032

OPEN THE DOOR... OPEN THE DAMN DOOR... VIJAY, YOU BASTARD... OPEN THE DOOR!" Niyati's screams echoed in the dark, dingy room that reeked of booze. The space was suffocating, with no light bulb on the ceiling, no windows, and no openings. The only signs of life were the insects and rats that scurried about, eliciting terrified shrieks from her.

When she woke up, Niyati's head was buzzing, a throbbing pain threatening to split her skull. Even the faintest sound caused agony. When she gingerly touched her forehead, she found it bandaged, blood seeping through the cloth. Whoever had bandaged her wound hadn't done a thorough job.

"OPEN THE DOOR... PLEASE... MY HEAD HURTS... MY HEAD HURTS... PLEASE, LET ME OUT!"

Niyati had no idea where she was or how much time had passed. The pitch-black darkness around her was maddening, and in frustration, she kicked the rotten wooden door, hurting herself in the process.

Her family must know she was missing by now. They must be searching for her. How was her mother coping with the stress? And her Kaka-Kaki-were they worried about their daughter's wedding being overshadowed by their kidnapped niece? Her siblings must be devastated. And her grandmother... Niyati could only hope she wasn't lashing out at everyone with her sharp words.

And then there was Achintya...

Did he even know? The last time she spoke to him, he was in Patna. Had anyone informed him? What must he be doing now?

In a moment of utter hopelessness, Niyati clutched the gold chain hanging around her neck, trying to draw comfort and courage in the cold, silent, and dangerous night. All her loved ones were far away, unreachable.

"Open the door... please... let me out," she sobbed. The sound of her gut-wrenching scream and the hollow echo of pain filled the otherwise silent, vacant room. "Hey Mata Rani... save me. Give me the courage... please give me the courage..."

"She's been howling for hours. Maybe I should go inside and quiet her down... use her mouth for a better purpose," Shekhar said, gulping whiskey straight from the bottle. His words left no room for doubt, and Vijay shot him a murderous glare.

"If anyone touches her, it'll be me. I have the right... no one else."

Vijay had already emptied several bottles, snacks carelessly strewn across a makeshift table, with drugs Shekhar had brought lying around. The image of Niyati was etched in his mind-her dusky complexion, fuller cheeks, round eyes closed, small nose, and rosy lips that complemented her oval face. The crimson of her blood had only accentuated her beauty as it trickled down her neck and disappeared into the valley of her chest.

He hadn't touched her when bandaging her head. She looked so vulnerable lying there. Vijay wanted her conscious when he took her, so she would know who was better-him or her beloved Achintya.

Speaking of Achintya... that bastard had given her Badi Maa's gold chain.

It shocked him to see the thin chain dangling from her neck. It meant Niyati wasn't just a fleeting obsession for his brother; she had become a permanent fixture in his life.

That was even better news for Vijay. Hurting her would bring him even more joy now, knowing how Achintya was planning to make her a part of his life. And Vijay Chaudhary had shattered that dream.

Even if Achintya found her and Niyati returned to her family, society would never accept her as they would an honorable woman. Badi Amma would never allow Achintya to marry her or accept her as the Chaudharys' daughter-in-law.

In the end, Niyati Mishra would be like that stray dog, belonging neither to the washerman nor to the mansion-an outcast. And for that, Vijay took all the credit. Achintya Chaudhary, who single-handedly destroyed Niyati's innocent world by involving her in their lives, had no one to blame but himself.

Vijay had played the master stroke, finally defeating the great Achintya Chaudhary. His happiness knew no bounds; he was floating on cloud nine.

Even if death came for him now-which it would, once his father and Badepapa learned of his actions, and if they spared him, Achintya would surely rip him to pieces-he would go happily, hand-in-hand with it.

He had finally made Achintya's life a living hell. Everything else could wait.

_

"ALL BECAUSE OF YOU... ALL BECAUSE OF YOU... IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF YOU!" Lokesh Chaudhary roared, surrounded by the shattered remains of china, vases, and a coffee table.

"MY FAULT? WHAT DID I DO?"

"YOU... YOU DID EVERYTHING. YOU'RE THE REASON BEHIND ALL THIS," Lokesh yelled.

