My heart skipped a beat when the servant came into the dining room and informed Mr. Bhatt, "Mr. Ahuja is here, waiting for you in the living room." The servant left, but his words lingered like an omen.
Vivian...
I could feel my breath hitch as I heard his name.
"What could Mr. Ahuja want from us at this hour?" Navya's mom asked, her tone tinged with concern.
Navya brushed it off casually, "Relax, Mom. It's probably just some business matter."
But my thoughts were elsewhere. My body stiffened, and my hands went cold. I forced myself to stand, following the others toward the living room. I could already feel his presence.
And there he was-Vivian, lounging on the sofa with an infuriating calmness, as if he owned the place. He wore a white shirt, the first few buttons undone, and black pants. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, exposing his strong forearms. My heart raced faster, but I forced myself to act indifferent, pretending like his presence didn't make my whole world stop.
"Mr. Ahuja, you're here so late," Mr. Bhatt said, approaching him.
Vivian looked up, closed his iPad, and stood, shaking Mr. Bhatt's hand. His expression was composed, but there was something stormy in his eyes as they glanced toward me.
"There's something important I've come for," he said, his voice steady.
"What is it?" Mr. Bhatt asked, clearly confused.
With his hands in his pockets, Vivian's gaze sharpened as it landed on me. "I've come to collect something precious that belongs to me."
My breath caught in my throat. His eyes were piercing, leaving no room for doubt about who he was referring to. The room grew heavy with tension as everyone's attention shifted to me.
"I... I'm not going anywhere with you," I managed to whisper, shaking my head slightly, hoping to hide my growing panic.
His expression darkened, and in the blink of an eye, Vivian was in front of me. His grip was firm as he grabbed my wrist without a word. His touch sent a shock through me, but I yanked my hand away, rubbing my wrist.
"I said I'm not going anywhere with you, do you understand?" My voice trembled, but I held my ground, refusing to back down.
Everyone was stunned by my defiance-especially Navya, who couldn't contain her rising anger.
She stepped between us, a protective barrier. "She's not going anywhere with you. Who do you think you are to take her away?" Her voice was sharp, filled with indignation.
Vivian's patience was clearly wearing thin, but he wasn't here for Navya. His focus was entirely on me.
"Tell her who I am, or should I?" he asked, his tone as cold as ice. His eyes never left mine, and I knew what was coming next. I could feel the weight of his anger, the barely contained storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.
Before I could say anything, Navya retorted, "I'm asking you! Who do you think you are, trying to take her away?"
Vivian's temper snapped. "Enough, Navya. Just enough." His voice thundered through the house, reverberating in the air.
Everyone froze.
"You want to know what my relationship with her is? Listen carefully. She's my wife, do you understand? My wife." His declaration struck like a bombshell, and the shock was palpable.
Navya's eyes widened in disbelief, her world seemingly shattering around her. The Bhatt family, too, was left speechless, struggling to process the revelation.
Without wasting another second, Vivian grabbed my wrist again, but I jerked it away just as fiercely as before.
"I'm not going with you," I insisted, my voice firmer this time.
His anger flared once more. "You think I'm going to let you stay away from me? You're wrong, Cara. I'm not giving you permission to leave."
"I'm not asking for your permission; I'm telling you!" I shot back, my defiance only fueling his fury.
"Oh, now you're telling me?" His sarcastic tone sent a chill down my spine.
"I don't care what you think. I'm staying here!" I clenched my fists, determined not to let him control me again.
Vivian's gaze darkened even further. "I'd like to see you try."
In a swift motion, he scooped me up in his arms, lifting me off the ground as if I weighed nothing.
Gasps filled the room, but I was too busy fighting back, pounding my fists against his chest. "Put me down, Vivian! Now!"
He glared at me with such intensity that I instantly stopped struggling. My heart was racing, but I wrapped my arms around his neck, my pride the only thing keeping me from falling apart.
And with that, Vivian carried me out, leaving behind a room full of stunned silence and broken illusions.
As we left, I couldn't help but think... maybe the truth was finally too much for everyone to bear.
I sat in the car, my head resting against the window. My heart was racing, but I tried to keep my face calm. Vivian was driving himself today, speeding down the streets of Bangalore, and the intensity of it shook me to my core. His silence, thick and unsettling, echoed louder than any words.
"Are you going to say something, or just sit there?" he finally broke the silence, turning his head slightly to glance at me.
"Stop the car. I don't want to go with you," I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended, fueled by the storm brewing inside me.
"And why not? Want to go with someone else instead?" His voice was low, the anger barely contained as his jaw clenched.
His words hit me like a slap, leaving me momentarily stunned. I turned to face him fully, my eyes flashing with anger. "You'd rather be with your girlfriend, wouldn't you?" I retorted bitterly.
Now it was his turn to look taken aback. He shot me a fierce glare. "You've said enough. One more word, and-" he started, but I cut him off, my fury unstoppable.
"Oh, really? What will you do? Leave me and run back to that woman you were with at the bar? The same one you were all over at that party? Is that what this is about?" I yelled, my words tumbling out in a mix of rage and pain.
Vivian's face froze, disbelief flashing in his eyes. "So you saw her at the party?" His question was blunt, but necessary.
"Yes, I saw her." I turned my head away, staring out the window, trying to block out the flood of emotions.
For a moment, there was nothing but silence between us, thick and heavy. Then I felt his hand on my thigh. My breath hitched, the contact sending sparks through my skin. He was rubbing my thigh slowly, one hand still on the steering wheel. Was this his way of calming me down?
"Your attempts won't work. Take your hand off me," I said, my voice quieter now, but the heat in my chest was undeniable. I was lying-Vivian's touch was unraveling me.
Instead of moving away, he took my hand, intertwining our fingers, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. The silence returned, but it was charged with a different energy now. My mind raced, my pulse thudding in my ears as the tension between us simmered.
Finally, the car stopped in front of the mansion. Vivian got out and walked over to my side, opening the door, his eyes silently urging me to step out. But I wasn't ready to give in. "I want to go back to Navya's," I muttered without looking at him.
