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Amrit sat in the dimly lit room, the oppressive silence only broken by the sound of her own breathing. The chains on her ankles felt heavier with each passing moment, a cruel reminder of her captivity. Her mind raced, searching for a way out, but every escape plan seemed more hopeless than the last. The iron grip of Virendra Thakur's threats loomed over her like a shadow, reminding her that any attempt to flee would only tighten the noose around her neck. Her gaze fell on the locked door, and her thoughts turned to Vidya, still in danger. The weight of her helplessness pressed down on her chest, making it difficult to breathe.

But then, amidst the despair, a dangerous, desperate idea began to take shape in her mind. It was risky—perhaps even suicidal—but it was the only sliver of hope she had left. What if she made Virendra believe that she was willing to marry him? If he thought she was compliant, he might let his guard down, giving her a chance to find a real escape. The thought of pretending to submit to his sick desires made her skin crawl, but she knew she had to do whatever it took to protect herself and Vidya.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Virendra walked in, his eyes immediately locking onto the untouched plate of food. His face twisted in irritation as he stepped closer, his footsteps echoing ominously in the small room. "Itni akad? Khana bhi nahi khaya?" he said, his voice a mix of mockery and annoyance.

Amrit kept her gaze lowered, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn’t let him see through her plan. Virendra sat down beside her on the bed, picking up the plate with an air of impatience. "Hame nakhre dikhane wali ladkiyan bilkul pasand nahi. Tumhari sautan... hamara matlab, hamari pehli biwi bhi aise nakhre dikhati thi aur uska anjaam... acha, ab chup chap khao," he ordered, bringing a spoonful of food to her lips.

["I don’t like girls who show tantrums at all. Your co-wife… I mean, my first wife used to show such tantrums, and look at her fate… Anyway, just eat quietly now.”]

Amrit flinched slightly but didn’t pull away. She knew she had to act carefully, every word, every expression counted. Taking a deep breath, she spoke softly, her voice trembling just enough to be convincing. “Thakur Sahab… you are right . Maybe my destiny is indeed tied with yours. Mujhe samjh me aa gaya, it’s all a game of fate.”

Virendra paused, the spoon hovering in mid-air as he looked at her with surprise. He hadn’t expected this sudden change in her tone. "Kya kehna chahti ho?" he asked, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

[“What do you mean?”]

Amrit hesitated, as if struggling with her own words. She knew she couldn’t surrender too easily, or he would see through her act. "Mujhe samajhne mein waqt laga," she said slowly, "lekin main apni maa ki kasam khati hoon, mujhe samajh aaya ki aap mere liye itni badi baat kar rahe hain, toh isme meri bhi bhalai hogi."

["I took time to understand," she said slowly, "but I swear on my mother, I realized that you are doing something so significant for me, so there must be some benefit for me in this as well.”]

She glanced up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and reluctant acceptance. “You said that my friend's life depends on my decision… I don’t want anything for myself, but if I can save Vidya, then I will accept your decision as my own.”

Virendra studied her face intently, his gaze boring into her as if trying to read her soul. Amrit forced herself to remain calm, to appear defeated yet resigned. "Do whatever you need to do… If you believe that everything will be resolved with my consent, then… I am ready.” she said, her voice quivering just enough to sell the act.

Virendra's gaze softened slightly, the suspicion in his eyes beginning to wane. A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "Tu samajhdaar ladki nikli," he said, his tone laced with condescension. "Yeh baat pehle samajh jati, toh tujhe itni takleef nahi hoti."

He tried to feed her again, and this time, Amrit accepted the food without hesitation. Virendra seemed pleased, almost smug, as if he had won a victory over her will. “Kal subah tumhare liye naye kapde aayenge. Shaadi ka waqt tay karenge. Aur yaad rakhna, Vidya ki zindagi ab tumhare haathon mein hai."

Amrit's heart sank at the mention of Vidya, but she kept her expression neutral, knowing she had to play this part perfectly. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the next step of her plan. She looked Virendra straight in the eyes, a bold move that surprised even her. "But what I will get in return?” she asked, her voice steady.

Virendra raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by her question. "Kya milega matlab? Shan, shaukat, Thakurain ka audha, the property that belongs to me—all of this will be yours.”

["What will you get? Status, prestige, the title of Thakurain”]

Amrit shook her head slowly, her eyes narrowing. "Nahi, how can I believe that I will get all this after marriage? You have two sons. What if they got married someday? Will they not get a share of the property, or won’t they insist on it?”