Horrified, Meena retorted, "I... I... YOU WERE NEVER PRESENT IN HIS WHOLE CHILDHOOD... ALWAYS COMPARED HIM TO ACHINTYA HIS WHOLE LIFE... NEVER RESPECTED OR LOVED HIM AS YOUR SON... NEITHER DID YOUR FAMILY-"

"AND YOU... YOU DID NOTHING. YOU SOWED THE SEED OF JEALOUSY IN HIS MIND... MADE HIM INSECURE ABOUT HIS OWN BROTHER... HIS OWN FAMILY... YOU GAVE HIM FREE REIN, SWIPED HIS MISTAKES ASIDE, MADE HIM AN ALCOHOLIC... AND NOW YOU-"

"I DID? WHEN DID I DO THAT? I WAS JUST BEING HIS MOTHER... WHILE YOU WERE BUSY BEING YOUR BROTHER'S DOG-"

"MEENA, DON'T. DON'T YOU DARE-"

"I WILL. YOU'RE BLAMING ME... AND EXPECT ME TO BE QUIET? I WILL NOT BE QUIET-"

"THEN DON'T BE... Once Phoolan Bhai Sahab finds out, he'll be dead meat. Vijay didn't just commit any crime... he kidnapped a Brahmin girl. Do you understand the depth of it? Raghuveer Mishra cursed him in front of everyone... that girl's mother and her family must be cursing him too. What do you think will happen to him?"

Meena stood frozen, realization dawning on her. She hadn't known... it was a Brahmin girl... Oh Lord, what had Vijay done now?

Clutching her head, Meena collapsed onto the stairs, tears welling up in her eyes. Raghuveer Mishra was a spiritual man-a curse from his mouth could only lead to her son's utter destruction.

And what if... what if Vijay had done something terrible to the Panditji's niece? Dishonoring a girl was one thing, but bringing dishonor to a Brahmin's family...

Hey Ram!

Not to mention what people would do to him once he was found. The Mishras were the influential people who holds the treasure of the virtue, with the support of the people. Vijay was already unpopular, and now, after this... everyone would curse him... spit on his name.

The Tripathis would soon find out. What would Meena do if they decided Vijay was too much of a savage for their daughter and broke the engagement?

All the dowry, jewelry, the house... what would happen to everything she had demanded from the Tripathis?

Her only chance of bringing her daughter-in-law home before Achintya's was about to be ruined. And Meena would be forced to watch it all happen before her eyes, powerless to do anything.

With Vijay's reputation in shambles after this scandal, finding a reputable, powerful family to back him up would be a Herculean task. And if, in the meantime, Amma ji found someone suitable for Achintya...

Once again, her son would be left behind, along with the future generations, shoved down the hierarchy. Meena had to act, and quickly.

"Vijay has left us with nothing, Meena, and the sooner you accept it, the better."

_

Shivangi's in-laws called late in the night. Shivam and she had a habit of talking late, but when she didn't answer after his first try, he assumed she was busy and decided to call again later.

By the third call, Ranveer answered, bursting into tears as he told Shivam everything.

Ranveer earned a scolding from Manorama. "What will they think? They weren't supposed to know. Hey Mata Rani... this boy ruined everything... ruined everything..." But it wasn't long before another call came.

Shivangi's heart nearly stopped, fearing her engagement had been called off. But Mrs. Trivedi's soothing voice calmed her fears. "These are tough times, but don't worry. God will help you. As for the engagement... Shivangi is already ours. No matter what happens, it won't break our family ties. Right now, worry only about Niyati and no one else. Shivam and Vishal will reach there in the morning."

Her words brought tears to everyone's eyes, easing Shivangi's anxiety, allowing her to focus on her sister.

"Gola... don't ever pull a stunt like that again," Maithili chided lightly, hugging the crestfallen boy.

What did Chaudhary Sahab say?" Roopa asked again. Raghuveer had been recounting what happened at the Durga Bhavan when the call came.

"He said necessary action would be taken against Vijay. Lokesh Sahab looked close to having an aneurysm, and Mithilesh Babu... I couldn't quite understand his reaction. He looked so worried, as if-"

"We shouldn't concern ourselves with the Chaudharys' reactions," Manorama interrupted. "What we should be worried about is Niyati. Dawn will break in a few hours, and she's still missing."

Radha was sleeping inside, and Shivangi had finally managed to get her siblings into the room. They both looked exhausted and defeated.

The living room was quiet except for the three of them. Manorama continued, "Even if she returns by tomorrow, we can't erase the mark of what's happened. People will start talking, and not everyone will be as understanding as the Trivedis. Even those who stand by us now will doubt, create stories, and gossip."

"Amma, please, not now," Raghuveer pleaded. "Think about the woman whose daughter hasn't come home."

"You can ask me to be quiet, Raghuveer, but others won't be so silent. Even Goddess Sita faced societal judgment despite having Shri Rama by her side. Our Niyati has no Rama to defend her, no agnipariksha to prove her honor. This isn't Satyuga but Kaliyuga."

