning her, she didn't even know if she could even trust her heart. All that she could hear was her mind, which haunted her.

"Well? Tell me what's happening and why my Priya is crying and trembling while cowering back against the wardrobe." He said, looking at Amar while walking over to Priya.

When he turned to Priya, he sent a soft and charming smile towards her. Priya looked up at him with wide, cute and hopeless eyes, which asked for his warmth and comfort. Prem's face had a look of worry as he saw the tears in her eyes gathering and streaming down her beautiful face. His worries seemed to grow more when a whimper left Priya's sweet mouth and she fell against Prem's warm and safe body, in other words, her comfort zone.

Priya buried her face in Prem's chest, gripping his navy blue jacket in tight bunches, and sobbing her heart out at the pain and fear that was going on in her. All she wanted was Prem right now because only he would comfort her in such a moment of horror. His soothing words would just make her forget about everything torturous in her life, and just remember him. His loving arms made her feel safe and acted as a shield from the horrible world. His soft and sweet kisses always reminded Priya that he loved her so much.

Prem sensed that Priya was not okay. Something triggered her to feel so anxious evident from her sobs. His heart just ached for her because this torture kept getting worse and Priya didn't deserve it. He wished there was an easy way out of this. But putting his thoughts aside, he wrapped his arms around Priya's small and slim waist, bringing her even closer against his body. He leaned down to kiss the top of her head softly and lovingly, then saying in a soft voice,

"Hey, Shona. It's okay, it's okay. I'm here, isn't it? Don't cry, my love." He pressed a few loving kisses on top of her head, while rocking a shaking and sobbing Priya in his embrace in hopes of calming her down.

Amar just looked at the lovers, not knowing what to say. He saw how Prem and Priya loved each other so much, but with Priya self harming, it was putting their relationship at risk. He knew Prem wouldn't believe him if he said so, but he didn't want Priya to suffer alone. If Prem knew, they could easily find a way out.

Prem looked at Amar with an eyebrow raised after whispering a few sweet nothings to Priya, who had calmed down and snuggled against his chest while looking at Amar with tearful and scared eyes. Her fingers gripped Prem's jacket as if holding him for dear life.

"Well? What's going on here? What happened that caused my Priya to be so upset, Amar?" Prem asked. Priya shuffled nervously on Prem's arms, a small whimper leaving her mouth, making Prem lean down to kiss her head softly to quieten and calm her down.

"Prem, you know I'm only doing this for Priya's wellbeing and your relationship with her. I only want what's best for you both." Amar said, but Prem said,

"By doing what, exactly? Making her cry? You know I don't want Priya crying and if she does, it's only because someone or something has got through to her head. You should know this, Amar. You of all people should know."

"I know that Prem, but I care about you as your best friend just as much as Priya loves you. I want you two to be able to trust each other, for there not to be any secrets amongst one another, because pain and lies can destroy love. I don't want one of you hiding something from the other." Amar said, directing his last statement towards Priya, making her shiver under his intimidating gaze. Prem looked down at her, nuzzling his nose in her hair lovingly that only the love birds knew what it meant in their love language.

"What are you talking about?" Prem asked, looking deeply into Amar's eyes.

"I found this razor yesterday morning in the bathroom. The bathroom sink was covered in blood and so was this razor. I've asked everyone about it and no one had anything to do with it. So my only guess is Priya." Amar said and was slightly startled with the fierce and angry look written across Prem's face. Prem never looked this angry before, so this must have really caused him to be like that.

Prem's blood started boiling and heart was beating g fast. His nostrils flared and eyes darkened.

Priya felt Prem's fist clenched in anger, making her heart beat rapidly. She slowly looked up and a startled whimper left her mouth at the fierce and angry look on Prem's handsome face. She never imagined from Prem to be angry at his best friend because of her problems.

You've already destroyed Prem's relationship with his mother, now you're going to destroy his friendship with Amar. You're a horrible and evil person and you don't deserve Prem - her daunting conscience spoke.

Priya, you have to try intervene. You're stronger than this. Her heart spoke. She stood in front of Prem to try stop the commotion,

"J-Jaan?" Priya said sweetly to grab Prem's attention, placing a soft hand on his cheek to calm him down. With Prem's fist clenched, eyes darkened, and nostrils flared, she knew he was going to get violent. "Look at me, Prem." She said.