Virendra's eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Say clearly ?" he demanded.

Amrit hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath, knowing she had to tread carefully. "Paise..." she said, the word hanging in the air between them.

Virendra's eyes widened in shock. "Mujhe aur paise chahiye... jo paise the, wo aapne chacha-chachi ko diye the na, mujhe toh ab tak jo dard saha maine, uska hisaab kaun karega?"

["I need more money… The money you gave to Uncle and Aunt, who will account for the pain I’ve endured until now?”]

Virendra leaned back, studying her with a smirk. "Wahi toh hum sochen ki achanak se itna badlav. Iss se pehle hame shaq hota, tumne hamare shaq ko door kar diya... Bolo, kitne chahiye?" he asked, clearly intrigued by her sudden demand.

["That’s what I was wondering—such sudden changes. I had doubts before, but you have cleared them. Tell me, how much do you need?”]

Amrit took a deep breath and met his gaze head-on. "I want the money you gave to my uncle and aunt. I have a right to it… I wasn’t agreeing before, so you bought me, but now that I am willing, I want that money. They have no right to it.” She knew he won't believe her if she will surrender herself all of sudden so she planned this trick on him that she wants money from him.

Virendra considered her words for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Now that's Virendra Thakur's wife. Don’t worry, you will get that money, but after the wedding.”he agreed.

Amrit nodded, lowering her gaze once more. ""I need one more thing. If you agree, please mujhe iss room se bahar nikalne ki izazat den. I feel suffocated here. Until the wedding, I will accept your decision on my own terms.” she said carefully, planting the seed of trust in his mind.

Virendra considered her request, then nodded. "Alright, but remember, if you make any mistakes, your friend will face the consequences.”

Amrit forced herself to maintain her composure, even as her heart raced with a mix of fear and determination. "Ji, koi galti nahi hogi," she replied, her voice steady.

Satisfied, Virendra called his men to untie her. As they removed the chains from her ankles, he gave her a final warning, his voice low and menacing. "Kal shaadi hai. Agar tumne apna muh khola, ya mana kiya, toh yeh tumhari dost ka aakhri din hoga."

With that, he left the room, locking the door behind him with a loud click. Amrit finally allowed herself to exhale, the tension in her body slowly releasing. She had managed to buy herself some time and a bit of freedom, but she knew the real challenge was yet to come.

**********************************************

The next morning, Amrit found herself surrounded by a group of women from the village. They were bustling around her, some with genuine admiration in their eyes, others with a hint of envy. They praised her "good fortune," calling her lucky to be chosen by someone as powerful as Virendra Thakur. Their words felt like poison in her ears, but she forced herself to smile, nodding politely as they prepared her for the wedding.

Amrit's mind was elsewhere, desperately trying to devise a plan. Every possible escape route seemed impossible under the watchful eyes of Virendra’s men. In a moment of desperation, she asked one of the women if she could borrow their phone. But they all shook their heads, one of them speaking up, "We’re not allowed to give you our phones. Strict orders from Thakur Sahab."

Amrit nodded, suppressing her frustration. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but the harsh reality of her situation hit her like a tidal wave. As they draped the heavy red silk bridal lehenga over her, the weight of it felt suffocating, like chains binding her to a fate she couldn’t escape.

When the preparations were nearly complete, the door creaked open, and Virendra Thakur stepped inside. His presence immediately silenced the women, who bowed their heads in respect. Amrit felt his eyes on her, the way they roamed hungrily over her body, taking in every detail of her appearance. His gaze was predatory, making her skin crawl.

"You look beautiful," he said, his voice thick with desire. He stepped closer, his eyes dark with satisfaction as he drank in the sight of her in the bridal attire. "You will make a perfect bride."

Amrit’s heart pounded in her chest, but she forced herself to stay calm. "You wanted to see me?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.

"I want you to meet my guests," Virendra replied, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "They’ve all been waiting eagerly to see the woman who has captured my heart." He chuckled darkly, the sound sending shivers down her spine. "And remember, behave properly. If you try anything smart, you know what will happen."

Amrit swallowed her fear and nodded. "I’ve already accepted my fate," she said softly, trying to sound convincing. "But... can you please let Vidya go now? I’ve agreed to everything you’ve asked."

Virendra’s expression darkened. "Vidya stays exactly where she is," he said coldly. "She’s my insurance, in case you decide to grow a spine and betray me. Don’t worry, as long as you remain faithful, she’ll be safe."