As Manorama spoke, her voice trembled, and she dabbed her eyes with the corner of her saree. She had always blamed Radha and her daughters for taking her son away but never wished harm upon them. Her only desire was to keep them safe until they were married into reputable families.

Now, it seemed every door was closing for Niyati. People might show sympathy, but none would believe her truth. Manorama knew how harsh and unforgiving society could be.

"Why did that bastard have to take our Niyati? What did she do to deserve this fate? Why is the goddess punishing her?" The old lady sobbed harder, her emotions breaking free. "Why?"

Raghuveer couldn't shake off his mother's words as he made his way to the window. From there, he could see the top of the temple. Shivangi's in-laws being understanding didn't guarantee the same for Niyati.

One day, when the talk of her engagement came up, people would surely doubt her character and virtue. He had no idea what Niyati was enduring or what horrors she was facing alone. He felt an overwhelming frustration, a sense of helplessness as if his voice had been silenced, and he lay awake on ice, unable to scream out the pain.

He had to remain strong. Raghuveer needed to be strong for his family and, most importantly, for his Amu, who would need her Kaka.

"Once she returns, whatever horror she brings with her, we must wed her off as soon as possible. To whoever we find, whether a divorcee or a widower, we must marry her off. It's the only way for Niyati to live an honorable life."

_

"In three days, the results will be out," Rukhmani said to Durga Devi. They were in her room, discussing their next move.

"Hm... when is it?" Durga Devi asked.

"Three days from today," replied Guddi, who was lying with her head in Rukhmani's lap.

"What got into Sundar's head to take such a big step? Has his lust overpowered his judgment, making him forget his family?"

"Rukhmani, enough," Durga Devi interrupted. She was focused on calculating their next move. Phoolan had sent his best men to search for the girl, and if all went according to plan, Vijay would be found before noon.

But the damage he caused could not be undone. The girl's life was shattered. Who would marry her now? Durga Devi had met her once; she was Abhay's Niti-calm but vibrant, and beautiful to her core. Now it was all destroyed.

"Phoolan's chance of winning the chair was high, but all now lost..gone because of the Vijay's mistake."

_

"Vijay Babu withdrew five lakh rupees from the Rasmada factory yesterday. Who he gave it to remains unclear, but he's been meeting a car mechanic for the past few days. His name is-"

"Mukesh," Achintya interrupted, rolling the gun between his fingers. "Continue."

Bheem's eyebrows raised slightly, but he'd learned long ago never to question Achintya Babu's intelligence. "Yes, he's been in contact with Mukesh, who left Begusarai with a girl named Asha. She stole her family's jewelry and cash before eloping with him."

"When did that happen? Yesterday?"

Bheem nodded, confirming his suspicions. So, Vijay had finally solidified his connection with Niyati, involving Mukesh and Asha in a plan to bring Niyati where he wanted her, knowing she'd never agree on her own.

"Shekhar Kawde has been helping him with all this. My men told me that just a few days ago, he brought some men to the Kapisiya Nagar factory. It's been closed for years, but it's his designated spot for such activities."

"And my dearest brother?"

"A few months back, he saw a girl at the hospital where you were admitted. Since then, he's stationed a few men around the area to find her. He's also been following Niyati Mishra for a few weeks-from her college to her home and even to her friend's house. Her friend's brother's accident was caused by Shekhar, who was driving the truck."

Achintya thought it through. Vijay planned each step, knowing exactly when and how to execute. This didn't happen overnight; it took weeks. Why the hell didn't Niyati tell him about her concerns? If she had, Achintya would've confronted Vijay immediately-or at least had an inkling that his greatest enemy now knew about his only weakness.

That was her problem-she overthought everything, but all that thinking led nowhere, only adding to his troubles.

"It goes without saying...the description he gave his men matches Niyati Mishra."

What kind of cruel game was destiny playing with them? Vijay had to develop feelings for the very girl Achintya was madly in love with.

"Find me Mukesh and Asha. I want both of them here before I find my dearest brother and his friend. They all...will face my wrath together."

_

The cold was biting her skin with a way the thin sweater she was wearing was doing nothing to save her from. Clutching the both ends together, shivering she tries to stood up but her leg fails her.

The lack of food in her system mixed with her loosing the blood leads to the exhaustion and blackout from time to time. Her limbs felt like the jelly as if putting a little bit of the strain on them could cause her a downfall.