But Prem's angry eyes were fixated on Amar, and he said with seething anger,

"What did you say?"

"Prem, stop. Don't please." Priya cried desperately, not wanting Prem and Amar to fight. She saw Prem raise his fist, ready to swing at Amar, but Priya grabbed his clenched fist and entwined their fingers together. She used her other hand to cup one side of his handsome face to make him look down at her. "Jaan, I don't like it when you're angry. Stop, don't hurt him." She whispered softly.

"I don't like it when people make me angry when they say such things about you, Priya." Prem said, his hard gaze still fixated on Amar.

"Prem, please just try to understand I-" Amar said, but Prem interrupted him harshly,

"Understand what! What should I try to understand? You accusing my Priya of something she would never do? Why do you have to go so low to say such horrible things! You know what she is going through, but you decide to hurt her with such accusations! You, out of all people Amar, should know what my Priya is going through."

Why is Prem losing his cool over something who doesn't even deserve him? You're so weak and pathetic - Priya's daunting conscience spoke.

No, Priya. He's fighting for you. But you need to do something before things get worse. You've got this. Her heart spoke.

Priya's eyes started watering and her heart clenched at Prem defending her over something that he believed was not true. If he did find out that she was actually self harming, she didn't know what would happen. She was addicted to the razor, but her love for Prem was more important.

Priya knew she had to stop Prem before he ended up hurting Amar. She hated seeing her boyfriend argue with his best friend and she didn't want to damage any more of Prem's relationships with others. Prem already wasn't talking to his mother, she didn't want him to fall out with Amar.

Priya got Prem's arms around her waist securely to come closer to him. She cupped his face and faced him to her and said softly with tears streaming down her face,

"Prem, for my sake, stop arguing. I don't want you hurting him, okay? Come on, let's get out of here." She begged and pleaded.

As much as Prem wanted to keep arguing with Amar, he knew it would go nowhere and he had to put Priya first. He saw the tears streaming down her face and the desperation in her sweet voice. He knew he had to console her first. He nodded and Priya pulled away from him, but entwined their fingers together.

Prem led them out of the room, but stopped to take one last look at Amar and said harshly,

"Don't speak to me or Priya. Forget that we're even friends, Amar." Amar looked at Prem with the same look Prem gave him, but Priya realised that she broke and ruined their friendship. They were friends long before Priya came into Prem's life and now she shattered it.

Well done for that. You're destroying Prem's life day by day by burdening him. You really are a scar to the earth - her daunting conscience told her.

A weak whimper left her lips and Prem looked at her with pity. He pulled Priya away to her room, shutting the door and walking in the room.

Prem stood in the middle of the room by Priya's bed, his back facing Priya and his mind just replaying over what happened. He was outraged and angry at Amar. He felt deceived by his best friend because he accused his girlfriend of self harming. First his mother, now his best friend.

Priya, on the other hand, stood against the door, with her arms by her side. Tears were still streaming down her cheeks and her head ducked down.

You really are a weak and pathetic burden. You're so selfish, you've ruined another one of Prem's relationships, this time his best friend. You think your relationship with Prem is so important, but it's not because of what you brought in - her mind haunted her.

She couldn't even hear her heart speak to her because her daunting conscience just spoke and spoke, killing her by the minute. She wished she was dead now because her life was getting shattered more and more everyday. Now that Amar knew her secret, she knew things would go worse.

The room was filled with an eerie silence, no words were exchanged. Until, a horrified and frightened whimper left Priya's mouth, followed by a choked sob, making Prem perk and turn his head upon realising that Priya was distraught.

Prem saw Priya duck her head low in defeat with uncontrollable sobs and whimpers left her mouth, while her body was shaking. One hand was on her mouth but the heartbreaking sounds kept coming out. Her other hand was placed on the door behind her as support from falling down. His heart broke at the sight and he bit his bottom lip to prevent himself from crying at the tragic emotional state of the love of his life. He then walked over to Priya quickly,

"Hey Princess." He said to her softly, getting his hands to cup both her cheeks, but Priya surprisingly pushed his hands away, with a whimper leaving her mouth.

Prem was surprised at her action, but continued to grab her attention,

"Hey hey, look at me Priya, please." He said softly still trying to cup her face but Priya pushed his hands away again, while shaking her head and avoiding his eyes.

