**Please Read The Disclaimer Attached To The Story Info.

This Chapter Contains Mature Content ***

Read at your own risk if you're below 18.****

My eyelids drooped heavily as I tried to ease the tension that was heavily building in my head.

I noticed that Omkara had gotten up to talk to the group of people personally, and the next thing I knew, I had stepped in front of him, my eyes only landing on his chest now.

"Excuse me, we'll discuss this matter shortly." I heard Omkara's faint voice before I clutched my hands into a ball of fist, my nails digging into my skin.

How could he keep this from me? How could he just...

I stopped and gently punched his chest, and then again and again, until I had started to punch him harder and harder, repeatedly.

"He-hey, what the hell, Gauri ?!" I heard him snap but that didn't stop me. I didn't care who was watching us now, I can tell that all attention was drawn towards me but like I said, I didn't care.

"How could you...how could you! How could you do this to me!" I started yelling and throwing my fist towards his chest repeatedly, trying to shove and push him but he didn't budge.

Instead, two hands swiftly caught my wrists and I froze, my eyes landing on the floor as more tears rolled down my cheeks.

"I'll take her." I heard Omkara say before I was literally thrown over his shoulder.

"Stop! Let me go! Omkara put me down!" I yelled and screamed, punching his back and scratching it all over, refusing to obey him.

I stopped fighting when my vision started to become blurry in high speed, almost making me gag immediately.

Seconds passed and I was willing to let him take me anywhere, considering the fact that I might throw up anytime if I struggle even once. But something came over me and I opened my eyes before jerking my body away from him.

I cried out in pain when my body collided with the ground before I rolled over something hard, scraping and burning my skin before my movements came to a stop.

I opened my eyes and groaned, sitting up as I rubbed my temples gently.

Okay, maybe that was not such a good idea.

"What's gotten into you?! You could have gotten yourself killed, Gauri !" Omkara's voice snapped me out of my senses and I looked ahead to notice him bolting towards me.

Before I could protest or fight, Omkara picked me up in his arms again and I took in my surroundings, realising that we were now in a forest, out in the middle of nowhere.

Why the hell did he take me here anyways?

"Where-" before I could finish my question, Omkara started running, causing me to clutch his suit tightly.

It wasn't long before we reached back to the mansion and I bit my bottom lip when I realized how tight Omkara's grip around my shoulders was now.

With a grunt, I hopped out of his grip as he walked in and brushed away my tears.

"Explain. What The hell happened to you back there? There were people there, Gauri . What were you thinking?" He took a step forward and I opened my mouth to say everything but no words came out.

Instead, a hard lump formed in my throat and I knew better than to say anything right now. Unless I wanted to burst into tears again, I was to remain shut.

Without saying anything, I turned around, marching my way towards the stairs.

I heard a deep huff from behind before someone grabbed my wrist and started dragging me upstair.

I wriggled in Omkara's grip and shook my head angrily when he opened the door to his room, pushing me inside.

"Nothing happened." I said finally.

"I am not messing around right now. You could have gotten yourself killed!"

"Yeah, like you weren't gonna do the job yourself eventually." I barely muttered under my breath and noticed Omkara arched a brow in confusion.

"Shlok told me, about the rules you made. The whole, "vampires can't fall in love with humans." I tried to conceal the hurt in my voice, my words dripping in fake sarcasm. He visibly flinched, his body stiffening before he took a step forward.

"Why did you get involved with him?"

"So that's the problem? Not what everything he said?" I noticed something flash in his eyes before he put on a rather cold and dark expression.

"It is the problem."

"Is it true?" I choked out, tears slightly welling in my eyes again as he threw me a hard unredeable expression.

"Did you only keep me around for pleasure? Did you ever see me as something more than just a blood bad?"

"Gauri , stop-"

"Did you ever plan to love me?" The moment those words left my mouth, his eyes snapped right back at me in surprise and I pressed my trembling lips together, a tear threatening to fall down my cheeks already.

I noticed his eyes wavering a little before they clouded back in no emotion and I felt my confidence crumble at his coldness.

"No."

That one word broke me. I looked at him, the tears I fought so hard to keep in, finally streaming down my face.

"S-so why...?" I took in a shaky breath. "Why kiss me, hold me, touch me and make me feel special like that? Acting like you care and leading me on? Why? I don't understand. Did none of that matter to you?