The silence in the room haunts her, Niyati wanted to be in the light, with her loved ones, in between chaos and sound.. anywhere but here..crying hurts her head and so consoling herself she tried to not to..

As the door opened and came the strong smell of the alcohol making her nose scrunch in a displeased manner. The fear dancing in her eyes was not visible to the Vijay neither her shaking form.

"Niyati..dear Niyati.." he slurred, his uncontrollable body coming to stand infront of her.

And Niyati has to bite her lips hard as to not scream a loud in fear.

She tries to focus her mind to the light she was seeing outside..it looked close to the dawn from here. A whole night has passed. A whole night has an passed since of her kidnapping and no one came to rescue her.

Achintya, her Kaka, her mother..no one. Where are they? Did they left her here to rot?

"Your head still hurt? Here..let me he-" as he extended his hand to touch her face she scurries back away hurriedly. "Want to play the cat and mouse?"

"Please..let me go. Let me go..why you bought me here? We don't even know one another?" She sobs trying to fold herself away from him and his gaze that was fixed on her face.

"Oh..but we both know one person who is common between us. Achintya. Your beloved and my foe. It is because of him..you are here, darling." Raking her from her dainty feet to glistening face by his eyes..she indeed is the preetiest of the breed. "And little bit because of your beauty. You know..when I first saw you..it was in the hospital. You came to see my fucking brother, the lift was closing and you wore the yellow suit - I decided then and there that you..would be ruined by me and me only."

The bile she was holding for long reached her mouth and she vomited out everything of her stomach hearing the raw hunger in his words.

Vijay is talking about her as if she is cattle. A cattle ready to be slaughtered anytime anyone wants to.

"Is this that revolting to you? Becoming mine?" He asked coming so close to her that he could smell the faintest of the coconut in between the smell of the iron. Trapping her between himself and the wooden deck leaving no space for her to escape.

His rough hand grabbed handful of her hair that has escaped from her plait and hoisted her up to her feet "were this not revolting when Achintya touched you..kissed you..fucked you.. did you gave him the same reaction -" dragging her to the light and holding her by her neck.

She made the chocking sound her eyes bulging and her lips opened in the silent scream "tell me..tell me Niyati. Is he really that good? Good enough..that everyone.. everything has to fall in his feet. Even you..you fall into his destiny."

He spit on the side as if even talking about him brings the bad taste in his mouth. The hand gripping her throat loosen as he bought her closer rubbing his nose in her throat, the smell of the coconut strongest there.

"So if you have anyone to blame..blame my brother. Blame Achintya. For bringing this omnious day to you, and whatever will happen from now..you can blame him."

His other hand touches her back pressing her to himself and about to touch her soft inviting lips when the loud slap came from the side and Vijay threw Niyati away clutching his cheek.

"You wretched BASTARD..I would rather kill you...than to let you touch me. Stay away from me, I advise you Vijay..stay away from me. Because even if I will have Achintya to blame..you wouldn't have anyone to do the same.. your family wouldn't forgive you. "

"YOU BITCH - " He hurls towards her like the mad bull..how dare she raise her hand on him and then to threatened him after that..she sure has guts but such a shame..it is all going to the waste once he grab-

"Vijay.. your mother..she is calling you-" Shekhar's voice called from the door eyeing the scene infront of him. Niyati on the floor and hand prints on Vijay's face.

"You- you wait till I come back-" Vijay glowered leaving the room closing the door behind him. Leaving her, once again in the darkness.

But this time, the darkness was welcoming. The tears she was hiding in front of him flowing from her eyes as she hides her face between her knees and cries..and cries...

"So if you have anyone to blame..blame my brother. Blame Achintya. "

Blame him?

The words were echoing in her ears, even if she wants.. Niyati couldn't blame Achintya. Her love wouldn't allow that..but still in this moment..she couldn't lie to herself but to resent him.

Resent him for bringing her to this world, in his world..where women holds the same value as the cattle. That to take revenge on anyone, they become the easiest target.

That she becomes the target.

Her hand went to the back of her neck where Vijay's finger scratched her and she felt another wound there.

If that call didn't came.. what would Vijay have had done to her? She shivered even thinking about that..her heart beating aloud...

Why is no one coming to get her! Have they forgot completely about her?

_

"Found the address. Few people confirmed seeing the SUV near the Kapisiya Nagar's factory. " Came Bheem's voice from the phone's speaker. "There are no other men..but Vijay Babu and his friend. "

"Good job Bheem. The rest I could take from here.." replied Achintya shifting the gear as the speed inclined over the limit. His guess was right then, they are really hiding there.