Her heart sank, but she nodded again, forcing herself to remain composed. Virendra extended his hand to her, and with no other choice, she took it. He led her out of the room, the weight of the situation pressing down on her shoulders.

The grand wooden doors of the haveli creaked open, revealing Akshat, who stepped inside with a confident gait. The old-world charm of the haveli was evident in the intricate carvings on the walls and the large chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings. As Akshat walked in, he was greeted by Virendra Thakur, the patriarch of the Thakur family, who approached him with open arms and a welcoming smile.

“Aaiye, Singhania Sahab, hamare choti si haveli mein aapka swagat hai,” Virendra said warmly, his voice carrying the weight of years of authority and tradition.

Akshat returned the smile and extended his hand, “Hello, Mr. Thakur,” he said, shaking hands firmly with the elder man.

“Baithiye,” Virendra gestured towards the plush seating area, and they both settled into the large, ornate chairs that were almost throne-like in their grandeur.

Virendra leaned back, a hint of mischief in his eyes as he asked, “Toh boliye, kya pesh kiya jaye aapke samne…hukka jaam?”

Akshat chuckled politely, shaking his head, “Ji nahi, mai inn sabka shauq nahi rakhta.”

“But atleast have something! Ab ham aapko aise to nahi jane denge,” Virendra insisted, his tone firm but friendly.

Akshat smiled, appreciating the hospitality, but he had come with a purpose. “Thank you very much, Thakur Sahab, but I need to leave today itself. I just came for a signature. Please sign this paper so that we can start our work on the property as soon as possible.” he said, handing over the documents to Virendra.

Virendra took the papers but didn’t look at them immediately. Instead, he studied Akshat for a moment before speaking. “"Mr. Singhania, why the hurry to leave? You still need to attend the wedding.”

Akshat glanced around, noticing the preparations and decorations that suggested an upcoming wedding. “Haan, mujhe ye sab dekh ke laga hi tha shadi hone wali hai, but sorry I can't stay.”

Virendra wasn’t one to give up easily. “Acha, thik hai… par hamari bachelors party hai kuch der mein. Uske liye to ruk jaiye.”

Akshat hesitated for a moment, but then, out of respect for the elder man’s persistence, he relented. “Ok” He then turned to Virendra’s son, who was standing nearby, and extended his hand, “Waise, aapko congratulations bolna hi bhul gaya… many, many congratulations for your wedding.”

The young man looked a bit embarrassed as he clarified, “Ji,it's not my wedding… it's my father's.”

Akshat froze for a second, his expression blank, processing the unexpected information. But he quickly recovered and shifted his hand towards Virendra, “Congratulations, Thakur Sahab.”

Virendra beamed, clearly enjoying the situation. “Thank you, thank you,” he said, basking in the moment.

Just then, a servant hurried in, bowing slightly as he addressed Virendra. “"Thakur Sahab, all the arrangements for your bachelor party have been made.” he informed before leaving as quickly as he came, meanwhile Akshat controlled his laugh.

Virendra nodded approvingly and then turned to Akshat. “Aaiye, Professor Sahab,” he said, rising from his chair.

Akshat smiled and followed suit.

After some time, Akshat stepped out of the party for a brief moment and dialled Vihaan’s number. The call connected almost immediately.

“Haan, Bhaiya, deal hui?” Vihaan’s voice crackled through the speaker.

“"Not yet… their bachelor party is still going on. After that, he will sign the paper,” Akshat replied, shaking his head slightly.

“Ah, so it's the Thakur's son's wedding.” Vihaan assumed.

“Actually , it's his wedding ,” Akshat corrected, unable to suppress a grin.

“Kyaaaa?” Vihaan’s voice was loud with disbelief, and then he burst into laughter. “Hadd hai yaar, terwi ki umar mein bachelor party kar rahe hain!”

[“He is doing bachelor's party on his last days.”]

Akshat chuckled softly, “Vihaan, aise nahi kehte. Anyway, at least in their old age, both of them will have a partner.”

“Haan, ye bhi hai. Baaki ki zindagi mein uncle-aunty ko ek satsang partner mil gaya,” Vihaan said, laughing harder.

["Yes, that's true. At least in the rest of their lives, uncle and aunt have found a partner for companionship.”]

“Acha chal. I will return today.” Akshat said, glancing at the time.