Priya then turned around to bury her face against the door, her small body shaking with sobs leaving her mouth. Prem's heart was breaking but he had to get through to her. Although she kept protesting, he wouldn't give up.

While Priya was facing the door and crying, Prem wrapped his arms around her slim waist to bring her back against his warm chest. He felt Priya straighten her back and lean her head back against his shoulder blade.

Priya felt her heart beat at the close proximity and her sobs stopped, she was just exhaling while tears stained her beautiful face. Prem leaned down to the left side of her face with Priya lifting her head up to the right side. Their noses met in an Eskimo kiss till Prem pressed his lips against her temple in a sweet and loving kiss and trailing it down to her wet cheek.

Priya felt a soft noise leave her mouth and she turned around to bury her face against his chest and hands gripped his blue jacket. Prem wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in her soft hair, placing soft kisses on it. He rubbed her back to prevent her from having a panic attack, while swaying them slowly from side to side.

"P-Prem." She whispered sweetly with a soft cry, moving her arms to wrap it around Prem's neck to bring his head closer against her to snuggle. Prem slightly tightened his grip around Priya's waist and further snuggled his face against the side of Priya's hair, smooching her head softly to calm her down.

"Sssh, it's okay, Shona. It's okay. I'm here." Prem whispered, while cuddling her closer, not wanting to let her go.

This was what Priya needed. Safety, protection, warmth and love from Prem. It made her safe from all the monsters and devils from the world who have wronged her. Prem knew Priya was scared and frightened because of everything and he would do anything to save her from it all. His love for Priya was so passionate he would give up anything for her.

Prem leaned down and pressed a long, soft and passionate kiss on the top of her head, making Priya look up in his arms at his handsome eyes. Prem gazed down at her fondly with love and adoration swimming in his eyes. He tucked in a straight lock of her behind her ear that was in the way of her beautiful face, causing Priya to make a soft sound.

"Prem?" She said dazed and confused which barely reached a whisper, but feeling her love for Prem just blossom at that point which she didn't even know how. Prem placed both hands on Priya's cheeks and leaned down closer to her face with a charming whisper, closing his eyes,

"I love you." He then placed his soft lips against her's in a passionate and loving kiss, to remind Priya that he was always going to be by her side. She was always first for him. No one else, just her. That was how much she meant to him.

Priya immediately responded to the kiss by moving her lips in sync and closing her eyes. She placed her hands on his wrists and then made her way up his shoulders, as if asking for more from him. Prem continued leading her in the kiss, with Priya following and Prem eventually pushed her gently against the brown door. They kissed passionately and embraced each other lovingly, as if asking for more security, closeness and affection.

After a few seconds, they pulled away from their passionate moment, leaning their foreheads and noses against each other, catching their breaths from that kiss.

"I love you too. I'm sorry, handsome." Priya whispered, while exhaling slowly. "I'm sorry." She repeated but this time with a soft whimper.

This is all your fault - her mind haunted her.

No, it isn't. You need to speak to Prem about this because a healthy couple who love and trust each other as much as you and Prem do always communicate with eachother. Her heart told her.

Prem pulled his head away and brought his index finger under her chin to lift Priya's head up. Prem saw the fear and worry written across her beautiful face, laced with tears too and he asked softly,

"For what, Shona?"

"For home wrecking another one of your important relationships." She whimpered sweetly.

Prem sighed and shook his head slowly. It was the home wrecking thing again. Priya mentioned it the other night, saying she had ruined Prem's relationship with his mother and now Amar. Prem knew it was bothering her, and although to some it did look sad that Amar and Prem were not friends anymore after what happened earlier, what Priya, the love of his life, had been going through all these months in their relationship was worse. Although Amar was his life long best friend, it angered him that he accused Priya of something so horrendous. First his mother, now his best friend. He didn't know who to trust anymore, but all he knew was that he was going to stick by his Priya because she means the world to him.

It pained him that Priya was suffering just because she was happily in love with him. Did these people not realise how it was affecting his happiness because Priya is his source of happiness? He didn't care about anyone else anymore, except Priya. He was determined to go all lengths just to end all this suffering for Priya, even if it means cutting ties with his family.