Irritated he again cut Mithilesh Bhaisahab's call as Bheem continued "should I inform Mithilesh Babu? He is calling me from some times.."

"Yeah. Tell him to reach there soon..afterall he would be the one who would provide shoulder to the Vijay. "

And he swiped the call.

_

"He isn't answering...isn't answering.." furiously mutters Mithilesh roaming from left to the right..right to the left.

Nupur standing at the distance watches the scene and the way her husband's shoulders were filled with tension. Achintya reached the Begusarai but didn't came home... instead he went straight to rescue Niyati.

Which in any other situation would have provided relieved to the Nupur but not in this one. Because Achintya finding Niyati means finding Vijay..and that would results in the bloodshed only.

"Where are you going?" Nupur ask hurriedly as Mithilesh made his way to the downstairs.

"Achintya found where Vijay's hiding.." turning to her he replied "and he sent the message saying I should reach there to give shoulder to the Vijay's body. "

Her eyes widen at what she heard Nupur followed after him to the hall where the whole family was sitting.

"Papa... Achintya found him." Declared Mithilesh looking straight in his father's eyes. He has to disclose the whole details related to the Achintya and Niyati to him some times before when he came to inquire about why Achintya left from Patna so suddenly.

He wanted to lie and safe the situation.. Mithilesh was aware that it is Achintya's place to share that story but in the current light of the situation where he went to the Kapisiya Nagar with the hunger of tasting the blood of his own brother..

Mithilesh disclosed that.

Had to, to not let Vijay be killed by Achintya's hand.

Meena kaki was the one who broke the silence, screaming "no..no..why him? What is Achintya doing here? Why is he involved in this? He would kill my son-he already has his personal agenda against him..and this opportunity is perfect -"

"Meena..shut up. For God's sake..what your son has done..he would consider himself lucky that he died by Achintya's hand before I got mine on him.." snapped Lokesh.

"You.." Meena wanted to say some more, how easily can a father discard his son? And then he expect Vijay to respect him the same way Mithilesh and Achintya do to Phoolan Chaudhary. "Jethji.. please.. please..safe my son. I'm ready to take any punishment you would hand to him.. any punishment..but please safe him."

He didn't said anything. Phoolan didn't even looked in her direction but his eyes were fixed on his eldest. Achintya made the biggest mistake of his life by bringing the girl to this world..and now Vijay has turned that mistake into a crime.

A crime that no matter how much influence he put to wipe off..wouldn't come out without leaving stain..black stain behind.

No wonder, his son was so admant about the girl. He even went to talk to tim about her. Phoolan was sure.. Achintya did that because he already has a inclining about things..

"Bring the car..I'm coming. Inform the Mishras that their daughter would soon be with them."

_

The door..much to her horror open again. Niyati was sitting against the cold wall her knees above where she was hiding herself from the cruel reality.

This time..she knew even before the man came that this..isn't Vijay Chaudhary.

This man..was the creepy friend of his..and just like the name she has given him..he crouched infront of her the smell of the alcohol suffocating her,

"You are so preety. Such a shame I'm not allowed to have you untill Vijay have his turn." When the girl refuses to look at him he jerks her head above by clutching her hair tightly and pulling it. "When I talk..look at me."

She didn't scream. Niyati didn't scream when he pulled her hair even more tightly that her wounded head felt close to splitting in two half..she didn't scream when he tries to bring his lips around her sternum..she didn't scream but put her palm covering his lips firmly and smashes the beer bottle on his head.

The glass bottle made contact with the skull and flew in the pieces cutting her neck in a small wound.

He didn't get to yell as Niyati broke another bottle and pushes him so he fell on his back clutching his head, her hand covering his mouth as blood oozes from his skull "make another sound and I'm putting this in your throat. "

To her relief, he didn't made any sound.. intoxicated and high and now bleeding his body lay in the head on the floor as he watches the girl swaying on her feet reaching the open door.

Niyati already knew Vijay wouldn't be here. She heard him instructing Shekhar to not open the door as he is going to take the piss..but the stupid vermin has to do the opposite.

Her feet weren't strong even to support her weight, her mind feels woozy and in her hand was the broken bootle of which the wooden deck are full of.

Trying to find her balance she came out of the room and immediately shielded her eyes from the artificial light of the bulb on the celling. Once getting used to that, she looked outside..the dawn was breaking..their was light, the morning has finally come to her.

Somewhere to her behind, came the loud noise of Shekhar's screaming and the door opening.

_

To everyone,

Do you think Niyati should blame Achintya for her destiny? ಠಿ⁠_⁠ಠ

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