“"Yes, okay, bye. I'll inform Krishiv and Vedant about the bachelor party news as well,” Vihaan said, still chuckling as he hung up.

Akshat shook his head, amused, and headed back towards the party. Just as he reached the entrance, a woman approached Virendra and informed him, “Thakur Sahab, Thakurain is outside. She wants to speak with you.”

Virendra nodded, “Hmm… Singhania Sahab, ham aate hain,” he excused himself and stepped outside.

Akshat was about to rejoin the party when his phone rang again. It was Preeti.

“Haan, Masi,” Akshat answered, stepping outside for better reception.

“Aksh baby, O god! Ye kya suna maine? Meri toh hasi nahi ruk rahi! Socha tujhse confirm kar lun. Vedu keh raha tha wo budha bachelor party kar raha… Hey Bhagwan, shadi toh thik, par party kon karta hai iss umar mein?” Preeti said, laughing heartily.

["Aksh baby, oh god! What did I just hear? I can't stop laughing! I thought I'd confirm it with you. Vedu was saying he's having a bachelor party… Oh God, a wedding is fine, but who has a party at this age?”]

Akshat chuckled, “Masi yaar, aap bhi na… haan, ye sach hai. Mai abhi ussi party mein hoon.”

“Haan, bas yahi confirm karna tha. Mai has ke aati hoon… Ok bye,” Preeti said, still laughing.

“Bye, Masi,” Akshat said, shaking his head with a smile as he cut the call.

Just as he was about to turn back inside, his eyes caught sight of Virendra talking to a girl near the entrance. The girl seemed quite young, and Akshat’s curiosity was piqued.

“That woman had said it's 'Thakurain'… she looks so young in age,” Akshat murmured to himself, trying to get a better look at her face.

Meanwhile, the conversation between Virendra and Amrit continued. “Thakur Sahab, I needed to tell you something else as well… chacha and Chachi tortured your future wife a lot. Since you are going to be my husband, I will endure the pain you caused me. But they laid hands on your future wife, hit me, and left marks on my face… I want revenge for this.”  Amrit said, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and determination.

Virendra’s expression hardened as he listened. “Hmmm… jaisa tum kaho. Ab toh tum Malikin ho. Tumhe jo saja deni hai, dedo,” he said, his tone cold.

["Hmm… as you say. Now you are the mistress. You can give whatever punishment you deem fit.”]

Amrit’s eyes gleamed with resolve. “I want you to have your men empty their house, as that property also belongs to me… whether by force or any means necessary, but I need that house vacated. Just fulfill this one last condition, and I won’t ask for anything more.”

Virendra nodded slowly. “Alright, I will send our men immediately.”

Amrit’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk. “This will also complete my revenge, and I’ll make sure to protect myself from you.” she thought to herself as she walked away.

Virendra turned, surprised to find Akshat standing a little distance away, observing them. “Arre, aap yahan?” he asked, regaining his composure.

“Ji, I got a call from home,” Akshat replied smoothly, masking any hint of suspicion.

Virendra smiled, though there was a hint of wariness in his eyes now. “If I had known you were here, I would have introduced you to my Thakurain.”

Akshat returned the smile, “Next time.”

The party gradually wound down, the music fading into hushed whispers as the last guests prepared to leave. Akshat stood by the doorway, feeling a mix of fatigue and unease.

"Thakur Sahab, please sign the paper. I need to leave now.” he said, his voice steady.

Thakur nodded and signed the papers with a flourish.

“Ab hamne aapke kehne par signature kar diye, par hamari bhi ek khwahish hai… hamari shadi tak aapko rukna hoga,” Virendra interjected, a hint of authority in his voice.

["Now that I have signed as you requested, I have one wish of my own… You must stay until my wedding.”]

“But…” Akshat began,

“But vut kuch nahi! You will have to stay until the wedding. Well, even if not at my request, once my Thakurain says so, you will definitely have to stay.” Virendra declared, calling for a maid with a wave of his hand.

“Jao, call the thakurain,” he instructed, and the maid nodded before darting away.

Moments later, the maid returned with Amrit.

“Aaiye, Thakurain, inse miliye,” Virendra said, gesturing toward Akshat.

As Akshat turned to her, “Namas-” His voice faltered, completely caught off guard as he processed the sight of Amrit standing before him, Her usual vibrant spirit seemed dimmed, and all he could see was the sadness cloaked in her eyes.