Did I not matter to you,Omkara ?" His body tensed up at my last words and I noticed him swallow down harshly before practically ripping away his cold, piercing gaze again.

"Isn't it obvious?" He finally mumbled out, his voice hoarse and low.

"I wanted you as my keeper, nothing more, nothing less." His words sent a painful sting jolting through my heart.

"Are you saying that because you are afraid of what might happen to me if we were together?" I questioned and his jawline clenched tightly before he turned away, quickly putting on his expressionless mask again.

That was the case. It was obvious.

"It's not." He tried to sound convincing but I didn't buy it.

"You're lying, Omkara -"

"And how are you so sure, huh?" He raised his voice, suddenly taking a few hasty steps towards me and I stumbled back a little.

"Don't tell me you actually fell for me, Gauri'." I stopped at those words, my eyes widening as I just stared at him.

I wanted to refuse his statement, I wanted to shove it back to his face but I couldn't.

I just couldn't deny it and I noticed something flash in his eyes as he continued staring at me.

Guilt? Before I could make sense of it, his eyes grew a shade darker again, returning back to their merciless cold ones.

"Tsk, didn't think you were that easy, doll face-"

I hurled my hands towards him, slapping his cheeks so hard, it threw his head to a side and caused my palms to sting in pain afterwards.

"You're the worst Omkara ." I finally choked out but before he could turn to face me, I stormed out of his room, roughly brushing away my tears.

He was the worst.

He really was the worst of the worst. After everything we've been through, he calls me easy? And to think that I saw something in that heartless, pathetic son of a bitch.

I stopped to hiss in pain and glanced at my arm to notice several bruises and scrapes.

With a low growl, I marched back to my room and went straight into the toilet to shower.

As I stripped off my clothes, I noticed the several bruises and cuts on my body, including my knee, upper arm, slightly above my breasts and even one on my stomach.

I hadn't even noticed them before but I guess I must have landed pretty hard on the ground when I jumped off Omkara .

I hissed and cursed in pain, my eyes swimming in tears as I remembered Omkara's words over and over again.

After washing myself up, I slipped on a casual tank top and tights, not even bothering to patch up my cuts and bruises.

I had too much on my mind anyways. Not wanting to think about Omkara even for a second, I decided to go read a book, my head slightly throbbing in pain now.

******

My eyes never left the book I was reading, afraid that if I stopped, I would think about everything Omkara said tonight.

The pain was overwhelming. I was rejected.

Heart broken and humiliated.

Never have I felt so much regret in one night. It was painful, suffocating.

The feeling was gonna eat me inside and out and I couldn't take it anymore.

"It's staying between us, honey." I read the words carefully from the book, trying to engage back inside my own little world but froze.

That line, the sentence. It sounded somewhat familiar in my head.

"Whatever happened between us, is between us darling, are we clear?" Ishana's voice rang through my mind and I froze, my thoughts coming to an abrupt stop.

What the hell?

Where have I heard that before? I shook my head a little, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling.

That sentence, her voice, it sounded so real. Almost like it really happened. Was I having dejavus or imagining things?

With a sigh, I closed my book, deciding that it was about time I stopped reading.

I started going back to my room when my head bumped against someone, sending me back with a stumble.

"Sorry." I apologized without even looking up and was ready to walk past the figure when a hand grabbed my upper arm.

"How long do you plan on staying mad at me, babe? I said I was sorry." I looked up to face Rithesh and Ajay, who was now giving me a rather sad and disappointment look.

"I'm not mad."

"You are, I can tell. How can I make it up for you, hm?" Rithesh pulled me closer from a side, a hand wrapping an arm around my shoulders before he pulled me in, his cheeks pressing hard against mine from a side, making me cringe in annoyance.

"Should I make love to you or-"

"Ignore him." Ajay pulled me away from him and I let out an angry huff.

"Can you both just leave me alone for tonight? Please." I finally mumbled out and watched Ajau pout before biting his lip lightly.

"Sorry, I really mean it. You were never burden to us nor do we see you as one either." He gave me another apologetic look and licked his lips again, making me heat up in embarrassment.

"Geez, relax you guys. I honestly don't care about that anymore. But if it makes you two feel any better then yes, I forgive you." I poked Ajay's chest and gasped when he pulled me into a hug before pulling away.

