23. Stalker's Birthday Wish

                                    

                                          
Ishqi and Rajveer entered their room, and he gently guided her to sit on the bed, instructing her to wait. Rajveer disappeared into his study room and returned with a file.
"Ye kya hai veer?" Ishqi asked
(What is this, Veer?)
"Birthday gift khud hi dekhlo" Rajveer replied with a smile (You see for yourself, it's your birthday gift).
Confused, Ishqi opened the file, and her eyes widened in shock.
"Veer ye... ye..." Her voice trailed off, stuck in her throat due to shock.
Rajveer inquired, "Pasand aya?" 
(Do you like it?)
Ishqi's eyes sparkled with tears as she asked, "Apne papa ki company mere name kar di? Par chacha ji?" 
(You've transferred your father's company to my name? But what about my uncle?)
Rajveer's expression turned serious. "Are unki bat choro na, jo tumhare papa ki thi wo tumhe di. Aur ab unse kaise badla lena hai wo tum socho. Tumhare mummy papa ka hatyakari ko aise jane mat dena" 
(Forget about him; what was your father's is now yours. Think about how to take revenge from those who killed your parents. Don't let their murderers go unpunished).
Ishqi's determination and anger flared. "Ap soch bhi kaise liye ki main unhe jane dungi? Sabse buri maut milegi unko" 
(How could you think I'd let them go? They'll face the worst death).
Rajveer drew closer, embracing Ishqi tightly. Her expression softened from anger to love.
"Thank you so much, Veer, for this gift," Ishqi said, her eyes overflowing with love.
Rajveer whispered, "Thank you ki koi jarurat nahi hai biwi, bas tum hamesa mere sath rehna. Kabhi chor ke gayi to main jite ji mar jaunga" 
(No need to thank me, wife. Just stay with me always. If you ever leave, I'll die).
Ishqi smiled, "Han han, pinky promise" 
(Yes, pinky promise).
They shared a tender laugh.
Just then, Ishqi's phone started buzzing with lots of messages. She picked it up and saw messages from an unknown number.
"Kaun hai?" Rajveer asked (Who is it?).
"Pata nahi, unknown number," Ishqi replied (I don't know, it's an unknown number).
She opened the chat, and her eyes widened in shock. Rajveer saw her expression and came near her, taking the phone from Ishqi's hand. His grip clenched in anger.
"How dare he," he said, his voice low but trembling with rage.
"Ise to mai..." Rajveer trailed off, his gaze locked on Ishqi.
He pulled her close, embracing her tightly. Ishqi felt this hug was different – filled with possessiveness and fear.
"Veer, kya hua? Itna pareshan mat ho, usko lekar wo kya hi kar lega?" Ishqi asked, patting Rajveer's back 
(What happened, Veer? Don't worry so much, what can he do?).
Rajveer's voice was barely audible. "Pata hai par na jane kyu mujhe 1st time life me dar lag raha hai" 
(I know, but for some reason, I'm scared for the first time in my life).
Ishqi's concern deepened. "Dar? Kis bat ka dar?" 
(What are you afraid of?).
Rajveer's eyes closed, his voice cracking. "Tumhe khone ka dar, ek bar khore khote reh gaya hu na isliye liye dar lagta hai" 
(I'm afraid of losing you; if I lose you once, I'll lose you forever, that's why I'm scared).
Ishqi reassured him, "Main kahi bhi nahi ja rahi, apko chor ke. Ab itna sochiye mat, aaye so jaiye" 
(I won't go anywhere, I won't leave you. Don't think so much, come and sleep).