Prem cupped one side of Priya's face and used the other hand to tuck the straight locks of hair behind her ear,

"Sweetheart, don't say such a thing about yourself. It's not true. Neither should you apologise for something that was not your fault at all." He told her in a charming and calm voice.

"Prem, you've basically ended your friendship with Amar because of me." She whimpered weakly, with tears trailing down her beautiful face.

"Because of what he said and accused you of, my love. I don't appreciate anyone speaking about you like that. Hurting you mentally, emotionally, physically or verbally. You're stronger than slitting your wrist." Prem explained, bringing the other hand to cup her other cheek and leaning down to place a loving kiss on her forehead.

Look at you just lying to him right now. Imagine he were to find out that you are actually self harming, he will realise you're not worth his love at all - her mind haunted her.

Priya heard the world crash around her because Prem really believed she wasn't self harming. It pained her that she was hiding such a big thing from him, but she was helpless and needed self control. The guilt was eating her alive that she was self harming, but she just hated herself so much to the point she wanted to kill herself. Everyday, she was close to ending her life, but her love for Prem stopped her. Priya placed her hand on his hand that was on her cheek to bring it near her.

"But you didn't have to say to him to forget being friends. Jaan, he's your best friend. First your mother, now him. I'm completely destroying your life by being such a weak and pathetic burden. This is horrible, Prem. This is horrible, absolutely horrible. I don't know how to feel anymore." Priya whimpered and a choked sob left her mouth, making Prem's heart shatter at how much Priya hated herself for something that wasn't even her fault. He knew he had to have a serious and private conversation with Priya to console her that she wasn't at fault.

Prem brought a sobbing Priya close to his chest, where she buried her face in his warm chest and gripped his jacket into tight bunches. He locked the door so the others do not come in and wrapped his arms around Priya's small and shaking body. He walked over with her to the middle of the room, near their bed and sat down against the foot of the bed on the soft white fluffy carpet. Prem's back was against the foot and Priya was laid against his chest, cuddled and snuggled up. Prem tightened his hold around Priya's body and laid his head against her head.

Prem rubbed her back and Priya's sobs stopped. She was just breathing softly and Prem placed a soft kiss on her head, making her look up and sit up close to him. They both sat up and faced opposite eachother.

"You okay?" He asked kindly with utter love and fondness, taking both her hands and entwining their fingers together. Priya took a shaky breath and responded, with her fingers locked with Prem's,

"I-I don't know Prem, honestly. I feel h-horrible for everything I'm putting you through. I've strained your relationship with your mother and best friend because of my problems." Prem shook his head softly and brought her fingers up to his lips to softly kiss them.

"Priya, listen to me, honey. You shouldn't feel like this at all because you have done nothing wrong. You never do anything wrong. I don't care about anyone else, but you. You're my number one priority and you are above anyone else in my life. That's part of my deep and strong love for you. With everything that you're going through, we have to stick together to fight for our relationship, not accept defeat, because that's how strong our love is for each other." Prem spoke eloquently and softly, making Priya's heart flutter at Prem's kind words. When he spoke like this, it made Priya fall into a deeper pit of love with him. She couldn't describe how much she loved this man and didn't know what she would do without him.

However, something else struck her mind.

"B-But Prince?" She cried softly and shakily.

"Yes, Princess?" He said softly with concern.

"I don't want you resenting me for all not speaking to your mother and Amar." She said. That thought was eating her alive and she knew she had to tell him. Prem brought her small body close to him to cuddle and keep her safe. She laid the side of her head against his chest and placed one hand on his chest. Prem wrapped his arms around her. He placed his lips against her forehead in a reassuring kiss.

"Sanam, when you had your sleeping pill overdose, did I resent you for what Maa said to you?" Prem asked. Priya shook her head slowly, scared where this was going as she looked up at Prem.

"Did I resent you when you cried the other night when Rita said you destroyed my relationship with my mother?" He asked. Priya shook her head and Prem asked, "What did I do instead, Shona?"

"Y-You told me you l-loved me so m-much and that s-she was accusing me of s-something that wasn't my fault which m-made you angry." Prem smiled proudly and kissed her forehead softly.

"Very well remembered. Did I resent you yesterday when Maa accused you of self harming?"

"No, you didn't jaan. Instead, you defended me and told her you and I love each other so much that we trust each other. You saved me from trying to end my life when I hung myself up." Priya said snuggling against Prem more, making Prem lean down and muzzle his nose against his head.