Vivian didn't respond. Instead, he grabbed my wrist, pulling me out of the car and into his arms before I could protest. He carried me inside without a word, his grip firm, ignoring my struggles.
"Put me down!" I hit his chest in frustration.
"One more word and you'll be on the floor," he growled, his voice dark as he made a sharp gesture toward a servant, signaling them to follow.
I bit my tongue, my body tense in his arms, knowing he wasn't bluffing. I stayed silent, not wanting to test him further. He carried me through the mansion and into the elevator, his expression unreadable, yet the power radiating from him was undeniable.
When we reached our floor, Vivian didn't even pause as he barked orders to Marina, who was standing by the elevator. "Lock all the rooms on this floor. If she's seen anywhere else, you know what to do," he said coldly, his eyes not leaving mine.
Marina nodded, "Yes, sir."
I stared at him, eyes wide, disbelief spreading through me. Was he serious?
"If you step out of our room, Cara, it won't take me a second to burn this mansion down." His voice was a dangerous whisper, and I felt a shiver crawl up my spine.
I was speechless, trapped in his hold, my mind racing with thoughts I couldn't control. What had I gotten myself into? Before I could even process his threat, he tossed me onto the bed-not roughly, but firm enough to make his point.
"Vivian!" I cried out, grabbing my lower back, the sudden movement jolting me.
"Cara," he growled, moving over me in a swift motion, caging me under him.
"So, what was that you were saying about her being my girlfriend?" he murmured, his fingers tracing along my cheek, the touch deceptively gentle.
My breath caught as his fingers brushed my skin. I closed my eyes, trying to steady myself, but it was impossible with him this close. His presence overwhelmed me.
"You were saying something, Cara," his lips were so close now, his breath warm against my skin, making my pulse race.
"Say it, my love," his words, so soft and intimate, sent a flush over my cheeks, leaving me speechless.
And then, the memory of the bar, the private cabin, flashed in my mind again. My stomach twisted.
I placed my hands on his chest, pushing him back, though my heart betrayed me with its quickened beat. "Get off me," I said, my voice shaking with the effort.
He leaned back slightly, watching me with that same intense gaze, half lying beside me now, propped on one arm, still too close. "I'm sorry, Cara. I should've told you about her, but she's nothing to me," he said, grabbing my arm and pulling me closer again.
I yanked my arm free, glaring at him. "Then why was she with you at the bar? Do you have an answer for that?" I demanded, refusing to back down.
Vivian sighed, standing up from the bed. I watched as he walked over to the wooden shelves, pulling out a file. He turned, walking back to me, his expression unreadable.
"Read this," he said, sitting on the edge of the bed and handing me the file.
I hesitated but took it, flipping through the pages. Every detail about that girl named-Layla was there.
"She's a Turkish detective, sent to entrap me," he said quietly, and I glanced up at him, stunned by the revelation.
Shame washed over me, realizing how wrong I'd been. "I'm sorry, Vivian," I whispered, tossed the file aside, pressing myself against his chest, tears stinging my eyes.
"Stop crying, Cara," he murmured, rubbing my arm gently.
"If something bothers you, talk to me, I'll do whatever I can to fix it. But this running away from me, it has to stop now. Next time, there will be consequences," he said, his voice serious and heavy with meaning.
I lifted my head, looking at him through tear-filled eyes, nodding slightly. I understood.
"Good," he smiled faintly, wiping away my tears with his thumb, before tilting my face up and pressing his lips to mine. I gasped at the suddenness of it, my eyes wide as he deepened the kiss, his fingers caressing my cheeks, drawing me in.
I was lost in it, my hands instinctively moving to his neck, feeling the warmth of his skin under my fingertips. His grip on my face tightened, the kiss growing more intense. He nipped at my lips, teasing, pulling away only to dive back in, the heat between us building. His tongue traced along my lips, demanding more, and I found myself responding, lost in the rush of sensation.
Vivian pulled back, breathless, watching me with that smirk that always drove me crazy. My heart raced as I blinked at him, dazed.
"Why did you stop?" I found myself asking, my hand gripping his collar, desperate for more.
"What do you want me to do, Cara?" His voice was low, teasing.
"I want you to kiss me, Vivian," I whispered, pulling him closer.
He grinned, leaning in again. "Okay, baby. I'm going to kiss you," he murmured against my lips before taking them with his own again, his hands cradling my face as he claimed me all over again.
This time, I surrendered completely.
As I stepped out of the shower, my eyes caught sight of Aarini. She was lying on the bed, engrossed in a book, dressed in her white nightgown. Her glasses rested on the bridge of her nose, making her look effortlessly serene. It didn't take long to notice her slow, rhythmic breathing-she had probably dozed off mid-read.
I tossed the towel onto the nearby sofa and walked over to the bed. The room was dim, only the soft glow of the bedside lamp lighting the space. Without a word, I turned off the light and settled into bed next to her. Aarini, as if sensing my presence even in her sleep, shifted, placing the book aside and curling into me. Her head found its place on my chest, and instinctively, my fingers wove through her hair, caressing her gently.
Moments passed, her soft breath warming my skin, her closeness a comfort I hadn't realized I needed tonight. She was asleep now, lost in peaceful dreams, while my mind was a battlefield, torn between the tranquil moment and the storm of anger that simmered beneath the surface.
Laila.
Her name echoed in my mind, like a poison I couldn't shake. Tonight, Aarini had shared something with me that had flipped my world. The fact that she almost lost her life, that she had taken such a risk-all because of Laila's manipulation-made my blood boil.
I stared at her, at the woman who now held my heart, and whispered, more to myself than her, "Because of her, you almost died. Because of her, you made a choice I can't forgive. I promise you, Cara, I will destroy her. She will suffer for what she's done."
The rage inside me surged, dark and unstoppable. Laila had meddled for the last time. I lowered my head, pressing a soft kiss to Aarini's forehead. It was a vow. No one would threaten her again, and Laila... she would regret ever stepping into our lives.