“ What the hell is happening?” Akshat thought, his heart racing. The realisation that his student, full of dreams and ambitions, was now dressed for a wedding—one that he knew she had not chosen—sent a wave of shock crashing over him. He felt as if he were drowning in a sea of helplessness.

“Amrit…” he whispered, barely able to contain the turmoil within him.

In that moment, Amrit’s heart soared and sank all at once. Seeing Akshat, the one person she can trust standing before her was a glimmer of hope in her dark reality. Her eyes lit up briefly, a spark of relief in her otherwise teary gaze.

“Inse miliye, ye hain hamari Thakurain, aur Thakurain yeh hain Akshat Singhania, hamare achhe dost aur hamare business partner ke bade bhai,” Virendra introduced them, his voice booming and oblivious to the heavy emotions swirling between the two.

["Meet him, this is my Thakurain, and Thakurain, this is Akshat Singhania, my good friend and business partner.”]

“Namaste,” Amrit managed to say, her hands instinctively joining in a prayer-like gesture, but the tears threatened to spill over, betraying her composure. Her voice trembled, the weight of her predicament pressing down on her heart.

Akshat’s heart ached at the sight of her distress. “Amrit ki shadi iss Virendra se!! Ho kya raha hai!” he thought bitterly, feeling the anger simmer beneath the surface at this scene.

“"Please tell him to stay until our wedding. He is not listening to me.”,” Virendra continued, unaware of the desperation in Amrit's gaze.

“Ruk jaiye,” Amrit pleaded, her voice a whisper now, filled with urgency. She raised her hands higher, tears streaming down her cheeks, each drop a silent plea for help.

Akshat’s heart raced, the sight of Amrit in such distress igniting a fierce determination within him. “I need to stay now,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion.

“Arre waah, hame pata hota to pehle hi aapse kehwa dete, itna request karne ki jaroorat hi na padti,” Virendra chuckled, oblivious to the gravity of the situation.

["Wow, if I had known, I would have asked you to do it earlier. There would have been no need for so many requests.”]

“Aap andar jaaiye,” Virendra instructed Amrit, and she nodded, casting one last hopeful glance at Akshat before she turned to leave.

Amrit had been meticulously waiting for her chance, knowing that any slip-up could cost her dearly. Finally, when a young servant entered the room to clear away some dishes, she saw her opportunity. She feigned a moment of dizziness, stumbling slightly as the servant rushed over to help her.

"Thakurain aap thik hain?" the servant asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Ji," she murmured, managing a weak smile. "Could you get me some water?”

The servant nodded and hurried off to fetch the water, leaving his phone unattended on a nearby table. With trembling hands, Amrit quickly snatched the phone and slipped out of the room, making her way into the corridor. She moved cautiously, constantly glancing over her shoulder as she searched for a spot with a good network signal.

As she walked through the dimly lit corridor, trying to steady her breathing, she suddenly collided with someone. She looked up in shock and her eyes widened as she found herself face-to-face with Akshat.

Without a word, he grabbed her wrist and dragged her into a nearby storeroom, closing the door behind them.

"What the hell is going on with you?" Akshat demanded, his voice low but laced with anger. "Do you have any idea what you're doing? Marrying a man old enough to be your father? What about your studies? Your career? Do those mean nothing to you now?"

Amrit's heart raced as she struggled to maintain her composure. She couldn't let him get involved-she couldn't risk his life, too. "This is my life, sir. Stay out of it!" she snapped, trying to pull her wrist free from his grasp.

Akshat's grip tightened, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. "Your life? Do you even hear yourself? What about your mother's death? You're throwing away everything she wanted for you! Aur abhi kitne din ho huye hain unke death ko aur…." He paused, his expression softening as a horrifying thought crossed his mind. "Amrit... is someone forcing you into this? You're alone now, and I know how dangerous-

"No!" she cut him off, her voice sharp and defensive. "Just leave me alone. I don't need your help. Jaiye aap yahan se sir."

His frustration mounted, and he shook his head in disbelief. "Don't lie to me, Amrit. I can see it in your eyes -you're terrified. If something's wrong, you can trust me. Please, just tell me what's really going on."

For a moment, Amrit was silent, staring into his eyes, searching for any sign of doubt. But all she found was sincerity, concern, and a determination to help her. She had sworn to herself that she wouldn't drag him into her mess, that she wouldn't put him in danger. But now, standing here, cornered and with no other option, she realised she couldn't do this alone.