"Exactly, Princess. Not once I did resent you for that. Or anything that happened in the past because it's not your fault. When people wrong you, Priya, I can't tolerate that at all because that means they wrong me. You mean the most to me. I was lucky enough that nothing bad had happened yesterday when you hung your self up and the past incidents. I was also lucky to have come in time before things got worse between you and Amar." Prem said. Priya looked up at him and saw the passion in his eyes, making her smile slightly.

"But Prince, part of being with me is to not lash out at other people who are in your life." She said, cupping one side of his handsome face. Prem placed his hand on top of Priya's that was on his cheek and turned to kiss her palm softly, before entwining their fingers together.

"Part of loving and being with me is to accept that I will defend the love of my life against anyone who says or does anything horrible to her. Even if it means cutting ties with my friends and family, for my love." Prem said, making Priya's heart flutter.

This is how madly and passionately he is in love with you. You really do deserve him, Priya. Cherish and love him like you do. Her heart said.

Priya snuggled herself further against Prem's body to close any gaps. She wrapped her arms around his middle before saying in a sweet voice full of adoration,

"Oh Prem." Prem cuddled her more and kissed her head.

"I just don't want anyone hurting you. I'm sick and tired of the torture and pain you're going through. I wish it was me and not you who was going through this." Prem expressed with a heavy sigh, fighting back the tears.

Prem was angry at the people who have wronged Priya. If they wrong Priya, they wrong him. Everyone knew Prem struggled to find love and when he laid eyes on Priya, his search for love was completed. He could remember the times when everyone did everything they could for Prem and Priya to confess their love for each other. He remembered the time before he admitted that he was in love with Priya, where he told his mother about how much he loved her. Now that was gone. So was his friendship with Amar. He just didn't understand why their relationship was going through such problems because of Rita and Bhagwanti. Didn't anybody care about his happiness?

Priya looked up and saw Prem's face which was laced with tears. Priya's heart clenched at the struggle Prem was going through with the torture she was facing. She hated seeing her Prem cry and Prem rarely cried and expressed his feelings to all this.

When a shaky whimper left Prem's mouth, he turned his head to the other side to hide his tears from Priya because he didn't want Priya seeing him cry. But Priya knew he was crying and she knew she had to console him.

Why should he deal with a pathetic burden like you? Her mind haunted her.

No, you need to console him. It's okay to cry. The brave hearted ones are allowed to cry. And it's the job of the lover to console them, just like Prem does when you cry. Her heart spoke.

Priya sat up and placed her hands on Prem's cheeks to face him her way. She used her thumb to stroke his cheek. He looked into her eyes and Priya gave him a loving look.

"Hey handsome? It's okay." She comforted him but Prem shook his head.

"How? You're getting hurt because you're with me. They don't understand how much this hurts me because you're my true love. They all know how I struggled to confess my love for you and they decide to make things worse for us. Priya, sometimes I feel like I'm not enough for you because if I was good enough for you, this torture would have ended already." Prem said in a sad voice, entwining his fingers with Priya's.

Priya realised that Prem was beginning to have doubts about himself and it was important to make him realise how amazing and loving he is. It was not just her that was mentally distraught, Prem was too.

Priya leaned up to place a sweet and loving kiss on Prem's lips that lasted for a few seconds, feeling Prem respond. They pulled away, with Priya leaning up to place a sweet kiss on Prem's forehead and then cupped his handsome face,

"Prem, I love you so so much and remember what I said the other night? You have stuck by me through all this and I'm grateful for you. You believe in me, protect me, love me and many more. I wouldn't have put Vicky in jail if it wasn't for you. Neither would I have been able to do the police interview about the bomb explosion without you. I wouldn't have escaped the bomb explosion if you weren't there. Jaan, there are so many things I wouldn't have done if you weren't there by my side. There are an infinite number of reasons why I love you the way I do and if I didn't, this relationship would've ended by now. We're in this battle together, jaan, and there's no one I would rather want with me but you."

Prem looked down into Priya's gorgeous eyes, love, sincerity and sweetness running inside her gorgeous green orbs. His heart pounding and he turned his head to kiss Priya's palm softly.

"Aww Priya." He cooed, entwining their fingers and kissing her fingertips. Prem leaned his nose against Priya's in an Eskimo kiss, Priya returning it with an adorable giggle.