As soon as I finished getting ready, I headed straight to the dining room. To my surprise, Vivian was having breakfast alone today. The sight of him sitting there, so composed, made my steps falter for a moment, but I quickly shook it off and walked toward my seat.
"Come here, Cara," Vivian's deep voice called out just as I was about to pull out my chair.
I stopped, my hand pausing mid-air. I knew that tone-firm, yet filled with something I couldn't quite place. So, without question, I walked over to him. Before I could sit, he grabbed my hand and effortlessly pulled me into his lap. My cheeks flushed instantly. The heat in my face spread like wildfire.
"What are you doing, Vivian? Someone will see us," I whispered urgently, my gaze darting toward the doorway as if expecting someone to walk in at any moment.
His lips brushed my neck as he pushed my hair to the side and placed a soft kiss there. "Let them see. What difference does it make, hmm?" he murmured, completely unbothered, as if we weren't in a place where anyone could walk in.
Before I could say anything, he lifted a glass of juice to my lips, guiding me to drink from it. My eyes dropped, and I sipped obediently. The taste of the juice, slightly sweet and tangy, mixed with the fact that it was from his glass made something flutter inside me. This had become a routine now-drinking from his glass, eating from his plate. It wasn't just about sharing anymore; it was about something deeper. A connection I couldn't deny.
His hand wrapped around my waist, the warmth of his fingers trailing along my back as he fed me a piece of his breakfast. Each bite felt intimate, not just because of the food, but because of the way his hand rested against me, as though he needed that contact. I could feel his touch burning through the fabric of my suit, his thumb rubbing lightly against my side.
And my breath... I knew he could hear how uneven it had become. Every brush of his skin against mine sent a new wave of heat through me, and I could tell he was aware of it. His eyes gleamed with that knowledge, the corner of his mouth curving into a half-smile.
"Why do you always wear suits, Cara? Why not a sari?" he asked as he fed me another bite.
I quickly chewed and swallowed, eager to respond before he slipped in another teasing comment. "What's wrong with my suits? Now you have a problem with them?" I shot back, my voice filled with mock offense.
His smile widened as he continued, "I don't have a problem with your suits, but I would love to see you in a sari..." His words trailed off, leaving me to wonder what he was getting at.
I raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "Oh, so you want me to wear a sari just for you?"
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, not for me. For my hands." He fed me another bite, his words sinking in slowly.
"For your hands?" I echoed, confused. "Am I supposed to wrap the sari around your hands or something?"
He let out a short laugh, tapping my forehead playfully. "You really are an idiot sometimes. I mean, when you wear those suits, I can't fully feel your waist. This fabric always gets in the way between my hands and your soft skin." His thumb pressed firmly into my waist now, emphasizing his point.
The heat rose to my cheeks again, and I couldn't stop the smile or the blush that spread across my face. "You're such a shameless man," I said, hitting his chest lightly.
Just then, Vedant's voice interrupted us. "Romancing so early in the morning?" His tone was playful, but the embarrassment that shot through me was real. I tried to stand up quickly, but Vivian caught my arm and pulled me back down into his lap, this time with more force.
I tumbled against him, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as I whispered harshly, "What are you doing, Vivian?" My eyes flashed angrily, but he simply grinned, unbothered.
Vedant, clearing his throat, sat down across from us, seemingly used to this by now. "It's fine, Cara. He's my brother. What's the harm?" Vivian said with a wink, earning another punch from me on his shoulder as I finally freed myself from his hold, sitting down in the chair next to him.
Vivian turned back to his breakfast like nothing had happened, calm as ever. I, on the other hand, couldn't get rid of the flush on my face. My heart still pounded, but I was trying desperately to ignore it.
Vedant, taking a bite of his toast, asked casually, "By the way, how did Navya find out about your marriage?"
That question struck like a bolt of lightning. My breath hitched, and in that moment, I remembered everything from last night. The argument, the way things had spiraled out of control, and how Navya had discovered the truth about us. My pulse quickened, panic flooding through me.
Without thinking, I shot up from my chair and bolted from the dining room, leaving the question-and my rising panic-behind.
I had come straight to the college from the mansion to meet Navya. For the past half hour, I had searched every corner of the college, every possible spot where she could be, but there was no sign of her. Exhausted and disappointed, I stepped outside, now standing by the roadside, waiting for an auto.
And then I saw her-Navya, sitting on the bonnet of her car, completely engrossed in her phone. My heart skipped a beat as I felt a wave of relief wash over me, though her current demeanor stirred a slight unease within me.
"I've been looking for you all over the college, and you're just sitting here!" I said as I hurried over to her and snatched the phone from her hand. The frustration I had been holding inside now spilled out.
Navya shot me a sharp look, her eyes cold and piercing. "I don't want to talk to you," she snapped back and immediately grabbed her phone from my hand.
"Navya, please, don't behave like this," I said, now growing more anxious about her attitude.
"So, you tell me how I should behave? Like you? Should I lie like you? Should I cheat like you?" Her words cut through me like a knife, and tears began to well up in my eyes.
But Navya remained completely unfazed, showing no sign of softening at the sight of my tears.
"You're not my friend anymore. Now you're Vivian Ahuja's wife, and I don't want to talk to his wife." Her voice was cold, and her words hit me harder than anything else she had ever said to me.
Her words shattered my heart into a thousand pieces. My best friend, who had meant the world to me, was now refusing to even acknowledge me. What could I say? I had lied, kept secrets, and now there was no explanation that could justify it.
"I'm sorry, Navya," I whispered, bowing my head, as tears streamed down my cheeks.
"Good game, Aarini Ahuja. Well played." A sarcastic clap followed those words, and I turned to see Riya approaching us, a smirk on her face.
"I'm sorry, Riya. I..." I tried to explain, but she cut me off before I could finish.
"Sorry, my foot, Aarini. You're nothing but a traitor. We trusted you, shared everything with you, and you hid such a big thing from us." Riya's words stung as she leaned against the car beside Navya.
Tears spilled uncontrollably from my eyes. "Yes, I admit, I lied to both of you, kept the truth hidden, but I had a reason..."
"And what was that reason?" Navya asked, her face still void of any emotion.