"Glad we got that over with." He kissed my forehead and I was about to say something when Rithesh lightly patted my head and started leaving with him.

"Ah, those two." I looked at Shivaay , who suddenly appeared in front of me.

"That was sweet though." I smiled a little, staring after the boys as they left outside.

"You wanna hang out? I'm kinda bored." Shivaay suggested outta the blue and I nodded before I could even think twice.

******

"You are such an asshole!" I punched Shivaay's hand lightly before standing up.

With a deep breath, I started busting up some silly dance moves and watched shivaay burst into laughter, throwing his back as if he was having a fit.

"Why can't you give me a normal dare like I do?!" I huffed, sitting back on his bed.

"Now that would ruin all the fun, wouldn't it?"
I narrowed my eyes and stuck my tongue out once more before sighing.

"Are you okay?" He asked quietly and I was about to shake my head but stopped.

What was the point in hiding it anyways?

"Not really," I watched him edge closer to me from the bed.

"I heard about the rules. The whole vampire can't fall in love with a human..." I laughed humorously but Shivaay remained serious, his deep green eyes penetrating into my chocolate ones before he turned away, letting out a sigh.

"Guess you finally know." He mumbled, running a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, I guess no vampire can ever be with my kind without the intention of using us for sex and food."

"It's not exactly like that. I mean, yeah it is, but I think those rules can be changed in time if-"

"Don't lie, Shivaay . I know you're just saying that to convince me but we both know that it's not true." I landed my gaze on his chest, gripping the sheets slightly, my whole mood dropping again.

"Hey," Shivaay suddenly held my face, lifting them up to meet his soft gaze.

"Even if the world turned against me, I would still do anything for you. Even if it meant breaking those rules and giving you all the happiness you deserve." His words made my lips part slightly, my eyes widen in shock and my heart to skip a beat.

They meant the world to me, eased the pain in my heart, but...I didn't want them coming from him. I wanted it to be Omkara . I wanted Omkara to say those words to me and make me feel reassured.

"Shivaay, you are the only one who knows that I-what I have for Omkara is-"

"I know," He breathed, pressing his forehead against mine.

"But I also know that you're hurting because of him...badly. And I can't bear to see you like this." He breathed, his eyes never leaving mine nor wavering and just for a second, I imagined what it would be like if I had fallen for Shivaay instead of Omkara .

My life would be so much easier, less complicated and I would have probably been loved a whole lot more.

"I'm so-sorry...I really can't-with you, I mean"

"I know that too. And that's fine with me. I just want you to be happy, Gauri. That's all that matters to me, but- " He paused, his eyes slightly flickering on to my lips.

"If he hurts you like this again, I won't let it slide so easily either." His lips brushed against mine and both my mind and movements stopped, my heart going wild at the sensation of his lips.

The next thing I knew, his lips covered mine softly, a hand wrapping around my back as he pulled my body closer to his.

My eyes widened, my mind going blank as the beating of my heart grew faster with each passing second.

Before I could pull away, Shivaay parted our lips and I sat there, my eyes still slightly widened in shock and my lips slightly parted.

"Think about it," He slightly carrassed my cheeks with his fingers and my eyes snapped to look up at his soft, gentle ones.

"Think about me, think about us." He finished, his voice slightly cracking at the end and I felt my heart racing faster than ever.

For the first time, his words actually stung in my heart and left a carving on them, making my stomach go churned .

His words meant something to me. It actually made me happy.

But i wish it was him , I wished it was Omkara.

xxx

The next few days, I spent most of my time hanging out with Shivaay , totally opening myself up to him and letting him in, hoping I would start seeing him as something more than just a friend.

Shivaay had told me to give him a chance and in order for me to do that and take his feelings seriously,

I had to try harder to see him as a man and not just a friend. So I spent more time with him, hanged out with him more than the others and even went to the events together with him.

Omkara , of course, confronted me about us and I didn't say much, except the fact that I was enjoying his company.

It was obvious that he was mad, jealous and angry because whenever I was with Shivaay , I could always sense a dangerous and menacing atmosphere from behind us.

It would always turn out to be Omkara . But I never took it to heart this time. I tried my best not to.

Omkara being jealous only meant that he had something for me, and as flattering as that may be, it wasn't good enough either.

He was just jealous.

That's it.

He didn't exactly care or try to apologise and make things right. He didn't fight for me like Shivaay did. And that's what I needed.