"You're right, Princess." He whispered softly and Priya responded in a sweet whisper,

"Am I not always right?" Prem smiled fondly, bringing her small body against his to cuddle and softly squeeze,

"When did you become such a smart mouth huh?" He cooed, tickling her side making Priya giggle cutely and contagiously and Prem laughed too, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

There was something Priya needed to ask Prem. She didn't know how he would respond, but she needed to get it off her chest.

Wow, you're being a burden again to him - her mind haunted her.

No speak to him. That's what strong lovers do. Her heart spoke.

"Prem?" She asked softly, drawing patterns on his chest.

"Yes, Shona?" He asked kindly.

"Can I ask you something?" She asked.

"You just did, but go ahead." He said, making her giggle softly and look up at him. He grabbed her small hand and entwined their fingers together. "What is it, Shona?" He added fondly, caressing her fingers.

"I n-need to go to the police station." She said, making Prem tense and raise his eyebrow in confusion and worry.

"Wait, what? Why? What happened Sanam?" Prem asked worriedly, his heart thumping hard in his rib cage about why Priya needed to go to the police station. Did someone hurt her or something?

Priya moved away from Prem's embrace, taking Prem's right hand and wrapping and entwining both her hands securely on it. She then brought his hand up to kiss his palm softly and reassuringly before hugging his hand close to her chest.

"Prem, I n-need to see V-Vicky in jail." She said, kind of fearing Prem's reaction.

Prem's heart did an extreme beat which made his insides burn and churn. He despised Vicky with a burning passion. That man was a disgrace for what he did to Priya. He plotted against her with Rita and Ajay, then tried framing him for assault and subsequently sexually assaulted Priya after she was sexually harassed by the two drunk men. All because he was in love with her since London. It boiled his blood that someone could do such a hateful thing for love. If you love someone, but they love someone else, it doesn't make it right to attack them. It makes the person look selfish and cruel.

Prem sat up and cupped one side of her cheek,

"Priya, why? Princess, I don't like that idea at all." He told her worriedly.

"B-Because I reckon he can tell us more about Rita's a-abusive relationship. He has been friends with her for a while, we're bound to find out more that will allow us to end Rita and the torture." She explained.

Prem sighed, conflicted on what to do. Priya was right. Vicky could tell them more about Rita's past. But he was worried about how Priya will feel facing him again after what happened last time and knowing that he was in love with her. He was definitely still in love with Priya and Prem could not handle that Priya would be visiting him in jail. It just irked him that someone else had feelings for Priya in a way that he has. No one loves Priya more than him and he felt threatened that someone else also loves Priya.

Look at you bothering him with all your problem. You're such a weak and pathetic burden, just stressing him out for no reason. No relationship should have these things going on - her daunting conscience spoke.

Priya saw Prem's conflicted and angry face, and instantly regretted asking him. She felt like such a burden at that moment, but she just wanted to ask him because she learnt trust was important. Her heart was beating so fast, it would leap out of her chest.

"J-Jaan?" She asked softly and sweetly, making him look down at her. He saw Priya's beautiful green orbs look up at him nervously, making his heart swell with so much love. He entwined their fingers together and explained,

"Listen, my love, I know you want answers for your questions. I do too. But, put yourself first. You haven't focused on getting better properly because people have been throwing things at you. Your peace of mind comes first, Princess and that's all I want to focus on too."

"But Prem, I'll be at peace if we have some information about Rita's past. Think about it, if we have some information about it, we could probably get to the bottom of this and end Rita's scheme. Isn't that what we want? And not only does this benefit us, but it brings justice for Vishal and especially Rani. Vishal deserves some answers after all he has done for us." Priya explained.

Prem's heart started beating in anticipation. It did sound convincing but his gut was telling him that it won't go well. But Priya was determined and if it meant her questions will be answered, he would accompany her.

"I guess you're right, Sanam. All I want is for this torture to end and if it means to visit Vicky in jail, then fine. I just want your questions to be answered." Prem said, looking down into her eyes, smiling fondly at her whole holding both her hands.

Priya smiled sweetly, moving closer to wrap her small arms around Prem's neck while burying her face in his warm chest. Prem chuckled in adoration, wrapping his arms around her slim waist and nuzzling his nose against the top left side of her head, smooching it softly.

