You're My Bittersweet Penance

Aatish

You either didn't think of me, or you just didn't care.

and I can't decide which is worse.

Real life is no fairy tale... or is it?

Everyone remembers Rapunzel but forgets about the Flynn Rider, who risked his life to save her from the evil Mother Gothel. People talk about the sacrifice of the little mermaid, Ariel, but what about Prince Eric, who proved his unrelenting love for Ariel by putting his life in danger and fought with Ursula? Then there was Prince Philip, who willingly fought with the fire-breathing dragon to save his love, but all people remembered was the name of Princess Aurora. Sometimes it's not only the Princess who suffers the pain in love, but the prince charming suffers too.

For most people, life can be divided into two parts- 'Before and After' but for me, life started only after I met Anayra. Can life ever be without twists and turns... of course not? Life often takes unexpected drastic turns when everything seems to be going right, only to break you apart. Mistakes happen, and many of your decisions are proved wrong when destiny slaps you right in the face. But is life all about second chances? People say destiny always gives a second chance to make things right, and one should fight for something that really matters. But what if you're not ready to accept what life has to offer? When Anayra bounced back into my life again, all she wanted was a forever with me, but why should I give her a second chance?

I will neither Forgive nor Forget because pain is my last link to you & I'll never dissolve that link and get free. I will dig two graves for us!!

Anayra

My life as Aanyra Shekhawat was a perfect fairy tale- surrounded by the luxuries of life in the protection of my royal family... all my life, I waited for my Prince Charming to come on a white horse. I imagined that my life would be magical, and like Cinderella, Aurora or Ariel, I would also fall in love with a boy, which would be the happiest moment of my story. Alas, it took me just one day to unlearn the messages spread to me through my favorite childhood stories.

When I was a little girl, my Gramma told me these were two small words but carried a lot of weight. The words... "If only."

How ironic- Those two words had held me captive now!!

The guilt of betraying my fiancé or, I should say, my legally wedded husband...the pain and shame of destroying my family's reputation and bringing upon a public humiliation for Aatish's family were inexplicable. I couldn't forgive myself for what I had done to so many people... I didn't deserve any redemption or forgiveness. When I returned, Aatish was no more mine. Accepting the bitter truth that the man I loved the most was all set to marry another woman was like an excruciating burn. Thinking about my future without Aatish was devastating. It is said that the payment of sins may get delayed, but it cannot be avoided. Before I could realize, the time to repay for my sins arrived, and I happily agreed to the punishment. My mind started playing tricks... even without drugs. The pain of shame and guilt for all my actions crawled into my mind like a throbbing migraine. I wanted to sleep now!!

Note: This book is not standalone. Readers are requested to first read its prequel Together Forever (Book-7)

Trigger Warning: This book deals with some sensitive and mature contents and is strictly for 18+ audience. Reader's discretion is required.