Someone to fight for me.

"The food there was horrible." Shivaay grumbled and I laughed, shaking my head as we walked out of the restaurant.

"At least the service was better."

"The service was shit too, Gauri, admit it. You just couldn't let me take you out to a more fancy place." He said with a groan and I grinned.

"Of course not, we didn't have to go somewhere expensive just to have dinner." I brushed some dust from my pink tank top and shorts.

"Right, you wanted a casual date at the nearest cheap restaurant, am I correct?" He stopped as we made our way towards the mansion.

"Exactly. I had a great time anyways."

"Me too." Shivaay grabbed my wrist before I could enter the mansion.

I stopped to look up at him, my lips slightly parting at his intense yet soft gaze.

"You are so perfect, I could look at you all day." His words made my mind go blank, before Omkara face popped into my head.

He said those words once too. Back at the cafe we stopped by weeks ago after staying at the lodge .

Memories and flashbacks of that day came flowing down my mind and I bit my bottom lip slightly, my heart aching when I remembered my moments with Omkara .

"Thank you, Shivaay." I said finally with a small smile.

"I know that there is no chance between us-"

"Shivaay , I'm trying-"

"Let me finish," He pressed a finger on my lips.

"But that's alright with me. Whatever choice you make, I'll respect it. I'll always be here for you, no matter what. I want you to know that." He finished and I smiled at his words, my heart beating so fast now, I'm sure he would hear it too.

Shivaay and I said goodnight and I headed back to my room, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

I opened my room, walking inside and stood in front of the mirror, my cheeks heating up in embarrassment as I recalled his sweet words.

I smiled a little and bit my bottom lip slightly, ready to take a shower now. I was honestly sweating the whole night and I don't know if Shivaay noticed it but-

"You seem happy." A deep voice cut off my thoughts and I spun around to look at Omkara , who was now leaning against my wardrobe, his hands tightly folded around his chest, revealing all his tensed muscles.

My breath slightly hitched and I broke our intense gaze, reminding myself that I had to seem unfazed.

"Why are you here?" I spoke softly, not exactly wanting to anger him.

"It's late." He said in a very cold voice. What was his deal anyways? It's not like we had anything going on now anyways.

"So? I went out to eat with Shivaay and-"

"What did you guys talk about?"

"Nothing that would concern you." I did my best to conceal the annoyance and irritation in my voice.

"Don't get me wrong, doll face, I couldn't give two shits about you two. But I need to know whether you both are serious or not, I deserve to know."

"Couldn't give two shit about us?" I questioned through gritted teeth, anger boiling inside of me.

"Well, we are serious actually. What we have going on is real for me, and I know that Shivaay feels the same way. Now if you don't mind, please leave. I've answered your question-"

"You're lying." He said in a monotone voice. His face was unfazed, as if he couldn't care less about what's going on between us.

It boiled anger inside of me.

"I am not. We even kissed." I couldn't hold back anymore. I wanted him to remove that heartless cold expression of his.

Omkara visibly flinched and I noticed his body stiffen, a muscle in his jawline flickering.

His eyes grew a shade darker and I softly gulped when he started taking slow steps towards me.

"Really?" His eyes held me in place, my body completely glued to the spot.

"And how'd you like that?" His hard penetrating stare made me feel uncomfortable.

I couldn't lie even if I wanted to.

"You should go. I thought you didn't care about what happens between us." I pushed past him only to be grabbed by my wrist.

I didn't turn to face him and Omkara remained silent, the grip he had on my wrist loosening now.

"Why can't you just be honest with me? " I turned to face him and realized that he was no longer interested in talking again.

"Why can't we just stop going back and forth like this?" I stepped forward, slightly grabbing his shirt before looking up to meet his soft, emotionless expression.

"Because I can't give you what you want, Gauri . Even if I wanted to." He finally turned to his right, avoiding my gaze.

"Right." I decided to give up trying with him.

"Okay then."

"You didn't answer my question," His voice stopped me from walking towards my bed.

"The kiss. How far did you two go?" I can sense the anger radiating off from him as he suddenly appeared in front of me.

"Well We went far enough. Don't worry about that." I hissed, ready to push past him when he grabbed my wrists.

"Omkara , let me go." I demanded.

"You're so fucking reckless, Gauri !" His cool and calm voice broke into a snap and I slightly flinched at his anger.