"Thank you, jaan. I love you." She whispered. Prem chuckled and responded with a soft kiss on her head,

"I love you too." They pulled away but still wrapped in each other's arms. "But, Shona. One thing." Priya nodded slowly, looking up in his eyes nervously.

"You are not to go alone." He said.

Yeah because he doesn't need any more trouble from you than you have already given him. You're a burden - her mind haunted her.

No, he's doing this because he doesn't want you hurt. That's how much he loves you. Her heart said.

"Who said I was going alone?" Priya asked sweetly, looking up at her handsome lover with her cute and gorgeous green eyes. Prem's heart fluttered and he asked,

"Who were you going to take with you, Sanam?" He knew who it would be, but he just wanted to hear her say it.

"You of course. Who else will go I with? Handsome, I need you by my side, as clingy as that sounds but I don't feel safe with anyone else except you." Priya said softly with a slight hint of desperation. "Please handsome, if you don't mind me being a pain." She added in a soft whisper, her small hands trailing up to Prem's chest. Prem smiled fondly, taking one of her small soft hands near his lips to press a soft and gentle kiss on it.

You are a painful burden to him and the rest of the world - her haunted mind said. Her heart pained at what her mind said and she knew it was true. She burdened them all with her problems and she didn't know what to do with herself anymore.

"Shona, you're not being a pain to me at all. I promise you, hand on heart. I want to go with you because I just want you to be comfortable and safe. I don't know what could happen if I let you go alone."

"Someone else should join us too, jaan." Priya said softly.

"It's not going to be Amar that's for sure. Maybe Rahul or Sameer and if you want, Princess, Preeti, Anjali or Neha can join for your comfort." Prem said.

"Yeah, but I was thinking of someone else, Prem." Priya said.

"Who?" Prem asked, eyebrows knitted in confusion.

"Vishal." Priya said, and noticed Prem's facial expression change.

"What? You don't think I'll keep you safe enough or something?" Prem asked in a small voice, insecurity clear in his tone. Yes, Prem was still a bit insecure around the mentions of Vishal because he just didn't seem as courageous and protective like Vishal was. Especially towards Priya.

Priya cupped Prem's handsome face and smiled at him, before leaning up to place a sweet kiss on his lips, making Prem respond softly. They pulled away after a few seconds and Priya told him softly with a loving look,

"Prem, I love you so much, remember that. No one will ever reign my heart the way you do, jaan. And no one will keep me as safe as you do. Don't feel threatened or jealous of Vishal at all. He's my boss, not my lover. Yes he has saved my life a few times, but that doesn't mean you have saved me any less. In fact, you've saved my life more and that makes you my knight in shining armour in every sense of the term." Prem looked at her and asked,

"Wait. What makes you think.." He asked, getting worried if the others told Priya about how he felt insecure when Vishal was mentioned with Priya.

"Prem, I've seen you roll your eyes when we mention Vishal, how you put yourself down when comparing yourself to him and how you grow stiff at the mention of him. I've caught on, but I didn't say anything, which I probably should've. But, don't worry. Me or anyone mentioning Vishal doesn't mean I love you any less. I love you so much and will always need you. And-"

"I love you more." Prem interrupted cutely, making Priya chuckle fondly and continued,

"The reason why I'm saying Vishal should come with us is so that he may have some questions regarding Rita, or in his case Sonia, that needs answering. We owe him that at least right?" Prem smiled at her wise words and placed his forehead against her shoulder, making Priya nuzzle and graze the hair at the back of his head softly and gently.

"You're right, Priya. We owe him that because he needs justice and so does Rani." Priya turned to her left side and placed a sweet kiss on the side of Prem's head, making Prem raise his head up to smile at her. Priya smiled at him too and they both leaned forward to place their lips against each other in a passionate and loving kiss that lasted for a few short seconds before pulling away. They stood up and Prem held his hand out for her, 

"Come on, Shona. Let's face this together." Priya nodded cutely and took his hand.

"Let's do this, handsome."

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A/N

Hey everyone,

I hope all is well for you. ❤️ I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I'm sorry for the long wait. Other than that, votes and comments are always appreciated ❤️

I know this is late, but this reunion was earlier this month made me happy 💕

Much love always,

Rima
(Saalrishma_Pyar) 💕