Taking a deep breath, I started explaining, "My marriage with Vivian was a contract. We signed a six-month contract. I thought that after six months, we would go our separate ways, and everything would go back to how it was. But then I..." Before I could finish, Riya interrupted with a bitter smile.
"And then what? You fell in love with him, and your husband-wife drama became your issue, not ours." Riya scoffed.
Navya added, "And you kept lying to us for someone who only married you for a contract, someone who's involved with other women?"
"Stop it, Navya! You can say whatever you want to me, but I won't hear a single word against Vivian!" I shouted, unable to bear the accusations against him.
"So now you care more about him than us? You're willing to sacrifice a four-year friendship for a four-month relationship? Wow," Riya said with a sarcastic smile.
Wiping my tears, I finally said, "You were my friends before, and you always will be, but he's my husband. So stop comparing yourselves to him."
"Okay. You know what, Aarini? I can't believe you're fighting us over Vivian," Navya said, her tone full of disbelief.
Riya chimed in, "Even if she wasn't, I would never speak to her again."
Before I could respond, a car pulled up behind me. All three of us turned to see Vedant and Karan stepping out of the vehicle.
Seeing Vedant, I rushed over to him and hugged him tightly, unable to hold back my tears.
"What happened, Aarini? Why are you crying?" Vedant asked, gently stroking my head.
Karan, standing beside him, looked equally concerned as he asked, "What's wrong, Aarini? Tell us."
Behind me, Navya scoffed, "Of course, another cheater has come to comfort her."
"What else can you expect from them?" Riya said, standing next to Navya.
Vedant shot Navya a cold look. "Navya, stop the drama."
"Drama? You're the ones playing games, Vedant. Aarini was your brother's wife, and you didn't think it was important to tell me?" Navya shot back.
"Yeah, we didn't tell you because it was confidential," Vedant replied calmly.
"Confidential or not, you should have told me. You've cheated me by keeping it from me, and I don't want to maintain any relationship with cheaters."
"Fine, I don't want anything to do with a girl like you either, Navya, someone who doesn't even know how to have a proper conversation."
"Go to hell," Navya spat and, grabbing Riya's hand, got into her car. They drove off, leaving a cloud of dust behind them.
Vedant gently wiped away my tears. "Stop crying, Aarini. If you keep this up, my brother won't spare me alive," Vedant said, trying to lighten the moment with a soft smile as he stroked my head gently. His words gave me a moment of comfort, and I couldn't help but let out a small, broken laugh.
He pulled me away from the hug, his hands still on my shoulders. "You're stronger than this, Aarini. Don't let them get to you. They're angry right now, but things will settle down." His voice was calm, soothing, but I wasn't sure if I believed him.
Karan, sitting in the passenger seat, turned back to look at me. "Come on, Aarini. Let's get out of here. You don't need to deal with them right now."
With a soft nod, I wiped away the last of my tears and got into the back seat of the car. The weight of everything still clung to me, but there was a small sense of relief being away from the confrontation.
Vedant got behind the wheel, started the car, and soon we were on our way back to the mansion. But even as the city moved past us in a blur, my mind was racing.
Yes, our marriage had started as a contract, but it had become so much more. I had seen the way he looked at me, the way he protected me, the moments we had shared together. Vivian wasn't just the cold, calculating businessman everyone thought he was. There was so much more to him-things even I was still discovering. And the way I felt about him... it wasn't something I could explain to them.
Time seemed to drag as the car drove toward the mansion. I sat in the back seat, my head resting against the window, my sobs quiet but persistent. My mind replayed the moments with Navya and Riya-our laughter, our shared secrets, and now, the painful confrontation. I had lost them today. Two of my closest friends, and all because of one mistake. Now, all I had left were these tears.
"Vedant, Navya and Riya... they'll never talk to me again, will they?" I asked after a few moments, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. My voice sounded small, broken.
Vedant glanced back at me briefly before turning his focus back on the road. "They're angry right now, Aarini. Give them time to calm down. I'll talk to them myself once things settle. Don't worry."
His words were meant to reassure me, but I couldn't shake the fear that it might already be too late. What if things never went back to the way they were? What if I had ruined everything?
Karan, sitting in the front, turned to Vedant, his voice laced with concern. "Those girls created such a scene. I'm more worried about Sam. He's about to marry Riya, and if she finds out he knew the whole time, she might call off the wedding."
"Shit, I hadn't thought about that," Vedant muttered under his breath, suddenly hitting the brakes and pulling the car over to the side of the road. He turned to Karan with a serious look. "Karan, go talk to Sam. Tell him everything. Make sure he doesn't say a word to Riya about this mess."
Karan nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, and quickly got out of the car.
As soon as he was gone, Vedant started the engine again, and we continued on our way to the mansion. But my heart was heavy with guilt. I hadn't just hurt Navya and Riya-I might have caused problems for Sam and Riya's relationship too.
I slumped back against the seat, staring blankly at the road ahead. Why did everything have to spiral so out of control?One lie had led to another, and now I was tangled in a web I couldn't escape. I never wanted this. All I had wanted was for things to go back to the way they were, for everyone to be happy.
But that wasn't possible anymore, was it?
What if Riya really leaves Sam? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. What if I ruin everything for him too?
My chest tightened at the idea. How could I fix this? Was there even a way to make things right again?
I glanced at Vedant, who was focused on driving but clearly worried. **He's doing everything he can to protect me, to help me... but what if even he can't fix this?**
My mind raced with every worst-case scenario as we neared the mansion. I wasn't sure how much more I could take.
Everything seemed to be slipping out of my control.
And no matter what Vedant or anyone else said, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was on the verge of losing everything.
It was half past nine in the morning. Kamya was sitting on a round chair, strumming her guitar absentmindedly. Anna had already left for college, leaving Kamya alone in the apartment.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. She set the guitar aside and walked over to open the door. The moment her eyes landed on the person standing outside, her face went pale.
Without waiting for an invitation, Mittal pushed past her and walked into the apartment as if he owned the place. Kamya followed him inside, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Where is my daughter, Kamya?" Mittal demanded, sitting down on the sofa like a king, his eyes piercing through her.