The weight of the past few days-the fear, the helplessness, the desperation-crashed down on her all at once, and her resolve broke.

Tears welled up in her eyes and she finally broke down, sinking onto a nearby box as she cried. Akshat's anger dissolved instantly, replaced by deep concern. He knelt in front of her, gently holding her hand in one of his and cupping her cheek with the other.

"Amrit, please! What's happening? Batao mujhe,' he urged softly, his thumb brushing away her tears.

Choking on her sobs, Amrit finally let the truth spill out. "It all started after my mother died... Everything fell apart, Akshat. My uncle and aunt, they- Her voice trembled, and she struggled to get the words out. "They sold me, Akshat. They sold me to Virendra Thakur for 20 crores. I didn't want this! I didn't agree to this! But they forced me, they beat me... They threatened to kill my best friend if I didn't marry him. I'm trapped, and I don't know how to escape!"

Akshat's expression turned to one of pure horror and rage as the truth sank in. He tightened his grip on her hand, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and protectiveness.

As her tears began to subside, he gently wiped them away with his thumb. "Amrit, listen to me," he said softly, his voice calm but resolute. "You have to stop crying now. We need to keep up the act. Just go along with what they want for now and leave everything else to me. Mai tumhare sath kuch galat nahi hone dunga."

Amrit looked up at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "Pakka?"

Akshat cupped her face, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Pakka. Trust me."

She nodded slowly, a small sense of relief washing over her. Just as she was about to say something, she suddenly tripped on the hem of her heavy bridal lehenga. Her balance faltered, and she started to fall forward, but Akshat reacted quickly. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close and steadying her before she could hit the ground.

But the moment was abruptly shattered when the storeroom door swung open. Startled, they quickly turned to see a group of women standing in the doorway, their eyes wide with shock. The women gasped, clearly scandalized by what they had just walked in on.

Amrit and Akshat quickly separated, the tension in the air thick as the women stared at them. Amrit, thinking quickly, forced a nervous smile. "I… I was just feeling a bit faint," she stammered, trying to sound casual. "Akshat was just helping me stand up."

The women exchanged glances, still suspicious but not entirely unconvinced. One of them, an older lady with a stern expression, stepped forward. "You should thank your stars that Thakur sahab didn’t see this," she said sharply, her tone a mix of disapproval and concern. "If he had, there would have been hell to pay."

Amrit lowered her gaze, nodding meekly. "Yes, I understand," she said, doing her best to sound remorseful.

Without another word, the women quickly moved to pull Amrit out of the room. They surrounded her, almost like guards, and began escorting her back to the main area of the haveli. As she was led away, Amrit glanced back at Akshat, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope.

Akshat gave her a small, reassuring nod, silently conveying that he was still with her in this. As the door closed behind them, sealing him inside the storeroom, Akshat took a deep breath, determination setting in. The stakes had just gotten higher, and he knew they had to act carefully from here on out.

As the women continued to drag her along, Amrit tried to steady her nerves. The older woman looked back at her, still eyeing her with suspicion. "You need to be more careful," she warned. "One wrong move, and you’ll be in serious trouble."

Amrit nodded again, keeping her face neutral. But inside, her mind was racing. She knew she had to play her part perfectly, or everything could fall apart. But now, with Akshat by her side, she felt a small spark of hope. She just had to hold on a little longer.

**************************************

Akshat, after his conversation with Amrit, slipped through the shadows towards the adress Amrit told him. His heart pounded with urgency as he knew time was of the essence.

Inside the haveli, Vidya was locked in a small, dimly lit room. Her hands were bound, and her eyes were filled with fear and frustration. She had been waiting anxiously for a chance to escape but had been unable to find one.

Akshat reached the window of the room, carefully unlocking it with a tool he had brought. He slipped inside, his movements silent but swift. Vidya looked up in surprise as he entered.

“Vidya,” Akshat whispered urgently.

He quickly worked on the rope binding her wrists and then freed her from the chair. Vidya, eyes wide with a mixture of relief and disbelief, whispered back,

“Akshat sir? Aap? What are you doing here? Sir Amrit..she is in trouble..please help her.”

“I know..abhi sab batane ka time nahi hai. We need to move,” Akshat replied, guiding her out through the window. They crept along the side of the house, avoiding the main paths where guards might be patrolling. Akshat led her to his car, and they drove off towards the nearest police station, the urgency in their escape evident in the tension of their silence.