"Well so are you!" I shot back and gasped when he started backing me, the grip he had on my wrist tightening as I struggled to free myself.

My back finally hit against the door and I shot him a hard glare as he leaned his face closer to mine, his breathing becoming hard and heavy.

"Omkara , stop."

"No," He said sharply. "It pisses me off. Seeing you with him is driving me-"

"I am only trying to fix what you broke! You practically called me an easy whore and dumped me! Lied to me and hid things from me and used me. What more do you want from me, Omkara ?! What?! I can't keep-" I stopped when he placed a hand on my mouth gently, his eyes instantly softening at my words.

"I don't think that you are easy, Gauri ." He finally said, his eyes boring into mine now.

"I didn't mean that, I'm sorry." He finally breathed, one of his hand tangling around my waist and pressing my back on the wall, while the other still held a firm grip on my mouth.

"I'm sorry." He said again and I looked into his pleading and slightly guilty eyes before sighing.

He removed his hand from my mouth but a thumb remained on my lips as he carrassed them gently.

"It's okay now. You can go-"

"I understand that you want to give Shivaay a chance," his eyes never left my lips as he started rubbing them gently.

My lips slightly parted at his words and my eyes widened slightly when his thumb slipped into my mouth.

"But I can't let you be with him. You belong to me, Gauri , not him. And it pisses me off," his voice slightly turned seriously deep and low.

"That he violated what's mine," his thumb was still brushing and exploring my tongue and I blushed in embarrassment, my whole body quivering at his touch.

His index finger lifted up my chin a little higher and I finally met his intense stare.

"Forget about him, please ," He stopped playing with my tongue and leaned his face closer to mine, our lips only inches away from each other.

"Omkara , I-I really want to give him a chance to-"

"Screw it, I'll make you forget about him"And with that, his lips engulfed mine into a sloppy rough kiss and I gasped, my back pressing hard against the door as he pressed his own body onto mine.

The kiss was rough, breathtaking yet gentle and soft at the same time, it made my knees quiver in pleasure and my heart to dance wild.

Omkara's hand suddenly ran down to my thighs before lifting me up and the next thing I knew, he had appeared right in front of the bed, sitting down on it with me on top of his lap, my legs straddling around his torso.

The kiss deepened, full of passion and lust and I opened my mouth to moan, only to have his tongue pushed inside my mouth, exploring it whole.

He pulled away, kissing me at least five more times on the lips before digging his hands into my hair from the back and turning my head to a side.

His lips trailed my jawline, down to my neck and immediately started nibbling and sucking my soft spot, making me gasp in pleasure, my hands running through his hair roughly as I arched my back a little.

He pulled back and swiftly removed his shirt, revealing all his perfectly tones muscles and abs. I didn't stop there either, I grabbed the hem of my shirt, ready to slip it off when a hand grabbed it, and with a small effort, I watched Omkara rip off my tank top, making me gasp in shock as he threw it on the ground.

His lips were already on my neck again, moving down to my collarbone and Igrabbed his shoulders in surprise.

"Omkara What are you- that was probably the latest outfit you got me and-"

"I don't fucking care!" He breathed, turning his body around with me and I fell back on the bed, my cheeks heating in embarrassment .

He towered over me and I noticed his eyes trail down on to my cleavage and I was more than relieved that I was wearing a decent lacy black bra tonight.

His eyes moved down on to my stomach and back up to my eyes, making me gulp softly. I noticed the lust, desire and another familiar emotion flicker in his eyes before his gaze landed on my lips again.

"God, this is so-"I started to cover my chest when Omkara ripped them away and placed them on top of my head.

One of his hand held a firm grip on my wrists while the other held my chin up to meet his eyes again.

His lips met mine once again and I responded to them hungrily, allowing his fingers to trace around my body, starting from my cleavage and around the outline of my bra before going down to my stomach.

I bit my bottom lip as he pulled away and felt his body tense up as he brushed his lips against my jawline and onto my ears, causing me to gasp.

My whole face flushed in embarrassment and I started parting his lips from my earlobes but stopped when I felt him smirk against my skin.

"St- stop, that 's sensitive." I barely choked out but Omkara being Omkara , only nibbled on my earlobes harder, slipping in his tongue every now and then.