Kamya's heart skipped a beat at his question, but she knew better than to let her emotions show in front of him. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm.
"What daughter are you talking about, Bhargav?" she asked, crossing her arms defensively.
Mittal's expression darkened. "The daughter you took from my hospital twenty years ago," he said, reminding her of the past.
Kamya's face hardened. "I didn't take anyone, Bhargav," she replied sternly.
Mittal's face twisted with anger. "Stop lying, Kamya. I know the truth. Damini told me everything!"
"Damini? Who's that?" Kamya asked, her face expressionless.
"The nurse who was there when Dhara delivered our baby." As Mittal spoke, Kamya's face paled again, but she quickly regained her composure.
"That nurse is lying. Why would I take your daughter away from you?" Kamya replied, her voice steady, but there was an undercurrent of tension.
Mittal stood up, his anger reaching its peak. "You fooled me twenty-five years ago, Kamya, but not this time. This time, justice will be served."
Kamya's voice rose as she tried to defend herself. "Bhargav, believe me! I don't have your daughter!"
Mittal let out a bitter laugh. "Believe you? I believed your fake love twenty-five years ago. Not this time, Kamya."
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she snapped back. "My love was real, Bhargav! You were the one who betrayed me, leaving me at the altar to marry Dhara!"
"Yes, I married Dhara, and you know very well why I did it, Kamya." Mittal stepped closer, his hand gripping her throat as he hissed, "Tell me where my daughter is, or it won't take long before you find yourself buried six feet under."
Kamya choked, gasping for air. "M-Mittal, please... let me go. I'll tell you everything!" she managed to sputter. Mittal loosened his grip, allowing her to catch her breath.
Just then, a man entered the apartment through the open door.
Kamya's eyes widened when she saw him. "R-Robert? You?" she coughed out, rushing toward him.
Robert placed a hand on her back, rubbing it gently as he glared at Mittal. "Why didn't you tell me about this man?" he asked Kamya, his voice low and calm.
Mittal, on the other hand, was fuming. "You two can play out your little romance later. First, tell me where my daughter is!" he growled, his fists clenched tightly.
Robert gently pushed Kamya aside, pulling out his phone from his pocket. He tapped the screen a few times before holding it out to Mittal. "Here. This is your daughter."
Mittal looked at the phone, then back at Robert with a sneer. "I'm not interested in photos. I want my daughter here, in front of me!" His voice rose with every word, filled with rage.
"We can't give you your daughter," Robert said flatly, his face devoid of any emotion.
Mittal blinked in confusion. "What do you mean, you can't?"
"Because she's not with us," Robert replied, his tone as cold as ever.
Mittal's confusion deepened. "Then where is she?"
Robert's answer was simple but devastating. "She was kidnapped as a child."
Mittal's face contorted with disbelief and fury. "You're lying! Both of you are lying!"
"We have no reason to lie, Bhargav. We've been searching for her all these years, too," Robert explained calmly.
Mittal wasn't convinced. "Do you have any proof of this supposed kidnapping?"
Robert nodded, pulling up another set of photos on his phone. "These are the details of the FIR we filed. Check the year if you want."
Mittal snatched the phone from Robert's hand, scanning through the details. After reading the report, he hurled the phone onto the shiny floor in a fit of rage.
His eyes narrowed dangerously at Kamya. "If you hadn't taken her that night, she would still be with me today, Kamya! I'll find my daughter, but you... you better be prepared for your own destruction." Without another word, he stormed out of the apartment.
The tension in the room eased only slightly after Mittal left. Kamya turned to Robert, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Robert." She hugged him tightly.
After a moment, she pulled away, a thought crossing her mind. "Whose picture did you show him?" she asked, her brows furrowed.
"Our daughter's," Robert replied simply.
Kamya looked shocked. "But she was kidnapped before Anna came into our lives. How did you pull that off?"
Robert explained, "When you brought Anna here, I knew Mittal would come looking for her once he got out of jail. I didn't expect it to take him this long, though. Back then, I used the name Kanchi and filed a fake complaint. That's why I asked you to change Ena's date of birth to match Kanchi's."
Kamya's face was clouded with worry. "I wonder if my daughter is even alive..."
Robert gently cupped her face, wiping away her tears. "Forget what's already happened, Kamya. It was just a mistake. You've moved on with Anna, and I have my own family. It's best for all of us if we let the past go."
Kamya's voice trembled as she replied, "For you, Kanchi was always just a mistake, but for me... she was my life. I wish I had never met the woman who tore her away from me." Tears welled up in her eyes again.
Robert wiped her tears away softly, his voice soothing. "Relax, Kamya. There's no point in dwelling on those memories now."
When I stepped into the room after coming home from the office, I wasn't prepared for the sight that met my eyes. Aarini, knees drawn up to her chest, sat sobbing on the bed, her face buried in her arms. Vedant was on the couch, tapping away on his iPad, seemingly oblivious to her state.
I shut the door behind me and felt a pang of shock at the sight. Why was she home? She wasn't supposed to be here-she should've been at the office. And then it hit me. She hadn't shown up at work today.
"What happened to her? Why's she sitting like that?" I asked Vedant, dropping my phone onto the table and starting to take off my blazer.
"And what are you doing here?" I added, eyes narrowing as I continued to undress. But before Vedant could answer, Aarini bolted from the bed and rushed toward me, throwing herself into my arms. I dropped the blazer to the floor and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her close. She clung to me like a child, sobbing uncontrollably. I had never seen her cry like this before. It stirred something deep inside me-something primal, something violent. Whoever caused this... I'd kill them. She was my princess, and I was her monster. She was the light in my darkness, the one who descended from heaven into my hell, making it bearable. Since she had come into my life, she was my life.
"Vedant, what happened to her? Why is she crying?" I growled, my jaw clenched as I ran my hand through her hair, trying to soothe her.
"Bro, Navya and Ria aren't talking to her," Vedant said as he stood up from the couch.
I ignored his answer, my focus solely on Aarini. "How long has she been crying?" I asked, my voice tight.