The small, dimly lit police station was far from busy at this late hour. Akshat, with Vidya at his side, stormed in and approached the desk where a sleepy officer sat.

“Officer, we need immediate action. Virendra Thakur has been holding a young girl captive and forcing her into marriage. This is an urgent matter,” Akshat declared, his voice firm.

Vidya, though visibly shaken, added, “I was also held captive. We need to rescue her now.”

The officer, after hearing the gravity of the situation, seemed reluctant. “Sir, you know how it is. Thakur is a powerful man. We need more evidence and a warrant to act.”

“What do you mean by proof? I saw everything infront of my eyes. Unhone mujhe capture kar ke usse blackmail kiya tha.” Vidya said, her patience wavering.

“But you don't know Thakur sahab. We can't take action against him.” The officer said.

Akshat’s frustration boiled over. He slammed his hand on the desk. “This isn’t a request; it’s a demand. My family is influential and well-connected. If you don’t act immediately, I will escalate this matter to higher authorities.”

The officer hesitated, glancing nervously at Akshat. Realising the gravity of the situation and Akshat's determination, he reluctantly agreed to contact higher-ups but clearly felt conflicted.

Akshat made a series of urgent phone calls to influential contacts. He used his family’s reputation and connections to apply pressure on the authorities. His voice was steady but carried an unmistakable tone of authority as he outlined the situation and demanded immediate action.

“I will not tolerate injustice, especially when it involves my family. Make sure that Virendra Thakur is brought to justice today, also you can check more of his records, I am sure this isn't his first crime.” he said firmly.

The pressure from higher authorities forced the local police to act quickly. The news spread through the right channels, leading to immediate orders for action.

Back at the haveli, the wedding preparations were in full swing. Amrit, dressed in her bridal lehenga, sat next to Virendra, who was impatiently waiting for the ceremony to begin. The priest was preparing to start the pheras, and Amrit’s anxiety was palpable. She glanced anxiously at the entrance, hoping for some sign of Akshat’s intervention.

As the priest chanted the sacred verses and prepared for the ceremonial rituals, a sudden commotion erupted at the entrance. Police sirens wailed, and officers burst into the grand hall, their arrival causing a wave of confusion among the guests.

Akshat, flanked by several high-ranking officials, strode into the hall with a determined look. The officer approached the priest and Virendra directly. “Stop the ceremony,” he commanded. “Virendra Thakur, you’re under arrest for kidnapping and illegal confinement. Your sons are also implicated.”

Virendra’s face turned pale as he tried to protest. “What is this nonsense? You have no proof!”

Before he could say more, the officers quickly moved in, cuffing Virendra and his sons. The chaotic scene unfolded as Thakur and his sons attempted to resist but were swiftly overpowered. Amidst the chaos, Vidya rushed to Amrit, embracing her tightly.

As the chaotic scene at the wedding venue began to settle, the police knew that formal statements and legal procedures were essential for proceeding with the case. Vidya and Amrit needed to provide written testimonies for the FIR to be filed.

Amrit was still in shock, unable to write or even clearly articulate her ordeal. Seeing her distressed state, Vidya stepped forward with resolve. “I’ll help with the FIR,” she offered to the officers, her voice steady. “Amrit isn’t in a condition to write it herself right now. Please, let’s get this done so she can get some rest.”

One of the officers nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. “Alright, Miss Vidya. If you can provide the details, we’ll prepare the FIR and take Amrit’s statement when she’s ready.”

As the officers prepared the necessary documents, Vidya turned to Akshat. “Sir, can you stay with Amrit until she’s ready to give her statement?”

Akshat nodded, his expression a mix of concern and determination. “Take care.”

The police officers led Vidya away to a quieter area where she began drafting the FIR. Meanwhile, Akshat returned to Amrit’s side. She was standing near the mandap, her eyes red from crying.

***************************************

The police arrived at Amrit's house. Inside, Sumitra and Mahendra were being brutally tortured by Thakur’s goons, ordered by Thakur.

Sumitra, her face twisted in agony, was being subjected to a horrifying torture. Her leg was forced into a basin of boiling water, causing her to scream in pain. The searing heat caused her skin to blister, and her cries echoed through the room.

“Arre hame kyun maar rahe ho? Hamne toh Thakur sahab ka sath hi diya tha!” Sumitra yelled, her voice cracking as she tried to make sense of the situation. She reached out with her hand, trying to stop the torment, but it was clear that her pleas were falling on deaf ears.

