The bright sun shining from the windows stung Sia’s swollen eyes.

She was lying on the bed, still wrapped up in Ajay’s arms. Her body ached everywhere. Not just from the position she was lying in, but also due to the blows she had taken during the fight, the previous night.

She supposed the pain was good. Because apart from the physical pain, she felt empty and dead inside.

She couldn’t understand it.

For the longest time, she had dreamt of the day when she would finally get her retribution against the monster that destroyed her soul. She had always imagined that it would finally bring peace to her. That it would calm down the burning need to lash out at the world.

But somehow it all felt empty when she achieved it.

Ajay began stirring next to her. He opened his eyes slowly, and within a second, his gaze became alert. His eyes fell on her immediately and he began scanning her face thoroughly. His gaze lingered for a couple of seconds on her eye that felt sore. It was blackened probably due to one of the blows she took during the fight.

Rage and pity filled Ajay’s eyes as he took in everything.

The rage she understood, the pity she loathed. “Stop it,” she said.

Ajay didn’t say anything. He continued looking at her quietly.

Pushing away from his arms, she sat up. “Stop looking at me with pity, Ajay,” she said.

“It’s not pity, Sia,” he replied softly. The tone in which he spoke also indicated he was being careful not to agitate her.

“You are trying to pity me. And you are also looking at me like I’m going to snap any moment.”

There was a considerable pause. “I’m just worried about you,” he said.

“Why?” she asked. “Like everyone said, it’s finally over. Don’t you think that too? That after getting my uncle and his cronies arrested, I’d be at peace?”

She met with silence again. A long loaded one.

Not waiting for his answer, she got down from the bed.

“You are hurt, Sia,” Ajay called out to her. She didn’t know if he was referring to her physical hurt or the mental feeling. “You need to rest and catch some more sleep.”

She gave him her profile. “I can’t. Not with these clothes that remind me of last night. I feel unclean in them,” she said, as she continued walking towards the bathroom.

 

* * *

 

Ajay watched Sia as she walked towards the bathroom with stiff movements.

He wanted to assist her, but he knew she wanted to be left alone. He continued watching as she threw away the previous night’s clothes, before she stepped inside their bathroom for a shower. Before she disappeared from his view, he noticed the obvious bruises and cuts on her body.

Rage took over him, followed by the feeling of helplessness. His rage was directed at the people who had hurt her. He felt pent up and lingering anger towards her as well for putting herself in danger the previous night.

He knew she didn’t need him to lecture her about her safety and the risk she took. She simply needed him for strength and for solace.

The bathroom door banged open, cutting off his thoughts. Sia walked out, and headed towards him with a determined look on her face. She was wet and completely naked. His body responded immediately while his mind remained tormented with worry and anger.

Sia crawled on top of the bed, and then over him. “I can’t get the images out of my head,” she said as she pulled at his clothes. “Please, make me forget,” she begged when he remained unmoving under her.

She ripped some of his shirt buttons in a hurry. But he didn’t move to assist her. He knew he would be out of control the moment he touched her. Especially with the things brewing inside his head.

“Touch me,” she demanded. “Take away the filth from my mind and leave me with the memories I need.”

“You are hurt, Sia,” he rasped out as he clenched his fists to the sides.

“Don’t you dare reject me,” she said. “Take me right now,” she commanded.

Her mouth met his neck as she kissed him in need and desperation. Unable to control himself, he grabbed her by her arms, and pulled her close, until their bodies were crushed together. He knew he would leave more bruises with this encounter. Because she wouldn’t allow him to be gentle with her.

She looked extremely volatile. And so was he.

He didn’t want to hold back. He wanted to feel her warmth. He wanted to reassure to himself that she was safe. And so, he pushed her underneath him, covering her body with his.

When she flinched at the contact, he made one last attempt to hold onto whatever ounce of control he could. But it was a losing battle.

“Don’t hold back,” she warned him, digging her nails into his arms, and knocking his control completely off the axis.