"Since noon."
That was all I needed to hear. I gestured with my eyes for Vedant to leave. Without another word, he left the room, closing the door behind him.
I lifted Aarini into my arms, and she buried her face against my chest, still crying. I carried her to the bed and laid her down gently, then stretched out beside her. Once again, she buried her face in my chest, clutching my collar as if I might disappear if she let go. Her nose rubbed against my shirt as she hiccupped, her body trembling with sobs.
"Shhh, I'm here now. No more tears, okay?" I whispered, running my fingers through her hair.
She lifted her tear-streaked face to look at me. "I'm a terrible person, Vivian. I'm a liar. A cheater," she choked out between sobs, her voice filled with raw pain. Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Who the hell said this to her?
I bent down, cupping her face gently, my eyes scanning her tear-streaked cheeks. Her nose was red, and her kajal was smudged all over her face. Seeing her like this... I couldn't help the fury that surged inside me. Navya and Ria had done this to her. If they were standing in front of me right now, I'd rip them apart. No one-no one-hurts my princess.
I fought to keep my anger in check as I rubbed her back soothingly. "Who told you that, huh? Who said you were a liar or a cheater?" I asked softly, my voice laced with a barely controlled fury.
"Navya... Navya said it," she whispered, her voice trembling. "And she wasn't wrong. I lied to her. I hid our marriage from her. Because of me, her relationship with Vedant is ruined. I'm a horrible person," she sobbed, her voice cracking as more tears spilled from her eyes.
I pressed a kiss to her forehead, holding her tighter. "You are the most beautiful, honest, and pure soul in this world, Aarini. Don't let anyone make you think otherwise," I murmured, my lips brushing her tear-streaked cheek as I kissed away her tears. She clenched her fists around my collar, holding on to me as if I was her lifeline.
"No, Vivian. I'm terrible. I don't even deserve you," she mumbled through her tears, her nose rubbing against my neck as she sobbed harder.
I froze for a second, then lifted her face to meet my eyes. "I don't care about your truths or your lies, Cara. No matter how many lies you tell, no matter how many flaws you think you have, you'll always be mine. Your truth or lies don't decide whether you deserve me. You are mine, in every condition, and you'll always be mine," I growled, pulling her tightly against me.
Aarini smiled weakly, resting her head on my chest. "I need to talk to Navya and Ria, but I think I've lost them both," she whispered.
She lifted her head, her eyes shining with hope. "Vivian, I need Navya and Ria," she said, her voice small but determined.
I was stunned by the brightness in her eyes but quickly understood. It was the trust she had in me. She believed in me so completely that she knew I would give her anything she asked for. This was the first time she had ever asked me for something, and there was no way I could refuse. But what had she asked for? Not material things, not wealth. No. She asked for her friends, her most cherished relationships.
I cupped her cheek, rubbing my thumb gently over her skin. "Alright, you'll get Navya and Ria. But promise me, no more tears, okay?"
"Do you think they'll talk to me?" she asked, ignoring my last words and focusing on the question that weighed on her heart.
"They will. Now, no more questions. And look at you, you've cried yourself into a mess," I said, pulling away and sitting up on the bed. I pressed the bell for dinner.
As I stood up, I noticed her sitting cross-legged on the bed, looking at me. I started to unbutton my shirt when there was a knock on the door.
"Yes, sir?" Marina entered as soon as I gave her permission.
"Bring dinner and a glass of milk," I instructed, walking towards the closet.
As Marina left the room, I grabbed some clothes from the closet and came back out. Aarini was now on the bed, scrolling through her phone.
I whistled to get her attention. Her head snapped up, and her eyes widened as she stared at me. I was standing shirtless, holding my bathrobe. She couldn't tear her eyes away from my toned chest and abs.
Damn, the way she looked at me-it was almost like she was devouring me with her eyes. I could tell exactly what was going through her mind.
"I'll be back in five minutes after a shower. Don't waste any more of those precious tears in my absence, got it?" I said, smirking.
She snapped out of her daze, quickly looking away and nodding.
"Good girl," I said, and with that, I headed for the bathroom.
I was just walking towards the trolley when Vivian's phone on the table started ringing. The sudden sound made me pause. His phone? Without thinking much, I reached out and picked it up, answering the call.
"Hello, boss," a woman's voice came from the other side. There was a strange softness in her tone, coupled with an authority that instantly made my heart race. Who is this woman? A thousand questions stormed through my mind. Who's calling him 'boss' like that? And why was she speaking to Vivian with such familiarity? My grip on the phone tightened, confusion and a surge of anger building inside me.
"Who's this?" I tried asking, but before I could even finish, I felt a sharp presence behind me. Vivian.
Before I could react, he snatched the phone out of my hand, his fingers grazing mine briefly, sending a wave of heat through me. His eyes locked onto mine, dark and unreadable. "Hmm... Diana," he muttered, his voice low, still looking at me, as if daring me to ask more. I froze, my breath catching in my throat. Diana? Who is she?
A knot of jealousy twisted in my chest, and my thoughts spiraled out of control. Is this woman close to him? Why does she sound so comfortable talking to him? I couldn't stop the uneasy questions from flooding my mind, and with every second, they grew louder.
Before I could delve deeper into my thoughts, I felt his presence overwhelming me. He was standing too close, his body radiating warmth and dominance. My eyes trailed over him - his wet hair clinging to his forehead, droplets of water dripping from his hair and tracing down his sharp features, sliding over his broad chest, which was barely concealed by his bathrobe. He looked... irresistible, his raw masculinity on full display, making the air feel heavier around me. My pulse quickened.
He was distracting. Too much. And despite the jealousy burning inside me, I couldn't ignore how incredibly hot he looked right now.
"Where's the party?" he asked, his voice dark as he spoke into the phone, but his eyes were fixed on me. Without warning, his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. I gasped, my hands instinctively landing on his bare chest, feeling the hard muscles under my fingers. His proximity was making me dizzy, and I couldn't think straight. My face flushed as he closed the distance between us even more.