I squealed and started edging further away but he suddenly grabbed my waist with one of his hands, pressing my body back down on the bed.

His other hand held my neck firmly and Isquirmed in my position before he let out a deep sigh inside my ears, causing goosebumps to rise all over my body.

"But i enjoy seeing you like this," He whispered into my ears, his thumb running circles on my hips now.

I bit my bottom lip and closed my eyes.

"It's such a turn on to see you like this." He slipped his tongue back into my ears and I moaned a little before trying my best to ignore both the pleasure and tingling sensations I felt all over my body.

"Stop, you' re just teasing me now!"

"Beg a little harder and I'll stop, Gauri." I felt his grin against my skin and Ialmost scoffed in both annoyance and embarrassment but decided to shake my head in protest instead.

"Too bad" I groaned when he started licking and biting my earlobes again, making my heart run wild.

"Alright stop" I breathed but Omkara didn't stop what he was doing, instead, he pulled away only once and was about to lean back in when I gave him my best wide eyes, slightly pouting with my lips.

"Please stop." I finally said those words and watched Omkara's gaze freeze on my face, his eyes slightly widening in surprise before the lust and desire filled back inside them completely.

"Fuck, you shouldn't have" He breathed right above my lips before smashing his lips on mine.

We finally parted the kiss and Omkara started leaving wet, sloppy kisses down my neck and onto my cleavage, his hands groping my whole breasts over my bra in a rough yet gentle grip before moving down to my stomach.

My breathe hitched and I gasped in pleasure before grabbing his hair and moving them back up to my face, my whole body trembling at what might happen if we continue on.

"I'm sorry, l-"

" I wasn't going to do it"He cut me off, pecking me of the lips. "I know you're not ready" His lips parted into a smile and I was more than relieved.

"Omkara , can I ask you something?"

"Hmm" He placed his elbows between my neck on the bed and stared down at me.

"Do-do you have any feelings for me? Or do you like me? If not, then does your heart at least start racing faster when we are doing stuff like this? Do you think about us and-"

"Gauri , stop"His expressions turned sour and he got off with a huff, his body drooping on the spot next to me on the bed.

"Don't go there"

A sting of pain stabbed through my heart and Isat up, looking down at Omkara , who was now covering up his eyes with one of his lower arms.

He looked annoyed and frustrated and that really hurts me.

He really doesn't have any feelings for me? Then why did he kiss me tonight? Why does he keep doing this?!

"Omkara , I know that you are having a hard time because of all this. But so am I. And even if we gonna get anywhere like this, I still want you to say something, anything."

I fought back the tears in my eyes.

"Must you really hear those words? It's not gonna change anything, Gauri" He said in a cold voice and I swallowed the lump in my throat once again.

"Never mind then." I started to laugh it off, feeling humiliated and ashamed once again, but I couldn't let him see through it this time.

I noticed Omkara glance at me as I started getting up, searching for my tank top but then remembered that Omkara had ripped it off.

"Take my shirt." He pointed at his long sleeved black shirt that was thrown on the nearby chair and I quickly grabbed it before slipping it on.

"Goodnight, I'm sorry for being dramatic and annoying." I said softly, turning around and walking towards the door.

As soon as I grabbed the doorknob, two large hands wrapped around my shoulders, holding me in place and I stiffened a little before my eyes landed back on the door.

"Gauri "Omkara breathed, his voice turning all soft and gentle. "I love you."

"What?" I turned to face him and Omkara stood silent, studying my expression.

"I said that I love you, Gauri's ." He said finally, licking his lips slowly.

I opened my mouth to say something but then turned away.

Lies, he was just using the moment to his advantage.

"You're lying." I swiftly opened the door but Omkara closed it back.

"Seriously, Gauri's ? I meant that. I don't just say those kind of words without meaning it, hell I never said those words to anyone besides you," His voice softened, with a hint of disappointment in them. "I meant it."

"I see..." I didn't turn around. I mean, I was only expecting him to admit he had some feelings for me, not this. And the only reason why I wanted him to say it was because that was the only way I would not feel guilty and used by him.

"That's it?" Omkara questioned, taking my shoulder and turning me around to face his confused expression.

"Do you have any idea how hard that was for me to do?

Loving a human is forbidden, Gauri. Loving you could get us both killed, yet I wanted you to know.

I had to let you know because otherwise, you'd continue to keep seeing me as nothing but an asshole who keeps you around only for sex and pleasure.

