Dil Ke Karib (Early Acess Ch 22

🎉 How was last Chapter did this chapter make your heart flutter or break?

🛎️ New to Nandini and Rajeev’s world? No worries! Catch up on Dil ke Karib (Chapters 1–22) on my website before diving in. Her story is just getting started… 💔✨

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Married to My Brother-in-Law, In Love with His Brother — dropping Mon–Fri at 9 PM
Dil ke Karib — continuing Mon–Fri at 9 AM

✨ Two stories. Two time slots. One unforgettable journey.

Now, let’s dive back into the latest chapter… 👇

******

The first light of dawn spilled through the window, draping Rajeev’s peaceful face in warm golden hues, the quiet promise of a new day softening the shadows of night. Nandini watched him, her breath catching as last night’s fears eased with each steady rise and fall of his chest.

Though moonlight had faded, the quiet intimacy between them remained — tender, untouched.

She reached out, her fingers trembling slightly as they brushed through his dark hair, smooth and cool beneath her touch. Her voice, barely more than a whisper, broke the morning stillness.

“I’m scared,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Scared that if I tell you... you'll have to choose. Between me and your own blood.”

Rajeev stirred, lashes fluttering open to meet her gaze. Time hung suspended — caught between the words spoken and those still held back.

Nandini’s lips quivered into a fragile smile as she pulled her hand away. She rose quietly, the weight of her secret still heavy in her heart, and made her way toward the prayer corner, where the soft glow of the morning sunlight bathed the room in a warm embrace. She let the cold water wash away the restless night, a soft smile lingering as relief and sadness mingled.

Last night's conversation with Rajeev had eased some of her worries, but the truth she held close to her chest still lingered, waiting to be revealed. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she knew that the time would come when she would have to speak her truth and face the consequences.

The window rattled softly in the breeze, goosebumps prickling her skin — a cold reminder that Vikrant’s shadow still clung to her, refusing to release its grip. Why can't he just leave her alone in peace? She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the inevitable confrontation that lay ahead.

She wrapped her damp hair in a soft gamcha—a light cotton cloth—then draped her saree around her shoulders and headed toward her room, where Rajeev was now awake, sitting on the bed with a soft yawn and a smile on his face.

"Good morning...," he greeted her warmly, making her heart skip a beat.

She returned his smile as the gamcha slid off, and wet strands fell around her face. "Good morning," she replied, feeling a sense of comfort in Rajeev's presence. Despite Vikrant's lingering influence, she knew she was safe with him by her side.

Rajeev’s gaze held steady, warm and intense as she dried her hair. A flush crept up Nandini’s cheeks, a flutter tightening her chest. She caught his gaze in the mirror and dared a playful smile.

"What are you staring at?" she asked playfully, breaking the tension between them.

Rajeev chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with affection. "Your hair looks beautiful open like that," he said, reaching out to gently tuck a loose strand behind her ear. “Leave it open, at least when you’re with me. I love seeing you like this.” His words made her heart flutter with happiness, grateful for his unwavering support and adoration.

Her mouth fell open, surprise making her voice tremble. "No one’s ever said that to me before." Warmth blossomed inside her, soft and strange.

Rajeev stepped closer, his height towering over her, and gently lifted her chin with his finger. “Well, you’ll have to get used to it,” he said with a slow smile. “You don’t like my silence? Then I’ll make sure you hear what’s in my heart—from now on.”

Nandini felt her cheeks flush with a mixture of embarrassment and joy as she bit her lower lip to stop it from trembling. She couldn't believe how much his words meant to her, and she knew in that moment that Rajeev was someone truly special.

“Go away... I’m running late,” she murmured, pushing his chest gently, trying to hide the flutter in her heart.

Rajeev’s eyes darkened. His fingers hovered, then gently traced the pale bruise curling like a shadow around her wrist. A silent question hung heavy in the air. His jaw tightened just slightly; the room seemed to hold its breath.

Nandini quickly pulled her hand away, hiding it behind her back, feeling a mix of embarrassment and vulnerability.

"Who did this to you?" Rajeev’s brow furrowed as he lifted her hand, his eyes searching hers. Nandini's heart fluttered with fear, wondering how much he knew about her past with Vikrant.

"It just…" She tried to come up with an excuse, but the words caught in her throat as she struggled to find a way to explain without revealing too much.

Rajeev’s eyes narrowed, his voice steady but firm. “Don’t lie to me, Nandini.”
He studied her wrist again, fingers brushing the faint bruises — ghostly echoes of broken bangles.
Nandini’s heart hammered; his sharp perception caught her off guard.

“No…” she stammered, heart pounding as she scrambled for a lie, each word tasting bitter on her tongue. “It was just... an accident at home.”

“Was it Maa… or someone else?” His voice softened, but a flicker of something unspoken passed over his face — a shadow between concern and something deeper.

Nandini shook her head. "No, Maa is kind to me…," she said softly, avoiding eye contact.

"Then who dared to hurt you?" Rajeev asked, his voice filled with concern. Nandini hesitated, but before Nandini could answer, the door of their bedroom slammed open. A low, dangerous voice sliced through the silence, cracked like glass. “Rajeev…”

*****

Author’s Note ✨

The first light of dawn brings a fragile hope — but shadows of the past still linger. Nandini’s fears and Rajeev’s unwavering warmth dance between whispered truths and silent promises.

If you’ve ever carried a secret too heavy to share… or feared that love might force impossible choices, today’s chapter was for you.

💬 What do you think Rajeev will do next? Reply and let me know!
📝 Share your thoughts — even a single line can light the way for others.
🔁 Know someone who needs a little hope today? Share this story with them.

And remember, sometimes the bravest thing is to face the unknown… especially when the person beside you holds your heart.

But with that door slamming open, everything changes. What secret will Rajeev uncover? Brace yourselves — tomorrow’s chapter might just change everything.

With love and all my heart,

Shaar Shree 💫 🌸