While he continued talking to Diana on the phone, I was the one feeling the heat-my body responding to every touch, every whisper of his breath against my skin. His lips suddenly brushed my neck, his warm breath fanning over my sensitive skin, and I involuntarily shivered.
"Find out the details of the deal and who's attending the party," he murmured into the phone, his lips still pressed against my neck. I clenched the robe, biting my lip to stop myself from making a sound. My breath hitched as his lips moved down, gently biting the soft skin of my neck, sending a jolt of electricity through me.
"Ahh, Vivian..." I barely whispered, my grip tightening on his bathrobe. I couldn't make any noise, not with him on an important call. But why was he doing this? My mind swirled with confusion. He was talking business while driving me crazy.
Just when I thought I could catch my breath, his lips trailed up to my ear. "Shhh... don't make a sound, my love. It's an important call," he whispered in a dangerously low voice. "Now let me test you..."
Before I could process what was happening, he flipped me around with a swift motion, his hands skillfully unzipping my dress. I barely had time to react before it slipped to the floor, leaving me standing in just my palazzo pants and innerwear, my back facing him.
He was still on the phone, his tone steady as he spoke to Diana, who was giving him updates on some shady deals. But his attention? It wasn't on the call. His fingers traced the bare skin of my back, sending sparks through my body. He was torturing me, making it impossible to focus on anything but him.
As his hands roamed my skin, I felt my knees grow weak. My body leaned into his, seeking his warmth, his touch, craving more. "Just feel my touch," he whispered in my ear before placing a soft kiss on my earlobe and stepping back slightly, teasing me.
But I lost every shred of control when he bent down and, without warning, bit open the clasp of my bra with his teeth. My breath came out in ragged gasps, and I clenched the fabric of my palazzo in my fists, struggling to steady myself, but he wasn't stopping.
He paused for a moment, turning me around to face him. I immediately buried myself into his chest, my nose rubbing against his skin, inhaling his intoxicating scent. He held me close, one hand stroking my hair softly.
"Vivian... dinner..." I mumbled, my voice barely audible, as I tried to remind him of the food, but my thoughts were scattered.
Vivian leaned down, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine, "We'll have it... later," he whispered, pressing a kiss to my cheek.
After giving Diana the final instructions, he stepped towards the balcony, still on the phone.
I watched him walk away, leaving me in this heated mess he had created. My frustration surged. He just left me like that? I scowled, feeling a mix of anger and desire. How could he make me feel so vulnerable, so exposed, and then just walk away as if nothing had happened?
I grabbed my clothes from the floor, my cheeks burning with a combination of embarrassment and annoyance, and stormed off to the bathroom.
As I ended the call and walked back into the bedroom, the absence of Aarini was immediate. A quick glance told me she wasn't in sight, but the soft sound of water running from the bathroom whispered her location to me. A slow smile crept onto my face, knowing full well what was coming next.
Time to indulge.
I tossed my phone carelessly onto the bed, my mind already far from business. The air in the room thickened as I moved toward the bathroom, anticipation curling in my chest. The door opened with a quiet creak, and there she was, sitting in the tub, her delicate frame half-submerged beneath the water. She looked like something ethereal-completely unaware of the firestorm brewing behind my eyes.
Her body jerked slightly at the sound of the door opening, her wide eyes locking onto mine. Her gaze flitted to the floor, trying to escape, but it was too late. I had already caught her.
Mine.
I took my time, slipping off my bathrobe slowly. Her shaky voice barely made it out, "K-kya kar rahe ho tum yahaan?" She couldn't meet my eyes, her gaze stubbornly fixed on the water as if it could protect her. The flush on her cheeks didn't go unnoticed. She knew what was coming.
"I've come to satisfy you, Cara," I said, my voice low, teasing. The way her body tensed at my words only excited me more.
Kneeling beside the tub, I reached for her face, my hand cupping her chin with a possessive gentleness, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Look at me, cara," I whispered darkly, before pressing a kiss to her forehead.
The moment her eyes rose to meet mine, I took her mouth with mine-hungry, demanding, the fire in me spilling over as I kissed her with raw need. Her lips trembled against mine, her body melting as I dominated the kiss. The way she surrendered so easily made my chest tighten with satisfaction, but I wasn't done. No, I had only just started.
As I kissed her, my hands slipped to her waist, gripping her wet skin, pulling her effortlessly from the water. She wrapped her legs around my waist as if she needed me to keep her steady, the water dripping from her body onto mine. It felt good, her wet skin pressed against my hard muscles, her body molded against me like she was made for this-made for me.
Without breaking the kiss, I stepped into the shower, pinning her back against the cold tile. She gasped into my mouth as the contrast of heat from our bodies and the coolness of the wall sent her nerves into overdrive. Her lips were swollen from my assault, but I wasn't done yet.
I pulled away slightly, enough to watch her reaction as I turned the shower on. Cold water cascaded down over us, and she shivered in my arms, her breath catching in her throat. I smiled against her skin, loving how easy it was to break her.
Her body trembled as I leaned in, my lips grazing her neck, tasting her skin, tracing the curve of her collarbone. My hands roamed, exploring every inch of her soaked body, committing it to memory as my mouth traveled down to her chest.
"Vivian..." she gasped, her voice small, trembling with uncertainty and desire. The way she said my name stirred something deeper inside me. I took her nipple into my mouth, sucking gently, my tongue flicking over her sensitive skin. She arched into me, her fingers tangling in my hair, tugging slightly as her body responded to my touch.
I couldn't help the low growl that escaped me. Her submission was addictive.
Switching to her other breast, I lavished attention on her, listening to the way her breathing grew ragged, her soft moans growing louder. "Vivian, please..." she whimpered, her body on the verge of breaking.
But I wasn't going to let her off that easily.
I bit down on her nipple, not too hard, but enough to send a jolt of pleasure and pain through her body. Her reaction was immediate-she gasped, her back arching as her legs tightened around me.
"Say my name, cara," I demanded, my voice rough with desire, my lips brushing against her skin.
Her voice shook, "V-Vivian..."