I never used you, Gauri . Especially when I started falling for you. I could never hurt you-"

"Stop. I just...I need some time to think," l mumbled and noticed him flinch.

"Why? What's there to think about?" He asked, his eyes wavering slightly.

"A lot. You are the one who made those rules in the first place, Omkara . And now you want to break them, but like you said, it could get us both killed. That doesn't exactly sound like a happy ending for either of us." I gripped the doorknob from behind and noticed something flash in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, but I need time to think." I turned, opening the door and closing it shut before he could say anything.

My eyes landed on Shivaay , who's eyes widened as he stopped in his tracks to look at me.

His eyes trailed me from head to toe and for the first time, I watched his jawline clench before he took a step forward, causing my eyes to lower in guilt and fear.

"What are you doing?" "I-I, the thing is,

"Omkara -"

"Right, never mind." He mumbled, turning around and I grabbed his hand, guilt kicking in instantly.

The door opened and Omkara stepped out but I could only spare him a glance before looking at Shivaay.

"Gauri , wait-" Omkara froze halfway, grabbing my wrist before his eyes landed on Shivaay.

I gripped Shivaay's hand tightly and felt Omkara's grip tighten too.

"Gauri..." I heard Omkara start in a rather soft voice but quickly brushed his hands away when Shivaay started leaving.

I followed behind Shivaay, whose eyes never left whatever was in front of him.

"I'm sorry..." I stopped and Shivaay paused before opening his room.

"I asked you to give us a chance, Gauri But right after we came from the date, you end up in his bedroom, doing what?"

"It's not like that. It just happened, I didn't mean it to." I started to explain myself and watched him narrow his eyes at me in suspicion.

"If you say so." He said finally and let out a sigh.

"I'm sorry. I didn't see this as a joke nor was I trying to use you to forget Omkara . I was serious about giving a chance to work this out." I lowered my eyelashes on the ground, not sure whether he was convinced or not.

After a long silence, Shivaay finally spoke.

"It's fine, I understand. Just get some sleep." I looked up at him as he faked a smile and slowly nodded, my mind going blank.

God, what have I gotten myself into?

×××

The next morning, I woke up with a slight headache, which was no doubtedly caused due the fact that I was stressing about my situation the whole night.

Whether to give Omkara or Shivaay a chance? Honestly, how the hell did my life come to this point anyways? When did I change from the side chick to the main chick? Especially with two guys.

I would have dreamed of scenarios like this back in high school, but now that it's really happened, I didn't like it one bit. I didn't want to hurt either of them. I cared about them both. But that sounds too cliché for my own good.

So in the end, I decided to do one thing, the one thing that seemed sensible after hours and hours of contemplating my situation. And that was that-

"Morning," I gasped when Omkara entered the room, shirtless, might I add, with only a grey sweat pants that hung way too loosely on his hips, revealing his v-line.

"Sorry, you didn't respond when I knocked so I- anyways, can we talk?" I practically had to rip my eyes from his body and meet his intense gaze.

"Talk about what?"

"About last night." He started and I nervously chuckled before getting up, ready to enter the toilet to fix my messy hair when he appeared next to me, holding my wrist in a gentle but firm grip.

"Please." He added softly and I licked my lips slowly before nodding.

After all, sooner or later, I had to tell him what I needed to.

The sooner the better.

"Can you sit?" He asked quietly and I sat back down on the bed and watched him nervously pace around the room, opening his mouth every now and then, but shutting it right back.

This was the first time I've seen his like this.

"So, what I said last night, I-"

"It's alright, I know you didn't mean it. I didn't take it to heart either." His eyebrows furrowed and I watched him shake his head slightly.

"What, no. I meant those words, Gauri."

"But I've already made up my mind. I've decided that I don't want to get involved with you or any other vampire for that matter. What I want, is what I have always wanted since day one. And that is to return back home." I fought back the lump in my throat. I hated lying to him, but this was the only way.

"So we're back to that, huh." His eyebrows tightened and I bit my bottom lip hesitantly.

"It's the least you can do. If you want me to believe your words, then let me go. If you really loved me and meant it, you would do what's best for me and what I want." I wanted to confirm whether Omkara was telling the truth. I had to make sure.

An unreadable expression grew on his face and I noticed his eyebrows shooting up for a second before he scoffed in disbelief, clenching his jawline.