The goons, who had been enjoying their power, were suddenly interrupted by the arrival of the police. The officers burst into the room, their entrance marked by a stern and authoritative presence. The goons, seeing the shift in power, hesitated, their confident demeanour crumbling.

“Stop this immediately!” An officer commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos. His gaze was sharp and unyielding.

The lead officer gestured to his team, signalling them to intervene. “Arrest everyone !”he ordered. His men swiftly moved into action, pulling the goons away from Sumitra and Mahendra, and handcuffing them.

**************************************

For a while, the only sounds were the murmurs of the remaining guests and the distant chatter of police officers.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the air. “Did you hear? Amrit spent the night with Virendra Thakur!” The voice was laden with scandal, and whispers quickly spread among the guests.

Akshat’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. The gossip was swirling, and he could see the way the crowd's attitudes shifted. The once sympathetic guests now looked at Amrit with judgmental eyes, their whispers growing louder.

An old man, standing at the forefront, raised his voice, cutting through the murmurs. "This girl is not pure anymore. She spent three nights with a man."

The crowd erupted, their voices blending into a noise of outrage. "She's characterless!" they shouted. "We won't let her go! She spent night with Thakur. No one will marry her now!"

Amid the chaos, Akshat pushed forward, their faces set with determination. Akshat's voice rang out like a clarion call. "Enough!" he commanded. "Don't you dare to speak anything else against her!”

The villagers turned on him, their anger now a directed, seething force. "Stay out of this!" one man yelled, pointing a gnarled finger. "This is our village matter. She belongs to our village, and she is no one to you."

Akshat's eyes blazed with an intensity that silenced the crowd. "Belong to you?" he retorted, his voice a blend of fury and disdain. "She is not an object you can own. Just because she is from your village does not mean you have bought her."

“Tum hote kaun ho hamare beech me bolne vale? Ye hamara mamla hai aur hamare mamle me bolne ka tumhe koi haq nahi hai. You are no-one to her. Stay away from this matter. Ya phir isne tumhe bhi apne jaal me fasaya jaise isne Thakur sahab ko fasaya tha.” A woman interrupted.

“Ofcourse, remember she has been found in an inappropriate position with him inside the storeroom?” An old man spoke.

The villagers bristled, but Akshat pressed on, his voice steady and filled with resolve. “I don't want to hear a single word now!! You all want to know ki mai kis haq se iske liye bol raha hun? Listen carefully, all of you. She is going to be the wife of Akshat Singhania. And I swear, if anyone dares to speak a word against her, I will burn this entire village to the ground."

The villagers recoiled, stunned into silence. Akshat turned to the girl, his expression softening. He extended his hand towards her, a silent plea for her trust, understanding that she was too overwhelmed to speak or comprehend fully.

She looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of confusion and fragile hope. Akshat gently took her hand, guiding her to the mandap that had been prepared for her marriage to Thakur.

She sat there, amidst the chaos and accusations, her expression vacant, unable to fully grasp the whirlwind of events unfolding around her. Yet, amidst the turmoil, one thing remained clear: this man, standing beside her, had entered her life like a guardian angel. In that moment, she made a silent vow to be devoted to him, to fulfil her responsibilities as his wife, even as uncertainty clouded her understanding.

Meanwhile, Akshat, though outwardly strong, bore his own burdens, his heart heavy with hidden sorrows. Despite the turmoil surrounding them, he silently promised himself to fulfil his duties as a husband, to shield her from all sorrows, even as he struggled to navigate the ocean of grief within him.

Together, they faced the uncertain future, bound by their silent promises and unspoken vows, their destinies intertwined in the tapestry of fate.

After the ceremony, Akshat held her hand firmly and turned to face the crowd once more.

"Ab ye mera mamla hai aur mere mamle mein kisi aur ko kuch kehne ka haq nahi hai," he declared, his voice cutting through the evening air. "She is now Mrs. Akshat Singhania. Speak a word against her, and I will show you what hell looks like."

The villagers, cowed by his fierce determination, fell silent. Akshat and his new wife stood together, a united front against the tide of judgement, their bond forged in the crucible of adversity. With each step they took away from the haveli, they walked towards a future bound by their silent vows and unspoken promises.

___________________________________________

Vivaan sampan hua😀🖐️.

How was the chapter???

And at this time main focus was on Akshat and Amrit so couldn't write about other couples. From next chapter we will be focus on every couples but obviously Akshat and Amrit will have more screen space 😭✋.

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