I bit down again, harder this time, pulling a louder cry from her lips. "Louder." I wanted to hear her, wanted her to scream my name.
"Vivian!" she cried, her voice breaking with need.
"Good girl," I purred, my hand slipping between her legs, teasing her folds. She was soaked, and it wasn't just from the water. My fingers moved slowly, torturously, rubbing her in the way I knew would drive her mad.
She writhed against me, her body on the edge of something uncontrollable. I could feel her thighs trembling as I brought her closer and closer to the brink. But I wasn't done with her yet.
I knelt down, my lips trailing lower until I reached her core. My hands gripped her hips tightly, keeping her in place as I looked up at her, her chest rising and falling rapidly, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"Don't move, cara," I growled, my voice thick with dominance. My breath was hot against her folds, and her body shuddered as I leaned in, tasting her. The sound she made-raw, unfiltered-was intoxicating.
I took my time, teasing her with my tongue, my lips moving in a slow, deliberate rhythm that had her gasping and moaning, her hands clawing at my shoulders. Every inch of her body was mine to command, and I savored every second of it.
When I felt her teetering on the edge of release, I stopped, lifting her again with ease. I carried her to the slab, setting her down with her legs spread wide, her chest heaving. Her body was trembling, desperate for more, and I wasn't about to disappoint.
I positioned myself at her entrance, holding her waist as I pushed inside her in one hard thrust. She gasped, her head falling back as her body adjusted to me.
My movements were fast, rough, and demanding. I didn't hold back, thrusting into her with a raw, primal need that left her breathless. The sound of our bodies colliding echoed in the shower, the water cascading around us like a drumbeat to our rhythm.
She clung to me, her nails digging into my back as I drove her closer to the edge once more. "Vivian, I-" she tried to speak, but I silenced her with a hard thrust, my lips brushing against her ear.
"This is what you wanted, isn't it, cara?" I whispered darkly, my pace quickening as I felt her body begin to tremble beneath me.
She was close, so close, and so was I.
With one final thrust, I pushed her over the edge, her body convulsing around me as she cried out, her orgasm hitting her like a tidal wave. I followed her seconds later, burying myself deep inside her as I released, the heat between us overwhelming.
We collapsed together, both of us gasping for air, our bodies tangled and spent. I pressed a soft kiss to her lips, my heart still racing as I looked down at her.
My entire body throbbed with a deep, aching pain, especially in my lower back. It felt as if I'd been bent too far, stretched beyond what I could endure. Even the softness of the sheets beneath me wasn't enough to soothe the discomfort that radiated through my muscles. Every slight movement sent sharp reminders of the intensity of the last few hours. Yet, despite the soreness, I couldn't help but keep my eyes on Vivian.
He stood at the edge of the bed, dressed in that white bathrobe that clung perfectly to his chiseled frame. His deep blue eyes would shift toward me between his conversation on the phone. That gaze, even from a distance, made my heart race, no matter how exhausted I felt. It wasn't just the pain that kept me restless-it was him. Always him.
I wanted him close, so badly that it hurt in a different way. The ache in my body screamed for his touch, for his warmth. But he was preoccupied, his deep voice carrying on with whoever was on the other end of that call. Diana, maybe? It didn't matter. I just needed him here, next to me, where I could feel his hands on my skin, his warmth wrapping around me, taking away the dull ache that lingered in every part of me.
He had only just brought me to the bed a few minutes ago, carefully laying me down after everything we had done. But before he could join me, that damn phone rang. Now, it had been minutes of watching him talk, hearing his authoritative tone as he handled business.
I shifted on the bed, hoping for some relief, but the soreness in my body wouldn't let me forget how much he'd taken from me. The sharp sting in my nipples made me wince, a reminder of how his mouth had claimed me earlier-sucking, teasing, pushing me to the brink of madness. My skin still felt raw from it all.
Finally, Vivian ended his call. After fixing his Bluetooth, he set the phone aside and moved toward me, grabbing a glass of milk from the trolley nearby. He gestured for me to sit up, but I was too drained to comply. I shook my head, feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing down on me.
With a sigh, but a tenderness in his eyes, Vivian gently lifted me, propping me up against the pillows. His hands were always strong, yet careful, as if he knew exactly how much pressure my body could handle. "Get Raj Vedant ready. He'll be going to the Underworld party in my place," he murmured into the Bluetooth, his voice low and commanding. Then, he pressed the glass of milk to my lips, ensuring I drank.
As the cool liquid slipped down my throat, I locked eyes with him. Despite the tension still humming between us, there was something undeniably soothing in his gesture, as if he was taking care of me in his own way. It felt intimate, even in its simplicity.
When the glass was empty, and the call was over, Vivian finally turned off the lights and slipped into bed beside me. The warmth radiating from his body was immediate, drawing me in. Without a second thought, I curled into his chest, seeking the comfort that only he could provide. His heartbeat was steady beneath my ear, a rhythm that slowly calmed the whirlwind in my mind.
"Be a good girl and close your eyes," he whispered, his voice soft, a far cry from the rough dominance I had felt earlier. His hand stroked my cheek gently before trailing down my bare back, his fingers light and teasing. Even now, after everything, his touch still set my skin on fire, a reminder of how he owned every part of me.
I let my eyelids fall shut, though my mind refused to quiet. I could still feel his lips on me-especially on my nipples. How he had taken his time, teasing, sucking, making sure I felt every flick of his tongue, every slight graze of his teeth. The ache in my chest was sharp, and my nipples still tingled from the memory of his mouth.
He had dominated me so completely, pushing me past my limits until I was nothing but a trembling, breathless mess beneath him. And yet, even with the lingering soreness, I couldn't deny the way my body had responded to him, craved him. There was something addictive about how he made me feel-completely powerless, yet desperate for more.
But now, in the quiet darkness, all I wanted was rest. I needed to feel safe, to be wrapped in his arms where I didn't have to think or feel anything else. His lips brushed my forehead, soft and tender, and in that moment, I allowed myself to finally let go. The exhaustion that had been gnawing at me took over, and I surrendered to it, drifting into a deep, dreamless sleep, knowing that I was his.
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