"You think this is some sort of joke, Gauri? Do you see me as a fucking joke?" He raised his voice but before I could defend myself, he spoke again.

"Is it because of Shivaay ?" He questioned as I got up.

"Don't start shit about him. He is someone who is better than you in every way! He is a vampire, yet he actually has a heart and doesn't go lashing out at everything and anything that's got two legs.

He has treated me so much kinder, sweeter and has always been gentle with me since day one, and unlike you, he fought for me to this day. And the most funniest part is, he is just like you, Omkara , a vampire, but he didnt turn into a monster, now did he?!" I let it all out in one go and froze when I saw Omkara's expression.

He looked hurt. Very hurt, and it caused a pang of guilt pierce through my heart. I shouldn't have. I don't even know why I got all defensive when Omkara didn't even say anything about him, but it just came out. I couldn't help it.

"Better than me?," He started, his eyes slightly wavering and I gulped softly as he took a step forward towards me.

"Yeah, I'll admit, he is better than me. Not a monster for sure," His voice slightly shook and I noticed the hurt behind those words.

"But he wouldn't be half the guy he was today, if he went through the shit I did in the past," I slightly flinched but kept silent.

"And I tried to change for you, I am trying to change for you, but you can't see that, can you? No, your thick headed skull can't accept the fact that I can change for you.

And I don't fight for you? To this day, I am fighting to keep you alive and happy.

I was willing to start a fucking war for you, Gauri . I was willing to give up everything for you, just to see you happy, hell, I even sent off Jai and Raj to protect your parents and to watch over them until I take care of Veer," He raised his voice, the walls he's been trying so hard to build, breaking down as he kept going.

"I stopped drinking human blood for days, to the point where I was starving to death, just so you would not look at me the way you did.

I stopped hurting, abusing and using my powers against humans in hopes of you finally seeing the effort I was trying to put into making this work. Into making us work.

I stopped everything I was doing, went to seek help from all the brothers and people I knew, and practically begged on my feet to change their opinions about the rules, so that I can officially change it with their approvals.

I made deals with people I wanted to have nothing to do with and risked my brothers life to protect you and keep you safe-"

"Omkara , I-" I started to grab his arm but he jerked them away roughly.

"No this time You're gonna listen Gauri ," He finally swallowed down a harsh gulp and I noticed his eyes slightly glistening in tears.

His jawline clenched once again and I could see the anger and hurt growing on his face again.

"Not fighting for you? I rejected Ishana, the one person who loved me despite my flaws and stood by my side since day one. She meant the world to me at some point, but seeing you hurting because of her? I couldn't take it.

So I made it clear to her that I wasn't interested.

That I wanted you. That I wanted this to work out and for you to be happy,"

"I - you never told me so how-"

"No," He shook his head, his hands balling into a fist in an attempt to stop his body from trembling.

"You knew I cared about you. You knew that I was trying to work this out. You saw how worked up I got when you were in trouble or when you're sick or when you're with someone else besides me," he spat out and I froze at his words, my mind going completely blank.

"You ignored me, you shut me out whenever you get the chance to and never gave me a chance to change. You never stopped to see my efforts and how far I was willing to go for you.

Anyone who's ever stepped inside this mansion even once saw the way I looked at you.

They all knew what you meant to me, except you. I loved you , Gauri ," He breathed one last time, taking a step back as I took one forward.

"I really loved you and you didn't even have the heart to look at me, even once. So who's the real heartless monster here, huh? Me or you?"

"I-I didn't know. I-I don't know what to say..." I bit my bottom lip, tears slightly welling in my eyes as my gaze landed on the floor.

"At the end of the day, you still want nothing to do with us," I heard him finally exhale deeply.

"So I'll let you return back to your parents," his words sent my eyes widening in surprise and I snapped my head up to look at him.

"What do you mean...ar-are you saying that-"

"You said that I would let you go free if I really meant those words," He said softly, turning around and I noticed his balled fists slipping inside his pockets again as he straightened his posture.

"So I'm letting you go. If going back home is what will make you happy again, then I'll let you go."

"Do you - do you really mean that?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Omkara didn't just say what I think he said right?

"I said that you are free to leave," his voice was low and hoarse and my pulse raced at his words. "You are no longer my keeper, Gauri Kumari Sharma."